[Miscellany]
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Heaven Knows, It's Got To Be This Time.
Last week the seriousness of staff meeting was gloriously punctured by this:
...oops, someone forgot to turn their phone to silent.
One of my younger colleagues leans over towards me and makes a derogatory comment while laughing at the 'euro-trash' beat. Whoa, whoaaa. That's New Order he was dissing. How? I can't even imagine a world where New Order is less than the absolute pinnacle of cool. Apparently it turns out I am crusty, old and out of touch with the musical tastes of the under 25s. Folk if you aren't sitting down yet please do so because I have bad news to break to you; apparently New Order is no longer cool. Someone please alert the 1980s. I'm absolutely devo.
I think like most people my age I stumbled onto New Order in 1988 when Blue Monday was re-released. It may be hard to be believe but to my fluoro short sporting, "Hang Ten" t-shirt (yes...) wearing, rolled down socks rocking self you'd think I was already too cool to listen to such manner of synthpop from a band from "En-ger-land" but no, apart from Michael Jackson's Thriller, Blue Monday was probably the coolest thing I'd ever heard. Looking back, it was the coolest thing any of us in Mrs H's Grade 5 class of '88 had heard to be honest. Now I much prefer the original track (duh) but back then BM '88 was a new sound to ears that had until that point been mostly attuned to bubblegum pop popularised by Australian soap opera star pseudo-musicians.
Of course Blue Monday wasn't even a new sound in 1988, it was already a 5 year old living, breathing child by that stage; New Order had already acquired The Haçienda, bridged the gap between dance, Post Punk/New Wave and well and truly etched a path into musical history. I never knew any of this. I was 10 in 1988 and my biggest mission in life was to learn how to use the hair crimper without burning a hole in my forehead. How was I to know that by the time I was 20 I'd be pressing my face against the bus window listening to Joy Division and New Order on repeat on my Walkman while on the way to change the world one film studies tutorial at a time?
It's hard to articulate what it is about New Order that is special and it seems reductive to say that they 'just are brilliant' (it's not even true, some of their songs are shite) but sometimes words are an inadequate medium to describe a truth that you feel somewhere deep inside. Isn't that why we listen to music in the first place? Doesn't it fill in those spaces we can't quite express through words? How can you articulate the perfect strum of a guitar? How can you describe the moment when you listen to a song and feel yourself completely disappear in to the vibration? How can I do this justice? I can't.
My favourite of theirs is Ceremony. There is still some conjecture in my own mind as to whether this is still officially a Joy Division track or whether it was truly New Order. It's officially touted as New Order's debut track but with lyrics written by Joy Division's frontman Ian Curtis and originally recorded with his vocals before he tragically took his own life. It seems the perfect mixed up choice - a sad goodbye to Ian Curtis and hopeful hello to a new kind of music that ended up changing the world.
It is by no means the only song of New Order that I love and I've posted it before on this blog but many years ago now when I made a list of my top 100 songs of all time this was #1. Right now, it's midnight on a terrifyingly windy night in old Melbourne town. I'm on my 10th listen. Indulge me while I fill in the spaces I can't quite articulate as I go for 11.
Ceremony - New Order
...oops, someone forgot to turn their phone to silent.
One of my younger colleagues leans over towards me and makes a derogatory comment while laughing at the 'euro-trash' beat. Whoa, whoaaa. That's New Order he was dissing. How? I can't even imagine a world where New Order is less than the absolute pinnacle of cool. Apparently it turns out I am crusty, old and out of touch with the musical tastes of the under 25s. Folk if you aren't sitting down yet please do so because I have bad news to break to you; apparently New Order is no longer cool. Someone please alert the 1980s. I'm absolutely devo.
I think like most people my age I stumbled onto New Order in 1988 when Blue Monday was re-released. It may be hard to be believe but to my fluoro short sporting, "Hang Ten" t-shirt (yes...) wearing, rolled down socks rocking self you'd think I was already too cool to listen to such manner of synthpop from a band from "En-ger-land" but no, apart from Michael Jackson's Thriller, Blue Monday was probably the coolest thing I'd ever heard. Looking back, it was the coolest thing any of us in Mrs H's Grade 5 class of '88 had heard to be honest. Now I much prefer the original track (duh) but back then BM '88 was a new sound to ears that had until that point been mostly attuned to bubblegum pop popularised by Australian soap opera star pseudo-musicians.
Of course Blue Monday wasn't even a new sound in 1988, it was already a 5 year old living, breathing child by that stage; New Order had already acquired The Haçienda, bridged the gap between dance, Post Punk/New Wave and well and truly etched a path into musical history. I never knew any of this. I was 10 in 1988 and my biggest mission in life was to learn how to use the hair crimper without burning a hole in my forehead. How was I to know that by the time I was 20 I'd be pressing my face against the bus window listening to Joy Division and New Order on repeat on my Walkman while on the way to change the world one film studies tutorial at a time?
It's hard to articulate what it is about New Order that is special and it seems reductive to say that they 'just are brilliant' (it's not even true, some of their songs are shite) but sometimes words are an inadequate medium to describe a truth that you feel somewhere deep inside. Isn't that why we listen to music in the first place? Doesn't it fill in those spaces we can't quite express through words? How can you articulate the perfect strum of a guitar? How can you describe the moment when you listen to a song and feel yourself completely disappear in to the vibration? How can I do this justice? I can't.
My favourite of theirs is Ceremony. There is still some conjecture in my own mind as to whether this is still officially a Joy Division track or whether it was truly New Order. It's officially touted as New Order's debut track but with lyrics written by Joy Division's frontman Ian Curtis and originally recorded with his vocals before he tragically took his own life. It seems the perfect mixed up choice - a sad goodbye to Ian Curtis and hopeful hello to a new kind of music that ended up changing the world.
