Being a die hard Cure fan, we've come to expect movement from the band about every 4 years. It is the same with other bands like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. Needless to say, for a while over in Cure camp, as I like to call it, it has just been way too quiet for way too long. With the exception of a collaboration between Robert and Crystal Castles for the song "I'm Not In Love" set to release next week, and a few charity items Robert has donated, there has been no talk of a new album or live shows. I just found out today that guitarist Port Thompson who rejoined the group in 2005 left the band last year, or was let go, a slight of information that could cost me my VIP status with the band (if such a thing existed).
So with today's BIG, and by BIG I mean HUGE GINORMOUSLY EXCITING FANTABULOUSNESS news that Robert and Co. will take the stage as the Saturday headlining act for the 4-day festival in Isle of Wright called "Bestival", a few of us are little excited to say the least. It is being billed as the Cure's "only European festival show in 2011" according to RSX himself but festival organizers have touted the appearance as the band's "only European show in 2011" causing Cureheads around the world to salivate and rejoice hoping that the words spoken by Robert are true and that they will play "other" shows in 2011 in addition to this "festival" billing.
Cure fansites were set ablaze today with this news and everyone speculating what will happen next. The show doesn't even happen until next September, but those that are fortunate to live near the UK, have some lovely spare change in their pockets or both have already purchased their tickets for this undoubtedly wonderful experience. The rest of us are left only with dreams of what will hopefully flourish from this appearance. And since no one knows for sure who is still left in the band, besides Robert and most likely bassist Simon, fans are wondering if former members keyboardist Roger O'Donnell and guitarist Perry Bamonte will return to the fold. Seeing as how no relationship is truly over when it comes to Robert, except for his with Lol Tolhurst, it is easy for us Cure fans to start saying, "Oh, I hope this one returns or that one is on this album".
And speaking of albums, we've been hearing about this long awaited follow up to 2008's 4:13 Dream for a while now as it has been said to be the "dark" album Disintegration and Pornography lovers have been long hoping would finally bring the band back to their darker, melodic guiatar driven roots. Will this spawn such an album? Seeing as how RSX has more than 200 songs in his library, I doubt he's just been sitting idly on his hands not writing any new material. The man is a lyrical genius, even if you don't enjoy newer songs like "The Perfect Boy" or "Freakshow", he still manages to create beautiful masterpieces like "Underneath the Stars" and "Anniversary". There still is plenty of greatness left in Robert's 51 year old brain.
So, the next 10 months will certainly be full of fans' speculations as to what to expect from this "only European show" of 2011 and where it will lead. The biggest problem about being a Curehead, along with having any other addiction, is that we can't wait to get our fix again. With the Cure, it's another album and another tour and then we have to wait again. Well, we're encroaching on that 4 year mark and RSX has emerged from the dark caverns of England with such wonderful news. Christmas has come early for Cure fans across the globe!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Remembering Michael Hutchence
Today is the 13th anniversary of the death of Michael Hutchence, former frontman for the Australian band INXS. His death came to a surprise to all of his fans and he is still regarded as one of the most influential singers of my generation. I fell in love with Michael and the rest of the band when I was about 7 years old. My oldest sister was a big fan of their music. This was right around the time that Kick was released. She salivated at the mouth when she saw Hutchence in the "Devil Inside" video. From there, I was hooked as well. She is also responsible for my infatuation with Duran Duran all of these years. It was a match made in heaven with songs like "Don't Change", "Listen Like Thieves", "Never Tear us Apart", how could you not love their sound?
I recently read their autobiography and was so moved by the story of true brotherhood. Those guys were all in it together from the very beginning and never let any outside forces, like the record companies, come in between them and their duty of creating great music. I never had the opportunity of seeing them perform live, so like the rest of the world, I'm left with only live footage from before Michael's passing.
Michael passed away on November 22, 1997. He was in a hotel room completely blitzed out on a mixture of drugs and alcohol. It has been speculated that Michael killed himself during a bout with sexual autoeroticism, but I don't believe that. Especially after reading the book and learning of his state of mind he was in, only someone that has experienced that sense of desperation can maybe truly understand the situation. Michael left behind a daughter, Tiger Lily, that day as well as his bandmates/brothers. His legacy continues on to this day and his fans still miss him very much.
I recently read their autobiography and was so moved by the story of true brotherhood. Those guys were all in it together from the very beginning and never let any outside forces, like the record companies, come in between them and their duty of creating great music. I never had the opportunity of seeing them perform live, so like the rest of the world, I'm left with only live footage from before Michael's passing.
Michael passed away on November 22, 1997. He was in a hotel room completely blitzed out on a mixture of drugs and alcohol. It has been speculated that Michael killed himself during a bout with sexual autoeroticism, but I don't believe that. Especially after reading the book and learning of his state of mind he was in, only someone that has experienced that sense of desperation can maybe truly understand the situation. Michael left behind a daughter, Tiger Lily, that day as well as his bandmates/brothers. His legacy continues on to this day and his fans still miss him very much.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Check out this Band: Warpaint
I’ve recently discovered a wonderful band thanks to Last.fm called Warpaint. Warpaint is an all girl quartet based out of the Los Angeles area. Currently their line up includes Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals/guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bassist/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums/keyboards). Since their inception in 2004, the band has gone through a few personnel lineups which have included actress Shannyn Sossamon and current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.
The original lineup, which included childhood friends Theresa Wayman, Emily Kokal, and sisters Shannyn Sossamon and Jenny Lee Lindberg formed in 2004 on Valentine’s Day. They wrote some of the bands substantial songs that helped produce their ethereal, psychedelic shoegazey sound. The songs, “"Stars," "Beetles," and "Elephants" would then go on their debut EP, Exquisite Corpse. It was during this time that Warpaint also played many shows around the Los Angeles area and created a fanbase that has grown larger over time.
Last week, Warpaint released their first full length album called The Fool. The girls are currently on tour in support of their new album and previously released EP making stops in North America as well as abroad in countries like Denmark, Germany France and the United Kingdom.
The Fool was well received among critics. Featuring tracks produced by post-punk indie queen, Siouxsie Sioux and New Order DJ-collaborator Andrew Weatherall, the album had caused quite a stir while the ladies played many festivals, including the ever-famous Lollapalooza festival, over the last few months in anticipation of its release. Stereoboard.com says Warpaint “have made an album that successfully takes experimental art-rock to the extreme.” At one point, the site even compares Kokal’s haunting lead vocals to that of Bjork and Beth Gibbons of Portishead, but essentially that is where the comparisons end. Warpaint has managed to combine many elements and sounds to create their own unique vibe.
This album is definitely going on my “Must have” list after only hearing a few tracks. It is refreshing to hear their sound. It brings back memories of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s when shoegaze was coming into its own along with a few hints of Pink Floyd-like psychedelic guitars and trippy beats of Massive Attack all rolled into one giant present wrapped with a shiny red bow. In other words, they rock and I love them and can’t wait to hear more!
The original lineup, which included childhood friends Theresa Wayman, Emily Kokal, and sisters Shannyn Sossamon and Jenny Lee Lindberg formed in 2004 on Valentine’s Day. They wrote some of the bands substantial songs that helped produce their ethereal, psychedelic shoegazey sound. The songs, “"Stars," "Beetles," and "Elephants" would then go on their debut EP, Exquisite Corpse. It was during this time that Warpaint also played many shows around the Los Angeles area and created a fanbase that has grown larger over time.
