Music that matters to me: a this and that approach

Modest Mouse “sails” to number one spot on the Billboard charts with new album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. Congrats to them. I haven’t bought it yet but I like what I’ve heard so far I suppose. It’s nice when a unique and quirky band is very popular. (Like these guys… or The Shins.)

Thrice’s “Elements” album (a four disc concept record corresponding to the four natural elements – earth, air, water and fire) is being mixed by band member Teppei. Are these guys serious? You’d think the mixing of such an ambitious project would be put in the hands of a “professional.” But this whole process has been very DIY for them so they wanted to keep it to themselves, and I can understand their desire to “keeps it real” but I just worry. Teppei is the man, though. Ugh, I’m undecided how I feel about all this. I guess more power to ya guys. Go Teppei, go!

Thursday parting ways with Island Def Jam. A City By The Light Divided wasn’t very good, in my opinion, but War All The Time is great still. And Full Collapse is just classic Thursday. If you’re a fan, check out their first one, Waiting. I think this band has peaked, but I hope I’m wrong.

Korn still doing this Family Values crap. Family Values Tour ’98. Hell yeah! Wow, I’m old.

The Rock the Bells hip-hop festival featuring Rage and Wu is 100 bucks and at the end of July (meaning it could be really, really hot). I always thought a Wu-Tang Clan/Rage Against the Machine show would be f-ing sick, but this just seems really intense. I’ve been to Randall’s Island and it wasn’t a cheap or easy. The heat could be an issue as well. And one of the lesser-known acts, Sage Francis, is playing the TLA at the end of May for like $10. This one is very up in the air.

So far the only members of The (reformed) Smashing Pumpkins are Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain (drummer) as far as anyone knows. The new album is probably getting close to complete and is due in July. They’ve booked a bunch of festivals in Europe, one or two in Canada and couple in the US but nothing too local yet.

New Travis album in May! I’m eagerly awaiting album number five from these Scottish dudes. Their last release, 12 Memories, took a while to grow on me, but I love it so I’m really ready for anything they put out. I have to see them when they tour.

Interpol has their third album on the way. Hopefully it’s out this summer. I can’t wait! I’ll go see them again for sure. Very good live show.

SHOWS I DID NOT SEE RECENTLY:

The Shins new record, Wincing the Night Away, is good, but it’s no Chutes Too Narrow. I didn’t go see them in Philly or NYC when they were around a few weeks ago. I’m not too happy about it even though the new album wasn’t their best work, in my opinion.

The Decemberists played the Tower last night, but I wasn’t crazy about the venue and feel as though I don’t know enough of their repertoire so I skipped. Plus, I don’t really know anyone dying to go see them with me. I’m actually listening to the replay on Y Rock right now though.

Owen played at the First Unitarian Church last night as well, but again didn’t have anyone to go with and I wasn’t sure I’d really enjoy seeing Mike Kinsella’s sad songs by myself on a warm spring evening.

Pete Yorn played the Electric Factory on St. Patty’s Day. If it was any other day I would have certainly gone even though I just saw him at CBGB’s a few months ago. Nightcrawler is growing on me – finally.

He Is Legend was playing with Killswitch but I bailed on this one too. I’m waiting for another headlining tour. They guys freakin’ rock.

Guster. I’ve seen them a bunch but they are great. I missed their last show at the Electric Factory. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen them play indoors.

SHOW I SAW RECENTLY:

I recently attended Snow Patrol’s show at the Tweeter Center and it was really good. Zach and I were close to the stage and the performance was good as expected. One welcome surprise was Gary Lightbody (singer, frontman) bringing a random female fan onto stage to sing the duet “Set the Fire to the Third Bar” in place of Martha Wainwright who does guest vocals on the album track. I’d go seem Snow Patrol again… even if they played “Chasing Cars.” Man, that song is so weak. I kept my arms folded while all the other chumps sang along. Ugh.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Keane – I already have tix for the Central Park show on May 30.

Travis - No U.S. dates yet, but they should tour to support the new album.

Say Anything - May 2 at Electric Factory w/ Saves the Day. I should get tix. Who wants to go!?

Thrice/Receiving End of Sirens - What a lineup! They are only doing a few shows and one is in Towson, Maryland. W/ Norma Jean too. I would love to see this show. Who’s taking a ride with me?



So the title of this blog was “music briefly” but I’m changing it now. So much for keeping things short. Oh well, music is my life and that’s my update. Happy rockin’ out.

Cheers.