It is by no means the only song of New Order that I love and I've posted it before on this blog but many years ago now when I made a list of my top 100 songs of all time this was #1. Right now, it's midnight on a terrifyingly windy night in old Melbourne town. I'm on my 10th listen. Indulge me while I fill in the spaces I can't quite articulate as I go for 11.
Ceremony - New Order
Labels: childhood, defining moments in musical history, music, musical monday
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Youtube Killed the Video Star.
I can't remember the first video clip I ever saw.
When this clip came out it was the talk of the town. It's still funny. Not sure if I still love the song but the clip is great.
Praise You - Fatboy Slim
I've been sitting here for a while trying to think of something coherent to say about this song and this clip. It's difficult because there was (and is) such controversy about Courtney Love, her famed drug habit, her accused Yoko Ono type role in the demise of Kurt/Nirvana. Although Courtney Love was one of the greatest train wrecks of the 90s you can't take your eyes off her in this clip. It's beautifully shot and I think really typifies the grungy aesthetic typical of that time - and particularly of Hole. The lyric - I want to be the girl with the most cake... I mean, wow. It's a beautiful song. Great clip.
Doll Parts - Hole
I love a bit of a musical war. You can't miss the intent in his video clip. If Chris Cornell is the most angelic male screamer then Kat Bjelland is his female counterpart. She is flawless in her anger. Apparently she's quite a soft spoken sweet woman in real life but you'd never know from her music. I love how blatantly obvious this clip is. Basically... eat shit Courtney? Would that be fair to say? I love Babes in Toyland. They were a great band.
Bruise Violet - Babes in Toyland
Click for Clip
This isn't my favourite Sonic Youth song (that honour goes to Teenage Riot) but this is definitely up there. Kim Gordon is truly one of the best women in rock and I love Kathleen Hanna's guest role in this clip. Are they poking fun at Hole? Looks like we'll never know. Kim Gordon produced Hole's first record and Kathleen Hanna hated Courtney with a passion (likewise Courtney). It's a little awkward when your friends hate your friends, eh? Love this song but I love the video clip more.
Bull in the Heather - Sonic Youth
Yes, we all wish would could be as cool as Kim Deal but it looks as though Kim Deal wanted to be as cool as Kim Gordon and sought her out especially to direct this film clip (alongside Spike Jonze) for The Breeders. I remember listening to this song ad nauseam when it came out. It's STILL EXCELLENT. Love the Cannonball rolling down the street. I hope no one got hurt. Love it.
Cannonball - The Breeders
He ambles along. He bumps into people. He sings stony faced. What's not to love?
Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Ahhh Kurt. What can I say? What a beautiful, troubled man. All Nirvana's songs are gorgeous but mostly full of pain. How can they not be? Sure this song is no exception but you have to smile when watching the clip. I get a big kick out of the retro variety show vibe.
I was still a 10 year old Catholic when this clip came out. It rocked my world. If anyone could bring a saint to life it was Madonna in a black slip dancing in front of flaming crucifixes. The controversy this clip produced was mammoth at the time. Condemned by the Vatican! That basically means it's awesome.
Like A Prayer - Madonna
Love it when a video clip tells a story. This is gorgeous. The song is magnificent and the clip is like a mini movie. Kate Bush was inspired by a memoir written by Peter Reich about cloudbusting (rain making) with his father Wilhelm Reich. It's a hypnotic clip. Kate Bush plays the son and Donald Sutherland plays Wilhelm. A beautiful creation.
Cloudbusting - Kate Bush
Sometimes you come across a video clip that is so absolutely perfect for the song. This is it. Love the slightly chaotic camera work. It sets the perfect mood for teenage hedonism.
Ohhhh, how I love this video clip. It's sad, it's funny, it's sweet. How can you not fall in love with the anthropomorphic dog-man? It's beautifully shot and after all that rejection you just want him to get together with that lovely girl. Alas, not to be. *sob*
I do remember watching Madonna writhing on the road in Burning Up and Michael Jackson making the floor light up with every precious step in the clip for Billie Jean and I remember bouncing on the couch until it broke while watching Mick Jagger sing Start Me Up on Countdown. But... I don't remember my first ever video clip. Video may have killed the radio star but I was in favour of this kind of cold blooded murder. I couldn't get enough of watching music on the TV and though I was never really given free reign over the remote I found a way to watch Countdown in between breaks on the nightly news.
When I was a teenager, as most Australian teenagers do I started watching Rage - a music video program that ran all night on the weekends. In fact, I approached this venture in most nerdological (made up word) fashion by taping each overnight show and then watching them in full the next day. I was fascinated by what musical artists picked as their favourite video clips and took note of the artists they sighted as influences for their own music. If I liked that musical artist I'd make it my business to explore their musical tastes. It fascinated me that Trent Reznor listened to Erykah Badu and that Perry Farrell was partial to The Geraldine Fibbers. I explored these connections and I drew musical family trees in my head that remain intact to this day.
I've always wanted to program Rage for a night. I guess the beauty of owning a blog and having access to YouTube means you can kind of program your own
So, here you go, my favourite video clips.
Okay, this is by far my favourite clip of all time. It's a masterpiece of popular culture. It's funny. It's vibrant. The song is just brilliant. The album this song comes from is one of my favourites and I can never watch it just once.
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Chris Cornell has the voice of an angel. That is, if the angel was screaming his head off. I remember when this video clip came out. I happened to be into surrealist art at the time and this video clip fit right into my idea of what was beautiful and meaningful. It was on high rotation in my household until it drove everyone nuts. Love the creepy Stepford wife feel of it. The song stands the test of time. Soundgarden rock.
Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
Laurie Anderson is a crackpot. I pick this video because it's hypnotic and beautiful in a performance art kind of way. Conceptual performance-artist cracker jacks need love too you know. You have to admire a woman who is going to go completely left field with her art. She totally makes this work. Who knows what the fuck it's about? Who cares? It's great.
Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
Laurie Anderson is a crackpot. I pick this video because it's hypnotic and beautiful in a performance art kind of way. Conceptual performance-artist cracker jacks need love too you know. You have to admire a woman who is going to go completely left field with her art. She totally makes this work. Who knows what the fuck it's about? Who cares? It's great.
O Superman - Laurie Anderson
Oh Billie Jean. For many years I dreamt of a house where I could have tiles that lit up when I stepped on them. I asked for it numerous times but my parents weren't buying it. I'm still dirty on the fact that it never happened. I practised doing the moonwalk up and down the corridor until my legs hurt. This video clip is marvelous. The song is even better. I love everything about it.
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
I love Deborah Harry. She's both crazy and beautiful. What a combination in a woman. I love the jazz hands in this video. In fact I pick the video based purely on the jazz hands. Looking at this now, it seems like it's very dated but somehow it still works. Even the very, very VERY bad attempt at rap is absolutely awesome. Thus is the power of Blondie; they can make bad rap sound brilliant.
Rapture - Blondie
Rapture - Blondie
Praise You - Fatboy Slim
I've been sitting here for a while trying to think of something coherent to say about this song and this clip. It's difficult because there was (and is) such controversy about Courtney Love, her famed drug habit, her accused Yoko Ono type role in the demise of Kurt/Nirvana. Although Courtney Love was one of the greatest train wrecks of the 90s you can't take your eyes off her in this clip. It's beautifully shot and I think really typifies the grungy aesthetic typical of that time - and particularly of Hole. The lyric - I want to be the girl with the most cake... I mean, wow. It's a beautiful song. Great clip.
Doll Parts - Hole
I love a bit of a musical war. You can't miss the intent in his video clip. If Chris Cornell is the most angelic male screamer then Kat Bjelland is his female counterpart. She is flawless in her anger. Apparently she's quite a soft spoken sweet woman in real life but you'd never know from her music. I love how blatantly obvious this clip is. Basically... eat shit Courtney? Would that be fair to say? I love Babes in Toyland. They were a great band.
Bruise Violet - Babes in Toyland
Click for Clip
This isn't my favourite Sonic Youth song (that honour goes to Teenage Riot) but this is definitely up there. Kim Gordon is truly one of the best women in rock and I love Kathleen Hanna's guest role in this clip. Are they poking fun at Hole? Looks like we'll never know. Kim Gordon produced Hole's first record and Kathleen Hanna hated Courtney with a passion (likewise Courtney). It's a little awkward when your friends hate your friends, eh? Love this song but I love the video clip more.
Bull in the Heather - Sonic Youth
Yes, we all wish would could be as cool as Kim Deal but it looks as though Kim Deal wanted to be as cool as Kim Gordon and sought her out especially to direct this film clip (alongside Spike Jonze) for The Breeders. I remember listening to this song ad nauseam when it came out. It's STILL EXCELLENT. Love the Cannonball rolling down the street. I hope no one got hurt. Love it.
Cannonball - The Breeders
He ambles along. He bumps into people. He sings stony faced. What's not to love?
Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Ahhh Kurt. What can I say? What a beautiful, troubled man. All Nirvana's songs are gorgeous but mostly full of pain. How can they not be? Sure this song is no exception but you have to smile when watching the clip. I get a big kick out of the retro variety show vibe.
In Bloom - Nirvana
This song is uncomfortable to listen to. We've all sung it, (mostly drunk) but have you really listened to it? It's not exactly ...flattering. Although he's cleaned up his act now and looks more like an ad for healthy living than as the skinny coke head that wrote Closer, Trent Reznor was truly a force during those "Downward Spiral" days. He's still remarkable of course. This video clip is confronting and magnificent on many levels. Why should things be comfortable and G-rated all the time? I'd much rather see this kind of perversion than an under-age Miley Cyrus writhing on my screen any day. Let's get serious. This is a masterpiece and a beautiful, disturbing, horrifying visual feast.
Closer - NIN
It's the dance. The dance is brilliant.
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Closer - NIN
It's the dance. The dance is brilliant.
Thriller - Michael Jackson
I was still a 10 year old Catholic when this clip came out. It rocked my world. If anyone could bring a saint to life it was Madonna in a black slip dancing in front of flaming crucifixes. The controversy this clip produced was mammoth at the time. Condemned by the Vatican! That basically means it's awesome.
Like A Prayer - Madonna
Love it when a video clip tells a story. This is gorgeous. The song is magnificent and the clip is like a mini movie. Kate Bush was inspired by a memoir written by Peter Reich about cloudbusting (rain making) with his father Wilhelm Reich. It's a hypnotic clip. Kate Bush plays the son and Donald Sutherland plays Wilhelm. A beautiful creation.
Cloudbusting - Kate Bush
Sometimes you come across a video clip that is so absolutely perfect for the song. This is it. Love the slightly chaotic camera work. It sets the perfect mood for teenage hedonism.
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
Every. single. lyric. is pure joy. Love the Bobby Brown references. Jimmy Fallon has got some moves.
Idiot Boyfriend - Jimmy Fallon
Okay, so this is not exactly an official video clip but I just love it. Sesame Street is so clever with the play on words here. Love it how the U keeps attacking and groping Smokey. It's a little creepy, but what's not to love?
U Really Got a Hold on Me - Smokey Robinson (Sesame Street Version)
Generally speaking TWS make great video clips but this is my favourite and perhaps even my favourite song of theirs. How long must it have taken to create such a lego-tastic delight? Love the colours and the fun of it.
Every. single. lyric. is pure joy. Love the Bobby Brown references. Jimmy Fallon has got some moves.
