CAT POWER HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM FRIDAY FOR ZERO REASON
I’m not the biggest fan or anything, but I did enjoy her 2006 album “The Greatest.” I was looking forward to listening to some of her other works for this blog, but I GUESS I DON’T NEED TO NOW. Replace her quickly, Goldenvoice.
GENRE: Reggae
SONGS/ALBUMS SAMPLED: “Sacred Fire” EP (2011)
THOUGHTS: When I see the names Jimmy Cliff and Tim Armstrong together, I think, “Huh, that reggae artist and that Rancid guy got together. I’ll be,” and promptly move on with my life. It’s not that I dislike reggae or Rancid, but that I find the pairing very fitting and, honestly, expected nothing new from their sound. I was right. The one EP they’ve released “Sacred Fire” is by-the-numbers reggae, and mostly covers of older songs at that. Much like Phil Collins’ latest album of Motown covers called “Going Back,” “Sacred Fire” is a covers album no one asked for. Seriously, one of the biggest names in punk and one of the biggest names in reggae got together andthismediocrity is what happened? I’ve heard they will be releasing a full-length album this year, and should it release before Coachella, I will preview it. Hopefully it contains original songs and not just half-baked, done-to-death covers.
HIGH LIGHTS: I will admit: the “Brixton Version” is a cool dub mix of their cover of “Guns of Brixton” by the Clash
LOW LIGHTS: Everything else reeks of old, nasty bud.
COACHELLA WORTHY?: Even before I listened to their EP, I was surprised to see the two names on there. I’ve never been to a reggae show so I can’t say if it will be good or not. I’m sure they’ll have a top-notch backing band with them, and will play both old Jimmy Cliff songs and Rancid songs to fill out their set. If you enjoy reggae and getting caught in the haze, this might be the mid-day bake for you. I won’t be going, but that’s because I’m saving my lungs for Dre.
RATING: 1 1/2 stems out of 5
GENRE: Whatever-the-hell
SONGS/ALBUMS SAMPLED: Mostly “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” (2011) and “Broken Dreams Club” and “Lust for Life”
THOUGHTS: Sometimes I really do feel that there’s too much music to absorb in the world, and not only that, any group who knows how to play instruments can do whatever they want. While this does pave the way for legitimately talented bands to bypass the major-label (and even independent-label) system, it also opens the world to a lot of dreck. Before the last decade, the music industry would choose what artists you needed to hear (unless you sifted through records at the record store and cultivated a taste of your own). Now more than ever, we listeners have to sift through bands to discover what we like; or if we choose, abide by the opinions of thousands of different music critics and let them pick for us. Many of us just don’t have the time. This has very little to do with GIRLS and a lot to do with trying to absorb music in a short amount of time. Rant end.
GIRLS make unique and easily approachable indie that borrows from almost every genre you can think of before the 1990s: classic rock, 60s pop, psychedelic shizz. Alright, maybe noteverygenre, but at least three that I’m surprised have found their way into such a well-appreciated group. Part of the appeal of GIRLS is the quirkiness of lead singer, Christopher Owens. He’s not the best singer, but he’s quite the, uh, flowery presence. His “lust for life,” if you will, gives the band an amazing amount of honesty that I find welcome in a genre - indie rock - known mostly for its ironic lyrics and overwhelmingly simple composition. GIRLS aims big and it’s refreshing.
HIGH LIGHTS: “Vomit“‘s slow build into a guitar wail and gospel vocals is aces, and the measured, almost countrified approach for “Broken Dreams Club” is head-nod satisfying.
LOW LIGHTS: GIRLS doesn’t really have any bad tracks that I perused, but some of their slower tracks felt a bit same-y to me.
