A music blog focusing on the feelings music gives you, rather than the genre. Including music news, recommendations, reviews and general stories, I hope to get a community going where we can talk about all this :).
I'm Ciaran Kerr, a student in Brisbane. If you like what I do or have any of your own recommendations, either comment on the blog or email me at holy.emailing.batman@gmail.com
People don't seem to understand that music is a lot more than just the lyrics. As I have said in my last post, music begins where words end, so music can stand alone from the poetry behind them.
Now, lyrics can be out of this world - and I will soon do a post about what I think are some of the greatest lyrics I have ever come across - but I find instrumental music (of any kind) is often looked over when it comes to discovering new tunes. Since this is a recommendations blog, I thought it would be good to show you what music on its own can actually be, compiling a short playlist to get you all started.
So, here are my top 5 singer-less songs.
1. Dayvan Cowboy - Boards of Canada
It takes a while to set up, so stick with this one. This is probably one of my absolute favorites, especially when the guitar and drums kick in to gear. It's absolutely transcendent, and if I had an epic movie made of my life - this would back some sort of montage in there. Great to use when you need to do some work - typing to this makes it seem you are on the brink of a creative discovery.
2. Space Walk - Lemon Jelly
This is a bit of a cheat. There are words in here, but they come from a sample of an astronaut in space, looking at the wonders around him. The music is what makes this, and the repeated 'beautiful, beautiful, beautiful....just beautiful' running through the track seems more like another instrument than it does any type of words. Worth a listen, especially if you need to hear something uplifting.
3. Arieth's Theme - FFVII
The closest to classical orchestral music on this list, Arieth's theme is just an absolutely beautiful piece of work. Now, I could take kudos for this find, but to be honest the beauty of the music from Final Fantasy VII was shown to me by my partner. I have not played more than a level of this game, however, when I heard this song for the first time it took me somewhere not many pieces of music have managed. It hits right at your heart strings, and is worth a listen regardless of whether you like the game it hails from.
4. Singing Under the Rainbow - World's End Girlfriend
This is what I imagine landing on a different, beautiful planet will sound like. Once you get past the initial strangeness, it is amazing to listen to. My advice, lie on your bed with your eyes closed and listen to this. You wont be disappointed.
5. Farewell - Apocalyptica
I love cello music, and I find this song darkly uplifting. I went through a phase where I liked a lot of darker, grungier music, and this is the only thing I haven't as of yet grown out of. This is a great song to relax to, and is great if you're in a more sombre mood.
Music seems to begin where words end, expressing things we cannot express with mere syllables. I know from experience - as a blogger, trying to describe a song you want to recommend to everyone is just an absolute nightmare! From the beginning, I have said this blog is all about the emotion music gives you, and how it can spark imagination.
I love to read. The happiest place I could ever be found in is surrounded by books with a vinyl on. Since I have been busy lately with my Literature course, I realized I didn't have a chance to read my OWN books, the ones I always buy when out. So, with the terrible side effect of abandoning this blog for a short while, I found that I had spent a lot of my time with my head buried in a book.
One of these books was 'A Visit From the Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan, and it gave me this idea.
Apart from recommending the book to you all (you should read it though, it's great), the one thing that interested me about this book was its musical feel. It was then to my delight that the author herself had compiled a playlist of songs to listen to while reading her novel. It reminded me of the time my favorite teacher asked us all to make a playlist for Hamlet as homework, and although fun I found it rather pointless.
When thinking about these things now, I began to muse on what music can add to a novel. What would other classic characters listen to if they had the music of today? What music will provide a background for certain books? Where can I find out?
So, I decided to do this little feature. I will compile a small playlist of about 3 songs for one classic character, and recommend an album to listen to alongside some kind of book. It will be a regular thing, so if you want to recommend anyone to me - go right ahead.
Atticus Finch
After a lot of thought, this is probably my favorite classic literary character ever, so I couldn't resist. Since he is an inward, thoughtful type, I can't help but imagine him listening to dark, poetic blues. Soulful words with distinctive voices.
The first artist I thought he would adore is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. With deep, haunting vocals and simple guitar in the background, it seems to reflect the darker side of small town life. Since he is a lawyer, I don't think he would be able to resist 'Henry Lee'. I also MAY have chose this particular song because the author of To Kill a Mockingbird is Harper Lee, and it sounds similar. Either way, I think this will be a good choice.
Next, I thought he would have something to remind him of Tom Robinson. Something to reflect the plight of what he and Tom went through. Something melancholic, yet soulful at the same time. Also, it would be a song of mourning, and that reflects unity (something Atticus seemed to strive for). This is why I chose 'Down tn the River to Pray' by Alison Krauss. This song means the same to anyone, Christian or not, and the beautiful, goosebump-inducing moment when she calls the 'sinners' is something very special.