Idiot Boyfriend - Jimmy Fallon
Okay, so this is not exactly an official video clip but I just love it. Sesame Street is so clever with the play on words here. Love it how the U keeps attacking and groping Smokey. It's a little creepy, but what's not to love?
U Really Got a Hold on Me - Smokey Robinson (Sesame Street Version)
Generally speaking TWS make great video clips but this is my favourite and perhaps even my favourite song of theirs. How long must it have taken to create such a lego-tastic delight? Love the colours and the fun of it.
Fell in Love with a Girl - The White Stripes
Ohhhh, how I love this video clip. It's sad, it's funny, it's sweet. How can you not fall in love with the anthropomorphic dog-man? It's beautifully shot and after all that rejection you just want him to get together with that lovely girl. Alas, not to be. *sob*
Da Funk - Daft Punk
If Buddy Holly is my favourite video clip this would have to be a very close second. Everything about it is flawless. Love the Starsky and Hutch feel of it. The song is incredible and the action is riveting. Is there anything that Spike Jonze can't do? He's a master in under 4 minutes.
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
Simple. The lyrics are masterful (it's Bob, duh) and when you have good lyrics you just need to write them down and the point is made. Yep.
Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
Click for Clip
Best choreography since Thriller.
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
Simple. The lyrics are masterful (it's Bob, duh) and when you have good lyrics you just need to write them down and the point is made. Yep.
Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
Click for Clip
Best choreography since Thriller.
Here it Goes Again - OK Go
This clip is just weird. Love the spasmodic clapping and dancing. The ending is a true WTF moment. That's what I like in a video clip!
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
The song is brilliant but the clip just adds that extra dimension of crazy. It's funny and creepy at the same time. I laughed my head off the first time I saw the pregnant man put a pineapple up his wahoo. As for the disco dancing down the supermarket isles... Genius!
Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction
Speaking of genius. Foofighters always had it (Big Me, anyone?) but Everlong takes the cake as one of the strangest "funny videos" of all time. Love it when Dave Grohl goes back into the dream and emerges with the lady log legs. You'll see what I mean when you watch the clip.
Everlong - Foofighters
I love a bit of politics in my music and this is pretty fearless as far as promoting a message. Directed by Michael Moore, this clip caused the NY Stock Exchange to lock its doors, fearing they would be stormed by angry rioters. Splicing the clip with images from the "Millionaire" game show highlight the division between rich and poor. What is art if not a reflection of life?
Sleep Now in the Fire - Rage Against the Machine
Does having a baby momma who is an airhead undercut how hauntingly beautiful this clip is? Yeah, it kind of does. ...but it's a great clip.
Runaway - Kanye West
Why can't this happen to me? Take note Mr Darcy.
Take on Me - A ha
I was a big Queen fan growing up (still am) - Freddie Mercury is masterful in this video clip. There is no hint of irony here. He is splendid in pink and the song is glorious. Just another suburban day waiting to dawn where a humdrum domestic goddess dreams of a better life. Don't we all?
This clip is just weird. Love the spasmodic clapping and dancing. The ending is a true WTF moment. That's what I like in a video clip!
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
The song is brilliant but the clip just adds that extra dimension of crazy. It's funny and creepy at the same time. I laughed my head off the first time I saw the pregnant man put a pineapple up his wahoo. As for the disco dancing down the supermarket isles... Genius!
Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction
Speaking of genius. Foofighters always had it (Big Me, anyone?) but Everlong takes the cake as one of the strangest "funny videos" of all time. Love it when Dave Grohl goes back into the dream and emerges with the lady log legs. You'll see what I mean when you watch the clip.
Everlong - Foofighters
I love a bit of politics in my music and this is pretty fearless as far as promoting a message. Directed by Michael Moore, this clip caused the NY Stock Exchange to lock its doors, fearing they would be stormed by angry rioters. Splicing the clip with images from the "Millionaire" game show highlight the division between rich and poor. What is art if not a reflection of life?
Sleep Now in the Fire - Rage Against the Machine
Does having a baby momma who is an airhead undercut how hauntingly beautiful this clip is? Yeah, it kind of does. ...but it's a great clip.
Runaway - Kanye West
Why can't this happen to me? Take note Mr Darcy.
Take on Me - A ha
I was a big Queen fan growing up (still am) - Freddie Mercury is masterful in this video clip. There is no hint of irony here. He is splendid in pink and the song is glorious. Just another suburban day waiting to dawn where a humdrum domestic goddess dreams of a better life. Don't we all?
I Want to Break Free - Queen
Jarvis Cocker is sublime in everything he does. This clip is no exception - garish and stark. The song is funny and tragic all rolled into one. Love the lyrics. Love Jarvis.
Common People - Pulp
Common People - Pulp
From the moment the opening lyric excuse me but can I be you for a while is uttered you know it's going to be a goodie. It's heart-wrenching and beautiful. I love the image of the little girl climbing over the piano and Tori in a box. The clip has an 'experimental' feel to is and Tori seems kind of awkward. This of course adds to the brilliance.
Silent All These Years - Tori Amos
If Freddie Mercury showed us how to be a domestic goddess from one side this is the story from the other side of the tracks. This clip is no "Sabotage" with its punchy action. Instead it meanders gently from scene to scene like a neverending flowing stream - as Badu does, from room to room ...on and on. It's worth the 5 minute investment you'll make. Brilliant song. Thoughtful clip
On and On - Erykah Badu
Et vous?
Silent All These Years - Tori Amos
If Freddie Mercury showed us how to be a domestic goddess from one side this is the story from the other side of the tracks. This clip is no "Sabotage" with its punchy action. Instead it meanders gently from scene to scene like a neverending flowing stream - as Badu does, from room to room ...on and on. It's worth the 5 minute investment you'll make. Brilliant song. Thoughtful clip
On and On - Erykah Badu
Et vous?
