Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has come again and in this season of rebirth, I'm going to exclusively share some new releases that I've been jamming to recently. Some are records from bands that are new to me, others are new releases from bands that have been in my life for ages. This is mostly rock, mostly heavy, but there's also some hip-hop, some doo-wop, and some accoustic Neil. I hope you find something worth checking out. As always, enjoy.

Dead Witches - The Final Exorcism: This is the second album from the stoner / doom metal band. It should be known by now that I'm a sucker for anything that looks like this, especially if the band name has Dead or Witch in the title (L.A. Witch, The Devil's Witches, Dead Heaven, etc), so of course I took a chance on this one and my instincts once again paid off. This is a great metal album that veers toward heavy psych and grunge metal at times. "When Do the Dead See the Sun," "Lay Demon," and the title track are among my favorites. 

Smino - Noir: The second album from the Chicago based hip hop artist was released at the end of last year, nearly a year and half after his brilliant debut record. Like that album, this one contains magnificent beats that go beyond the typical, creating a mellow vibe that fits his outstanding flow. I will admit to liking this one slightly less than the last album, but it's still one of the best hip hop records of recent times. "Spinz," "Krushed Ice," and "L.M.F." are standout tracks. 

Guided by Voices - Zeppelin Over China: The newest release from the ever-prolific Ohio lo-fi band is yet another collection of brief snippets of brilliance. The band has had a revolving line-up over the last few years, which is probably necessary to keep up with Robert Pollard's endless well of songs. The current line-up features Bobby Bare Jr., a favorite artist of mine. One thing that a lot people dislike about this band is that the albums, especially recently, are all very long and have tons of songs to slog through. This one isn't going to appease those, but fans will love that there is so much here to hear. 

Ville Valo and Agents - Ville Valo and Agents: Just released, this is a new side-project from the HIM frontman, collaborating with the surviving members of the Finish band The Agents. This is an album of unreleased songs written by the late member, Rauli “Badding” Somerjoki, who Valo has long admired. These are definitely not the gothic rock songs of HIM, being of a different era. These are more like the second wave of garage rock that came around in late '70s and early '80s, with surf rock guitars and even some doo-wop influences. Yes, it's in Finish, but it's still something his fans will enjoy. Definitely worth checking out.

L.A. Guns - The Devil You Know: The newest album from the glam rockers is their first in two years and continues their impressive return to form that began two albums ago and really took hold with their last record. This album certainly feels like a proper bookend to their incredible '88 debut album. It has the same energy and reckless nature of that album, and it quickly become my second favorite record of theirs. 

Neil Young - 5 X or Less "Live" Acoustic: This recent digital bootleg is a two-part collection of Neil Young live songs that he's played...you guessed it...five times ore less. I listened to the acoustic one first and will dip into the electric one soon. Given that these are all taken from different shows, the equalizing is a mess, but the songs, as always, are pure gold. As would be expected, there are a ton of lesser known Neil songs on here and it's nice to hear them get the live treatment. Really for hardcore fans only.

Discovering Beasts

I'm the kind of person who always has lists. I have lists of albums that I want to hear, books I want to read, and movies that I want to see. Due to the length of said lists, it sometimes takes years before I'm able to cross an item off. That was the case with Beasts of the Southern Wild. It is a movie that I've wanted to see since it came out, but it never showed in the area, or if it did, it disappeared from the theater before I could see it. And then it never showed up on any of the streaming services, but I always kept looking. Finally, I came across it at the library and checked it out (and renewed it once, because even when it was in my possession, it took two weeks to find the time to watch it).

Now, it should be said that even though this is a movie that has been high on my list for seven years, I knew very little about it. However, in that time, my mind had orchestrated images and ideas about it based on the limited images I'd seen and descriptions I'd read. In my mind, I was expecting something along the lines of The City of Lost Children and maybe Tideland. In other words, something more fantasy based. And while there are elements in the film that remind me of the above movies, this is a very different film.

The movie follows a young child named Hushpuppy during a few days in her life living in a fictional version of the swamp islands of Louisiana. Hushpuppy is preparing herself for the end of the world, when the polar ice caps will melt and unleash fearsome beasts trapped in the ice that will come to eat her and all the eclectic residents of "The Bathtub."

