http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Thu, 9 Sep 2004 15:37:48 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/09/09/153748.php AndybudA good way to determine if you love or hate a CD is to go on vacation with that lone CD as your only music on-hand. If you tire of it after day one, then that speaks for itself, but if it is still in your personal heavy rotation even after your return...So it was that, while packing for a week away from home, I slipped Keller Williams' new two-disc, live-concert set, Stage, into my carry-on. Stage captures two of Williams' concerts in 2003, one on each disc: the first, a sit-down affair, and the other, a stand-up and dance crowd. Williams, with his deft digital looping skills, is a one-man band, armed with a slew of instruments including guitars, a variety of percussive sounds, synthesizers, mouth flugel, theremin, and even a human beatbox. Funk, folk, dance, jazz, and jam-band stylings crisscross and collide as Williams and sound engineer-cum-periodic-harmonizer Louis Gosain offer up 27 tracks worth of originals and covers.From the didgeridoo tribal rhythms of "Dance of the Freek," across the spacey groove interludes of "Dudelywah," to the humorous ain't-done-got-no-blues blues of "Cracker Ass Cracker," Williams demonstrates his accomplished musicianship and grasp of multiple genres. The four-lettered, funny, and folksy "Gate Crashers Suck" quickly became an on-the-road sing-along, rewind, and sing-along again, while "Balcony Baby" provided an excuse to drop the windows and punch up the bass a notch or three.In addition to his original compositions, Williams' tackles an eclectic range of cover songs, from a rap-scat interpretation of The SugarHill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" to David Wilcox's irreverent ode to silicone, "Boob Job," happily taking on Queen and Bowie, Drivin' n' Cryin', Van Morrison, Michael Jackson, the Dead, and Buffalo Springfield along the way. Like I said: eclectic. Diverse. And great.Two weeks after the end of my vacation, it's still in heavy rotation.Put it in yours.Andy O'Reilly is an aspiring writer-type, an avid music fan, and a musician of highly questionable merit. When he's not working for the man, he makes his blog home at The World Wide Rant. Music19649@blogcritics.org Thu, 9 Sep 2004 15:37:48 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/07/22/205643.php AndybudOn July 18 and 19, 2003, the lower downtown area of Denver became home to a terrific gathering of musical acts: The AT&T LoDo Music Festival. For two afternoons and nights, the streets were filled with fans, food, and - of course - a multitude of sounds. The bands ranged from local acts looking for their break to bigger names in tour, and, as always, some blasts from the past. A tremendous thanks to the organizers for allowing Matt Moore and myself to attend the event at their expense. In the sections below, you'll find some of our thoughts on the various acts we caught.Day 1Liz Clark, a local musician, started her set right on time, even though the crowd was sparse - but she played as if there were hundreds present, jumping into songs with a crack rhythm section and solid lead guitar work from her band. Her music, a relative of the Jewel-school of the singer-songwriter genre, had much more attitude, kick, and musical interest, ensuring that even the small gathering of onlookers was well-entertained. It wasn't long before her own terrific tunes like "Love & War" and "Something I Can Do Without" lured more and more people to the stage. The stand-out of the set though was a beautifully raucous cover of "Paint It Black."Liz might be local for now, but if she keeps putting on shows like that then fame shouldn't be far behind. I hope to have a review of her CD "Love & War" available on Blogcritics in the very near future.United Dope Front came out with their own blend of funk and jazz generated by bass, keys, brass, and strings. While their sound was definitely interesting, we found it a bit too intense for the continuous deluge of decibels they produced; rather than continually surging from one theme to the next, a musical breakdown would be a welcome treat, allowing each player a chance to shine. As it was, unfortunately, the sax was drowned out in the mix and songs seemed to be indeterminably entwined - but perhaps that appeals to a segment of the listening population, just