Last week, Warpaint released their first full length album called The Fool. The girls are currently on tour in support of their new album and previously released EP making stops in North America as well as abroad in countries like Denmark, Germany France and the United Kingdom.
The Fool was well received among critics. Featuring tracks produced by post-punk indie queen, Siouxsie Sioux and New Order DJ-collaborator Andrew Weatherall, the album had caused quite a stir while the ladies played many festivals, including the ever-famous Lollapalooza festival, over the last few months in anticipation of its release. Stereoboard.com says Warpaint “have made an album that successfully takes experimental art-rock to the extreme.” At one point, the site even compares Kokal’s haunting lead vocals to that of Bjork and Beth Gibbons of Portishead, but essentially that is where the comparisons end. Warpaint has managed to combine many elements and sounds to create their own unique vibe.
This album is definitely going on my “Must have” list after only hearing a few tracks. It is refreshing to hear their sound. It brings back memories of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s when shoegaze was coming into its own along with a few hints of Pink Floyd-like psychedelic guitars and trippy beats of Massive Attack all rolled into one giant present wrapped with a shiny red bow. In other words, they rock and I love them and can’t wait to hear more!
As Predicted, Interpol Did Not Disappoint
As I mentioned in a previous post, I was getting to see Interpol for the first time in six years. They made Houston their last Texas stop on Friday night before heading to New Orleans for Voodoo Fest. Being the anxious music lover that I am, I had already been reading about previous shows to see what songs they might delight us with and video of the performances. Nothing, though, could have prepared me for the show that took place that night.
By all accounts, Interpol is typically a band that is anti-image. That is probably why I love them so much. They are all about the music. They don't get a lot of airplay, at least in Houston. They look dapper and handsome in their fancy suits, but in the end it is their lyrics and music that wins over any true fan's heart. I wasn't sure what to expect from these guys. The first time I saw them was during the Curiosa Festival back in 2004. They opened for the Cure, my all time favorite band and they were touring in support of their first album Turn on the Bright Lights. They were good. They sounded different. They sounded edgy. I was immediately hooked. There was nothing fancy or spectacular about their show. It was just them. Now, years later, not much has changed. Their show was a raw, emotionally charged set.
Backlit by interchanging crimson red and ice blue lighting, it was just them. Paul, Sam, Daniel, David and Brandon. Just them and their music to which the crowd knew just about every lyric, every drum beat. They started off the set with "Success" from their latest album, but quickly dove into many old favorites from TOTBL and Antics. "Say Hello to the Angels" and "C'Mere" quickly got the audience jumping and singing. Mixing in more new songs like "Summer Well", the electrifying and energetic "Barricade" and the darker and sexier "Lights", the audience was taken on a journey from past to present and back again.
The energy of the crowd was great too, although I wish that more fans could have been a little more lively. I guess not everyone gets as excited about a concert as I do, but it was clear that these people love Interpol. It was a mixture of younger mid-twentysomethings to people in their mid-30's and even a few older ones as well. I loved that so many people in Houston turned out for this great show, especially since it was Halloween weekend and there was a Ghostland Observatory show going on just down the street. At one point, a guy standing next to me just leaned over and told me "Man, I love this band. They're so good!" and all I could say was "Yes, they are f*cking good, no better way to describe them".
Before I knew it, it was encore time. To end out the show, they played "Obstacle 1", the song that ignited my love affair for them, "Try it On" and finished up with "Slow Hands". Just as quickly as it began, the show was over and I was left wanting so much more. So was the rest of the audience.
The band continue their tour, playing for thousands of other fans. I could tell they really were having fun on the stage. I could tell they were loving every minute of it. All I can say is from a fan's point of view, we loved it too. And we'll be there to continue on the ride for the next one.
By all accounts, Interpol is typically a band that is anti-image. That is probably why I love them so much. They are all about the music. They don't get a lot of airplay, at least in Houston. They look dapper and handsome in their fancy suits, but in the end it is their lyrics and music that wins over any true fan's heart. I wasn't sure what to expect from these guys. The first time I saw them was during the Curiosa Festival back in 2004. They opened for the Cure, my all time favorite band and they were touring in support of their first album Turn on the Bright Lights. They were good. They sounded different. They sounded edgy. I was immediately hooked. There was nothing fancy or spectacular about their show. It was just them. Now, years later, not much has changed. Their show was a raw, emotionally charged set.
Backlit by interchanging crimson red and ice blue lighting, it was just them. Paul, Sam, Daniel, David and Brandon. Just them and their music to which the crowd knew just about every lyric, every drum beat. They started off the set with "Success" from their latest album, but quickly dove into many old favorites from TOTBL and Antics. "Say Hello to the Angels" and "C'Mere" quickly got the audience jumping and singing. Mixing in more new songs like "Summer Well", the electrifying and energetic "Barricade" and the darker and sexier "Lights", the audience was taken on a journey from past to present and back again.
The energy of the crowd was great too, although I wish that more fans could have been a little more lively. I guess not everyone gets as excited about a concert as I do, but it was clear that these people love Interpol. It was a mixture of younger mid-twentysomethings to people in their mid-30's and even a few older ones as well. I loved that so many people in Houston turned out for this great show, especially since it was Halloween weekend and there was a Ghostland Observatory show going on just down the street. At one point, a guy standing next to me just leaned over and told me "Man, I love this band. They're so good!" and all I could say was "Yes, they are f*cking good, no better way to describe them".
Before I knew it, it was encore time. To end out the show, they played "Obstacle 1", the song that ignited my love affair for them, "Try it On" and finished up with "Slow Hands". Just as quickly as it began, the show was over and I was left wanting so much more. So was the rest of the audience.
The band continue their tour, playing for thousands of other fans. I could tell they really were having fun on the stage. I could tell they were loving every minute of it. All I can say is from a fan's point of view, we loved it too. And we'll be there to continue on the ride for the next one.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Interpol Comes to Houston After 6 Long Years
Well, I guess they did play back in 2006 for their Antics tour, but I didn't get to see them on that tour. So for me, it has been 6 long years of waiting in anticipation to see this amazingly talented band take the stage in support of their new self-titled album.
The show will take place at the Verizon Wireless Theater, a venue where I've had the chance to see some of the greatest shows including Blondie, The Pretenders and Duran Duran. Tongiht's show will surely not disappoint. We have general admission tickets and I hope to get as close to the stage as possible to snap some great photos and take in the energy of Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler & Sam Fogarino. Although, I'm sad that former bass player Carlos D. will not be in attendance. He left the band upon the completion of the last album to pursue other opportunities. Still, from all of the live footage I've seen so far from this tour, the band seems to be putting on a killer show and Banks' vocals sound as top-notch as they do on any CD they've released.
Setlist should include some old favorites like "Not Even Jail", "PDA" & "NYC" as well as some new loves of mine from the latest album like "Summer Well" and "Barricade". I hope they play "Obstacle 1", the song that started my love affair and obsession with the band.
So, in roughly 12 hours, the boys will take the stage. What a great start to the weekend. I will get my review up as quickly as possible. Here's to a great night! Yay Interpol!