The truly exceptional aspect of this film, and the reason I believe it was so celebrated when it came out, is how it is able to capture the way a child sees and understands the world. It reminded me of the way I understood the world at the time, the way a matter-of-fact comment (especially from an adult) could blend with the very active imagination that was just as much of a reality as reality was. It also depicts a way of life that is nearly forgotten and nearly invisible in mainstream society and makes you remember that this is a big world and people live differently throughout, but what unites us is our humanity, our love for each other, our struggles to survive and live and enjoy life. 

There is beauty. There is sadness. There is weakness and there is strength. A movie like this is worth the wait.

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived and so has my ramblings on music that I've been grooving. Last weekend, I featured mostly older albums, so this week I'm talking about most new releases. Some of my favorite albums of the spring, and therefore 2019, are on this list. Some were expected, others surprised me. This is mostly indie rock, though there some metal, some soul folk, and whatever you'd classify the talented Amanda Palmer as. Hopefully there's something in here for you to discover. Enjoy.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The Brian Jonestown Massacre: It's always odd to me when a band waits 25 years to release a self-titled album, especially a band that has put so much creativity into album titles in the past, but whatever. This album is another brilliant piece of neo-psychedelia influenced by the 60's and their own quarter decade of material. The band has been really active over the past five years, active and in top form. Sure, they never stray far from what they do best, but that's okay, neither do the Stones. As with most of their albums, there really isn't a bad track, as it all seems to fit a groove. Some stand outs are "Drained," "Cannot Be Saved," "We Never Had a Chance," "Too Sad to Tell," and the brilliant "A Word." Another must-have record from the San Fran icons.

Amanda Palmer - There Will Be No Intermission: The newest album from the prolific artist is her first truly solo record in three years. I've always been hit or miss with her work. She's made some of my all time favorite records as collaborations (Evelyn Evelyn, I Can Spin a Rainbow) but have found myself disappointed with other work of hers. This is definitely NOT a disappointment. Easily one of the most deeply honest and culturally relevant records of the year. Amanda doesn't hold back anything as she shares her thoughts on the world we live in, poetically expressing the personal struggles and anxieties many of us face.

Roberta Flack - First Take: The debut album from the legendary soul singer was released in 1969. I recently picked up a nice vinyl copy of this record for a few bucks and absolutely love it. This has the sound of when jazz, soul, and 60's folk briefly met for a split moment in time and it's amazing. From the opening number, "Compared to What," you know you're in for a treat. While so many were celebrating the Summer of Love, the African American community was in the grips of despair in many areas, and this captures that feeling two years before Marvin Gaye's historic What's Going On. Other standout tracks for me are "I Told Jesus," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and the cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye." 

Superseed - Superseed: Released last month, this is the debut album from the UK hard rock band. I liked the 90's alt rock sound of this record, it's a sound that you don't hear too much these days and it was nice to know someone out there is still doing it. On the other hand, it's a 90's alt rock sound that seems to belong in an arena, and therefore, not anything terribly original. All that said, it's a quality rock album, one that I think is destined to some teenager's favorite record.  

The Cinematic Orchestra - To Believe: The first album in seven years for the London indie band. It was over a decade ago when their album Ma Fleur caught my attention and imagination with its downtempo post rock beauty. The band hasn't been very active since then, veering farther into nu jazz and soundtrack recordings. This is a bit of a comeback album, which once again captures the art of their best work. A mix of guest vocalists creates a bit of trip-hop vibe reminiscent of Morcheeba and it all comes together for a really satisfying listen that should be taken as a whole rather than track listings.

Sea Wolf - Old World Romance Selects and Outtakes: The L.A. based indie band has not released any new material in five years, so I thought it might be a good time to listen to this EP that came out six years, following their third album (Old World Romance) released a year earlier. I had mixed feelings about that album, but this more curated EP is pretty flawless. They have a beautiful folk vibe that reminds me more of bands from the Pacific Northwest, areas like Portland and Washington state. Definitely worth checking out if you've enjoyed anything from this band before.

