Sunday, November 30, 2003
Concerning Built to Spill, I think Keep it Like a Secret is far and away better than There's Nothing Wrong With Love. Yet, one made the list and not the other. Am I the only Built to Spill fan with this opinion?
No, you're not. Although I do think TNWWL is quite good, it doesn't match KILAS, and I think most BTS fans would agree. (Sorry for the acronym overload.) But I think KILAS' absence can be explained by Pitchfork's implicit "importance/groundbreaking/influential" requirement. They might have been thinking that BTS had already established its sound by then. If not, then they should have included KILAS instead.
And you're right on about Rodan. Although I really like Slint, I rarely, if ever, listen to Spiderland or Tweez. But I often listen to Rusty (often being one or two times a year). The songs are just better. I can't help but wonder if the enduring critical acclaim for Spiderland comes from Steve Albini's oft-cited review of Tweez, which proclaimed Slint's sound the most refreshing thing he'd ever heard. I think that stuff like that carries a lot of weight with reviewers.
No, you're not. Although I do think TNWWL is quite good, it doesn't match KILAS, and I think most BTS fans would agree. (Sorry for the acronym overload.) But I think KILAS' absence can be explained by Pitchfork's implicit "importance/groundbreaking/influential" requirement. They might have been thinking that BTS had already established its sound by then. If not, then they should have included KILAS instead.
And you're right on about Rodan. Although I really like Slint, I rarely, if ever, listen to Spiderland or Tweez. But I often listen to Rusty (often being one or two times a year). The songs are just better. I can't help but wonder if the enduring critical acclaim for Spiderland comes from Steve Albini's oft-cited review of Tweez, which proclaimed Slint's sound the most refreshing thing he'd ever heard. I think that stuff like that carries a lot of weight with reviewers.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Another thought re: albums not on the Pitchfork Top 100, I think I could make a strong argument for the first Sunny Day Real Estate album. This could be revisionist history, but didn't they pretty much invent emo-rock with that release? At the very least, they consolidated emo's influences and packaged into the sound everyone else aped. And it's pretty good on its own.
I also take issue with ranking OK Computer No. 1. Don't get me wrong, I agree that it was influential, perhaps incredibly so. But it's not the complete album that Pitchfork argues it is. I really only like four songs on that disc, maybe five. It definitely belongs in the top 100, and probably in the top 10 because it is good and it was very "important," but I disagree that it's far and away the best album of the 90s. Seems to me that the No. 1 album should be both solid and influential.
And as long as we're talking about the influence of a particular album, how about Siamese Dream? My god, the guitars on that album really altered the sound of popular alternative rock for the following four or five years. In my humble opinion, it had at least as much influence as anything the grungesters (Pearl Jam, et al) did. In any event, I think that album was both influential and solid [at one time (senior year of high school) I thought there wasn't a bad song on the album].
That said, I don't think Siamese Dream should have been ranked higher, because its influence was felt more in popular music than in the indie/hipster world, and the latter seems to have been Pitchfork's focus. Because if it was a true Top 100 of the 90s list, then Matt's right: where were Pearl Jam, Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock? And what about Tori Amos, Sara McLaughlin, and Jewel? I guess they were really just thinking about the best and most important albums to middle class, college-educated, white guys with thick-rimmed glasses (indie rockers). Considering I'm one of them, that's fine by me.
I also take issue with ranking OK Computer No. 1. Don't get me wrong, I agree that it was influential, perhaps incredibly so. But it's not the complete album that Pitchfork argues it is. I really only like four songs on that disc, maybe five. It definitely belongs in the top 100, and probably in the top 10 because it is good and it was very "important," but I disagree that it's far and away the best album of the 90s. Seems to me that the No. 1 album should be both solid and influential.
And as long as we're talking about the influence of a particular album, how about Siamese Dream? My god, the guitars on that album really altered the sound of popular alternative rock for the following four or five years. In my humble opinion, it had at least as much influence as anything the grungesters (Pearl Jam, et al) did. In any event, I think that album was both influential and solid [at one time (senior year of high school) I thought there wasn't a bad song on the album].
