Going easy on myself this time... just gonna flap my lips about a band that I'm gay for.
G is for Grandaddy. The first thing I noticed about Grandaddy was how expansive their songs tend to be. More often than not, a song will have a pretty extensive interlude with no vocals, just focusing on the melodies and chord progressions. Also, I can't say it enough; I love synth. Grandaddy is pretty much 100% rock with keyboards, and the interludes often remind me of some cross between a symphony and a Super Nintendo game. I'll throw out a few examples so you can get a picture of what I'm getting at.
At my Post from "Excerpts from the Diary of Todd Zilla"
The Final Push to the Sum from "Sumday"
These guys are great. A lot of the songs are a little on the depressing side, and I'll be honest, that's actually what I look for in an artist. If a song can evoke an emotion from me, then all the better. It's not all sad shit though. They have some pretty upbeat songs, and truthfully, they're some of my favorites too! Take a listen to Now it's On.
I enjoy the hell out of that song... and the orchestral hits remind me of Starfox. Lol
Also, check out this sweet fan vid for Pull the Curtains!
I'd like to emphasize again how much this stuff reminds me of video game music. Listen to Florida, too. That song makes me lol.
Grandaddy songs tend to have a recurring theme of disregarding the machinations of modern society and appreciating nature.
Have a listen to The Group Who Couldn't Say.
You should also hear The Warming Sun.
The Warming Sun reminds me of me, because I suck at girls.
In summary, go buy all their records. Right now.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Far Behind
First things first, I'd like to point out that I had a pretty tough time picking a band this time, so I'll list off a couple artists you should hear if you haven't already.
Fischerspooner, The Flaming Lips, and The Format. Now that that's out of the way, on to the main attraction.
F is for Fake Problems. This is a weird one, because they took a while to grow on me. I do like some good rock now and again, but it has to be pretty unique for me to get really into it, and I found Fake Problems somewhat run of the mill the first time through. That said, they really pull through lyrically. I know not everybody's gonna agree with that, but I for one find them marvelously clever and I think I can relate to much of the subject matter. I've only listened to Real Ghosts Caught on Tape, but I do intend on checking out their older albums.
Here's a video of the lead singer playing Songs for Teenagers in a public washroom.
Definitely talented musicians and solid songwriters... I think the issue I have is that they're not what I typically listen to. I'm definitely a huge fan now though, and if you haven't given Real Ghosts Caught on Tape a listen yet, you really should. Here's another song I really like, and here's a pretty sweet music video.
Later, HV Penetrator!
Fischerspooner, The Flaming Lips, and The Format. Now that that's out of the way, on to the main attraction.
F is for Fake Problems. This is a weird one, because they took a while to grow on me. I do like some good rock now and again, but it has to be pretty unique for me to get really into it, and I found Fake Problems somewhat run of the mill the first time through. That said, they really pull through lyrically. I know not everybody's gonna agree with that, but I for one find them marvelously clever and I think I can relate to much of the subject matter. I've only listened to Real Ghosts Caught on Tape, but I do intend on checking out their older albums.
Here's a video of the lead singer playing Songs for Teenagers in a public washroom.
Definitely talented musicians and solid songwriters... I think the issue I have is that they're not what I typically listen to. I'm definitely a huge fan now though, and if you haven't given Real Ghosts Caught on Tape a listen yet, you really should. Here's another song I really like, and here's a pretty sweet music video.
Later, HV Penetrator!
Everybody knows I'm a mother fucking procrastinator.
Egads! It's saturday and here I am plugging away at Wednesday's post. Get used to it, I guess.
E is for Erasure, a group that I've been listening to for most of my goddamn life. For those of you that don't know, I'm a big fan of Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and gay dance music in general. That all started with my Mom. While my family was strictly pentecostal in my earlier years, it definitely mellowed out when we moved away from our congregation in Sherwood Park, Alberta. I don't know exactly when my mom started listening to Erasure, but she loved them! Of course, Andy Bell is gay, and I think that's something that got my mom questioning how "wrong" that really is, and looking at our religion with more scrutiny. I remember when I was around 14, my mom telling me that whether I came home with a girlfriend, or a boyfriend, she would always love me just the same. I wish more people were so lucky.
So back to the music! I suspect that a lot of you will recognize this tune, whether you have heard of Erasure or not:
That's right! It's the song from Robot Unicorn Attack! Admittedly, that's half the reason I was so stoked about this game.
I guess the fandom is kind of ingrained... when I was a kid, we had two cats named Always, and Sometimes. That aside, it's synth pop, and it's Vince Clarke's synth pop! Dude worked with Depeche Mode, among his other projects. I don't expect everybody to like it, but I hope you'll give them a chance.
