Jan van den Berg

j11g.com

Category: Music

  • Get Back part 2

    I finished watching Get Back. Read my article about the first 30 minutes here.

    It’s safe to say this is hands down one of the best documentaries ever. I could not look away. Truly amazing.

    In between watching this over the last week I accumulated quite a few articles (from blogs, newspapers, and my RSS feed) that I did not want to read before I finished watching.

    But now I have read them all. I’ll share them here, because most of these say what else I would want to say about the tremendous experience that is Get Back.

    Links

    In no particular order: here are interesting links for further reading paired with key quotes.

    Review – The Beatles: Get Back

    Key quote: “Without the guiding influence of Brian Epstein to tell them what to do and when to do it, they’re adrift. It becomes the Paul McCartney show – simply because he’s the only one who seems to want to produce anything. That, of course, builds up the resentment of the others from being bossed around – but in the absence of a unifying figure, what else could be done?”

    • https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/12/06/beatles-get-back-documentary-songwriters/

      Key quote: “Every idea starts somewhere and somehow. There’s going to be a genesis moment for every piece of media we’ve ever seen. The gift we have is that they were filming it. They were rolling.”

      Key quote 2: “One of the most instructive moments is how many bad ideas there are that get abandoned. The ability to self-edit and criticize themselves and keep working on something until it’s the thing we all know.”

    I re-subscribed to the NY Times for the following three stories (the images are clickable links, NYT articles seem to embed rather nicely in WordPress).

    https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/11/arts/music/beatles-get-back-peter-jackson.html

    Key quote: “Our movie doesn’t show the breaking up of the Beatles,” Jackson said, “but it shows the one singular moment in history that you could possibly say was the beginning of the end. (…)There’s no goodies in it, there’s no baddies,” Jackson said. “There’s no villains, there’s no heroes. It’s just a human story.”

    https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/08/opinion/beatles-get-back-creativity-lessons.html

    Key quote: “There are many ways to watch Mr. Jackson’s opus — as an intimate glimpse at the dissolution of the greatest rock band of all time; as an epic psychodrama of friendships collapsing; as the settling of the perennial “breakup” debate among hard-core Beatles fans; or as The Guardian put it, as “eight hours of TV so aimless it threatens your sanity.”

    Key quote 2: “Even as wine, beer and more flows, the Beatles stay disciplined, working and reworking lyrics and arrangements until they get them right. “To wander aimlessly is very un-swinging,” Mr. McCartney says. “Unhip.” “

    https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/08/arts/music/yoko-ono-beatles-get-back.html

    This is the strangest take on the doc, and one I don’t think I agree with, but interesting nonetheless.

    Key quote: “It’s as if she is staging a marathon performance piece, and in a way, she is.”

    Final thoughts

    I’m bound to come across more links, and I might update accordingly for posterity reasons.

    The only new thought I want to add here is the following.

    Songs are what made the Beatles. A long string of unique, genre defining and defying songs. Songs in general are containers of words and sounds that can mean different things to listeners. And often such meanings may be unintended or unplanned by the creator.
    The Beatles created their songs, by making music and finding words (how else?). Sometimes inspired by events, but more so it seems because it just sounded right*. They grabbed the muse as it appeared to them through endless repetition and trial and error until they had something that sounded right. That this something had the power to ultimately become something very meaningful to whomever, that is not up to them or even their goal. They just know that something right is a song that might mean something to other people as well, not just them. That is the definition of a great song.

    The Beatles tried to make great songs — by endlessly chasing them — but without intent to change the world or someone’s view of the world.
    So when someone lays in awe on the bedroom floor from a Beatles song, that has never been a direct aim (how could it). Not even the Beatles could directly chase after this goal to try and reach someone, because it doesn’t work that way. You can only try and make something that sounds right to you and hope it does for other people as well. And what it means to other people might be something different than what it means to you. Everybody applies their own meaning to art.

    And this of course goes for most things that people make. Whether it be art or other things people make. There are many things to take away from Get Back, but this is a main one: make something you would want (to listen to) yourself, the rest follows and is mostly not under your control.

    *There are plenty of examples where this is not the case, Bon Iver‘s first album comes to mind as well as Arcade Fire’s first album Funeral. Those are examples of inspired music from specific events that translate experienced emotions into words and sounds that vividly try to encapsulate and mimic those emotions. But still, even here the following is true: it might still mean something else to a listener.

  • The Beatles: Get Back

    I am only 30 minutes in to the 8 hour long — highly anticipated — Peter Jackson documentary and I already have many thoughts.

    I need to get these out before further viewing, because I have a feeling I will change my mind many times over during viewing.

    Now on Disney+

    Let’s go Beatle by Beatle.

    Paul

    It’s very apparent that Paul is the undisputed leader of the band. There are no two ways about it. More than any other Beatle, Paul is the one who’s always pushing forward, making suggestions, making cuts, judging, keeping things moving. All in his soft spoken characteristic manner.
    Also it’s uncanny how little Paul has changed from then to the grey haired Beatle I grew up to know. His mannerisms, speaking style, the confidence it is all exactly the same as he is now.

    Of course the Beatles are always about Lennon and McCartney and it’s clear from watching the two, how they feed off one another. And what each brings to the table.

    John

    Lennon always seemed to me to be the person that wanted to be in the foreground and was very outspoken. But in this documentary so far he says very little, but you can see he first and foremost clearly enjoys being around the other guys, enjoys making music. He very much listens and responds to Paul. And he is all about making music.

    They are not so much rehearsing songs as they are trying out bits and pieces: hooks, bridges, choruses, small parts of songs, again, again, and again. Throwing away what doesn’t work, keeping what does.

    It’s like a relentless but gentle machine and John and Paul are constantly looking at and critiquing each other’s contributions. In a good way.

    George

    George struggles to get heard. A gifted musician, but walled in between two of the greatest singer-songwriters to ever live. It feels he is still — after a decade — trying to get Paul, and John to notice him, to get them to listen to what he has to say, to get heard.

    It’s obvious Paul and John highly appreciate George, but his songs have to be better for Paul and John to notice.

