Music for the Space Age
Commercials, cartoon music for Warner Brothers and soundtracks for Jim Henson. Yes, most of the music Raymond Scott composed earned him money, but it was also very unusual music. He was an electronic pioneer, not only as a composer, but definitely as an inventor and innovator as well. The 2-cd-collection Manhattan Research Inc. brings you a thorough introduction to his unique universe and many of his electronic devices.
This should be role model for all collections because it is magnificent executed. It's a 140 pages hard cover book with extensive liner notes, interview with Robert Moog and lots more. The music is a blend of his commercials, musique concrete-compositions and his attempts to make pop with electronic devices. He succeeds.
If you are in any way interested in the history of popular music, this is a must.
This should be role model for all collections because it is magnificent executed. It's a 140 pages hard cover book with extensive liner notes, interview with Robert Moog and lots more. The music is a blend of his commercials, musique concrete-compositions and his attempts to make pop with electronic devices. He succeeds.
If you are in any way interested in the history of popular music, this is a must.
Horror for kids - no parents allowed
It's gory, it's hectic, it's goofy, it's Fantomas. In Geiger # 13 that hit the streets lately, Gaetan Collet of Dat Politics praise Suspended Animation which made me listen to it again.
It's not really bringing anything new to their universe, but it probably is the best fullfilment of their idea. It's a postmodern piece of art, if you believe in the existence of such an era. Short, fragmentary songs zapping through thrash, doom, kiddie tunes, lounge jazz, latin, whatever with bits of cartoon samples scattered all over the place. It's a month of zapping through horror movies and cartoon network played in fastforward so it lasts less than 45 minutes. If you by any chance find the special edition, a spiral calendar with artwork of Yoshitomo Nara (I can't find a website), you should definitely buy it. It is delicious.
Now I'll have to go puncture a lung.
It's not really bringing anything new to their universe, but it probably is the best fullfilment of their idea. It's a postmodern piece of art, if you believe in the existence of such an era. Short, fragmentary songs zapping through thrash, doom, kiddie tunes, lounge jazz, latin, whatever with bits of cartoon samples scattered all over the place. It's a month of zapping through horror movies and cartoon network played in fastforward so it lasts less than 45 minutes. If you by any chance find the special edition, a spiral calendar with artwork of Yoshitomo Nara (I can't find a website), you should definitely buy it. It is delicious.
Now I'll have to go puncture a lung.
Faust: "It's a rainy day, sunshine girl"
Just a pounding drum to begin with. A very nice full sound. Then guitar, vocals, organ, even harmonica are all added along the way. It's the perfect recipe for minimalistic pop. Just pounding away. Moving. Simple. The same refrain repeated again and again. Slowly evolving with more spacious sounds. But always the drum. Duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk-duk...
Faust is probably my favorite krautrock-band because they were as anarchistic as their friends in Rote Arme Fraktion. Many of their experiments were ahead of their time. Some haven't even been picked up on yet. And they're still dynamic today as their collaboration with Dalek showed.
Faust is probably my favorite krautrock-band because they were as anarchistic as their friends in Rote Arme Fraktion. Many of their experiments were ahead of their time. Some haven't even been picked up on yet. And they're still dynamic today as their collaboration with Dalek showed.
Embryo - an ethnic explosion
Embryo is unfortunately one of the lesser known bands to come out of the krautrock-scene. Unfairly so, because they are a great band that blend ethnic music with jazzrock. Ambitious and emancipatory music.
The only member that have stayed in the band through all the years is Christian Burchard. There have been many changes of personel through the years, sometimes even from show to show, and that's a way to keep the music vital. Most of the ethnic inspiration comes from Africa and the Middle East so most of the touring have also been concentrated in that area. But now there's a possibility to see them in Copenhagen as they're playing at Loppen the 1st of November. Don't miss out on a band that even played at the Olympic Games in Munich. I can pretty much promise it will be a mindblowing exploring of the senses.
