Rockish Ranking: 40 Somethings
Posted on November 19, 2004 at 11:25 am | No Comments
A couple days ago, Information Leafblower revealed the compiled 2004 edition of what he’s called the Top 40 Bands in America Today. And here’s exactly what it is: The forty biggest vote getters among a bunch of random bloggers whose only connection is knowing ILB, and who have either pretty varied or way-too homogenous (or, as Amie would say, homo-genius!) tastes, depending on who’s whining in the comments section.
35 people were invited, and 20 took part, myself included. I was glad to be asked, but had a really tough time pulling my own top ten together. Not just because there are way too many great American bands, but because I’m highly averse to judging bands against one another. It seems a pointless exercise, especially when my favorite band can change from day to day, depending on my mood, what’s in my player, and what happened to get released that week. Still, I was game, and I figured it could spark some interesting discussions over at ILB. Boy, did it ever. Nearly 100 comments, and the post even showed up on the Blogdex RSS Feed. Nice.
For fun, and inspired by Blueroom, here’s my take on the listed Top 40, with my own (and unnumbered) 40 best to follow…
- TED LEO + PHARMACISTS – I wholeheartedly endorse this product and/or service, and he’s one of only four (!) from my own submitted top ten that made this forty. Ted deserves every damn bit of praise he gets, and even though his latest record may not quite be his best (it’s close), he continues to put forth some of the best live shows goin’.
- WILCO – Uncle Tupelo fan here, but sorta stopped paying attention for awhile. When it comes to getting a country fix, I’m more of an Oldham man than a Tweedy one… but every time I hear another Wilco song, or even hear/read a new interview, I find something to love in it.
- INTERPOL – Such a good band, if fairly derivative. But isn’t everything, if you pick it apart enough? They get a pass because their songs are catchy as all get out, they avoided a sophomore slump, and they don’t look like every other damn messy haired band tryin’ to make it outta NYC. Plus, their bassist was so good in River’s Edge.
- GUIDED BY VOICES – No denying this one. Pollard’s been writing a variation on the same couple songs over and over again for years, but lucky for him (and us), they’re really amazing ones.
- THE FIERY FURNACES – Pleading ignorance here. Some mp3s sit on my pc, but the time to listen has so far eluded me.
- THE PIXIES – Well, yeah, sure. They woulda been way up in my top ten if they’d actually released an album in the last, oh, decade. They’re not gonna jump in based on a nostalgic tour (one that I’m seein’ in two weeks!), but let’s see if an album follows. Ohpleaseohpleaseohplease.
- BRIAN WILSON – Hmmmm. Everyone’s obviously still on that Smile-induced high. I bought it, I like it a lot, but… well, it’ll be in many top albums of the year, but give me another solid followup of not-as-old-as-I-am Wilson originals and we’ll talk.
- LUNA – I’m just a passive Luna fan (I’ve got Lunapark & Bewitched), but was a much bigger Galaxie 500 one. Wareham & co. just never quite packed the emotional punch I needed to get hooked in.
- MODEST MOUSE – Never really got it, although a few years ago I certainly did try. Brock’s voice… I just never found the music interesting enough to overcome how grating it was. That said, there are one or two solid songs on the latest record, helped muchly by him easing up on the whine. Saying it’s my favorite Modest Mouse album isn’t saying all that much.
- SPOON – Amie loves ’em, but I could really take ’em or leave ’em. Girls Can Tell was too precious by far.
- BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – I sure do respect the man, Nebraska remains a work of genius, but… but… oh, nevermind. Not worth going into.
- CALEXICO – I concur, doctor.
- SONIC YOUTH – Totally understand this. The latest is their best in years, they put on a fine, fine show out in Northampton earlier this year. But is it all enough to make my own best of? Could be that their history works against them for me… since I know how brilliant they once were, the newer stuff gets automatically compared. If a brand new band had put out a disc as good as Sonic Nurse, maybe they’d have placed higher? Or maybe I’m just talkin’ outta my ass.
- THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – Every song I’ve heard has been good. All two of ’em. They’re on the listen-to-queue.
- RILO KILEY – Great band, deserved spot, and a super-catchy new record that I’m only now realizing doesn’t have quite the staying power of their previous couple. I just don’t find myself going back to it much… but I could just be burned out on it. Time will tell.
- DAVID BYRNE – He had me at ‘…Buildings and Food‘, but lost me with the ‘world music’ obsession.