    Ringo

    Ringo listens intently, makes very few suggestions and only jokes around a little bit. He clearly knows what is expected of him, makes no fuss. He is very aware of what is going on and what his role is.

    (Yoko)

    Maybe it’s because of the editing, but Yoko is present but has not said a word. Which makes it a bit weird. Why is she there, why is she the only wife/girlfriend? The others seem to ignore her.

    Get Back

    It is absolutely amazing that this footage exists, the viewer gets to witness something extra-ordinary.The greatest band in the world, and that ever was (there will never be another Beatles) and who by that point have already achieved anything and everything and changed the face of music and the music industry in general, are filmed in full color during the creative process. A process which, by the way, is insane: creating a complete set of new songs in two weeks. But if any band could do it, it’s the Beatles of course.

    I love the way they talk to each other and make suggestions, it is ever so polite and all focussed on making great songs and having fun while doing so.

    But I am most floored by how down to earth and down to business the four are, while they beat sounds into submission and into songs. There are lots of other people walking around and they drop in and out of frame, but the four Beatles with their chairs in a circle, facing each other, that’s where it happens.

    Very much looking forward to the rest of this documentary. I saw this clip surface on Twitter, it is just bonkers. You get to witness how an era defining tune is constructed out of seemingly thin air:

  • 2020 Music Discoveries

    Remember 2020? Yeah, I know. Well here is the list you’ve been waiting for.

    Previous lists are here: 2019, 2018 part 1, 2018 part 2, 2017, 2016 and 2015

    As usual: a you get couple of words and a YouTube video. All killer, no filler. I promise.

    Note: I only noticed when I compiled the list that a lot of songs are about death…

    Let’s kick it off with Molchat Doma. What’s that? Glad you asked! Molchat Doma is russian doomer music and the perfect soundtrack for 2020. Their album Etazhi is probably my most played album of 2020. It’s a rare album in its complete tonal consistency and overall freshness. This next track Volny is one of the highlights. The video alone should receive all sorts of prizes. Enjoy, and don’t worry there is more Molchat Doma on the list.

    Small song, country feel. 272 views. Steph Copeland ft. Chris Wong. When I lay my head to rest, there will grow a garden from my chest.

    This next song is quite the trip! If the first few notes don’t grab you by the throat, maybe Ben’s performance will. This is actually three songs into one. Take your time, this is a very intense performance. And do stick around for what happens after four minutes.

    I like me some Bruce and you know it. Bruce is like a machine and delivers, always. And the title track for the docu/album is as Springsteen as they come. Banger!

    While we’re on the subject of old rockers with guitars, let me just share this rendition of an old folk song. I can picture this song to be the last song in every Irish pub before closing time (you know, pre-covid etc.). You cannot not love this.

    Ok last old guy with a guitar. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the remaster of Pocahontas is much better than the original?? It’s the tempo, maybe. I don’t know. Anyway here is Neil Young singing he wished he had a thousand pelts so he could sleep with Pocahontas (?!), read the wiki if you want to know more. It’s quite the trip.

    Lets pick up the tempo. I am a sucker for urgent sounding songs like this. The pacing here is terrific. And only 278 views. How?! This song is STRAIGHT FIRE. Time! Let the room untouched!

    Talking about urgency, Fontaines D.C. know everything about that. The band with multiple entries on last year’s list just keeps producing one great track after. This band is everything a band should be. And if this next track doesn’t convince you, I am sorry for you.

    One of the few women on the list. Katie Pruitt. Poppy but she has skills. I like it! The Fleetwood Mac is strong in this one.

    Back to the UK. If you are still wondering where Arctic Monkeys got their inspiration, look no further. I was thoroughly surprised when I found out this song actually predates the Arctic Monkeys because this song is MOST definitely the inspiration for Teddy Picker. Not the other way around. Alex Turner you cheeky bastard!

    Let’s stay in the UK shall we. Bands like the Enemy, with clear tracebacks to the Jam can only spring from the UK. A quintessentially British song.

    Here is a very special song by Empress Camelian. This song has everything you would want from a laptop artist. Or any artist for that matter. And this is exactly the kind of song I hope to find when I scour the internet. Intimate and melodic. You’ll be surprised.

    Ok I lied, here is another old guy with a guitar. Bob Dylan. Of course. Dylan released his 39th studio album in 2020 Rough and Rowdy Ways. And a few alternate takes and reissues surfaced. Good stuff for fans of the man that’ll turn 80 (!) soon. But the one song that had everybody talking, because of its length and content, was Murder Most Foul. There is a lot to unpack here, because not only is it a Bob Dylan song, it’s also almost 17 minutes. Clear your schedule please.

    Ok so this is a Dutch track, but I can’t not include this. These boys hit all the right notes. The guitar is definitely a callback to best Dutch popbands of the 80s. But don’t be fooled, there is more here than what it looks like, and it already looks just terrific.

    Paul Simon is and will always be one of my favorite songwriters. This song was written just after Nixon got elected and is probably one of his most political songs. And I only recently learned what makes the melody for American Tune so great. Can you hear it?

    I am sorry what’s that? You want sci-fi m83-ish sounds? Say no more.

    I promised a little bit more of Molchat Doma. Well here it is, for the acquired taste palette. This track is just completely bonkers, but in a good way, image what that sounds like live.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR5zpFs7YpY

    Oh, Bright Eyes how I love thee. This guy can hardly do wrong and just keeps churning out instant classics. And this is a fantastic live rendition of a fantastic song. Handsdown the best Covid performance I saw this year. For the daily double bonus: can you tell who the drummer is?

    This track was removed from Youtube. So I’ll share another rather similar one.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlKj4o3YQpM

    You know what, that is a GREAT question Jason Isbell?! What have *I* done.

    Declan McKenna was on my list in 2015, when he was just a 16 year old kid, because the talent was so obviously apparent. This next track — 5 years on — proves that his talent has not been wasted. He already has quite the following and is on his way to becoming a bona fide popstar. This is his 2020 hit. Poppy, sure. Delicious, yes. You can’t hide talent like this.