Labels: defining moments in musical history, memories, music, musical monday
Sunday, November 30, 2008
..billion year old carbon.
I haven't done one of these in a while, an age, an era - whatever, but I happened across a song that made me put my nostalgia hat on.
I'd forgotten about her. It's been a good many years since I stopped and listened. Maybe 5? I don't know. The years have started blurring into each other. I guess I'd forgotten about her in part, because she, at the time of listening to her, brought out a more introspective side of me that I have, lately, tried to muffle (as you do). I can also say with great confidence that she was never a "favourite" or a "must have" on my playlist and easy to forget. But, I do remember a phase I went through where I would only listen to her and in particular this song.
Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
You know it.
If you don't... you should. If you do, chances are you already hate it. I can see how the song would inspire an uneasy feeling. Its anguished and haunting, the vocals jarring and pitched just above the comfort level, half yodeling and backed by a lonely electric piano. It's not an easy listen, or an easy sell for that matter, and yet so many musicians have cited her as an inspiration and this song in particular as poetry. It's probably one of the most amazing pieces of music I've ever heard.
Joni Mitchell never went to Woodstock. She wrote the song after seeing the events unfolding on TV, crying and wishing was there. I love it because the song is bigger than her and bigger than music, bigger than people who made the event happen. It's a representative of something bigger than life even: Collective consciousness, universal truths, spiritual awakening, soul cleansing, hope, modern miracles, wishful thinking, longing - read into it what you will - it all applies. I think it's a powerful representation of the mentality of the era, or perhaps a projected mentality. It doesn't matter, there's a kind of truth to it that goes beyond the words.
I originally found the song sometime in the mid-90s, in an old documentary I've since watched too many times to count Message to Love: The Isle of Wight Festival (1970) in the UK. Joni Mitchell performs the song, amidst angry protests and shouts. The IOWF being, of course, ironically the antithesis to the Woodstock Festival. She tells the crowd to have a little respect, that they are acting like "tourists" and somehow tames them into submission. It's pretty amazing. I was mesmerised by the song and purchased the album soon after seeing her performance.
Something in the lyrics is so powerful to me. I doubt everybody at the end of the hippy decade saw a trip to Woodstock as such a journey into spiritual transcendence, however I know that there were those that did. And I, myself do see music as a spiritual or sacred experience because it gets, like nothing else can, right to the soul. But furthermore and most importantly, something about the song flips a switch in me. I understand it, without actually being able to articulate how. I get its meaning, without thinking about it. I feel it without touching. I knew this song, before I actually heard it. There's not many songs I can say that about. Or any others actually.
It's no mistake I happened upon the song today.
I think it's time to start being more aware of myself again.
...get myself back to the garden, if you will.
Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
I'd forgotten about her. It's been a good many years since I stopped and listened. Maybe 5? I don't know. The years have started blurring into each other. I guess I'd forgotten about her in part, because she, at the time of listening to her, brought out a more introspective side of me that I have, lately, tried to muffle (as you do). I can also say with great confidence that she was never a "favourite" or a "must have" on my playlist and easy to forget. But, I do remember a phase I went through where I would only listen to her and in particular this song.
Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
You know it.
If you don't... you should. If you do, chances are you already hate it. I can see how the song would inspire an uneasy feeling. Its anguished and haunting, the vocals jarring and pitched just above the comfort level, half yodeling and backed by a lonely electric piano. It's not an easy listen, or an easy sell for that matter, and yet so many musicians have cited her as an inspiration and this song in particular as poetry. It's probably one of the most amazing pieces of music I've ever heard.
Joni Mitchell never went to Woodstock. She wrote the song after seeing the events unfolding on TV, crying and wishing was there. I love it because the song is bigger than her and bigger than music, bigger than people who made the event happen. It's a representative of something bigger than life even: Collective consciousness, universal truths, spiritual awakening, soul cleansing, hope, modern miracles, wishful thinking, longing - read into it what you will - it all applies. I think it's a powerful representation of the mentality of the era, or perhaps a projected mentality. It doesn't matter, there's a kind of truth to it that goes beyond the words.
I originally found the song sometime in the mid-90s, in an old documentary I've since watched too many times to count Message to Love: The Isle of Wight Festival (1970) in the UK. Joni Mitchell performs the song, amidst angry protests and shouts. The IOWF being, of course, ironically the antithesis to the Woodstock Festival. She tells the crowd to have a little respect, that they are acting like "tourists" and somehow tames them into submission. It's pretty amazing. I was mesmerised by the song and purchased the album soon after seeing her performance.
Something in the lyrics is so powerful to me. I doubt everybody at the end of the hippy decade saw a trip to Woodstock as such a journey into spiritual transcendence, however I know that there were those that did. And I, myself do see music as a spiritual or sacred experience because it gets, like nothing else can, right to the soul. But furthermore and most importantly, something about the song flips a switch in me. I understand it, without actually being able to articulate how. I get its meaning, without thinking about it. I feel it without touching. I knew this song, before I actually heard it. There's not many songs I can say that about. Or any others actually.
It's no mistake I happened upon the song today.
I think it's time to start being more aware of myself again.
...get myself back to the garden, if you will.
Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
Labels: 60s, defining moments in musical history, God, hippies, musical monday, real women
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Things That Make You Go Hmmm
I have a sinking feeling that "the 90s" is coming back - and not the good part Brit pop indie bit either. I'm getting a vision of fluro-hypercolour board shorts teemed with ankle boot sneakers, short orange jackets with shoulder pads worn over tiny vests.... lots and lots of floral patterned vests...everywhere. That's right - I'm talking Vanilla Ice 90s.
Undeniable Evidence:
* Three years ago C+C Music Factory sounded like nails down the blackboard. Today, I got through "Gonna Make you Sweat" without blinking an eyelid. I'm like a barometer for cultural shift and I'm telling you - if it isn't already here, it's coming.
