April 5

Sorry for the long wait, I've been busy. But in all that time not writing on this blog I listened to a lot of music and watched a few movies, and read a book or two. First off, music and books, because books are connected to music today. I read this great book called Fargo Rock City, by Chuck Klosterman. Its about the author's upbringing in Minnesota, and heavy metal. But not really heavy metal, its more about glam metal. So a few weeks ago I listened to some bands he talked about in the book. W.A.S.P's first album was a highlight, especially songs, Fuck Like A Beast and I Want To Be Somebody. Also, I listened to a lot of Judas Priest, which admittedly more heavy than other glam rock. Highest are album Killing Machine, and Stained Class. Motel Crue is good also. top track IMO is She Goes Down. Finally the best glam metal album of all time, Appetite for Destruction, there really is no other glam metal that tops this album, any who wants to argue, comment. After I was through with that I moved on to what most would say is, "better," music. And for the most part, I agree. Ive been listening to a lot of Weezer, in preparation for their new album, which, by the way, is going to be amazing, I hope. Blue Album Pinkerton and Green Album are all good, everything else, disregarding a few songs from Everything Will Be Alright, is horrible. Also, check out albums that never were for songs from the black hole, which has some cool alternate versions of Pinkerton songs. Furthermore, I got back into Steely Dan, after too long. The last time I really listened to them in earnest was in the fall, but now I'm back. They are probably the best band in the jazz rock genre, Blood Sweat and Tears is good, but its not as listenable, and Chicago is overplayed, and the discography is too massive, 36 albums, come on, thats enough. Great Steely Dan tracks are as follows, all of Aja, Don't take Me Alive, off Scam, Gaucho, (song) and side two of Katy Lied lastly, Haitian Divorce from Scam is killer, great Talk Box guitar, and vocals, and general atmosphere, Ill try to put up a lesson for that too, but ill have to sound it out. For anyone interested, I will be posting a video lesson for Deacon Blues, a cool jazzy song, buts its very long, and the chords are very weird, its best done fingerpicked, but strumming words well too. Look out for that this week. Next, is High On Fire. These are one of the few respectable modern thrash bands. They're are very heavy, and pretty stoner-y, lead guitarist also plays for sludge masterminds Sleep. I haven't listened to anything but their 2007 album Death is this Communion, which is really good, very bassy. Okay, moving on, Movies. First off, I watched the Blue Mountain State movie, which an hour and half of complete garbage, but it was very funny, in a stupid juvenile way. Moving on, I watched the warriors, a movie from 1979 about gangs in New York, and its not the Scorsese flick Gangs Of New York. Its very stylized and the costumes are sarcastic. Its well directed and artsy. Also I rewatcted Nightcrawler, which is phenomenal. It's not only has an interesting story, but the charters are believable and all twisted in their own ways, and the art direction is very cool: the artificial light of the LA nighttime, the  cars, the gear, it's all very stylish. Furthermore, good performance by Gyllenhaal. I also watched the original Fast and Furious. For all the hate the series, rightfully, receives, the first movie was acceptable, for anyone into cars, it should be required watching, also the chase sequences are cool, and for anyone looking to receive their days in the early 2000's the clothing and music and overall aesthetic are very convincing. Finally, I watched Interstellar. Interstellar was a masterpiece. You may think I'm being sarcastic, but Im not. I loved interstellar, it was probably my favorite Nolan movie. Good performance by McCouhnahey, I know I spelled that wrong, and by Anne Hathaway. In my opinion there was way too much crying, but it's too be expected. I really enjoyed the plot, and the science of the whole thing was interesting, so much so that it convinced me to go back to reading science fiction. This brings me to my next topic. I read Leviathan Wakes, a fairly recent book. Its the first in a series of space operas by James A Corey. very realistic characters and breakneck story. Its a quick read, took me 3 days, but there are like 5 sequels. Then I started Ringworld, the 1970 opus of Larry Niven. I haven't finished yet, but I plan to get a lot of reading done in the next week, as I'm going on vacation. But so far, it a good book, very Hard SF, which is exactly what I was looking for, big science concepts, and equations etc. The dialogue and some of the characters' actions is fairly ridiculous, and will make readers laugh out loud. However, its a good book, its kind of dense though. All this space stuff dragged me back into Floyd. Set the controls for the Heart of the Sun, off Saucer is a a very cool song, also, the rest of the album is pretty space-y, for Barret fans, check out obvious choices, Astronomy Domine and Interstellar Overdrive, both off Piper. Echoes, to a lesser extent, as its more nature, kind of like an alien world. Also, for a good playlist, look at the transcendentalist post. Video lessons will be on soon, and Ill probably make another post next Sunday, or maybe during next week.

