This video was mentioned on this week's Best Week Ever. This queen has perfectly captured the spirit of Beyonce in this video. -K
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSound
This record has a few standout tracks but while I listened to it, either I’m not the intended audience, or there’s just a lot of slow to medium tempo filler on this record.
Track 1 - Futuresex/Lovesound – Love this song.
Track 2 – Sexyback – Yes, I admit it. It’s a regular on my iPod, especially when working out.
Track 4 – My Love – This is where I begin to wonder if I am just not getting contemporary R&B music. I like the track but could do with out the rap interlude from T.I. Why must we have a rap in the middle of a song?!
Track 8 – Damn Girl – If the rap by that asshole from the Black Eye Peas wasn’t in it, I would love this song. The horns and keyboards give it a classic R&B vibe.
Track 11 – Losing My Way – Really Justin, we need a cautionary tale in the form of a song? If I want to hear about addiction, I’ll tune in to an episode of A&E’s Intervention.
Track 13 – (Another Song) All Over – This track is the only one on the CD that was produced by Rick Rubin and it does sound different. It is one of my favorite tracks on the record because it is simple in its arrangement and showcases Justin’s voice. It’s a makeup song in the best way.
I would rate this an unfortunate because there’s a lot of filler on this CD. However, I would recommend downloading tracks one, two, and twelve to hear Justin at his best, and then go out and buy Prince’s Dirty Mind and 1999 if you don’t already own them. --J
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Which is worse?
The scene of the crime was a suburban St. Louis middle school, Friday, September 15th, 2006. A., a sixth grader and novice to the ways of the school dance, attends her first. Streamers were hung in the gymnasium, and the substitute teacher/DJ begins to spin some tunes. What’s the next song on the playlist? “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies” by Panic! at the Disco, and before Brendan Urie can sing his second “Goddamned”, Principal M. as A. explains it, “shuts it down”. As they drive her home from the dance, A’s parents curiously ask what other songs were played throughout the night. The big hit was “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake. So are we to believe that "Goddamned” is worse than "I'll let you whip me if I misbehave"? I am glad not to have to be the judge. Play them all. --J
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Muse at The Pageant - September 14, 2006
Judakris spent an evening with Muse on September 14, 2006. I love J's review of this show, but wanted to add my two cents!
The opening band was an all-girl group called The Like. It’s not that I think girls can’t rock or that they write shitty music. I think I would have to write off anyone who ever said that Joan Jett or Brody Dalle (The Distillers) don’t fucking rock. But, like The Strokes (who I saw back when they exploded in MS back in early 2002), opening band The Like consists of well-to-do kids that know how to write a few catchy tunes but leave much in regards to true substance or long-term engagement. One of them is the daughter of a former Geffen Records A&R man/record producer. Wow, what a surprise they are signed with Geffen records. As I watched them awkwardly dilly dally through their set, I didn’t see any signs that this was a genuine band that has suffered for its art. They probably don’t know what it’s like to not shower for three days, or barely be able to scrape together enough money to purchase one beer (though your management back home may be celebrating the fact that you have gone gold). There’s no hunger here, just some girls who thought this might be fun and wear some boho outfits (because they’re musical gypsies). So how exactly are you girls going to prove yourself to J and me? Oh, by skipping off the stage. Right.
As the stage was getting cleared for the headliners of the evening, I didn’t have any of the anxieties I sometimes have. For instance, I didn’t worry that I couldn’t see the stage completely. You don’t need to with Muse. Unlike AFI, whose music is overshadowed by the stage spectacle, Muse’s music is the most impressive part of the band. Onstage they practice a kind of performance pragmatism and subtlety and stay away from unnecessary hairdos or false eyelashes. I also didn’t worry that there would be technical mishaps. For some reason, I have complete faith that these guys are completely Type-A when it comes to preparation. I also didn’t feel as though there were any social walls within the audience. What I mean by this is, despite the fact that it was an extremely diverse crowd everyone seemed to be on a single musical course that night. That always makes the overall experience pretty enjoyable. I felt as if I could talk to Jock guy to my left, Comic-Con guy to my right and walk away feeling as though we were on the same page.
What struck me was the live projection of the band behind them on the backdrop. This gave you the feeling that you were in an arena and looking up at a jumbotron. From the light show that swirled around the entire venue covering each audience member to the fact that every single space in the place was filled with multi-layered sound, I felt more like a participant in this musical journey than a spectator.
These boys have been on tour for years, but the lead singer Matt is able to launch into a soaring falsetto with no vocal potholes whatsoever. He’s agile, too. He seamlessly moves from guitar to piano and back again- all the while singing his heart out. It’s extraordinary to observe.
