I think this has been one of the worst years for new music. I liked High Violet by The National and Lisbon by the Walkmen. Sufjan Stevens album was pretty good, but nothing was great. If this year was shit next year has to be better. Here is something to look forward to. Its from Iron and Wine's new album called Kiss Each Other Clean (1/25). The Song is Walking Far From Home. The only thing that sucks about songs coming out so far in advance from their album is that I completely wear them out and I am well on my way to wearing this one out. It is great.
You guys should check this out. Stream the entire Girl Talk album and while the tracks are playing the album and song title pop up as they pop up in the track. Pretty sweet. Check it out here. All Day Samples of Girl Talk's All Day
I haven't heard anything interesting in some time. I think Sufjan Stevens album Age of Adz is good and worth buying. Bob Dylan's new bootleg series 9 is also good, but stuff you have mostly heard before. Other than that I haven't heard a whole lot I have been excited about. Tallest Man on Earth has a new EP I believe and I have heard a few songs off that and I like it a lot. Here is a song everyone has heard before, but buy Horse Feathers. Enjoy it and its nice to see you all again.
If you would like the mp3 download it at Aquarium Drunkard
This song is probably pretty old. This one, this version.
Sorry all (and by all I mean the 4 of you that read this site on occasion), but I bought a house, started school, and had to coach football this fall. Needless to say, I've been occupied. But, here it is....the return of Music of the Moment.
OK, so it won't be as often, but the ol' feature needs reviving. Songs I can't get outta my head! This is the latest. A masterpiece I think. A tremendous live version.... enjoy
Heard the album "I and Love and You" for the first time about a year ago in St. Louis with Captain Redpants. It has been a staple for me over the last year. I've listened to it several times and enjoy it immensely, but for some reason I can't stop listening to the song "Laundry Room." It's incredible and I just thought I'd share it with the single digit viewers of this site.
Hard to believe it has been nine years since 9/11. I'll never forget waking up that morning and turning on the television and witnessing the horror of that day. As Americans, I feel as if we have come together as a nation over these last nine years and let the world know that we are the greatest nation in the world. Not trying to make a political statement here. But I love my country. Looking for hope the days after the attacks, I found solace in music and baseball as did many Americans. I still cringe watching Mo Rivera blow the 2001 World Series that year, but that World Series will always be something to remember, as well as the tributes and music that inspired this great nation. Much love to all the families and heroes from that day. You will always be remembered.
Here's a track that I rediscovered recently on a run around Charleston. Nothing quite like the Thermals to get you moving. I like the studio version better...pretty intense stuff - but this is a cool acoustic version done in a graveyard. Enjoy
Stumbled across a pretty great site. THEY SHOOT MUSIC - DON'T THEY. here's the site... http://theyshootmusic.at/
if you like live takes of some good bands playing their songs, give it a whirl.
also, be sure to check the "link love" section to the right. Some great versions by bands we love at Sunsets on the Take Aways Songs section. you know, if you have an hour or six to kill.
This is a stripped down version of Despite What You've Been Told by Two Gallants. yes sir.
Here is an older song from a band I have been listening to a lot lately. The Walkmen have a couple great albums. Bow and Arrow and You and Me. Both well above average and worth your time and money. They have a new album coming out in September and I can only believe it is going to be just as great or better. This is The Rat and its just one of their great songs.
I re-discovered this song recently from an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The episode "Underage Drinking - A National Concern" used this tune when the gang went to the prom. Oh sure, it came out 20 years ago....but greatness does not fade. I bought it on Itunes almost immediately. And, as the Sports Guy would say, this video almost shatters the Unintentional Comedy Scale as we know it. Funny little Europeans.
This is a live version of Alphaville performing somewhere in Europe. mm hmmmm.
and for shits and giggles and the hip-hopsters....here's Jay Z's version because he is great and I don't care what you say...
One of my favorites.... A live recording from a small Charleston apartment, circa 2005.forgive my lack of Mutineers pictures, and the rudimentary video.
Gonna try a new feature here. "Song of the Moment" Often I get obsessed with a new song. I hear it, and it's all I want to here for days, and sometimes weeks, on end. Here is the first installment....
