Monday, August 22, 2011
A Prince Bides His Time
These are songs I've written. They are about things. I write them for reasons.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Shining Skulls - Destroy Your Self
Destroy Your Self, the debut album by Seattle’s The Shining Skulls is an album that walks the line between perfectly polished and radio ready and needing to be listened to alone through headphones.
Benjamin Trimpe has managed to accomplish something rare in his first attempt behind the boards. The mix here is highly impressive. For an album that involves so much atmosphere and texture, there is never a point where sounds are struggling for space. There is a clarity and direction with each track. This is easily going to be one of the better sounding albums you will hear this year.
In concerns to the songs, expect to hear oceanic rock music with natural pop sensibility. The rises and falls of the songs are well constructed. They build and build, and explode when you want them to, but avoid predictability and formulaic cliches. It is clear that each of the members have been around the block a few times, as there are no meddling attempts at finding a sound, which typically will drag down debut releases.
I’m fortunate enough to have a friendship with Benjamin, and have some knowledge of the process that took place during the recording of this album. I have such a high level of admiration for someone that sets out to take on a project of this magnitude on their own dime, and to put forth the hours upon hours that it takes to learn your way in the studio. I know of the struggle with the sounds you have, and the sounds you’ll be capable of tomorrow, and I can tell that all of the time and patience that went into this record have paid dividends. This album is a professional product. This album is ready to be heard by the masses, and deserves to be. The songs are varied and have something to offer fans of multiple genres. Getting bored is not something you’ll need to concern yourself with. When this album comes out, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
The Shining Skulls are playing their release show on August 13th at the High Dive. If you are in or near Seattle, I recommend you come join me there. I have no doubts you will leave having had your body sufficiently rocked.
Keep up on The Shining Skulls at: http://www.facebook.com/theshiningskulls
Benjamin Trimpe has managed to accomplish something rare in his first attempt behind the boards. The mix here is highly impressive. For an album that involves so much atmosphere and texture, there is never a point where sounds are struggling for space. There is a clarity and direction with each track. This is easily going to be one of the better sounding albums you will hear this year.
In concerns to the songs, expect to hear oceanic rock music with natural pop sensibility. The rises and falls of the songs are well constructed. They build and build, and explode when you want them to, but avoid predictability and formulaic cliches. It is clear that each of the members have been around the block a few times, as there are no meddling attempts at finding a sound, which typically will drag down debut releases.
I’m fortunate enough to have a friendship with Benjamin, and have some knowledge of the process that took place during the recording of this album. I have such a high level of admiration for someone that sets out to take on a project of this magnitude on their own dime, and to put forth the hours upon hours that it takes to learn your way in the studio. I know of the struggle with the sounds you have, and the sounds you’ll be capable of tomorrow, and I can tell that all of the time and patience that went into this record have paid dividends. This album is a professional product. This album is ready to be heard by the masses, and deserves to be. The songs are varied and have something to offer fans of multiple genres. Getting bored is not something you’ll need to concern yourself with. When this album comes out, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
The Shining Skulls are playing their release show on August 13th at the High Dive. If you are in or near Seattle, I recommend you come join me there. I have no doubts you will leave having had your body sufficiently rocked.
Keep up on The Shining Skulls at: http://www.facebook.com/theshiningskulls
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Kelli Schaefer - Ghost of the Beast
Kelli Schaefer has been on my radar for a while now, thanks to Lukas Williams. However, like most things, I have to be reminded many times to finally get around to checking out new music. After seeing Schaefer pop-up on NPR, I decided it was finally time to pay attention and listen to more than the brief appearance of Sister K in the Columbia City Theatre advertisements.
From the start of Ghost of the Beast, percussive flourishes steal your attention, forcing you into the songs. They can be a bit discomforting, as they create scenes. In the title track, you feel dragged through the song. Being forced to be an active listener. You become the protagonist. Schaefer’s ability to cause the listener to feel this connection is unique, and something that should be (and is being) paid attention.
The production on this album is so consistent, and the songs have a beautiful flow from one to the other. This is an album. Something that I fear is becoming a lost art. I’m becoming worn out by collections of singles, and find myself so refreshed by a carefully constructed record. It is an art that not many can execute with such seeming ease. With this record it is found by way of atmospherics (i.e. the aforementioned percussion) that tie a thread. This is then amplified by impressively restrained musicianship. There is never a point where it feels that any element is superfluous, and the statements made by each instrument are that much stronger for it.
