...with bells

Good evening. Things are fairly busy. Almost the end of March, in the next week I need to pack up my entire room and, along with Rach, put the finishing touches on the wedding plans. Saturday is going to be "buying suits day" for Jer and me, with Rach and Steph dutifully helping out (read: picking the suits for us).

I also need to complete a resume and portfolio for my exit conference as well as find a job. I will specifically be looking into the field of technical writing & editing, but I will also apply to "lesser positions"... because basically, I need a job to pay rent and afford to eat. Food before dignity I says!!!

And by the way, for the past seven weeks I have survived on a solid diet of Miles Davis and Underworld. Accordingly, my belated birthday present from my Dad consisted of Miles Davis' classic In A Silent Way and Underworld's latest Oblivion with Bells. As a fairly obsessed and consistent fan, I tend to look more favorably on it than many of the reviews, although I agree that some of the unadorned vocals are fairly bad. Some are good though too, and there are at least 3-4 songs to add to the regular live canon. Tis good, not great, but to a fan like myself quite nice to hear.

Also there is a rumor afoot that Underworld will be the opening act on the North American leg of Radiohead's In Rainbows tour. If that is the case it promises to be amazing. They'll be in Toronto sometime in August. Rach and I are there like shareware!

Huh. I never intended to become one of those once a month bloggers, but my practicum sucked all my energy and left me unable to do anything else. Finally a chance to write something-- this will be casual though, just my top five albums of 2007. A bit late yes, but a lot of thought put into this list. Those of you who would rather some discussion about my life will have to wait, some good updates there too, but until then, here we go:

1. Radiohead- In Rainbows (This album was exciting not only for the unique DIY style of its release, but also because it is easily Radiohead's best record since Kid A. I love this album. I listened to it well over 3o times in the first two months I owned it, and I'm still not sick of it.)
2. Derek Webb- The Ringing Bell (Derek never ceases to impress me, though Mockingbird suffered from a sound of sameness, this album makes up for it with some great Beatles and Larry Norman inspired old school rock. A bit on the short side, but Christianity Today summed it up fairly well when they said, "Derek Webb says more in 30 minutes than many other artists could say in 30 years.")
3. Voice of the Mysterons- They Have Pulled Down Deep Heaven On Their Heads... (Absolutely crazy punk, with comparisons to the Dead Kennedys and Jeff Suffering. Lots of sci-fi references, great lyrics, ridiculously spastic and unpredictable music. Throw it on at your next barbecue and see what happens!)
4. Mika- Life in Cartoon Motion (First time I heard "Grace Kelly" I mocked it. The second time I hummed along, and the third time I was addicted. Sure, it is bubblegum pop and not my regular style, but it is very catchy and very fun. Queen meets Prince meets the Beatles. The lyrics are often inconsequential but sometimes run deeper. Good for parties and for a pick me up.)
5. Panda Bear- Person Pitch (First heard Panda in Animal Collective. This album has a heavy Beach Boys influence with some prog-ish and indie tendencies. Very uplifting- "Coolness is having courage / Just to do what's right / Try to remember always / Just to have a good time." And it certainly is.)

Honorable Mentions:

Cool Hand Luke- The Balancing Act (A compilation of the best tracks from their proper releases as well as from their rare indie stuff, many hardcore fans will not be familiar with at least half of it. Great selection, and the three new songs are also awesome. Looking forward to a new full-length.)

As Cities Burn- Come Now Sleep (After losing their screaming vocalist ACB mellows slightly, includes a lot more singing and develops some prog/experimental tendencies. Great spiritual lyrics and engrossing soundscapes keep this album interesting and worth repeated spins.)

in (an abundance of) rainbows -or- how nerdy I can be

Well, how many copies of Radiohead's new album In Rainbows does a fan need to own? Most people will answer 1, but I am crazy. I now own 3 copies, all of which were officially purchased. Why? Let me tell you:

1. Original download: the original release of the album was a pay-what-you-wanna download, for which I paid around $8 because I love the band... of course this release was 160 kbps, requiring that I get the CD for high quality audio tracks later on. I still have these MP3s for nostalgic reasons.

2. Discbox: The coveted, ridiculously priced discbox containing, the CD; a bonus CD of b-sides, photos and art; two vinyl records;  and two massive booklets, all in a thick record book enclosed in a hard slipcase. Almost 7 pounds of awesome. I guess this is the holy grail for me as a Radiohead fan, sure they've done special editions in the past, but this one takes the cake. So excessive that only Radiohead could pull it off. This came to me via my amazing and loving fiancee Rachel, who, for better or worse, actually supports me in my crazy record collecting hobby. Love ya hon!

3. Regular CD edition: Why on earth would I buy the regular CD edition after receiving the discbox for Christmas? For a few reasons, actually. First, it is on a small label, and I like supporting indie labels (crazy to call Radiohead an "indie" band, but technically they are now). Second, the packaging is awesome. It comes in a box with the booklet, and stickers so you can create do-it-yourself art on a jewel case. Very cool indeed. I'm a sucker for well designed CD art, and frankly, quality graphic design is one of the main reasons I still collect CDs as opposed to getting all digital music. (That and the superior sound quality). And finally, it was only $7.99 at Future Shop, and my mom just gave me some Birthday money, so yeah, how can I pass it up being that cheap.