Deer Tick - Ashamed
This is not the best version, but i love the part where the whole crowd chimes in. great, great, great.
If you're not watching this show....do yourself a favor, and go buy all four seasons on DVD this instant. Easily the funniest show on today. Political incorrectness of the highest order. Here's two clips from one of my favorite episodes..."Sweet Dee is Dating a Retarded Person."
the birth of "Dayman" by Charlie and Dennis
and the finished product...."Electric Dream Machine" Prepare to experience sexual magic!!
Seems like a lot of nothing has been going on lately. First the Lebron nonsense. Can't say I care too much except for the fact that I am pretty sure that my NBA Friday Nights will now involve pizza, IPAs, the Miami Heat and whomever they are playing. The hour long "prime time special" reminded me of some sort of 1983 Donahue Special. The fact that Lebron thought everyone cared enough to stop their evenings to watch was pretty much correct as much as I hate to say that.
Dan Gilbert's comments were hilarious and will prevent his team from getting the average players they were probably not going to get anyway...so basically they went from a 25 win team to a 20 win team. No bigs.
There is only one thing in this whole ordeal that I find a shame. LeBron had a chance to be "great"...really great, by winning a championship in a place that shouldn't ever win one. If anyone in basketball history could do it, it was probably him. Basically, he has done exactly what Arod has done. Gone somewhere that will be full of championships where he is just a cog, instead of the man. My thought is basically this. His legacy would have been more impressive if he took his chances in Cleveland and failed than if he wins 6 championships in Miami. Its too bad, but then again the days of Dr. J and Larry and Magic and MJ and Ewing and Olajuwon are long gone. I have recently found myself becoming a bitter, bitter old man about everything. It feels amazing.
Jesse Jackson, thanks so much for your predictable and boring diatribe. I disagree, but then again I am white, middle classed, naive and overcome with undeserving guilt.
The pre-All Star game festivities tonight were some of the worst things I have ever seen at a sporting event. The All Star game should not be like the Super Bowl or the NBA All Star Weekend. It should be void of all the things that make these events seem like scenes from Johnny Be Good or some sort of SNL parody (but then again everything seems like it is one big joke these days...ie watching MIA on Letterman right now and I feel like I might be in the wrong place, if this is indeed Earth).
I feel like the devil for saying this, but when I sit down to watch a baseball game (and I really look forward to this one) I do not want a 20 minute presentation about people who have done great things...great humanitarian things in the past year. I don't want to see people crying and I sure as hell don't want to see some chick from some Fox show sing Christina Aguilara's Beautiful. Jesus! Somebody help me. Tell me I am not insane for thinking that all of this was a huge disaster. Fox, you really fuck up everything you touch that is non-animated.
Not good
a)Wolf Parades new album Expo 86 is really great.
b)Take a listen to Christ Jesus by Deer Tick and tell me that isn't a great song. (sorry, no video just song and I think the better version is on Black Dirt Sessions)
c)Best line from The Nationals new album "I'm a confident liar. I've got my head in the oven so you'll know where I'll be"
There are at least 3 times a day that make me want to stay in my house all day and cut the electricity.
i) If I happen across an Entertainment channel that shows something about housewives, or Kardashians, or a clip from someone who has cursed someone out completely rationally (if it was done in private), but since everyone has a recording device on them at all times it ends up on the internet and being looked at as "unacceptable". I think you should be able to call anyone you want a whore, cunt, bitch in the confines of your very own home. I love America.
ii) When I tweet about how much I hate watching people texting or tweeting during a great game. I hate myself.
iii) Hearing anyone talk about politics.
Enjoy the rest of your summer
Don't complain about the weather
I visited the Lou recently to hang out with the Sunsets brothers. As usual, good times were had by all. Days filled with Cabo Wabo tequila, great grill meats, beer-battered onion rings, day-drinking on the porch, an unusually long (but excellent) 30-for-30 documentary commitment, and of course...tunes.
Mumford and Sons was the soundtrack of the week. Here are my two favorites performed live.
and this song has been posted already, but here's a great live rendition...and will forever remind me of my time with Brothers Connors.
