BEFORE THE WALKMEN EXISTED, THERE WAS A BAND CALLED JONATHAN FIRE*EATER THAT FORMED IN 1995. THEY WERE PRETTY DAMN SWEET UNTIL THEY SOLD OUT BY SIGNING TO DREAMWORKS. PUKE. THREE MEMBERS (WALTER MARTIN, HAM’S COUSIN, AND PAUL MAROON AND MATT BARRICK, THE DRUMMER) OF JFE JOINED FORCES WITH MEMBERS OF THE RECOYS TO FORM THE WALKMEN IN 2000. THE REST IS HISTORY, DAMNIT.
WATCH A YOUTUBE OF A JFE SONG HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm6ryXXq5Sw
Jared Hondo Isaac Swilley says it all the time, but Beach House’s Alex Scally knows what’s up as well:
NYMAG
Since we started in 2006, the only way we’d have enough time to spend on music is to tour constantly. I kind of like it … it’s not like we’re Black Flag or anything, but it’s like a manta for us that the only way to survive is to tour constantly because that’s income and that spreads your name. I’m into what’s happening: There aren’t supermassive bands, the way it was in the sixties when the major labels rolled out twenty things and you chose the four that suited you. People that make music aren’t these weird gods that have a ton of money. I really like that we have all these sites where we can post pictures and have discussions and weird personal connections to all these people. Ultimately, we’re very lucky to have stumbled upon this thing, to get this music out there, to have it to mean something to people. People are always going to find way to support artists so that they’ll live.
I’m in an AlbiniBigBlackShellacNoiseRockCockSuckingPhase Right Now. Minus the cock sucking lol, hence all these vids and Melting Mondays. Enjoy!
Chris
I always get willies when I hear “Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors”
Listen to the complete seven song session here: http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/player/7616/live_music.html
Ha, I actually remembered! I love the first line lol.
Chris
Band: The Strange Boys
Release: 2/2010
Label: Rough Trade/In The Red
1. “I See” – A
2. “A Walk on the Beach” – A-
3. “Be Brave” – A+
4. “Friday in Paris” – A
5. “Between Us” – A-
6. “Da Da” – B+
7. “Night Might” – A
8. “Dare I Say” – A
9. “Laugh At Sex, Not Her” – A
10. “All You Can Hide Inside” – A-
11. “The Unsent Letter” – A-
12. “You Can’t Only Love When You Want To” – B+
Comments: Strange Boys: you either love them or hate them. You can’t fault them for their classic R&B and garage sound. Ryan Sambol, the lead vocalist, might wear you out with his scratchy middle school girl southern hollers, but for me it’s just tea in a kettle. Sambol’s vocals “suggest a young Bob Dylan had he spent more of his formative years in juvie halls than coffeehouses.” 2009’s The Strange Boys and Girls Club was a top 10 album for me because it “brought back the old times.” The first two dits are noice, but “Be Brave” is of unprecedented quality. I can’t remember everything, but I don’t remember organs and horns on Club. Those are on here. Country music never sounded better! I spent most of my formative years listening to 50 Cent and Nsync so if I sound unreasonably excited about albums like this, don’t get all uppity! Through and through, I don’t find myself dissatisfied. Familiar tricks are rehashed on this album, but that’s absolutely okay. I find Sambol’s discourse of intercourse on “Laugh At Sex” particularly amusing. “Sex is like laughter, you do it differently with different people, sometimes you feel sick after.” The piano on “The Unsent Letter” reeks of Daniel Johnston, whom the Boys have toured with. This record isn’t as prolific as the band’s debut, but it’s nice!
Grade: A- (92)
QUESTIONS!!!
Did u ever play ‘punch buggy’ with ur sibling?
Will Grizzly Bear outsell Vampire Weekend in 2k11?
Is this the ‘best use of indie music in a mainstream commercial’ in the history of commercials?
Does commercial licensing make a band ‘more bank’ than ‘releasing full albums’?
R u enjoying the corporate indie arms race of the 2k10 decade?
RESPONSE!!!
Felt three emotions.
(1), annoyed b/c ternative music was ‘tainted’ by some corporation. GrizzBr’s rep is stained. Mnstrmrms would make it less authentic.
(2), mnstrmrs would finally discover some good music.
(3), no one would notice b/c car commercial music isn’t that ‘relevant’.
Dedicated to Chris, but to be appreciated by all:
How Do I Keep You Outta Harm’s Way? (King Khan & The Shrines)
Soulful Supreme Genius spread in the air
The King came decked out in his white suit and slicked back hair
Accompanied by his lady, an ever-grinning cheerleader
And eight Sensational Shrines in their black Shrine Uniforms
The King ordered his minions to give him
A Loud and Proud response
They Roared
Unsatisfied, he Demanded again
This time the King was blown away
He and His Shrines exploded right into “Land of the Freak”
An apropos title for this setting
The fanatics hopped up and down
Side to Side
On the Stage
Off the Stage
The blissful cheerleader sprinkled glitter into the pit
As a cute little complement to the soulful music and funky dancing
As soon as the performance ended
Excessive crowd response ensued
Just when you think it’s over…
ENCORE!
Chris
Bad Kids (Black Lips)
When you mix doo wop, garage rock, punk, and some robitussin
What do you get?
Bad Kids
Notorious Fugitives
Or simply
The Black Lips
OBSESSED!!!!!!!!
Yes, it required that many exclamation points
I don’t know why I love these guys so much, but I’m hooked
I Stood in a Sea of fellow devotees, Screaming in anticipation
As soon as they hit the stage
The crowd stormed into a frenzy
Never remaining still or apart until the end
Pogoing
Moshing
Stage Diving
Crowd Surfing
Ensured the Best Concert
Soaked in Sweat and barely hearing
The Night was over
But, the memory will be Forever
I’ll admit, these poems were not my highest quality of work. But, they were fun to write lol.
Chris
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 