Like J, I didn’t really think about Muse being categorized as prog rock although it’s completely logical. To me, though, Muse has always just been Muse, not part of any larger scheme or genre. They write dense, multi-layered, sophisticated material that can easily stay with you whether you want it to or not! However, because of its richness, I tend to only be able to consume a little at a time. What is true is that at the end of this performance I was left wanting more. Because of this I rate this show an Unbelievable. -K
Their setlist is posted here.
The opening band was an all-girl group called The Like. It’s not that I think girls can’t rock or that they write shitty music. I think I would have to write off anyone who ever said that Joan Jett or Brody Dalle (The Distillers) don’t fucking rock. But, like The Strokes (who I saw back when they exploded in MS back in early 2002), opening band The Like consists of well-to-do kids that know how to write a few catchy tunes but leave much in regards to true substance or long-term engagement. One of them is the daughter of a former Geffen Records A&R man/record producer. Wow, what a surprise they are signed with Geffen records. As I watched them awkwardly dilly dally through their set, I didn’t see any signs that this was a genuine band that has suffered for its art. They probably don’t know what it’s like to not shower for three days, or barely be able to scrape together enough money to purchase one beer (though your management back home may be celebrating the fact that you have gone gold). There’s no hunger here, just some girls who thought this might be fun and wear some boho outfits (because they’re musical gypsies). So how exactly are you girls going to prove yourself to J and me? Oh, by skipping off the stage. Right.
As the stage was getting cleared for the headliners of the evening, I didn’t have any of the anxieties I sometimes have. For instance, I didn’t worry that I couldn’t see the stage completely. You don’t need to with Muse. Unlike AFI, whose music is overshadowed by the stage spectacle, Muse’s music is the most impressive part of the band. Onstage they practice a kind of performance pragmatism and subtlety and stay away from unnecessary hairdos or false eyelashes. I also didn’t worry that there would be technical mishaps. For some reason, I have complete faith that these guys are completely Type-A when it comes to preparation. I also didn’t feel as though there were any social walls within the audience. What I mean by this is, despite the fact that it was an extremely diverse crowd everyone seemed to be on a single musical course that night. That always makes the overall experience pretty enjoyable. I felt as if I could talk to Jock guy to my left, Comic-Con guy to my right and walk away feeling as though we were on the same page.
What struck me was the live projection of the band behind them on the backdrop. This gave you the feeling that you were in an arena and looking up at a jumbotron. From the light show that swirled around the entire venue covering each audience member to the fact that every single space in the place was filled with multi-layered sound, I felt more like a participant in this musical journey than a spectator.
These boys have been on tour for years, but the lead singer Matt is able to launch into a soaring falsetto with no vocal potholes whatsoever. He’s agile, too. He seamlessly moves from guitar to piano and back again- all the while singing his heart out. It’s extraordinary to observe.
Like J, I didn’t really think about Muse being categorized as prog rock although it’s completely logical. To me, though, Muse has always just been Muse, not part of any larger scheme or genre. They write dense, multi-layered, sophisticated material that can easily stay with you whether you want it to or not! However, because of its richness, I tend to only be able to consume a little at a time. What is true is that at the end of this performance I was left wanting more. Because of this I rate this show an Unbelievable. -K
Their setlist is posted here.
Muse in St. Louis
Last week judakris went to see Muse at The Pageant in St. Louis. The opening band was an all- girl group called The Like. I hate to knock my sex but I don’t want to see a girl band, especially one who I guess attempts to be ironic by uglying themselves up. Next! At one point in their set the lead singer/guitarist looked at her rhythm section and asked “What?” looking slightly paranoid, while the other two just smiled a bitchy smile and the bassist mouthed, “Nothing”. I suddenly felt like I was in a high school bathroom watching mean girls interact. Guy bands don’t do that. Oh, and they skipped off the stage. No, that is not a typo. As K lit a cigarette, she said to me, “Hey, if we ever have a band, we’re not skipping off the stage”. I simply responded, “I don’t skip”. Anyway, the music wasn’t bad but I think it says a lot that I was paying more attention to the clothes and the band interaction. Ilove The Like’s website design way more than the music.
As for Muse, they sounded great and did not disappoint. Our friend M attended as well and he had already seen Muse this summer in Chicago. I asked him before the show what kind of audience to expect and he gave a one word response – “Comic-con”. I don’t know much about prog rock. I know so little that I didn’t even know Muse was classified as prog rock until I read it in a magazine. So prog rock is the thinking man’s music? As we were walking up to The Pageant, I said to M, “Oh, I get it. I just saw a Rose Hulman t-shirt”. He laughed and said yes, exactly. However, when we got inside, M said that the audience was a lot more diverse than the crowd in Chicago.