COACHELLA-WORTHY?: I think so. If they can recreate the sounds they create on their albums, they have potential to create a worthwhile experience at the ‘Chella. I, for one, would love to see “Vomit” in all its glory. I would definitely see them if nothing conflicted, though I wouldn’t be surprised if something did ::raises fists at Goldenvoice::
RATING: 3 1/2 Eunuchs out of 5
GENRE: Disco Punk
SONGS/ALBUMS DIGESTED: “In the Grace of Your Love” (2011), “Pieces of the People We Love” (2006) and “Echoes” (2003)
THOUGHTS: The Rapture have released some of my favorite dance songs in the last decade. Despite their relatively limited output, there’s at least three or four songs off of all their albums that will make you drop your inhibitions and dance like a mad man. All of their albums so far have had a general aesthetic: “Echoes” relied more on guitars, with just a glimmer of the mirrorball; “Pieces of the People We Love” was their major label breakthrough, and as a result, the songs are more groove-oriented; “In the Grace of Your Love” is a slower, more personal record - think soul - but the rhythms are thankfully still there.
I’m not sure what it is about the Rapture that makes them stand out from other groups. Perhaps it’s the fact that they’re a band AND they make dance music. Too often dance music comes purely from electronic artists. Nothing wrong with it, but very few producers can recreate a full band sound. The Rapture do what they do really well.
HIGH LIGHTS: Where to start? “Whoo!… Alright - Yeah… Uh Huh,” “House of Jealous Lovers,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “First Gear,” “The Sound”… I could go on.
LOW LIGHTS: Despite my fanboy love for the Rapture, no amount of gushing could make me like “Roller Coaster.”
COACHELLA WORTHY?: I saw them at Coachella 2007, directly after LCD Soundsystem. While everybody rushed to see Red Hot Chili Peppers, my group stayed behind and danced to the Rapture in only a half-full tent. It’s one of my favorite memories of that year, and certainly one of the greatest experiences to feel like the Rapture is playing specifically for you and your friends.
If they put on a show that even mirrors the show from ‘07, you will be a happy concertgoer. They are absolutely Coachella worthy. Do not hesitate.
RATING: 4 1/2 Pre-millennialists out of 5
GENRE: Melty face
SONGS/ALBUMS SAMPLED: “Pop Culture,” “Music is a Weapon [Remix],” “Shuriken,” “For You.”
THOUGHTS: First of all, do not read this without watching the above video. Do not. I’ll even wait…
…
…
Now that you’ve seen what a 17-year-old prodigy can do with a musical touchpad that 99% of the world’s population didn’t know existed, I want all of you that are going to Coachella to thank them for booking him. What we will see at Coachella is a young talented upstart who has his whole life in music ahead of him. In other words, this kid could be the next Richard D. James a.k.a. Aphex Twin - who began his career around age 20 - if he wants to become an actual electronic artist and not just follow dance trends. Madeon only has two original songs (not counting “Pop Culture,” which could be three), a handful of remixes, and a lot of friggin’ talent. Today he’s making infectious dance tunes that DJs twice his age wish they could make. Tomorrow, he could be melting people’s minds with chords and rhythms they never knew existed. Let’s hope.
HIGH LIGHTS: Every track of his is fantastic, but “Pop Culture” wins big, as does “Shuriken,” which sounds like a happy dance sunrise throwing smiling sunbeams into your face.
LOW LIGHTS: Nothing.
COACHELLA-WORTHY?: Darn skippy. At this point, Madeon only has one other U.S. date to speak of (Schlitterbahn Water Park in South Padre Island, TX? That must be part work, part vacation), apart from the Coachella dates. Even if you could not imagine wiggling and swaggling to anything, you owe it to yourself not to miss this incredibly new, rare act. Besides, did you see this video?
