Midwest Mike's Well Thought Out and Emminently Informative Reviews
Gorillaz – Most of this disc left me cold. A lot of random sound effects, keyboard nonsense without much in terms of song crafting or playing behind it. That stated, “Feel Good Inc.” is an absolute stone cold killer track, great beat, good vocals, nice hook on the chorus. I could boogie to this on less than a 12 pack. “Every Planet…” was a good little slice of blues funk, a needed change of pace. However, with the exception of the two songs I mentioned, the disc leaves me feeling detached. The Electronica music I’ve heard is very sterile & robotic, there isn’t much soul there and without that, I can’t be bothered. In deference to the resident filmmaker, I will put it in cinematic terms; for me this disc was the aural equivalent of watching a movie like “Minority Report”. Interesting effects, a couple of mild surprises, but the plot is weak, and I couldn’t care less about any of the characters. Without either of those, I am disengaged. 2 stars.
My Morning Jacket – Rarely has a selection perplexed me the way this one did. I’ve listened to it at least twenty times, and still don’t know quite what to make of it. There are a couple of numbers that hit right between the eyes, particularly “What a Wonderful Man” and “Off the Record”, I like the big bombastic guitars, particularly on the former. Some of the other more spacey material is not as gripping, but it is still kind of enticing. The only track I absolutely did not like was the opener, “Wordless Chorus”. They seem like a jam band in some respects, noticeably on “Lay Low”. I think the band is a lot stronger than the vocalist; to me he is the weak link. That may be partly due to the mix, which is murky (rendering most of the lyrics unintelligible). However, I think a lot of it is the high-pitched caterwauling like the vocals that sink “Gideon”. Still not entirely sure about where to rate this, but for what it is worth, I keep coming back to it. Anyone who digs these guys needs to check out www.archive.org, where they can get free, legal downloads of live shows. 3 1/2 stars.
New York Dolls – 2nd consecutive month with a disc featuring cross dressing big haired sissies. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but is there something afoot in the group that the Midwestern contingent should be made aware of?? This will sound like heresy I’m sure, but I didn’t care for much of this disc, which really surprised me. I expected to like this one a lot more than I did, particularly given the many groups who have cited the Dolls as mentors. It may be influential in the development of punk, but the disc just has not held up well over the years. David Johansen has always annoyed me in any of his personas, and the disc just reinforces that. Band is good, especially Johnny Thunders guitar work. The production is ok, if a bit wimpy, and sounds dated. “Personality Crisis” is a great song, as is “Trash”. The rest however was a let down. 1 1/2 stars
Blind Faith – Although I was familiar with the group history and several of the songs, I had never heard this album in its entirety. There are some great moments here, “Had to Cry Today” and “Presence of the Lord” are excellent, and “Can’t Find My Way Home” is one of the best bodonkadunk-getting numbers ever written (at least it always worked for me on Ken). The problems I have with the disc are two-fold. First is the closing number, “Do What You Like” the last 10 minutes of which is brutal, self-indulgent wanking, and since it takes up almost 1/3 of the CD, it does drag the rating down considerably. Second problem is Steve Winwood. In short, I think he is immensely talented, but sold his soul to crass commercialism a long time ago (“Roll With It” anyone???). I have a hard time hearing his voice without getting angry at the talent I perceive he has wasted in the last 20 years. Good disc, glad it was submitted. 3 stars.
Iron Maiden – Look, either you like this kind of stuff or you don’t, and if you do, more power to you. The music is ok, and is actually good on a few tracks, but good Lord, those vocals. Everything sang as in that ultra-serious, semi-operatic voice as if the singer actually believed the caca he was spewing. Band is more than competent, although like most metal bands, guitarist plays every solo as if he was being paid by the note. “Run To the Hills” is the best cut, which is akin to saying Chalupas are the best item on Taco Bell’s menu. As far as whether its good in its genre, I can’t begin to tell you. My ears are not sophisticated enough to distinguish this band from any other metal band. Just not my cup of tea. 1 star
Recommendations: New Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie
Discussion Topic:
I preface my list by stating, if I was in charge of a station, I would not segment music. I think radio works best when there is unpredictability. Play the Ramones, AC/DC, Prince, the Dead and Miles Davis in the same set; it can be done logically and in a way that it flows seamlessly. The biggest problem with radio is that it has become stale and predictable. Even the local community station, as much as I appreciate it, is compartmentalized, as certain time frames are blocked out for the blues, other times for alt country, etc. It’s as if its programmed by one of those people who won’t mix their peas with their mashed potatoes. Even satellite radio seems to be doing this, with a few exceptions, notably the XM café and Sirius’ Disorder channels. Sometimes things that are dramatically different work well together, like Vodka and Jello….That stated, if I had to create 5 1 hour shows, they would be:
1) Cover Me – An all covers show. Nothing but interesting covers.
2) Garageland – Mixture of past and present garage rock, like Little Steven’s show.
3) No Depression – Alt country mixed with bluegrass and traditional country.
4) Local Hero – Show would focus strictly on local and regional bands
5) Needles and Pins – Old school and modern punk and punk influenced music
Top 3 Rejected Shows:
1) Mike Mongillo’s Midol Hour – 60 minutes of music from a “feminine” perspective
2) The Ken Boucher Mobibia Hour – 60 minutes focusing on artists whose lyrics are as unintelligible as the host after a few beers. “Louie Louie” would be the show’s theme song. Featuring monthly guest segments with Keith Richards & Ron Wood.