This concludes my rant about obsessively buying Radiohead merchandise. They're my favorite band, I'm a collector, and they package everything so well... this only translates into me doing ridiculous things, like buying their new album 3 times. I wonder how many other obsessive fans have done the same thing? Any takers? Leave a comment!

Christmas, Christmas time is here

Hello.

Christmas at the Rose's was quite nice... it was a very CD Christmas, it seems that everyone wanted a special CD and got exactly the one they wanted.... Rach liked her necklace too, but she's afraid to wear it because the chain is so fine. Rach's parents got me two poetry books including one by Charles Bukowski, a collection spanning his career, quite nice indeed.

Also, back to the CDs... Rach got me the discbox edition of Radiohead's In Rainbows!!!!!!! AHH!!

It is quite pretty. It's also massive, it weighs about 7 pounds. There is a heavy slipcase with black & white art, the case is also heavy, with one record in each side, as well as two oversized booklets, one with art and one with lyrics. The bonus disc also includes a bunch of pictures and art. The b-sides are all rather cool. The coolest part is that the vinyl records are handmade, and each one has a message scratched into the non-playing section of the vinyl. Nice touch. 

However, the best part of being here is hanging with Rach's family and friends, having fun, and sharing in the season. 

God bless everyone, hope your Christmas time is awesome.

In brief

Just finished my reviews for Radiohead's In Rainbows and Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam, expect them up on The Tollbooth within the next week or two.

Rach and Stevie are coming to K-Town tomorrow, and there promises to be a wonderful fun filled weekend for all. Rach and I have officially moved our wedding date up, it is about 99% certain that it will be on May 3rd. This is quite nice indeed.

I have fallen in love with Power Points. This is utterly ridiculous I know, but they make presentations so much more fun. And that will be all for now.

Top Albums of 2007 (so far...)

[This is a list of my favourite albums released in 2007, later I will post my favourite albums that I listened to the most in 2007, regardless of release date]

1. Radiohead- In Rainbows

2. Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam

3. As Cities Burn- Come Now Sleep

4. Project 86- Rival Factions

5. Derek Webb- The Ringing Bell

a million engines in neutral

hello from the pit of Kingston!

I like Coffee & Company... it is a fun place... My review of "OK Compy" will be coming but since it is Radiohead's seminal album I am taking my time and reading up... there are lots of books about this puppy. I also intend to write a review of Thom Yorke's "The Eraser," easily my favourite album of last year. Perhaps for the Tollbooth? And speaking of that my first published review is up, David Crowder Band- Remedy. (Mine is second down, there are two reviews.) I am really happy that this particular review is published, as I seem to be one of the few people who actually questions the merits of the new Crowder record. It's not bad, but it ain't great either.

I am having fun in Kingston so far again, but I do miss Rach. However I have a lot more free time with class than with prac, a blessing and a curse.

Rach and I are getting our wedding plans into high gear now, finalizing our guest list so that we can send out the invites. We also need to do other things such as finalize our venue, make a registry, and do our pre-marital counseling, all this within the next couple months! Crazy. It is all rather difficult to plan, and it is really causing us to examine things in a good way, to get down to some of those deep issues that you only get into when family is involved. It is all rather strange and crazy. One thing is for sure. I really love Rach, and I'm really looking forward to being married and not having to leave for months at a time for school.

I also now have everybody's Christmas presents except for my dad's. He is always the hardest to shop for. While shopping for Jer's present on the wonderful Ebay I also scored a reasonably priced copy of Thom Yorke's Japanese only EP Spitting Feathers which collects all the b-sides for The Eraser. Usually it goes for around $30, which is unreasonable for only 5 songs, especially since I already own (poor quality) iTunes versions. Anyway, I got it new and sealed for $16, which is still a lot to pay for five songs that I already have, but I really want to have them on hard copy and be able to make cd quality rips.... ah, the life of an audiophile...

Anyway, I guess that is a good enough update for now

Radiohead Reviews Part 2

The Bends (1995)

The first hint we got of where the band would go following the respectable but still disappointing Pablo Honey was “My Iron Lung.” Technically this was The Bends’ first single despite being released an entire year before the album. “My Iron Lung” is a no holds barred musical monster, lyrically Thom mocks the success of “Creep:” “This is our new song, just like the last one, a total waste of time my iron lung,” while Johnny lays down the most intense leads he ever has. Clearly we could expect lots from the new record.

However after the audio assault of “My Iron Lung” it is surprising how mellow the majority of The Bends was. Most of the singles, and well over half the record are focused on balladry. The second single released was “Street Spirit,” still one of the most haunting tracks the band has ever recorded, and arguably their strongest music video. Also of note were its two b-sides, “Talk Show Host” and “Bishop’s Robes,” easily two of the best b-sides by any band. They did as much as the single did to build hype for the album.