RATING: 4 1/2 Mash-ups out of 5
GENRE: Wallpaper
SONGS/ALBUMS SAMPLED: Pieces of “Hold Time” (2009) and “Post-War” (2006)
THOUGHTS: M. Ward has a lot more albums under his belt than I realized, which means nothing except, the size of his discography took me off guard. But anyways, no, he is not the heir to the lost Montgomery Ward chain of stores (that I know of), but M. Ward is a singer-songwriter of moderate capabilities. I wish coffeehouse stuff - Jason Mraz, The Script, other dull-as-dishwater acts - would sound as good as M. Ward’s stuff. The only one who I feel comes closest - and probably surpasses Mr. Ward - would be Josh Ritter, but he’s not playing Coachella, so why bring him up? As for actually liking M. Ward’s style if mostly mellow, acoustic-driven, sometimes pop-y, sometimes blues-y, other times folks-y music, it’s not for me. There’s nothing wrong with it, and I wouldn’t begrudge someone if they were a hardcore M. Ward fan, but nothing stands out. It’s all very pleasant.
I’m going to be saying the following a lot from now on, I think, but the majority of the poster’s upper echelon of artists all have bodies of work that deserve to be digested in a slower fashion. I’m pretty sure M. Ward isn’t as highly acclaimed as some on the poster, but his music carries itself out in such a way that repeat listenings are necessary, nay vital, to determine whether you’d be interested in seeing him.
However, if you’re relying on my opinion, I’ll say it again: he’s pleasant, nothing more.
HIGH LIGHTS: The moody “Hold Time” and “Post War” - not the entire albums, but the songs on the albums themselves.
LOW LIGHTS: Anything featuring Zooey Deschanel - is there anything that girl does that doesn’t cause an overdose of indie sugar? To be fair, it’s probably just the songs that feature her that aren’t worthy of merit, but she’s fun to pick on because she’s in everything.
COACHELLA WORTHY?: In my opinion, not really. Outdoor festivals are about energy. Unless your mid-tempo/slow work can with stand loudness from every direction and truly captivate someone’s attention, you are s.o.l., friends. Perhaps M. Ward’s live shows are full of spark and energy and lights that don’t seem to go out… but I doubt it. “Give me a beer and M. Ward show and I’m off to bed” - I think Zooey Deschanel said that, which is good because it has 1000% more indie spunk coming out of her mouth than mine (actual quote mine).
RATING: 3 Pillows out of 5
GENRE: Scuzz-pop
SONGS/ALBUMS DIGESTED: About half of “Skying” (2011) and half of “Primary Colours” (2009).
THOUGHTS: This band has gotten high acclaim out the yin-yang and I can see why. They combine elements of psychedelic pop, rock, a little garage, and detached vocals a la Bowie, Beck, and the Interpol and Editors guys. What’s not for a critic to love? Speaking only for myself (as I am wont to do), I don’t get the masturbatory praise for “Skying.” Faris Badwan’s vocals are great, but the melodies just aren’t there for me. One of the band’s most acclaimed songs, “Still Life,” sounds very much like a bad Editors song. It’s chock full of dark yearning, some mid-tempo blues, and an incredibly bland hook. “Primary Colours” is far more interesting. Instead of relying too heavily on silly synth noises, their guitars are their main weapons, used to create haunting (“horror”-rific?) atmospheres. Also, there’s nothing wrong with “Skying“‘s polished sound, but I do prefer “Primary Colours” rougher edges. But the critics could be right. Besides, I don’t get paid to do this, so what do I care?
HIGH LIGHTS: “I Only Think of You“‘s slow crawl of a build, and guitar lines that meld into strings, is quite stunning.
LOW LIGHTS: I think “Skying” will take more listens to get into. It’s a slower, weightier album than “Primary Colours,” but as of 12:54 p.m., every song is lacking something - let’s call it heart.
COACHELLA-WORTHY?: Yeah, I bet they could bring it pretty hard. They have three albums worth of material to choose from, and some unique songs here and there. I will say, while the Horrors may be considered “indie,” they’re on a different level than the majority of indie groups reviewed already. The word “twee” is probably not in their vocabulary, and I’m sure they shun feelings of all kinds, except for the apathetic kind. I probably won’t check them out unless nothing else is going on or “Skying” grows on me some more, as that is the album they will be playing from the most.
RATING: 3 Scream Masks out of 5
This girl’s riding to Coachella in style.