- THE STROKES – Their overwhelming success confounds me. They’re just alright, and got real old, real fast. A complete lack of depth makes ’em entirely dispensible… like cotton candy in yer mouth, tastes pretty good but disappears so quickly.
- DRIVE BY TRUCKERS – Am I wrong to resist them because of their name? That policy worked perfectly with Hoobastank. I had a hard enough time checking out Dogs Die in Hot Cars. Glad I did, though. Hmmmm. A dilemma.
- SUFJAN STEVENS – Sorry, who? Seen his name around, people I trust dig him, so it’s time to go a’samplin.
- THE DECEMBERISTS – Ah, now that’s the stuff. I’ve yet to pick up their latest, but it’s on the wishlist.
- SCISSOR SISTERS – I loved early Elton John when I was, like, six years old.
- ELLIOTT SMITH – Well, his still-shocking-me death sorta disqualified him from my list, although there’s a good chance he would have been number one if he were still around. DAMMIT.
- AMBULANCE LTD. – Very good band, but, uh… this high a showing based on their debut album alone? Don’t get me wrong, I like ’em lots, but let’s see how the follow-up sounds.
- THE KILLERS – That single’s alright. I’m assuming it’s getting a lot of “alt-rock” radio airplay since Matt got sick of it so quick. Change that station, FutureDad!
- EMINEM – An undeniable way with words, a pure pop artist, but one of the best ‘bands/artists’ in America? Come on now.
- GREEN DAY – Yeah, 10 years ago, maybe.
- THIEVERY CORPORATION – Completely clueless. Sorry.
- JAY-Z – Ok, unsurprising confession time: my long-ago affair with hip-hop started with the Furious Five and ended with Fear of a Black Planet. That’s where it peaked for me, and there’s just no goin’ back.
- THE POSTAL SERVICE – I know, I said one album wasn’t enough to get Ambulance ranked so high. But for Postal Service? It was plenty.
- THE WALKMEN – I gave them a shot, I really did. So much hype, so little behind it.
- THE SHINS – For me, they’re the ultimate mood band. Some bands can put me in a mood, but with bands like the Shins, I need to be in a particular place in order to ‘get’ them. First time I heard Chutes Too Narrow, I hated it. Next time I heard it, while nursing an after-work beer and reading the Phoenix at River Gods, I flat-out fell in love with it. So I’m a huge Shins fan… depending on how my day’s going.
- OUTKAST – Solid singles, but that’s about all I’ve heard. Yes, I know that makes me uncool, but I’ll live. Twilight Singers do a mean cover of “Hey Ya”.
- THE FLAMING LIPS – Much agreed. Pop soundscapes that transport me every time. Love ’em. They’re America’s version of Radiohead. Who woulda thought that the band who released ‘Vaseline’ would be innovating years later? Then again, what did you think the first time you heard ‘Creep’?
- JOANNA NEWSOME – Say huh?
- SEA RAY – I know, I know. I’m on it! I feel like I might be missing out on something special here.
- TV ON THE RADIO – Kinda like what I’ve heard so far, maybe I’ll dig deeper.
- METALLICA – You’ve gotta be kidding me. These guys died the day they met over-producer Bob Rock, and were buried after their spoiled little drummer started bitching about file sharing. Mansion big enough for your ego yet, Lars?
- GOGOL BORDELLO – Life is so, so strange. Ten years ago I’m messing around on ‘Kool Thing’ with Eugene in my basement, and today his band’s in a top forty list I’m commenting on. Crazy. “And now eet eez time for ze punk rock!”
- LOW – Shoulda been higher, but hey, I’m just glad they’re listed. Their upcoming album is a noiser (well, for Low anyway) work of art. Boston show in February, cannot wait.
- LES SAVY FAV – Sorry, still not on board this boat either. Another one of those on the ‘to listen to’ list.
So there ya go.
And now, in no particular order, here are thirty or so American bands/artists that I love, all to varying degrees on varying days. The ten I submitted to ILB are buried in here somewhere…
Low, American Analog Set, Ida, The New Year, Ted Leo, Rilo Kiley, Greg Dulli / Twilight Singers, Album Leaf, Audio Learning Center, The Sixth Great Lake / Essex Green, Idaho, Walking Concert, Hot Snakes, Magnetic Fields, Death Cab For Cutie, Interpol, Silkworm, the Rachel’s, Nada Surf, The Sea & Cake, Smog, Fugazi, Postal Service, Pedro the Lion, Mark Kozelek / Sun Kil Moon, Kristin Hersh / 50 Foot Wave, Built to Spill, Sparklehorse, Quasi, Yo La Tengo, Pilot to Gunner, Summer at Shatter Creek, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Sleater Kinney, Wilco, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth, Calexico, the Decemberists, the Shins, East River Pipe, and Palace / Bonnie Prince Billy
I can only assume I missed a whole bunch, and I’m sure I’ll discover new ones by the end of the year. Makes life worth living, don’t it?