You gotta love Jeff Bridges. If you haven't, definitely check out Crazy Heart where the Dude plays down-on-his-luck country singer Bad Blake. While it is highly implausible that such a man could pull off a Maggie Gyllenhal, it's an excellent movie nonetheless. Here's the title track performed by Bridges in an interview, then the real version performed by Ryan Bingham on Sirius radio. I'm partial to the Dude's version.
I'm not much for gaming. I get it. Really, I do....but something has been lost in all of this. Is realism what we're after? perhaps. kids these days play with real guns, real tiger woods', real autos. but I'll take fat chubby sluggers any day of the week. I was fortunate enough to relive some glory this past week on my visit to St. Louis, and you'll all (well, maybe just me) be happy to know that i still have what it takes in the best video game ever.
Here's two funny tricks that i have pulled myself, and if you ever really cared about the best gaming system of of our childhood, you did too! kudos to the video posters. Some people just might have too much time on their hands....of course I found these on youtube, so what does it say about me.
At one time in my life I listened to just one band and there was a more specific time of my life when I listened to just one song. That song was State of Love and Trust and this is the first time I have seen it covered and I really, really enjoy this cover done by Gaslight Anthem.
Check out Mumford and Sons here. Takes me about 5 seconds to realize that I really like there music. Will probably pick up there newest album Sigh No More this week. Good stuff.
Here are some things I would like to mention but will not write extensively about
1) Kobe Bryant is not Larry or MJ or Magic or Oscar Robertson or Bill Russell. We don't dislike him because he is smug. We dislike him because he is trying to be something that he will never ever be, no matter how many championships the teams he is on wins.
2) The National's cd is pretty great.
3) A radish, although not my favorite tasting vegetable, tastes great when it comes out of your own yard
4) Soccer is not the worst game in the world. And even if it is its not completely unwatchable.
OKAY, maybe i'm late to the party...or maybe I'm the first one here. http://www.baeblemusic.com/ is freaking awesome. apologies if you already knew this. But i just discovered it, and i'm giddy. if you're looking to waste some time reading about, listening to, or watching performances (and you reading this site is evidence you are!), go to baeble. You won't be disappointed.
Here is Woodpigeon's entire performance from their "Guest Apartment." Dude can sing, i'll say that. forgive me, but i'm obsessed. Apparently, they won't let me link the entire set (3 songs) here, so this is the same song as before....but click on the "watch the full concert." below this video. you won't be disappointed.
by: Mitch Miggenburg those darn canadians have done it again. This is the band i'm listenin to at the moment. I stumbled on this guy on the Black Cab Session website (link to be posted in a few!). This is the song I like best, "And As the Ship Went Down, You Never Looked Finer." You know everybody on the boat drowns, but they looked good! that's awesome. For some reason, this reminds me of a Ce N'est Rien song. If you like it, check out his others...I like 7th Fret Over Andres as well.
Here's their website, where you can stream and preview the entire album if you're not impulsive and like to buy entire albums having only heard one song, like me. And their other goings-on. I don't think you'd be disappointed. http://www.woodpigeon-songbook.com/
The first video is from Baeblemusic.com and it is great.
the second is the same song but from the Black Cab sessions
last day of the VESSALOS. and maybe these weren't videos.that.everyone.should.see.at.least.once so much as they were videos that I just really liked. again, i hope you've enjoyed watching them as much as i have posting them. another little twist here on the last day. most of the videos here have been live versions with somewhat questionable quality. i have purposely tried to find a little better quality videos here. a little more production value if you will. I chose three of my favorite bands of the past 5 years. in no particular order:
First: My Morning Jacket - Off the Record gotta love Jim James. I saw them about a month ago, and this song brought the house down.
Video #2: Kings of Leon: Notion for whatever reason, this band has really caught on in Europe, but have lagged in popularity here. I know Sunsets doesn't really get the hype, but i'm telling you....a very tight band with amazing arrangements, a unique voice, and unbelievable live show.
Video #3: Band of Horses: Laredo I would not forgive myself if I left off my Charleston boys Band of Horses. This is not my favorite song on the new album, but I loved the acoustic version done here with no drums. Dig it.
Hope you all enjoyed first-annual VESSALOS! stayed tuned for more from Charleston SC.