And, yet, I still haven’t even mentioned Kelli’s voice. There is a rare talent here. The ability to sound so vulnerable at times, to sound as if she’s on the verge of breaking; only to follow with an intensity that shows just how strong of a vocalist we’re dealing with. Few singers have this kind of talent. Even fewer can demand your attention this consistently regardless the tone of the song.
I had the pleasure of seeing Kelli Schaefer play the Noise for the Needy show at Conor Byrne this past Friday. It was one of those shows where you feel like you’re witnessing something. I cannot recommend enough that you take the time to listen to her. And, if you’re lucky enough, see her live.
Bellow are links to her music as well as her facebook page:
www.kellischaefer.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/iamkellischaefer
From the start of Ghost of the Beast, percussive flourishes steal your attention, forcing you into the songs. They can be a bit discomforting, as they create scenes. In the title track, you feel dragged through the song. Being forced to be an active listener. You become the protagonist. Schaefer’s ability to cause the listener to feel this connection is unique, and something that should be (and is being) paid attention.
The production on this album is so consistent, and the songs have a beautiful flow from one to the other. This is an album. Something that I fear is becoming a lost art. I’m becoming worn out by collections of singles, and find myself so refreshed by a carefully constructed record. It is an art that not many can execute with such seeming ease. With this record it is found by way of atmospherics (i.e. the aforementioned percussion) that tie a thread. This is then amplified by impressively restrained musicianship. There is never a point where it feels that any element is superfluous, and the statements made by each instrument are that much stronger for it.
And, yet, I still haven’t even mentioned Kelli’s voice. There is a rare talent here. The ability to sound so vulnerable at times, to sound as if she’s on the verge of breaking; only to follow with an intensity that shows just how strong of a vocalist we’re dealing with. Few singers have this kind of talent. Even fewer can demand your attention this consistently regardless the tone of the song.
I had the pleasure of seeing Kelli Schaefer play the Noise for the Needy show at Conor Byrne this past Friday. It was one of those shows where you feel like you’re witnessing something. I cannot recommend enough that you take the time to listen to her. And, if you’re lucky enough, see her live.
Bellow are links to her music as well as her facebook page:
www.kellischaefer.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/iamkellischaefer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Shining Skulls - Demos
The Shining Skulls are preparing the release of their first full-length album. Today, they’ve released some demo’s of said release.
Here is a link to some tracks, once I have access to the full album, expect a write up.
Initially, I feared the record would come off with the feel of a mix-tape after seeing their live shows because of the multiple front man approach. However, if these demos are any indication, there is a well developed sense of atmosphere that make these tracks massive and play well with one another.
Ben, I raise my glass to you, buddy. I look forward to the day we get to work together.
Here is a link to some tracks, once I have access to the full album, expect a write up.
Initially, I feared the record would come off with the feel of a mix-tape after seeing their live shows because of the multiple front man approach. However, if these demos are any indication, there is a well developed sense of atmosphere that make these tracks massive and play well with one another.
Ben, I raise my glass to you, buddy. I look forward to the day we get to work together.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Youth Rescue Mission
To be upfront and honest, I am friends with the members of Youth Rescue Mission. Because of this, I was a bit hesitant to write about their record. I was struggling with the idea of how to avoid faint praise or needless jabs to avoid sounding biased. I also know that it can be difficult to separate friendship and fandom. In order to combat these potential pratfalls in this regard, I’ve decided that the best way to provide an overview of this album is to use analogous writing. So, I’ll do my best to try and make my summation of the album relatable via this tact.
I think the best way to think about Youth Rescue Missions self-titled debut is to think about a shirt you’ve owned for a prolonged period of time. Not just any shirt, but one that gets frequent wearings.
With this album, the first thing many will be drawn to are the beautifully executed harmonies. Think of this as the graphic of the previously mentioned shirt. The instant aesthetic gratification of perfectly executed harmonization is enough to draw you in. It provides a comfort through warmth, but also something pretty to show off. You want to tell all your friends about it, wear it out in public, and bask in the complements of your new find. However, like all things initially pleasing in an aesthetic sense, it runs the risk of fading- losing appeal through repeated wear.
