Thursday, January 29, 2004
It's free, in the traditional sense. When I set it up (has it been three years?) there was only a $150 set-up fee, and I just charged that to Nolan's credit card. Ha ha. No seriously, it was completely free. Hence, the Blogger revolution, I suppose.
As for the advertisements, if you look closely, the "Blogger" ads are really for other companies. Right now it's for some CD warehouse or something. I guess that's how they make their money. There are also ways to upgrade your blogger account that cost money. Obviously, we have the super-basic model.
Nolan, you made me order the Ted Leo album. I have read quite a number of positive reviews, and now yours, so I decided to pull the trigger and order it from the local record store.
Adam, how was (is?) Spain? Let me know how you like the Aina discs. My favorite is their s/t album.
Couple last points re: pop culture:
1. If anyone out there still watches the Real World, this week's episode where two of them get arrested was easily the funniest I've seen. I love the part where the one girl is in the squad car about to be carted away and the two drunkies immediately come out from the club and proceed to be arrested. (You have to see it.)
I could be wrong, but I think MTV reruns those episodes every now and again (har-de-har-har), so check it out.
2. I know that I've said some critical things about DVDs and the need for a DVD player. But it's getting to the point where you do, in fact, need one. Otherwise you would not be able to rent the first seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm (CYE) or the Jamie Kennedy Experience (JKX). TV shows on DVD is a huge benefit of the DVD revolution.
I rented CYE two weekends ago having never seen a single episode. I was prepared to be disappointed, but I think it's a fabolous series. Really hilarioius. My favorite character is the agent. I don't know if it's Seinfeld good, but's it's really funny and it makes me with I had HBO to see the more recent episodes. (Oh, and watching Larry David, you can tell he had an influence on Jerry's "acting" style.)
As for JKX, well, it's simply one of the greatest shows of our generation.
As for the advertisements, if you look closely, the "Blogger" ads are really for other companies. Right now it's for some CD warehouse or something. I guess that's how they make their money. There are also ways to upgrade your blogger account that cost money. Obviously, we have the super-basic model.
Nolan, you made me order the Ted Leo album. I have read quite a number of positive reviews, and now yours, so I decided to pull the trigger and order it from the local record store.
Adam, how was (is?) Spain? Let me know how you like the Aina discs. My favorite is their s/t album.
Couple last points re: pop culture:
1. If anyone out there still watches the Real World, this week's episode where two of them get arrested was easily the funniest I've seen. I love the part where the one girl is in the squad car about to be carted away and the two drunkies immediately come out from the club and proceed to be arrested. (You have to see it.)
I could be wrong, but I think MTV reruns those episodes every now and again (har-de-har-har), so check it out.
2. I know that I've said some critical things about DVDs and the need for a DVD player. But it's getting to the point where you do, in fact, need one. Otherwise you would not be able to rent the first seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm (CYE) or the Jamie Kennedy Experience (JKX). TV shows on DVD is a huge benefit of the DVD revolution.
I rented CYE two weekends ago having never seen a single episode. I was prepared to be disappointed, but I think it's a fabolous series. Really hilarioius. My favorite character is the agent. I don't know if it's Seinfeld good, but's it's really funny and it makes me with I had HBO to see the more recent episodes. (Oh, and watching Larry David, you can tell he had an influence on Jerry's "acting" style.)
As for JKX, well, it's simply one of the greatest shows of our generation.
Monday, January 26, 2004
I don't believe it's almost February. Anyways, here's my list for last year.
Top Albums 2003
1. The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow
A great album both musically and lyrically. I like the following quote from the Pitchfork review: “The attention to detail on Chutes Too Narrow is truly impressive, but the way that these details combine to form music so effortless and emotionally rich is astounding.”
2. Sun Kil Moon – Ghosts of the Great Highway
This is a solo project from Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters . A solid release all the way through with several great songs. Kozelek’s voice (although a bit too Neil Youngish at times for me) combines with sparse melodies to create an eerie minimalist sound.
