First things first: When listening to the new album, I've noticed that it sounds like the boys lifted a guitar loop from the end of "Dark Center of the Universe" as part of the opening to "Gravity Rides." If you play track 3 followed by track 2, you'll hear that the very last guitar sound in "Dark Center," which is a note whose pitch is bent down and then back up to the original tone, is the foundation for the beginning of "Gravity Rides," with some percussive elements added by Jeremiah over that particular guitar noise (sticks tapping the rim of the snare, sounds like to me). This was something I noticed quite some time ago and keep forgetting to mention, it was a lot more obvious to me when the sequence of the album had "Dark Center" first and "Third Planet" third. Which brings me to another thought: How might this album have been different if "Dark Center" had opened it instead of "Third Planet" in the top slot? I really think that "Third Planet" segued into "Perfect Disguise" much better than "Dark Center," but this is just my opinion, of course. Please contribute yr random thoughts to the forum. I'm also curious as to how these songs can come off as "uninspired" to some people, especially when the band has been playing some of these songs live for almost two years. Again, just my opinion, but is it possible that people are finding the big production sound to be too sterile, and suddenly they think less of the songs because of the way they sound? I guess I just don't understand why some people are having such a hard time enjoying this album, there seems to be some kind of mental block attributed to clean sound and multiple overdubs. Granted, during the first few listens there are so many new sounds to soak up and contemplate, but I really believe that this one will grow on you, as it has for me. It seems that the more I hear it, the more I find new elements to the songs that I didn't immediately recognize before. And I can't get over just how heavy "Stars Are Projectors" is, I mean I heard it live about a year ago, but on the album it just sounds so full and meaty. *swoon* Something else I don't understand about the kids today: Why all this negativity about twin billings like Weezer and the Get Up Kids? These are two bands who specialize in power pop/rock, one whose lyrics are more personal and one whose lyrics are not. I really don't see what is so hard to understand about them playing together on a tour. Now if you're pairing Cat Power and Cock ESP, I can see yr query, but two bands with catchy distorted riffs and pogoing peeps? I'm of the belief that Weezer might be trying to reach a different audience with this new release (or maybe the same audience in a different place, if you know what I mean. Considering that "Pinkerton" had disappointing sales in Geffen's eyes, perhaps the band is attempting to get in touch with the people who are most likely to still be dedicated fans, like the kids who are listening to bands that are largely influenced by Weezer and other power pop/rock acts. And if the Get Up Kids are seeking exposure on MTV via 120 Minutes, wouldn't it make sense for them to play with a band who was once an MTV darling? If you ask me, Reggie and the Full Effect's "Girl, Why'd You Run Away" was by far the best Weezer song since Weezer themselves. And that, my friends, is a very good thing. Re: moshing at concerts I think moshing was a lot more interesting to me when I wasn't so concerned with actually watching the musicians play onstage. I think there's nothing more communal than a good group pogo, especially if Pavement is closing their encore in Towson last September with "You're Killing Me," "Conduit For Sale!," and finally "Unfair." I think it's great to be able to jump up into the air and bump into yr buddy while screaming "THIS IS A SLOW SICK SUCKING PART OF ME!!!" But moshing? Do you we really have that much pent-up rage and angst to spare at a Modest Mouse concert? Whatever happened to just jumping up and down instead of needing to run into people? And more importantly, who here wants to show their age and tell me they actually remember SLAM dancing? Now THAT was entertainment. *sigh* Where are my salad days? To those making Talking Heads comparisons, I think the only portion of "Paper Thin Walls" that reminds me of them is during the verses when Jeremiah is hitting a pair of agogo bells while playing a rather busy beat. Can someone else cite more examples? I like the fact that the Talking Heads used a lot of percussion in their songs. If percussion and drums are yr thing, might I recommend the album "Boomerang" by the Creatures. Schweet stuff. Some other random recommendations: - June of 44 - "In the Fishtank" - If you were disappointed with "Anahata," then pick this up and relive the magic. Their best in years. - Hot Snakes - "Automatic Midnight" - Bought this on multiple recommendations, and I was not disappointed. Gritty, loud and definitely rock. - Back Off Cupids - self-titled - The lovely Stephanie previewed this for me, and it was very engaging, I need to pick it up post-haste. - Johnny Cash - "Live At Folsom"- Columbia reissue with 3 unreleased songs. Cash is more folk than country, if you ask me. So very good. - Smashing Pumpkins - various mp3's - My housemate found an ftp site with the full studio version of "Jackboot." If this band ever releases full versions of all of the jam material that comprised "Pastichio Medley," it would be punishing. - Mogwai - Mogwai - Mogwai - Mogwai - Mogwai - Why do I love them so much? I dunno. Just do. - Apocalypstick - They are playing that Wilkes-Barre festival, and they're friends of mine, so be sure to praise them. that is all. *phiL* __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/