Next time, Gadget!
E is for Erasure, a group that I've been listening to for most of my goddamn life. For those of you that don't know, I'm a big fan of Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and gay dance music in general. That all started with my Mom. While my family was strictly pentecostal in my earlier years, it definitely mellowed out when we moved away from our congregation in Sherwood Park, Alberta. I don't know exactly when my mom started listening to Erasure, but she loved them! Of course, Andy Bell is gay, and I think that's something that got my mom questioning how "wrong" that really is, and looking at our religion with more scrutiny. I remember when I was around 14, my mom telling me that whether I came home with a girlfriend, or a boyfriend, she would always love me just the same. I wish more people were so lucky.
So back to the music! I suspect that a lot of you will recognize this tune, whether you have heard of Erasure or not:
That's right! It's the song from Robot Unicorn Attack! Admittedly, that's half the reason I was so stoked about this game.
I guess the fandom is kind of ingrained... when I was a kid, we had two cats named Always, and Sometimes. That aside, it's synth pop, and it's Vince Clarke's synth pop! Dude worked with Depeche Mode, among his other projects. I don't expect everybody to like it, but I hope you'll give them a chance.
Next time, Gadget!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Damn damn damn damn I suck at this.
Does anybody mind that this is like, 3 days late? I'll have you know I'm very easily distracted.
Now D could be for Depeche Mode, or Daft Punk, or Death Cab for Cutie, or Deftones, but I'm sure everybody's heard that. D could be for DIO, or Dimmu Borgir, or Dark Tranquillity, but everybody who is metal has heard that. D could be for Dir En Grey(nsfw), but everybody who is japanese (or a Japanophile) and metal has heard that. So no, I'm gonna talk about Doctor Octoroc.
Doctor Octoroc is a chiptune artist. I know not everyone who reads this is a hopeless geek like I am, so I'll explain. Chiptunes are songs made using the sound processors from old gaming systems. The artists are thusly working with the limitations of the hardware to create some pretty sweet retro gaming style beatz. Wikipedia is a lot more in-depth, if this concept intrigues you. Anyway, Doctor Octoroc is probably best known for his Christmas collection, 8-Bit Jesus. I'm gonna focus on 8-Bit Jesus, 'cause it's really all I know, and I'm already running way too late to do any research.
So each song is a classic christmas carol done in the style of a classic video game, usually with a pun-laden monicker such as "Carol of the Belmonts."
Mirth!
If you pay close attention, and have a pretty good background in NES gaming, you'll appreciate how closely all of these songs resemble classic tunes from childhood games! Nerd glee! That's my take on that!
If you find this music at all interesting, check out Doctor Octoroc's site! He's got a couple more releases out, including a St. Patrick's Day themed album!
Additionally, here's a great site for chip music in general.
Well, that's that. Be sure to take another look at Saturday's post. I've added the other review I promised.
Originally I'd planned on catching up on all my posts tonight, but no such luck. Try not to be too angry, the failure is punishment enough.
Later, smooth operator.
Now D could be for Depeche Mode, or Daft Punk, or Death Cab for Cutie, or Deftones, but I'm sure everybody's heard that. D could be for DIO, or Dimmu Borgir, or Dark Tranquillity, but everybody who is metal has heard that. D could be for Dir En Grey(nsfw), but everybody who is japanese (or a Japanophile) and metal has heard that. So no, I'm gonna talk about Doctor Octoroc.
Doctor Octoroc is a chiptune artist. I know not everyone who reads this is a hopeless geek like I am, so I'll explain. Chiptunes are songs made using the sound processors from old gaming systems. The artists are thusly working with the limitations of the hardware to create some pretty sweet retro gaming style beatz. Wikipedia is a lot more in-depth, if this concept intrigues you. Anyway, Doctor Octoroc is probably best known for his Christmas collection, 8-Bit Jesus. I'm gonna focus on 8-Bit Jesus, 'cause it's really all I know, and I'm already running way too late to do any research.
So each song is a classic christmas carol done in the style of a classic video game, usually with a pun-laden monicker such as "Carol of the Belmonts."
Mirth!
If you pay close attention, and have a pretty good background in NES gaming, you'll appreciate how closely all of these songs resemble classic tunes from childhood games! Nerd glee! That's my take on that!
If you find this music at all interesting, check out Doctor Octoroc's site! He's got a couple more releases out, including a St. Patrick's Day themed album!
Additionally, here's a great site for chip music in general.
Well, that's that. Be sure to take another look at Saturday's post. I've added the other review I promised.