* I saw a pair of high top sneakers in the shops the other day. HIGH TOP SNEAKERS! Not in a St. Vinnies either - I'm taking never been worn before high tops disguised as the new thing sitting pretty along side the yoga stuff.
* Jeannie Garth is back on our television screens via....90210!
* Hair has been getting straighter for a while. The 90s was aaaaall about straight (though, a boofy kind of straight).
* I also heard Two Princes by Spin Doctors on the radio a couple of days ago. It wasn't played in irony either. I totally sang along. I still knew all the words.
* ...and who can deny big earrings? Big earrings have been making a come back for a while ladies. Am I right?
I'm just sayin' - lock up all your good taste folks: THE 90's ARE SOOOO BACK.
What is Love? - Haddaway
Have you come across any evidence? Are you excited or filled with dread?
update - 2/10/08
90s spotting of the day
Hoddle street, Melbs
Male, early 30s.
Ray bans, black blazer worn over "groovy" t-shirt, high waisted light blue denim, hair combed back, BOAT SHOES.
I promise I did not make that up.
Flipped the radio station - "Horny" by Mousse T. and Hot 'N' Juicy was playing.
update - 4/9/08
90s spotting of the day.
Riva, St Kilda
Female, early 20s
multicoloured MC HAMMER PANTS!
I'm talking crotch at the knee here.
Undeniable Evidence:
* Three years ago C+C Music Factory sounded like nails down the blackboard. Today, I got through "Gonna Make you Sweat" without blinking an eyelid. I'm like a barometer for cultural shift and I'm telling you - if it isn't already here, it's coming.
* I saw a pair of high top sneakers in the shops the other day. HIGH TOP SNEAKERS! Not in a St. Vinnies either - I'm taking never been worn before high tops disguised as the new thing sitting pretty along side the yoga stuff.
* Jeannie Garth is back on our television screens via....90210!
* Hair has been getting straighter for a while. The 90s was aaaaall about straight (though, a boofy kind of straight).
* I also heard Two Princes by Spin Doctors on the radio a couple of days ago. It wasn't played in irony either. I totally sang along. I still knew all the words.
* ...and who can deny big earrings? Big earrings have been making a come back for a while ladies. Am I right?
I'm just sayin' - lock up all your good taste folks: THE 90's ARE SOOOO BACK.
What is Love? - Haddaway
Have you come across any evidence? Are you excited or filled with dread?
update - 2/10/08
90s spotting of the day
Hoddle street, Melbs
Male, early 30s.
Ray bans, black blazer worn over "groovy" t-shirt, high waisted light blue denim, hair combed back, BOAT SHOES.
I promise I did not make that up.
Flipped the radio station - "Horny" by Mousse T. and Hot 'N' Juicy was playing.
update - 4/9/08
90s spotting of the day.
Riva, St Kilda
Female, early 20s
multicoloured MC HAMMER PANTS!
I'm talking crotch at the knee here.
Labels: 90s, defining moments in musical history, media, pop culture, retro, scared
Sunday, July 20, 2008
the soul of a quotegirl was created below
bro - Def Leopard is better than Led Zeppelin.
me: What the fuck? Are you shitting me?
bro - I am being completely serious. Def Leopard is a better band any day.
me: You are seriously on drugs. That is the most fucked up think you've ever said. "Pour some Sugar on Me" Versus "Dazed and Confused". ummmm... no contest.
bro - no. They're just better. End of fucking story.
me: YOU ARE A BOGAN! That is completely ridiculous. Are you saying that "Rocket..yeahhhhh" changed musical history like "Stairway" did? Come on. You're making me angry. I just don't get it. I DON'T UNDERSTAND how you can say something like that! You're wrong. It's wrong!
bro - they're a better band. It's a simple fact.
me: It's not a fact. You're an idiot: That's a fact!
[Thoughts?]
#2 - I have to tell you what my friends gave to each other for their wedding. They had this bit in the ceremony where the bride and groom exchanged presents.
me: aww..very sweet.
#2 - ...yeah, sort of. He's obsessed with car racing so she got him this wall hanging that's actually 3D of a racing car.
me: oooh kay, if that rocks his boat
#2 - At home the bride has is one of those people that has about a million stuffed toys on her bed.
me: oh my god, those people scare me
#2 - Exactly, so for her present he got her a 7 foot tall teddy bear. Like the ones you can buy in those flower shops at the hospital..but GIANT SIZED.
me: haha, oh shit. That would ruin the fuck out of any decor at home. I mean where do you keep it?
R - ...Hey, then did the husband grab a knife and slice the giant teddy in the stomach revealing all the other stuffed toys?
me: hahahaha, that is the best..Then the stuffed toys end up killing everyone at the wedding!!
R - Just like the horse of Troy.
me: *crying* I wish I was at that wedding!
[Now that is a wedding that someone needs to have!]
bro: if you could shoot any person down in that foot court which one would you choose?
me: *looking around and thinking*
me: *sees bloke pulling up his t-shirt to show the ladies his toned tummy*
me: oh my god...
bro: no, no, I know exactly who you are going to say but *I* want to kill him!
me: No way! He's mine. I get to kill him
bro: No way, he dies. I will use all my bullets on him.
me: I wanna do it! I want the honour!
bro: Let me!
[yes, we truly play this game in public]
fashion Cousin - C got back from her Honeymoon the other day and I was talking to her on the phone.
me: ohh how great! I love her. Did she have a wonderful time?
FC - yeah, I think so. She was talking more about her wedding though. She didn't want to be mean about it but she said "*A*, you know - I really don't get Australians sometimes"
me: haha, what? What happened?
FC - well apparently for her wedding she got some gifts that were completely inappropriate for a wedding and all of the weird ones came from Aussies.
me: oh lord, what did they give her?
