You’re a whinging old person, you just don’t know it yet
04 August 2013
“Music just isn’t the same as it used to be,” moans Facebook.
“Back in my day the music was so much better... I don’t know what the world is coming to.”
I disagree. My central thesis is that personal music taste has to move, adapt, and evolve, reflecting that music, and musical taste is fluid, changing over time. This means what is “good” or worth listening to changes over time, as new music is released. To close your mind to this is to risk being an old bore, who moans after “the classics” not realising this is exactly what their parents and grandparents did before them.
Behind this moan, is the danger of each new generation seeing its interpretation of the world and music as superior to what has gone before, and what will come in the future. Therefore, what I think is best... is best... Not realising that what is “best” is more likely to be centered around a particular point in time, most likely during the late formative teenage years and early adulthood.
Now I’m not saying there isn’t a place for classic and enduring songs (I strongly believe there is) rather that this list is ever growing as new musical styles etc are discovered. As listeners we need to be open to hearing new music, and dare I say learning to like what is new. Quick pop quiz when was the last time you “liked” a new song or band that was released in the last 12 months? (I’m not talking about U2 and Coldplay. They are bands for old people). When did you last find a new piece of music to buy?
I’m not suggesting you run out and buy the latest number one hit far from it. History teaches us that what is and what is good don’t always go hand in hand. Far better to seek to educate yourself especially if you don’t have good taste (which I don’t). Ask people around you especially if they’re younger, ask them why they like what they do. Be open to listening to things that you don’t like, seem childish, feel uncomfortable or stupid. Be open minded to being persuaded, suspend judgement until you’ve heard a song a number of times. Even be prepared to read lyrics and bios on Wikipedia and the like before making a conclusion. Read music reviews from people who know about these kind of things there’s truckloads of them on the internet. Expand. Your. Mind.
You need to do this, otherwise you risk sounding like another old person who sits in judgement over all generations before and after you. The danger is you could end up being a whinging old person without knowing it.
Yes I play the drums
13 April 2013
“You play Drums?!... Really I had no idea!”
This is usually the reaction when people find out I play the drums. I love playing the drums. When I say drums I mean kit. I’ve never owned one and am entirely self taught, although I’ve had some tips along the way. I started playing when I was at school and was taking flute lessons (which I hated). When I finished school and after five years of lessons I sold my flute and have not played since. Drumming has stayed with me. Whenever I've had an opportunity I've played and practiced.
In early Crossroads Church music days, I can remember playing with four or five of us bashing out tunes, focusing on “getting thorough song” without mistakes. These days music at Crossroads is much better. We’re more focused on thinking about how we can make the music we sing (and I play) at church better. This means we spend time actually thinking about how to arrange our music. Working out who will play when, where, why and how.
As a drummer I’ve noticed it’s easy to get bogged on technical stuff and showing off cool new beats or solos. While this may show technical brilliance and how awesome you are, often it doesn’t actually serve the song or arrangement. As Anthony Rochester has said to me many times “Just play a straight eight!” Sometimes simplest is the best.
Below are a couple of videos with arrangements of older songs which I really like. I enjoy them because of the way they build toward a climax very gradually. I also like the way the drumming serves the overall arrangement.
tags church, linkage, music, video
5 Albums I bought in the last 6 months...
04 April 2013
Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
I’m not really sure of the story here. Maybe I heard her voice on Triple J. I added a playlist of her album on Spotify and listened. Her husky tones bring to mind smoke filled men's clubs and Film Noir made the 30s 40s and 50s. The songs are poppy and catchy.
Owl City - The Midsummer Station
Total trash. I would never defend Owl City as good music. I bought this album because I have a couple of other Owl City Albums. I first listened to Owl City when Googling around about The Postal Service (another band I really like). From memory a number of critics mentioned that Owl City is similar to The Postal Service. I listened to and I liked it straight away. It’s very definitely pop and it’s great to dance and jump around to. Olivia and Ella like anything with the beat and some lyrics they can shout. They also picked up the tunes pretty easily.
