This is a tremendous work. This is the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers solo long play. Sometimes a recording is a mood, and this is one. The music is bittersweet. Frusciante's voice is fragile and inviting. The first track is a long opus of guitar yearning called 'Before the Beginning'. This sets the mood of the entire work about creation and longing.
If you are looking for a party record, this is not it. There is a heavy Beatles/John Lennon/Pink Floyd feel to many of these tracks: I am reminded me a bit of Led Zeppelin's 'No Quarter' if it were a whole record! Things pick up a bit on the third song, 'Unreachable', but still its lyrics are full of deep. There is a yearning to this music. I would think he's a very spiritual person. He sings in a falsetto on 'God' over a wash of melody and electric piano. Still there is movement. His voice is like Art Garfunkel on many tracks, but utilizing backwards echos and reverberations. Something very soulful. I am sure he was raised on 70's American radio.
'Enough of Me' is a whimsical journey, eyes opening around a very sweet melody. There is much gospel leanings. The album carries this feel throughout. Perhaps he is a Christian. This is an interesting tidbit.
There is nothing commercial here: this is an artist. Congratulations.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
MUSIC! 'No Line On The Horizon' by U2
(I am posting now reviews planned for the zine but now I have moved online, so some of these reviews are older and I'm just putting them digital now).
Bono! The Edge! The other guys! This band is been around a long time and for good reasons. These songs are very thought out. In fact, this is a deep recording for such a popular music group, maybe the most popular. There's a lot of things in the far away parts of the songs that can be discovered as the more the listener is into it. Challenging perhaps for those that 'I Will Follow' or even 'Vertigo'.
Let me say this is a band that seems to have a heart. This is difficult, especially at a level of what they have achieved. This goof ball shows up in sunglasses and puts them on the pope! What can you say to this? Not much!~ They say John Lennon said The Beatles were bigger than Jesus, but John Lennon did not have his sunglasses on the Pope!
So in listening to this album, I have a lot of thoughts. They are hard to all put down but I will put an attempt in. I will deal with this album as if it was a record as it seems to be in two parts: the first part is a little more challenging and though provocative. The second part is a little more pop and dance oriented (most of it), so I will address these both here.
First the album begins with the track as the title. This song is very different for this band. It has a lot of left and right going on. Bono comes in with simple lyrics, but sung very high up in his singing range. This is a good thing. Remember the song 'With Or With Out You', one of their most popular, and Bono is singing very high. This is something he continues often on the record. It is a demonstration of sincerity, I believe. He is not wimping out. I have read reviews of their last recordings of Bono being the weakest person on them. Maybe this is a reaction? On track two he sings 'Only love can leave such a mark.' It is his passionate voice that takes this line into the metaphorical and not the literally, unless he is maybe discussing physically abusive relationships or perhaps rough sexual intercourse. The band is in top form. The layers are all in the right places. I am popping my head, too.
The third song 'Moment of Surrender' is reminiscent of older U2 track 'Trying to Throw Your Arms Around The World'. It's string and claps are perfect. Again Bono is singing very high. Sometimes his lines are very cliched, actually a lot, but somehow his delivery makes them work. Other singers would be laughed at I am sure! Reading these lines would be silly. On 'Unknown Caller' I think I hear the great Brian Eno singing. Maybe this is just my want. This song is goose bumps. One thing I do not like is the line 'ATM Machine' which is a redundancy. Sometimes even a minor mistake slips by the editor I suppose!
'I'll Go Crazy' is a bad song. I skip it every time!
Next is part two as I see the album, beginning with the song 'Get On Your Boots'. Here is the fun U2! What is interesting is that this is not the first song on the album. This alone shows awareness that this band means it. Because if this song was first, it's like 'Vertigo' on the last record. Now, this is a great pop song. It's got many amazing elements, simple lyrics, and great beats. No one can get away with this as a rock band except this band anymore I don't think. You can't fault the groove, babe!