The Bends opens with a crazy electro-rock track that was apparently recorded while the whole band was completely pissed drunk, which unknowingly lays the groundwork for the band’s future work beyond OK Computer. After this we are treated to the title track, which hearkens back to Pablo Honey the most of any other song on The Bends, but fortunately evokes memories of great tunes such as “You.”

Then the ballads begin: but fortunately Radiohead has the knack for them. “High and Dry” was one of the band’s best charting US singles, though in retrospect the lyrics are rather trite. “Fake Plastic Trees” is gorgeous, and even though it lasts about 30 seconds longer than it really needs to, it is still an excellent listen.

The biggest highlight is “Just.” This is the band’s loudest song, and most unique video. The solo on this song alone proves that Johnny is one of the best rock guitarists ever. After it and “My Iron Lung” the album closes on a quiet note, with another few ballads.

This album is held in universal acclaim, and fans of “classic” Radiohead often cite it as their best record. Though it is great, in hindsight there are some significant flaws. There are far too many ballads, some of which are excellent but specifically on the second half of the record they become listless. Some of the songs are also a bit too long. However these critiques aside, the album still stands as a monumental achievement, head and shoulders better than Pablo Honey, and paving the way for the difficult and inventive music to follow.

4.5/5

Radiohead Reviews Part 1

Preface:

Radiohead has been my favourite band for almost 11 years now. To be honest, I don’t know exactly what it is about them that reaches out and grabs me with such intensity. All I know is that every album has been there at some special time in my life, and that in the past 11 years I have grown as the band has grown.

In order to help myself understand my love for this band I have decided to review each of their records. I know that this has been done hundreds of times, and I do it less to enter into the conversation as I do to understand myself. I plan on writing one review each day or two until they’re done, and if I like doing it I may tackle the EPs too. We’ll start at the beginning…

______________________________________

Pablo Honey (1993)

Rather humble beginnings for a band that went on to shape the end of the decade in music. Of course in the early nineties the kings were Nirvana, and this album is heavily indebted to that group. Not entirely derivative, but not the innovative heights we would see on later albums either.

The music is fairly general poppy alternative rock. Some tracks, such as “Vegetable,” where Johnny plays the guitar with a paintbrush, show the bands future experimentation, but in general this record is a product of its times. Some songs show transcendence though, the soaring vocals of “Stop Whispering” are truly magical, and “Anyone Can Play Guitar” shows the germination of Johnny Greenwood’s explosive and violent guitar assault.

The Radiohead song that everyone knows is “Creep.” It was so ubiquitous that the band was initially labeled as one hit wonders stateside. The song is a simple pop song, made interesting by Johnny’s violent “chugga chuggas” and Thom’s always impressive falsetto. The band really hates the song now, as evidenced by some humorous segments in the Meeting People Is Easy documentary released in 1998. In one performance Thom stands looking bored holding the microphone out to the audience as they scream the song’s verses, before taking the microphone himself to deliver the most ridiculously overblown and off-key version of the chorus you’ll ever hear. It is hilarious, and I wonder if anyone in the audience that night caught the irony.

The real downfall of “Creep” is the same downfall of the album as a whole: irritating, immature, self-deprecating lyrics: “I wish I was special, you’re so fucking special, but I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo.” Not to mention the embarrassing “Thinking About You:” “I’m playing with myself, and why should I care if you’re not there.” Thom has always been known for his depressive fair, but at least on later albums it serves a purpose other than teen angst and sexual frustration.

This album is certainly flawed and dated, but that is part of its charm. It is still a “fun” (if you can call it that) and nostalgic listen. Easily the band’s weakest record, but it still shows small glimmers of the greatness that is to come, and those moments are good enough to make some of the mediocrity palatable.

3/5

when Hollywood runs out of Indians only the Indians will know

Well, I am in Peterborough still, and yes, I do exist. I've just been keeping myself very busy. Here's a breakdown:

Work/School: Yeah, for ONE class I prep at least 2 hours a night, and that's on top of traveling time and such craziness, this eats most of my time.

Wedding: Planning a wedding / maintaining sanity within my relationship with Rachel eats up the majority of the rest of my time. It's first in importance though.

You: You being the rest of my friends. I'd like to see you / I have seen you, but it takes time!

And while doing most of those things, chances are I am listening to way, way too much Radiohead.

Anyway, back to marking and lesson planning.

random geekly news

I just figured out how to deny the copy control feature of CDs and therefore get pretty 320 kbps rips of copy controlled records onto my compy.

So now I have both the unmastered (leaked) and final master (copy controlled) of Radiohead's Hail to the Thief on my laptop, and the differences are quite noticeable. There are entirely different musical sections on each record, and the quality of audio is very different. I like both versions with the final master getting the top spot, however I prefer the longer versions of "The Gloaming" and "I Will" found on the unmastered version.