Let's keep this ball rolling shall we? One of my favorite bands of the 'oughts.' One of the better debut albums i can remember. His voice is not for every one, but it sure scratches me where I itch! The first video is an acoustic version of my favorite tune off of that album....."Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood." they are going out to bars, and they are getting into cars....i have seen them with my own eyes! america please help them.
The second is not Clap Your Hands, but their lead singer Alec Ounsworth and his new project...Flashy Python - might be worth looking into if you like his voice. Their's something i just really like about two dudes playing guitars in a room. It's their Tiny Concert from NPR. and it is great if you ask me.
Okay, hitting the homestretch here...hopefully you guys are enjoying watching these videos as I am finding them and writing a word or two about each. And we would be remiss if we left Jeff Mangum, of the band Neutral Milk Hotel) off of any singer/songwriter list of any kind. A tremendous talent, but definitely a tortured soul....he can just flat out write a song. Sunsets purchased this cd in 52.5 Records in Charleston, SC some time around 2004 or so). The album came out in the late 90's, so we were a little late to the party....but we immediately fell in love with NMH. And if you don't listen or haven't heard of Jeff Mangum...go back and revisit....it's not too late!! He has not released in album since 1998, and if you would like to read more...here goes. (yes, i'm into wikipedia lately)
The first video speaks for itself. I am still partial to Sunsets version in The Clap in the Winter of 2009 (look for it in the older posts here at Sunsets....a real treat!), but the energy in his voice is undeniable.
The 2nd is probably my favorite Neutral Milk Hotel song. Not the best version I have ever heard (the other musicians aren't exactly "ON" in this one. But, I love five things about it... 1. It's recorded on my birthday....New Year's Eve. The best day to drink of the year! 2. The sweater he is wearing slays me. It looks like he's attending a "Bad Christmas / New Year's Sweater Party." 3. He looks like he might want to kill everyone in the room on more than one occasion in this song. 4. The horns. (again, not exactly on it, but great sounding nonetheless) 5. The weird instrument that I don't know near the 3 minute mark. He laughs at the guy playing it as if to say, "That's a silly little instrument you're playing! Seriously!" around the 3:17 mark.
Here's a couple videos from one of my old-time favorites. I've gotten away from Ben Harper in the last couple of years, but he's one of the better live shows I've seen. This first song was extremely cool live. I was at a Ben Harper show in Charleston probably 9 or 10 years ago (man we're getting old). Anyway, the second the bongo intro hit, all you could see was the biggest, craziest plume of marijuana smoke rise from what seemed like every crevasse of the auditorium. An indoor show! A small, artsy type of place. Still....a fun song, no matter what time of year.....HERB, the gift....from the earth, and what's from the earth is of our greatest worth....so before you knock it, try it first....and you'll see it's a blessing no it's not a curse! classic.
the second video is a combination of two of my favorite all-time voices. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better combo!
Video #5: Yusuf Islam (who?) Day 3 of the Videos Everyone Should see at Least Once Series brings a different kind of twist from the usual indie-rock fare. One of my favorite older artists, and an unusual and intriguing character to say the least - Yusuf Islam, or the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. I only knew bits and pieces of this interesting man's life. I cannot do his life justice in my words, so I've attached a couple of links so you might learn more on your own. A religious convert, educator, philanthropist, and one helluva musician. The video? My favorite of all of his songs...Father and Son. It always seems to get a little dusty in the room when i hear it. Sung on BBC sometime around 2007 I believe. Enjoy
Day 2 of the VESSALOS!
Nirvana: Polly (from Nirvana Unplugged in New York, 1993), About a Girl, Jesus Don't Want Me for a Sunbeam
OK, so I couldn't quite decide which one I liked best...so I included all three. And quite honestly, I could have posted this entire set. These songs flood my mind with some of the best memories and times of my life, and shaped my taste in music forever. I think i discovered this album in 1994 - sophomore year of high school, and remember it as one of the 1st albums where you could listen to it in it's entirety, each song seemingly better than the last. It saddens me to think about Kurt's last moments and I shudder to think what could have been. But maybe he was right...perhaps he truly did answer Neil Young's question that it was better to burn out than to fade away. RIP Kurt.