K and M are bigger Muse fans than me and can reel off the night's setlist. I can only tell you that Muse played my three favorite songs— Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, and Stockholm Syndrome. A little Muse goes a long way with me. There’s just a lot going on in their music, including a heavy vibrato. It didn’t help that as they walked on the stage, K leaned over to me and said how much the lead singer reminds her of this pain in the ass that we work with. I couldn’t get the image of that pain in the ass out of my mind for the rest of the night! The crowd loved them and all the superfans were out in full force. Even if it isn’t my favorite band, it is always fun to watch others having a most incredible night. --J
As for Muse, they sounded great and did not disappoint. Our friend M attended as well and he had already seen Muse this summer in Chicago. I asked him before the show what kind of audience to expect and he gave a one word response – “Comic-con”. I don’t know much about prog rock. I know so little that I didn’t even know Muse was classified as prog rock until I read it in a magazine. So prog rock is the thinking man’s music? As we were walking up to The Pageant, I said to M, “Oh, I get it. I just saw a Rose Hulman t-shirt”. He laughed and said yes, exactly. However, when we got inside, M said that the audience was a lot more diverse than the crowd in Chicago.
K and M are bigger Muse fans than me and can reel off the night's setlist. I can only tell you that Muse played my three favorite songs— Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, and Stockholm Syndrome. A little Muse goes a long way with me. There’s just a lot going on in their music, including a heavy vibrato. It didn’t help that as they walked on the stage, K leaned over to me and said how much the lead singer reminds her of this pain in the ass that we work with. I couldn’t get the image of that pain in the ass out of my mind for the rest of the night! The crowd loved them and all the superfans were out in full force. Even if it isn’t my favorite band, it is always fun to watch others having a most incredible night. --J
I don't have a name for this post
I had to get up at 4:30 this morning to catch a plane home. Home, home, home. While I was on a business trip this week my plan was to give The Raconteurs and Justin Timberlake’s new CD a thorough listen and rate them. However, Hertz messed up my rental car reservation and to make up for it, I got an upgraded car with Sirius satellite radio. I spent the entire week listening to Howard Stern instead. I’ve never been on a trip where I looked for excuses to spend time in the car. It’s like crack.
Getting back to Justin Timberlake, I was telling our friend M that my daughter A. and I watched Justin on TRL on MTV right before the new record was released. Did M ask about the TRL appearance? No, instead he said, “Wow, that age gap between you and A. is shrinking by the moment, isn’t it?” Hahaha, yes, I admit it, in about three years, she and I will mentally be the same age. Anyway, on TRL, Justin stated that he was influenced by early Prince on this record. I had to give it a listen after hearing that since I love early Prince. From my initial listening of the record all I can say is, not influenced enough JT! Justin also joked that he is a little tired of people coming up to him mentioning him “bringing SexyBack”. Justin, I apologize. That trend probably started with the judakris readers. Our influence is astounding.
When judakris were batting around the idea of a rating system, the first rating category I recommended was “unnecessary” I guess because I’m such a critical bitch. So, I feel the need to comment on some unnecessary music out there.
Beyonce – Please go away! From “Check on It” to “Ring the Alarm”, I can’t stand your off-key voice and your stupid rhyming/cadence.
Evanescence – Amy Lee, I read your Spin interview. We get it. You’re dark and moody in that very corporate way. Your music rates an “unnecessary” in my book.
Nickelback - really? Still selling records? Does it get any more mediocre than this?
Anyone reading judakris.com knows that we can't stand Pete Wentz. Not only do we have to see his stupid open-mouthed expression in the Gap ads but we get to see his nipple too! He is assaulting us again in Spin magazine talking about Fall Out Boy's follow-up record due out in 2007. He states, "Grabbing the fucking Rod Stewart-hair-and-white belt credibility isn't interesting to us". What does that mean? I have no idea. All I know is that he looked like a civil war re-enactor at the VMAs this year sporting a gray cape. I didn't realize that the Robert E. Lee look was hip again.
As for unexpected, I’m gonna recommend The Killers’ single, “When You Were Young”. I didn’t like it at first for its obvious homage to Bruce Springsteen, but it has grown on me in a big way. I confessed this to K last week at the Muse concert and she said she was into it now too.
