Ted's Song of the Week - Spring Cleaning pt.1

I know it's been awhile since Ted's Song of the Week has made an appearance on the Lonely Note, but I've fixed up a little something to make up for lost time. I've done a little spring cleaning in my music library and have found six songs (3 old, 3 new) to share with you. The feature will be split into two parts, because this thing is not going to be small. Therefore, I present you with the first set of songs, which will range from being eight to three years old. Enjoy!













Why, Part.2
Collective Soul
Blender

I’ve always had a soft spot for Collective Soul’s music. Anyone who listened to rock in the 90’s was bound to run across major hits like “The World I Know,” “Smashing Young Man,” and “Run.” Unfortunately, the band was unable to keep up their musical pace when nu-metal emerged to pollute the airwaves. With bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit gaining popularity, Collective Soul was forced to stand aside and let disposable music rule the realm. Before fading into obscurity, Collective Soul released “Why, Pt.2” on their Blender album in 2000.
I always thought this song was pretty decent, despite being a little different from their traditional fare. However, I’ve grown pretty fond of the song in the last month after it appeared on my itunes random shuffle. Now I can’t go anywhere without hearing the song. Most recently, I was having drinks with fellow contributor Steve at some seedy bar when a crappy cover band tried to tackle the song. They butchered it, but I give them props for the effort.

Collective Soul - Why, Pt.2















Walking After You
Foo Fighters
X-Files soundtrack

The Foo Fighters have received a lot of my attention lately, due to an assigned research project. I was obliged to go beyond the music to understand who the Foo Fighters really are. It was a month long project, so I let the Foo’s dominate my playlist to ensure a complete understanding of their music.
I’m always liked the Foo Fighters, but they’ve never been among my top ten favorite bands. However, after the time I’ve spent listening to them endlessly, they might have found a way to crack the list. If this is so, I give credit to “Walking After You” on the X-Files soundtrack. The song, originally featured on The Colour and the Shape, was specially edited for the movie soundtrack. I prefer this version to the original.

Foo Fighters - Walking After You (X-Files edit)















Freetime
Kenna
New Sacred Cow

I just got done reading Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. This book blew my mind! Anyway, the main point of bringing this up was a specific chapter in the book which highlighted the music of Kenna. In a nutshell, Kenna has suffered album sales, due to the regimented process of distributing an album. Through the use of focus groups and special music surveys, Kenna was shuffled back and forth as his label struggled to find the proper way to classify his genre and market his music.
“Freetime” was the first single off of Kenna’s debut album. It received a decent amount of airplay on MTV 2, but if you haven’t heard of the artist, it obviously didn’t sink in too deeply. Nevertheless, don’t let anonymity get in the way, because this track rocks! If one needs more convincing, a lot of music executives love this guy, so don’t rule out the possibility that Kenna can still hit it big.
If you wish to find out more, I recommend reading the book. You may or may not agree with the subject material (the ability to make informed decisions in an instant), but it’s something to become aware of.

Kenna - Freetime

Artist Spotlight: Demeter

Demeter may claim London as its home, but it was in Seattle's grunge scene that frontwoman Anna Mercedes went through her musical teething. In her take on the band's origins, Anna tells the surrealistic upbringing of a child raised amidst a recording studio, surrounded by famous musicians. She writes of her adventures moving from Seattle to New York, and from New York to London. There's no denying an interesting story behind Demeter's formation.

Anna Mercedes, heroin-chic temptress of the microphone, formed Demeter alongside electro-rocker Andy Chatterly of the London band The Droyds, and the two have since rounded out the band into a standard five-piece lineup. The band records and performs in its own warehouse studio, allowing for the ultimate artistic freedom. Demeter's music combines the rough edges of grunge with the electronic sounds of early 80's pioneers. The result is a style and image that is dark, yet easily accessible via an astute pop sensibility. To generalize, Demeter might fall somewhere between Blondie and Garbage. I've been especially drawn to their new single 'Addict,' which was officially released last week.

You can check out this track, along with several others on the band's Myspace page, and several are also featured on their official website. Be sure to follow-up on the rest of the band's biography while you're there, and look out for an album release this summer.

Kylie Minogue to Team Up With Scissor Sisters

Following her triumphant battle against breast cancer, Kylie Minogue plans on collaborating with the Scissor Sisters. Currently, details are sketchy, but Minogue has been spotted at restaurants with Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears.

The Scissor Sisters's sophomore release is scheduled to drop this fall.

Mandy Moore hates on herself

Pop princess Mandy Moore has recently admitted on L.A.’s KROQ radio station that the first album of her career “sucked.” In a brave move toward musical redemption, the singer/actress has offered a refund to any person who made the unfortunate choice to purchase the album.

Now she just needs to offer refunds for the rest of her albums.......and A Walk to Remember.

Read the rest of the article here.

The Futureheads Answer Provacative Questions

What's the best way for a song to end - a crisp, ringing ending or a gradual fade-out?

Barry: I think fade-outs are generally what happens when a song is too long and people can't think of how to end it, or it's been cut down for radio. So I think the best way to end a song is just to have a sudden ending.