Okay, I just did an english report on a playlist for the transcendentalists. Keep in mind this is an english project, but for those interested, its a good playlist. Enjoy

Thoreau and Emerson, despite their animosity towards worldly possessions and constructs of society, thoroughly enjoyed music. Thoreau said, “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest,” building upon Emerson’s earlier quote: “The music that can deepest reach, and cure all ill, is cordial speech.” I made up a playlist of songs that either or both of the philosophers probably would enjoy, if they lived in the present day, however difficult it may be for one to imagine two nineteenth century transcendentalists jamming out to the Pixies. 

First on the list is the song Heroin. This song is about Lou Reed’s addiction to heroin in the late 1960’s, however, there is one verse where he talks about how he wished that he [Reed] could have lived, “a thousand years ago,” and lived a simpler life. I think that part of the song would resonate especially with Thoreau, because he was really into the living simply, one of his most known quotes is, “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” 

Second is Disorder, by the Joy Divison. This song is about one man, singer/guitarist Ian Curtis’,  annoyance with the complicated nature of his daily life. This song is off the album Unknown Pleasures, one of the first albums to be considered, “post-punk,” a genre that is made up of elements from punk music, such as the faster tempo, socially relevant songs and DIY ethic, but incorporates elements from experimental music, world music, and the avant-garde. This genre popped up in Manchester in the late 70’s after genuine punk music fizzled out, for any interested, the movies 24 Hour Party People, about the record label, the Factory, and Control, about Ian Curtis’ life, detail the era. But I digress. Emerson and Thoreau would surely enjoy this song, if they lived in the present, because it details the complicated nature of societal living, and frustration with the confusion. Here is a quote from Emerson regarding that worldly confusion, “At times the whole world seems to be in conspiracy to importune you with emphatic trifles. Friend, client, child, sickness, fear, want, charity, all knock at once at thy closet door and say,—'Come out unto us.' But keep thy state; come not into their confusion. The power men possess to annoy me I give them by a weak curiosity. No man can come near me but through my act.” 

Next is Stuck Inside Mobile, by Bob Dylan. This song is one of those Dylan ones that for the most part is gibberish, but the chorus is relatable, for not only the two philosophers, but for many people, in general. The chorus describes the singer, Dylan, griping about how it’s disappointing and surprising that the “end”: is being stuck inside with the blues. 

Fourth, is the suite, Mind Flowers, by Ultimate Spinach. This band was active in the late 60’s, and was one of the founders/participants in the Boston psychedelic movement. This is a really weird and obscure band that is kind of rare, I checked on Amazon, there is only one copy of the CD of their album, Behold and See, priced at $105, however, I bought it on vinyl for $3.99 from a store in Baltimore last spring, what a find! Okay, back to the song. It's about taking a trip into your mind, or being self aware. The song is fairly long and improvisational and very acid-y. However, I feel like Emerson especially would like this song’s lyrics. He says, “A man is what he thinks all day long,” a clear example of how self awareness leads to one’s identity. 

Next up, at number 5, is the Caves of Altamira, by Steely Dan. This band is a jazz rock group that gained infamy in the production world because of their ridiculously perfectionist producing, to give an example, for their 1979 album, Gaucho, they hired an excess of 80 session musicians and spent over a year in the studio. The song is about a man who shunned the “busy society,” and chose to go it alone. Obviously Thoreau would love this song. Not only does it promote almost the same message as Walden, be alone, it has a face melting tenor sax solo at the end. 

Next, is Hangar 18, by Megadeth. First off, don't pay attention to the controversial moniker, Megadeth. While this was probably not the best choice of a name for a commercially intended band, it’s what they chose. This song, off the group’s 1990 magnum opus, Rust in Peace, is about an employee, presumably of the government, giving a private citizen a tour of an Area-51-like facility. The lyrics only go on for two verse, and about a minute and a half, the rest of the song is made up a 4 minute dueling guitar solo by guitarists, Dave Mustaine, and Marty Friedman. Thoreau probably wouldn’t like this song, because it's intense thrash metal,  but one lyric would surely resonate with him: “military intelligence/two words combined that can't make sense.” This sentiment is almost exactly the same as the philosopher’s in Civil Disobedience. For example, his quote, “I believe,—That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.” Clearly shows this opinion. 

Moving on, we have Ocean Breathes Salty, by the band Modest Mouse. This is a great band for anyone who wants to think of themselves as, “totally inde.” However, disregarding their popularity with those who don't want to take the time to find a real underground band that isn't garbage, Modest Mouse is actually a very respectable alternative rock band. This song is about going to the beach, or something, singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, is fairly cryptic. However in the chorus he sing s about how he, “had to think a spell,” in a jail. Obviously this would be a good tune for Thoreau. Here is a quote about jail, “Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.” 