More on the Muse show in a future post. –J
Getting back to Justin Timberlake, I was telling our friend M that my daughter A. and I watched Justin on TRL on MTV right before the new record was released. Did M ask about the TRL appearance? No, instead he said, “Wow, that age gap between you and A. is shrinking by the moment, isn’t it?” Hahaha, yes, I admit it, in about three years, she and I will mentally be the same age. Anyway, on TRL, Justin stated that he was influenced by early Prince on this record. I had to give it a listen after hearing that since I love early Prince. From my initial listening of the record all I can say is, not influenced enough JT! Justin also joked that he is a little tired of people coming up to him mentioning him “bringing SexyBack”. Justin, I apologize. That trend probably started with the judakris readers. Our influence is astounding.
When judakris were batting around the idea of a rating system, the first rating category I recommended was “unnecessary” I guess because I’m such a critical bitch. So, I feel the need to comment on some unnecessary music out there.
Beyonce – Please go away! From “Check on It” to “Ring the Alarm”, I can’t stand your off-key voice and your stupid rhyming/cadence.
Evanescence – Amy Lee, I read your Spin interview. We get it. You’re dark and moody in that very corporate way. Your music rates an “unnecessary” in my book.
Nickelback - really? Still selling records? Does it get any more mediocre than this?
Anyone reading judakris.com knows that we can't stand Pete Wentz. Not only do we have to see his stupid open-mouthed expression in the Gap ads but we get to see his nipple too! He is assaulting us again in Spin magazine talking about Fall Out Boy's follow-up record due out in 2007. He states, "Grabbing the fucking Rod Stewart-hair-and-white belt credibility isn't interesting to us". What does that mean? I have no idea. All I know is that he looked like a civil war re-enactor at the VMAs this year sporting a gray cape. I didn't realize that the Robert E. Lee look was hip again.
As for unexpected, I’m gonna recommend The Killers’ single, “When You Were Young”. I didn’t like it at first for its obvious homage to Bruce Springsteen, but it has grown on me in a big way. I confessed this to K last week at the Muse concert and she said she was into it now too.
More on the Muse show in a future post. –J
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Several Words and A Question Why
I have been consumed with building a very exciting fall '06 concert schedule for myself. Tonight, it's still looking great, but it's not as phenomenal as, say, ten days ago.
Last Tuesday night I sat down to purchase my ticket for HIM’s St. Louis date for their Fall ’06 tour. It would have been my third for this tour: Chicago, Kansas City, then St. Louis. It wasn’t a dream that I had until it became possible, but I was focused on making the final transaction. That’s when I saw that my hometown show was canceled. Devastating!
Then, Wednesday morning I woke up to find this notification:
"Hello, this is Ticketmaster Customer Service with an important alert for your upcoming event. HIM, scheduled at MEMORIAL HALL on SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4, 2006, at 6:00 PM, has been cancelled.
Your credit card will automatically be credited the ticket price and
convenience charges, and should post to your account within 7 to 10
business days. Please note, the $4.60 per order processing fee and any
ticket Fast or UPS delivery charges are non-refundable."
WHOA! Hello! Don’t I have a say in this! Don’t be so rushed to refund me bitches! Wait. OK, I’ll take the $50 back, but can’t we at least talk about this?
I hate to use this dramatic metaphor, but the dates scheduled after 10/31, the original end of the tour, began dropping like flies during the course of the week. As of now there have still been no official announcements from the band. This makes me think it’s a contractual issue between the tour manager and the venues. But I don’t know. I sure have been thinking about it a lot, though. My multiple theories ran from the very possible contractual issues to a scheduled stint in rehab (ok, suddenly I’m seeing myself on some cop show in front of a white board listing my theories and possible suspects as though trying to solve a crime). As of tonight I’ve closed the case. I can’t think about it anymore. At least I still have my Chicago date where I can look for Dan and frolic with other fans in our natural habitat. -K
P.S. I went to see Jackass 2 today. It was better than the first movie, though the boys seem to be more aware of their mortality (well, we are all getting older, aren’t we). Luke Wilson and Ville Valo make cameo appearances. Bam, that greenish/grayish muslin scarf looks very familiar. You wear it well, babe.
Last Tuesday night I sat down to purchase my ticket for HIM’s St. Louis date for their Fall ’06 tour. It would have been my third for this tour: Chicago, Kansas City, then St. Louis. It wasn’t a dream that I had until it became possible, but I was focused on making the final transaction. That’s when I saw that my hometown show was canceled. Devastating!
Then, Wednesday morning I woke up to find this notification:
"Hello, this is Ticketmaster Customer Service with an important alert for your upcoming event. HIM, scheduled at MEMORIAL HALL on SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4, 2006, at 6:00 PM, has been cancelled.
