Archive for the ‘records’ Category
ACID TONGUE
I kinda hate blogging right now, so I am putting little-to-no effort into it. Okay, maybe I don’t hate blogging, but I certainly have no drive to do so.
I do love Jenny Lewis and I’ve loved Jenny Lewis since we both wore acid wash jeans, neon hair scrunchies and LA Gear sneakers (Beverly Hills, what a thrill). Except now we’ve both grown up, grabbed some style and gotten hot. Jenny’s smokin’ and to say that I have a girl crush is a gross understatement. Just the kind of crush where I want to have an awkward, panty-clad pillow fight with her.
She’s a bonafide babe. Know what I’m saying?
I am excited.
September 23 will be an expensive day at HMV for me. Not only are Sex and the City: The Movie and the second volume of the SATC soundtrack (which is good for Ciara’s “Click Flash” if nothing else) being released, but so is Jenny’s sophomore solo effort “Acid Tongue.”
Hooray!
Jenny Lewis Official Website
Rilo Kiley Official Website
HOT HOT WHO?
I miss records. My Opa had countless classic 45s and my dad had an extensive collection of everything from Cream to the Rolling Stones to Foreigner. Led Zeppelin’s ‘Houses of the Holy’ was often a joke in our house, and my parents would point out that the cover was a “bunch of Keiras” climbing the steps. This was probably due to the fact that my post-bath childhood behaviour included relishing warming my naked butt by our fireplace. Too much information? Perhaps. Moving on…
My parents’ music was my music. My first-ever record was Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In the U.S.A.’ – complete with an autograph (which, in retrospect, looked suspiciously like my mom’s handwriting). I adored Bryan Adams at the age of 4 and had a full-blown appreciation for U2 by the time ‘The Joshua Tree’ was released in 1987. When I wasn’t plugged into our gigantic stereo with headphones big enough to make my little head wobble, I was spending Saturdays in my aunt’s car listening to tunes of the 1950s on our weekly shopping adventures.
Naturally, like every other red-blooded girl on the planet, I swooned over New Kids On the Block the first time I heard “Hangin’ Tough.” It was about this time that I discovered MuchMusic (now referred to as ‘Much’ by you younger folk). This opened up a whole new world of listening pleasures. The likes of VJs such as Steve Anthony brought Duran Duran, Björk, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Depeche Mode into my living room on a daily basis. Then were the days that MuchMusic, believe it or not, actually played music videos – sometimes for hours at a time! Shocked?
As my year of high school graduation drew nearer, MuchMusic’s format changed and slowly incorporated more and more television shows into daily scheduling. I often wanted to tear my hair out everytime I heard the theme song to ‘The Monkees’ start up. Soon after, the so-called Nation’s Music Station slashed their name to simply ‘Much,’ and so I changed the channel. 1998 was the last year I watched with any sort of regularity. Remember this logo?
Today, when I listen to the radio, I’ve got the dial set to easy listening. My station of choice these days is Clear FM. In fact, it’s currently playing in my ears as I write. “One Of These Nights” by the Eagles is spinning this afternoon. Being that I haven’t recently watched any sort of music on television, nor have I tuned into any top 40 radio stations, it’s been close to a decade since I was actively discovering new music. In fact, the rare occasions on which I do discover a new artist are purely by accident or by very specific recommendation of friends. Even still, I hesitate.
While I can point to a few acts I’ve discovered since the demise of MuchMusic, such as Rilo Kiley, Hanson and Kanye West, even still most of these artists have been making music for close to a decade (if not more). Yes, it’s been more than 10 years since the first time you heard “MmmBop.” The truth is, I find that today’s new music is supremely disappointing. The craft of songwriting has disappeared in favour of marketing to the masses. Forgive my generalization, but it seems that the majority of those 25 and under most likely don’t even realize that they don’t choose who they like to listen to – radio stations and music executives decide that for them. Don’t believe me?
How many groups are currently putting out records whose band features four or more 20-somethings in skinny jeans, horizontal striped t-shirts and shaggy haircuts that cover one eye? At the very least, they all have one thing in common:
Oh, and let’s not forget The Pussycat Dolls.
Coincidence? Well, I suppose it would be unfair to say that “The…” equals trite tunes. After all, then we’d have to lump in The Beatles, The Who, The Clash, The Cure and The Doors to name a few. And besides, if “The…” was the only prerequisite, I’d have to leave out the contrived likes of Arcade Fire, Hedley, My Chemical Romance or Gym Class Heroes. Who comes up with these ultra hip names anyways?
But I digress.
Perhaps my opinion could be considered a little biased. Were you to play any of these newer artists for me, I most likely couldn’t tell one from the other. Isn’t that saying something? What I loved most about music as a little girl, and what I still love most about music, is that when it’s good, it ignites something inside of me. It triggers a thought, a memory or a feeling. What’s the point in music that doesn’t inspire?
I am well aware of the fact that the majority of those reading have a thing or two to say about a thing or two I’ve said. I’m not an authority on what’s considered good music. After all, my collection of albums contains more than a couple Hanson CDs tucked in between all my Duran Duran discs. I look forward to the day on which I can play LPs for my own children…to pull out an actual record, drop the needle to it and hope that they too drift away between cracks, sizzles and pops.
