1) “Make It Wit Chu” – Queens of the Stone Age
Off their new album Era Vulgaris, this is actually a re-tooling of a track from lead singer and songwriter Josh Homme’s Desert Sessions. It sounds like Chris Cornell fronting a Some Girls-era Rolling Stones covering a song from The White Album. Definitely a great summer cut for driving or walking when the humidity is thick.
2) “Goodnight Rose” – Ryan Adams
The crowned prince of prolific songwriting is supposedly sober, and his new album Easy Tiger is the proof. His songs are tighter and more melodic than anything he’s done since his first two albums Heartbreaker and Gold. This song, the opening track, is all Neil Young, but it reminds us of how talented Ryan can be. As the catchiest songwriter in all of rock n’ roll, he could be writing the next big hit for Britney or Kelly or Avril, but its comforting to know that he chooses to reject the corporate state of rock and move to his own beat.
3) “You Don’t Know What Love Is” – The White Stripes
This is the reason that Jack and Meg are the best band in music right now. A straightforward rocker, this song punches you in the gut sonically and makes you smile with its melodic hook. The guitar work is what you would expect, and its subtly overlaid with a great organ. Dare I say it is catchier than “My Doorbell,” and deserving of all the attention this band gets. I can’t wait to see it played live.
4) “Tears Dry On Their Own” – Amy Winehouse
My new favorite track on this deliciously retro and likeable album Back To Black, Amy mixes classic Motown sounds with her larger than life voice. Even the subject matter, though updated a bit, fits the sound behind it perfectly, as if Otis or Marvin wrote the song in the 60’s. Think “Aint No Mountain High Enough” mixed with “You Keep Me Hanging On” with the spirit of Janis Joplin behind it.
5) “Passing The Hat” – Cold War Kids
You may have heard this at the end of an Entourage episode, where it fit perfectly with E having to swallow some pride at the cost of Billy Walsh. It’s a dark jingle-jangle rocker with a haunting backbeat. It is off of their album Robbers and Cowards, which I don’t think is a concept album despite this song being about both. Another great driving song that will get you whistling.
6) "Ol' Black & Blue Eyes" - The Fratellis.
A good honky-tonk-ish rock song that's great for walking in the city when its this hot out. Simple stupid fun pop rock from a buzz band who may or may not make it past their debut album.
Showing posts with label midnight lumberjack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label midnight lumberjack. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Midnight Lumberjack Recommends: Spring Rock
1) Pearl Jam “Love, Reign O’er Me” from the soundtrack to Reign Over Me - Vedder and the boys doing a spot-on cover of the epic 1973 Who song for the new Sandler/Cheadle movie. If anyone has earned their right to cover the loudest band on earth, it is the new pillars of rock and roll. It also deliciously coincides with the proverbial showers this fourth month brings, in its lyrical play on words. Check out the classic Roger Daltrey howl that Eddie attempts, and somehow nails, in the chorus.
2) Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins “Handle with Care” from Rabbit Fur Coat - For those of you who don’t know, Jenny Lewis was the redheaded child actress most well known for her role in The Wizard, the 1989 movie that debuted Super Mario Bros. 3 to the world. She then left acting and formed the very influential indie-rock band Rilo Kiley. Breaking out on her own, she released an alt-country album in 2006 with two twin sisters from LA, and it shook the scene apart. This track is a cover of the 1988 Traveling Wilburys song. Helping Jenny out are three other giants of the neo-indie movement; Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service) covering the Roy Orbison part, Connor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward filling in on the Tom Petty/Bob Dylan part. It’s like a scenesters dream that everyone can enjoy!
3) My Morning Jacket “It Makes No Difference” from Endless Highway: The Music of The Band - Arguably the best track on this tribute album, Jim James and company bring big bluesy guitars to a soul-gospel anthem. The Band were always the musician’s favorite; lauded by critics and cited by their peers as influential, but save for one or two singles, they were never one of the big sellers of the 60’s and 70’s. They were probably better known for their Martin Scorsese directed final concert, The Last Waltz, than their work before it. But on this album, modern bands are breathing new life, or at least renewed interest, into their catalog. And as seen here, right now no one is doing southern rock better than MMJ.