    Save the best for last. This is hands down the best song of 2020 for me (Molchat Doma takes home the album award). Wolf Parade. The video, well it’s… something and the artist went ALL out. The song itself is a grower. And I admit It didn’t click on my first listen. But hidden in this song is something quite remarkable. There is no greater build up to an outro break in all of 2020 — or maybe even the decade — than the 3:28 mark in this video. Just when you start wondering where this song is going, the essence of this track lays it soul bare. It is astounding and it’s the absolute pinnacle of an already absolutely incredible song. One for the ages. Turn it up to 11. Please do also check out the some of the live versions. The live performances really punctuate what this song is about. Drums, keys, guitar and a singer who doesn’t hold back. A delight to watch. This is what it is about. To say that he loves you, would be unfair towards you.

  • Volume 1: From Savoy Stompers to Clock Rockers – Andrew Hickey

    One of my favorite podcasts is “A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs”. I’ve written about it before, it’s an absolutely terrific podcast.

    But this post is not about the podcast but about the book!

    After the first 50 episodes creator Andrew Hickey bundled the adapted episode transcripts into the first volume of a book series. And, of course, I had to get it, as an unmissable reference and to support the podcast.

    Volume 1: From Savoy Stompers to Clock Rockers – Andrew Hickey (2019) – 551 pages

    Here are some thoughts on the book’s look and feel as it arrived in the mail this morning. So this is not a book review!

    • I’ll start with what I don’t like (and what can’t be the author’s fault at all). This book is printed-on-demand , and your mileage may vary, but on my particular copy the cover has been cut off prematurely. So the letter “c” from the word “Music” is right on the edge of the cover. It bothers me a bit and it’s a shame that such a wonderful book has to suffer this fate.
    • It’s quite a meaty book (I like that!). But I ordered the paperback and the postal service wasn’t too careful with it, so there are already some dents on the book. So you might want to get the hardcover.
    This is a shame.
    • I was FULLY expecting the spine to have “Volume 1” or a at least a number on it, but that is not the case. I say this because I intend to buy every copy and imagined the series, identifiable by their consecutive numbers, would look majestically encyclopedic on my bookshelf.
    The spine (and flappy cover)
    • I love the black and white cover. It’s classy and timeless.
    • As stated, it is a meaty book. I love holding it, it has a very nice feel to it. And the paper is pleasant, not too bright or hard.
    • For a reference book the font is well chosen. I believe it’s Chord Symbol, which is fitting when you think about it. But more so, this font makes it easy to quickly skim and scan parts, which makes sense for a reference book (my intended use).
    • The “Contents” (chapters) section only has the song titles, not the artists. I can think of a few reasons: especially in the early days, some songs were often done by multiple people (even at the same time). And after all it is a podcast about SONGS. But still, the podcast does have artist names. So I don’t quite understand this distinction.
    • The chapters also have no numbers. Which is not a problem. But it seems the reference / link to the podcast has (deliberately?) been cut. The chapters seem to have no link to the podcast episodes.
    • The absolute best parts of this book are the song index and the regular index. These are indispensable. I absolutely love them and they will often be my starting point when I want to look up something. They are very well done and look exhaustive.
    • The page numbers are on the top of the page on the outside. Which is how I like it, this makes thumbing back and forth to the index easy.
    • I thought I couldn’t love Andrew Hickey’s work more than I already did, but then I read his acknowledgement to Donald Knuth! I cannot state how much I adore this. (Knuth holds a special place in my heart, and I even host a podcast RSS feed for a couple of his lectures).
    ❤

    Conclusion

    My wish for this podcast is that it will become so famous that Andrew Hickey will get a regular book deal, and the nuisances that come with print-on-demand will become a thing of the past. Nonetheless, this book is already a spectacular body of work by someone truly passionate and gifted, and a book that will look good on any bookshelf.

    I love that this fantastic podcast, is now available in a format that can be picked up a 100 years from now and still be instantly accessible. Go buy it!

  • My Music Discoveries of 2019

    Here are my favorite music discoveries of 2019. Earlier editions are here: 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 (part 1) and 2018 (part 2).

    You know the drill. A few sentences and a YouTube video. No less than 19 videos. All songs need to be listened to. And all songs I obsessed about at one point or another in 2019. Here we go — in no particular order.

    The first and last video on the list are the same band. I am relatively late to the Fontaines D.C. party. But I am here now! Hands down the best band of 2019 for me. Fresh, cocky, Irish and absolutely terrific. I haven’t been this excited about a band since the Arctic Monkeys debut.

    This next band probably has the best name of all the bands on the list. The Menzingers. I mean, come on, that’s a pretty good name! This track is absolutely outstanding in urgency. And I’m gonna share the single and the acoustic, because they’re both brilliant in their own way.

    Same song. Different settings. Just great. 10/10 would listen to on repeat.

    This next song is messy and far from a perfect live performance, but I dig the taupe oversized shirts, keyboards and intensity.

    This is an old favorite I rediscovered last year. Few bands can hold the candle to Wovenhand. They are not like any other band.

    You know how you sometimes can forget about a song, but when you rediscover it, it’s like finding a severed finger? This Placebo song is like that. I nearly forgot about this song. Needs to be played at absolutely no less than 11. The SG and piano demand it.

    I’ve posted VTr in a prrrrrevious list before, I really like this bands’ style. Running away doesn’t feel so bad. You don’t say.

    There are MANY versions of the classic Irish rebel song Come Out Ye’ Black and Tans, but it so happens that I played this specific version the most.

    S&G were probably my first love, and they will always hold a special place. Their songs are firmly locked in a time and place. Timeless music. I can gather all the news I need on the weather report.

    SOAK. Soak it in. This song hit me in the teeth. I truly do not understand why she is not a superstar already. Tremendous song.

    The Decemberists, so you know exactly what you’ll get. Relentless and they will wait for absolutely no one. No time to breathe, go go go go go!

    I am aware there are only a few women on this list. But Sharon van Ettens’ Glastonbury performance, was maybe the best performance I saw last year. Raw, intense, broody.

    Echo and the Bunnymen. In an alternate universe, people talk about Echo and the Bunnymen the way we talk about the Beatles. I am sure of it.

    Is this how the end begins? Well, who knows.

    This song stopped me in my tracks. Where on earth did this guy come from? Who is this? Are you kidding me! Fantastic song. Eres especial para mí. Si. Muy, muy bien.