'Stand Up Comedy' is like Achtung Baby era sounds. It reminds me of that time. It's got standard arrangement and harmonies with Edge's cool guitar not guitar sounds. He really is an underrated musician I think. The rest of the record is a mixed version. 'Breathe' has lots of nice things in a waltz. 'Cedars Of Lebanon' is too dramatic for this listener but I am sure it is well meaning. Bono needs an editor sometimes as I said. But hey, perfection is relative!
The bonus is an alternate version of the title track, which is raw and sounds like it could have been recorded during 'War' or 'Boy' with its energy and sounds. Awesome! Overall this keeps U2 in its place as the 'World's Rock Band'. Let's see what comes next.
Bono! The Edge! The other guys! This band is been around a long time and for good reasons. These songs are very thought out. In fact, this is a deep recording for such a popular music group, maybe the most popular. There's a lot of things in the far away parts of the songs that can be discovered as the more the listener is into it. Challenging perhaps for those that 'I Will Follow' or even 'Vertigo'.
Let me say this is a band that seems to have a heart. This is difficult, especially at a level of what they have achieved. This goof ball shows up in sunglasses and puts them on the pope! What can you say to this? Not much!~ They say John Lennon said The Beatles were bigger than Jesus, but John Lennon did not have his sunglasses on the Pope!
So in listening to this album, I have a lot of thoughts. They are hard to all put down but I will put an attempt in. I will deal with this album as if it was a record as it seems to be in two parts: the first part is a little more challenging and though provocative. The second part is a little more pop and dance oriented (most of it), so I will address these both here.
First the album begins with the track as the title. This song is very different for this band. It has a lot of left and right going on. Bono comes in with simple lyrics, but sung very high up in his singing range. This is a good thing. Remember the song 'With Or With Out You', one of their most popular, and Bono is singing very high. This is something he continues often on the record. It is a demonstration of sincerity, I believe. He is not wimping out. I have read reviews of their last recordings of Bono being the weakest person on them. Maybe this is a reaction? On track two he sings 'Only love can leave such a mark.' It is his passionate voice that takes this line into the metaphorical and not the literally, unless he is maybe discussing physically abusive relationships or perhaps rough sexual intercourse. The band is in top form. The layers are all in the right places. I am popping my head, too.
The third song 'Moment of Surrender' is reminiscent of older U2 track 'Trying to Throw Your Arms Around The World'. It's string and claps are perfect. Again Bono is singing very high. Sometimes his lines are very cliched, actually a lot, but somehow his delivery makes them work. Other singers would be laughed at I am sure! Reading these lines would be silly. On 'Unknown Caller' I think I hear the great Brian Eno singing. Maybe this is just my want. This song is goose bumps. One thing I do not like is the line 'ATM Machine' which is a redundancy. Sometimes even a minor mistake slips by the editor I suppose!
'I'll Go Crazy' is a bad song. I skip it every time!
Next is part two as I see the album, beginning with the song 'Get On Your Boots'. Here is the fun U2! What is interesting is that this is not the first song on the album. This alone shows awareness that this band means it. Because if this song was first, it's like 'Vertigo' on the last record. Now, this is a great pop song. It's got many amazing elements, simple lyrics, and great beats. No one can get away with this as a rock band except this band anymore I don't think. You can't fault the groove, babe!
'Stand Up Comedy' is like Achtung Baby era sounds. It reminds me of that time. It's got standard arrangement and harmonies with Edge's cool guitar not guitar sounds. He really is an underrated musician I think. The rest of the record is a mixed version. 'Breathe' has lots of nice things in a waltz. 'Cedars Of Lebanon' is too dramatic for this listener but I am sure it is well meaning. Bono needs an editor sometimes as I said. But hey, perfection is relative!