Originally I'd planned on catching up on all my posts tonight, but no such luck. Try not to be too angry, the failure is punishment enough.
Later, smooth operator.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Close. So close.
Crap. Here I am starting my monday blog post at 12:01, tuesday morning.
C is for Cut Copy! I'm not even sure I need to say much here. They're getting pretty popular.
We'll start of with some of their older stuff though. I found Bright Like Neon Love pretty solid, though nowhere near as polished as their newer records. I find it necessary to point out a certain song though. Time Stands Still is stellar, and easily one of my favorite Cut Copy songs to date. The synth melodies just make my brain smile.
Then, there's In Ghost Colours. In my opinion, it's a perfect balance of electronic and rock. My favorite Cut Copy album. Sweet Video.
Their latest release, Zonoscope, is pretty good. Definitely moving away from the rock thing, which I'm a little disappointed about. It's still a great album, but I thought they had a really good thing going on. Maybe it's better that they didn't play it to death though. As always, sweet random videos. Lulz
Ooh, here's an interesting one:
C is for Cut Copy! I'm not even sure I need to say much here. They're getting pretty popular.
We'll start of with some of their older stuff though. I found Bright Like Neon Love pretty solid, though nowhere near as polished as their newer records. I find it necessary to point out a certain song though. Time Stands Still is stellar, and easily one of my favorite Cut Copy songs to date. The synth melodies just make my brain smile.
Then, there's In Ghost Colours. In my opinion, it's a perfect balance of electronic and rock. My favorite Cut Copy album. Sweet Video.
Their latest release, Zonoscope, is pretty good. Definitely moving away from the rock thing, which I'm a little disappointed about. It's still a great album, but I thought they had a really good thing going on. Maybe it's better that they didn't play it to death though. As always, sweet random videos. Lulz
Ooh, here's an interesting one:
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Better Late Than Never
Back with the letter B. Pardon my tardiness, I've got a couple reviews for today's post.
B is for Boards of Canada. Incidentally a Scottish duo, Boards of Canada draw their name and some inspiration from The National Film Board of Canada. Their music has a lot of warm analog sounds and synth melodies, similar to 70's and 80's NFB documentaries. [example]
I don't know how well suited I am to reviewing artists, since my first instinct is to just say "go listen to this and this and this!" but I'm giving it a go.
My first exposure to Boards of Canada was the album Geogaddi, and it's still one of my favorite records. Boards of Canada is great to throw on, whether you're doing something and need a good background sound, driving, or just chilling. I for one like to sit down and examine some truly interesting music once in a while.
I found that The Campfire Headphase incorporated a lot more rock-style instrumentation than earlier works. A welcome addition to be sure, and also an interesting departure for them. [example]
Boards of Canada will probably leave you feeling a little nostalgic if, like me, you grew up watching astronomy, biology, and history documentaries by the National Film Board of Canada, and don't think that's a coincidence.
Clearly that's what they were going for, and they've pulled it off flawlessly.
B is also for Buyproduct. This artist is actually somebody I know, but I'll try to remain unbiased. His album Enwirement is pretty heavy on the electronic, which I always enjoy. Everything is really well produced, and the lyrics are outstanding, in my opinion.
I especially liked the lines "Grinding the gears to take us apart, some of our brain, all of our heart, leave us intact, with modified cells, looking the same but just a shell of ourselves."
There's a lot of industrial/dance style music on the record, but some of the songs change it up a fair bit.
Now as much as I'd love to, I'm not going to embed the whole damn album on here, but I'd just like to throw down some other tracks you should check out. I recommend A Tonne of Misticking, Riding Whales, and Soft Bones. Also worthy of mention is Lost in Thought, which has some fucking sweet sound bytes from David After Dentist. Hell yeah!
That's a fair bit to start with. If you like what you hear, listen to the whole album on Soundcloud. That page includes some lyrics too, which is handy. I would've gone into the lyrical content of this album, but I'd rather let you hear it for yourself.
Alright, that's that. I'll just tack a quick personal update on here. I've started drawing again, and as soon as I can get my hands on a scanner, I'll probably do some uploading.
Also, my brother just submitted a t-shirt design to Threadless. It's still pending approval, but you guys should all check it out and maybe give it a thumbs up.
Later, John the Revelator.
B is for Boards of Canada. Incidentally a Scottish duo, Boards of Canada draw their name and some inspiration from The National Film Board of Canada. Their music has a lot of warm analog sounds and synth melodies, similar to 70's and 80's NFB documentaries. [example]
I don't know how well suited I am to reviewing artists, since my first instinct is to just say "go listen to this and this and this!" but I'm giving it a go.