3) I Love Luci- Byron & D’Arcy play 60 minutes of progressive rock favorites. This will double as a game show, where contestants wager as to whether the boys can fit in 3 complete songs in the 60 minutes.
My Morning Jacket – Rarely has a selection perplexed me the way this one did. I’ve listened to it at least twenty times, and still don’t know quite what to make of it. There are a couple of numbers that hit right between the eyes, particularly “What a Wonderful Man” and “Off the Record”, I like the big bombastic guitars, particularly on the former. Some of the other more spacey material is not as gripping, but it is still kind of enticing. The only track I absolutely did not like was the opener, “Wordless Chorus”. They seem like a jam band in some respects, noticeably on “Lay Low”. I think the band is a lot stronger than the vocalist; to me he is the weak link. That may be partly due to the mix, which is murky (rendering most of the lyrics unintelligible). However, I think a lot of it is the high-pitched caterwauling like the vocals that sink “Gideon”. Still not entirely sure about where to rate this, but for what it is worth, I keep coming back to it. Anyone who digs these guys needs to check out www.archive.org, where they can get free, legal downloads of live shows. 3 1/2 stars.
New York Dolls – 2nd consecutive month with a disc featuring cross dressing big haired sissies. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but is there something afoot in the group that the Midwestern contingent should be made aware of?? This will sound like heresy I’m sure, but I didn’t care for much of this disc, which really surprised me. I expected to like this one a lot more than I did, particularly given the many groups who have cited the Dolls as mentors. It may be influential in the development of punk, but the disc just has not held up well over the years. David Johansen has always annoyed me in any of his personas, and the disc just reinforces that. Band is good, especially Johnny Thunders guitar work. The production is ok, if a bit wimpy, and sounds dated. “Personality Crisis” is a great song, as is “Trash”. The rest however was a let down. 1 1/2 stars
Blind Faith – Although I was familiar with the group history and several of the songs, I had never heard this album in its entirety. There are some great moments here, “Had to Cry Today” and “Presence of the Lord” are excellent, and “Can’t Find My Way Home” is one of the best bodonkadunk-getting numbers ever written (at least it always worked for me on Ken). The problems I have with the disc are two-fold. First is the closing number, “Do What You Like” the last 10 minutes of which is brutal, self-indulgent wanking, and since it takes up almost 1/3 of the CD, it does drag the rating down considerably. Second problem is Steve Winwood. In short, I think he is immensely talented, but sold his soul to crass commercialism a long time ago (“Roll With It” anyone???). I have a hard time hearing his voice without getting angry at the talent I perceive he has wasted in the last 20 years. Good disc, glad it was submitted. 3 stars.
Iron Maiden – Look, either you like this kind of stuff or you don’t, and if you do, more power to you. The music is ok, and is actually good on a few tracks, but good Lord, those vocals. Everything sang as in that ultra-serious, semi-operatic voice as if the singer actually believed the caca he was spewing. Band is more than competent, although like most metal bands, guitarist plays every solo as if he was being paid by the note. “Run To the Hills” is the best cut, which is akin to saying Chalupas are the best item on Taco Bell’s menu. As far as whether its good in its genre, I can’t begin to tell you. My ears are not sophisticated enough to distinguish this band from any other metal band. Just not my cup of tea. 1 star
Recommendations: New Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie
Discussion Topic:
I preface my list by stating, if I was in charge of a station, I would not segment music. I think radio works best when there is unpredictability. Play the Ramones, AC/DC, Prince, the Dead and Miles Davis in the same set; it can be done logically and in a way that it flows seamlessly. The biggest problem with radio is that it has become stale and predictable. Even the local community station, as much as I appreciate it, is compartmentalized, as certain time frames are blocked out for the blues, other times for alt country, etc. It’s as if its programmed by one of those people who won’t mix their peas with their mashed potatoes. Even satellite radio seems to be doing this, with a few exceptions, notably the XM café and Sirius’ Disorder channels. Sometimes things that are dramatically different work well together, like Vodka and Jello….That stated, if I had to create 5 1 hour shows, they would be:
1) Cover Me – An all covers show. Nothing but interesting covers.
2) Garageland – Mixture of past and present garage rock, like Little Steven’s show.
3) No Depression – Alt country mixed with bluegrass and traditional country.
4) Local Hero – Show would focus strictly on local and regional bands
5) Needles and Pins – Old school and modern punk and punk influenced music
Top 3 Rejected Shows:
1) Mike Mongillo’s Midol Hour – 60 minutes of music from a “feminine” perspective
2) The Ken Boucher Mobibia Hour – 60 minutes focusing on artists whose lyrics are as unintelligible as the host after a few beers. “Louie Louie” would be the show’s theme song. Featuring monthly guest segments with Keith Richards & Ron Wood.
3) I Love Luci- Byron & D’Arcy play 60 minutes of progressive rock favorites. This will double as a game show, where contestants wager as to whether the boys can fit in 3 complete songs in the 60 minutes.
posted by mphopkins @ 9:37 AM
0 comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home