FC - okay, well she said that this couple went in together and got her two Hankies. ...Just two... HANKIES.
me: WHAT THE HELL? That's ridiculous...Were they personally embroidered in gold? Were they rare materials? ..I don't ... Um... what?
FC - Exactly. C didn't understand how anyone would give something like that. Then she got this little box and guess what was in the little box?
me: voucher for a stay in a nice hotel in the city?
FC - One spoon and one knife.
me: *laughing uncontrollably* ... I don't understand. Was it solid silver and ...like a special server or some kind?
FC - no...just one normal dinner setting of ONE spoon and ONE knife. It came from two people. I don't understand.
me: Do people not know how weddings work. You give a gift of roughly the same value as the cost for your place at the table. It's manners. Everyone knows this. If you're povo, no one is going to care but if you can afford a new dress or shoes then you can afford to give a present to your friends on their wedding day!
FC - THANK YOU! I thought I was going crazy for a second.
[okay seriously, this is how I see it. If you are invited to a wedding you fork out for a nice present of roughly the same value as your place at the reception. If you are a couple it doesn't mean you get to flake out. Two places for dinner = putting in a little extra. Am I so far off the mark here?
E - After this trip, I've run out of excuses, girls. I'm going to have to... you know.
me: oh my god.
E - ..squeeze one out.
me: !!!
E - I know.
[..and you boys think we're trapping YOU into it!! pffffffft!]
E - Did you know there are 30% more single women in our age bracket than single men? I'm feeling the pinch.
me: what the hell are you talking about, you're MARRIED!
E - It's a sympathy pain.
[Am not sure if that works.]
Me: I went to see Mamma Mia the other day
bro - I can't believe you went to see that! You suck.
me: Yeah, it was Mamma Shitta.
bro - that didn't work.
me: meh...I tried.
[should it have been Mamma Merda?]
Here's one that is about as far away from ABBA, Led Zepp and Def Leopard as you can get. Just, I don't know what to say about it that would do it justice so let me just play it. I'm sure you know the song. It's incredible.
Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain.
me: What the fuck? Are you shitting me?
bro - I am being completely serious. Def Leopard is a better band any day.
me: You are seriously on drugs. That is the most fucked up think you've ever said. "Pour some Sugar on Me" Versus "Dazed and Confused". ummmm... no contest.
bro - no. They're just better. End of fucking story.
me: YOU ARE A BOGAN! That is completely ridiculous. Are you saying that "Rocket..yeahhhhh" changed musical history like "Stairway" did? Come on. You're making me angry. I just don't get it. I DON'T UNDERSTAND how you can say something like that! You're wrong. It's wrong!
bro - they're a better band. It's a simple fact.
me: It's not a fact. You're an idiot: That's a fact!
[Thoughts?]
#2 - I have to tell you what my friends gave to each other for their wedding. They had this bit in the ceremony where the bride and groom exchanged presents.
me: aww..very sweet.
#2 - ...yeah, sort of. He's obsessed with car racing so she got him this wall hanging that's actually 3D of a racing car.
me: oooh kay, if that rocks his boat
#2 - At home the bride has is one of those people that has about a million stuffed toys on her bed.
me: oh my god, those people scare me
#2 - Exactly, so for her present he got her a 7 foot tall teddy bear. Like the ones you can buy in those flower shops at the hospital..but GIANT SIZED.
me: haha, oh shit. That would ruin the fuck out of any decor at home. I mean where do you keep it?
R - ...Hey, then did the husband grab a knife and slice the giant teddy in the stomach revealing all the other stuffed toys?
me: hahahaha, that is the best..Then the stuffed toys end up killing everyone at the wedding!!
R - Just like the horse of Troy.
me: *crying* I wish I was at that wedding!
[Now that is a wedding that someone needs to have!]
bro: if you could shoot any person down in that foot court which one would you choose?
me: *looking around and thinking*
me: *sees bloke pulling up his t-shirt to show the ladies his toned tummy*
me: oh my god...
bro: no, no, I know exactly who you are going to say but *I* want to kill him!
me: No way! He's mine. I get to kill him
bro: No way, he dies. I will use all my bullets on him.
me: I wanna do it! I want the honour!
bro: Let me!
[yes, we truly play this game in public]
fashion Cousin - C got back from her Honeymoon the other day and I was talking to her on the phone.
me: ohh how great! I love her. Did she have a wonderful time?
FC - yeah, I think so. She was talking more about her wedding though. She didn't want to be mean about it but she said "*A*, you know - I really don't get Australians sometimes"
me: haha, what? What happened?
FC - well apparently for her wedding she got some gifts that were completely inappropriate for a wedding and all of the weird ones came from Aussies.
me: oh lord, what did they give her?
FC - okay, well she said that this couple went in together and got her two Hankies. ...Just two... HANKIES.
me: WHAT THE HELL? That's ridiculous...Were they personally embroidered in gold? Were they rare materials? ..I don't ... Um... what?
FC - Exactly. C didn't understand how anyone would give something like that. Then she got this little box and guess what was in the little box?
me: voucher for a stay in a nice hotel in the city?
FC - One spoon and one knife.
me: *laughing uncontrollably* ... I don't understand. Was it solid silver and ...like a special server or some kind?
FC - no...just one normal dinner setting of ONE spoon and ONE knife. It came from two people. I don't understand.
me: Do people not know how weddings work. You give a gift of roughly the same value as the cost for your place at the table. It's manners. Everyone knows this. If you're povo, no one is going to care but if you can afford a new dress or shoes then you can afford to give a present to your friends on their wedding day!
FC - THANK YOU! I thought I was going crazy for a second.
[okay seriously, this is how I see it. If you are invited to a wedding you fork out for a nice present of roughly the same value as your place at the reception. If you are a couple it doesn't mean you get to flake out. Two places for dinner = putting in a little extra. Am I so far off the mark here?