Your credit card will automatically be credited the ticket price and
convenience charges, and should post to your account within 7 to 10
business days. Please note, the $4.60 per order processing fee and any
ticket Fast or UPS delivery charges are non-refundable."
WHOA! Hello! Don’t I have a say in this! Don’t be so rushed to refund me bitches! Wait. OK, I’ll take the $50 back, but can’t we at least talk about this?
I hate to use this dramatic metaphor, but the dates scheduled after 10/31, the original end of the tour, began dropping like flies during the course of the week. As of now there have still been no official announcements from the band. This makes me think it’s a contractual issue between the tour manager and the venues. But I don’t know. I sure have been thinking about it a lot, though. My multiple theories ran from the very possible contractual issues to a scheduled stint in rehab (ok, suddenly I’m seeing myself on some cop show in front of a white board listing my theories and possible suspects as though trying to solve a crime). As of tonight I’ve closed the case. I can’t think about it anymore. At least I still have my Chicago date where I can look for Dan and frolic with other fans in our natural habitat. -K
P.S. I went to see Jackass 2 today. It was better than the first movie, though the boys seem to be more aware of their mortality (well, we are all getting older, aren’t we). Luke Wilson and Ville Valo make cameo appearances. Bam, that greenish/grayish muslin scarf looks very familiar. You wear it well, babe.
Saturday, September 9, 2006
This Is What Cool Looks Like
Our friend R and I headed to Sauget, Illinois for The Stills/Kings of Leon show Thursday night. Pop’s in Sauget is an interesting place. It’s across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, next to some refineries and a bunch of strip clubs. So basically it smells like tar and the bar is spacious but not much to look at. When we were talking to Caleb Followill, from Kings of Leon, he jokingly mentioned that they asked for their buses to be parked close to the strip clubs. It’s a really weird location. All that said, the first thing that struck me when we walked in was how good looking the crowd was. Who would have thought in Sauget, Illinois?
We were first stuck in Opening Band Hell. Finn’s Motel wasn’t horrible but they were an older group of guys, and during the set, the lead singer played a slower acoustic number and the lyrics described basically getting older and not wanting to grow up, what a downer! I don’t want to hear that when I am standing among nineteen year-olds. Don’t make me the only person in the audience connecting with that sentiment!
The Stills came on next and they sounded great. Dave Hamelin’s voice sounds so French to me and I absolutely love it. I have a few of their songs but will definitely check out their latest album, Without Feathers.
Before I start talking about the Kings of Leon set, before they play a note, I’m sold. First, I think it’s one of the best band names ever, especially within the context of their story. I love that they are three brothers and a cousin, that they started touring and playing so young, that they were dragged around the Bible Belt as kids going to Pentecostal revivals where their father preached, I love their look, I love the logo on their bass drum, I love it all. The added bonus is I also love their music. It’s current yet very vintage at the same time. Who doesn’t love a band with a song title like Holy Roller Novacaine?
The stage at Pops is very stripped down, but with the right band and the right lighting, you need nothing else. KOL played about an hour and a half set hitting all the high points of Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak. There was little interaction with the audience but this did not take away from the performance. They sounded perfect. While we were on the floor in front of the stage, R and I were surrounded by young, good-looking people. Towards the middle of the set we walked up to the top floor of Pops to get a different perspective. All the older people were upstairs doing shots and getting loaded. It was a little jaded and depressing up there.
After the show, we hung out for a bit to see if the band was going to come out. Caleb had made a comment at the end of the show that he had not felt great that night but the audience really made him feel better. I thought to myself, I’ve heard this before; they’re going to make a clean getaway. A few young fans hung out over by the buses and we just stood and watched, contemplating why they are so huge in the UK but haven’t reached the same level of success here. They have a different look and sound than what is popular right now in the States so maybe that is what it is. One by one the band came out of the building and straight into the bus. They seemed a bit shy and uncomfortable with having to interact off-stage. As we were getting ready to walk to the car, we looked over and there stood Caleb smoking a cigarette. Nathan was standing there talking to a few young guys who were asking him if they could give them a CD. Nathan said that they get a lot from fans and they try and listen to all that they can. They were very quiet but very gracious. When these same young fans were asking Caleb about the opening song, which was full of high-pitched squeals, he smiled and said that he “liked to get in touch with his inner-woman”. I was so glad they came out so we could take some pictures since they weren’t allowed during the show. Here’s a picture of Nathan and me and a picture of Caleb and R. Check out the security guard's hair in this one.
Random comments overheard after the show:
Guy to his girlfriend in the parking lot discussing how this show was not as good as other KOL shows. “I’m not a fanatic or anything but I was looking at him, thinkin ‘What the fuck are you doing?!’”