Song ONE: Polly Taken from Wikipedia (I know, not the most reliable of sources, but interesting nonetheless) a description of how Kurt came to write the lyrics: --According to Michael Azerrad's 1993 Nirvana biography Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana, "Polly" is based on the true story of a female rape victim from Tacoma, Washington. The girl, 14, was abducted in 1987 while returning from a punk rock show, and was raped and tortured with razors and a blowtorch by her abductor Gerald Friend. Cobain's only narrative flourish is that the victim manages to escape by flirting with her captor Gerald Friend, convincing him to trust her. This allows her to escape while he stops for gas.[1]
Song #2: About a Girl Arguably my favorite 1st track of any album i can remember. Nostalgic for sure. Pay close attention to David Grohl's turtleneck....high comedy.
Song #3: Jesus Don't Want Me for a Sunbeam Definitely fits my "Obscure Cover Song" bill. Completely random, but amazing stiill the same
Regina Spektor: Us
Lollapalooza, 2007 Most of the people at Sunsets know I don't care much for female singers. It's not that i'm sexist, i'm just not that into it. The following is, I guess, an exception to the rule. She is certainly sexy and can sing with the best of them. This song always makes me feel a little bit better...regardless of the situation.....we're living in a den of thieves!
I remember where I was the first time I heard this song. Actually in South Carolina. Charleston to be exact. Sitting in my bedroom with headphones on. Middle of June...hot, hot, hot. There's humidity...and then there's Charleston, SC in the summer. Something about being at, or right at, sea level. Makes the temperature outside down right unbearable. But this song always makes me remember the good parts of the south that i've come to love soo much. Warm weather, the beach, good-looking women, barbecue, and bourbon. mmmm.
Okay, hopefully Sunsets won't mind me starting a new feature here. Summer break has started for all of us teachers out there, and with it...much free time. So, with that...and my obsession with watching singer/songwriters on YouTube, I will begin this weeklong series with at least one, and possible 2,3, or 4, videos posted per day of songs that i think everyone should see at least once in his life. Mostly songs that mean or have meant a great deal to me at some point in my life. Some will be obscure, others will not. Hopefully, you will find a few you like as much as I do.
So, without further adieu...let's get this thing started:
VESSALO video #1:
Iron and Wine: Trapeze Swinger Taken from the Green Man Festival in August of 2008. This song has literally brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. I've listened to it on repeat in my car for 6 days straight. It was the only song I wanted to hear. I think it's possibly in the top 10 best songs ever written. Just a masterpiece. Kind of long at 7 minutes and 44 seconds, but honestly...it won't seem that long. It's one of those you never want to end.
Monday, June 7, 2010
By: MM
This video always makes me laugh. I love John Darnielle. There is something to be said for someone who is unapologetic for what he likes...even if it is Ace of Base. Enjoy a good laugh. And don't ignore that urge to sing the chorus. Belt it out...you know you know it!
Well, i've finally kicked my little Tallest Man on Earth habit (well, not completely, but i'm slowly weening...shoot me). I am now obsessed with NPR's Tiny Desk concerts (which ironically Tallest Man has a GREAT one,but I digress). This is what I'm into now. Great songs to sit by the pool, beachside, or on the back porch with a stiff drink or an ice cold beer. Ah, summertime at last....enjoy the Great Lake Swimmers
I like all three, but my favorite is the third song (around the 9:30 mark...Various Stages) Try to disregard the extremely awkward conversation in between songs. It gets uncomfortable at times!
Check out The Tallest Man On Earth's new album called The Wild Hunt. If you liked his first one you will like this one more. This song is called Wild Hunt and its a doozy.
Good win to start the season against those clowns from New York. Lets keep it rolling today.
This video was sent to me by Austin and it made my day. Here it is, to make your day. Does anything make you happier than seeing Dave Henderson jumping in the air after crushing a go ahead bomb on an awkward swing off of Donnie Moore? The answer is no.
One of my favorite tv moments of the year is ALWAYS 'One Shining Moment,' showing all of the highlights from the March Madness tournament. I get the chills every single time. And with proper respect (I loved the UNLV teams) to Sunsets and the 1992 version...this is mine. 1987. We all know the year and THE SHOT.