Thankfully, Youth Rescue Mission is able to ward off the risk of becoming fodder of a fad. There is enough nuance in these songs that will make themselves apparent through further listens. Little ticks such as a brief banjo line. Or a twinkling of keys that don’t repeat. A movement by the vocals low in the mix, something you hear, but isn’t forced on you.
One of the ways this is also addressed is by way of track listing. The album begins with an introduction track, which is a nice way of drawing in initial interest, but not giving away much, if anything, about what you’re about to experience. Then Problem Solver starts in. The track is jaunty and a bit nervous. After this, the album mellows out from Floorplan through Very Nice Things, then we get another blast of uptempo nerves with Stumblin’ Man.
On first listen, I felt that these tracks felt disjointed and fractured with the rest of the album. I was struggling to see how they belonged with the smooth, vocal driven tracks. I enjoyed Daniel’s songs on their own, but was having difficulty with understanding their place within the context of the album.
I started to go back to the analogy of an old shirt. Thinking of Daniel’s songs as an odd seam on the cuff of a sleeve. Something that inspector 33 failed to notice. But after repeated wearings, it develops charm. It becomes an identifying factor. Something that keeps things interesting because of the break from the norm.
I’ve spent a lot of time with this record at this point, and much like a shirt that makes it’s way into frequent wardrobe rotation, it is a source of comfort. It’s found a way to stick around even after the initial draw has become less of a focus. Everything has it’s place, each song belong to the others.
www.youthrescuemission.com
http://www.facebook.com/youthrescuemission
I think the best way to think about Youth Rescue Missions self-titled debut is to think about a shirt you’ve owned for a prolonged period of time. Not just any shirt, but one that gets frequent wearings.
With this album, the first thing many will be drawn to are the beautifully executed harmonies. Think of this as the graphic of the previously mentioned shirt. The instant aesthetic gratification of perfectly executed harmonization is enough to draw you in. It provides a comfort through warmth, but also something pretty to show off. You want to tell all your friends about it, wear it out in public, and bask in the complements of your new find. However, like all things initially pleasing in an aesthetic sense, it runs the risk of fading- losing appeal through repeated wear.
Thankfully, Youth Rescue Mission is able to ward off the risk of becoming fodder of a fad. There is enough nuance in these songs that will make themselves apparent through further listens. Little ticks such as a brief banjo line. Or a twinkling of keys that don’t repeat. A movement by the vocals low in the mix, something you hear, but isn’t forced on you.
One of the ways this is also addressed is by way of track listing. The album begins with an introduction track, which is a nice way of drawing in initial interest, but not giving away much, if anything, about what you’re about to experience. Then Problem Solver starts in. The track is jaunty and a bit nervous. After this, the album mellows out from Floorplan through Very Nice Things, then we get another blast of uptempo nerves with Stumblin’ Man.
On first listen, I felt that these tracks felt disjointed and fractured with the rest of the album. I was struggling to see how they belonged with the smooth, vocal driven tracks. I enjoyed Daniel’s songs on their own, but was having difficulty with understanding their place within the context of the album.
I started to go back to the analogy of an old shirt. Thinking of Daniel’s songs as an odd seam on the cuff of a sleeve. Something that inspector 33 failed to notice. But after repeated wearings, it develops charm. It becomes an identifying factor. Something that keeps things interesting because of the break from the norm.
I’ve spent a lot of time with this record at this point, and much like a shirt that makes it’s way into frequent wardrobe rotation, it is a source of comfort. It’s found a way to stick around even after the initial draw has become less of a focus. Everything has it’s place, each song belong to the others.
www.youthrescuemission.com
http://www.facebook.com/youthrescuemission
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My Morning Jacket
After recently reading the NPR article about breaking up with your favorite bands, I started thinking about this idea. Not just about bands that I have stopped listening to over the years, Interpol, I’m looking at you. But bands that I find myself trying with again and again over the years.
Today My Morning Jacket released their new album Circuital, which was billed as a return to form.
I remember in 2003 when I first heard the band. I was a few albums late on the bandwagon, but picked up It Still Moves at the Eastern Washington University book store. I’d recently began my foray into indie art and snobbery, and had read about this band. I figured what the hell, I don’t need more shit cafeteria food, I’ll just transfer some of that money over and buy some records.
When I got back to my tiny dorm room, I remember placing the cd in my boom box and preparing to have my world rocked. I made it about five songs in before turning it off and feeling disappointed.