The only member that have stayed in the band through all the years is Christian Burchard. There have been many changes of personel through the years, sometimes even from show to show, and that's a way to keep the music vital. Most of the ethnic inspiration comes from Africa and the Middle East so most of the touring have also been concentrated in that area. But now there's a possibility to see them in Copenhagen as they're playing at Loppen the 1st of November. Don't miss out on a band that even played at the Olympic Games in Munich. I can pretty much promise it will be a mindblowing exploring of the senses.
Music - a distraction?
I'm hearing voices. Am I going insane? No, it's just the pop radio at my parents house that is polluting the aural space. At the beginning of my music listening career pop music was dominating, but as I grew older I got more and more into abstract music. Jazz, for example, but also experimental music in all aspects. Music for me has always been used to set a mood, to empower my feelings. And it has mostly been vocal-based.
Vocal-based music is made to be listened to. Well, all music is in principle, but for some people it has different functions. Although I never have paid that much attention to lyrics (probably because I couldn't decipher it through the screaming and growling of the music I listened to in my teens) you will always get attracted to a human voice. It's a distraction when you're reading, all noise is, but also when writing on subjects that needs brain activity. But that doesn't mean you just can listen to anything without a vocal. Sometimes I get drawn into even ambient at low volume and loose my concentration while other more abrupt or chaotic music can be great for my production. Maybe because it's too complex for the brain to comprehend unless you listen with concentration. But I can't say that it's constant. That's the problem. I haven't yet found the perfect music to boost my productivity when music is needed to shut other sounds out. Silence still seems to be the most productive sound I know.
Vocal-based music is made to be listened to. Well, all music is in principle, but for some people it has different functions. Although I never have paid that much attention to lyrics (probably because I couldn't decipher it through the screaming and growling of the music I listened to in my teens) you will always get attracted to a human voice. It's a distraction when you're reading, all noise is, but also when writing on subjects that needs brain activity. But that doesn't mean you just can listen to anything without a vocal. Sometimes I get drawn into even ambient at low volume and loose my concentration while other more abrupt or chaotic music can be great for my production. Maybe because it's too complex for the brain to comprehend unless you listen with concentration. But I can't say that it's constant. That's the problem. I haven't yet found the perfect music to boost my productivity when music is needed to shut other sounds out. Silence still seems to be the most productive sound I know.
Ford Prefect - get a grip
When I'm listening to Mos Def's Black on both sides I get real frustrated that he's so busy with his movie carreer. He was such a skilled rapper. He's releasing another album October 10th. According to the single "Boogie Man" he still seems trapped somewhere in the Galaxy. By the Restaurant at the End of the Universe perhaps. It definitely sounds a bit feeble.
Mogwai - older and wiser
I never got to tell yesterday that I was at the Mogwai-concert saturday night. There will be a longer review on Geiger in Danish so you're just getting a resume. I've never seen them before, and it would probably have been more fun to see them in the old days, when they were known for wrecking venues with a lot of noise. They have grown older, and their songs evolve slowly now instead of suddenly bursting into white noise. They certainly are good composers and definitely showed all the copycats how it's done. It was often beautiful, sometimes a bit boring, but mostly a great concert with long reflecsive songs. Once in a while they let the white noise burn with stroboscopic light which was quite wonderful. The late material with piano, beats and electronic voice made them sound like the postrock-version of Air, but I actually enjoyed it. They have matured and it suits them fine.
Subconscious nonsense
Sometimes the brain works in mysterious ways. Earlier today when I was standing by the window sorting some clothes this sentence popped up in my head: "De mener altsaa at have fundet en hellig gral ... som er en del af et progressivt helvede nord for aekvator" which translates into something like: "So You suppose to have found a holy grail ... that is a part of a progressive hell north of the equator". I tried to track back my run of thoughts, but couldn't reconstruct what lead into that sentence. The subconscious is a wonderful, weird thing. I remember Rob Zombie, as an explanation of his unintelligible lyrics, told they came from therapy sessions of patients telling their dreams. It's a place where all rational laws are dissolved.
Def Jam
It seems to me that Def Jam is trying to win new market shares. First off Ghostface Killah released one of this years most praised hiphop-albums although it still has some weak spots, now The Roots have released their first album on Def Jam, and they really seem in shape. Later this year they're releasing the british grime-punk Lady Sovereign's new album. A most unusual release for the old hiphop-label.
