music & art

[Genna]

For the record, November Rain is FAAAR from their best song imo, although it is one of their most popular. If you haven't heard their music I strongly urge you to check out Appetite for Destruction - it's the best 15 bucks I've spent - seriously - then buy the RESt of their albums!

I adore the fact that Axl's voice can sometimes sound so old and so young at the same time. I take it you don't like that though lol. I do know what you mean - first time I heard him I was like what was that?! didn't sound like ANYTHIng/ANYONE I knew of - after a few listens tho he quickly became my fave singer. However, I don't think N.R. is his best vocal performance. (though doesn't slash sound killer?) One of my fave vocal performaces by axl: You're Crazy from GNR Lies (as opposed to the appetite for destruction version of the song). His reputation is to have a very strong voice in a very wide range which he jumps around in

Also, NR lyrics are good but check out the lyrics to Breakdown (google it). Again, his lyrics sometimes reflect some YOUNG badass (lol), eg. It's So Easy. And sometimes reflects someone whose lived a million years(as his former rhythm guitarist once said of axl) like in breakdown and locomotive.

I actually used to listen to exclusively "alternative rock" so yeah I loved Radiohead (uh prior to kid A, tho I recall 'there there' being a pretty good song). and I like pearl jam as well. Its funny that you mention grunge, cuz that's probably the first type of music I got really into back around the aftermath of Kurt Cobain's suicide ('94) AND grunge is sometimes accused of killing the GNR hardrock movement. Mind you I still like Nirvana, I don't see the sense in picking sides, they are overrated in a spectacular way but that shouldn't subtract from the fact that they did write beautiful music. (pearl jam was better - as was soundgarden: in fact Blow Up the Outside World is one of my fave songs EVER... but if I hear black hole sun one more time.....).

[Tim]

I tried to get into Pearl Jam, but I find Eddie Vetter's (sorry if i misspell) voice almost intolerable. The mumbling growl. I guess it will grow on me in time. (I used to not like the Velvet Underground, but now they're one of my favorite bands).

I think Radiohead is amazing. I thought I couldn't get into anything after Kid A -which I thought was a brilliant concept album... but most brilliant since Sgt. Pepper? Maybe. That could also be Vitrology by Pearl Jam. Even though I don't like EV's singing to the point that I almost can't stand it, I still think they're pretty good. Besides, Vitrology appeared in an art text book. The song that got me into Radiohead was Just -and I actually saw the video first. The video is simple and mysterious. It is also subtitled. My favorite Radiohead song would have to be Blow Out. I've got a live version of the track that's acoustic and it's still beautiful. I think OK Computer is phenomenal (despite me picking songs from Pablo Honey and The Bends as my favs).

My foreays into alt rock have been few and far between. It's funny that many alternative groups cease to be as such as soon as they get mainstream fame. Mad Magazine once called it real rock. My favorite alternative rocker, though, would have to be Beck. That guy is a genius. He transcends genres and no two of his albums are the same. (not to be confused w/ Jeff Beck, who is also a genius, and transcendant of genres). I can listen to almost any Beck tune except for stuff from his second to recent album (Sea Change) --that stuff is depressing. I havent gotten into Guero but the tracks I've heard are pretty good. What impressed me was seeing him live twice. One act was really lively, with a killer backing band, and an impressive show where they tore down the set doing Devil's Haircut. The other act was one-man-show, more-or-less, at the Ryerson Theatre. That's when I really appreciated him. It was the exact opposite of his show at the Maple Leaf Gdns.

I like a lot of the current bands out there right now. Not one group in particular, but the sound is pretty good. The only thing I can say is that there isn't much to distinguish them. Even their names. They're all catchy. Some of them seem contrived. Some of them are actually very cool. There are way too many bands out there. I highly recommend checking out these Boxed Sets called Nuggets and Nuggets II. Nuggets originally was a compilation of one-hit-wonders that was released as a 2LP set in the early 70s. It's claim to fame is the countless number of musicians & bands it influenced ranging from REM to Nirvana. The bands on Nuggets were garage groups and early punk groups trying to imitate what was coming out from England -but at the same time following it's own roots and cultural directions. Rhino expanded this collection into 4 CDs and released it as Nuggets I. I was reluctant to buy it (I couldn't care less for obscure one-hit-wonders at the time) -but all the reviews for it were amazing, and by Christmas all the sets were almost sold out -they were being re-ordered and the price was being jacked up by $30. So I got the last copy, and spun them. They were amazing. Dated, but amazing. A few years later, Rhino released Nuggets 2. While the first set focused on American groups, the second set had more of a global perspective. A lot of the groups were British/European (which was a bit of a disappointment, because there was only ONE Cdn track, and there was in fact a lot of good Canadian music) -and they only had one track from Japan. Despite all that, Nuggets 2 is a stronger collection. It was these two sets that really opened my window to a lot of music: You end up talking w/ other people who've heard of the sets, and they would tell you of a band influenced by this or that group that appeared on Nuggets. Then you check out the band. It doesn't really end either! I sold the boxed sets (something that I regret horribly) but I made copies of all the tracks. It isn't the same without detailed liner notes (talking about the group, it's brief history, personnel and a few words about the track in particular) -but that's something you can always look up, too. Recently they've released Nuggets 3, which consist of many bands that were influenced by the groups featured in the first two sets. The timeline for Nuggets 3 would be from the 1970s to the 1990s. If anyone is interested in Nuggets 1 or 2 -let me know and I'll be glad to share them.