    Oh, you like synths and heavy basses? Well, are you on the Drab Majesty hype-train yet? No? Well get on board, the train is departing choo choo!

    The lyrics may be a tad bit too much. But nonetheless: yes, this will work. This will work indeed! One Horse Town.

    We all stick around, because they tell us to.

    This is a very special song. It’s Dutch, but I would like to think it transcends language. Highly underappreciated. Absolutely glorious.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwLTlOVIMy4

    I tend to skip bands like this. They seem a dime a dozen. But this song really holds up. Really well actually. What are you waiting for Archie?!

    Let’s close this list with how we started: Fontaines D.C. Man, this is the stuff.

  • A History Of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs

    This year I’ve listened to 519 podcasts and 36 of those were episodes of A History Of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs.

    But it’s safe to say that A History Of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs is my favorite new podcast that I discovered this year and it deserves more attention and praise!

    500 Songs

    ‘500 Songs’ is a mammoth project where Andrew Hickey sets out — over a period of ten years — to transcribe the history of rock music with one song per episode for a total of 500 songs. With 50 episodes per year, one per week, and the first year just wrapped.

    Which 500 songs are on the list are not known, but it is not a popularity contest. Every song has to fit the narrative. It’s about the history and how everything is related and one thing is built on top of another. So he doesn’t just pick songs because they are popular. Which is not to say there are many episodes about well known songs.

    I know nothing about Andrew Hickey, he is not a famous podcaster (yet!) or a celebrity turned podcaster. But I do know that there are very few people on the planet that know or care more about music than he does.

    I’ve heard some people describe his monotone voice as off-putting (yes, I try to push this podcast a lot to people), but what I hear is someone who is ultimately knowledgeable and passionate about music history.

    All episodes are also available as a transcript, I think he writes out episodes and reads them ‘on air’. And the first 50 episodes are bundled in a book. There will be more books, and I suspect because of their completeness they can all be added to the definite canon of rock ‘n roll music.

    Information density

    If you think you know or understand even a little bit about pop or rock music. Think again, because you don’t. Or, at least I’m speaking for myself here. I thought I knew a little bit, until I discovered this podcast.

    The information density is absolutely mind boggling, and every episode I come away thinking: how does he know all this?! (Fortunately he also has a couple of delightful informative episodes answering that question). And it is just loaded with a kinds of fun and mind-blowing details:

    Did you know this? Life imitating art

    There are a few general observations that return again and again through most of the early 50’s rock music scene. Here are a few that stand out:

    • It seems like there is almost no original work in the early days. Every song is borrowed, stolen or riffed of something that was already well known and sometimes existed for decades. The concept of creating new or original music seemed to be novel. Just listen to the Hound Dog episode to get an idea of this. Everything is connected and grown out of something else (which is still the case nowadays, but more obvious and the norm back then). This goes for a lot of songs.
    • How things came to be is almost always chaotic and messy and more often than you would think the result of serendipity. So there are very few straight lines to be drawn. Not only did people borrow or steal songs, they also have different versions of “the truth”. This is also what makes the podcast a mammoth undertaking. Try figuring out how certain records came to be 60 years after the fact.
    • Some things stay hidden or unexplored but they just leave you thinking “excuse me?!”. Like this tidbit:
    The Colonel.
    • Some of the music we still listen to were generation or genre defining songs. But to the creators they were sometimes nothing more than a quick way to make a buck. Music was (and is?) ethereal, and the concept that songs would still be played years and years later was not something most artists thought about. So there are many stories of artists selling the rights for a 100 dollars or so to a records that sold millions.
    • The first 50 episodes focus mostly on the 1950s and there are some brilliant episodes. The Little Richard one is an absolute standout episode, so are the Elvis and Johnny Cash ones. Actually: from episode 33 to 39 is the best podcast streak I have ever heard. It’s a completely different time, so I am always amazed some of the folks discussed are still alive. E.g. Jerry Lee Lewis (The Killer) and Little Richard are still among us.

    ‘500 Songs’ is not only the story of rock music it is also a story of America coming off age. The story of cities swallowing up rural areas, of changing landscapes, of changing lives. And of radiowaves and records connecting a vast country and cementing something that we now know as ‘popular culture’.

    It’s an absolutely wonderful and riveting story and you should give this podcast a listen!

  • My music discoveries of 2018 part 2

    This is part 2 of my best music discoveries of 2018. Earlier editions are here: 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 (part 1).

    Hands down my favorite tracks of 2018 are still One. Sentence Supervisor with Yelena, and City Calm Down with Blood. I have played these tracks more than any other. Both were featured in part 1. But, make no mistake, the second part of 2018 also presented some amazing discoveries.

    In no particular order.

    Sam Fender has the looks and the licks. Seemingly brimming with talent, this young gun already dropped a handful of shiners. But this track especially jumped from my screen. It’s easy to see where he gets his inspiration and that is not a bad thing. Not at all. I hope to hear a lot more from this guy.

    This video from Castle Pines is one of my favorite, clever, visuals of 2018 (just watch it). But above all, this is a killer track! I can not believe it only has 242 views on Youtube!! That is just wrong.

    The best EP from 2018 came from Australia. They’re called the Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Quite a mouthful, but what a band. And this track in particular, Talking Straight, is different. On first listen it didn’t click. But a couple of listens in, this is a mesmerizing song. If you don’t like it: you’re not talking straight.

    You can’t really discuss 2018 without at least mentioning Greta van Vleet. The multi Grammy nominated band made quite a splash in 2018. A classic rock band setup, three brothers and a real screamer. Sure, we’ve all seen the long read think pieces discussing their sound. It’s tiring. Fact is, I’d rather listen to this SG than a lot of other things out there now.

    Ok, we need to talk about Idles. As punk as they come. But there is substance there too. And they’re probably the best live ticket in town at the moment. I mean, just look at this. The music seems to suffer by the performance, but overall it does not take anything away from what they’re trying to say. If anything, it adds to it.

    Kurt Vile has been on my list before. The former founding member of The War on Drugs does his own thing and I love him for it. Listen to his singing lines. He does not follow usual singing conventions nor timing and makes lazy ears work. I park for free!