"Put a record on…
…I wanna dance with my baby.”
Like most people, music has always and will always be an integral part of my life and my development. Quite obviously, my love for a good record started very early with LPs on the family turntable. I can’t even begin to tell you how completely rad I felt wearing those headphones. For some reason, it made me feel important and alive - as though I was doing something worthwhile simply by listening.
Good records have carried me through some of the highest and lowest points of my life. For every single memory I can recall, I can most definitely give you the name of a song that’s connected. However, there are some significant times in my life that can be recalled through entire records.
These are those records…
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1. Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
Somewhere in my mom’s record collection is a copy of Springsteen’s 1984 release, complete with an “autographed cover.” There isn’t much I remember pre-kindergarten other than being enamoured with the fact that I had Bruce Springsteen’s autograph (which looked suspiciously like my mother’s handwriting). I was also convinced that I’d marry Ponch from CHiPs and I remember that my second or third birthday cake was in the shape of Strawberry Shortcake. Born in the U.S.A. was the very first record that I ever owned, and even still today, hearing the title track induces little giggles.
Photo courtesy of CBS Records
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2. U2 - The Joshua Tree (1987)
“Moooooooooooooom! That band you like is on TV!” I yelled from the guest bedroom in Port Hardy. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” was playing on the very early days of MuchMusic (when it was still good) and I recognized it as a song we’d been listening to on the drive up-Island. My true appreciation for U2 wouldn’t develop until years later, and despite the significance of The Joshua Tree in my early years, I still hold to the belief that The Unforgettable Fire is U2’s greatest record.
Photo courtesy of Island Records
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3. New Kids on the Block - Hangin’ Tough (1988)
The first time I ever purchased a copy of Bop, Big Bopper, Teen Beat or any other “teen dream” magazine was solely due to the “fab five” from Boston. I can’t remember the first time I ever heard the title track or where I heard it. What I do know is that in no time flat, I had an NKOTB pillow, every tape they came out with and, after a short stint of crushin’ on Donnie Whalberg, a nice big poster of cheek-pinchin’-cute Joey MacIntyre tacked directly above my bed. Eventually my dreams of being a New Wife on the Block subsided around the same time that the pandemonium caused by these guys died off.
Photo courtesy of Columbia Records
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4. Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)
I’m not sure if I was into Nirvana because, at the time, it was the cool thing to be into Nirvana or whether it was due to the fact that my junior high and high school years were, for the most part, depressive. I felt awkward, out of place and unpopular, so it only makes sense that Nevermind’s biggest hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” was my anthem of sorts. Looking back, it’s much easier to now see how truly gifted Nirvana was in many ways and how tragic Kurt Cobain’s story was. His untimely demise was the first sense of death I’d ever experienced, and all I can remember is crying in my mom’s arms at how sad and how unfair it was. This is one record that will undoubtedly live on in the annals of music history.
Photo courtesy of DGC/Geffen Records
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5. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
This record was gifted to me around the time of my 12th birthday by my “uncle” Steve. I remember because he’d just returned from Japan and had wrapped it in beautiful black and blue paper he’d bought while overseas. My sneaking suspicion at the time was that my father had rather conveniently suggested this idea to my uncle, but I am forever grateful that my ears were opened to Pink Floyd at such a young age. I have great fond memories of listening to this record with my father…just sitting in the living room and listening. Not long after, I experienced Pink Floyd at the Vancouver Planetarium through the laser medium, and it’s a wonder I will always cherish.
Photo courtesy of Harvest/Capitol Records
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6. U2 - Achtung Baby (1991)
Soon after my Pink Floyd planetarium experience, my dad took us to see The Joshua Tree there also. “I remember this record!” was my first thought. At the time I was so excited to discover music I used to love again that I went in search for more of U2’s stuff. Low and behold, I found Achtung Baby. The infatuation began. For some reason, I’ve normally always seemed to crush on older guys, and Bono was no exception. I snapped up every U2 record released to date at the time and still looked for more in store even though I knew I had all the cassette tapes. In November of 1992, my dad surprised me for my birthday with two floor seat tickets to their Zoo TV tour at BC Place Stadium. If I think about that day, I can still feel the butterflies, still remember the thrill of seeing Bono’s black silhouette rising from the stage and still remember how surreal it all felt while falling asleep reading my program that night.
Photo courtesy of Island Records
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7. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993)
First came tapes, then came CDs. Siamese Dream was my first CD. “Today” was playing in heavy rotation on MuchMusic (again, when it was still good) and the melodious guitar hooked me in right away. I saved up some of my money and purchased it from the Zellers entertainment department on a dark and stormy night, quite literally. My mom, brother and I arrived home before his karate class and I forced them to sit through a listen with me. Whether we made it to the end or not I don’t know, but this is one record that helped me maintain that delightful sense of angst first created by Nevermind (see number 4).