[shen]

Wow, that was a lot of reading, but it was worth it

I remember seeing "Just" that was an amazing video, if you remember the part where the guy is saying something, and they removed the subtitles. He was explaining why he's on the ground. Thom York actually gave him some lines, I wonder what they actually were

But what got me in to Radiohead was, "high and dry", damn I love that song, so depressing yet uplifting.

I'm surprised no one mentioned their last album "Hail to the Thief", a criticism of American politics. FYI, the album title is referring to George W. Bush, for stealing the election from Al Gore, thus the phrase: "hail to the thief". They have some great tracks there other than "there there", it's a lot different from Kid A, an awesome balance of lyrics and sound, a lot of electronic sound, and unlike Kid A, the songs actually sound like songs.

And, Radiohead is currently working on their new album.........I'm gonna be the first guy that downloads it, mwahaha

I've always loved Eddie Vetter's voice, it gave a wise and experienced old man feeling to the songs, and i love their lyrics for songs like "Daughter", "Faithful", "Given to Fly", "Jeremy". Pearl Jam and Radiohead, have apparently maintained low profiles every year, it seems they want to avoid mainstream media. I remember hearing Pearl Jam not doing much to advertise their second album, "vs", which ended up selling from 10 -15 million copies, just cause it was an awesome album.

Hey Amit and Gen, do you guys have an FTP server that you can post those Nugget tracks and Guns N Roses songs on, so i can sample them?

Also, i gotta give a shout out to Beck, he is amazing, his sound and lyrics are so unique

[Tim]

My friend actually gave me Hail to the Thief because he didn't like it. I thought it was very cool. I never mentionned it because I didn't have a chance to really get into it. Really good driving music, but didn't get into it because my car stereo got cursed: It would swallow a CD and neither play nor return it for weeks. I totally didn't know about the political commentary until you mentionned it. It's also very uncanny. The cover reminds me of the back cover of Absolutely Free by Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention. It's absurd, and mostly awful. Zappa was not only a composer, but one of the pioneers of punk. " Absolutely Free" was his political commentary/spoof at the establishment. After that he & his group released "We're Only In It For The Money" -where he makes fun of everyone else. I don't like that one too much, but I still dig Absolutely Free.

I don't have an FTP server. But if you give me CDs, I will burn you tracks.

Amit

[Genna]

I don't have an FTP server either PLUS my Appetite for Destruction is lent out to a friend presently - hopefully will get it back sooon. I have the rest still though. Yeah either CD or with yousendit. Lemme know what you prefer.

I realized I forgot to comment on Bon Jovi. Thanks Velata for the files!! Ok you know Aerosmith's don't want to miss a thing era... that's like Bon jovi's whole career it seems!! Okok to be fair his voice was pretty rocking- there's no denying that. and love hurts is a great song. and when your in the right mood I'd definitely karaoke to I'll be there for you! overall I don't find them all that interesting - so can't say I'm a big fan, but I don't find them annoying anymore! rock on! so velata can I take a guess? you like def leppard?

[Velata]

... May I...?

Hmm... The conversation has taken another turn while I was away, hein?

To answer your question: As logical as it may sound, Velata has not have a chance to get into Def Leppard's music. Therefore, definately can't call myself a fan.

Glad to hear your views on Bon Jovi. I believe I did warn you that the small collection I have tend towards the ballads, perhaps that is what elicited the comments. That being said, if you ever feel like going to kareoke... hmm... give me a call. I'd like to hear you do your best Jon impersonation...

No... better yet.... Axl... ...

[Genna]

ahhhhhhahaha are you SURE? oh my! I don't mind singing really I just worry about those around me.
what am I going to do for that scream in I'll be there for you?! Know any karaoke places that would play songs we'd know? Christmas break! I'll sing you love hurts. Does Nazareth have a version of this song?