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
I like and own Kanye West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I think he’s a very good producer... but you wouldn’t let your Mum listen to that album. Frank Ocean is Mum friendly. A more palatable, gentle version, abate with a sprinkling of bad words. His style is probably closest to R&B with electronic keyboard, samples and subdued rhythms. I not really sure how I came to hear of him. He’s also pretty relaxing to listen to.
Ellie Goulding - Bright Lights
I saw the beautiful above video advertising an Octocopter last year (watch the video if you don't know what an Octocopter is). The video uses a remix of the track "Lights". Olivia and Ella really liked the video and the music. Again I added a Spotify playlist of album and began. I managed to also catch a performance she did in London as part of the iTunes music festival. Watched it on my big TV at home. It was very impressive. I enjoyed listening to her youngish girly voice.
Air - Moon Safari
This is a strange one. When I checked I was very surprised I bought it less than six months ago. I had the feeling that bought this album a few years ago. This is possibly because this is the oldest album here (1998). I think this was on high rotation on Triple J back in the early 2000’s when I lived at the Castle with Bernie and Chris. I’ve liked it ever since and finally got round to buying it. I find it dreamy and relaxing to listen to. If you were harsh you might call it chilled, electronic, elevator music.
The rock concert... what happend to the drunk girl?
14 March 2009
It’s early on a Saturday night and I’m sitting on my prime-viewing ledge at the University Union bar. The gig starts. A guy in a crazy green suit wanders on stage (see below). His lyrics are garbled noise over a disco pop beat with a really heavy bass. He screams… a lot. From my position I watch as he wanders the room assaulting members of the audience and screaming in their faces. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I want to hate and dismiss him as a crazy wanker but he’s just too keen.
I'm getting bored. On the other side of the room I spot a security guy with his fluro top on inside out. Classic. Next a guy walks past me wearing sunglasses on his head. No kidding. It’s night and we’re indoors. Evidently his girlfriend has the same disease of stupid cause she has her sunglasses on her head too. In front of me stands meat head man with a mullet that partially obscures his Opeth tee.
The support band come out, Trial Kennedy. They rock hard in a way your Mum would hate. Their drummer doesn't have a shirt. They have strong harmonious vocals reminiscent of The Butterfly Effect. People look more drunk. It dawns on me that in order to dance up the front you need a lot of confidence or just be really pissed. I can’t see myself doing either maybe that’s why I don’t dance.
It’s about 11pm when Birds of Tokyo come on stage. The lead singer looks like my computer nerd friend Matt. He dances with a sort of jerky nerdy motions. His vocals are spot on. The crowd seems to pulsate in time to the music like a large bodily organ. It’s the middle of the concert and a slight framed (drunk) girl jumps up next to me and proceeds to fall asleep. I’m not sure how, the music is very loud. Jason leans in and asks me if she’s ok.
They pump through their songs and people seem to enjoy it. Light explodes all over the room, music washes over me. I tap along. It’s a nice night out and I feel young again.
I love my wife
19 November 2008
I'm sitting at home listening to the Weepies waiting for my wonderful wife to get home. I love her very very much. I'm a very happy man when I'm with her. That is all.
Music for in the Spaceship
30 October 2007
Reviewing a mates stuff will always be difficult to do. On the one hand if I'm too critical it might jeopardise the friendship, but then I might give a raving review because I'm biased. So what do I think of Anthony Rochester's new album Music for In the Spaceship?
Well I reckon this album is actually really good. The standout for me would be the opening song "I Love you Baby". With a nice happy tune with a catchy riff. "Lipscombe Larder" is catchy and filled with mentions of local places and things, and includes the line (that should be dedicated to his brother) "I don't know what the engine in my car is. I just press go."
I loved the old school album art drawn by Brandon (Ant's Nephew).
Overall the album represents more a move toward the pop genre but in a good way. I personally think that Anthony's music is better listened to on CD than live. Grab a CD now... except you can't cause he's on tour till January. In the mean time you can hear Ant's music here or on myspace.
tags friends, linkage, music, review
Regurgitator-Mish Mash
02 May 2007
As reviewed by me in TOG 2004
Brisbane band Regurgitator latest offering is the aptly titled Mish Mash.