4) Warren Zevon “Genius” from My Ride’s Here - Much like The Band, Zevon was a musician’s musician. Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen and many others all count him as both a friend and influence. He tragically died in 2003 from inoperable lung cancer, and ironically, his offbeat sense of humor yet macabre outlook on life led him to give a few of his 15 albums some eerily prophetic names, like Life’ll Kill Ya, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, and My Ride’s Here. The latter held this gem of a song, which showcased not only his witty lyricism and pop-perfect melodies, but also his years of training under Igor Stravinsky, the master Russian composer of the 20th century. With the string arrangement and his unassuming vocals, lines like “Albert Einstein was a ladies man/While he was working on his universal plan/He was making out like Charlie Sheen/He was a genius” instantly pop out and make you grin in the way he always intended you to. Some artists break down the walls between themselves and the audience with raw emotion, some with volume, some with their good looks, some with catchy harmonies, and some with their sheer musicianship. Warren Zevon always did it with a clever smirk and a quick wit.
2) Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins “Handle with Care” from Rabbit Fur Coat - For those of you who don’t know, Jenny Lewis was the redheaded child actress most well known for her role in The Wizard, the 1989 movie that debuted Super Mario Bros. 3 to the world. She then left acting and formed the very influential indie-rock band Rilo Kiley. Breaking out on her own, she released an alt-country album in 2006 with two twin sisters from LA, and it shook the scene apart. This track is a cover of the 1988 Traveling Wilburys song. Helping Jenny out are three other giants of the neo-indie movement; Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service) covering the Roy Orbison part, Connor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward filling in on the Tom Petty/Bob Dylan part. It’s like a scenesters dream that everyone can enjoy!
3) My Morning Jacket “It Makes No Difference” from Endless Highway: The Music of The Band - Arguably the best track on this tribute album, Jim James and company bring big bluesy guitars to a soul-gospel anthem. The Band were always the musician’s favorite; lauded by critics and cited by their peers as influential, but save for one or two singles, they were never one of the big sellers of the 60’s and 70’s. They were probably better known for their Martin Scorsese directed final concert, The Last Waltz, than their work before it. But on this album, modern bands are breathing new life, or at least renewed interest, into their catalog. And as seen here, right now no one is doing southern rock better than MMJ.
4) Warren Zevon “Genius” from My Ride’s Here - Much like The Band, Zevon was a musician’s musician. Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen and many others all count him as both a friend and influence. He tragically died in 2003 from inoperable lung cancer, and ironically, his offbeat sense of humor yet macabre outlook on life led him to give a few of his 15 albums some eerily prophetic names, like Life’ll Kill Ya, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, and My Ride’s Here. The latter held this gem of a song, which showcased not only his witty lyricism and pop-perfect melodies, but also his years of training under Igor Stravinsky, the master Russian composer of the 20th century. With the string arrangement and his unassuming vocals, lines like “Albert Einstein was a ladies man/While he was working on his universal plan/He was making out like Charlie Sheen/He was a genius” instantly pop out and make you grin in the way he always intended you to. Some artists break down the walls between themselves and the audience with raw emotion, some with volume, some with their good looks, some with catchy harmonies, and some with their sheer musicianship. Warren Zevon always did it with a clever smirk and a quick wit.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Midnight Lumberjack Recommends: City Rock
1) Albert Hammond Jr. “Hard to Live (In The City)” from Yours to Keep - Catchy hipster pop from the Strokes’ guitarist; and I am man enough to admit that I love it. The whole album is worth picking up, but this track is my favorite. Starting off slow and ambient, like a Hot Fuss era Killers song, it then builds with a steady drumbeat and driving bass. Both lyrically and musically I think it can connect with those of you out there who may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the Big Apple. Added bonus: the horn outro is bright and optimistic so you don’t get too down on yourselves.
2) Beck “Strange Apparition” from The Information - With that classic jingle-piano and midtempo feel that harkens back to the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Mainstreet, and some introspective lyrics that remain firmly Beck-ish throughout, he’s got himself a hit here. It may seem like a departure from his idiosyncratic indie roots, but it is in reality a perfect compromise between the edgy sounds he created on Odelay and the emotions he channeled on Sea Change. It’s a great morning/mid-afternoon streetwalking song.