(Source: yeti-parade)
WARNING! SOME BUCK NASTY LYRICS IN THIS ONE!
GENRE: Confessional mix-hop
SONGS/ALBUMS DIGESTED: “Nostalgia, Ultra” (2011)
THOUGHTS: This whole idea of the sensitive crooning, paradoxical rapper is a strange one. I guess after the relative implosion of gangsta rap (which I blame on the lack of Dre presence in the past ten years, soon to be remedied at C-Chella), rap had nowhere left to go except straight down the indie toilet of FEELINGS… sort of. Frank Ocean is part of the Odd Future Wolf Gang rap collective which also includes shock rapper, Tyler, the Creator. He’s a strange, but smart choice for them. As they diversify their collective, so too will they reach out to more diverse audiences and make more money - and as any rapper will tell you, well, you know… If you listened to the song “Novacane” above, then you’ll get a feel for Mr. Ocean’s style: great voice, smooth, almost watery sound, brutally sad lyrics (to me). The latter is the “standout” song, if you want to call it that. The rest of the album is decent, but nowhere near that level of production and performance. I also personally have a hard time listening to his very FRANK and vulgar lyrics. It’s one of my pervasive problems with hip-hop that will likely never be resolved. Still, Senor Ocean has talent. Hope he puts it to good use in the future.
HIGH LIGHTS: Despite the harsh lyrics, “Novacane” is excellent, as is the cover of “Strawberry Swing.”
LOW LIGHTS: “Songs for Women” and “Dust” feel like they’re covered in Drake butter, but the knock-off kind with a lot of trans fats. They’re BAD FOR YOU!
COACHELLA WORTHY?: Only in the sense that he’s a hot name and he’s barely performed anywhere. I can’t see him having that much of a stage presence unless he brings out some of his more-seasoned Odd Future crew. At this point, with only one mixtape under his belt (and supposedly an album in the first half of 2012), I’d say skip. He’ll be around for awhile and he’ll probably become a lot better performer as time goes on.
RATING: 2 1/2 Used Condoms out of 5
GENRE: Pub rock
SONGS/ALBUMS DIGESTED: “Fresh as a Daisy: The Singles” (2007) and a little of “The Morning After” (2010).
THOUGHTS: And so we arrive at the first band on the poster that has a long and storied history. James is a British rock band that’s been around for thirty years, in some form or another. While they haven’t been as super prolific in the last decade as they were in the 80s, they’re still going strong, it would seem. It’s hard to get a feel for a band that has thirty years behind them, unless you’ve already been following them for some time. This is why I chose to listen to their singles collection and a crumpet of their new material. James aren’t bad, but there’s nothing in their sound that make me want to listen to them more. They were dubbed as “the next Smiths” when they first formed, apparently. I hear some similarities - some jangly guitar here, a falsetto note there, acerbic words scattered - but both bands have distinct sounds to my jaded American ears. James is more standard British pop/rock, a starting, inspirational point for later Britpop bands like Blur, Oasis, and the Verve; whereas the Smiths are… the Smiths are a beautiful world unto themselves. I would need to give James time and perhaps have a better starting point than a simple singles collection. A lot of their songs began to sound the same, and that probably has to do with their labels’ choice of singles than their sound running together. Given time, James could be a grower, but right now, I have very little time to invest.
HIGH LIGHTS: I liked the “glasses in the air” feel of “Ya Ho.” And “Laid” is a, uh, interesting, blunt track.
LOW LIGHTS: Nothing really stood out as atrocious, though with three decades behind them, I’m sure there are scattered stinkers.
COACHELLA WORTHY?: Uh, sure, if only for the cult following they probably have in the States. James was always fairly popular in the U.K., according to my “exhaustive research,” but only had moderate success in the early 90s here in the States. They’re (probably) pro live players at this point in their career, so they should put on a good show. Honestly, though, I can’t see many of the 18-25 crowd checking them out because of how under-the-radar they seem to be.
RATING: 3 Jamestowns out of 5 (rating pending).