The show will take place at the Verizon Wireless Theater, a venue where I've had the chance to see some of the greatest shows including Blondie, The Pretenders and Duran Duran. Tongiht's show will surely not disappoint. We have general admission tickets and I hope to get as close to the stage as possible to snap some great photos and take in the energy of Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler & Sam Fogarino. Although, I'm sad that former bass player Carlos D. will not be in attendance. He left the band upon the completion of the last album to pursue other opportunities. Still, from all of the live footage I've seen so far from this tour, the band seems to be putting on a killer show and Banks' vocals sound as top-notch as they do on any CD they've released.
Setlist should include some old favorites like "Not Even Jail", "PDA" & "NYC" as well as some new loves of mine from the latest album like "Summer Well" and "Barricade". I hope they play "Obstacle 1", the song that started my love affair and obsession with the band.
So, in roughly 12 hours, the boys will take the stage. What a great start to the weekend. I will get my review up as quickly as possible. Here's to a great night! Yay Interpol!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Depeche Mode Scheduled to Release Tour of the Universe DVD Set
Any fan of Depeche Mode for the last two decades should know their routine by now. The band releases an amazing album, goes on a worldwide multi-city tour in support of that album and then shortly thereafter, they release a live DVD of one of the epic shows from said tour. So it is no surprise that these ‘80s icons are getting ready to release footage from the Barcelona show from last year’s Tour of the Universe, which brought 102 shows to 40 countries, in support of the release of their 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe.
The DVD, to be released by Mute records, will be available as a deluxe edition set which includes two CD’s and one DVD, a super deluxe set comprised of two CD’s and two DVD’s and on Blu-Ray made up of two Blu-Ray discs. It is scheduled to come out in the United States on November 9th and in Europe on November 8th just in time for holiday shopping and at the top of any Depeche Mode Devotee’s wish list. Since the band made the announcement last month, short vignettes featuring footage of the film offering fans a sneak peek have appeared on YouTube in an effort to spark interest and promote its release.
For bandmates, Martin Gore, Dave Gahan & Andy Fletcher, this tour was a huge success as they trekked across the globe playing for sold out crowds in large arenas while playing songs from their catalogue which spans over 30 years. Tour of the Universe: Barcelona will feature the tour’s stop in Barcelona for two concerts last November. It will feature 21 songs performed over the course of those two nights such as the hard-pounding single “Wrong” and “In Chains” which is the first track off the new album as well as classic fan favorites such as “Behind the Wheel” and “Enjoy the Silence”. The DVD will also feature bonus tracks “World in My Eyes”, “One Caress”, “Miles Away” and “Sister of Night” and a tour documentary entitled “Inside the Universe”. In addition, the DVD’s will also feature videos from the singles from Sounds of the Universe, rehearsal footage from New York City and the screens used on stage during the shows created by the very talented Anton Corbijn.
Since Depeche Mode released the 101 album and live concert footage after the Music for the Masses world tour in 1989, the band seems to have developed a niche in extending the life of a tour for their fans that either want to relive their experience or see them for the first time. It is highly doubtful that the Tour of the Universe DVD sets will disappoint giving those that have loved them for years and new fans alike another piece to add to their ultimate collection. Fans can pre-order their DVD set by going to Depeche Mode dot com.
The DVD, to be released by Mute records, will be available as a deluxe edition set which includes two CD’s and one DVD, a super deluxe set comprised of two CD’s and two DVD’s and on Blu-Ray made up of two Blu-Ray discs. It is scheduled to come out in the United States on November 9th and in Europe on November 8th just in time for holiday shopping and at the top of any Depeche Mode Devotee’s wish list. Since the band made the announcement last month, short vignettes featuring footage of the film offering fans a sneak peek have appeared on YouTube in an effort to spark interest and promote its release.
For bandmates, Martin Gore, Dave Gahan & Andy Fletcher, this tour was a huge success as they trekked across the globe playing for sold out crowds in large arenas while playing songs from their catalogue which spans over 30 years. Tour of the Universe: Barcelona will feature the tour’s stop in Barcelona for two concerts last November. It will feature 21 songs performed over the course of those two nights such as the hard-pounding single “Wrong” and “In Chains” which is the first track off the new album as well as classic fan favorites such as “Behind the Wheel” and “Enjoy the Silence”. The DVD will also feature bonus tracks “World in My Eyes”, “One Caress”, “Miles Away” and “Sister of Night” and a tour documentary entitled “Inside the Universe”. In addition, the DVD’s will also feature videos from the singles from Sounds of the Universe, rehearsal footage from New York City and the screens used on stage during the shows created by the very talented Anton Corbijn.
Since Depeche Mode released the 101 album and live concert footage after the Music for the Masses world tour in 1989, the band seems to have developed a niche in extending the life of a tour for their fans that either want to relive their experience or see them for the first time. It is highly doubtful that the Tour of the Universe DVD sets will disappoint giving those that have loved them for years and new fans alike another piece to add to their ultimate collection. Fans can pre-order their DVD set by going to Depeche Mode dot com.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Futureheads Are the Missing Piece to My Music Obsession
If punk pioneers The Clash had a love child with ska legends Madness, its name would be The Futureheads. Hailing from Sunderland in the northern UK, these four lads have created a sound with roots stemming back to the early days of punk while adding their own modern flair creating a fresh, edgy sound that is, in many cases, rare amongst artists of today's era.
I have to admit that up until about two weeks ago, I had no idea who this band was. My favorite local record store, Cactus Music, announced they would be doing an in-store performance as part of their current tour in support of their recent release The Chaos, I looked them up and was intrigued by their nostalgic sound. I attended the show not really certain of what to expect. I knew they were British and I'd heard a few songs of theirs from YouTube, but that was pretty much it. So imagine my surprise when they decided to do their in-store performance acapella with a little acoustic guitar action thrown into the mix. All four members, Barry Hyde, Ross Millard, Jaff and David Hyde, lent their vocals to make each performance of what would normally be a fast tempo punk-like anthem sound very laid back but still very melodic and for lack of a better word, good. I would think that singing a song like "Struck Dumb" or "Heartbeat Song" might lose its catchiness and sound a little dull, but the acapella versions actually enhanced it and gave the songs a different perspective.
After their set at Cactus, I spoke to the band's front man, Barry Hyde, who then invited me to their show that night at Fitzgerald's where they would be playing along with Born Ruffians, Soft Pack and Melligrove Band. I heard the last few minutes of Melligrove Band and the Born Ruffians put on a terrific set as well, but obviously I was there to see the lads from Sunderland.
Once it was time for them to take the stage, I was able to make my way up to the very front where I got to see everything up close and experience the true magnificence of this band first hand. The band kicked off their set with the guitar rockin' song "The Chaos", which is also the title track off their latest album. From there they alternated between old hits like "Decent Days" and "Robot" to new tracks like the sweet "Heartbeat Song" and happy feeling "I Can Do That". Rounding out the set was a clever cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" in which the audience took part in singing along with the melody and their final track on the new album, "Jupiter". Their sound was fresh, but familiar and they all had so much energy it was hard to believe this was their last stop in the USA before heading back to their home across the pond. The crowd loved them as well singing along to all of their favorites, it was clear that The Futureheads had a deep rooted following here in the Bayou City. I could tell that the boys truly loved playing for the audience and fed off the crowds' high energy.