I haven't stumbled upon that many interesting hiphop-albums this year. Sure winners as Stones Throw and Anticon have failed in delivering something truly interesting (J Dilla's Donuts-album aside). Definitive Jux have been unsteady the last couple of years, but I like the new Mr. Lif-album though. Maybe the alternative hiphop-scene is stagnating. Best album from that scene is Soul Positions second album on Rhymesayers. Where is a new dynamic hiphop-label to take over?
I haven't stumbled upon that many interesting hiphop-albums this year. Sure winners as Stones Throw and Anticon have failed in delivering something truly interesting (J Dilla's Donuts-album aside). Definitive Jux have been unsteady the last couple of years, but I like the new Mr. Lif-album though. Maybe the alternative hiphop-scene is stagnating. Best album from that scene is Soul Positions second album on Rhymesayers. Where is a new dynamic hiphop-label to take over?
Sunn O))) and Boris sell out
I just had a dream. Boris and Sunn O))) were playing at a big venue. Stadion-sized. They were both playing at the same time and the crowd was huge and going wild. The music blasting from the monitors was energetic rock without drones. Suddenly Trent Reznor entered the stage and began to sing. Meanwhile supersized Disney figures were running around in- and outside the venue.
The reason why I even have a dream like this is probably because of the album Altar they will be releasing together on Southern Lord (where else?) October 31st. What does it mean? Well, it could mean that with this release they will make a mainstream album and it will flop. Let's hope not. I don't think I am Nostradamus.
The reason why I even have a dream like this is probably because of the album Altar they will be releasing together on Southern Lord (where else?) October 31st. What does it mean? Well, it could mean that with this release they will make a mainstream album and it will flop. Let's hope not. I don't think I am Nostradamus.
DangerMouse resides at Hilton Hotel
Ok, I suppose everyone heard about the prank the artist Banksy did on Paris Hiltons new record. She deserves it. I mean, she's in Guiness Book of Records for being the most overrated celebrity. That must be a first. What I didn't know though is that DangerMouse is allegely the one who remixed the replaced record according to his record label Lex Records. So now I want it. But as it's only released in 500 copies and only in England, it is of course impossible to get hold of. Unless you're willing to pay more than 200 quid on Ebay. Bummer.
It's interesting how Dangermouse has become a big part of the commercial side of music with Gnarls Barkley and Gorillaz and continue to be a big, provocative middle finger to the same business. The Grey Album wasn't just a coincidence.
It's interesting how Dangermouse has become a big part of the commercial side of music with Gnarls Barkley and Gorillaz and continue to be a big, provocative middle finger to the same business. The Grey Album wasn't just a coincidence.
Krautrap
Setting: Old storage building at Christinia - a hippie refuge - with sand on the floor and lots of candle lights.
The Danish band Svartbag supported with dark drones. At times very beautiful with guitar sounds like violins. A bit of jazzy drumming and the My Bloody Valentine-trick with no sound when the strings are striked and then turning it up full volume were some of the elements that made them quite a captivating experience. At times when there was drumming and one of the guitarists played twanged guitar they kind of went into postrock-territory. Reminded me of Labradford anyhow.
Sunburned Hand of the Man was quite different. They seemed like a couple of lumberjacks with big beards and wood on stage. The music they played included freeform freakfolk, krautrock and stonerrock. They started out by playing a poetic movie and accompanied it with music with a ancient, tribal feel to it. The movie was extremely freaky with weird twisted faces and the sound of babies crying. When it was over they continued with their own songs. Often they started with freeform experimentation, but somewhere along the way the sounds were gathered and made a whole that could be a rocking, intense unity. But you didn't realise when it took form. Often the songs developed in a long, monotonous movement that was slowly intensified. The drummer seemed way too fucked to play and obviously made some mistakes. The funniest part was when the bass player pulled a horse mask of a dummy they had on stage and started swinging it, which made the drummer very nervous and leave his seat. Instead he chose to stand upside down of the bass drum. Another band member took control of the drums and he seemed much more sober which made the last song a groovy stonerrock-track that kept on and on. Quite an unusual concert.
