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Recently Bought Records

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16:19 / 26.12.01

quote:Originally posted by Foxxy Feminist Fury:
Everybody out there, I implore you, give Wilco a chance!! They're fucking GREAT! The band that makes me proud to be from Chicago, they are!

Question. How does the double album they did (can't remember the name) compare to everything else? I picked that up sometime ago and every time I listen to it I get this urge to go listen to my Replacements albums to hear it done right. There a couple of good tracks on there, but nothing really grabs me. Did I just pick up the worst album to get? Or are they just not my style?

Matthew Fluxington

18:01 / 26.12.01

The new record, which is out in April and is called Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, is not very much like the other Wilco LPs in terms of aesthetics. I do not know their first LP A.M., but I do know Being There (the double LP) and Summerteeth. I like both of those records, but more for individual songs than the LP altogether as a whole. The darkest parts of Being There (like "Sunken Treasure" off of the second disc) are all over the new LP. The new one is full of shards of odd noise, radio frequencies, disembodied voices, tinkling distant out of tune pianos and guitars, some songs have chopped-up sounding drums (think "Airbag" by Radiohead), a couple have processed drums, there's all kinds of odd effects on the guitars, keyboards, and vocals... and there's also a lot of 'clean' sounds, delicate jazz chords, strings, beautifully recorded organs and acoustic guitars...

The whole album feels like it is in love with *sound* and *texture*. Every song is different...a few are more old-school Wilco ("Kamera", "Pot Kettle Black"), but they are the minority. The lyrics are far more abstract than anything on the previous two records.

I don't think this record will alienate fans of old Wilco, but this is the *new* Wilco, and I think there will be a lot of people much like myself who just sorta was okay with them in the past going "holy shit! this record is brilliant!". It's a bit like the jump Radiohead made between The Bends and OK Computer...it doesn't really SOUND like Radiohead, but there is a certain vague connection between the two that makes sense to me.

I don't really know how to talk about this LP because though it sounds like a lot of different things, I don't really know any other LPs that are quite like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

For a detailed description of YHF by a Wilco fan, check this out.

If any of you want a copy of the album, and can't get it online, email me, and I shall send you a copy.

[ 26-12-2001: Message edited by: Flux = New X-Mas ]

18:26 / 26.12.01

I'm just glad that the thing's finally coming out.

Flux, you could do a lot worse than check A.M. out. Musically, it's very similar to Being There, only more consistent in terms of quality.

quote:Originally posted by I Am:
Question.

See above for A.M.

Summerteeth, on the other hand, is completely different. There's much more of a pop edge to the music that makes the harsh and generally depressing nature of the lyrics stand out. Lyrically, it's country, but in terms of sound the country dynamic is abandoned in favour of a Beatles aura.

Anyone out there who prefers the first two albums should get hold of Golden Smog's Weird Tales as soon as they can.

Prisoner no. 1300

18:28 / 26.12.01

Eh up!!

Shortfatdyke, man!!!!!!

Electriclarryland is WICKED!!!!

But I'll tell you what's better,

LARD: The last temptation of Reid. got it for Xmas, my mum's pretty good when it comes for getting hard to get CDs for people.

18:46 / 26.12.01

Flux I've heard similar comments about YHFT, but from what I've heard, though it's a new sound I don't think it will alienate the longtime Wilco lovers. They've gone in different directions before and I think that's one thing I and other fans like about 'em.

I actually had both Summerteeth and Being There for a few years before I really fell in love with both albums. I feel like I had to be "ready" for them - emotionally I wasn't "mature" enough.

Who knows. But I believe everyone should give Wilco a chance.

And Jeff Tweedy is Lord.

Matthew Fluxington

18:59 / 26.12.01

You're right, Cherry, it won't alienate their fans at all, because it still sounds like Wilco, it feels like Wilco... the changes are all surface, the content is the same. I think what did it for me is that I always thought Wilco had really good songs, but lacked a certain flavor, that extra little oomph to put them over, and this LP has it in spades.

Cherry, do you want a copy? I'd be happy to send you one. I've lost yr address, though...

destitute queen

22:18 / 28.12.01

I have just recently aquired by way of a Christmas present the Russell Watson album 'Encore', and although not normally a fan of this genre of music I have to admit I am hooked! His vocal ability is amazing and the songs intoxicating...he's not that bad lokking either!

17:39 / 29.12.01

I have four new albums from Christmas.. but somehow I haven't been able to listen to the other three because I've become addicted to the Jay-Z Unplugged album.

I have a problem.

Matthew Fluxington

17:45 / 29.12.01

The Jay-Z Unplugged LP is indeed very addictive. I've been listening to that record a LOT lately, and the first three days I had it, I listened to it about three or four times each day. It was really one of the few things getting me through the really awful week that it came out.

Come to think of it, The Blueprint was one of the only bright spots in my life the week that it came out too (9/11, if you must be reminded).