Last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life. I got to meet and hang out with a great band and experience some exceptionally wonderful music. Speaking to Barry was great and the whole band was extremely nice and down to earth. I got autographs and at the end of the show, their roadie gave me David's drumsticks! A great night indeed! Until next time my lovely friends...Cheers!
I have to admit that up until about two weeks ago, I had no idea who this band was. My favorite local record store, Cactus Music, announced they would be doing an in-store performance as part of their current tour in support of their recent release The Chaos, I looked them up and was intrigued by their nostalgic sound. I attended the show not really certain of what to expect. I knew they were British and I'd heard a few songs of theirs from YouTube, but that was pretty much it. So imagine my surprise when they decided to do their in-store performance acapella with a little acoustic guitar action thrown into the mix. All four members, Barry Hyde, Ross Millard, Jaff and David Hyde, lent their vocals to make each performance of what would normally be a fast tempo punk-like anthem sound very laid back but still very melodic and for lack of a better word, good. I would think that singing a song like "Struck Dumb" or "Heartbeat Song" might lose its catchiness and sound a little dull, but the acapella versions actually enhanced it and gave the songs a different perspective.
After their set at Cactus, I spoke to the band's front man, Barry Hyde, who then invited me to their show that night at Fitzgerald's where they would be playing along with Born Ruffians, Soft Pack and Melligrove Band. I heard the last few minutes of Melligrove Band and the Born Ruffians put on a terrific set as well, but obviously I was there to see the lads from Sunderland.
Once it was time for them to take the stage, I was able to make my way up to the very front where I got to see everything up close and experience the true magnificence of this band first hand. The band kicked off their set with the guitar rockin' song "The Chaos", which is also the title track off their latest album. From there they alternated between old hits like "Decent Days" and "Robot" to new tracks like the sweet "Heartbeat Song" and happy feeling "I Can Do That". Rounding out the set was a clever cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" in which the audience took part in singing along with the melody and their final track on the new album, "Jupiter". Their sound was fresh, but familiar and they all had so much energy it was hard to believe this was their last stop in the USA before heading back to their home across the pond. The crowd loved them as well singing along to all of their favorites, it was clear that The Futureheads had a deep rooted following here in the Bayou City. I could tell that the boys truly loved playing for the audience and fed off the crowds' high energy.
Last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life. I got to meet and hang out with a great band and experience some exceptionally wonderful music. Speaking to Barry was great and the whole band was extremely nice and down to earth. I got autographs and at the end of the show, their roadie gave me David's drumsticks! A great night indeed! Until next time my lovely friends...Cheers!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Interpol Takes its Listeners on a Dark Ride to Redemption
I first fell in love with New York City based band Interpol back in 2004 when they were the opening act for the Cure on the Curiosa Festival tour. I immediately went out and purchased their first album, Turn on the Bright Lights, and have been hooked ever since. It has been three years since the release of their third album, Our Love to Admire, and I think it is safe to say that with their self-titled fourth album, the band has certainly honed their sound and matured into a band that will endure the test of time.
A lot of critics and fans of the band may disagree, but I think this album demonstrates the band’s ability to experiment with different sounds while still keeping their same rolling guitar sound that we have grown to recognize and appreciate. This album is also a little darker than previous albums, although not by much. I think the lyrics just represent more of one’s struggles with their inner demons for the most part. Not many bands can tackle a topic like that to where it resonates with someone deep within their heart.
Interpol takes the listener on a journey of an unraveling relationship. It starts off with the familiar dark sound of Paul Banks’ Les Paul guitar and Sam Fogarino’s rhythmic pulse of the bass drum for the first track “Success”. From there, the journey continues on with the rolling surf-like sound of “Memory Serves” where the desperation of the album begins. Banks describes only wanting to make his lover happy and would do anything regardless of the price. The third track, “Summer Well” definitely takes a step in a different direction from the typical Interpol sound with a groovy piano/bass combo at the beginning which then leads to the album’s first single and darkest song, “Lights”. Interpol is truly a band that has mastered a great buildup in a song. When I hear this song, I imagine him singing it in a dimly lit room with a haze of smoke surrounding him as he begs for someone to “police him”.
The second half of the album is better than the first in my opinion. “Barricade” was my favorite track on the album before I had a chance to listen to it in its entirety. It is reminiscent of classic Interpol tracks like “Obstacle 1” and “Slow Hands”. Banks takes his baritone voice to a slightly higher sound to demonstrate his frustration with a situation and rather than scream as other acts today may do, the listener is allowed to hear his vulnerability. As the journey continues, so does the desperation and need to overcome this pain that Banks has taken us on. Rounding out the album are “All of the Ways” and “The Undoing”. Those two songs essentially define the album in so many ways. In “All of the Ways”, the lyrics are enough to make any girl swoon when Banks is asking who is this guy that she has obviously chosen over him. The ending of that song then leads into the final track, “The Undoing”.
This song is special to me. To me it tells the story of fighting your negativity and inner demons in life. Starting out with “I was on my way to tell you it’s no good” makes me think of a little devil whispering in your ear that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough. No matter who you try to become, putting on that mask of being in fashion will not get you where you need to be. And because you are damaged, you constantly seek out those that are damaged as well. You’ve let it rule your life for so long that it has “raised you”. By the end of the song, I feel as if Banks has found his redemption from the whole situation. He is repeating “Please, the place we’re in now” as if to say, I’m finally here and I will wait because I do not want it to go away. I am able to relate to this song on so many levels. I actually cried when I actually listened to the lyrics and the desperation in his voice.
This album is artistically beautiful and amazing. There are so many textures and layers of sound that come from the production that it transports you to this place with Banks. You may not like it on first listen if you’re expecting that same sound from OLTA and Antics. The band went back to their roots and has really created a work of art. I’ve been a huge fan of bands that have drifted into something different and maybe didn’t like the outcome but I still fully appreciate where they were coming from and what they were trying to do. I’m sure many of the people that don’t care for this album would probably be whining if they didn’t explore their emotions and musical talent saying they sound the same on every song. No one can make everyone happy, especially when it comes to music. Luckily for me, Interpol was a “Success”!
A lot of critics and fans of the band may disagree, but I think this album demonstrates the band’s ability to experiment with different sounds while still keeping their same rolling guitar sound that we have grown to recognize and appreciate. This album is also a little darker than previous albums, although not by much. I think the lyrics just represent more of one’s struggles with their inner demons for the most part. Not many bands can tackle a topic like that to where it resonates with someone deep within their heart.
Interpol takes the listener on a journey of an unraveling relationship. It starts off with the familiar dark sound of Paul Banks’ Les Paul guitar and Sam Fogarino’s rhythmic pulse of the bass drum for the first track “Success”. From there, the journey continues on with the rolling surf-like sound of “Memory Serves” where the desperation of the album begins. Banks describes only wanting to make his lover happy and would do anything regardless of the price. The third track, “Summer Well” definitely takes a step in a different direction from the typical Interpol sound with a groovy piano/bass combo at the beginning which then leads to the album’s first single and darkest song, “Lights”. Interpol is truly a band that has mastered a great buildup in a song. When I hear this song, I imagine him singing it in a dimly lit room with a haze of smoke surrounding him as he begs for someone to “police him”.