not this one. Oh, and this is just a personal nitpick, but bands should be there to entertain, not politicize.Moving on to a funky, jazzy band that gets it right all the time...Medeski, Martin, & Wood - a long-time favorite - took the stage in the evening. Andy has been a long-time fan of the band and the way they use a standup bass, keys, and drums to take jazz to new levels. Given the way that they improvise and expand upon the thematic elements of each song, we'd be hardpressed to provide a reliable setlist. Well, that and the fact that we were just as caught up as the rest of the crowd as MM&W disassembled songs into near-punk chaos before collapsing back into a tight, melodic groove. Whereas Matt would be more of a fan if they would incorporate vocals into their compositions, Andy thinks the music stands well on its own. And, of course, he's right.Next up was the Rebirth Brass Band, who certainly had enough energy to carry an entire concert. Three trumpets, a tenor sax (maybe a baritone?), a tuba, a trombone, a snare, a bass drum, and some cymbals. They played a never-slowing medley of popular and original melodies filled with shouts, screams, and call-and-response vocals. This was one band that demanded the crowd get involved, and get involved they did, with singing and dancing all around us. By the end of their set, we were worn out just from watching and listening - and holding up a cell phone so a friend who couldn't be there could enjoy one of her personal faves almost live.We would have liked to have seen BoDeans and Blind Boys of Alabama, but a sudden deluge struck and drove the masses indoors. While we like the Party of Five theme song and outstanding gospel renditions as much as the next person, after a full day of festival fun, we decided to pack it in and be well-rested for the next day.Day 2Night two of the festival was, in our opinion, the highpoint - even though the acts we particularly wanted to see didn't have "main stage" status, they put on a terrific show.Rhett Miller, frontman for the Old 97s, took the stage, declaring that he was out to prove that rock and roll wasn't dead - all by himself. Even without a backing band, Miller and his lone, amped-up acoustic guitar were definitely able to pull a few nails out of the coffin with a mix of Old 97s songs and Miller's solo work. Dancing about the stage, long hair tossing to-and-fro, and some serious swinging of the hips, one might have thought that Elvis hadn't yet left the building.Standouts included a cover of X's "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" and a duet of the Old 97s song "Four Leaf Clover" with Exene Cervenka (yes, of X). At the end of their give-and-take performance, Miller said, over tremendous applause, "I should just quit right now. That was fucking awesome!" But quitting wasn't part of the plan, and Miller continued banging out one song after another - including a bit of Ziggy Stardust - slowing it down but once with a unique rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love with You." Hey, look, it's Elvis!Alternative rock favorites (from way back when "alternative rock" meant something), Camper Van Beethoven, surpassed expectations, reaching back into their catalogue and enhancing each song with extended jams and even a bit of lap-top enabled electronica (keywords being "a bit" - too much electronica is rarely a good thing and CVB got it right). David Lowery and the band played such memorable songs as "Eye of Fatima," "Pictures of Matchstick Men," and the ever-confusing, yet always classic "Take The Skinheads Bowling." Andy never thought he'd be surrounded by throngs of people who knew the words to that song, but - there they were - someone call Rod Serling.It only got stranger with CVB's cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" - based on a 2002 release of a 1987 recording the band made of the entire album.Seriously.X was our final act of the festival and, full disclosure, my notes of their performance have been abducted to the place where missing notes of punk performances go. In short, Exene and John Doe still have it in them after all these years to give a blistering, unique show, any outer effects of aging to the contrary. Billy Zoom, laid back as could be while driving cowpunk chords from his guitar, and DJ Bonebrake on drums rounded out the X sound we know and love (or, if you don't, then you don't). Yes, I