Fiction Friday (79)

I always approach sequels with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, especially a sequel to a book I absolutely loved. When I finished Nevermoor a few weeks ago, I quickly requested this book from the library and couldn't wait to start it and find out what happened next. I was also worried that the first book, the author's debut novel, had taken years to write, but this one came out a year later and was another 500+ page book. Was the first book a fluke? I'm happy to report that it wasn't. Jessica Townsend has proven herself to be a storyteller at the absolute top of her game.

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend
(Lothian, 2018)

In the follow-up to Nevermoor, the young Wundersmith (a powerful person with the terrifying ability to manipulate the very particles that make up life) is ready to embark on her new life as one of the newest members of the Wundrous Society. On the first day of school at the academy, Morrigan is hopeful that she has finally found a place where she fits in.

Her hopes are quickly dashed as she learns that the Society views her as something to be feared and that her so-called brothers and sisters eye her with suspicion. It doesn't help that her patron, and adoptive father figure, Jupiter North, is caught up in a growing mystery of disappearing Society members and spends most of his time away from the magical hotel they call home. 

Things in the city of Nevermoor continue to get stranger as the year goes on. Unsettling events seem to take place at an alarming rate, leaving Morrigan to wonder if her new life is any different from her "cursed" childhood. Is she to blame for everything is going wrong? Is she really the horrible creature her instructors claim? The truth turns out to be far more complicated. 

A masterpiece of storytelling, this expansive tangle of elements is woven together with amazing care to reveal a bigger picture in page turning excitement and overwhelmingly satisfying in its conclusion. Easily one of the best stories I've ever encountered.

Weekend Music Roundup!

It's the weekend...AND Record Store Day! It's been a few weeks since the Roundup has appeared, simply because I haven't yet adapted to my new schedule, which causes Saturday to be busy. When I remember on Sunday, it always feels too late. So this week, I'm prepared. In the spirit of Record Store Day, a holiday in my world, this week's list is vinyl only. These are albums that I've picked up over the past several weeks and they run the course from heavy rock, jazz, classical, and even Britpop. Nothing on here is very contemporary or new, as I typically listen to new albums digitally first to see what is worth blowing the cash for vinyl. Hopefully you're out hunting for Record Store Day...enjoy.

Black Pearl - Black Pearl: The one and only album from the West Coast psychedelic blues rock band was released in 1969 on Atlantic Records, which was the rock label to be on back then. It was the same year Atlantic released Led Zeppelin's debut, and this is clearly meant to go along with that record. This is hard rock, but with obvious soul influences instead of Zep's blues influences. The result is not as successful, but this is still a good lost album of the genre. The guitar work is fantastic, and the vocals are brilliant in Ian Svenonius way of being wild and uncontrolled. "White Devil," "Forget It," and "Bent Over" are standout tracks on this record.  

The Wood Children - Happens Everyday: This 12" single from the UK band was released in 1988, a year before their one and only full length album. This was a London band that was making jangle pop, but being from London, it sounds more like a pre-Britpop band than the Manchester jangle bands like The Smiths. Only three songs, but all three are pretty solid if you're into this kind of thing, as I am. "Two Red Buses" sounds like Suede, four years before Suede.

Faces - A Nod is as Good as a Wink...to a Blind Horse: The third album after Small Faces added Rod Stewart to become simply Faces, this was released in 1971, when the band was at its peak. Having never been a Rod fan, I found myself recently questioning that choice after digging some of their work on the radio. I found this for $1 and felt it certainly was worth a shot. A bar blues band at heart, there's always been something about them that feels like a poor man's Rolling Stones, but that's not such a bad thing. Their a far better poor man's Rolling Stones than Aerosmith. It includes two of my favorites, "Memphis" and "Stay With Me," but every song is solid on here. 

Jelly Roll Morton - The Immortal Jelly Roll Morton: This compilation was released in 1967 and gathers together rare recordings. There's been something of a Jelly Roll goldmine in the discount bins at the local shops and I never turn one of his records for a $1. His ragtime dixie jazz is like music from another world where interesting and unexplainable things are taking place all around you. This is a particularly good compilation in that regards. Music straight out of a opioid dream.

 New York Philharmonic - The Firebird: I picked this record up, literally taken off the junk pile, because my daughter is obsessed with classical ballet scores, and the Firebird is a particular favorite of hers. She was thrilled when I brought this home and listened intently. As is to be expected from Stravinsky, it's dramatic and intense at times, soft and beautiful at others. It's a piece of music meant to tell a story and it's does it very well.

