Saturday, July 9, 2011

an ode to the greatest.

Some people are always surprised when certain types of people get angry or upset if their favourite bands release subpar music. If they sell out or lose their artistic vision, certain music snobs take it very personally.

What most people don't understand is the terribly primal relationship some people have with their favourite bands.

This is due to the fact that listening to music, for the most part, is a very solitary activity. Be it an ipod or a record collection, a lot of people have a certain--very specific--set of music that they like to listen to. It might overlap with others' but for the most part, it's as unique as our very DNA.

Music, then, becomes something consistent for these types of people. You know to expect greatness from your favourite songwriters, because that's what they've delivered so far and that's the very magic you fell in love with in the first place.
When you're sad, music doesn't kick you down. It comforts you and helps you sleep and forget the pain. When you're happy, music sounds a million times more vibrant, like a drug intensifies sensual pleasure. When you're angry, music is there to calm you down. When you're lonely, music keeps you company. When you need some inspiration for writing poetry or training at the gym, music is always there.

Music doesn't judge us. It can become our very best friend in the world. This is why it hurts so deeply when musicians forget that very relationship which they cultivated in their youth, and instead try to please the toxic radio.

Let us take a moment and appreciate certain artists who never disappoint.

Because in a world where absolutely nothing is what it seems like at first glance, Julian Casablancas' magic is still as true as it was when I heard "Is This It" for the very first time.

Friday, July 8, 2011

music video: Arctic Monkeys - The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala

music video: The Strokes - Taken for a Fool



it's only a matter of time before all the cool kids start wearing American flag tank tops...

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Arctic Death - Bathe My Heart




more HERE

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Rare Velvet Underground Bootleg: Scepter Studios, 1966


via WFMU

The following bootleg contains mp3s ripped from a super rare piece of vinyl a guy found in NYC for seventy five cents and ended up selling on Ebay for twenty five grand. Some of the songs are strikingly different from the versions on the Velvet Underground's celebrated debut album, The Velvet Underground and Nico. Download the zip file HERE or grab a taste below:



tracklisting:

1. European Son
2. Black Angel's Death Song
3. All Tomorrow's Parties
4. I'll Be Your Mirror
5. Heroin
6. Femme Fatale
7. Venus in Furs
8. Waiting For My Man
9. Run Run Run