3. Blur – Think Tank
Although this is not my favorite Blur album, it’s still a great album. This is another release that demonstrates how Blur has continued to produce diverse and interesting music.
4. Ted Leo – Hearts of Oak
A very recent purchase I must admit. Even though I’ve only listened to it 4 or so times, I can already see why this album was on so many top 10 lists.
5. Pretty Girls Make Graves – The New Romance
Not breaking new ground by any means, but what else can you ask for except cool guitars, a tight rhythm section, and good songs.
6. Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie has always had a sound I really liked. This album maintains that overall sound even though it’s more polished and cohesive.
7. S.M. & The Jicks – Pig Lib
If the five songs on the bonus disc weren’t included, I don’t think this CD would be on my list at all. However, it makes the list easily if you add those tracks to the few songs I like on the actual CD.
8. Cat Power – You Are Free
Another album with a haunting feeling. Great songs include Free, I Don’t Blame You, and Evolution.
9. Belle & Sebastian – Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Has anyone else seen the video for Step Into My Office Baby? It’s pretty funny.
10. Hey Mercedes – Loses Control
This is the one release that grew on me the most over the past few months. The more polished emo sound bothered me at first, and I wanted more angular guitar and syncopated drums. After numerous listens, I realized you can’t deny that the songs are good (and the drummer is awesome).
Most Disappointing Albums
Cursive – The Ugly Organ
The music itself isn’t disappointing. However, the concept album attempting meta-fiction is ridiculous and just plain annoying lyrically.
The Fire Theft – The Fire Theft
Although this album follows the progression (or regression) of previous SDRE releases, it is so much worse than even my low expectations. The lofty, airy, ethereal songs and the lyrics are both extremely boring. The only good thing this album did was make me listen to my old SDRE albums.
Top Singles
Outkast – Hey Ya!
Junior Senior – Move Your Feet
The Strokes – 12:51
Radiohead – There There
Blur – Out of Time
Belle & Sebastian – Step Into My Office Baby
The Shins – So Says I & Saint Simon
Pretty Girls Make Graves – All Medicated Geniuses
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead
Top Albums 2003
1. The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow
A great album both musically and lyrically. I like the following quote from the Pitchfork review: “The attention to detail on Chutes Too Narrow is truly impressive, but the way that these details combine to form music so effortless and emotionally rich is astounding.”
2. Sun Kil Moon – Ghosts of the Great Highway
This is a solo project from Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters . A solid release all the way through with several great songs. Kozelek’s voice (although a bit too Neil Youngish at times for me) combines with sparse melodies to create an eerie minimalist sound.
3. Blur – Think Tank
Although this is not my favorite Blur album, it’s still a great album. This is another release that demonstrates how Blur has continued to produce diverse and interesting music.
4. Ted Leo – Hearts of Oak
A very recent purchase I must admit. Even though I’ve only listened to it 4 or so times, I can already see why this album was on so many top 10 lists.
5. Pretty Girls Make Graves – The New Romance
Not breaking new ground by any means, but what else can you ask for except cool guitars, a tight rhythm section, and good songs.
6. Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie has always had a sound I really liked. This album maintains that overall sound even though it’s more polished and cohesive.
7. S.M. & The Jicks – Pig Lib
If the five songs on the bonus disc weren’t included, I don’t think this CD would be on my list at all. However, it makes the list easily if you add those tracks to the few songs I like on the actual CD.
8. Cat Power – You Are Free
Another album with a haunting feeling. Great songs include Free, I Don’t Blame You, and Evolution.
9. Belle & Sebastian – Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Has anyone else seen the video for Step Into My Office Baby? It’s pretty funny.
10. Hey Mercedes – Loses Control
This is the one release that grew on me the most over the past few months. The more polished emo sound bothered me at first, and I wanted more angular guitar and syncopated drums. After numerous listens, I realized you can’t deny that the songs are good (and the drummer is awesome).
