Ken's Absentee Reviews

Music Club

February 2008

Joe Ely- Live at Liberty Lunch

Now there is nothing wrong with Joe, but there’s nothing great either. He sounds like a local favorite that if you are not part of the group you just won’t get it. The opener (“Me and Billy the Kid”) I liked quite a bit but then it all sounded the same with the usual performance inflections that the regulars expect to cheer for. I guess I’ll have to move to Austin to really get this one (2.0)

Kate Nash- Made of Bricks

I am split on Kate. I like her piano heavy arrangements, energy and vocal delivery (reminiscent of Dresden Dolls with Tori Amos helping with vocals). I like the song variance. What I had some issue with is her lyrics. Not that they are most definitely feministic, but that there seemed to be little thought to them other than to shock or sound girly strong and confident. A little maturity and extra hours at the language lab and I think she will become a premiere songwriter/performer. I will probably be the sole male in the group who did decide to retain the disc. (3.0)

Jedediah Parish- 21^st Century American

My first listen brought forth swearing that my car hasn’t heard since the clam chowder incident of ‘94. His voice is unbearably grating making my eyes blur and armpit hair stand on end. But after the 2^nd listen it was more tolerable, only if I focused on the melodies. I intend to try again, but I think it will be more work than enjoyment. (2.0)

Pulsifer- V is For Vagina

Worst album title in 10 years. I liked the first track with its pseudo 90s, cool alternative rock feel. Problem was that it was like one long first song. Okay not totally, but there was little variety. I filed this in “won’t cringe if I heard it on the radio”. Which in CT will be never. (2.0)

Thin Lizzy

I’m not a subscriber to the Thin Lizzy movement. I am in the minority, but after “The Rocker” I can’t get into any of their other tunes, especially the 2 big hits. Guitar work is fine, but I find the songs contrived and a little corporate rock sounding.

Topic

Nirvana is given much credit for being revolutionary and changing music, but were they? Did they in fact change anything and was it for the better. Please includes thoughts that include radio, live performances, and music business as a whole. And on a lighter note, what was the first song that you remember really liking.

Part I

Take a seat D’Arcy. You’re not going to believe my answer……

I do not think that Nirvana changed music. What I believe their importance is, is that they rejuvenated the rock scene. Sure there was a alternative scene (the original alt rock movement) but here came Nirvana to be the poster boys that brought back messy, garage guitar rock, with a punk, anti-establishment attitude. Their attitude and haphazard delivery is what the public attached to. They weren’t the first grungers but I think they or Pearl Jam were the best. I personally really like their discs, but I don’t believe they did anything hot off the griddle new.

Part II

Believe it or not, the first song I can remember really getting into was Let it Be by the Beatles. I remember riding my bike in Enfield singing it.