What I'm Listening To

Firstly, sorry about missing yesterday’s post. I stayed home and nursed a kid and myself back to All Star Health and am feeling much better today.

I don’t know if you knew this, but I’m a singer/songwriter who has been singing and writing songs now for, ah…about a decade. Of course, I have but a smidgen of that work on the site, but I think it needs to be said. Hell, I need a better link/page for my music anyway. Right now some of my most rewarding creative output is linked with the exciting title of “My Music and Files” on the right hand column. I might as well call it “My Shit You Never Click” because it could extract the same effect.

Anyway, music is something that is an important influence on me, and I’d like to share some of the stuff I’ve been listening to. Now, if you’ve been paying attention (and I just know you have), you can find out what I’m listening to at the time I write my posts by googling two-line lyric snippets I leave at the bottom of each post. This is my clever attempt at being, well, clever in how I show you information about myself.

I know, I’m a regular fucking Divinci code.

So let’s get to some music. I’ll show you some treats that may be just right up your alley, or may send you packing. We’ll see how it all shakes out. Oh, and just FYI: I make no cash off these links (maybe I should?), so feel free to click and buy knowing I won’t get $.30 from it.

• Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth – You know, typing the band name out makes me wonder just how they got from being Insanely Goth Cool to Kickass Rock Band. Yes, you read that right, band. Trent Reznor, now a 39 year old millionare, has a hard time with heroin, but you wouldn’t know it here. There are drums, keyboards, guitars, crushing riffs and all that that implies held on this piece of plastic. I was very impressed by the opening track, “All The Love In The World” which goes from cool NiN gruff to melodic amazement. If you liked any of their big singles (Closer, Hurt, etc), you’ll love this record.

 

• Wilco - A Ghost is Born – If you don’t know Wilco and you like an old fashioned rock band, holy shit you are in for a treat. I will warn you, however: You must give it time. You know those records you listened to once and were so pissed off for being terrible? But then later you found it and said “Well, let’s see if it still sucks” and you immediately fall in love with it? Example A, lookin right atcha. Just an incredible piece of work I’ve listened to innumerable times.

 

• Ringside - Self Titled – This record could be so much better with just a few different tweaks to some so-so songs. Tired of Being Sorry, the best song on the record (and the correct first single) is astonishing, but most of this stuff needs work. Dreamboat 730 and Struggle are both excellent cuts, but be aware of sub-par tracks sprinkled amongst the goodness.

 

• Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm – Despite having The Worst Album Title Ever (seriously Aimee, what the fuck?), this is a great album with some solid songwriting. Now when I say solid songwriting I’m not speaking of just putting the words together and making them rhyme, I mean creating melodies, lyrics, and moods that most mere mortals are not capable of. Best track? Goodbye Caroline. Just gorgeous.

 

• The Killers - Hot Fuss – I didn’t think it was possible: An 80’s pop album that is good from start to finish. Wow! I was really expecting sub-par from these guys but they haven’t disappointed. Sure they’re overplayed by MTV, but that’s part of the charm. They’re so damn good even MTV can’t help but show them all the time, and for good reason. These guys kick ass.

 

• Snow Patrol - Final Straw – I heard these guys on the local indie music station and was instantly intrigued. They are currently riding high on the success of “Chocolate,” their latest single, but the entire album is excellent. Wonderful lyrics and “Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking” is destined to become a classic.

Okay, I think that’s enough. Any of those six are excellent listens well worth your time and money. So now I throw it back to you: What have you been listening to, and of that list what should no music fan be without? I’ll give you the weekend to discuss. See ya Monday.

This building’s totally burning down
And my heart has slowly dried up

Tags: Music Nine Inch Nails Wilco Ringside Aimee Mann Killers Snow Patrol