The album was recorded last year, in a plastic bubble positioned in Melbourne’s Federation Square. For twenty one days the band’s every move was broadcast live on Channel V in the post modern voyeuristic way we have become accustomed.
The move was seen by some, as a ‘sellout’ marketing ploy, others hailed the band as ground breaking with a bold, innovative approach to recording. What ever camp you place yourself in, Gurge members Ben Ely and Quan Yeomans are to be commended for completing the recording while in the bubble.
The music on “Mish Mash” is a rushed “mish mash” of tracks combining hip-hop, rock, rap, and electronic genres, that made Regurgitator popular. However by enlarge this album is nothing new.
The first track “The Drop” sticks with the classical Gurge sound. “My friend Robot” is also in the same vain. Unsurprisingly these two tracks that made it in to this years Hottest 100. My favorite track would be “The Game”. It has a funky rap that I’d dance to if I danced, but again it fails to reach beyond the ordinary. The boppy “Welcome to my ego” is a lyrically odd but also safely average. It’s depressing to see a band hailed as pioneering a few years ago still producing music that is boringly the same. The only song on this album that comes close to being unique is the soft, slow and melodic “I was sent by God to get you off”.
I found the album art particularly irritating. The cover and sleeve are adorned with a mish mash of paper graffiti, drawings, and notes from fans written to the band during their “bubble time”. One could spend the best part of a day looking at the scribbly details. This proved slightly annoying when working out the track listing on the back of the album (and good luck deciphering the lyrics).
If you are a Gurge fan you’ll probably like this album, as it’s more of the same old stuff. If you’re not, you’ll find this “mish mash” of tracks spectacularly average. There is nothing truly new here.
tags music, shameless self promotion
supportMIKE CD Give away
01 May 2007
I have a CD in my library that I hate. I can't stand it any longer... I was given it to review for the University Magazine Togatus a couple of years ago. I wrote a scathing review which hasn't seen me back to write CD reviews since.
Anyway if you can guess the name of this well known Alternative Australian Rock band THE CD IS YOURS FREE. In fact I so want to get rid of it I'll give it to the person with the closest guess. The CD and case are in perfect condition (I only listened to it once). The competition is open to anyone so get commenting.
Clues... It was their last album (2004). The band hails from Brisbane and has been around since 1996.
tags friends, music, shameless self promotion
Late night Huw
18 April 2007
It was a busy day... very busy. I worked solidly through from 9 till 9 tonight then went to wind down with cold beer and some original music at the Telegraph Hotel.
I went initially see my mate Mackles playing. I'd describe his music as a mix between Placebo and Enola Fall. Surprisingly I bumped into Huw... doing a solo performing at the same gig. Huw is very secretive as you can see from the photo.
It was a very secret appearance apparently even some of his family were banned from attending I'm not sure why... Anyway I like Huw's music*.
I feel relaxed. Yay for original music and Boag's Draught.
*(even if it is all about his wife Emma)
Christian bands?
27 February 2007
I came across this blog this afternoon and was dismayed. The writer of the blog (a Christian) notes the following;
I ran across... an interview on 2/23/07 on Australia Talks. The program was about Aussie rock and a caller called in and said:"I play in a band that goes with the Christian message…. We sell on the internet…. There's six of us in the band, and in the last five years, we're literally all millionaires…. I'm not a Christian, and none of the members in my band are either. But it's a bit like The Wiggles. If you put yourself out there and find a market, you cater to it, and it's as simple as that…."
And when questioned by the radio host about none of the band being Christians, he responds:
"Well, it's a market, that's all you need to know really. You know, you cater to it. You write your songs to it. And that's all there is to it. It's no different to writing a jingle for Marmite…. I don't really see why I need to be a Christian to play Christian music. If they want to buy it, that's all that needs to be known."
I should point out that the interview may or may not be hoax but bearing this in mind I noted the following.