That said, I don't think Siamese Dream should have been ranked higher, because its influence was felt more in popular music than in the indie/hipster world, and the latter seems to have been Pitchfork's focus. Because if it was a true Top 100 of the 90s list, then Matt's right: where were Pearl Jam, Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock? And what about Tori Amos, Sara McLaughlin, and Jewel? I guess they were really just thinking about the best and most important albums to middle class, college-educated, white guys with thick-rimmed glasses (indie rockers). Considering I'm one of them, that's fine by me.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Introductions
Philip:
I found out the other day that "mind your own P's and Q's" is an Irish saying for "mind your own Pints and Quarts"! I love the Irish!!!!
... meet Nolan:
I didn't even know what P's and Q's stood for in the phrase "mind your P's and Q's" until someone told me the other day. It stands for pints and quarts. As in: "Mind your pints and quarts of ale, you don't want to vomit all over yourself."
Pitchfork Top 100
Yeah, I only dubbed one, and I'm not sure why. Probably because I'm much too lazy to deal with tapes, and 1990 pretty much marked the beginning of the CD revolution. [In fact, the first CD I ever purchased was Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet (released in 1990; #17 on the Pitchform top 100)]. And if I did dub something, I would either like it and purchase it, or hate it and record over it. As far as I'm concerned, if it's worth listening to, it should be on an accessible medium; the audio tape should be used for transitional purposes only.
As for CDs that should have made the top 100 list, I might change my mind about this, but June of 44's first release or Rodan's LP would have been a nice addition. And yes, the most glaring oversight is Icky Mettle.
Anyone bought the new Iron & Wine?
Anyone bought the new Iron & Wine?
Philip:
I found out the other day that "mind your own P's and Q's" is an Irish saying for "mind your own Pints and Quarts"! I love the Irish!!!!
... meet Nolan:
I didn't even know what P's and Q's stood for in the phrase "mind your P's and Q's" until someone told me the other day. It stands for pints and quarts. As in: "Mind your pints and quarts of ale, you don't want to vomit all over yourself."
Pitchfork Top 100
Yeah, I only dubbed one, and I'm not sure why. Probably because I'm much too lazy to deal with tapes, and 1990 pretty much marked the beginning of the CD revolution. [In fact, the first CD I ever purchased was Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet (released in 1990; #17 on the Pitchform top 100)]. And if I did dub something, I would either like it and purchase it, or hate it and record over it. As far as I'm concerned, if it's worth listening to, it should be on an accessible medium; the audio tape should be used for transitional purposes only.
As for CDs that should have made the top 100 list, I might change my mind about this, but June of 44's first release or Rodan's LP would have been a nice addition. And yes, the most glaring oversight is Icky Mettle.
Anyone bought the new Iron & Wine?
Anyone bought the new Iron & Wine?
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Well then, I guess mine is REALLY embarrassaing:
CD: 25
Dubs: 1
Tapes: 0
Sold: 4
________________
Total: 30
10 from the top 20. Oy.
CD: 25
Dubs: 1
Tapes: 0
Sold: 4
________________
Total: 30
10 from the top 20. Oy.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
I agree, good idea. I think we should include dubbed versions and once-owned versions, but we should note the percentage of each.
Did anyone else know that QEFTSG is on NBC this year? Wow.
Did anyone else know that QEFTSG is on NBC this year? Wow.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
In the same vein, I've heard people say somthing like "I'll just throw this (idea) against the wall and see if it sticks." That may be what "spit-balling" refers to, because that's what spitballs do, they stick to the wall. (I remember when a certain ex-roommate used to throw them at my Curve-Doppelganger poster.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
I found the following information on a website.
: : : WAY OUT IN LEFT FIELD – Out of touch, eccentric, odd; also, misguided. This term alludes to the left field of baseball, and there is some disagreement concerning its origin. Some writers suggest it comes from the remoteness of left field, but only in very asymmetrical ballparks is left field more distant than right field. Others suggest it alludes to the ‘wrongness’ of left as opposed to the ‘rightness’ of right. A correspondent of William Safire’s in the “New York Times” said it was an insulting remark made to those who bought left-field seats in New York’s Yankee Stadium during the years that Babe Ruth played right field, putting them far away from this outstanding player. Perhaps the most likely theory is that it alludes to inmates of the Neuropsychiatric Institute, a mental hospital, which was located behind left field in Chicago’s old West Side Park. Hence being told you are ‘out in left field’ would mean you were accused of being as peculiar as a mental patient. In any event, the term has been used figuratively for various kinds of eccentricity and misguidedness since the first half of the 20th century. John Ciardi also cited a synonym, ‘out in left pickle,’ maintaining that ‘pickle’ was baseball slang for the outfield. Perhaps it once was, but it is no longer current.” “Southpaws & Sunday Punches and other Sporting Expressions” by Christine Ammer (Penguin Books, New York, 1993).