Photo courtesy of Virgin Records
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8. Duran Duran - Duran Duran (unofficially known as The Wedding Album) (1993)
Somewhere between my infatuation with Bono and the beginning of high school, I discovered Duran Duran. It was around this time that they’d made somewhat of a comeback with “Come Undone.” I’d heard of them before because my older cousin, Lisa, had a huge crush on Simon LeBon in the 80s. I’d decided now it was my turn. Upon further listening, and though I still listen to them quite a bit today, I’ve concluded that it’s Duran Duran’s older stuff (particularly their self-titled debut record) that’s mint. I might also point out that, back in eighth grade, I was convinced that not only could Simon and I one day marry since when I’d be 20, he’d only be 42 (which wasn’t that big of a difference in my juvenile mind). I was further convinced that I was going to lose my virginity on my wedding night by candlelight with “Come Undone” playing in the background. How wrong was I on both those counts?
Photo courtesy of Capitol/EMI Records
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9. Beastie Boys - Check Your Head (1992)
My only saving grace from complete junior high-aged musical geekdom was Check Your Head. A friend of mine brought it along on a three-day kayak field trip and it was all over from there. To this day, their innovation and creativity still blows me away, as do their passion and solid effort put behind everything they do. My mom has long resented my love for the Beasties because, to be honest, she really doesn’t like them. Her face twists up in disgust whenever I play their stuff. However, even she can be quick to admit that they’re true pioneers in what they do. There was no one like them before they hit the scene, and though many have tried to do what they do since, I highly doubt you can name one artist that would cause me to say “hey, yah they kinda sound like the Beastie Boys.” No one does.
Photo courtesy of Capital/Grand Royal Records
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10. Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
It’s apparent to me that there was some sort of a void in my early high school years. I think I mostly listened to Top 40 (in the words of Mr. Lodge, “egads!”) with some of the MuchMusic Countdown sprinkled in. And then “Wonderwall” hit the airwaves. Everyone loved “Wonderwall.” Everyone remembers “Wonderwall.” But the best part of it was that the entire record from which it came was brilliant! And the record before that, Definitely Maybe, was brilliant too. This record defines high school for me; the joy and the sorrow. I remember listening to “Champagne Supernova” at the time I was told my Opa had passed away. It’s amazing what I physically feel when I hear this record again. Sometimes I wish I could go back and walk home from high school in the sunshine with this on my Walkman just one more time.
Photo courtesy of Epic Records
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11. Hanson - Middle of Nowhere (1997)
I already know what you’re thinking, but I’ve justified Hanson enough times on my blog that I’m not doing it again. The lead single that caught North America’s attention, “MmmBop,” is a lot more than you might think in every way. Go look it up if you need convincing. This record inspired me, made me feel like it was okay at the end of horrendous days and never failed to put a smile on my face. It reminded me of good friends, lost loved ones and times that were yet to come. Though oddly enough, at the time, I was pretty sure they’d be “one hit wonders…”
Photo courtesy of Mercury/Universal Records
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12. Rilo Kiley - The Execution of All Things (2002)
You’ll notice the jump between the last record and this one. Much of my early 20s were an oppressive blur, one that I’d rather not define (though that’s not to say that I don’t still appreciate a listen of something from Jars of Clay once in a while). Rilo Kiley’s sophomore effort epitomizes my personal redemption and transition into living a life that feels more myself and less of someone else’s. Jenny Lewis is, simply put, a kick-ass chick. She’s vulnerable and insecure and at the same time, independent and self-assured. I found that really, really encouraging, and all of what she seemingly embodies is undoubtedly conveyed by Rilo Kiley’s music. This is one to go down in my history books. It gave me the kick-in-the-pants I needed to stand up for me.
Photo courtesy of Saddle Creek Records
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13. Led Zeppelin - II (1969)
“What? You’re saving this one until almost the end?” is what I’m sure you’re asking me. Sure I’ve always been a Led fan - for as long as I can remember. Last year I spent a very special day with a very special person in a very special place. “Whole Lotta Love” will forever remind me of that day, and anytime I want to revisit it, I spin II in my stereo. Enough said.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records
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14. Hanson - The Walk (2007)
This album is 2007 for me. Truth be told, it’s been a year for the toilet drain in personal terms. As I said above, Hanson’s music has always given inspiration, so I was elated to find out at the end of July that they’d released something new. I didn’t hesitate in purchasing The Walk and knew that it’d be something amazing. This record, for me, has managed to pick up the shattered pieces of this year and let me feel my heart beat once again. I mean that in the most literal of ways…some chords, some lyrics - they strike something within in a very real and physical way. I think those three brothers have been blessed with a talent that perhaps they can’t even understand. Either way, this record has been a gift to me.
Photo courtesy of 3CG/Cooking Vinyl Records
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So there you have it, kids. I could write forever and ever on this topic. I remember listening to Del Shannon in the car with my aunt on our shopping trips or Fine Young Cannibals and Simply Red with my parents and camping adventures. I remember swooning the first time I heard John Mayer. Those are all glimpses into this life that is my own.
I’d be stoked if you’d comment with one or two of your all-time important records and why.