The second half of the album is better than the first in my opinion. “Barricade” was my favorite track on the album before I had a chance to listen to it in its entirety. It is reminiscent of classic Interpol tracks like “Obstacle 1” and “Slow Hands”. Banks takes his baritone voice to a slightly higher sound to demonstrate his frustration with a situation and rather than scream as other acts today may do, the listener is allowed to hear his vulnerability. As the journey continues, so does the desperation and need to overcome this pain that Banks has taken us on. Rounding out the album are “All of the Ways” and “The Undoing”. Those two songs essentially define the album in so many ways. In “All of the Ways”, the lyrics are enough to make any girl swoon when Banks is asking who is this guy that she has obviously chosen over him. The ending of that song then leads into the final track, “The Undoing”.
This song is special to me. To me it tells the story of fighting your negativity and inner demons in life. Starting out with “I was on my way to tell you it’s no good” makes me think of a little devil whispering in your ear that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough. No matter who you try to become, putting on that mask of being in fashion will not get you where you need to be. And because you are damaged, you constantly seek out those that are damaged as well. You’ve let it rule your life for so long that it has “raised you”. By the end of the song, I feel as if Banks has found his redemption from the whole situation. He is repeating “Please, the place we’re in now” as if to say, I’m finally here and I will wait because I do not want it to go away. I am able to relate to this song on so many levels. I actually cried when I actually listened to the lyrics and the desperation in his voice.
This album is artistically beautiful and amazing. There are so many textures and layers of sound that come from the production that it transports you to this place with Banks. You may not like it on first listen if you’re expecting that same sound from OLTA and Antics. The band went back to their roots and has really created a work of art. I’ve been a huge fan of bands that have drifted into something different and maybe didn’t like the outcome but I still fully appreciate where they were coming from and what they were trying to do. I’m sure many of the people that don’t care for this album would probably be whining if they didn’t explore their emotions and musical talent saying they sound the same on every song. No one can make everyone happy, especially when it comes to music. Luckily for me, Interpol was a “Success”!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
To Wish Impossible Things
I read an article the other day about people that followed their passions for a career. It made me think about my own life how I always say I want to do all of these wonderful things, but unfortunately never follow through with them. Now that I’m writing more and rediscovering my love for music, I’m thinking again about what it is that I truly would like to do in life.
A lot of people ask me if I can play an instrument since I come from such a musical family. My dad tried to teach me how to play the guitar when I was about 15 years old. He “gave” (more like loaned) me his cream white Gibson Melody Maker with chrome Bigsby vibrato. It was a great and beautiful first, and last, guitar. He taught me 3 chords. My fingers just didn’t want to cooperate. At least that is what I told my father when I said, “it’s too hard, you’re a natural, I’ll never play like that”. I got the “you have to practice” lecture more than once, but eventually the guitar just went back into its Union Jack flag and Cure sticker laden case. Besides, it looked much cooler holding up my wall as opposed to hanging around my neck. When you grow up with someone as talented as my father was when it came to playing the guitar, you have two choices: 1) realize your potential and practice every day and night until your fingers bleed, or 2) give up and quit. I chose option two but I certainly don’t regret it.
By that point, I think I had been to about 3 or 4 concerts that year in 1994-95. I saw major productions at Rice Stadium, the building formerly known as the Houston Summit, and a few smaller shows at Astro Arena. While I was always in awe at the racks of Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters poised perfectly on stage waiting to be played that evening, I was more awestruck by the production as a whole. Everything from the music being played while concertgoers filled the seats to the stage setup to the merchandise being sold made me realize something. Someone had to think of all of this and put it all together. And while I was waiting for a show to start one night at the age of 15, it occurred to me that my love for music didn’t necessarily mean I needed to play an instrument or be in a band. I realized that I wanted to be in charge of it. All of it. The whole show. I wanted to be the gatekeeper as to who was allowed backstage. I wanted to fix whatever mishaps might inevitably arise before a show. I wanted to sit in the sound board area and watch every show from the center of the action surrounded by the energy of the fans. The problem was I had no idea where to start. I didn’t think to take theater so I could be a part of stage crews learning the basics of set design and lighting, besides I was too busy with dance team. Instead, I thought of other options and decided that I would love to make music videos. I certainly had seen thousands over the years and was getting to the point that when I heard a song, I would start thinking of how the video would play out in my head. I found an art school and applied and was later accepted. The only problem was the art school was all the way in London! Although, not a problem for me, my dad basically said there was no way he could afford to send me to London. No problem, I thought, they have a campus in Atlanta. I’ll just go there for a year and then transfer. That wasn’t happening either. Quickly, my teenage inner voice started telling me that my hopes were over. That was it. Time to settle on something else. I didn’t fight for what I wanted. I didn’t think to just study film production here in Texas and go from there. Well, I actually did start out as a Radio-TV major when I attended Stephen F. Austin State University, but I only lasted at that school for 3 semesters before getting bored and wanting to come back home to Houston.
When I finally did go back to school years later, I realized I better choose something with more of a potential for a good future. I decided to major in Journalism with my concentration in Public Relations. I figured I could go into music management and promotions. I had a few friends that were in bands and I wanted to help them out, but again, I never felt like I had a good handle on how to really get the ball rolling. Plus, I hate to admit it, but I was a little lazy about the whole thing as well. I just wanted to be done with school and I just wanted to get a job, I didn’t seriously focus on things the way that I should have. After graduating in 2005, I’ve kind of “flitted” around, as my dad likes to tell me, from job to job thinking that this is what I want to do and then I get bored and move on. I certainly was never passionate about any of them, except when I worked at the Zoo, but that quickly fizzled when I realized it wasn’t a right fit for me either. One good thing that came from working at the Zoo was that I got to start writing again. It felt good to have something of my own again, something that I was good at doing and have people tell me they appreciated my writing. So that made the gears in my head start turning again. I decided that I wasn’t too old to follow dreams. I pulled out my old portfolio and started looking at working at a public relations firm again. I didn’t get the job, but it made me realize that I needed more in my life. I needed to be doing something that I enjoyed like writing.
I like to say that for me, my life truly began the year I turned 30. Yes, I had a lot of fun during my 20s and did a lot of things and met a lot of people, but I was never truly happy. I realize now that a lot of it had to do with my attitude. Right before my 29th birthday, I did have a meltdown and start freaking out that I was basically a loser that was never going to do anything with their life. Thirty came and went and still nothing changed overnight and my life wasn’t miraculously better, in fact I was the worst I’d been in years. Then I received a sign from a higher power in the form of a car accident, one that I certainly didn’t need to have happen at that point but it made me realize a few things. First, it made me realize that I was lucky to be alive because had I been hit on the driver’s side, I could have seriously been injured. It also made me realize that it was time to make some changes in my life because working two jobs that I hated wasn’t working. I never saw my friends, I was lonely, miserable and broke and had no life whatsoever. Slowly, things started to change. I decided I needed to find something better career wise that would have a future. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I knew I couldn’t stay at the Zoo anymore. I started a new job in July working for a legal staffing firm. Is it my dream job? Maybe not, but it has a future in something that keeps showing up in my life which is recruiting. I have a great boss and some pretty awesome co-workers and that helps too. My attitude has done a complete 180 I think. I am so thankful for so much. Yes, I still have struggles, but I’m dealing with life’s hiccups much better these days and I feel so much better about everything and I’m so much happier. So I decided to start writing more and submersing myself into music more and it is making me think of what else I’d like to do. I want this blog to become something great. I don’t want it to just be stories about me, but also reviews of shows and albums and information about up and coming music and artists. My dad is so wise. He made me realize during a conversation a few weeks ago that I don’t have to live in London to make videos. It was a total "duh" moment. So in addition to this blog and getting out and enjoying life more that I can also get more involved in music here in Houston. There are bands here that I know and could definitely start helping them out whenever possible. There is also a new record label here in town that I’m hoping to get involved with somehow. I am going to follow my passion because otherwise what do I have in life? I’ve been thinking a lot again about moving to New York City. One reason is to be closer to my cousin, but another reason is the feeling I get while there and the fact that music protrudes itself from just about every vessel in that city that I want to be a part of it. The company I work for now has an office there and although it is not fully staffed at the moment, I have mentioned to my boss that I would be interested in going there should the opportunity ever arise. I don’t know that I’d live there forever, but I don’t want to look back and say that I was too scared to go after something that I wanted. I still dream about making a documentary about my favorite band, the Cure. I would even love to write a book about Robert Smith and Dave Gahan, the lead singer of Depeche Mode. And I still think about London on a regular basis; someday I’ll get to visit. So this is where I stand now. I’m laying down the foundation for pursuing my passions. I feel like life has just begun because now at 31 I know more about myself and what I truly want. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me.