It takes a few minutes to start, but I don't think any of us will mind re-watching IU cutting down the nets as the credits roll. Now, I am partial to Luther Vandross, but this is David Barrett's version, and I'm slowly changing my mind. What I do know was that they completely butchered it with Jennifer Hudson's version last night. Ugh. I do not need to see her singing it in some studio. I need all the highlights I can get.
I digress....
On to the video....pay close attention to two things:
1. Bobby Cremins pounding his chest for the "beat of your heart" line.....same as the Loyala Maramount one below. I think he did this every year on purpose.
and 2. and more importantly, watch the General at around 3:05 giving business to the scorer's table. My grandfather would be proud. That could never happen now.
I hope you had a chance to watch the ESPN 30 for 30 on Loyola Marymount and their 1990 tournament team called Guru of Go. It aired on ABC a couple hours before the tip off of the Butler game. Paul Westhead was the orchestrator of the fastest offense in the history of college basketball. His teams at Marymount averaged 122 points a game at their best. I will always remember Hank Gathers, Bo Kimble, Per Stumer, Jeff Fryer, and Tom Peabody as the most entertaining team I had ever seen.
The 86 Red Sox are my favorite team. The '85-'86 Celtics are my second favorite. My third is the 89'-90' Marymount team. I remember staying up until 11pm just to watch a half of one of their games. I stared at their box scores for hours trying to imagine what went on during those 40 minutes and how it was possible to score 140 points in a game.
I remember the morning my dad woke me up and told me that Hank Gathers had died during a game. My dad would usually give me a sports highlight from the night before as he was trying to get me out of bed. I was completely stunned and saddened and I think I started crying. Its weird to look back on that team I liked so much; I can't figure out why I did other thant he fact that even back then all I wanted to do in baseketball was jack up 3's. There had to be other kids like me that were broken up by this. Kids that disected these box scores for a team that was on the other side of the planet that only came on once a month at 11pm at night.
At one point int he documentary they show 5 second clips of all these peoples reactions to an interview question about Hank Gathers' death. A question asked about something that happened 20 years ago yeilded answers of silence and watery eyes. Its pretty amazing.
I think everyone knows the story by now, but if you don't it's a great one and you should try to check it out. If you do know the story, its still pretty amazing to look back and remember how amazing it was. There will never be another team like that LMU team. Even without Hank Gathers you had a 30 ppg guy in Bo Kimble, two dead on three point shooters in Per Stumer and Jeff Fryer, and Tom Peabody who dove for every ball like it was a baby falling out of a third story window.
To this day there has not been a better "one shining moment" then that one from 1990. Here it is.
I have a VHS tape of a couple of their games, but I don't know exactly where it is. Last time I had it was at Dan Schnur's house. It might still be in his basement.
I haven't listened to anything else since I bought Titus Andronicus' new album The Monitor a couple weeks ago. I have no desire to listen to anything else and I am very aware that I am probably wearing these songs out to the point where I will not like them in the near future. The entire album is great. Filled with screaming and loud guitar playing and sing alongs at the end of almost every track. I have mentioned this before but I feel it is necessary to reiterate these points. Don't take my word for it, listen and watch the video for A More Perfect Union.
Oh boy, did Sunsets ever get me in the mood for some more Band of Horses. I love when bands cover random, off-the-wall tracks. I have been fortunate enough to see BOH many times, and they are king of the random cover. Here is a video of one of my favorites. Enjoy.
We are looking forward to the arrival of this new album. First song I have heard. First video I have seen. Ben Bridwell could sing chapters out of a Calculus book and we would love it. First song called Compliments and here is the video accompaniment.
New Album Infinite Arms due out May 18. Keep your eyes peeled.
Pure rock and roll.If you asked me to name one band that defines this saying and owns the title to the greatest band ever, the answer would come without hesitation; The Rolling Stones.Now this is just my opinion.Sure they have had their moments of ‘softness’, but looking back on their catalog, it is hard to say that they are not the greatest of all time.Many will argue the Beatles own the crown and they might be right, but they did not last long enough as a band before embarking on solo careers.Contrary to modern science, the Stones will not continue to churn out music as they once did, although we all secretly hope they do.They have a certain aura about them that just makes you want to throw your arms in the air and dance.My Mick Jagger impression is horrible, but I get a kick out of doing it when ‘Street Fighting Man’ blares over the speakers at a party or gathering.So, if we look back on the careers of a phenomenal band, the only question is who will take their place?The answer once again comes without hesitation.Two words; Pearl Jam.