I often hear from those around talking about these so called "Christian Bands". It's almost as though I should appreciated them just because they are "Christian". I find this difficult to swallow. If music is good, then it's good and we don't need label it "Christian" to justify it in some way.
I'd hate to be among the gullible fans who jump aboard the latest "Christian" bandwagon (pun intended) only to find their trust misplaced. There are wolves in sheep's clothing and I reckon we should apply this to "Christian" music and marketing. What do you think?
tags christian, ministry, music
Anthony Rochester
04 February 2007
I went to see Anthony play last night at a pool hall in town. I've blogged about Anthony and his zanny music before. He plays all the instruments on his album himself (well almost). His brother Jonny and I heckled from the sidelines.
He has a new single out Even your retail prices won't keep me away available for about 5 bucks. It's from a forthcoming album Music for in the Spaceship.... zanny
Anyway it was good fun. Check his new music out here...
*UPDATE* I nearly forgot but I think it was the first ever Anthony Rochester gig where people danced.
Respect.. these guys?
13 October 2006
I don’t like George Bush in fact I don’t really like John Howard either. In fact most politicians make me frustrated and angry. I don’t agree or like many of their rules and policies. The war in Iraq, asylum seekers, the environment, the funding of universities and schools… I could go on but I wont.
However I am sick of two things.
Firstly a blatant disrespect for our nations leaders. At this point I want to again affirm I my strong disagreement with many of John Howard’s policies and more of George Bush’s.
As a Christian I am called to respect the leaders that I have over me even if I disagree with them*. Bands such as The Herd on Triple J, do nothing to endear themselves to the listening audience with their pejorative language… phrases like “John has a taste of George’s d--k”. The bottom line is that our leaders have difficult jobs and are called upon to make decisions daily that can’t please everyone. Even if I disagree I should respect the decision they make.
Romans 13 teaches us that we must respect them not because we like them or even agree with them but because they are placed over us by God**. Similarly in 1 Timothy 2 we must pray for our leaders that they would make Godly and wise decisions.
The second thing that gets my goat up is the attribution of a leaders personal failure to a people as whole. For example George Bush is a w----r therefore all Americans are w----rs. This sort of language is stupid when you think about it if only for the reason that not all Americans voted for Bush… (in fact not even all Americans voted).
So for the record I’ll make it clear Americans don’t all agree with what George Bush says anymore than all Australian’s agree with what John Howard says. So next time you see an American or talk to one don’t assume they subscribe to George Bush’s worldview.
Rant over.
*Not to say there isn’t room to protest, write letters, lobby, sign petitions etc. These would be all things that as a Christian I would be happy to do.
**It’s also worth pointing out that slaves were commanded to respect masters who were not only good and considerate but also harsh (1 Peter 2:18).
tags christian, linkage, music, rant, thinking
Absolutely shameless
08 June 2006
As this is my blog I’m going to engage in some shameless self promotion.
Music that I like that is free and legal
- Therefore I am (see here)
- Gotye (see here)
- Sigur Ros (see here)
- Angels and Airwaves (see here) online streaming only.
- South Park - Monday
- Media Watch - Monday
- Prisonbreak - Wednesday
- Smallville - Thursday
- The World Rally Championship - Saturday
Finally a picture of me...
tags linkage, music, pictures, review, shameless self promotion
Pictures and sunset music...
13 May 2006
There was a beautiful sunset this evening. I was walking home from my interview for working with FOCUS next year when I saw it. I knew I had to get a pic. The funny thing was that all the worker bee people walking home with ipods hanging out their pockets were totally oblivious to it. The top one is from my kitchen window when I got home. This second one is one that got from the Rosebay webcam located across the river.
In honour of the good coffee I had yesterday, I went and drank another great coffee from Retro Cafe and got a picture this time. I also had a brief chat with Shiloh a friend from church who is a waitress there. She also runs a particularly good blog.
Tonight I went along to see some mates playing a gig at a pub in Sandybay Anthony Rochester and the Que Experience. They were both excellent and I recommend that you check them out. A great bunch of guys. And no I don't have a picture of them.
tags coffee, focus, friends, linkage, music, pictures
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