A lot of people ask me if I can play an instrument since I come from such a musical family. My dad tried to teach me how to play the guitar when I was about 15 years old. He “gave” (more like loaned) me his cream white Gibson Melody Maker with chrome Bigsby vibrato. It was a great and beautiful first, and last, guitar. He taught me 3 chords. My fingers just didn’t want to cooperate. At least that is what I told my father when I said, “it’s too hard, you’re a natural, I’ll never play like that”. I got the “you have to practice” lecture more than once, but eventually the guitar just went back into its Union Jack flag and Cure sticker laden case. Besides, it looked much cooler holding up my wall as opposed to hanging around my neck. When you grow up with someone as talented as my father was when it came to playing the guitar, you have two choices: 1) realize your potential and practice every day and night until your fingers bleed, or 2) give up and quit. I chose option two but I certainly don’t regret it.
By that point, I think I had been to about 3 or 4 concerts that year in 1994-95. I saw major productions at Rice Stadium, the building formerly known as the Houston Summit, and a few smaller shows at Astro Arena. While I was always in awe at the racks of Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters poised perfectly on stage waiting to be played that evening, I was more awestruck by the production as a whole. Everything from the music being played while concertgoers filled the seats to the stage setup to the merchandise being sold made me realize something. Someone had to think of all of this and put it all together. And while I was waiting for a show to start one night at the age of 15, it occurred to me that my love for music didn’t necessarily mean I needed to play an instrument or be in a band. I realized that I wanted to be in charge of it. All of it. The whole show. I wanted to be the gatekeeper as to who was allowed backstage. I wanted to fix whatever mishaps might inevitably arise before a show. I wanted to sit in the sound board area and watch every show from the center of the action surrounded by the energy of the fans. The problem was I had no idea where to start. I didn’t think to take theater so I could be a part of stage crews learning the basics of set design and lighting, besides I was too busy with dance team. Instead, I thought of other options and decided that I would love to make music videos. I certainly had seen thousands over the years and was getting to the point that when I heard a song, I would start thinking of how the video would play out in my head. I found an art school and applied and was later accepted. The only problem was the art school was all the way in London! Although, not a problem for me, my dad basically said there was no way he could afford to send me to London. No problem, I thought, they have a campus in Atlanta. I’ll just go there for a year and then transfer. That wasn’t happening either. Quickly, my teenage inner voice started telling me that my hopes were over. That was it. Time to settle on something else. I didn’t fight for what I wanted. I didn’t think to just study film production here in Texas and go from there. Well, I actually did start out as a Radio-TV major when I attended Stephen F. Austin State University, but I only lasted at that school for 3 semesters before getting bored and wanting to come back home to Houston.
When I finally did go back to school years later, I realized I better choose something with more of a potential for a good future. I decided to major in Journalism with my concentration in Public Relations. I figured I could go into music management and promotions. I had a few friends that were in bands and I wanted to help them out, but again, I never felt like I had a good handle on how to really get the ball rolling. Plus, I hate to admit it, but I was a little lazy about the whole thing as well. I just wanted to be done with school and I just wanted to get a job, I didn’t seriously focus on things the way that I should have. After graduating in 2005, I’ve kind of “flitted” around, as my dad likes to tell me, from job to job thinking that this is what I want to do and then I get bored and move on. I certainly was never passionate about any of them, except when I worked at the Zoo, but that quickly fizzled when I realized it wasn’t a right fit for me either. One good thing that came from working at the Zoo was that I got to start writing again. It felt good to have something of my own again, something that I was good at doing and have people tell me they appreciated my writing. So that made the gears in my head start turning again. I decided that I wasn’t too old to follow dreams. I pulled out my old portfolio and started looking at working at a public relations firm again. I didn’t get the job, but it made me realize that I needed more in my life. I needed to be doing something that I enjoyed like writing.
I like to say that for me, my life truly began the year I turned 30. Yes, I had a lot of fun during my 20s and did a lot of things and met a lot of people, but I was never truly happy. I realize now that a lot of it had to do with my attitude. Right before my 29th birthday, I did have a meltdown and start freaking out that I was basically a loser that was never going to do anything with their life. Thirty came and went and still nothing changed overnight and my life wasn’t miraculously better, in fact I was the worst I’d been in years. Then I received a sign from a higher power in the form of a car accident, one that I certainly didn’t need to have happen at that point but it made me realize a few things. First, it made me realize that I was lucky to be alive because had I been hit on the driver’s side, I could have seriously been injured. It also made me realize that it was time to make some changes in my life because working two jobs that I hated wasn’t working. I never saw my friends, I was lonely, miserable and broke and had no life whatsoever. Slowly, things started to change. I decided I needed to find something better career wise that would have a future. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I knew I couldn’t stay at the Zoo anymore. I started a new job in July working for a legal staffing firm. Is it my dream job? Maybe not, but it has a future in something that keeps showing up in my life which is recruiting. I have a great boss and some pretty awesome co-workers and that helps too. My attitude has done a complete 180 I think. I am so thankful for so much. Yes, I still have struggles, but I’m dealing with life’s hiccups much better these days and I feel so much better about everything and I’m so much happier. So I decided to start writing more and submersing myself into music more and it is making me think of what else I’d like to do. I want this blog to become something great. I don’t want it to just be stories about me, but also reviews of shows and albums and information about up and coming music and artists. My dad is so wise. He made me realize during a conversation a few weeks ago that I don’t have to live in London to make videos. It was a total "duh" moment. So in addition to this blog and getting out and enjoying life more that I can also get more involved in music here in Houston. There are bands here that I know and could definitely start helping them out whenever possible. There is also a new record label here in town that I’m hoping to get involved with somehow. I am going to follow my passion because otherwise what do I have in life? I’ve been thinking a lot again about moving to New York City. One reason is to be closer to my cousin, but another reason is the feeling I get while there and the fact that music protrudes itself from just about every vessel in that city that I want to be a part of it. The company I work for now has an office there and although it is not fully staffed at the moment, I have mentioned to my boss that I would be interested in going there should the opportunity ever arise. I don’t know that I’d live there forever, but I don’t want to look back and say that I was too scared to go after something that I wanted. I still dream about making a documentary about my favorite band, the Cure. I would even love to write a book about Robert Smith and Dave Gahan, the lead singer of Depeche Mode. And I still think about London on a regular basis; someday I’ll get to visit. So this is where I stand now. I’m laying down the foundation for pursuing my passions. I feel like life has just begun because now at 31 I know more about myself and what I truly want. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me.