: : : WAY OUT IN LEFT FIELD – Out of touch, eccentric, odd; also, misguided. This term alludes to the left field of baseball, and there is some disagreement concerning its origin. Some writers suggest it comes from the remoteness of left field, but only in very asymmetrical ballparks is left field more distant than right field. Others suggest it alludes to the ‘wrongness’ of left as opposed to the ‘rightness’ of right. A correspondent of William Safire’s in the “New York Times” said it was an insulting remark made to those who bought left-field seats in New York’s Yankee Stadium during the years that Babe Ruth played right field, putting them far away from this outstanding player. Perhaps the most likely theory is that it alludes to inmates of the Neuropsychiatric Institute, a mental hospital, which was located behind left field in Chicago’s old West Side Park. Hence being told you are ‘out in left field’ would mean you were accused of being as peculiar as a mental patient. In any event, the term has been used figuratively for various kinds of eccentricity and misguidedness since the first half of the 20th century. John Ciardi also cited a synonym, ‘out in left pickle,’ maintaining that ‘pickle’ was baseball slang for the outfield. Perhaps it once was, but it is no longer current.” “Southpaws & Sunday Punches and other Sporting Expressions” by Christine Ammer (Penguin Books, New York, 1993).
Oh, Phillip's post reminds me that the phrase "out of left field" comes from Chicago. Apparently one of the old Chicago ballparks had a mental institution just beyond the left field fence. Hence the phrase.
Lost at Sea is looking for writers to review albums.
Monday, November 10, 2003
To clarify, the new Shins album is absolutely fantastic.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
The Shins
The new Shins album is first rate. It's in my CD player all. the. time. After my first listen I was very underwhelmed. But now, after about 10 listens, I absolutely love it. I'm enamored with tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10, although many of the other songs are great, too.
You have to be impressed with their progression as a band. This album is substantially different from "Oh ...," and I think it's better. Color me impressed.
Matt, are you saying they're not very good live? Never seen 'em myself.
The Strokes
I like this album. I don't love it, but it's got some very good moments, and it's probably worth picking up. Track 2 is easily the best, followed by 10, 4, and 5. Although, again, there are other good songs from which to choose.
Seemed Like a Good Idea
I have to talk about these commercials I'm seeing on the tube. Five companies, maybe more, are airing ads with same basic theme. I call it the "Seemed Like a Good Idea" theme, and it always has three scenes:
Scene One: The Idea
(Man looking pretty proud of himself)
Main character (often sitting behind a lap top) has an idea. This idea takes many forms, but it's always a really good idea that he or she is really excited about. It could be (and has been):
--taking the wife on a vacation to stay in a beach-side hut on a South Pacific island (expedia.com)
--taking the family on a vacation to a mountain cabin with dead animals on the walls (expedia.com)
--purchasing a large stereo system with huge speakers (Best Buy)
--purchasing a large TV (Best Buy)
--letting your girlfriend take care of storing your stuff (PD Storage)
--creating a money-growing tree as a way to increase profits (Washington Mutual)
Scene Two: The Idea Envisioned
(cut to the main character's mind)
--sees bed covered with tons and tons of exotic bugs (expedia.com)
--sees kids scared out of their wits by deer and bear heads on the walls (expedia.com)
--sees self getting super into the music at a party, standing on the huge speakers and falling off (Best Buy)
--sees friend running around during football game and tripping over television (Best Buy)
--sees girlfriend fire-torching his belongings in an alley (PD Storage)
--sees tree becoming mutant tree and grabbing people (Washington Mutual)
Scene Three: The Idea Reconsidered
(cut back to character, this time he looks scared and has big eyes)
--shakes his head and says "maybe somewhere less exotic" (expedia.com)
--shakes his head and says "maybe somewhere less scary" (expedia.com)
--shakes his head and says "maybe a smaller stereo" (Best Buy)
--shakes his head and says "maybe a smaller TV" (Best Buy)
--shakes his head and says "maybe I'll handle it" (PD Storage)
--shakes his head and says "maybe we'll just offer free checking" (Washington Mutual)
There are more. These are just the ones I can remember off the top of my head. I'm only mentioning it because I can't believe how formulaic this advertising stuff is. I mean, at least five major advertisers are using almost identical commercials (either Miller Lite or Bud Light uses this formula, too). These companies are shelling out a lot of dough to someone to come up with some good ideas, and the best they can do is to re-hash someone else's not-so-brilliant concept.
