Song-a-mah-blog The focus of the song-a-mah-blog is to review songs, daily, as they come up on my expansive playlist. Now you may ask yourself ("am I right, am I wrong...my GOD what have I done?!"); but, if you are NOT David Byrne, you may inquire why *I* am especially qualified to review and criticize music. Well, as much as I am attempted to simply quip "because I am," and exit stage left, I will attempt a "straight" answer. I have been an avid music aficionado since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I remember being fascinated by my dad's record collection when I was three years old. From there, I learned to compose music, I am a trained dancer (which has more to do with music than you might imagine), and I am a deejay. That said there are very few records that I haven't heard, or refuse to listen to, and those fall into one of two categories: 1. Music that is not music (i.e. T-Pain and most of what gets passed off for "music" on mainstream radio), and 2. Music that is in a genre that I detest, and therefore couldn't possibly review impartially (i.e. country and smooth jazz). Don't fear that these reviews will be limited, however. I honestly enjoy most forms of music, so my reviews can, and will, run the gamut. Okay, enough expository rambling. Let's get to the fun part, and listen to some music! |
Faith No More - Stripsearch
This is arguably FNM's best song. Truth be told, I never gave a lot of credit to Mike Patton, but I think my dismissal had more to do with his self-important demeanor than his level of talent. That said, it is hard for me to credit him for being a genius, but in this song he shows exactly what he is capable of. And I loathe to say it, but he obviously understands music on a grand scale. His harmonies, and the phrasing of his lyrics are almost superior to the music, which given the artfulness of the song, is no easy feat. This song almost makes me forgive him for all the juvenile antics he offered in the early 90's.
* I would like to add that I am aware of the creative "importance" of Mr. Bungle (and every other project he has worked on), but I feel that this is the best example of his work
Boards of Canada - Turquoise Hexagon Sun
I admit...I was not initially impressed by Boards of Canada in 2001, when I first heard them. In fact, my opinion was very similar to my husband Kyle's, who refers to them as Bored of Canada. I felt that the music was lethargic and aimless. But after my son Damon was born in 2002, I actually took the time to reflect on the music, and it occurred to me how amazingly beautiful and complex their music is. This song exemplifies their sound, and I love that some of the percussive elements are the result of a noisy game of pool. I guess that's the appeal of BoC, at least for me. Their songs, collectively, provide a soothing soundtrack to the most ordinary experiences in life. Like laughter at a pool hall with old friends.
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Where to start with Radiohead? Well, first I need to establish that I am a HUGE fan, so there is little they have done that I don't like. Thom Yorke is exquisitely talented, and this song shows his finesse for composing music that is evocative of the entire range of human emotion. Sometimes (and often) all in one song. As is the case here. This song goes from melancholic, to angsty, to pensive, and then it soars into a fierce conclusion that ends as quickly as it starts. This song is a shining example of what Radiohead does best, which by my definition, is composing temperamental pop at it's finest.
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