3) Rod Stewart “Italian Girls” from Never a Dull Moment - The first iTunes Store recommendation I have really enjoyed. You get classic sounding Rod with busy guitars and his four-scotches-deep vocal growl in full force. It’s fast, fun, sloppy, loose, and manages to capture the feel of a loud pub when everyone is enjoying a few pints after work. It’s funny to think that the guy who fathers children with supermodels in his 60’s and sings “American standards” written for Sinatra was once the court jester of rock and roll with a cigarette and half empty glass in his grips at all times. If you like this, come find me, I’ve got some Faces and Humble Pie albums you’ll die for. Molto Bene.
4) Jet “Jane Jones” from Shine On (Single) - Another Exile on Mainstreet-esque B-side from my favorite pet band. I don’t care what any of you say; they rock AND roll. It’s mellow and easy-going, soft on the ears, and perfect for a crushing Sunday afternoon hangover.
5) The Strokes & Friends “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” from You Only Live Once (Single) - What friends these guys have. Eddie Vedder rolls in with lead vocals, and Josh Homme pulls a Grateful Dead and sits in as a second drummer. It's an offbeat tribute to Mr. Gaye and an ironic protest song from a band nobody thought had a social or political opinion. A great song to listen to while thinking of all this weird weather we’ve been having, or while going out in your skinny jeans and Chucks to be as hip as possible.
Bonus) Cake “War Pigs” from Rarities - A mailing-list exclusive that is slated to appear on the upcoming album of live cuts and B-sides, this retooling of the eternal Black Sabbath classic is surprisingly as pertinent now as it was in the 70’s. There is no need to swap anything out to change it from a Vietnam to Iraq song, and so the masters of unusual covers have another hit (if it ever gets radio exposure, which it wont). The sirens and horns really add a lawless feel to echo the situation abroad. Or at least that’s what you would say after you read their world-weary blog at www.cakemusic.com. Oh lord yeah!
2) Beck “Strange Apparition” from The Information - With that classic jingle-piano and midtempo feel that harkens back to the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Mainstreet, and some introspective lyrics that remain firmly Beck-ish throughout, he’s got himself a hit here. It may seem like a departure from his idiosyncratic indie roots, but it is in reality a perfect compromise between the edgy sounds he created on Odelay and the emotions he channeled on Sea Change. It’s a great morning/mid-afternoon streetwalking song.
3) Rod Stewart “Italian Girls” from Never a Dull Moment - The first iTunes Store recommendation I have really enjoyed. You get classic sounding Rod with busy guitars and his four-scotches-deep vocal growl in full force. It’s fast, fun, sloppy, loose, and manages to capture the feel of a loud pub when everyone is enjoying a few pints after work. It’s funny to think that the guy who fathers children with supermodels in his 60’s and sings “American standards” written for Sinatra was once the court jester of rock and roll with a cigarette and half empty glass in his grips at all times. If you like this, come find me, I’ve got some Faces and Humble Pie albums you’ll die for. Molto Bene.
4) Jet “Jane Jones” from Shine On (Single) - Another Exile on Mainstreet-esque B-side from my favorite pet band. I don’t care what any of you say; they rock AND roll. It’s mellow and easy-going, soft on the ears, and perfect for a crushing Sunday afternoon hangover.
5) The Strokes & Friends “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” from You Only Live Once (Single) - What friends these guys have. Eddie Vedder rolls in with lead vocals, and Josh Homme pulls a Grateful Dead and sits in as a second drummer. It's an offbeat tribute to Mr. Gaye and an ironic protest song from a band nobody thought had a social or political opinion. A great song to listen to while thinking of all this weird weather we’ve been having, or while going out in your skinny jeans and Chucks to be as hip as possible.
Bonus) Cake “War Pigs” from Rarities - A mailing-list exclusive that is slated to appear on the upcoming album of live cuts and B-sides, this retooling of the eternal Black Sabbath classic is surprisingly as pertinent now as it was in the 70’s. There is no need to swap anything out to change it from a Vietnam to Iraq song, and so the masters of unusual covers have another hit (if it ever gets radio exposure, which it wont). The sirens and horns really add a lawless feel to echo the situation abroad. Or at least that’s what you would say after you read their world-weary blog at www.cakemusic.com. Oh lord yeah!
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