...in conversation with Paul Shirley

So I figured we'd go with something a little bit different today. I woke up this morning, went to ESPN.com to get my morning sports news fix, and saw a link to this article, which is presented in the context of a conversation between Todd Gallagher and Paul Shirley about whether music (and, especially, popular music) today really sucks, or whether that's just an illusion.

one especially relevant five-paragraph chunk (because, obviously, anything that can't be said in five paragraphs shouldn't be argued... goodness, I'm reifying the prevailing educational structures)

My sadness, then, comes from the realization that you've given up on finding good new music. And obviously, that's where someone -- the program director at a radio station, the head of your favorite label, the manager at Best Buy -- has erred grievously. That person, or group of people, has decided that it's better to go after the dollar of the person who responds to the music of The Rolling Stones and The Kinks by attempting to reproduce their sounds. (Or by continuing to tour those acts.)

That's why the music on rock radio is made by Shinedown and Nickelback. But that's a losing battle, because people eventually get tired of Shinedown and Nickelback, throw up their hands and say, like you, that they'll be happier listening to Tom Petty.

It's nearly the same on the alternative or indie stations. The music continues to get sissified, because that's what sells, and the result is a huge gap. No one's hearing Manchester Orchestra because it doesn't sound like The Rolling Stones, and it's just a little too heavy for 14-year-old girls, so we're left with a gaping chasm that should be filled by, say, Crystal Castles.

But it won't be, because people like you -- and I'm not saying that in a condescending way; as we've discussed, you're normal -- have given up on anything new. If you hear the name Crystal Castles, you think, "Eh, never heard of it."

Don't you see, Todd?! (I'm winding down, losing steam, pleading with you.) Of course you've never heard of it. That's what makes it interesting. But you have to be ready for it to sound different, just like our forebears were, for whatever reason, ready for Chuck Berry to sound different from Glenn Miller.

I find that very interesting.

In response to one of the bands that Paul Shirley mentions here: I've heard of Crystal Castles, but I think they kind of suck; a lot of their sound feels sort of stuck in the 1980s, and I don't feel like they're really pushing anything forward or doing anything (a) innovative or (b) better than has been done before.

No music in this post, you say? Never fear! YouTube is always here!

Crystal Castles - Vanished


If you're looking for something that is pushing at the edges of rock conventionality, here's a couple of posts you might take a look at:

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

The pAper chAse

God is an Astronaut

If you're looking for music that flat-out rocks (in, perhaps, a more traditional sense), try one of these posts:

Jarvis Cocker

White Rabbits

Have a great day, everyone!

(note... I've been looking for a witty sign-off, lately. Something along the lines of "you stay classy, San Diego." Any suggestions? I don't think "life is beautiful, and so are you" has quite enough snark to it, and the "have a great day" I've been going with is a little bit conventional.)

So Much Noise! So Much Hip!

     I believe the new President of this fine University is outside the door of my office, and I think the entire office is out there having a welcoming party. They were just singing a welcoming song. I hope they don't scare her off!

     Anyway, I've got a bunch of great music to talk about and, as usual, I'll include some music for you all to hear toward the end, so I'm going to get right to it.
The first focal point of this update is a guy I've been forcing all my friends to listen to the past week and it's been blowing my mind how intelligent/awesome this music is.
     Snob Scrilla is a California born Australian musician putting out crazy beats with mind blowing lyrics. It's funny, I just began writing how Snob Scrilla's music is a kind of rap-but not rap, but erased it because it's hard to explain what this is. The best adjective to give any insight to the sound would have to just be; great. His album Day One is loaded with these great tracks. SS has been added as the other act for Matisyahu's Australian tour (Matisyahu is back with a new set of music too, by the way). I think there needs to be a lot more music like this. (scroll down for the mp3)
     The next band I wanted to talk a little about is out of Kentucky, and admittedly, Tyce knows more about these boys than I do. Cage The Elephant originally made me double-take Sirius when I saw the interesting name flashing across the screen. I think what I like about these guys is that they have a kind of Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque sound on almost all their songs I've heard with the exception of their released single. And I love RHCP. But to say they just sound like RHCP is pretty close minded. These boys have carved out a great sound and they show they're pretty versatile with the differences between their single and the other songs on their myspace. Apparently CTE is blowing up in the UK. Definitely give their self titled album some play time. (scroll down again for another mp3)
     Finally I wanted to talk about a New York based band that a friend reminded me about. White Rabbits has been blowing up all over Sirius and the Internet lately. Mainly it's been with a song called "Percussion Gun". And their exploding onto the scene is for good reason. They sound great! With bellowing floor toms in the single, White Rabbits command some attention, and with gruelingly contained-but-almost-out-of-control sounds that have to be heard to be appreciated, this band has some kick. Percussion Gun is off their album "It's Frightening" which is available for only $7 online. Best of all, these guys are going to be playing two dates in Florida (which is getting rare for fun bands to come here!) They'll be playing Tallahassee on August 22nd and The Social in Orlando on the 23rd. You can expect to see me at The Social! Here's the video for Percussion Gun.

White Rabbits "Percussion Gun" Music Video from White Rabbits on Vimeo.

     In other news. I'm going to try this thing later today that allows us to leave music videos (and just cool videos) on the side for you to watch and be entertained. I'm not the best with these computer doodads but I'll do my best to make this beast work. Could be cool! Expect to see Snob Scrilla's Heartbreak Scorsese video there because it looks SO amazing.
Snob Scrilla - Heartbreak Scorsese
Cage The Elephant - Ain't No Rest For The Wicked


     Very finally, In the near future Attempts At Hip is going to be doing a lot of reporting on local/smaller Floridian bands. A friend of mine has a record label that will be sending some music our way and we're going to start making this central Florida music life happen. (Hopefully!)