Jaff: I do as well.

Barry: Especially for the music we make. Because it's very, y'know, [beatboxes for a second] fast and tight, and you want to have the contrast between having a really loud, kind of raucous part, to absolute silence, because it's almost like some kind of, like going through your rudiments or something.

Jaff: Definitely.

Read the rest of the interview with The Futureheads here.

Wanna move to Des Moines?

Here at the Lonely Note, we try not to put our focus on bands from just around our immediate area, as we do not wish to alienate viewers from other parts of the country (or world?). But I just couldn't help myself on this one, since the invitation is open to anyone.

Local band Angry Gods of the Radio is looking for a new guitarist. Why am I posting this? I happened to catch a little bit of a recent show of theirs at the House of Bricks and I liked how they sounded. If I had to describe their sound, it is good solid grinding guitars mixed with the solid vocals of Tim C. Thompson. They would probably fit somewhere between the category of riff-heavy rock and heavy metal. But don't take it from me, here is what they had to say about their sound:

"A murderous new sound has been created. A sound that paints a picture of a
muscle-car grinding its way, with every bit of horsepower it can muster, through a field of mud three feet deep. Dangerous enough to be taken seriously, yet beautiful enough to engage even the most finicky listener"

So if you have a guitar and wish to join this cool band, be sure to contact them through myspace.com/agotr (or by email at agotr@mchsi.com). They have played a lot of clubs around the Des Moines area, and seem to have a pretty decent and very loyal following. Oh, and they seem like they like to have a good time, so be ready to party :-)

You can download (for free) two of their songs, "Iron Horse" and "The Exchange" here.

National Holiday

The Lonely Note would like to take a minute to wish our personal czar Steve a happy birthday. We would have gotten him a present, but we figured seeing William Hung last week at VEISHA was as good as a dying wish!

As the leader of our site, we wish Steve only the best and hope to see his continued excellent work at the Lonely Note!

Rolling Stone Reviews Young's Protest Album

Neil Young's Living With War has already received plenty of press. But upon reading Rolling Stone's review of the album, I've become ever more fascinated. Of the anti-Bush 'Let's Impeach the President,' writer Andy Greene had this to say:

"This track has already drawn the most media attention, with its battle cry for an end to this administration. As if at a rally, Young is joined by a choir on nearly every word. Contradictory Bush sound bites about "weapons of mass destruction" and the Patriot Act are sampled while Young and his choir call out, "Flip! Flop!" It's unlike anything we've ever heard in a rock song. His barely restrained rage at the current state of American politics is palpable on this song, as throughout the album."

Barely restrained rage towards American politics? This album sounds awesome.

Fans can stream the album for free at neilyoung.com May 2.

Acoustic Coheed

Head on over to Coheed and Cambria's Myspace to hear an acoustic version of 'A Favor in the House Atlantic.'

Bogus Study On Rap

From ABCNews:

Highlighting the power of music in young people's lives, a new study suggests that fans of rap and hip-hop are more likely to drink, use drugs and engage in violence.

I am not a huge fan of rap, but I have a huge problem with this study. Trying to link rap music to devious acts is reminiscent of the flak heavy metal took back in the day. In the late 80s the question was raised, "Do Judas Priest records persuade listeners to kill themselves?" Thankfully a sensible judge ruled "no." And in the 90s my parents were afraid Marilyn Manson would steal my soul.

Now today, the minimal act of merely listening to rap music is apparently the cause of all larger social problems: drinking, drug use and violence. Ignore factors such as socio-economic levels, education levels, family backgrounds and geography. They don't matter. Getting rid of the ear poison will alleviate the aforementioned bane.

The question that one needs to ask is whether or not a music type creates a culture, or instead, reflects it. With Chuck D. at one time saying that rap music is "black CNN" I think the latter is the more accurate. Most rap music is violent, because a majority of those who create it were unfortunately brought up in violent, inner-city cultures. Just like most country music is retarded because those who sing it are----OK, I won't go there.

All tongue-in-cheek banter aside, my point is that reducing the manifestation of immensely large, dynamic social problems to a single form of art is ridiculous. As a researcher of this study finally conceded:

[This research on rap lyrics] doesn't answer key questions about whether rap actually changes people's behavior. Resolving that puzzle is "going to be a tough one." ~DiClemente

Songs About Rain

April showers bring May flowers, and Vague Space has decided to take advantage of the dreary weather by posting songs by Bright Eyes, Superchunk, Modest Mouse, and Dirty Three. All four contain the word "rain" in their titles.

You can download them here.

The Beatles On 'All Songs Considered'

While everyone disputes whether Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road is the greatest Beatles record, there is no doubt that Rubber Soul was an incredible turning point for the band. Released during Christmas time of 1965, the album represents a dogmatic shift from the romantic themed songs, dominant of the 'Ed Sullivan' broadcasts, to a time in which George Harrison, the quiet one, developed a penchant for profound songwriting. In spite of all its greatness, however, Rubber Soul is historically notable for containing 'Norwegian Wood,' the first rock song featuring a sitar.

