Sorry I Didn't Make It...

“The Mong” – Music Group Commentary, April 2007

MUSIC COMMENTARY

ARCHERS OF LOAF – ALL THE NATIONS AIRPORTS = 5 STARS
As Jay described it, “One of the seminal Noise Rock albums of the ’90s.” I figured a lot of people would hate this one but, like most of what I submit, I’m sharing another of my favorite albums, despite my predictions of its abuse. For me, the layers and tones of the guitars couldn’t be more beautiful in their controlled, deliberate chaos. Maybe it takes an ear that has mixed movies and music to hear the genius of the production and engineering of this album yet, even with all my snooty/technical appreciation of this album, I realize that the bottom line is the songs. For my money, there’s hooks a ‘plenty here and lyrically it is one of the best albums ever. In fact, listening to it again made me wonder if I need to reassess my desert island list. And, yes, I will continue to give five stars to most of my own selections because, as stated above, most of the time I’m sharing albums I love and/or are somehow monumental in propelling a genre or artist. This one is all of the above. Yup.

THE FRATELLIS – COSTELLO MUSIC = 3 STARS
Sounds and feels so much like so many other bands/artists that to make a list would be pointless. Still, I really, really enjoyed this one and gave it many listens. But while writing this, only ten minutes after giving it a final listen, I can’t hum one of its tunes or sing one of its melodies. I guess that puts it in the “instantly forgettable” category but I remember really liking at an “above average” level while listening, hence, my above average rating.

MATERIAL ISSUE – G’HITS = 3 (IF WE RATED G’HITS)
Man, I loved these guys when they first came out. Sometimes when one of their tunes from their debut album comes up on my iPod, I sing along like an idiot. But listening to it all together, it really sounds dated and derivative. I have a special place in my heart for them because some of their songs trigger great, specific memories, but I have to confess, it’s nostalgia that keeps me from being harsher.

TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS – LIVING WITH THE LIVING = 2.5 STARS
Overall, not bad, but all the songs are at least (At least!) one minute too long. The folk/punk/British Invasion fusion is successful and yet, despite a few seemingly intentional departures, it all sounds pretty much the same. I somehow wanted to like this more and gave it many listens to try and make that happen, but it didn’t.

TOPIC

Who killed the rock star?

I don’t think the rock star has been killed, just convoluted by the fact that the general public allows themselves to be led around like sheep to embrace whoever-the-fuck the media is shoving down their throats at any given moment. In fact, there’s more “rock stars” now than ever before, in music or otherwise, mostly because it has become McLuhan’s “Global Community.” There are so many people who are famous just for their celebrity that I find it quite (said like Mr. Spock) fascinating, actually. But I’ll tell you what: I’m sick of being made to feel like I’m out-of-touch because I don’t know and don’t care who the current top-runner is on “American Idol.” Man, I remember when a question with that level of lameness would earn you a punch in the face. Ah, those were the days.