Finally, something of hope and wisdom. Atticus's kids would have had a huge impact on him, and I think the simple wisdom of 'Imagine' would resonate with him. I don't think this song needs any more introduction.
And now for the album spotlight...
Aryeh Frankfurter & Lisa Lynne - Weaving Worlds
This music literally makes you feel as if you are in the middle of an
enchanted forest surrounded by fairies. It is very, very mystical - with
beautiful harps and strings that seem to transport you to another
world. This is fantastic to listen to in relation to traditional fantasy
books - whether it be Lord of the Rings or similar. Something with
magic and deep forests will come to life with this as its soundtrack.
Here is a quick sample to have a listen:
Ok, so I realized that the mixtape is fading away fast. It might be because of the rise in digital media, it could be because people just don't take the time out anymore - but it is still a sure fire way to A) share music and B) do something for someone (relatively cheaply). So, since this blog is called the magic mixtape - here is a few idea's to get you started.
Now, a mixtape is very similar to a playlist, the only difference is - you need to put thought into the order of the songs. So, I am going to take a leaf out of Rob Gordon's book (yes, he is a fictional character from High Fidelity - but this works, trust me!) and lay down some track-by-track rules.
1. You have to start off with a bang. Don't start with your best song, but you need to make sure it kicks off to a great beginning.
2. Step it up a notch. You have to get whoever is listening to it to want to continue on, and you do this by making the second song one of (if not THE) best songs on the mix.
3. Cool it down a bit, maybe but something on a little more atmospheric. You don't want to overwhelm your listener with ultimate drums.
4. Go back to a higher tempo song that you know they'll love. By this point, they should be already hooked on the mix.
This will work because people form their opinions on a mix within the first few songs. They need to be able to know the style of music they will be listening to, and what they are to expect in the next 13 tracks or so.
Another important rule: if you are using a disc, fill the CD as much as it feels right. DO NOT feel the need to fill it up with 19 songs that you are clutching at straws for in the end.
So, in honor of these rules - I have personally made a mixtape for you all to freely enjoy. Just download, unzip and add it to your iTunes. This one focuses on generic indie themed songs, but I'm hoping to do more specific mixes (with specific purposes) in the coming months.
Probably the shortest fantastic album ever
recorded, Bragg’s first outing of political cat-scratch sonnets and warped but
somehow real love songs is simply too raw to ignore.Indeed, the acclaimed and revered British
D.J. John Peel couldn’t ignore it himself when it arrived strangely on his
doorstep along with a Mushroom Biryani (a curry that upon analysis appears
wholly undesirable). Since, Bragg has
made a name for himself as one of England’s foremost songwriters and musically
minded political thinkers.And yet,
after a string of well-regarded albums (albeit fading a little more into
obscurity with each release) Bragg’s debut effort still manages to explode in
your ears with punk sensibilities and sonic assault like no other.In short, Life’s a Riot is more hard-hitting
and extreme than the majority of Rock and Metal’s limited spectrum. Despite being more of an E.P
it was marketed as an album for chart reasons.This doesn’t seem to matter upon listening to it.During its mere sixteen minutes Life’s a Riot
purposefully grips and pulls you into a world of working class dissatisfaction
(“To Have and to Have Not”) and
devoted but somehow woeful romance (“Milkman
of Human Kindness”).Billy does it
all with a guitar sound and playing style quite simply like no other.Whilst successfully applying the noisy and
abrasive tenants from his long days of punk, he still manages to play with an
almost Motown inspired rhythm filled with one-time-only musical inflections.
To a certain extent this
record has become shadowed since its niche disappeared in the early nineties,
but the truth he speaks lyrically and with his extremely subtle musicianship
still endures today.It’s an album
overlooked by most and yet deeply appreciated by those aware of it.Indeed, these short recordings were enough to
stop John Peel himself from eating his free meal to play Bragg’s music on his
radio show.If this short collection was
stellar enough to instantly cause Britain’s most respected D.J. to help propel
Bragg’s career then there are no reasons, anachronisms or otherwise, for this
colourful record to fade.
So, it's leaked!
When a new Bond movie comes out, two questions are usually asked - Who is going to be this film's token girlfriend, and who is going to sing the song? This time, Adele was chosen — and for the first time I got excited about something Bond related.