    They’re called The Horrors for a reason, so you shouldn’t be surprised that this is a rather unsettling video. But at the core this is actually just a tender love song. I say this, because I think this track would also work well acoustic. But the futuristic synth sound they’ve chosen here, works equally well.

    If my taste was expressed by an algorithm which you could feed videos to calculate the probability of what I like, this next song would score very high. Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s the tense intro, maybe it’s the chorus, maybe it’s the rolling R’s. Maybe it’s all of that. The Twilight Sad.

    The Decemberists is one of those bands I always thought I should pay closer attention to. This next gorgeous track underscores that thought most definitely.

    Amen Dunes. Fragile sounding voice, heartfelt lyrics. Can you feel it, tonight?

    I don’t know where the drums come from and I think that this is probably not a real live take, even though it’s made to look like it. But I’m game. You can never have enough violins. Darlingside with Hold Your Head Up High.

    What, no shirt and only a leather vest? I am intrigued. Tell me more. The main melody is straight from Fleetwood Mac, and the guitar solo is one of the worst that I have ever heard. But this song has a certain honesty to it, and that goes a long way.

    I don’t know anything about Linn Koch Emmery, but if I had to guess I think she probably owns a few Dinosaur Jr. records. And that is just fine! Videos that subtitle the lyrics need special attention. Attention well deserved in this case.

    Bonus. Since it is 2019 already, here is a brand new track from Death Cab for Cutie. Laden with 80s nostalgia and keyboards, melancholy lyrics and a lot of guitar delay. Yes! I think I will probably listen to this song a lot in 2019. I must admit I think the mix on this song could be better. Why? Just listen to this live performance.

  • Joy Division and the making of Unknown Pleasures – Jake Kennedy

    I picked up this book in the bargain bin of a HMV in Manchester in 2006, when I was on a — sort of — pilgrimage. But I left it on my bookshelf for 12 years, thinking I probably knew most of it already. But books are meant to be read, so I had to get to it eventually.

    Joy Division and the making of Unknown Pleasures – Jake Kennedy (2006) – 214 pages

    I think I understand why this book was already in the bargain bin the same year it was released. Not that it is a terrible book, but it is just a really hard sell. In depth reviews of every Warsaw/Joy Division song, demo or recording session are something only hard hardcore fans have a thirst for. But if you do, you will find a chronological and remarkable tale of four guys who went from sloppy generic punk music to producing a timeless, unique and legendary album within two short years. With each page turn, they improve and get closer to reaching that point. Which was a natural conclusion of everything prior, and didn’t drop out of the sky. But even so, the progression and quality of a debut album is still unmatched (maybe only by that other band).

    The book falls somewhere between a biography and an encyclopedia. In other words, just my cup of tea! I certainly picked up a few new things. Mick Middles gets quoted often, he is another authority on Joy Division because of his book. I also own this book, and I definitely need to read it now!

  • My 2018 music discoveries (first half!)

    Long time readers will know I love sharing my music discoveries. You can read the 2015, 2016, 2017 editions here. At the half-point of 2018 I feel it is time again because of some exceptionally exciting bands!

    So here we go.

    I’ll start of with a band that is actually twice on this list. They’re just something else. Hailing from Switzerland, with Eraserhead shirts and Duesenberg guitars they popped into my Youtube feed with this instrumental song, which lead me to discover more of their music. One Sentence. Supervisor. (Yes, the dot is deliberate.) They have an amazing sound and are such a incredibly *tight* crew. And the sheer fun they seem to have, just look at it. I love this band and their sound. How can you not?

    Danke für Teilen!

    If you know me, you know I love 80s music. Burning Skies of Elysium with their song One Afternoon adapt the theme and mood of the very best 80s songs perfectly. Sulking galore. 

    While we are on the subject of the 80s, I might as well share this next song. Sure, they sound almost *eerily* similar to that ONE 80s band that we all know and love. But still, great artists steal, right? (I wouldn’t be surprised if they also stole their name from the Belle and Sebastian song).

    Music programmers for late-night TV shows tend to have good ears.  So I always take it as a cue to sit up straight when they announce bands that make their “national television debut”. Mt. Joy is a prime example of a band that might catapult to the next best thing. The singer is gifted with an incredible voice and their song Silver Lining has that undeniable ‘hit’ potential.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XmwQJc6tII

    The name of this next band is Surf Rock is Dead. Well, I guess that’s a pun. Just listen. (You might notice a recurring theme here regarding soundscapes that I am attracted to.)

    My sort of ‘guilty pleasure’ is probably lovelytheband. Of course my first thought was, hey they straight-up stole the hook from Kids by MGMT! But still, it’s a pretty good pop song. And when I saw an acoustic version of the song, there is *something* there. And in trying to figure out what that something is, I’ve listened way too much to this song to not include it on this list. The kind of horrible tacky Hollywood video is here. I’ll take the non-LA version, thank you.

    I am very biased towards this next band. Yes, I know them personally. But that is not why I love this music. Like passionate chemical engineers they put together all the right elements to create a unique piece of music: Dutch new wave.

    Ok. I hope you are ready. This next band is quite something. City Calm Down. Together with One Sentence. Supervisor they are at the top of my list. The sheer relentless tenacity of this next song is inimitable. This is one of those bands that you really, really want to go see live.  Sure Joy Division with a hint of Interpol comparisons are easily made. But how can that be a bad thing?

    I’m gonna end this list, how I started it. With One Sentence. Supervisor. They are my favorite band atm. (I emailed their lead singer to get the lyrics to this next song. Which I did.) The visuals of this video which seems to interlace 80s infomercial footage with helicopter shots of nature are a perfect addition to an already perfect song. The pace, intensity and the urgency of this song are all hitting the mark. But maybe what I like best is the tempo change around 1:33, this has to be one of my favorite ‘breaks’ in all of music. Just as the guitars seem to drone out seconds before over the ever relentless rhythm, they pick it up *just* right and HAMMER it home together with the lyrics at this particular part.  It’s amazing. They get it.

  • My 2017 music disoveries

    My 2017 music disoveries

    I did a music post for 2015 and 2016, so here is 2017!