Further, it's funny that a lot of people go into advertising because they want to use their creativity in a career, but in the end they don't "create" much of anything. I'll bet they're pretty disappointed with their careers, at least in that respect. Probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
And by the way, I'm not judging people who go into advertising. I'm empathetic, really. If I wanted to judge them I'd say something like, "Advertising has no socially redeeming value" or "Advertising is lying" or "Advertising is mind control" ... something like that.
That would be passing judgment.
The new Shins album is first rate. It's in my CD player all. the. time. After my first listen I was very underwhelmed. But now, after about 10 listens, I absolutely love it. I'm enamored with tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10, although many of the other songs are great, too.
You have to be impressed with their progression as a band. This album is substantially different from "Oh ...," and I think it's better. Color me impressed.
Matt, are you saying they're not very good live? Never seen 'em myself.
The Strokes
I like this album. I don't love it, but it's got some very good moments, and it's probably worth picking up. Track 2 is easily the best, followed by 10, 4, and 5. Although, again, there are other good songs from which to choose.
Seemed Like a Good Idea
I have to talk about these commercials I'm seeing on the tube. Five companies, maybe more, are airing ads with same basic theme. I call it the "Seemed Like a Good Idea" theme, and it always has three scenes:
Scene One: The Idea
(Man looking pretty proud of himself)
Main character (often sitting behind a lap top) has an idea. This idea takes many forms, but it's always a really good idea that he or she is really excited about. It could be (and has been):
--taking the wife on a vacation to stay in a beach-side hut on a South Pacific island (expedia.com)
--taking the family on a vacation to a mountain cabin with dead animals on the walls (expedia.com)
--purchasing a large stereo system with huge speakers (Best Buy)
--purchasing a large TV (Best Buy)
--letting your girlfriend take care of storing your stuff (PD Storage)
--creating a money-growing tree as a way to increase profits (Washington Mutual)
Scene Two: The Idea Envisioned
(cut to the main character's mind)
--sees bed covered with tons and tons of exotic bugs (expedia.com)
--sees kids scared out of their wits by deer and bear heads on the walls (expedia.com)
--sees self getting super into the music at a party, standing on the huge speakers and falling off (Best Buy)
--sees friend running around during football game and tripping over television (Best Buy)
--sees girlfriend fire-torching his belongings in an alley (PD Storage)
--sees tree becoming mutant tree and grabbing people (Washington Mutual)
Scene Three: The Idea Reconsidered
(cut back to character, this time he looks scared and has big eyes)
--shakes his head and says "maybe somewhere less exotic" (expedia.com)
--shakes his head and says "maybe somewhere less scary" (expedia.com)
--shakes his head and says "maybe a smaller stereo" (Best Buy)
--shakes his head and says "maybe a smaller TV" (Best Buy)
--shakes his head and says "maybe I'll handle it" (PD Storage)
--shakes his head and says "maybe we'll just offer free checking" (Washington Mutual)
There are more. These are just the ones I can remember off the top of my head. I'm only mentioning it because I can't believe how formulaic this advertising stuff is. I mean, at least five major advertisers are using almost identical commercials (either Miller Lite or Bud Light uses this formula, too). These companies are shelling out a lot of dough to someone to come up with some good ideas, and the best they can do is to re-hash someone else's not-so-brilliant concept.
Further, it's funny that a lot of people go into advertising because they want to use their creativity in a career, but in the end they don't "create" much of anything. I'll bet they're pretty disappointed with their careers, at least in that respect. Probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
And by the way, I'm not judging people who go into advertising. I'm empathetic, really. If I wanted to judge them I'd say something like, "Advertising has no socially redeeming value" or "Advertising is lying" or "Advertising is mind control" ... something like that.
That would be passing judgment.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
I don't know how that cliche started. However, on a somewhat related topic. I didn't even know what P's and Q's stood for in the phrase "mind your P's and Q's" until someone told me the other day. It stands for pints and quarts. As in: "Mind your pints and quarts of ale, you don't want to vomit all over yourself."