Now, I'm not the biggest fan of Bond - nor do I ever profess to know much about them, but I do usually enjoy the themes. The films themselves leave a little to be desired, I for one do not enjoy watching a serious spy drama focusing on womanising borderline alcoholic run around as explosions follow him, while villains stroke their cats. Austin Powers is a comedy — that's why they get away with it. But, as a film and music junkie it seems there must be something in these themes to get people excited about them every two years. I mean, Duran Duran, Lulu, Jack White, Dame Shirley and even Sir Paul McCartney have been involved in these things. So, why the appeal?
I think its because it seems to be a genre of music all on its own. These big strings, sultry voices - they all seem to be linked by something that removes them slightly from other songs. You don't get excited about the new 'rock' song coming out, because there is a constant stream. Here, there are two years between every song - so people who like the genre do get excited.
So, I thought instead of just spouting my opinions, I would look at the charts. I wondered what exactly the most popular Bond themes were, when, and how long they charted for. Since I am a geek with mountains of data regarding charts, I decided to look at what the public seemed to think the best Bond theme was.
Out of the huge list of Bond themes, these are the ones that charted. The top two are Nobody Does it Better and For Your Eyes Only, charting for 25 weeks each. My personal favourite is Live and Let Die, but from this you can see what people want. The majority of the high players are your typical, big orchestra - soulful voice melody. The people have spoken, and apparently Adele had listened.
I heard the new Bond theme 'Skyfall', and, I have to say, it is one of the best. If you are a fan of Bond tunes or Adele, I think you would love this. She took the sultry route, following Shirley Bassey's of big, booming voices in front of large string arrangements. Much better than the awful theme (and film) that Quantum of Solace brought. I won't be watching Skyfall when it comes out, but I sure as hell will be listening to its theme tune.
So, last night I found myself back at Jet Black Cat records for another one of their in-stores. This time was rather different from the usual singer-songwriters that grace the tiny venue - there was a full reggae influenced set going on. It provided a very interesting vibe, to say the least.
Let's start by introducing the band. Their name is Kingfisha, and they describe themselves as a 'reggae electro band'. They have recently won the Triple J Unearthed Roots competition, and were celebrating the new release of their 7-inch vinyl at the cat.
Their sound is quite unique. It does have a very reggae style, but to me they sound very influenced by The Police. The members of the band were very good, the bassist and guitarist very tight - and the drummer also acting as the lead singer (a feat that any musician will tell you is very hard to achieve!). The beats were solid, and got you in the groove for a good hour or so.
The only issue was the similarity of most of their songs. They seemed to meld in the middle, and I think listening to too many of their songs in one go might prove a little wearing. Their style seems to overwhelm their substance, the set not changing up much at all.
They did, however, put on a good show. Just when the music started to lull, a trombonist was added to the mix to spice things up a bit. It worked well, and I have to congratulate the trombonist on A) playing soft enough for a tiny record store and B) not hitting anyone in the face with his instrument. It was a good night, which even got the crowd dancing at the end of it.
Despite what was said about the variety of their songs, they are a very good band who deserve a little notice - as their sound is very different to the typical acoustic stuff that's circulating at the moment.
OK, so I have had to incredible fortune of listening to this album before its release date (thankyou JB HiFi) and have been waiting for it to come out for a long time. I have heard every track as it has been released, basically begged for money so I could get the vinyl boxset. Being a huge Muse fan, this album was one of the most exciting things to happen this year.
And, I have to say, it didn't disappoint.
Their last album, The Resistance (2009), was great - but was a little lacklustre. Part of me was hoping Muse were just trying the more accessible songs out, rather than fading away. It turns out, they weren't. The 2nd Law has a different sound on every track, and has amped up the sounds of The Resistance tenfold.
Overall, the album mixes epic string sections with popular dance, sprinkled with Freddie Mercury inspired vocals over the top. A lot of people have said it sounds as if it's where Queen would have went if they were still around, but unlike in their last album - the Queen influence is actually very subtle. There aren't as many opera-like falsettos as were found in United States of Eurasia, just a cheeky vibe from Bellamy that hasn't really been seen in a Muse album before.
Since this album is so varied, I thought I would do a track by track mini-review so you guys can get a general feel for this great album.
1 - SupremacySo, the album hits the ground running and begins with a gritty guitar riff and a hard drum beat, adding in epic strings to just raise it up another bar. There are the typical Muse vocals, and the dystopic vibe that seems to be a theme in Muse's work. This is definitely one to rock out to, work out to, or just have on while you walk to the local shop, in your mind fighting a huge dystopic war (wait, am I the only one that does that?)