The album was different from what I’d previously experienced. It had a twang that I couldn’t get past. Years of being spoon-fed uninteresting albums that required no effort on my part had led me to feeling left down. So I took the disc out, placed it respectfully in its case and set it aside.
My relationship with this album, and ultimately the band, is much like those I’ve had with a number of girls. Some mutual friends start telling me how beautiful it is. That I should really give it another shot- try looking at it from a different angle. After being pressured, I conceded. I played that album for hours on end attempting to see in it what my friends had. Then, eventually, it all clicked. The prolonged jams no longer felt unnecessary, I was now able to see that there was a story in the prolonged whaling and screeching (to wax misogyny, I’ll equate this to listening to a girl that is pretty, but initially uninteresting, talk). I was starting to see some real value here, and I slowly felt my heart soften, and I was considering a long-term relationship with My Morning Jacket.
Two years later Z was released, and I knew that we belonged together. In retrospect, still using the relationship analogy, I should have been smarter and been able to tell how you were leaving me hints in your title. That Z was more than a coincidental reference to an end. You were starting to outgrow me. Questioning how much longer you should play to my ears. I’d spent so much time telling you how pretty you were, how happy you made me, that naturally, you started looking for bigger and better things.
I was strung along for three years with nothing but memories keeping us afloat. Sure, we’d meet up now and again, and have some real kicks based in nostalgia. I’d burn a few bucks on you at the bar, choosing to play I Will Sing You Songs on the jukebox because I felt like at nine minutes and eighteen seconds I was getting some real value.
Then, in 2008, you really laid into me. Evil Urges came out, and again, your title said it all. You were moving on. All of the intimate moments we’d spent together, magnified by the vast expanse of reverb soaked vocals that made the songs feel as if they were for my ears only, you ditched me for polish and falsetto. You’d ditched me for what you called progress. You were trying new things.
I wanted to be supportive, encouraged growth, respected your need to do what you felt necessary, but we were growing apart. You were more concerned with spending time whispering in the ears of less interesting, but prettier and wealthier, men. I felt pretty broken up, and eventually we parted ways. You were no longer mine, so I stopped speaking of you. No longer told friends about you with pride in my voice.
Sure, I would check in every now and again, hoping you’d changed your mind and come back to your senses. But was just met with a feeling of artificiality and distance.
It’s been another three years, and you’re back. You say you’re sorry and admit the error of your ways. Because of our history, I agree to take you back. I’m listening to Circuital, but this time, I didn’t spend my hard earned money. There will be no more dates at the bar: just you, me, cheap pints and a handful of strangers, no, we’ll stay in.
There are things here that remind me of our past. There are times when I catch myself feeling a love for you again, but at the end of the day, it feels cheap. I feel like you came back because of the rejection that came at the hand of your “ambitions”. You’re settling. We’re simply circling the wagons in an attempt to get back to where we once were. But, truth be told, I never wanted you back- I just wish you’d never left.
Today My Morning Jacket released their new album Circuital, which was billed as a return to form.
I remember in 2003 when I first heard the band. I was a few albums late on the bandwagon, but picked up It Still Moves at the Eastern Washington University book store. I’d recently began my foray into indie art and snobbery, and had read about this band. I figured what the hell, I don’t need more shit cafeteria food, I’ll just transfer some of that money over and buy some records.
When I got back to my tiny dorm room, I remember placing the cd in my boom box and preparing to have my world rocked. I made it about five songs in before turning it off and feeling disappointed.
The album was different from what I’d previously experienced. It had a twang that I couldn’t get past. Years of being spoon-fed uninteresting albums that required no effort on my part had led me to feeling left down. So I took the disc out, placed it respectfully in its case and set it aside.
My relationship with this album, and ultimately the band, is much like those I’ve had with a number of girls. Some mutual friends start telling me how beautiful it is. That I should really give it another shot- try looking at it from a different angle. After being pressured, I conceded. I played that album for hours on end attempting to see in it what my friends had. Then, eventually, it all clicked. The prolonged jams no longer felt unnecessary, I was now able to see that there was a story in the prolonged whaling and screeching (to wax misogyny, I’ll equate this to listening to a girl that is pretty, but initially uninteresting, talk). I was starting to see some real value here, and I slowly felt my heart soften, and I was considering a long-term relationship with My Morning Jacket.