Guy to his friends out in the parking lot discussing how crowded the floor was, “I don’t know if that girl realized that while she was grinding on her boyfriend’s leg, he was grinding on mine!”
Forty-something year old guy trying to prostitute his younger date to Caleb Followill, “Hey, she’s a huge fan, man, look at her she’s blushing. She loves your band!”
Girl coming back to hug Caleb after already getting two pictures taken with him, “I’ve just gotta come back to you!”
If you get a chance to see Kings of Leon, run don’t walk. They are unbelievably cool in every way.
--J
Monday, September 4, 2006
Chicago Vol. 3 Playlist
Since the last “reorganization” within our company, work has become a little angsty for me. Everyone would rather be doing something besides work, right? Well, I never actually saw my job as being a shitty one. So, it has been particularly disappointing to face the bad taste in my mouth and find the motivation just to get out of bed every morning. I admit it, I’m stressed. You can probably tell how stressed I’ve been based on my Foo Fighters review. I know, boo-hoo. Whatever. It happens and it won’t be there forever, so for now I’m just getting by with getting by. My ways of decompression were and are a little schizophrenic, because on some nights I work out intensely or I just drink a healthy amount of Jaegermeister and smoke. Both do the trick for me, but on the latter nights I inevitably fire up the laptop, get onto iTunes, and test drive or purchase the latest pop songs that iTunes tells me everyone else is listening to.
J and I are into playlists for our road trips. Since we were going to an acoustic show, we both prepared playlists that had mellower themes. While mine was mellower than usual, it was also poppier. Shockingly so, in fact. Not only was it poppier, it also raised some eyebrows. I knew what I was doing, but some of the songs on the playlist show how outside of myself I have been in the last few weeks. I can justify it by saying that sometimes I need to cleanse my palate and start fresh. I can also say that I was clearly self-medicating when I purchased some of these songs and created the playlist. Listed are a select few to represent what the Chicago Vol. 3 playlist was like.
Stars Are Blind- Paris Hilton. You know, sometimes you just have to close your eyes and pretend the person you’re with is someone else. That’s what I do when I hear this song because as long as I forget who is singing, the song is good pop.
Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo- Bloodhound Gang. I love these guys, but I never expected to share this particular song with anyone in a car. It reminded me of hearing “Let’s Talk About Sex” in the car with my Granddad once, just not as awkard. More “unexpected”.
Suddenly I See- KT Tunstall- I heard this song when I watched The Devil Wears Prada. I don’t seek this song out, but it’s a good driving song.
Call Me When You’re Sober- Evanescence. J and I were both a little curious to see how all the internal drama of this band was going to translate into the material. If this song is representative of that, then it’s just another day in Evanescenceland. Take it or leave it.
Fidelity- Regina Spektor. I downloaded this song and then forgot about it until I saw the video. Pretty original. I can appreciate that she is doing her own thing.
Idlewild Blue- Outkast. I have always liked Outkast anyway, but this song is pretty amazing even though when the lyrics start I always want to continue singing Higher Ground.
Electricity- Anathema. I’m very new to these guys. It’s moody, ambient, and a nice background piece to any conversation. Like another band I like, as M would put it, “this music’s made for [luv makin]”. Yes, it is.
Murderers- John Frusciante. I’m not surprised that I added John to this playlist since we were on our way to an acoustic show and he’s just a fucking great composer. But I have no idea why I decided to add this song after a 30 second taste.
Sexyback- Justin Timberlake. Sometimes I need to sex things up a bit.
Baby Hold On- Dixie Chicks. I don’t give a shit what they say about politics- who cares! But, what surprised me for wanting to add them was the fact that I was SO SICK of them being played on Huntsville Radio all the time and would have been happy to never hear their music again. HOWEVER, this latest album is phenomenal. Also, J really likes this song and played it for me one night while we were having a “night”. It makes my heart melt.
Redemption. Here are some other tunes that made it onto the playlist. A little more K-typical…
Last Caress- Misfits
DOA- Foo Fighters
Dancing With Myself- Billy Idol
Paranoid- Black Sabbath
Exo-Politics- MUSE
Lonely Road- Daniel Lioneye
Goody Two Shoes- Adam Ant
Bad Reputation- Joan Jett
I Want to Be Buried in Your Backyard- Nightmare of You
Headfirst for Halos- My Chemical Romance
-K
J and I are into playlists for our road trips. Since we were going to an acoustic show, we both prepared playlists that had mellower themes. While mine was mellower than usual, it was also poppier. Shockingly so, in fact. Not only was it poppier, it also raised some eyebrows. I knew what I was doing, but some of the songs on the playlist show how outside of myself I have been in the last few weeks. I can justify it by saying that sometimes I need to cleanse my palate and start fresh. I can also say that I was clearly self-medicating when I purchased some of these songs and created the playlist. Listed are a select few to represent what the Chicago Vol. 3 playlist was like.