Rapid-Fire Round-Up
Posted on November 18, 2004 at 4:30 pm | No Comments
So, wanna hazard a guess on how many people have downloaded those live Arcade Fire tracks from here? Go ahead, try. I’ll tell ya in the comments. I’m stunned. I’m also very, very glad that the ‘Nac doesn’t get charged for bandwidth usage. Whew.
Oh, and by the way, that supposed Neil Young (or maybe Leonard Cohen) cover they’re doing this tour? Well, sources say it’s actually a new Arcade Fire song, and that singer Win Butler is just yankin’ our collective chains. Cheeky monkey. But hey, if it really is an original… it’s another bit o’ genius.
Way too many things to mention, but I’m going to give it the old college try. And awaaaaaay we go…
Hey, Exploit Boston! is back in action. A potentially indespensible resource for Boston area readers and their social schedules. Not just that, but they’re providing a streaming radio station filled with Boston-area indie bands. Been listening to it all damn day, and it’s excellent. I’m hoping to contribute to the site’s content, in as much as my own hectic schedule will allow it. Bookmark and visit often.
And if you’ve ever ridden your bicycle in Boston (or are too scared to), then heads up: This Monday, the Boston City Council will hold a public hearing at 5:30pm in the Iannella Chamber on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall to discuss two issues:
Order for a hearing regarding the reinstatment of the bike czar position. Order for a hearing to determine what steps can be taken to increase the safety of bicyclists in the city.
This hearing comes as a result of a previous meeting that was called in the wake of Kirsten Malone’s tragic death while biking in Allston last summer. Boston used to have a point person for biking-related issues, but the job was cut after five years for budgetary reasons. Concerned citizens (myself included) would love to see this position brought back, and to see much more work done with bicycle safety issues in this town. This meeting is another important step towards more bike-friendly streets and intersections.
The meeting is open to the public and anyone can testify in front of the Committee on City & Neighborhood Services. That’s Monday, November 22nd, 5:30pm, on the 5th floor of City Hall. Thanks go to Committee Chair Rob Consalvo for following up the first meeting and pulling this next one together.
A present from outta nowhere: An unreleased track from My Own Sweet, newly mastered from a ton of long-awaited recordings that might, maybe, somehow, eventually see the light of day. For now, check out Easy Life. Thanks, Chris. (oh, and if you never did, be sure to download another one from the My Life or Some Dream compilation.)
I really, really, really want to travel to D.C. in February for the Teenbeat 20th Anniversary bash. Unrest, Versus, Tuscadero, and Eggs all reuniting. Wow. Hey, Chris… got any spare couch space for me?
In the wake of the death of live-music repository Sharing the Groove comes the birth of a new “high quality torrent site” called The Trader’s Den. Worth a look.
My excitement over the long-awaited release of Half Life 2 was quickly squashed when I loaded it up to discover that I was one of thousands to experience a particularly nasty audio-stuttering bug. It renders the game pretty much unplayable (unless you’re up for the HL2 ‘dance remix’ edition), so I’ve put it aside until developer Valve can come up with a fix. Glad I’ve got Halo 2 and GTA : San Andreas on hand… as far as backup games go, not too shabby.
The Steampowered and HalfLife2.net forums are on fire with complaints about the bug, reactions ranging from annoyance to “let’s sue the bastards!”. Some are digitally freaking out that Valve hasn’t even acknowledged the issue after two days and a flood of postings/emails. Easy kids, all in good time. I’d wager the developers are all over this one… unless, of course, they’re still hungover from the game’s release party.
Mini-review from the 10 minutes I played it: One of the most beautiful games I’ve ever seen. The physics are as brilliant as promised. Too bad about the big honkin’ bug.
UPDATE: Fellow gamer Mark McWilliams has pulled together a handy resource page for anyone else running into the Half Life 2 audio stuttering problem.
Casual viewers of tech-geek-news show The Screen Savers over on G4TechTV will notice they’ve been in reruns since last week. The sad reason? Much of the cast and crew got the shiny, sharpened axe.