Two years later Z was released, and I knew that we belonged together. In retrospect, still using the relationship analogy, I should have been smarter and been able to tell how you were leaving me hints in your title. That Z was more than a coincidental reference to an end. You were starting to outgrow me. Questioning how much longer you should play to my ears. I’d spent so much time telling you how pretty you were, how happy you made me, that naturally, you started looking for bigger and better things.
I was strung along for three years with nothing but memories keeping us afloat. Sure, we’d meet up now and again, and have some real kicks based in nostalgia. I’d burn a few bucks on you at the bar, choosing to play I Will Sing You Songs on the jukebox because I felt like at nine minutes and eighteen seconds I was getting some real value.
Then, in 2008, you really laid into me. Evil Urges came out, and again, your title said it all. You were moving on. All of the intimate moments we’d spent together, magnified by the vast expanse of reverb soaked vocals that made the songs feel as if they were for my ears only, you ditched me for polish and falsetto. You’d ditched me for what you called progress. You were trying new things.
I wanted to be supportive, encouraged growth, respected your need to do what you felt necessary, but we were growing apart. You were more concerned with spending time whispering in the ears of less interesting, but prettier and wealthier, men. I felt pretty broken up, and eventually we parted ways. You were no longer mine, so I stopped speaking of you. No longer told friends about you with pride in my voice.
Sure, I would check in every now and again, hoping you’d changed your mind and come back to your senses. But was just met with a feeling of artificiality and distance.
It’s been another three years, and you’re back. You say you’re sorry and admit the error of your ways. Because of our history, I agree to take you back. I’m listening to Circuital, but this time, I didn’t spend my hard earned money. There will be no more dates at the bar: just you, me, cheap pints and a handful of strangers, no, we’ll stay in.
There are things here that remind me of our past. There are times when I catch myself feeling a love for you again, but at the end of the day, it feels cheap. I feel like you came back because of the rejection that came at the hand of your “ambitions”. You’re settling. We’re simply circling the wagons in an attempt to get back to where we once were. But, truth be told, I never wanted you back- I just wish you’d never left.
Revival
I've decided to reactivate this blog, as I feel that the consistent writing is good for me. I enjoy having projects, and a Nicholas Alexander and I have talked about, it helps distract us from real problems.
I won't be using it as a log of daily happenings any longer, as my daily life is of little interest to anyone, including myself. I'm okay with that, but honestly, who wants to read about a dude going to work a job that fails to pay the bills? Not I, said the person sitting at the keyboard. And since I don't want to read about it, I will not be writing about it.
Now that you are aware of what I won't be writing about, I will briefly outline what I will be filling this space with. I plan on writing about music, both bigger releases as well as the recordings of myself and my friends (with their blessing only). I will write about books that I'm reading and movies that I'm watching. I will occasionally share short stories, if/when I stop doing my best J.D. Salinger impression. If any of my friends have any art that they wish to share, i.e. photography, paintings, comics (Nic), I will do some repostings of their work with some of my personal response to it.
If there is anyone with a desire to share something of their own, just ask, and I'd be more than happy to have guest posts.
I understand that the internet is littered with blogs such as this, and that a large readership is unlikely, but I'm not concerned with that. I have never experienced an audience for any of my works and haven't let that disuade me from continuing, so I don't see why this should be any different.
The first real post will come sometime later this evening or early tomorrow.
I won't be using it as a log of daily happenings any longer, as my daily life is of little interest to anyone, including myself. I'm okay with that, but honestly, who wants to read about a dude going to work a job that fails to pay the bills? Not I, said the person sitting at the keyboard. And since I don't want to read about it, I will not be writing about it.
Now that you are aware of what I won't be writing about, I will briefly outline what I will be filling this space with. I plan on writing about music, both bigger releases as well as the recordings of myself and my friends (with their blessing only). I will write about books that I'm reading and movies that I'm watching. I will occasionally share short stories, if/when I stop doing my best J.D. Salinger impression. If any of my friends have any art that they wish to share, i.e. photography, paintings, comics (Nic), I will do some repostings of their work with some of my personal response to it.
If there is anyone with a desire to share something of their own, just ask, and I'd be more than happy to have guest posts.
I understand that the internet is littered with blogs such as this, and that a large readership is unlikely, but I'm not concerned with that. I have never experienced an audience for any of my works and haven't let that disuade me from continuing, so I don't see why this should be any different.
The first real post will come sometime later this evening or early tomorrow.
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