Stars Are Blind- Paris Hilton. You know, sometimes you just have to close your eyes and pretend the person you’re with is someone else. That’s what I do when I hear this song because as long as I forget who is singing, the song is good pop.
Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo- Bloodhound Gang. I love these guys, but I never expected to share this particular song with anyone in a car. It reminded me of hearing “Let’s Talk About Sex” in the car with my Granddad once, just not as awkard. More “unexpected”.
Suddenly I See- KT Tunstall- I heard this song when I watched The Devil Wears Prada. I don’t seek this song out, but it’s a good driving song.
Call Me When You’re Sober- Evanescence. J and I were both a little curious to see how all the internal drama of this band was going to translate into the material. If this song is representative of that, then it’s just another day in Evanescenceland. Take it or leave it.
Fidelity- Regina Spektor. I downloaded this song and then forgot about it until I saw the video. Pretty original. I can appreciate that she is doing her own thing.
Idlewild Blue- Outkast. I have always liked Outkast anyway, but this song is pretty amazing even though when the lyrics start I always want to continue singing Higher Ground.
Electricity- Anathema. I’m very new to these guys. It’s moody, ambient, and a nice background piece to any conversation. Like another band I like, as M would put it, “this music’s made for [luv makin]”. Yes, it is.
Murderers- John Frusciante. I’m not surprised that I added John to this playlist since we were on our way to an acoustic show and he’s just a fucking great composer. But I have no idea why I decided to add this song after a 30 second taste.
Sexyback- Justin Timberlake. Sometimes I need to sex things up a bit.
Baby Hold On- Dixie Chicks. I don’t give a shit what they say about politics- who cares! But, what surprised me for wanting to add them was the fact that I was SO SICK of them being played on Huntsville Radio all the time and would have been happy to never hear their music again. HOWEVER, this latest album is phenomenal. Also, J really likes this song and played it for me one night while we were having a “night”. It makes my heart melt.
Redemption. Here are some other tunes that made it onto the playlist. A little more K-typical…
Last Caress- Misfits
DOA- Foo Fighters
Dancing With Myself- Billy Idol
Paranoid- Black Sabbath
Exo-Politics- MUSE
Lonely Road- Daniel Lioneye
Goody Two Shoes- Adam Ant
Bad Reputation- Joan Jett
I Want to Be Buried in Your Backyard- Nightmare of You
Headfirst for Halos- My Chemical Romance
-K
Roadtrippin and Playlists
I know that Nick Hornby (masterfully) wrote an entire book about the art of the mixtape, the precursor to the playlist, so let’s just say that these are my rules for the judakris road trip playlist. Inevitably, we get in the car and we have some of the same songs on our lists.
Start out mellow
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Be sure to mix in known crowd pleasers with an occasional element of kitsch
I Will Follow – U2 / Love Plus One – Haircut 100
Pick songs or artists that may spur conversation
I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t that Lonely Yet) – The White Stripes
Vary tempo throughout
Love is a Stranger – Eurythmics / I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
Don’t over-think it. Just alphabetize the list by song title and let God take responsibility.
P.S. This is my beef with the Paris Hilton track. If you’re loaded, why does your first single sound like it was created on a Casio keyboard? Does anyone else recognize the “reggae” beat button found on such devices? When I heard this song, it made me think of Andrea True Connection’s More More More. At least the story behind that single is way more interesting. K including this on her playlist certainly did spur conversation, as did my equally cheesy contribution, Terrence Trent D’arby’s Let’s Go Forward.
Here’s the last hour of my Chicago Playlist
She’s Crafty – Beastie Boys
Something – The Beatles
Starlight – Muse
Strange Condition – Pete Yorn
Suzie – Boy Kill Boy
Taper Jean Girl – Kings of Leon
Under My Thumb – The Rolling Stones
Vampire Heart – HIM
Walking After You – Foo Fighters
Waterloo – ABBA
Ways to be Wicked – Maria McKee & Lone Justice
Whiskey in the Jar – Thin Lizzy
Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
Yesterday Never Tomorrows – The Stills
Young Americans – David Bowie
--J
Start out mellow
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Be sure to mix in known crowd pleasers with an occasional element of kitsch
I Will Follow – U2 / Love Plus One – Haircut 100
Pick songs or artists that may spur conversation
I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t that Lonely Yet) – The White Stripes
Vary tempo throughout
Love is a Stranger – Eurythmics / I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
Don’t over-think it. Just alphabetize the list by song title and let God take responsibility.