My first exposure to Boards of Canada was the album Geogaddi, and it's still one of my favorite records. Boards of Canada is great to throw on, whether you're doing something and need a good background sound, driving, or just chilling. I for one like to sit down and examine some truly interesting music once in a while.
I found that The Campfire Headphase incorporated a lot more rock-style instrumentation than earlier works. A welcome addition to be sure, and also an interesting departure for them. [example]
Boards of Canada will probably leave you feeling a little nostalgic if, like me, you grew up watching astronomy, biology, and history documentaries by the National Film Board of Canada, and don't think that's a coincidence.
Clearly that's what they were going for, and they've pulled it off flawlessly.
B is also for Buyproduct. This artist is actually somebody I know, but I'll try to remain unbiased. His album Enwirement is pretty heavy on the electronic, which I always enjoy. Everything is really well produced, and the lyrics are outstanding, in my opinion.
I especially liked the lines "Grinding the gears to take us apart, some of our brain, all of our heart, leave us intact, with modified cells, looking the same but just a shell of ourselves."
There's a lot of industrial/dance style music on the record, but some of the songs change it up a fair bit.
Now as much as I'd love to, I'm not going to embed the whole damn album on here, but I'd just like to throw down some other tracks you should check out. I recommend A Tonne of Misticking, Riding Whales, and Soft Bones. Also worthy of mention is Lost in Thought, which has some fucking sweet sound bytes from David After Dentist. Hell yeah!
That's a fair bit to start with. If you like what you hear, listen to the whole album on Soundcloud. That page includes some lyrics too, which is handy. I would've gone into the lyrical content of this album, but I'd rather let you hear it for yourself.
Alright, that's that. I'll just tack a quick personal update on here. I've started drawing again, and as soon as I can get my hands on a scanner, I'll probably do some uploading.
Also, my brother just submitted a t-shirt design to Threadless. It's still pending approval, but you guys should all check it out and maybe give it a thumbs up.
Later, John the Revelator.
Friday, April 1, 2011
April 1
So I've decided I'm going to attempt this Blogging from A to Z thing. It's going to be difficult because I'm a lazy guy.
Anyways, I've elected to do a band review a day. I know this isn't ordinarily a music blog, but I do love music, so it is this month.
Posts will probably be shorter than normal, but you'll be getting 600% more of them, so suck it up, princess!
For the letter A, I'm going to go with Anathema. I'll start off with a disclaimer now, I am not at all familiar with Anathema's older stuff. As it stands, I've only heard their 3 most recent albums. A Fine Day to Exit, A Natural Disaster, and We're Here Because We're Here.
I find their work reminiscent of Radiohead and Pink Floyd. There's a lot of melodic songs and the occasional bit of synth, which I always enjoy. They can be a bit heavier and more angsty at times, but still, a very talented and inspiring group. I especially recommend listening to A Natural Disaster, as it has the broadest range of musical styles, and some of my favorite songs.
Here's Anathema's "Pulled Under at 2,000 Metres a Second" next to Pink Floyd's "Sheep."
Also here's a couple tracks from A Natural Disaster that I find particularly awesome. Balance / Closer. I don't know why they aren't just one song, because neither seems as great without the other. At any rate, they fade into eachother a bit, and unfortunately it comes across really choppy on a youtube playlist. Hope you enjoy anyways.
Anyways, I've elected to do a band review a day. I know this isn't ordinarily a music blog, but I do love music, so it is this month.
Posts will probably be shorter than normal, but you'll be getting 600% more of them, so suck it up, princess!
For the letter A, I'm going to go with Anathema. I'll start off with a disclaimer now, I am not at all familiar with Anathema's older stuff. As it stands, I've only heard their 3 most recent albums. A Fine Day to Exit, A Natural Disaster, and We're Here Because We're Here.
I find their work reminiscent of Radiohead and Pink Floyd. There's a lot of melodic songs and the occasional bit of synth, which I always enjoy. They can be a bit heavier and more angsty at times, but still, a very talented and inspiring group. I especially recommend listening to A Natural Disaster, as it has the broadest range of musical styles, and some of my favorite songs.
Here's Anathema's "Pulled Under at 2,000 Metres a Second" next to Pink Floyd's "Sheep."
Also here's a couple tracks from A Natural Disaster that I find particularly awesome. Balance / Closer. I don't know why they aren't just one song, because neither seems as great without the other. At any rate, they fade into eachother a bit, and unfortunately it comes across really choppy on a youtube playlist. Hope you enjoy anyways.
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