Tag Archives: Music

Radio Stations vs. DIY

How do you find out about music? Me, I primarily use the internet via various websites (YouTube, Wikipedia, last.fm, etc)  to listen to and discover new bands. Doing this myself is quite convenient. I can stop the music or X out of band web-pages that I don’t particularly enjoy. With the radio, on the other hand, you have very little choice. The stations may allow you to request a song or two, but for the most part songs are pre-selected. That way, you are almost forced to like whatever they play. I find that the people who are predisposed to KISS 108 and JAMN 945 often become immediately attached to the songs that are played. These “club anthems” stick with them, but do any of these listeners actually go online, do research, buy albums, and most importantly listen to more songs other than the hits? Even with independent radio stations like WERS, I suspect the average listener doesn’t log onto wers.org and look up playlists. Personally I get the vibe that the DIY approach that I often take makes me like a song for a longer period of time. Good songs don’t just disappear after they’ve had their “time” on the radio; they become apart of my regular, personalized playlist.

Types of ‘Indie’ Rock Concert Attendees

The Guy Who Just Stares – This guy resists any temptation to move. He just stares at the band in utter amazement or simply boredom.

The Drunken Chick – She’s usually all over the place with her alcoholic drink (typically Pabst Blue Ribbon beer) in hand. Her dance is out of rhythm, but generally it works.

The Rockin’ Out Hipster – He may or may not be trying to attract attention. For whatever the occasion, he is going nuts in his own little world.

The I Don’t Give A Shit Dude – They don’t give a shit about the band. Even if a really awesome band is playing, they are more interested in socializing or watching the ball game at the bar.

The Photo/Video Addict – He/She takes 1000 pictures and records smaller sized videos throughout the entire show. They usually get bumped by the normal people around them in the first row who are getting pushed from behind.

The I’m Going To Start Moshing Even If It’s N/A – This guy is a major douche. His definition of an awesome concert is when bodies start ramming into each other. Even if fuckin’ folk is playing this guy will make every effort to start a mosh pit.

If I think of more, I’ll post more!

Glen

CD Review: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Band: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Release: 2009

1. “Contender” – Grade: 9.4 – Twee!
2. “Come Saturday” – Grade: 9.5 – Noise pop!
3. “Young Adult Friction” – Grade: 9.8  – Post-punk revival!
4. “This Love Is Fucking Right” – Grade: 9.6
5. “The Tenure Itch” – Grade: 9.6
6. “Stay Alive” – Grade: 9.7
7. “Everything With You” – Grade: 9.6
8. “A Teenager In Love” – Grade: 9.4
9. “Hey Paul” – Grade: 9.7
10. “Gentle Sons” – Grade: 9.8

Comments: Twee as fuck! A cross between the Vaselines and Galaxie 500. This band is so ’90s, yet it totally is ’09.

Final Grade: 9.6 – One of the best albums of 2009.

Citizen Cope

The combination of boredom, never having made a post, and coercion by Glen has led me to want to come up with SOMETHING for a first post. Music seems a popular choice, so I thought I’d bring in my favorite artist.

Citizen Cope- Sideways

Note: Glen has already gotten confused: that is NOT him lip-syncing. The music video happened to use footage of him live without the audio.

-Matt Hurton