Track 8 bring us to the Pixies. The Pixies are a weird band who not only have weird music, but also weird subject matter, frontman Francis Black, a stage name, sings about offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials, surrealism, incest, and biblical violence. However these songs, despite themselves, are all really good. This band was recognized as the harbingers of the alternative rock era in the late 80’s, and influenced better known bands like Nirvana, Weezer, and the Strokes (all of which should be required listening for anyone who likes alternative music.) Where is My Mind, is probably their most well known song, it’s in the end of Fight Club, for those who have seen it. The song is about a guy who goes swimming in the caribbean, and in the water, his mind exits his head and goes swimming with some koi, which, side note, shouldn't be in the caribbean. However, this lacking of a brain would resonate with the philosophers, who claimed that the mind was the most sacred part of existence. Thoreau says that, “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” 

Next track is the Calamity Song, by the Decemberists. The Decemberists are an independent  folk group from Portland. This song is apparently emulates the dark humor of David Foster Wallace, and is a “tribute,” to Infinite Jest, (after further investigation, I learned that this song’s music video is the band singing along to a game of Eschaton, the nuclear tennis ball thing.) Regardless, I like this song, and I think Thoreau would too. He would appreciate the hyperbolic nature of the sarcastically misanthropic narrator. “We heaved relief as scores of innocents died.” 

This dark sentiment leads to our next song: Repentless, by Slayer. Now, if this moniker does not put you off, it should. Slayer is one of, if not the most, intense and hardcore thrash metal band of all time. Newcomers to the genre, be warned, this music is not for everyone. It is hard to enjoy, and assaultive to the ears. Most of the album “art”, while satirical for the most part, is saturated by satanic iconography and offensive images. (Most bands publish these albums with a very tongue-in-cheek mentality, but some like extreme black metal bands Bathory and Deicide are actually satanic, I would advise not listening to bands such as these at all. However, if Slaughter in the Vatican is the reader’s favorite album, I won't try to sway his or her opinion, all the more power too you) However, the message of this song, while shrouded in bone crushing double bass speed drumming and profanity, is one that almost all listeners can appreciate. The bassist, Tom Araya, sings, or rather, shouts, guitarist Kerry King’s lyrics, about how the “world is in disarray,” because of “arrogance, and violence.” Now if one listened to this song and didn’t understand the words they would be surprised that it is actually an anti-violence/war song. (This may be a bit of a stretch, but it works better for transcendentalists when viewed in this light) Thoreau, would almost undoubtedly not listen to this with any sort of regularity, but could surely appreciate its message, that the world is busy and aggravating. (Side note to reader: don't go to a Slayer concert) 

Track 11, almost to the end. This is a song by the east coast hip hop group Gang Starr. Despite their name, Gang Starr is not a gangster rap group, if anything they’re more of a golden-age duo. Above the Clouds features Wu-Tang Clan member, Inspectah Deck. (that’s the way it’s spelled) It starts off with a long winded introduction that includes segments from a John F. Kennedy speech, samples from jazz saxophonist John Dankworth, and noises from a Superman cartoon. Emerson would probably like this intro, but moreover, the first verse and chorus would further resonate with his philosophies. For example, Guru, the lead singer sings of how, “experience [is] the best teacher,” and “above the clouds, where the sounds are original, infinite skills create miracles.” Here he shows how, by speaking your mind, or being original, miracles of wisdom are produced. Emerson similarly talks of speaking what’s in one’s mind: “Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense; for the inmost in due time becomes the outmost, – and our first thought is rendered back to us by the trumpets of the Last Judgment.” 

Finally, we have Echoes, by Pink Floyd. This band and song should require no introduction, however I’m going to give one anyways. Pink Floyd is the progressive rock band. One may argue for Yes, or for King Crimson, and while these bands are great, they don't come close to the level of musicianship, production, themes, lyrics, and overall style of Pink Floyd. Now, I would love to get into a long winded argument with myself over the best progressive rock band, or the best Pink Floyd album, or lineup, or suite, but this is an english project. This song, or should I say suite, is a 26 minute and 31 second gargantua. It is composed of three main segments, each with a few different parts. First is the intro, which is a grand piano playing one note, amplified through a Leslie rotating speaker, the same used to make the watery effect in Any Colour You Like. Over that piano is layers of samples and organ music, over all of which is a guitar solo. Then the entirety is repeated at a faster tempo and an orchestral backing. After this lengthy intro is the first verse chorus and second verse. Following those the song devolves into a lengthy quasi improvisation. Roger Waters sends his bass signal through a tape loop machine, and uses a guitar slide to make a billowing noise. David Gilmour creates a seagull’s scream by reversing the audio pedals in and out of his wah pedal, and loops it over and over to create a cacophony of seagull crying. Finally the song ends in with a grand chorus. Gilmour plays an extended guitar solo over Wright’s building Farsifa Organ, while two tapes of the choral singing are played into the speakers at different speeds. At long last, the singing dissolves into Wright’s organ effect to create a song like wind blowing through the trees, and leaves the listener feeling like they are flying. Not many songs alone can trump the experience of listening to all of Echoes in a dark room with great headphones, and for good reason: Pink Floyd’s masterful composition conveys a great depth to the listener that is near unachieveable with any other song. Thoreau would probably like this song because it has a lot of nature, seagulls, wind, and water; and lyrics about being alone in nature.