The bonus is an alternate version of the title track, which is raw and sounds like it could have been recorded during 'War' or 'Boy' with its energy and sounds. Awesome! Overall this keeps U2 in its place as the 'World's Rock Band'. Let's see what comes next.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
MOVIE! Avatar by James Cameron
Clearly this is a large release. Many scholars on the web have predated its unleashing by posts about the talented James Cameron working under quiet lock down on this epic tale. Sometimes when so much noise is about before a movie's final incubation, the film will not be able to bring the weight of its making to its finality. In some cases it is better for a more hushed reaction leading up to the months before its coming (Matrix) with viral and words on the street for a movie to become a blockbuster. Cameron made this movie over many years and invented a lot of new technological approaches in its creation, and it shows. In some ways it is a parallel to George Lucas and his innovations when making the first 'Star Wars' film and look at what happened with that.
'Avatar' is familiar to most story knowers, but its termination in a 3D effect is what really makes it go farther. The people of the moon Pandora are being targeted because they live on a very profitable mineral underneath. This is not unlike many of the stories right now about Apple and its use of the Congo peoples to explode parts for their iPhones. Not to regress. The movie is stellar for being so familiar. It is very difficult to find error when so many pieces feel put in the right place. The argument of some critical circles against 3D film is valid: however, not every film shot with this will be on the size of 'Avatar'. Most people forget that in any genre of art there are those innovators few and in between and many, many duplicators riding the wave of these at the top of the mountain.
Cameron has been an outsider for years even as a person driving large trucks before deciding to become a maker of films. Perhaps it is this gritty outness that salutes so highly for his works. Many users of movies don't like a chance taker coming in to show them what's to be done with their products. The actors of this movie are twice to be commended for working with each other and the technology so successfully! Some of the actors in past roles have put down the process of digitizing the backgrounds (notable is the 'Star Wars' newest 3 in which Liam Neeson had said acting to green screens was not acting: note his career roles were not offered for long after this, and now he is starring in movies like 'Taken' Oh brother! Don't bad mouth the boss!) but in this case it all is put together so well that no one can take away its impact.
3D may be a passing fad as it was in the older days but 'Avatar' has perfected the art of coming at you in ways no film may ever outrun.
'Avatar' is familiar to most story knowers, but its termination in a 3D effect is what really makes it go farther. The people of the moon Pandora are being targeted because they live on a very profitable mineral underneath. This is not unlike many of the stories right now about Apple and its use of the Congo peoples to explode parts for their iPhones. Not to regress. The movie is stellar for being so familiar. It is very difficult to find error when so many pieces feel put in the right place. The argument of some critical circles against 3D film is valid: however, not every film shot with this will be on the size of 'Avatar'. Most people forget that in any genre of art there are those innovators few and in between and many, many duplicators riding the wave of these at the top of the mountain.
Cameron has been an outsider for years even as a person driving large trucks before deciding to become a maker of films. Perhaps it is this gritty outness that salutes so highly for his works. Many users of movies don't like a chance taker coming in to show them what's to be done with their products. The actors of this movie are twice to be commended for working with each other and the technology so successfully! Some of the actors in past roles have put down the process of digitizing the backgrounds (notable is the 'Star Wars' newest 3 in which Liam Neeson had said acting to green screens was not acting: note his career roles were not offered for long after this, and now he is starring in movies like 'Taken' Oh brother! Don't bad mouth the boss!) but in this case it all is put together so well that no one can take away its impact.
3D may be a passing fad as it was in the older days but 'Avatar' has perfected the art of coming at you in ways no film may ever outrun.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
DRINK! Absolut Berry Açaí
So it is one of our best known products, which is up there with the Volvo and Ikea in the states: Absolut Vodka. This was released just recently I believe but we just got a bottle this week. Normally it's unusual to be writing a review of an alcoholic drink but why not?! It is music to your mouth!
What is best about this is that I got the bottle for no cost! A friend of my girl friends friend told a friend that works for the company about AWESOME SUPER WOW! and they send me a very nice electronic mail asking if I'd like a bottle to review! Wow! Who would say no to this? The press sheet included says that “We have combined the smoothness of açaí with fresh pomegranate and blueberry notes, to create a new, modern flavor." I will tell you as I am on my third glass of this stuff that is worth every peeny! Readers of my blog (and my no-longer published print zine ZAM-POW!) know that when it comes to having some cocktail or two vodka is generally my cup of choice. It is with great zest for drink that I recommend you get a bottle or 2 of Absolut Berry Açaí, which seems particularly well fit to mix with orange and some lime juice.