If I could play music I would make krautrap. Don't miss them on tour.
09-09-06 West Germany Berlin (Ger)
10-09-06 Cross Club Prague (Cze)
11-09-06 Fluc Vienna (Aus)
12-09-06 Kset Zagreb (Cro)
14-09-06 Cave 12 Geneva (Swi)
16-09-06 Sidecar Barcelona (Spa)
17-09-06 Sons Castellon (Spa)
19-09-06 Zedosbois Lisbon (Por)
21-09-06 Instants Chavires Paris (Fra)
22-09-06 Scheldapen Antwerp (Bel)
23-09-06 Ancienne Belgique Brussels (Bel)
The Danish band Svartbag supported with dark drones. At times very beautiful with guitar sounds like violins. A bit of jazzy drumming and the My Bloody Valentine-trick with no sound when the strings are striked and then turning it up full volume were some of the elements that made them quite a captivating experience. At times when there was drumming and one of the guitarists played twanged guitar they kind of went into postrock-territory. Reminded me of Labradford anyhow.
Sunburned Hand of the Man was quite different. They seemed like a couple of lumberjacks with big beards and wood on stage. The music they played included freeform freakfolk, krautrock and stonerrock. They started out by playing a poetic movie and accompanied it with music with a ancient, tribal feel to it. The movie was extremely freaky with weird twisted faces and the sound of babies crying. When it was over they continued with their own songs. Often they started with freeform experimentation, but somewhere along the way the sounds were gathered and made a whole that could be a rocking, intense unity. But you didn't realise when it took form. Often the songs developed in a long, monotonous movement that was slowly intensified. The drummer seemed way too fucked to play and obviously made some mistakes. The funniest part was when the bass player pulled a horse mask of a dummy they had on stage and started swinging it, which made the drummer very nervous and leave his seat. Instead he chose to stand upside down of the bass drum. Another band member took control of the drums and he seemed much more sober which made the last song a groovy stonerrock-track that kept on and on. Quite an unusual concert.
If I could play music I would make krautrap. Don't miss them on tour.
09-09-06 West Germany Berlin (Ger)
10-09-06 Cross Club Prague (Cze)
11-09-06 Fluc Vienna (Aus)
12-09-06 Kset Zagreb (Cro)
14-09-06 Cave 12 Geneva (Swi)
16-09-06 Sidecar Barcelona (Spa)
17-09-06 Sons Castellon (Spa)
19-09-06 Zedosbois Lisbon (Por)
21-09-06 Instants Chavires Paris (Fra)
22-09-06 Scheldapen Antwerp (Bel)
23-09-06 Ancienne Belgique Brussels (Bel)
Hang over
I wish I could always experience music with a hang over. It appears so much more full and textured.
Today I've been dancing with Buck 65. He always sounds hung over. He's fascinated by Helena Christensen, but that's besides the point. She's danish. What's the point?
Tonight I'm going to see Sunburned Hand of the Man. I'm not sure what to expect.
Today I've been dancing with Buck 65. He always sounds hung over. He's fascinated by Helena Christensen, but that's besides the point. She's danish. What's the point?
Tonight I'm going to see Sunburned Hand of the Man. I'm not sure what to expect.
I'm not afraid of you and I will beat your ass
What a titel. Not the kind of statement you would expect from a 20 year old indie rock band. Even one that has been painting walls soft blue with their music the last couple of years. My roommate gave me a promo of the new Yo La Tengo and the title indicates a shift in style. It's not bloody, gut-wrenching rock'n'roll, but they do start with 10 minutes of noisy rock. Like in the good old days.
From there it evolves more or less like I can hear the heart beating as one with bittersweet indie pop, luscious, melancolic ballads, classic indie rock and more noiserock of course. Especially "The room got heavy" with that classic krautrock motorik in the bassline and a couple of bongos attacked with an uncontrollable organ is sweet, sweet lubricant for those dry ears.
