Are You Experienced?

Hey everyone, I just got back from a great spring break and I'm a little burnt out and really not looking forward to going back to class tomorrow, but this question is a no brainer for me. The Jimi Hendrix Experience album "Are You Experienced" has definitely had the most influence on my life. I remember lying in bed when I was 13 listening to it over and over again. It was so different from what I was listening to at the time and I immediately fell in love with it. It really made me appreciate quality music and inspired me to pick up the guitar and start playing. It also initiated the transformation of my taste in music from pop/rap music to classic and modern rock. Even when I listen to this album today, I am still amazed at the sounds Hendrix can generate from his guitar; no one can do it like he did.

Lollapalooza

The headliners suck. Simple as that. Perry is putting his own band as one of the headliners (can anyone say conflict of interest).
I do have faith that the rest of the schedule when it comes out will be great. While last years headliners (especially Radiohead) were awesome, my favorite part of Lollapalooza is sitting during the afternoon in Chi town on a beautiful afternoon and listening to great music. Until we get this schedule we cannot call the concert a failure.

Life changing Album, hm..sad to admit but...

A CD that changed my life? Hmmm....I'm actually going to go out in a limb on this one and name the first CD I ever purchased. It was Ace of Base's "The Sign." While it may not be cool to admit, this first grade purchase was the first of many. I would have friends come over after school and we would hang out, play basketball, and listen to this CD. It started a music clique of my friends which continues to this day (although with much better taste in music).

What Decade is This Again?

Lollapalooza has recently announced the 2009 headliners: Jane's Addiction, The Beastie Boys, and Depeche Mode.   

One question: is this Lollapalooza 1995 or 2009?

Last year Radiohead, I'll say it again Radiohead, headlined! Also headlining were Kanye, and Rage Against the Machine.  They brought in one of the best bands of all time, one that doesn't play the United States very often, to headline an amazing lineup.   They also brought in one of the best, though self absorbed and controversial, rap artists of all time.  And its not as if Rage isn't also amazing.  Rage isn't exactly my kind of music, but I respect the hell out of them.  

As a follow up to one of the best festival lineups in years they go out and get middleaged men, well past their prime, and years removed from their best albums.   

If this were 1995, actually '92 might be a better year to shoot for, this years lineup would have owned the summer festival circuit.  Unfortunately, this is not the 90s, and Lollapalooza is far from offering the best lineup of summer '09. Bonnaroo has already beaten Lollapalooza by bringing in the Boss and E Street.  Coachella is also doing much better with Sir Paul, The Killers, and The Cure.  

I don't know exactly what the organizers are shooting for, maybe nostalgia, but I am far from excited to go.  

Movie to see: Rachel Getting Married

Band to Check out: This week I'm not going to recommend a band, but check out NPR's All Songs Considered Podcast.  Great music for free!!! 

How can people really hate DMB?

I come across so many people who hate Dave Matthews Band and anyone who follows DMB. Generally these are people who think that only Bros listen to DMB (also a problem for O.A.R. and Sublime).  I'll admit that I often come across as a music elitist, and that DMB isn't exactly pushing musical boundaries, but they are still some of the most talented musicians out there today. There is a reason why Dave plays with Bela Fleck: because he's damn good.

Anyway the whole purpose of this blog is to let people know that DMB was my gateway into the music world.  I went through a lot of phases while I was growing up (yes Tag Team's Wooomp There It Is was my first CD way back in the day...and I am ashamed.)  It wasn't until I started listening to DMB that I really found the type of music that I identified as my kind of music.  

I had actually listened to DMB for years before becoming an avid listener.  At some point it just clicked in my head (probably around the age of 14).  They were the first band I absolutely had to see.  They were also the first band that I could listen to all their albums all the way through without skipping a song.  From there I developed a bigger and bigger appreciation and love for music.  

DMB is no longer my absolute favorite band, but they aren't far from the top.  I am a sort of music elitist at times and also one of those kids who listens to obscure indie bands, but DMB will always be one of may favorites.  If you can't appreciate what they do, then I really think its for reasons other than their music (see Bro haters and anyone who only likes bands that no one else listens to).

Movie to see: The 400 Blows

Band to check out: Crane Your Swan Neck

THE FUMES

The Fumes are an Australian music duo consisting of a drummer and guitar player. They have a real crunchy, blues sound that reminds me a lot of the black keys. These guys are bound to blow up soon, no one can deny their raw talent and heavy tunes. Anyone going to the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas should definitely check these guys out. They also have a new album coming out on May 8th titled "Sundancer" ...I'm really looking forward to picking that up.

SXSW

The first band I would encourage music goers to attend would be the Bedouin Soundclash. This band first garnered my attention with their song "When the night feels my song." They have a unique singer and upbeat, positive songs. I'm sure they are a great concert and would exude positive vibes to all of the concert goers.

The second band I recommend is Shwayze. Since coming out with their hit "Corona and Lime" they have been a fixture at house parties throughout Madison. Their music always seems to make the kids at a party dance, and to see them in concert would be great.

Movie not to see: The Watchmen (too few scenes of worth and too much blue penis).

SXSW Must See: Ra Ra Riot

2009 was the year we were introduced to two up-and-coming bands with the ability to successfully incorporate classical music into impressively catchy indie tunes.

The first, and better known, is Vampire Weekend. Though they draw on string sections to infuse their simple indie rock with a classical twist from time to time, they do not allow this twist into their complete library of songs. Ra Ra Riot on the other hand has been able to successfully bring a full-time string section into an indie rock band throughout every one of their amazing songs.

With the release of The Rhumb Line, one of my personal favorites from 2009, Ra Ra Riot burst onto the indie rock scene. Their sound is upbeat yet sorrowful. They were able to translate the recent death of an original band member into something that could be shared with everyone: powerful music.

I have not seen them live but I assume that they are just as impressive as their album would make them seem. Anyone attending SXSW in the upcoming weeks should try and make their show. I am sure that you would not regret it.

Band to check out: Talking Heads (This is for people who only know them for Burning Down the House. Please check out the rest of their stuff...it's amazing!)

Movie to See: Glengarry Glen Ross