know, not much of a review of a band as great as X, but you know they're good, so need more be said?Bottom line: The festival organizers put together a great line-up of music for the fans. Among those we weren't able to catch were Steel Pulse, Joan Osborne, The Ohio Players, The Iguanas, and even hip-hopsters Rob Base & Kurtis Blow.They also did a fantastic job of balancing the vendor-to-patron ration, so one never felt inundated with someone trying to sell you something - and when you did want to buy something, like say, beer or good eats, the price was respectable for a festival of this size. I've found that to be one area in which many organizers stick it to the fans rather than sticking to the music - kudos again to them for avoiding such a mistake.Thanks again for allowing us the opportunity to attend as observers and for taking a chance on something as new and innovative as Blogcritics. Hope to see you next year!More thoughts on the event, as they occur, can be found at The World Wide Rant and The Blog of the Century of the Week. Music7145@blogcritics.org Tue, 22 Jul 2003 20:56:43 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/05/164738.php AndybudIn the tradition of my first mix CD post, I now give you the second installment - the charmingly monikered Napster - for that "not so fresh" feeling.Here's the songlist, with commentary when I think some might be warranted."Beats the Hell Out of Me" - The Waltons. Yes, Virginia, there are Canadian bands besides the Barenaked Ladies."Somebody Put Something in My Drink" - The Ramones."Alec Eiffel" - the Pixies. A college favorite. Wait, did I just date myself?"Super Cool Wagon" - Sons of Freedom. A kick-ass rhythmic song from another group of Canucks, and no, not the Barenaked Ladies."How Will I Laugh Tomorrow" - Suicidal Tendencies. I was never much into them - this song got my attention though."She Gives Me Love" - The Godfathers."Edie (ciao baby)" - The Cult. A long-time fave of mine from Ian Astbury and company."In Your Eyes" - The Reivers. Underrated Texas band from the late 80s, definite alternative folk-rocky sound, when "alternative" meant something."Alex Chilton" - The Replacements. No comments necessary - one of the greatest bands ever. I guess that was a comment, eh?"She Loves Me" - Dougie MacLean. Contemporary Scottish folk music. I met Dougie once at his pub in Dunkeld, Scotland. I doubt he remembers."Coffee and TV" - Blur. Virtually monotonous riff, but it got me hooked."Operation Spirit" - Live. What can I say - it was a great song to hear around the period I was a budding atheist (I've since bloomed into a complete one, if you're interested)."Buster" - moe. I fell in love with the song "Nebraska" and then found this one. Not as catchy, but I like it. You will too if you're into the whole Phish/Widespread jam band thing."Closing Time" - Semisonic. So sue me, it's a guilty pleasure."Good Times" - Hoodoo Gurus."Veronica" - Elvis Costello. "Shake Your Rump" - Beastie Boys. I was very late getting into the Beastie Boys (and I still think "Fight for your Right" sucks), but I've been amassing more of their stuff the last several years.There you have it. Enjoy. Or not. Either way.Check out more of my lunacy at The World Wide Rant. Music3032@blogcritics.org Wed, 5 Feb 2003 16:47:38 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/01/08/123124.php AndybudOLD NEWS BUT I HAVE TO ASK, what is ABC thinking with The Bachelorette? Now, now, before you go off on some tirade about double standards, sexism, and the plight of women everywhere, allow me to explain.First, let's look at The Bachelor. One guy - and a whole bunch of women. What is the appeal? After careful scientific analysis (i.e. a couple of ideas I ran past my wife), here's why the show works:Men in the viewing audience get to watch the attractive women being attractive, all the while thinking how stupid the premise is but that they'd like to have a harem vying for their lovin' spoonful too.Women in the viewing audience get to look at a decent looking guy AND get to watch the attractive women being catty and backstabbing, all the while laughing at their misery from the comfort of their own sofa. This is why Oprah is so popular too.It's a win-win for everybody (and yes, I realize homosexuals are people too but I'm sticking to the majority for the sake of space - if you're gay, feel free to let me know into which of the above