Monday, September 13, 2010
An Evening with the "Troubadors of Trouble"
Last Friday night, I experienced a show that was held in one of the most unique venues I've been to yet for a live show. It was held in a church. That's right, you heard me, a church. Every Friday night, a local group of people put together these shows as part of a live music series called "Heights Live" and they use the Heights Presbytarian Church as their venue. We weren't in the actual sanctuary, but rather a small room where they probably have potlucks and Sunday school. When I first found out where we were going, I thought for sure that this was not a functioning church, but lo and behold, I was wrong! After conversing with one of the show's coordinators, she mentioned to me that the priest of the church used to be in a band and that he wanted live music to happen at his church. Did I mention that this event was also BYOB, and I don't mean Bible?!
The entertainment that evening was going to be provided by my good friend Hank Schyma, lead singer of the Houston-based band The Southern Backtones, along with other Houston favorites John Evans & Johnny Falstaff. The fact that lightning didn't strike these 3 individuals upon their arrival to the church was a miracle in itself, but everyone that came out was ready for some great music and it was looking to be an amazing night.
The three "troubadors of trouble", as I once saw someone call them, were going to each do songs of their own and perhaps add a little something extra to each other's music as well. Hank started out the set with and they went down the line to John Evans and then Johnny Falstaff. I had seen Evans play before. As I mentioned before, he is a Houston favorite. His music is a little bit country and a little bit rockabilly. He basically reminds me of Kenickie from "Grease". He certainly has a charisma about him and a voice that makes the girls scream and swoon. Oh, and he has great taste in socks! That night he settled on multi-colored striped socks to accompany his black and white wingtips! Friday was my first night though to see Johnny Falstaff. I'd heard much about him from my friend Hank, but hadn't experienced his music yet. I certainly was missing out on a true local country great. And by country, I don't mean that Top 40 bubblegum country that is streaming the airwaves these days. Falstaff takes a page out of the books of legends like Johnny Cash & Hank Williams and is a true Texas country music star in every sense of the world. He has a huge following in...Germany! I guess you could call him the "Hoff" of Country music!
Anyways, back to the music. These three all have a unique sound that complements their voices perfectly. Hank, being a little more rock and roll than the other two, played many of my favorites such as "Sinful Refrain" and "Drive Under the Moon" as well as some new songs that will make their way to my "Favorites of All Time" list as well. I've known Hank for 9 years now and I still get just as excited seeing and hearing him play as I did at my first show. John Evans delivered many of his classics as well and his fans that were in the audience were certainly pleased as we all sang along to "Pasa-Get-Down-Dena" and other favorites. Johnny Falstaff played the "pretty" songs of the night, as Hank & John mentioned more than once. The three also played their cover of "Sway" which they made a video for as well.
It certainly was a great show and a great night that ended well past the midnight hour. I think the fans had a great time as well and hope that these three will play together again very soon. I strongly urge you to check them out whenever you can!
The entertainment that evening was going to be provided by my good friend Hank Schyma, lead singer of the Houston-based band The Southern Backtones, along with other Houston favorites John Evans & Johnny Falstaff. The fact that lightning didn't strike these 3 individuals upon their arrival to the church was a miracle in itself, but everyone that came out was ready for some great music and it was looking to be an amazing night.
The three "troubadors of trouble", as I once saw someone call them, were going to each do songs of their own and perhaps add a little something extra to each other's music as well. Hank started out the set with and they went down the line to John Evans and then Johnny Falstaff. I had seen Evans play before. As I mentioned before, he is a Houston favorite. His music is a little bit country and a little bit rockabilly. He basically reminds me of Kenickie from "Grease". He certainly has a charisma about him and a voice that makes the girls scream and swoon. Oh, and he has great taste in socks! That night he settled on multi-colored striped socks to accompany his black and white wingtips! Friday was my first night though to see Johnny Falstaff. I'd heard much about him from my friend Hank, but hadn't experienced his music yet. I certainly was missing out on a true local country great. And by country, I don't mean that Top 40 bubblegum country that is streaming the airwaves these days. Falstaff takes a page out of the books of legends like Johnny Cash & Hank Williams and is a true Texas country music star in every sense of the world. He has a huge following in...Germany! I guess you could call him the "Hoff" of Country music!
Anyways, back to the music. These three all have a unique sound that complements their voices perfectly. Hank, being a little more rock and roll than the other two, played many of my favorites such as "Sinful Refrain" and "Drive Under the Moon" as well as some new songs that will make their way to my "Favorites of All Time" list as well. I've known Hank for 9 years now and I still get just as excited seeing and hearing him play as I did at my first show. John Evans delivered many of his classics as well and his fans that were in the audience were certainly pleased as we all sang along to "Pasa-Get-Down-Dena" and other favorites. Johnny Falstaff played the "pretty" songs of the night, as Hank & John mentioned more than once. The three also played their cover of "Sway" which they made a video for as well.
It certainly was a great show and a great night that ended well past the midnight hour. I think the fans had a great time as well and hope that these three will play together again very soon. I strongly urge you to check them out whenever you can!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Once Upon a Time on 90.1…
Many years ago I experienced the greatest summer of my life. I was 14, about to be 15 and I was taking photography classes at the Glassell School of Art down here in Houston. I was also volunteering at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in their education department helping out with their summer camp program. Every morning my VCR was set to record one of the greatest TV shows that ever existed, “21 Jumpstreet”, so that when I got home from my daily fun I could submerse myself into a total Johnny Depp coma.
But Friday nights at 10pm was where I found my favorite weekly action. Back then in 1995, Houston’s 90.1 KPFT had this lovely little radio show called “Esoteric Adventures” and it was hosted by two guys named Jim. They called themselves Jim2 (squared). It was the greatest 3 hours of my life every Friday night. It was then that I found myself falling more and more for this thing called new wave music. They played everything from Laurie Anderson to Oingo Boingo. Peter Gabriel to the Cure. Not to mention the stuff I’d never even heard of let alone remember 16 years later. I think that was the first time I’d heard “I Eat Cannibals” by Total Coelo. Each week they’d praise the musical genius Danny Elfman. It was a great show and I hated when I’d doze off and miss one second of it. They played a lot of Devo and that band became one of my best friends that summer. Not only was their music featured in an episode of the aforementioned “21 Jumpstreet”, but I’m pretty sure I wore out my dad’s vinyl copy of “Freedom of Choice” because I played it non-stop on my cheap turntable I used to have.
I lived and breathed new wave music. Whatever money I had went straight to Record Rack, Cactus Music & Sound Exchange. This was before the Internet was so popular so instead of searching online for information, I went to the old Bookstop on Shepherd & W. Alabama to see what books about music I could find. I’d rent music VHS tapes of live concerts and music videos of bands like New Order, A Flock of Seagulls and the Smiths. I would beg my parents, mainly my father, to take me every week to make sure I wasn’t missing any important rare new import that I had to have to complete my collection.