    Whether it’s blogs, podcasts, movies or the YouTube algorithm, if you keep your ears open there’s always new music to discover. So here we go in no particular order.

    Of course this list couldn’t be complete without Morrissey. So let’s start with him. He dropped a new album, caused a lot of drama about (misinterpreted) quotes in the news and consequently maybe even sabotaged his new album that way. On the lead single for the album he shares some words of wisdom about the modern times and preferred attitude towards the press (‘stop watching the news’). Coincidence?

    We had a guy paint our house this year, and he pumped this song from his portable JBL speaker. I didn’t know this song, but it immediately struck a familiar chord with me. 1961, the vocals, the suits, the horns and the clapping. I love it. And Dion DiMucci is still performing, so it seems.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4NUZJMCJ20

    I don’t know whether the Bleachers have reached the charts yet or popular radio for that matter, but this song has all the markings of a typical pop hit. Bombastic, melodic and a sing-along-chorus and they’re not too bad live either. That’ll work. By the way, the intense singer, with the Mets tank top and Star of David around his neck, is Jack Antonoff who you might recognize as the guitar player for Fun! (who had a string of gigantic pop hits a couple of years ago).

    Staying with the money theme, Arcade Fire dropped a new album. This track asks to put your money on them. Is there an ArcadeCoin yet?

    I heard the backstory for this REM song in a podcast. So heartbreaking and warm at the same time.

    I really, really like the music of this next band. There are no new tricks or sounds here, you have heard most of it before. But they combine familiar elements just right to create an addictive and energetic total. The vocals are stadium size and the rhythm section is literally banging (just look at the fun the drummer is having), My Goodness. Just 247 views. Why??

    So last year, I had a Dylan track on my list. Here we go again, a live version of Blind Willie McTell I did not know before. Dylan doesn’t compromise and I love and hate him for it.

    Ok, so I had never heard of Prefab Sprout. But this song was featured in a scene from the movie The Meyerowitz Stories and it just clicked. It definitely bares the marks of a time when things were simpler as it is heavily influenced by the sounds of that era but at the same time you can tell this is a band that marches to their own beat.

    Here’s another one I picked up from a movie: Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Such a fun, feel good movie, and this song by New Zealand band Moniker was such a perfect fit for the car chase scene.

    Did you know Fleetwood Mac’s album Rumours still enters the charts every now and then? There is just something about that 40+ year old album that transcends generations. I don’t know too much about Sunflower Bean but I know they probably own that record too. Nothing wrong with that.

    Soundcloud seems to be ruled by face-tattooed, self-deprecating rapping sad boys who take way too much xanax and everything else and whose rap names all seem to be prefixed with lil’. The list of names is almost comical at this point. But the music is as raw as it comes and serves as a soundtrack to a fascinating cultural movement happening away from the mainstream (if that even exists anymore). There are lots of parts I don’t understand about it. In some ways it’s like the movie Kids came to live. But I can tell that the expression of rawness is youth rage and teenage angst at work, and that is all too familiar.  But with such a culture also come casualties. Lil Peep (Gustav Elijah Åhr) passed away two weeks after turning 21 from a drug overdose. And, in almost classic fashion he left behind songs with suggestive titles as “Better Off (Dying)” and “Pray I Die”.

    What is there to say about someone who was barely 21? In the end he was just a young, goofy but also troubled kid with parents who loved him. But without protection from things like fame and drugs. But also, this ‘beamerboy’ was as talented as they come on Soundcloud. From all the hard sounding rappers on there he seems to have had real knack for melodic, guitar influenced beats. Like this next track which is based on a sample from Yppah – Never mess with Sunday. What’s striking is the parts he borrows are not the parts you’d expect for a (then) 18 year old rapper. Over the looping guitar riff he lays on some teenage angst time-windowed lyrics with an already distinct flow and pace. It’s something. It’s not a track I would normally listen to myself, it’s rough, coarse, short and feels unfinished, but it’s also probably one of the most honest things on this list. “This music’s the only thing keepin’ the peace when I’m fallin’ to pieces”.

    The War on Drugs probably delivered the best rock album of 2017. After seeing them live I still wonder whether this is because they’re the best band or that there are less bands to compete with. Still, this is an amazing and carefully crafted track and one of my favorite songs of 2017.

    So, I didn’t really know who Luke Kelly was, yeah I know….sorry about that. This man was a force of nature . And you can never really go wrong with a banjo, right? I love it. Preach, Luke.

  • U2 – 11 O’Clock Tick Tock live at Red Rocks

    U2 – 11 O’Clock Tick Tock live at Red Rocks

    If there is one song from the already incredible U2 Red Rocks’ set that stands out for me it is definitely 11 O’Clock Tick Tock. You will never hear a better live song by 22 year old kids who are completely killing it.

    When I was already a fan for life this otherwise non-studio-album song cemented that belief even further. I clearly remember where I was when I first heard it. It hit me like a hammer.

    I will never not like this performance. From the cardboard box sounding first guitar notes which drop into the drony teenage angst ridden riff that accompany Bono trough the song while backed by the tightest and most attention demanding rhythm section the 80s had to offer. There is just so much there.

    It was only til much later I found out it was produced by Martin Hannett. That should explain part of the magic of the song. But being a live performance what stands out here first and foremost are Bono’s vocals which are ridiculously strong. Just insane. The sheer control the band — 22 year old kids — seem to command on stage makes this performance a forebode of things to come. Namely, that this band will go on to be the biggest band of that decade and the one thereafter.

    The performance also bares the first marks of things that would go on and define U2. This is the first song on which Edge uses the ‘Memory Man’ echo effect and you can see a sweaty and lingering Bono pick out a girl from the audience. And he continues to dance with her, while the music seems to slow down a bit before the dead simple guitar riff comes back to hammer the dagger right in there. Both a sound and image that were already hallmarks for fans at the time, but with this live recording the rest of the world would also know and understand. Bono demonstrates he is the absolute ringleader, while not singing but almost screaming this song and throwing in parts of the song Drowning Man.

    Yeah, it is intense.

    The only bad thing about this song is that my volume doesn’t go to 11.