Revolver was a continuation of such progressive development, segueing to the latter classics, with songs like 'Taxman,' 'Eleanor Rigby,' and 'Good Day Sunshine.' Of course, this album is remembered for featuring 'Yellow Submarine,' one of the rare anthems sung primarily by Ringo, the most popular Beatle in America during the 60s.

Finally, in 1970, Let it Be was released, encapsulating a near decade-long journey of rock and roll greatness that mythically captured the hearts, minds, and souls of a generation. It was the title track of this album that seemed to prophetize the end of an unthinkable run, and combined with 'The Long and Winding Road,' the two songs seemed to create more questions than answers for a cohort poised to embark upon a new decade.

Hungry for more Beatles tidbits? Listen to NPR's 'All Songs Considered' Episode 107 to discover and relive even more Beatles history. The half-hour long show details everything from the factors behind George Martin's production decisions to rare factoids probably never heard of before. From revealing the fact that John Lennon shredded his vocal cords during the recording of 'Twist and Shout,' to spinning some never before released songs, this episode of 'ASC' is one of the better I've come across.

As an added bonus, I've included just a few of my favorite Beatles songs for streaming:


'Run For Your Life'


'Sexy Sadie'


'You Never Give Me Your Money'


'The End'


...and in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love...you make.

Wolfmother Video at AOL

This was brought to my attention by donewaiting.com. It's Wolfmother's video for 'Woman,' and you can watch it for free via AOL here.

Great song. But those who suffer from seizures may want to avoid watching the clip, as it's dizzy and all over the place.

Lonely Note Radio Updates

Within the last week we've added over twenty new songs to our radio station.

For those who haven't had a chance to listen, click to hear some of our hand selected tunes. And for those loyal listeners out there, be happy to look forward to a fresh playlist.

Featured Artists:
Wings
Pansy Division
Portugal. The Man
Jose Gonzalez
The Shins

AND MUCH MORE!!

Kid Rock Will Be On CSI

From 'CSI NY's' website, the description of the Wednesday night (April 26) episode featuring the white trash homie from Cell Block 6:

"When Kid Rock's limo driver is murdered in an alley before the encore of his concert, Mac and Lindsay question him because he was the last person to see the driver alive."

I'll let everybody make their own assumptions as to how entertaining this episode is sure to be, considering the incredible cinematic grace this self-proclaimed 'Devil Without a Cause' displayed in Joe Dirt.

However, if you are wondering, I will not be tivoing this one.

A Review of Placebo's Meds

Happy Friday everyone! This is small, but something to help hold things over for the weekend: a decent review of Placebo's Meds.

Enjoy.

Download/Stream Temposhark

I ran across this neat little song at Arjanwrites. It is called 'Joy' and by a band called Temposhark, a British outfit.

The tune is a gentle mix of electronica with the garage rock that seems to be dominant of the day (if that makes any sense).

You have the option of streaming or downloading the tune here.

Joaquin Phoenix Directs People In Planes' Video Debut

In response to the impressionable effect People in Plane's 'If I Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)' left upon him, Joaquin Phoenix decided that he wanted to direct the video for the band. In fact, he shot the musical visual in Ontario, California at the end of last year.

This is the first video for the Welsh band, and it can be checked out at their official website.

You can also stream the audio version of the tune by going here.

Caught On Tape: "Weird Al" Yankovic - 'Smells Like Nirvana'

"It's hard to bargle nawdle zouss??? With all these marbles in my mouth"

Though I never felt it to be one of Weird Al's greatest song parodies, 'Smells Like Nirvana' remains one of my all-time favorite music videos from the mock-rocker. While the song itself may focus on the premise that Nirvana's lyrics in 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' were a bit hard to decipher (refer back to opening quote), the video picks up on a whole slew of nuances from the original. Part of what makes the video work so well is that it so true to the original. From the spotlight in the face, all the way to the kid running off with the high-hat symbol towards the end, this video shows a strong attention to detail. To a casual viewer, the setting, colors, and filming techniques are often inseparable from the formula used for the Nirvana video. One of the details that I find particularly amusing is the bass player's ability to bounce around awkwardly like Krist Novoselic.

"Weird Al" successfully takes on Kurt Cobain's angst-ridden persona as the viewer is witnessed to a bevy of Leslie Nielsen -grade sight gags. Farm animals make their appearances, and gargled water, kazoos and a janitor on tuba carry out parts of the solo. The video triumphantly concludes with an all out mosh pit of long-haired, flannel-ized teenagers losing body parts.

As amusing as I find this video, it's still impossible to beat a classic. Watch both, and try to find as many parodies as possible. Then, check to see if you caught as many as these Wikipedia editors.

Kurt Cobain apparently loved it... and now you can too.

Jacko To Record In Bahrain

Michael Jackson, proving that he doesn't need western music labels to be sucessful anymore (or maybe they just don't want him??), plans on releasing an album for a Bahrainian record company. The new album will be released on Two Seas Records, a label Jacko co-founded soon after his child abuse trial with Sheik Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, in late 2007.

MJ said, "I am incredibly excited about my new venture and I am enjoying being back in the studio making music."

US distribution arrangements have not been announced.