Most Disappointing Albums
Cursive – The Ugly Organ
The music itself isn’t disappointing. However, the concept album attempting meta-fiction is ridiculous and just plain annoying lyrically.
The Fire Theft – The Fire Theft
Although this album follows the progression (or regression) of previous SDRE releases, it is so much worse than even my low expectations. The lofty, airy, ethereal songs and the lyrics are both extremely boring. The only good thing this album did was make me listen to my old SDRE albums.
Top Singles
Outkast – Hey Ya!
Junior Senior – Move Your Feet
The Strokes – 12:51
Radiohead – There There
Blur – Out of Time
Belle & Sebastian – Step Into My Office Baby
The Shins – So Says I & Saint Simon
Pretty Girls Make Graves – All Medicated Geniuses
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Nevermind, here it is. I'd check it out.
Just wanted to say I've both enjoyed of your lists, Ethan and Matt. I'm just about ready with mine.
I'm totally up for your CD idea, Ethan. I think it's a great idea.
If anyone reads the New Yorker, the January 12th edition (I believe) has a funny piece on the "Top Ten List" phenomenon. It's in the "Talk of the Town" section. I couldn't find it online, otherwise I'd post it.
I'm totally up for your CD idea, Ethan. I think it's a great idea.
If anyone reads the New Yorker, the January 12th edition (I believe) has a funny piece on the "Top Ten List" phenomenon. It's in the "Talk of the Town" section. I couldn't find it online, otherwise I'd post it.
Friday, January 02, 2004
Here are some "Best of 2003" lists for your enjoyment:
CMJ
Pitchfork
Lost at Sea
Pop Matters
Seriously, what do I not get about the White Stripes?
CMJ
Pitchfork
Lost at Sea
Pop Matters
Seriously, what do I not get about the White Stripes?
Happy New Year from Oregon! It snowed here yesterday, it was like the end of the world or something. Kind of funny.
Adam, that's exactly what I thought after briefly perusing the American Bungalow website: "what IS a bungalow?" I didn't really see anything that looked like what we lived in or the image I have of your house. But you're right, the Chicago style kicks bizutt.
My all-star band:
Vocals: J. Robbins (fmr Jawbox/Burning Airlines). I just like the voice, don't like the words. Which is why my band has a ...
Lyricist: Matt Olson (fmr Balloon Guy/Smattering). Meaningless but enjoyable lyrics. Perfect.
Guitarist: Britt Daniels (Spoon). Creative. Tasteful. Skilled.
Bassist: Alex James (Blur). Christ, have you listened to Think Tank?
Drums: Damon Atkinson (Hey Mercedes). Can do anything: hard, fast, slow, soft, jazzy, blah.
After watching a number of bowl games, I have decided that the best college football uniforms have no more than two colors (e.g., USC, Michigan, Alabama, Penn State, Oklahoma, Texas).
Later.
Adam, that's exactly what I thought after briefly perusing the American Bungalow website: "what IS a bungalow?" I didn't really see anything that looked like what we lived in or the image I have of your house. But you're right, the Chicago style kicks bizutt.
My all-star band:
Vocals: J. Robbins (fmr Jawbox/Burning Airlines). I just like the voice, don't like the words. Which is why my band has a ...
Lyricist: Matt Olson (fmr Balloon Guy/Smattering). Meaningless but enjoyable lyrics. Perfect.
Guitarist: Britt Daniels (Spoon). Creative. Tasteful. Skilled.
Bassist: Alex James (Blur). Christ, have you listened to Think Tank?
Drums: Damon Atkinson (Hey Mercedes). Can do anything: hard, fast, slow, soft, jazzy, blah.
After watching a number of bowl games, I have decided that the best college football uniforms have no more than two colors (e.g., USC, Michigan, Alabama, Penn State, Oklahoma, Texas).
Later.