This is music intended to bring you in a good mood no matter what mood you were in prior to that. It is set for release September 12th. Do enjoy.
From there it evolves more or less like I can hear the heart beating as one with bittersweet indie pop, luscious, melancolic ballads, classic indie rock and more noiserock of course. Especially "The room got heavy" with that classic krautrock motorik in the bassline and a couple of bongos attacked with an uncontrollable organ is sweet, sweet lubricant for those dry ears.
This is music intended to bring you in a good mood no matter what mood you were in prior to that. It is set for release September 12th. Do enjoy.
Engaging in electronic music
Yesterday I started in a class about electronic music. The purpose of it is to learn to listen to the music and describe it. The philosophic theories regarding this, which our professor mentioned slightly, sounded interesting so I think it will be a good class.
One of the reasons for doing it also regards the fact that I have always had bit of a problem really engaging myself in electronic music. To Rococo Rot and Aphex Twin have appealed to me, but I can seldom listen to it in extensive sessions. The soft, vocal-based electronica has always had a bigger appeal, probably because it uses pop music structures and isn't as abstract as Autechre and others. Well, now I get a chance to dive into the genre as a part of my education.
But it is strange though, because I'm used to listening to both instrumental music and music with abstract structures. That's music with it's roots in rock music, of course, so perhaps it's the sound of it that doesn't appeal to me. Or more likely the combination of that specific "electronic" sound, often mentioned as cold, and the abstract structures. I'm looking forward to diving in anyhow.
One of the reasons for doing it also regards the fact that I have always had bit of a problem really engaging myself in electronic music. To Rococo Rot and Aphex Twin have appealed to me, but I can seldom listen to it in extensive sessions. The soft, vocal-based electronica has always had a bigger appeal, probably because it uses pop music structures and isn't as abstract as Autechre and others. Well, now I get a chance to dive into the genre as a part of my education.
But it is strange though, because I'm used to listening to both instrumental music and music with abstract structures. That's music with it's roots in rock music, of course, so perhaps it's the sound of it that doesn't appeal to me. Or more likely the combination of that specific "electronic" sound, often mentioned as cold, and the abstract structures. I'm looking forward to diving in anyhow.
Lost in translation
When the experimental hardcore band Husker Du disbanded, Bob Mould started quite a solo career. He also formed a band called Sugar that released two great albums of plain rock with strong songs. Especially "Panama City Motel" from File under: Easy Listening is dripping with loneliness:
"Don't you know I need a place to stay
Only fifteen bucks a
day
I didn't want to end up here
But now I guess I
need to stay
River red, runs like lead
And the
smell of kerosene in my head
Stuck in here in this
shithole
Reading foreign magazines instead
But
senor, I only have ten dollars,
Can't you give me a room
for the night?
We argue about currency and then
He
says I can stay for the night
In this panama city
motel
I am out on the freeway again
A woman
approaches in barcelona
Walking down the diagonalia
Spaghetti concrete overpasses
I keep grasping for
something familiar"
Have a nice day.
"Don't you know I need a place to stay
Only fifteen bucks a
day
I didn't want to end up here
But now I guess I
need to stay
River red, runs like lead
And the
smell of kerosene in my head
Stuck in here in this
shithole
Reading foreign magazines instead
But
senor, I only have ten dollars,
Can't you give me a room
for the night?
We argue about currency and then
He
says I can stay for the night
In this panama city
motel
I am out on the freeway again
A woman
approaches in barcelona
Walking down the diagonalia
Spaghetti concrete overpasses
I keep grasping for
something familiar"
Have a nice day.
DVD - why?
It seems like everybody have to make a special edition of their new album with a DVD these days. Even the new Bob Dylan comes with a DVD. But does anyone actually watch them? I have quite a few editions with DVD or enhanced material on the cd, but I haven't watched much of it. Last year I bought the book-version of Becks new album, which is a real beauty, but the couple of music videos I saw on the DVD was boring. If you wanna do it, do it properly.
I have of course bought the DVD-version of the new Bob Dylan-album.
I have of course bought the DVD-version of the new Bob Dylan-album.