I'd just listen to "Izzo (HOVA)" over and over and over and over and just pretend like nothing horrible and traumatic happened, and it worked pretty well as a bit of escapism...

19:23 / 29.12.01

Yes, verily. The Unplugged album has helped me make it through some rough spots this week. That album is so fucking good I actually feel sorry for Jay-Z fans who don't have it. I particularly like the I especially like the "Can I Get A" going into Hard Knock Life," and "Can't Knock the Hustle" with Mary J. I do think I've listened to it about three times a day since I got it.

"Welcome to Jay-Z's poetry reading..."

I'm with you on "The Blueprint" as well. I definitely agree with you about the 911 bright spot - I forced my roomates into hearing that album all the time for a while there. I'm liking "Unplugged" better right now but that's probably to be expected.

19:29 / 29.12.01

Oooh I just saw the note about YHFT!! Yes Flux I'd love a copy - I'll send you my addy again.

And ERrandallDP - "California Stars" is my favorite off "Mermaid Ave." - you should get VOlume II which is also very good.

16:27 / 01.01.02

I just bought the Kronos Quartet's 25 Year box set. It's a mammoth ten CD beast (with an informative booklet) which includes their work with John Adams, Terry Riley, Arvo Part, Philip Glass, Henryk Gorecki, Steve Reich and George Crumb, among others whose works I am not yet familiar with. A LOT of listening, and I love what I've heard so far. Heartily recommended, if you're a beginner to all these artists (like I am).

Matthew Fluxington

19:14 / 01.01.02

Out of curiosity, is their interpretation of Television's "Marquee Moon" in that box set?

It was recorded a long, long time ago for their label (which I'm at a loss for right now...Elektra, maybe?), all the artists on the roster recorded covers by other artists on the roster over the years, and that was their selection...

It's really fabulous, if a bit short.

The Return Of Rothkoid

19:33 / 01.01.02

According to the tracklisting (found at Amazon) it's not on there. What is worth digging out is their version of Crumb's Black Angels (expressionless - it's on disc 7, tracks 4-7) because it's fucking terrifying. If anyone sees a copy of their Early Music CD - it's not in the box set - then snap it up. Only a couple of tracks from it made it into that 25 year compilation, but it's one of the best CDs of theirs that I have...

Recent purchase? Blixa Bargeld's Recycled soundtrack, played (largely) by the Tim Isfort Orchestra. It's a bit shit. Some of it veers into Rachel's territory, but for the most part, it's depressingly bad. Could do better, as my report cards used to say. And probably still would. Thankfully, this is lessened by the fact that I was finally able to replace my missing copy of Train Songs by Two Dollar Guitar the other day. Niiiice, soundscapey stuff. Me like.

[ 01-01-2002: Message edited by: The Return Of Rothkoid ]

09:04 / 02.01.02

I'm working my way through a CD at a time. Black Angels is one of the pieces I'm really looking forward to.

16:08 / 02.01.02

On my quest to use all of my Christmas gift certificates on Monday, I purchased the basement jaxx "Rooty." Nice n' dancey, really like the first song "Hold Up." It definitely got me in a party place for NYE.

Oh, and the whole apartment is loving the Strokes CD. One of my friend's walked into our living room and said, "Hey - this is my new favorite band!"

Don't know if that means they're living up to the Hype, however...

03:13 / 03.01.02

Got the Stokes cd for free from DJ Oi, cuz he didn't like it, cuz, y'know, he's stupid.

Iron Flag Wu-Tang Clan -- really fucking good, been listening to this a lot, fun stuff.

Beat Em Up Iggy Pop -- this is the rockinest album that Iggy has put out since the Stooges broke up, seriously. The first song "Mask" sounds like something straight off of Funhouse. And the rest of the album sounds like Glen Danzig meets Rob Zombie and they both decide to stop sucking so much...and have Iggy sing for them while doing so.

Brometheus - the Discipline of Fire and Demise Emperor -- these guys are hands down the best Black Metal band the world will ever know. And this album is a really good send off for the best.

I also got some punk comp put together by Wayne Kramer, I'm not too impressed with it, but maybe it will grow on me.

04:30 / 03.01.02

I just got the Rival Schools record, which is excellent despite a passing resemblance to the Stereophonics on crack (purely coincidental, not actually an influence). My metal mate is back for Chrimbo, and I'm looking forward to getting copies of Refused, Glassjaw and Dillinger Escape Plan (more on those when I've heard them).

I also got a three CD compilation called Ohm: the early gurus of electronic music. The precept is that it includes anythingthing since the advent of recorded sound, but in principle it gravitates towards experimental and avant regions. Bits are great, bits are dated, bits are shite, as you would expect.

The Natural Way

07:15 / 03.01.02

I think I've heard that one. Has it got that funny version of 'Flight of the Bumblebee' on it?