  • The Joshua Tree Tour 2017

    The Joshua Tree Tour 2017

    When the Joshua Tree came out in 1987 it catapulted U2 from a great rock band to the greatest rock n roll band in the world. Critically and commercially there was no way around them anymore. With four albums under their belt and a dedicated fan base as a result of a half decade of relentless touring these 25 and 26 year olds had retreated and successively knocked it out of the park with their greatest work yet.

    What you hear on the Joshua Tree is a band that’s at the peak of their creative ability and is exactly at the right place in time. This combined with razor sharp focus and complete dedication results in nothing short of a force of nature.

    From the opening generation defining guitar riff to a part gospel where Bono actually screams the entire song from the top of his lungs without you noticing to one of the greatest love songs ever written to the hidden brutal honesty of Running to Stand Still and to the dark bass song that is Exit. There are no fillers. (A feat they only topped once in the rest of their career). This point is underlined by the incredible B-sides that accompanied the albums’ singles. These B-sides would count as any others’ band greatest work. Like this next song. I’ve always loved the line: “He said he was an artist. But he really painted billboards. In large capital letters.”

    Recorded in the 80s, the Joshua Tree is completely a product of that era while at the same time it wears absolutely no marks of that era. A timeless piece of music.

    I was of course too young when they first toured the album. But I have a very clear memory of the Where the Streets Have No Name video. And when I was sixteen I read a U2 bio that had been published around the time the Joshua Tree came out and it made me a fan for life. The Joshua Tree was the first album I bought after reading it, and I know exactly where I was and how I felt when I played it for the first time.

    So, I must be pretty excited for the new tour? Well. Sort of. (And of course I’m going).

    This band playing the songs they created 30 years ago, is not the same band that created these songs. This is not U2’s fault, this how things go in music and life. Just like you will never be able to experience the Arctic Monkeys live again around the time their first album came out. Time moves on. Things change. Energy changes. The four guys on stage at the core will be the same people but that specific moment in time has passed. The world and their world in which they created the songs has changed. They have made other music since, they have done other things in life,  and they have played these songs literally 100s of time. That’s fundamentally different from a band that goes out on tour with new fresh songs, that nobody knows yet, to try and get them in the collective mindset of their fan base.

    Having a tour where you celebrate the 30 year anniversary of your most commercially successful album, with the same 4 people is something no other band has done. So, yes it is special. And I am curious to see how they will handle it. I don’t think U2 will play the role of a glorified tribute band to their own 80s self. They will try to add something new.

    And this last part is what bothers me a bit. Where is the new music? Is this tour a cheap cop-out, an easy way to make money? Let’s be honest, if you’re a U2 fan you are so mostly because of the music they made in the 80s and 90s. Except, the last album had some really killer tracks on it. Some of their best work this century!  Particularly Every Breaking Wave. This is one of the best U2 songs. Because it works as a rolling rock song with a thumping base, but it also works as an almost acappella song just carried by Bono’s voice (just give it a listen). It is something else. Or how about Ordinary Love, which was a non-album song for the 2013 Mandela movie. Tremendous song. So I would like to hear more new music! Are they still evolving as a band or were these one-offs? Apparently there will be a new album after this tour, yes please! Or maybe we can expect a Achtung Baby anniversary tour? I am all for that!

  • The Strokes – I don’t want what you want

    We’re at a point now that we can already reflect on the influence and legacy of NYC band the Strokes. A new book “Meet Me in the Bathroom” has been labeled as “the First Great History of New York’s 21st Century Rock Scene”. As someone who was around at the time and very aware of their existence and impact on that ‘scene’, this is still a bit strange. But it simply means enough time has passed already. Even though it feels like yesterday. And so it’s mainly an indication that I am getting older but the music for that matter is locked in time and chained to a period.

    I wouldn’t say I was die-hard fan, I certainly observed and acknowledged what they did, and I saw them live once. And it makes sense to me that history will see them go down as the front runners for a specific period. But for me, they were mostly other people’s band. At least, that’s how I felt about it. But, I’m still curious about the book!

    For now, here is my favorite track. It’s not a completely typical Strokes song, even though most typical Strokes elements are there. What makes this track stand out for me, is the urgency from the get go. From the first notes it is full of energy with a somewhat nervous guitar backed by a thumping base and relentless drum. The lyrics carry that same sense of urgency and are perfectly delivered. Verse, chorus and bridge seem to be chasing each other and only at one point it slows down a bit to be picked up immediately toward the finish. Love it. (The video is somewhat reminiscent of the Love is Strong video by the Rolling Stones.)

  • My music discoveries of 2016

    Last years’ post was pretty popular, so let’s continue this. You know the rules, so let’s go!

    I’ve always had a soft spot for Conor Oberst’s (aka Bright Eyes) fragility. After a rough period he dropped a new album, with pearls like this next one. Only 3,594 views so far, we should all be ashamed.

    To stay a bit with fragile singer/songwriters, this big man John Moreland will break your heart.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNCabzJ8KJI

    Declan McKenna seems like one of those rare talents. No band, shaggy hair, oversized T-shirt, 2 mikes, drummachine, guitar looper and one powerful song. I remember watching this and being kind of awestruck by his voice. I’ll be keeping an eye on him.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbmTlirOP4M

    Of all the musicians that died in 2016, Merle Haggard will probably take a modest place in people’s memories. But he was one of a kind.

    New Order is of course one of my all time favourite bands. In 2015 they had a new album, with lots of great tracks (like this one). This extended mix for a track The Game is from March 2016. This song has some great breaks and tempo changes. Love it.

    I admit I know nothing about this next band. But this sounds fun:

    When you name your band Hoops you know you will get my attention. Their sound reminds me a bit of Small Black. This is pretty much a perfect summer anthem. Just too cool (yes, terrible pun, sorry).

    To keep with the summery vibes, this next track from Bloudhounds On My Trail is named Over the Wall. Sultry and sweltering.

    Our podcast first few episodes borrowed the intro from this track. Mystery solved!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hdm3EHxD6U

    I mentioned Dark Wave in this post, I discovered some more tracks from this genre. But this song was one of the first. Be advised, it’s a bit strange. But then again, they’re German.

    If you like this, you are gonna love the next song too. This one is from a friend of mine. A touch of Joy Division, a dash of New Order and a whiff of Dark Wave. Just how I like it.