E - After this trip, I've run out of excuses, girls. I'm going to have to... you know.
me: oh my god.
E - ..squeeze one out.
me: !!!
E - I know.
[..and you boys think we're trapping YOU into it!! pffffffft!]
E - Did you know there are 30% more single women in our age bracket than single men? I'm feeling the pinch.
me: what the hell are you talking about, you're MARRIED!
E - It's a sympathy pain.
[Am not sure if that works.]
Me: I went to see Mamma Mia the other day
bro - I can't believe you went to see that! You suck.
me: Yeah, it was Mamma Shitta.
bro - that didn't work.
me: meh...I tried.
[should it have been Mamma Merda?]
Here's one that is about as far away from ABBA, Led Zepp and Def Leopard as you can get. Just, I don't know what to say about it that would do it justice so let me just play it. I'm sure you know the song. It's incredible.
Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Labels: bro, defining moments in musical history, foreign weddings, friends, music, musical monday, quotegirl, singletons
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tender Age In Bloom
Lately, and by lately I mean the past 10 years, there has been a bit of a backlash against Nirvana's Nervermind. When Triple J first started their infamous hottest 100 countdown it was an "of all time" countdown. Love will tear us apart - Joy Division was at #1 two years running - and understandably so. The song is nothing short of masterful. In 1991 - two things of consequence happened:1 - Nirvana's Nevermind was released.
2 - ummmm... ???
Okay, perhaps a few other things happened but trust me these were the biggies. The next year, in the hottest 100 of all time Smells like Teen Spirit - Nirvana topped
Nevermind was soon touted as a classic album. Various - hell pretty much ALL - music magazines around that time and beyond have put Nevermind at the top (or near enough) of their best ever rock albums lists. The backlash began a few years later when people started saying 'it's just another grunge album - I don't see what's so good about it'.
Okay, personally I think if you can't see what's so good about Nevermind then you might have other developmental problems too. Either you are stuck in the 60s or you listen exclusively to Celine Dion. The album is nothing short of a masterpiece. It's a package. You don't buy Nevermind listen only to Smells like Teen Spirit and then put it back on the shelf. This is an album you listen to the whole way through - on repeat - not just because you're a fan but because really it's that good. Relatively speaking, if you look at all the music made in the last 50 years there are really only a few hundred albums that you could truly say are worth listening to all the way through - repeatedly and without irony. This is one of them. Being popular, doesn't make it any less special.
My first memory of Nevermind was of my friend E telling me that her younger sister had left her Nevermind tape (yes tape) in full sunlight on a 40 degree day in the car and now it wouldn't play anymore. S was apparently driving the family nuts - E in particular. I hadn't heard the full album by this stage, only the big hits. I knew of Bleach which was mine by proxy, courtesy of the my local library's borrowing register - which I thought was okay, but only in parts. A few weeks later and because of that conversation I had with E I bought Nevermiind for myself and have never looked back.
I don't think I can accurately explain the excitement and vibe created by Nirvana back in the early 90s but I'll say that you could smell something different in the air. This was a new beginning for music fans. Until that stage music had been going the way of a pop wasteland extravaganza - not in a good way. The late 80s and early 90s mainstream was littered with Technotronic, Whitney Houston, Wilson Phillips and Roxette. Things were really bad. Nirvana's music was pop don't get me wrong but - it was also incredibly sincere. I remember being relieved to finally hear *real* instruments again - ones that weren't warped by overproduction like other bands around that time. I think it woke a lot of people in the music industry up and from then on music made a big shift for the better. It was an exciting time - literally the most defining musical moment of my lifetime thus far - and surely of a whole generation of musical artists.
Nirvana defines my first drunken moment, my first kiss (or rather my first drunken kiss, ha!), my obsession and my sadness. When Kurt died, it broke my heart. I know it sounds trite and melodramatic but that's just how it was. It was like that for a lot of people of my generation who had suffered their lives with a soundtrack of Nirvana songs too.
Sometimes I hear people say "I just don't see what's so good about Nirvana" or that old favourite "they're overrated" and I'm reminded about this quote from the movie Clueless:
TRAVIS: The way I feel about the Rolling Stones is the way my kids are going to feel about Nine Inch Nails, so I really shouldn't torment my Mom anymore, huh?
Exactly. Maybe everyone that comes after my generation (that is people who were 13-28 when Nevermind first came out) - yes all those little ones that were born post 1984 who I think of as still not quite out of their nappies and on solid foods yet don't get it because they simply weren't around for the music to have a real effect.. Maybe those kids will one day understand how important Nirvana was and just how utterly magnificent this album really is. How long does it take for perspective to turn an album into a classic anyway?
Then again, maybe I'm the one lacking perspective. Maybe I'm too young to really understand the artists that came before Nirvana, those big guns - like Pink Floyd - artists that I wasn't there to witness for myself either. I like to think I'm pretty well rounded though, and my MM choices have included a range of musical styles and eras. Then again, who knows? Maybe I've been charmed by Kurt's twisted pain, his quirky rock hero reluctance, his apt Neil Young quote; it's better to burn out than to fade away scrawled for the world to see in Who Magazine after his suicide. And I have to say yes, it's all part of it. Either way with my recommendation or not - this album may only be a blip on the musical radar relatively speaking but it was a blip that defined musical change. It was a great moment in music. You don't have to like it for that to be true, but I think you do have to respect it.
I guess you just had to be there.
Two from Nevermind
In Bloom - Nirvana
Lithium - Nirvana
And two from other albums....
Aneurysm - Nirvana
Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana
...and one random.
Marigold - Nirvana (which funnily enough, was all Dave Grohl - but I just adore this song)
Labels: defining moments in musical history, kurt smells like teen spirit, memories, music, musical monday
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