My relationship with music went far beyond my staples of The Cure, Depeche Mode & Siouxsie and the Banshees. I was realizing that I was born in the completely wrong year and wanted to know what it was like to grow up earlier to experience all of this amazing music firsthand. I was realizing that when I did “grow up” I was going to have to have a career in music. I was realizing more and more that I was not like the other kids at my school that listened to mainstream bands like Green Day & Pearl Jam. Those bands made me, and still make me, want to barf. I was different. I wanted to live in London and sit in a coffee house reading a book about Robert Smith and listen to my *walkman*. I was going to go to art school and become a music video producer and be the next Anton Corbijn, Tim Pope or Stephane Sednaoui.
But as it usually does, life didn’t turn out quite like I had imagined and hoped. I’ve learned that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now and embarking on a new journey every day. Maybe someday I’ll end up in London, who knows? But I’m pretty happy still listening to my music and still frequenting Cactus & Sound Exchange. And lucky for me, I’ve pretty much gotten to see almost every band I have ever loved and always dreamed of seeing live. Bands I thought I’d never have the chance to see because their time had passed or so people said and thought. And I have that little show on 90.1 to thank for contributing to my obsession and addiction over the years. And so, the journey continues
But Friday nights at 10pm was where I found my favorite weekly action. Back then in 1995, Houston’s 90.1 KPFT had this lovely little radio show called “Esoteric Adventures” and it was hosted by two guys named Jim. They called themselves Jim2 (squared). It was the greatest 3 hours of my life every Friday night. It was then that I found myself falling more and more for this thing called new wave music. They played everything from Laurie Anderson to Oingo Boingo. Peter Gabriel to the Cure. Not to mention the stuff I’d never even heard of let alone remember 16 years later. I think that was the first time I’d heard “I Eat Cannibals” by Total Coelo. Each week they’d praise the musical genius Danny Elfman. It was a great show and I hated when I’d doze off and miss one second of it. They played a lot of Devo and that band became one of my best friends that summer. Not only was their music featured in an episode of the aforementioned “21 Jumpstreet”, but I’m pretty sure I wore out my dad’s vinyl copy of “Freedom of Choice” because I played it non-stop on my cheap turntable I used to have.
I lived and breathed new wave music. Whatever money I had went straight to Record Rack, Cactus Music & Sound Exchange. This was before the Internet was so popular so instead of searching online for information, I went to the old Bookstop on Shepherd & W. Alabama to see what books about music I could find. I’d rent music VHS tapes of live concerts and music videos of bands like New Order, A Flock of Seagulls and the Smiths. I would beg my parents, mainly my father, to take me every week to make sure I wasn’t missing any important rare new import that I had to have to complete my collection.
My relationship with music went far beyond my staples of The Cure, Depeche Mode & Siouxsie and the Banshees. I was realizing that I was born in the completely wrong year and wanted to know what it was like to grow up earlier to experience all of this amazing music firsthand. I was realizing that when I did “grow up” I was going to have to have a career in music. I was realizing more and more that I was not like the other kids at my school that listened to mainstream bands like Green Day & Pearl Jam. Those bands made me, and still make me, want to barf. I was different. I wanted to live in London and sit in a coffee house reading a book about Robert Smith and listen to my *walkman*. I was going to go to art school and become a music video producer and be the next Anton Corbijn, Tim Pope or Stephane Sednaoui.
But as it usually does, life didn’t turn out quite like I had imagined and hoped. I’ve learned that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now and embarking on a new journey every day. Maybe someday I’ll end up in London, who knows? But I’m pretty happy still listening to my music and still frequenting Cactus & Sound Exchange. And lucky for me, I’ve pretty much gotten to see almost every band I have ever loved and always dreamed of seeing live. Bands I thought I’d never have the chance to see because their time had passed or so people said and thought. And I have that little show on 90.1 to thank for contributing to my obsession and addiction over the years. And so, the journey continues
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Music is what feelings sound like. ~Author Unknown
My love affair with music began before I was even a living and breathing soul on this planet. Music has been seared into my DNA from previous generations of musicians in the Davis family. My grandfather played guitar and was in a country band when he was younger growing up in the rural outskirts of Houston. To this day, he’ll still pick up a guitar every now and then and strum a few chords or tune out the world listening to bluegrass classics.
From there, the music bug struck my father. He taught himself how to play the guitar at the age of 13. He likes to say that it took practice to get as good as he did, but the truth is he has an undeniably amazing gift to make some of the most beautiful music that has ever passed through a listener’s ears. During his teenage years, he quickly honed his craft to be able to play anything ranging from the Ventures to Chet Atkins to Jimi Hendrix. I remember him telling me stories about how he’d have to leave biology lab while in college to rush home and play a song that had come on the radio. It would drive him crazy to be stuck in a classroom trying to concentrate on work when the rhythm and sounds of a song would constantly be playing over and over in his head. He’s the kind of person that will start out with just a few chords at the beginning of a day and at the end of the day he has a whole melody for a song written in his head. He has been the most heavily influential person in my life especially when it comes to music.
As a young girl growing up in Corpus Christi, I remember going with my dad to Hacienda Records to listen to him record music with his fellow band mates. I remember riding in the back seat of his white ’79 TransAm listening to the Droids featuring my father, Lewis & Mikey. I remember pulling out my dad’s records and playing them nonstop. I was first introduced to the rolling sounds of surf music from the Ventures and the electro-pop sound of Devo when I was about 4 years old. From there, the obsession continued to grow. It became a need for me to have music in my life.
I decided to start a blog to have an outlet for my writing that gets bottled up in my head and give me a chance to write about my one true passion, music. I’ve had friends and family request that I start writing more so here goes. I also plan to write about other things that touch my life. It may not always be perfect, but it will always be me.
From there, the music bug struck my father. He taught himself how to play the guitar at the age of 13. He likes to say that it took practice to get as good as he did, but the truth is he has an undeniably amazing gift to make some of the most beautiful music that has ever passed through a listener’s ears. During his teenage years, he quickly honed his craft to be able to play anything ranging from the Ventures to Chet Atkins to Jimi Hendrix. I remember him telling me stories about how he’d have to leave biology lab while in college to rush home and play a song that had come on the radio. It would drive him crazy to be stuck in a classroom trying to concentrate on work when the rhythm and sounds of a song would constantly be playing over and over in his head. He’s the kind of person that will start out with just a few chords at the beginning of a day and at the end of the day he has a whole melody for a song written in his head. He has been the most heavily influential person in my life especially when it comes to music.
As a young girl growing up in Corpus Christi, I remember going with my dad to Hacienda Records to listen to him record music with his fellow band mates. I remember riding in the back seat of his white ’79 TransAm listening to the Droids featuring my father, Lewis & Mikey. I remember pulling out my dad’s records and playing them nonstop. I was first introduced to the rolling sounds of surf music from the Ventures and the electro-pop sound of Devo when I was about 4 years old. From there, the obsession continued to grow. It became a need for me to have music in my life.
I decided to start a blog to have an outlet for my writing that gets bottled up in my head and give me a chance to write about my one true passion, music. I’ve had friends and family request that I start writing more so here goes. I also plan to write about other things that touch my life. It may not always be perfect, but it will always be me.
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