    Reading Bruce Springsteen’s bio kickstarted me going trough his entire discography, The Promised Land stands out as a pretty powerful and pivotal song.

    Confession time. I feel like I only discovered this (incredibly famous) Dylan song last year. I don’t think I paid a lot of attention to it before, because I was so familiar with the Wovenhand version (which is terrific in its own right). But come on, I should have known, nobody does it like Dylan.

    So, what were YOUR discoveries of 2016?! I am always curious to know, feel free to drop it in the comments.

  • Best of 2016

    Best-of lists signify another year is coming to a close. People feel a need to sort and order things to make room for what is to come. Or something like that.

    So here is an assorted list of best new things I found in 2016. Things can be anything, as long as it was new to me in 2016. Feel free to share your list in the comments.

    Best new app

    Google Photos turned out to be a real improvement in photo management. It saves space on your phone and, more importantly, you can search trough photos because Google AI indexes them (and every face on it) for you. Picture of that meeting last month? Coming up! Picture of your kid on a swing? Say no more fam, I got you. You should give it a try, it works pretty great. (Be sure to read the T&C if you have privacy doubts).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEK37MBTUPk

    Best new podcast

    I have listened to 316 podcasts this year. I ain’t lying, it was kind of my thing this year, I even started my own podcast with a friend.

    But apart from that, the “How I built this” podcast is hands-down the best new podcast I found this year. Every episode is interesting. No duds so far. It’s always a great story of one or more entrepreneurs on how they got started. And there has been a wonderful selection of guests already. This show is fun and you really learn something every time (but learning is fun ammirite?!).

    Best new music

    Usually I compile a list of best new music discoveries. I might still do that. But for now I’d like to point out one genre, that was newish to me: Dark Wave. Taking new wave a bit further. Not for everyone, I know.

    Best book

    Even though I just started this one and so I haven’t finished it yet, I still think Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike will be my favourite book of 2016. Boy, this is something else. And right up my alley, life-lessons, entrepreneurship, sports, passion. It speaks to me. You learn something, you feel you understand things better after reading. At least so far, I might blog about it after finishing (or you know, podcast about it)

    Best game

    Probably Sniper Elite III. I only played a few games this year, but this one was fun. Sneaking and sniping Nazis in the African desert. Not too much backstory or immersion, just what I like for now.

    Best movie

    The Big Short. A piece of recent real history portrait by great actors. Yes, in a Hollywood fictional sort of way, but that didn’t bother me.

    TV shows are missing from this list, because there just weren’t any that I think I’d like to recommend. But I have seen more episodes of Flip or Flop than you would guess. Probably because we bought a new house ourselves and did some work on it.

     Best article/site

    Not so much an article, as a guy who writes them. I think I must have stumbled on Derek Sivers and his braindump sivers.org a few times already before 2106, but it didn’t stick or I didn’t see the bigger picture. But this year it did, you can really learn a lot from this guy, who built and sold his company and didn’t keep a penny. He writes interesting articles, some have been compiled to read as a book. Highly recommended.

    (That reminds me, I probably also should start tracking favourite quotes.)

    Best video

    I watch and like a lot of YouTube but I have never liked (you know, like-like) a youtube video in my life. So picking one is hard because there is no log.  So this is a placeholder for myself to keep track of this. The same goes for gifs, also moving images. I probably have seen more gifs than videos, and that’s saying something 😉

    Best new gadget

    My Chromebook. I did a blogpost on it. But my Tascam DR-40 and Logitech MX Master are close runners up. Oh and I started driving one of these, which is also a nice piece of technology.

    Best tweet

    For this last one, I’m going to be unapologetically selfish. Yes, with all the political drama this year there were a lot of interesting or funny tweets. But this tweet is mine, non-political and my favourite:

  • My music discoveries of 2015

    Most end-of-year lists are compiled of songs from that current year. That’s fine and all, but great music is timeless and you might discover things later, so my list will be a bit different. These are things I discovered last year, some old some new.

    I don’t use Spotify or other streaming services. I keep my ears open, read music blogs and watch what Youtube suggests. Works pretty fine for me! So here we go in more or less order of discovery. This is not some highbrow you-should-listen-to-this-even-though-I-don’t stuff, this is actual stuff I play regularly.
    Warning: these are all bangers.

    Noel dropped a bit of the radar for me. But man, has he still got it.

    Of course the National is a household name, but I had a teacher this year who was a fan so I dove into their anthology and only then discovered this gem. It’s much rawer and less refined than their later stuff. Love it.

    You’re gonna like this track by Motorama. How can you not.

    If anything on this list counts as a guilty pleasure, it’s probably this track by Houndmouth.

    The best-of-list that our group of friends compiles for our annual weekend getaway brought this diamond to my attention. Belgian. Of course.

    Crystal Stilts are a post punk band from New York. What can I say, I like his singing.

    https://youtu.be/frvlSkqorYM?list=PLz4yCIZrXWMC-fwd7L8L_72fH_apFraPL

    You should know by now I’m a fan of Small Black (and I keep bugging them on social media to tour Europe). I don’t know any other band that’s able to match their visuals to their sound so perfectly. Their songs are usually about the innocence and volatility of youth. This track is no different.

    On to the more heavy stuff. This is probably the most urgent song you’ll hear this week year.

    The Silversun Pickups try to take it to the next level and produced a small movie. Even though “we only want it with the lights out”.

    Warning: you will wake up tonight with this chorus in your head. Yes you will. Goodbye horses.

    There are few things that thrill me as much as the sound from this next band. They get it. Dirty hair, barely there attitude, Fenders and turtle necks. And that drummer is of the charts.

    Remember McLovin? He has a mustache now. Are you ready for it?

    Deer Tick has that great sort of low brow Americana sound. I love it. This stuff is on repeat.

    The very best discovery is probably this track. Because it doesn’t get much realer than this. Guy + guitar singing his heart out. In a thrift store. Of course.

    Update (bonus): How could I forget this track. I have no words for how  great this is. A cappella nonetheless. The guy behind the mix panel, with his back turned to the camera, is a true master of his skill.

    So what are your best discoveries?