Funny story: when the bottle opened, some spilled on my girlfriend's wrist and like an instinct she immediately slurp licked it off right into her mouth. Her eyes lit up like diamonds on fire! 'So gud!' and this is someone that generally speaking likes more spritzer than alcohol in all her cocktails, so this should tell you something.
What is best about this is that I got the bottle for no cost! A friend of my girl friends friend told a friend that works for the company about AWESOME SUPER WOW! and they send me a very nice electronic mail asking if I'd like a bottle to review! Wow! Who would say no to this? The press sheet included says that “We have combined the smoothness of açaí with fresh pomegranate and blueberry notes, to create a new, modern flavor." I will tell you as I am on my third glass of this stuff that is worth every peeny! Readers of my blog (and my no-longer published print zine ZAM-POW!) know that when it comes to having some cocktail or two vodka is generally my cup of choice. It is with great zest for drink that I recommend you get a bottle or 2 of Absolut Berry Açaí, which seems particularly well fit to mix with orange and some lime juice.
Funny story: when the bottle opened, some spilled on my girlfriend's wrist and like an instinct she immediately slurp licked it off right into her mouth. Her eyes lit up like diamonds on fire! 'So gud!' and this is someone that generally speaking likes more spritzer than alcohol in all her cocktails, so this should tell you something.
Monday, March 1, 2010
MUSIC! 'Hot Wax' by Grant Hart
I am late to the event on this release but it is worth reviewing. In case you aren't up to schooled, Grant Hart was in the American punk band Hüsker Dü (awesome for those ü's alone!) which also included the singer Bob Moüld. (HA HA! He doesn't use a ü but he should! Dümmy!) This band was very unknown but played a lot in vans around the country early in the punk movement. They have some very good recordings one of which I really enjoy called 'Metal Circus' a very great record. But other records of theirs are also worth your time.
'Hot Wax' is an interesting mix of styles and melodies but I find myself liking it very much. Some of it is even Beatles quality such as 'Barbara' which is a motif of marching drum and piano. The opener is a jam of the 60's pop/psych/garage variety. The album is very pleasant and approachable. Hart's vocals hint at some Beach Boys influence. Ironically, Hart was the drummer in his former band but here the drums are more of a Ringo style, supporting great arrangements and melodies. In fact, again the Beach Boys are probably the best type of thing to point out as an influence. If the Flaming Lips ever stopped making albums that are way too loud, it might sound like this. 'Schoolbuses Are For Children' is a David Bowie nod with great loud drumming. In fact, the song 'Sailor Jack' is easily one of the greatest rock songs ever committed to tape. It reminds me of Robert Pollard meeting up with T Rex in a bar for a pint of lager! And a shanty hum along! 'Oh oh oh ooooh ooooh!'
This is a well-to-be discovered gem that most people will overlook but they shouldn't.
'Hot Wax' is an interesting mix of styles and melodies but I find myself liking it very much. Some of it is even Beatles quality such as 'Barbara' which is a motif of marching drum and piano. The opener is a jam of the 60's pop/psych/garage variety. The album is very pleasant and approachable. Hart's vocals hint at some Beach Boys influence. Ironically, Hart was the drummer in his former band but here the drums are more of a Ringo style, supporting great arrangements and melodies. In fact, again the Beach Boys are probably the best type of thing to point out as an influence. If the Flaming Lips ever stopped making albums that are way too loud, it might sound like this. 'Schoolbuses Are For Children' is a David Bowie nod with great loud drumming. In fact, the song 'Sailor Jack' is easily one of the greatest rock songs ever committed to tape. It reminds me of Robert Pollard meeting up with T Rex in a bar for a pint of lager! And a shanty hum along! 'Oh oh oh ooooh ooooh!'
This is a well-to-be discovered gem that most people will overlook but they shouldn't.
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