One of the casualties was new co-host Alex Albrecht (pictured above, on his last day in the office), who was brought in a couple months back after G4 swallowed up TechTV and relocated the show from San Fran to LA. I really think the guy was just finding his TV footing (and mercifully cutting back on calling everything “jank“), so it’s a real bummer that he wasn’t given more time to develop his hosting skills. Also let go was mad modder Yoshi, and phone-number-giver-outer Dan ‘Foo-Foo’ Huard, who never did quite get the hang of things (sloooow doooown), but was still a welcome presence in the nook.
While G4 has now officially screwed with pretty much everything that was ever good about that show, they did make a couple good decisions in keeping co-host Kevin Rose and nook-maven Sarah Lane. They’re super-solid, well-spoken, and just perfect on the show. I’d love to see the new TSS (which will supposedly be back after Thanksgiving) co-hosted by the two of them, but I suppose it’s too much to hope that they’ll ever go back to their more-techy, less-cheesy filling. I mean, “models” in the LAN parties? Interviews with bad band members and c-level tv stars that have nothing to do with Tech? The content took a real nosedive after the merger, and I’d be crazy to think that yet another revamp will bring back the good stuff. Right? Sigh.
Make sure you stop by Alex, Kevin, and Sarah’s blogs for their take on the layoffs.
Not only does it look like mainstream comic book uber-convention Wizard World is coming to Boston next September (something I maaaay just be geeky enough to check out), but we’re also getting the unfortunately named Super MegaFest this weekend. Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Kenny Baker (R2D2), Vern Troyer, and Adrienne Barbeau? Um, think I’ll pass on this one… although I am a big fan of artist and guest-of-honor Jim Steranko, and Top 10 artist Gene Ha. I’d be interested to compare the number of people who ask Adrienne about Swamp Thing to the people who ask her about HBO’s Carniv�le. I’m guessing maybe 10 to 1.
Wil Wheaton has a great new post on his audition for a guest role on Alias. Well worth a read.
Uh oh. Or, rather, woo hoo! Take your pick. Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta is on track for a big screen adaptation. Be excited, or um, be very afraid.
Also in the graphic storytelling (and ‘hella good news’) department, Rick Spears and Rob G’s Teenagers from Mars comic is finally getting collected, and in a gigantic 272 page volume. That’s in February, kids.
Hey, Patton Oswalt has a blog. Love the guy on Best Week Ever, never seen him on King of Queens, and he was sadly underused in the upcoming Blade: Trinity. I kinda wanna check out his recently-released comedy record sometime. Anybody heard it?
While everyone’s reading journalist Kevin Sites‘ excellent Iraq-based blog, they should also stop over to Christopher Allbritton’s always-interesting Back to Iraq. Christopher is an independently funded (via donations through the site) journalist who spends much of his time living and writing in the heart of Baghdad.
Back in late October, however, he was warned to leave due to threats against journalists, and he posted the following…
“…I’m not happy to be out. It’s cutting and running, and it feels like crap. I want to cover the story, as best I can, and I really don’t like leaving my friends and colleagues behind. My fixer and translator have no work now, although I’m trying to find them another journalist to work with while I’m gone. I plan to return after Ramadan or whenever we hear that it’s safe(r) again.”
Someone asked him in him comments why all the journalists stay together in Baghdad, and he answered…
“The journalists are clumped together because we only endanger ourselves that way. Kodia asked me why we didn’t disperse and stay with families:
It’s more difficult to secure their houses (blast walls, guards, etc.);
We can’t trust the neighbors not to rat us out;
I don’t trust any Iraqi I don’t know well;
And most important, we endanger them by staying with them — they would be branded as collaborators.”
Heavy stuff. Looks like he’s still in exile, hanging out in Beirut covering the “Palestinian Refugee angle”. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of words soon on the death of Arafat and the execution of Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan.
While you’re surfing various wartime points of view, be sure to check out U.S. soldier Chris Missick’s blog. He hasn’t been updating as much as he used to, but when he does, it’s always good to see. He provides a real on-the-ground perspective that mainstream news can’t deliver.
Just when I start convincing myself that turning 35 doesn’t make me that old, I discover that I’m almost exactly the same age as the Internet, and, um, Sesame Street. I was raised on one, and spend way too much time on the other.
Tomorrow, my take on ILB’s argument-inducing Top 40 American Bands list. For now, read Matt’s.