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

Dream Concerts

Classic Rock

This is the toughest genre of music to make a dream line-up for. There were so many good bands/talented musicians that I found myself at a loss for what bands to include. After racking my brain and going through my itunes library, I finally came up with this lineup:

Opener: Bob Dylan

Mid: Pink Floyd

Closer: Jimi Hendrix

I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan- He is a great storyteller and one of the best poets of his time. I could listen to him for hours on end and, lucky for me, he has enough songs that would allow me to do so. I know he's more of a folk singer but I couldn't keep him out of the concert.

I included Pink Floyd in this list, not only because of their mind-numbing, psychedelic music, but because of the laser light show that would accompany the concert. It would be so captivating to be there in person and take it all in.

To close the show I chose Hendrix because he is a guitar God. He plays so effortlessly and practically speaks through the guitar. Also, his showmanship is unparalleled. His on-stage antics, playing behind his back and with his teeth, would really be something to see. It is a terrible tragedy that he died so young; he had an immense amount of talent and was one of the most influential guitar players of all time.

If I was able to attend this concert, my life would be complete.

Hip-Hop

I know these artists may not technically be considered hip-hop artists, but I have to include them in my ideal line-up.

Opener: Atmosphere

Mid: Nas

Closer: Biggie

Although I already saw Atmosphere in Madison on Halloween (which was amazing), I love their music and would see them whenever the opportunity arises. Slug is a great lyricist and his lyrics have deep and intellectual meanings that really hit home with me.

I also saw Nas in Milwaukee already but the show was awesome and I would love to see him again. He has a great style and doesn’t give a damn about what anyone thinks of him.

Biggie is a pretty obvious and cliché choice, but that’s just a testament to his ability. He has the best flow and his rhyming style is very unique. It has a naturalistic element that makes it seem like he is talking to you rather than rapping.

Jazz

This is a rather difficult genre for me to pick a line-up for because I don’t listen to a whole lot of jazz, but I do appreciate genre.

Opener: John Coltrane

Mid: Louis Armstrong

Closer: Miles Davis

It would be blasphemous not to include Coltrane in this line-up. He has influenced so many musicians and genres with his sound and really paved the way for jazz saxophonists.

Armstrong had a great stage personality that really complemented his style. His trumpet solos and improvisations made him a great entertainer that I would love to see.

There isn’t anything I can say about Miles Davis that hasn’t already been said. His mellow grooves and rhythm make him a great closer that you can just sit back and enjoy.

Alternative Rock

I’m using a relatively loose definition of this genre so I can include some great bands that I would thoroughly enjoy seeing.

Opener: Indigenous

Mid: The Black Keys

Closer: Red Hot Chili Peppers

A lot of you probably haven’t heard of Indigenous but they are a tremendously talented band. It is comprised of a group of Native American siblings from South Dakota. The lead guitarist is really good and his style is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s mixed with a little Hendrix. I highly recommend you check them out if you haven’t already.

The Black Keys have recently become one of my favorite bands. They have a crunchy, blues sound that really makes me want to shred some air guitar. I’ve also heard that they are great live.

Who doesn’t love the chili peppers? They have so much stage energy and each member of the band is very skilled with their respective instruments. They really rock out on stage and I think that John Frusciante is one of the best guitar players of the current era.

Well that was fun but I’m out, I got a midterm to start studying for that I’ve been putting off for hours.