12:19 / 03.01.02

for some reason, i am suddenly finding myself listening to the beatles. fairly obsessively. dunno what that's about.

12:22 / 03.01.02

personally.. i've be addicted to a christmas present i got..

Bleed American - Jimmy Eat World..

fantastic, evocative, emotional..

with some chirpy punk thrown in for good measure

also worth looking out for.. Ep3 by Hundered Reasons..

i saw them live a while ago and they're destined for great things.

12:27 / 03.01.02

quote:Originally posted by Cop Killer:
Got the Stokes cd for free from DJ Oi, cuz he didn't like it, cuz, y'know, he's stupid.

Damn, he IS stupid. 'Cuz it is pretty damn good.

16:12 / 03.01.02

quote:Originally posted by expressionless:
I just got the Rival Schools record, which is excellent despite a passing resemblance to the Stereophonics on crack (purely coincidental, not actually an influence). My metal mate is back for Chrimbo, and I'm looking forward to getting copies of Refused, Glassjaw and Dillinger Escape Plan (more on those when I've heard them).

I've been.. oddly underwhelmed by the Rival Schools tracks I've heard on the radio.. which is a shame cos they're the sort of band my kind should love dearly.

Just wish to say that the Dillinger Escape Plan are brrriiillliiiaannttt. seriously, you'll love them.

18:21 / 04.01.02

OK. My Christmas stuff:

Nuggets 2 box set. Too many songs by too many bands for me to really get into here. Not sure if I like it better than the first box though.

The Kinks: The Kink Kontroversy. All of the Kinks early stuff has been reissued and so far none of it has been disappointing. Standouts here are I'm on an Island and Dedicated follower of Fashon. Very familiar sounding album even though I'm fairly sure I've never heard it all before.

The Handsome Family: In the Air. Its country. Its also the best album I've heard in a long, long time. Rennie Sparks is now one of my favorite songwriters of all time based solely on this one album. Her husband Brett does all the singing and apparently recorded this masterpiece in their livingroom on a Mac G3. So Much Wine is the best christmas song since Fairy Tale of New York: "I had nothing to say on Christmas day when you threw all your clothes in the snow. When you burnt your hair, knocked over chairs, I just tried to stay out of your way. But when you fell asleep with blood on your teeth, I got in my car and drove away..."
Other standouts include "Up Falling Rock Hill where the leaves swoop like bats I shot my brother William five times in the back. 'Have mercy, have mercy, dear brother,' he cried. But, the wind has no mercy and neither did I." and Lie Down: "Tuesday at dawn Michaels glasses washed ashore with a styrofoam box and two broked oars..." A beautiful album about love fear and death. I can't say enough about it.

Shuggie Otis: Inspiration Information. Its OK. I got too much stuff to really grt into it all and this was one of the first casualties.

Southern Journey Vol. 5, Bad Man Ballads. This series is yet to disappoint. Thank you, Alan Lomax.

Natalie Merchant: Motherland. I've only listened to it once and I was disappointed. I'd listen to it again but In The Air seems to be stuck in the CD player. Oh well.

Suicide: S/T. I used to get this from the library every couple of months. Now that I've moved the late fees were starting to add up and I had to go and buy it.

Guns 'N' Roses: Appetite for Destruction. Because the cassette just wasn't cutting it anymore.

[ 04-01-2002: Message edited by: biomagnetic k9 ]

08:16 / 07.01.02

Wonder Twin powers activated! Form of...a mini spending spree!

Crap outlet store at one of the nearby malls is going out of business and everythings 50% off! Everything was over priced and they didn't have much good stuff in there to begin with so good riddance. For $28 I came away with:

GBV, Isolation Drills. I couldn't stand Skills Like This when Flux put it between Official Ironman Rally Song and Chasing Heather Crazy on the comp tape he sent me but I like it here (between Fair Touching and Chasing Heather Crazy). Go figure.

GBV, Hold On Hope.

Stephen Malkmus, S/T. Thought I was done with Pavement but this is pretty good. Worst album cover of the year, though (tied with Bob Dylan, Basement Jaxx, and the US version of the Strokes album.

Stephen Malkmus, Jenny & The Ess-Dog single. I'm a big fan of the Wipers so I had to hear Malkmus' version of Alien Boy.

Then I went to the book store and saw the new issue of Uncut with its two different compilation CDs of Rolling Stones covers. Volume I has the Blind Boys of Alabama (I Just Want to See His Face), the Silver Jews (Cocksucker Blues), and THE HANDSOME FAMILY (with the best version of Faraway Eyes I've ever heard). Volume II has the MC5, Cowboy Junkies, Johnny Thunders, the Flaming Groovies and some other stuff I already had elsewhere (the Ramones and the Meat Puppets). The magazines were $8 each (and were exactly the fucking same except for the covers) but the CDs were worth it.

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