P.S. This is my beef with the Paris Hilton track. If you’re loaded, why does your first single sound like it was created on a Casio keyboard? Does anyone else recognize the “reggae” beat button found on such devices? When I heard this song, it made me think of Andrea True Connection’s More More More. At least the story behind that single is way more interesting. K including this on her playlist certainly did spur conversation, as did my equally cheesy contribution, Terrence Trent D’arby’s Let’s Go Forward.
Here’s the last hour of my Chicago Playlist
She’s Crafty – Beastie Boys
Something – The Beatles
Starlight – Muse
Strange Condition – Pete Yorn
Suzie – Boy Kill Boy
Taper Jean Girl – Kings of Leon
Under My Thumb – The Rolling Stones
Vampire Heart – HIM
Walking After You – Foo Fighters
Waterloo – ABBA
Ways to be Wicked – Maria McKee & Lone Justice
Whiskey in the Jar – Thin Lizzy
Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
Yesterday Never Tomorrows – The Stills
Young Americans – David Bowie
--J
Another Week...
Labor Day Weekend and the end of summer; it is hard to believe it’s time to go back to work tomorrow. I’m cracking up over the comment on the Pete Yorn – Nightcrawler post. Keep the comments coming! Blues Traveler and work got me thinking about one of my favorite movies of all time, Office Space.
Samir: No one in this country can ever pronounce my name right. It's not that hard: Na-ee-ana-jaad. Nayanajaad.
Michael Bolton: Yeah, well at least your name isn't Michael Bolton.
Samir: You know there's nothing wrong with that name.
Michael Bolton: There was nothing wrong with it... until that no-talent ass clown became famous and started winning Grammys.
Samir: Hmm... well why don't you just go by Mike instead of Michael?
Michael Bolton: No way! Why should I change? He's the one who sucks.
My daughter A, turned eleven this past week and has fallen madly in love with Panic! at the Disco. It’s better than the Hilary Duff/High School Musical stuff she has listened to up to this point so I’m being supportive, but as I said to K, there is “much tinkling of the ivories” in that music (yes, I meant to say tinkling), but it fits the cabaret style of a lot of the songs. Because of this obsession, every time I walk into the living room, the MTV VMAs are broadcasting on the television thanks to TiVo! Boy, kids have no idea how lucky they are these days with things like TiVo, YouTube, and iTunes. It’s good to be a pop culture junkie in 2006.
We are seeing The Stills/Kings of Leon Thursday night. Our friend R is joining us. She has been a longtime Kings of Leon fan since they took off in the U.K. Stay tuned for a review and hopefully some pics! --J
Friday, September 1, 2006
Pete Yorn - Nightcrawler
This week sucks. I just can’t seem to get it together. I’m listening to the new Pete Yorn CD, Nightcrawler, which came out Tuesday the 29th. Am I officially lazy or just forward-thinking because I no longer care to go to a store and buy a CD? It’s so nice to sit in my bathrobe, have a cup of coffee and download a new CD on Tuesday morn.
The first single, For Us, has grown on me. Yeah I admit I gave it a little more thorough listening when I heard Pete’s podcast and he said he had to call Dave Grohl in to do the drum fill because he couldn’t get it quite the way he wanted it.
By far, my favorite song on the album is The Man. It’s a beautiful song and Pete’s vocals are so seductive that even a straight man or two might fall in love with him. I can see said straight guys at the concert, yelling “Dude!” and punching their best guy friend in the shoulder when Pete begins to sing this live. Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks sings backing vocals on this track and Martie Maguire plays fiddle. It’s funny that my favorite song off of this CD is Dixie Chicks-related since after a few listens of their new CD, Taking the Long Way, the standout track on that is the song Baby Hold On, which was co-written by Pete. Another favorite is Undercover.
I’m gonna give this record a strange UNFORTUNATE/UNEXPECTED review. There are a few tracks that I really love but the odds aren’t good when there are fifteen on the record. These are unfortunate odds. However, I’m throwing in the unexpected because I never thought I would consider myself a fan of his. My interest was piqued because of the album cover of Musicforthemorningafter. It probably says a helluva lot about me that I’m shallow enough to pick up an album just because of the front pic, but we all do it. Don’t judge, if we weren’t sometimes attracted to musicians because of their looks, no one would buy anything by The Pussycat Dolls or Fergie, but instead our music shelves would be packed with Blues Traveler and Edgar Winters records. --J
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