categories you would place yourself, if at all).Now, on to the Bachelorette. One woman (granted, a bonafide hottie at that) - and a whole bunch of guys. What is the appeal going to be?Men in the viewing audience get to watch one attractive woman. Well, we can do that on any number of other channels, and without having to see a bunch of hairy dudes acting like idiots to win the fair maiden's attention. *Click* Women in the viewing audience get to look at a bunch of men (which might have some potential, although my wife indicates it'll be short-lived) either being hyper-macho and catty or laying on faux emotion and cheese until our eyes don't just roll, but actually do multiple cartwheels in our skulls. *Click*I just don't believe this program was very well thought out. Or maybe it's my post that isn't. Either way, I won't be watching.Much.Now, Joe Millionaire, that's some high-class entertainment.As seen earlier at The World Wide Rant. Video2537@blogcritics.org Wed, 8 Jan 2003 12:31:24 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/01/08/114507.php AndybudThat's the name of one of the many compilation CDs I put together, this one circa 2000 (not to be confused with my other similarly titled CD Napster - For That Not So Fresh Feeling). It's a mix of cheesy goodness, fun goodness, and - er- "good" goodness.So, without further delay, here we go in all our ribbed glory, commentary included:"Julia Says" - Wet Wet Wet : Nothing says soft cheese like this band. I included it because it was dominating MTV Europe when I lived in Finland back in 1994 - even soft cheese can penetrate a hard head with enough repetition."Allstar" - Smash Mouth : Just a fun song. Nothing earth-shaking."I'm An Adult Now" - The Pursuit of Happiness : Rebellious youth anthem from my, uh, youth."Que Buena Baila Usted" - Ibrahim Ferrer : I've loved Ferrer's work since seeing the documentary Buena Vista Social Club a few years ago. It inspired a brief flurry of my buying Afro-Cuban music."Whoever You Are" - Geggy Tah : Remembered this one from my days as a DJ at the University of Alabama. Saw Geggy Tah open up for the Barenaked Ladies in Atlanta in the mid-90s; most memorable thing was their use of strange instruments from strange lands."In Love" - William Shatner & Ben Folds : Hard to explain, although I think it being by Shatner and Folds should give you an idea of what you're in for. It's fun."No Need" - Big Drill Car : SoCal band with solid melodic hooks in most of their poppy punk songs. Third Blinking Eye 182 could only hope to sound like this."Litany (Life Goes On)" - Guadalcanal Dairy : A powerful song from one of the unsung heroes of the college alternative scene, back when that meant something."Theme from Sanford & Son" : Hey, the song kicks ass, what can I say? What more need be said?"Love Crushing" - Fetchin' Bones: A bit of suggestive college rock for the kids."Roll To Me" - Del Amitri : Yes, cheesy, but Del Amitri is one of those bands that by sheer circumstance plays a major role in the soundtrack of my life. The previous album, Change Everything, was an unfortunately prophetic bit of music-making with regard to a certain relationship of mine."Mary" - All : The remains of the Descendents went on to form a fun punk/pop combination that ranged from noisy abandon to melodic hooks. This song's lyrics are a personal long-term fave of mine."Come Back Down" - Toad the Wet Sprocket : Does anyone remember Toad before the sucky sell-out? I do. Off the very understated album Pale."Melanie" - Dreams So Real : Folk-influenced rock from the Athens scene when it was hot. Saw them open for Guadalcanal Diary and bought Rough Night in Jericho soon after."Nineteen" - Paul Hardcastle : I'd rather just chalk this one up to my being drunk when I burned the CD. Yes, that must be it."Postcards from Paradise" - Flesh for Lulu : Long Live the Flesh! Well, they lived until the early 90s anyway. The song "I Go Crazy" made a minor impact thanks to the Some Kind of Wonderful soundtrack."That Ain't Bad" - Ratcat : Straight-ahead guitar-fueled pop rock from down under. Not a lot of lyrical depth, but a good band to crank up."Sultans of Swing" - Dire Straits : self-explanatory."Haven't Got a Clue" - Dramarama : Nothing much to add here - I just loved Dramarama all throughout college. All in all, not my best work, but not a bad listen by any means. Music2536@blogcritics.org Wed, 8 Jan 2003 11:45:07 EST