2 - Madness
This is very, very different to the first track. Where I am used to a large sound from Muse songs - this seemed a lot more subdued. This is the track where Bellamy adds a little cheekiness into the vocals and it has no dystopic theme in the lyrics. It's actually a very accessible love song, made different by the constant ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-mad-mad-mad scrolling through the background. There is even an awesome Queen-esque guitar solo in there. Very different for Muse, but it's as if they've done it for years.
Since it was a single, I'll actually link you to this one:
3 - Panic Station
First epic, then subdued and now... funky? Awesome funky bass-work, a soulful (and again, cheeky) vocal performance by Bellamy. This is one of my absolute favourites from the album. Michael Jackson seems to be an influence here - and I can't wait until I can see Bellamy strut around the stage to it. The music in itself is very funky, but has the Muse-rock edge. Again very different, but I love it.
4 - Prelude
A 53 second piece of classical string music. Very beautiful, and gets you psyched for the next track.
5 - Survival
Yep, the Olympic theme song. When listening to it this time, I thought of the actual meaning behind the song rather than the 'I'm gonna win an Olympic race' theme behind it when it was first released. In the album, it fits perfectly into the human race's attitudes in this dystopic, unsustainable world. Very epic, with Opera backings. If you haven't heard it already, here it is:
6 - Follow Me
Once again, pulls back from the intense insanity of the last track. This seems more like a soft, atmospheric ballad building up with a heartfelt vocals and ambient sounds, before hitting into the chorus where it turns into a pop-dance track. Yep, so far there is funk, dance, epicness, a love song. This album seems to have it all. Trivia: the beat in the background is actually Matt Bellamy's son's heartbeat.
7 - Animals
This isn't a standout for me, but still a very solid song. Sounds a lot like their previous stuff, so it is nice in there to remind you 'this is actually Muse you are listening to'. The guitar in it is actually great (kind of Pink Floyd prog rock style before rocking out with a fast solo) - it just doesn't do much to excite me. Nice addition to the album, but not much can be said about it.
8 - Explorers
Begins with a very simple piano, with Bellamy singing softly over it. Its like a lamentation, very beautiful lyrics about humanity and their relationship to nature. Soft strings come in, as Bellamy chants 'free me from this world', and it gives me goosepimples. For anyone who is angry at what humanity is doing to nature, this song will hit you on a deep level. For those who don't seem to care - listen to this and maybe you will. Pure poetry.
9 - Big Freeze
A lot more upbeat than the last track, the guitar being the high point. Even though the lyrics are, once again, very dystopic - the track gets you in that excited rock-out mood. Its as if they taught you something with Explorers, to build you up to get hyped to this track. Very clever arrangement.
10 - Save Me
This song was actually written and sung by Chris, so you are in for something very different again, with soft guitar behind Chris's vocals (which seem to have a lot of reverb on them). There are some Beatles-style harmonies, all building. It's very hard to explain or review this track - it seems to have taken conventions from bands such as The Who and The Beatles whilst bringing something completely different. Very upbeat, and a great addition to the track list.
11 - Liquid State
From the softer rock of Save Me, you are thrust into grungy, hard rock guitars. Chris is singing again, and his voice sounds very, very different to Bellamy's - and you find yourself in a classic rock song. The production is where this track stands out. It's hard to get a band to sound completely different, whilst still retaining their 'vibe'. I like this song because I haven't really heard any straight-up rock from this band before and this shows they can actually do a brilliant job at it.
12 - Unsustainable
OK, I listened to this in August when it was first released. I don't know what I expected, but here are my exact reactions: Epic string sections come in - wow. Then a crowd of soulful voices come in along with some more strings - this is going to be epic. Then the newsreader comes into it - very different, but I get into the groove of it.... then 'an economy based on endless growth is...' - What? DUBSTEP? What, what, what, what?
I sat in front of my computer for a good ten minutes after I heard this, silent. I didn't get it. It didn't sound like my band. I didn't know if I loved it or hated it, I didn't know what just happened.
Then I realised, I love it. It was such a step forward for them, after the lacklustre of The Resistance, it was great to see a breath of fresh air for them. Very, very epic song. I want to see them do this live. I want to mosh to this. Come to Brisbane, Muse. Please. It's a single, so have a listen (caution: it may blow your head off).
13 - Isolated System
Piano, strings, that news caster comes in again. Nice little cap-stone to the album. Seems more like an ending to a story rather than a song. It seems to show the aftermath. Still, you end this album feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Now, some people will see this album as madness over genius. I think either way - Muse has given a varied album which has a track for every mood. They have shown us they can do so many things, and do them all well. I am very, very impressed by these tracks and I think Muse has won their right by now to do any of their indulgent musical desires (which this album seems full of).
Perfect album for 2012, and I can't wait to listen to it more.