Without a doubt, Pearl Jam is the greatest American rock band ever!They never cease to amaze their fans with each album.Remarkably, it has been almost 19 years since the release of their debut album Ten.19 years!Hard to believe.Released in the age of grunge, Pearl Jam wowed listeners with stellar songs such as ‘Jeremy’, ‘Alive’, and ‘Evenflow.’I still can’t get enough of ‘Release’ to this day.Looking back, it seems like they took a backseat to Nirvana, which I feel like was an okay situation. They continued to produce extraordinary music. Pearl Jam’s first three albums crashed through the rock scene like a sledgehammer.And after Kurt Cobain’s passing, they grabbed the reins and never looked back.
19 years later, nine studio albums, one live album, and countless bootlegs, Pearl Jam still continues to electrify the crowds.And yes, just like the Stones, they have had their moments of weakness.Or have they?Talking with a friend last weekend, we pondered whether Pearl Jam has released a bad album.No Code has and probably always will be my favorite album and I’ll never forget buying it the day I left for college.I was never partial to Binaural, but I am listening to it as I write this article and feel as if it is a great album that was overshadowed by its predecessors.So, maybe some songs have not lived up to the Pearl Jam hype, but they have not released a bad album in my opinion.
In talking with another friend, another question arose.Do we love Pearl Jam for the songs or for the memories associated with the songs?Plain and simple, I love the songs.Sure, when ‘Elderly Woman’ plays I am immediately transported back to the Stockwell Inn singing at the top of my lungs with ten of my friends.I recall pulling into Chicago a few years back when I heard ‘World Wide Suicide’ for the first time.And when ‘Long Road’ plays, I think of my grandmother.There are several other memories associated with Pearl Jam songs, but if it wasn’t for the songs, the memories would not stand out as well.Isn’t that the case with all music?I remember the day I bought Vs. on tape!Music brings out the best and worst in all of us. It is and always will be about the music.
This week I bought a ticket to see Pearl Jam in May.I have not seen them live since 2004.Six years have passed and my faith in the band is just as strong.I absolutely love Backspacer and cannot wait to see the band walk out onto the stage.It will be a magical moment and it has forced me to look back on a career that will no doubt be noted as remarkable.I remember seeing RC almost cry when ‘Smile’ echoed throughout the amphitheater and later seeing my brother almost shed a tear at his first PJ concert in ‘03.I remember KG arriving at the car, hair slicked back with sweat after a show in ‘98.I remember rocking out to bootlegs in Shooter’s Blazer in college as we hit the gas station for a late night dip and bottled water in the late 90s as well.And I’ll never, ever forget the lights going up and the band closing a show with ‘Rocking in the Free World’ in ’00.Pearl Jam has followed me since high school and I have followed them.They have been there for me in the good times and the bad.They have helped through personal struggles and they have astonished me on road trips across the country.There will never be another group like them.They may have changed their sound at times, but the heart and soul behind each guitar lick, each drumbeat, each bass line, and each lyric is always there.So, as we look to the future, I am confident that Pearl Jam will continue to churn out balls to the wall rock and roll.Should we expect anything less?
If you haven't had a chance to watch Parenthood yet I think you should give it a shot. It's probably not realistic (all good looking people managing life problems with ease, humor, and wit), but if it was realistic it would be boring and that is why television and movies are entertaining; they take life and make it how we all wish it would be. Ron Howard always does a great job with the dynamics of television families (ie Arrested Development) and he doesn't miss with this one. The producers do a good job incorporating music into the show. This element alone can make an average show good and a good show great. Don't quite know where this show stands, but I do like it and watch it over Southland which airs at the same time. Here is a song that played at the end of the last episode. I had The Animal Years by Josh Ritter in my hand one day at a record store, but put it back before I could purchase it. Change of Time is the first song from his upcoming album and now you can listen to it.