Electric Light Orchestra - Balance of Power: Throughout the '70s, ELO was one of the most widely listened to prog bands, and they continued their career in earnest up to this album, released in 1986. This is far removed from their classic sound and takes on the mid-80's keyboard pop rock sound that dominated the radio. Given to me by a friend, this is actually my first real entry into this band, which really doesn't qualify as an entry. In a way, that might be a positive though, because I come in without the baggage of "oh, this sounds nothing like them" and get to hear it as it is...an 80's pop rock album that could've served as a soundtrack to almost any movie that I watched during my elementary school years. "So Serious," "Getting to the Point," and "Without Someone" were standouts for me.  

Fiction Friday (78)

While waiting for the second book in the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend to come in from library, I decided to pick up a brief book to fill the gap. This is a book that I originally read when it came out sixteen years ago. The sequel to it has been in my "to-read" pile for years and I kept meaning to re-read this one because I couldn't remember what happened. I took the opportunity to refresh my brain and will tackle the next book after finishing the Nevermoor title.

Olivia Kidney by Ellen Potter
(Philomel, 2003)

Olivia Kidney is NOT crazy! Of course, she has a hard time convincing others, especially the school psychiatrist. That's because she often talks to her older brother, who has recently died. 

Olivia has taken an interest in seances in hopes of being about to actually speak to her brother, who she misses too much to let go. However, one strange afternoon in the strangest apartment building in New York City will change Olivia's life forever...and her perspective on life in general.

Much like the inhabitants Alice meets in Wonderland, the people living in Olivia's apartment building seem to be from another world, one that functions differently from the rules Olivia is accustomed to. And like Alice, Olivia is set adrift to navigate through the bizarre escapades of those around her, trying in vain to make sense of the nonsensical. Along the way, the reader is treated to stories filled with danger and flights of imagination. And while Olivia is often unnerved by what is happening, the reader remains confident, as we are with Alice, that she is clever and resourceful enough to find her way out any predicament.

This is a much darker story than I remembered, with a hint of brutality running under the surface for most of the story. It's also much more sophisticated in terms of story structure than I remember and by the end, all the threads come flawlessly together.

Surviving Eighth Grade...

I just watched the film Eighth Grade by Bo Burnham and it's definitely a movie that gives you a lot to think about. I'd heard great things about this when it came out last year, but never got around to getting out to the theater to see it...which is never easy for indie movies as they rarely play for longer than a week up here in the Valley. But I spotted the DVD at the library the other day and checked it out.

My first thoughts while watching this story about an eighth grade girl in her last week of Middle School were thank god I'm not 13 again! I could immediately identify with Kayla and her struggle to fit in. The thing is, she's an intelligent character and her struggle to fit in is wrapped up in her struggle to understand social interactions. Kids that seem to just easily "fit in" are ones who typically are not trying to understand why other people do what they do. They don't over analyze everything...but a lot of people do, and they suffer for it during the adolescent years. Watching the film from a place in life removed from that world, it was all so painfully clear and filled me with thoughts of if I only knew then what I know now...and then projecting those thoughts onto the character.

Which brings me to my next series of thoughts while watching the movie, and that was an adult, more specifically, as a parent, and a parent of a daughter. As a parent, how do we share this knowledge with our kids? How do we protect them from the pain that comes with coming of age? And of course, the answer is that we can't...but there must be a way to let our children know that they are truly special, and I think that is something that starts at a young age, something you must continue to do even as your children separate from you. The movie filled me with parental anxiety, which is probably a good thing. Something to keep me on my toes.

Having thought about this age group a ton in my writing career, a lot of the themes were things that I've thought about a lot. Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect for me was how the film showed the way social media has penetrated this coming of age process and adds an entirely new level of stress on these kids. As with everything that teens are into, social media becomes all-important and terribly serious. Teens are intense. Their passions are intense. As a result they tend to take everything very seriously. I think one of the lessons that you learn in college and beyond, is that all of these things you believed were serious, are things that adults don't really take too seriously. This movie however, is one that we should.