I went with Liz once and it was an Asian Karaoke place and I didn't know anything. I ended up singing Aerosmith's You don't want to miss a thing (geeeeez.... :eyeroll:), Dylan's Knocking on Heaven's Door, and Sheryl Crow's version of Sweet child of Mine. W-T-F!
In case you were wondering I was laughing/basically not singing for the last minute of sweet child hahahaha.

[Velata]

... May I...?

Strange as this may sound, Velata is never good at Kareoke, mainly because she's met with many who took this pastime much, much too seriously. Therefore, I really can't suggest any good places that'd play these wonderful songs we know and love.

Just to change gears a little. I've recently re-discovered a past favourite. She's a French-Canadian artist who found her niche and fame in France. Her name is Mylene Farmer.

The music style is... well, a bit of pop, a bit of rock, a bit of dance beat... not too strange, but just enough so you notice that she's not from around here (that... and the fact that she sings mostly in French... ). What's special about this lady is that she's quite the actress. Her music videos have to be seen to be believed. Her earlier videos are banned in North America for nudity, adult content, and gratuitous bloodshed. The later ones seemed to be a little more tame, but no less visually appealling.

Here's a taste of what she's capable of:
video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4813179262882329638&q=mylene+farmer

The song title is... strange... (and because of censorship reasons, cannot be reporduced here...) But it's worth a try. After all, I'm still looking for someone who's into big-budgeted, cinematic music videos... someone like me. ;D

[shen]

Hey

Karaoke is awesome, there are some great places to go to on woodbine and kennedy
the one on kennedy is called mix2 (i think). and it has a good variety of white music. It's about $10/person including refreshments and some food

I personally love singing hip hop songs, but these places never have the lyrics for it, i guess cause the artists rap to quickly. GGGGGGG-unit

[Genevieve]

Velata: I've been meaning to get a hold of some Mylène Farmer for ages, but not succeeded yet. I came across her name whilst randomly Googling for the name of another French singer I listened to sometimes: Alizée. Now, I'll admit that Alizée (barely 16 when she released her debut) is almost the French equivalent of Christina Aguilera, but some of her stuff is very catchy. She was apparently discovered by Mylène Farmer and trained by her. But if Alizée is Christina Aguilera, the links I found on Google seemed to suggest that Mylène Farmer was approximately the French Madonna. Whether or not that's true, it's been on my mental to do list to keep an eye out for her. I haven't really gotten into French music much more than that. I have a collection of Edith Piaf (famous French artist from around the second world war), but that is the extent of my French music collection.

I admit that I quite like a little GnR once in a while, but for 80s rock I think I actually prefer Van Halen. Slash's solos aside, I think Van Halen had much more musical flair. I'd almost go so far as to say "genius," although their lyrics can sometimes be more of a liability than a benefit to a song.

I have extremely wide-ranging taste in music and listen to all of it very frequently:

New Age --
I used to be hardcore into new age music, particularly Enigma. I don't think I'll ever lose my penchant for good old Michael Cretu. I used to pride myself on having all of the Enigma albums, but I think I'm behind in that now. I also like SOME of the newer Delirium. Never listened to any of the old stuff, but I've heard that its very different and extremely dark/disturbing. When I feel like something serene, I'll put some Enya on. When I'm feeling sci-fi, but also in need of something serene, I'll throw in some of John Serrie's space music. I'm also a fan of Deep Forest's debut album, but the ones after that go downhill as all the real inspiration left the group. Lately, I've also started giving Bjork a try and what I've heard thus far I've really liked.

Jazz --
Bossa Nova is my favourite jazz genre. Gotta love those Brazilians. I don't think I'll ever get tired of Corcovado or Girl from Ipanema. I'm also a fan of PJ Perry and his collaborative work with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Although I tend to prefer instrumental jazz, I definitely won't say no to some of jazz's most famous voices, like Nina Simone. I tend to find that jazz with lyrics gets a bit depressing, though, so I only listen to it when I can handle the downswing. Bossa Nova always picks me up.

60s & 70s Prog Rock --
My boyfriend is largely to blame for my getting into these bands and I'm glad of it. In addition to the standard Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, he also introduced me to some of the more obscure bands like King Crimson and The Kinks. I also dig EARLY (pre-Stevie Nicks) Fleetwood Mac. They did some great progressive stuff. Finally, although she can't really be classified as "rock," Canada's own Joni Mitchell easily makes my list of some of the best singer-songwriters of all time. She has such a beautiful, distinctive voice and singing style, and her lyrics absolutely genius.

Electronica --
I've been in love with electronic music since the early 90s and I'm not ashamed to admit it. My favourite "popular" electronica artists include Fatboy Slim, The Crystal Method and Hooverphonic. Jamiroquai can also be okay in small doses. I'm really digging the Verve Remixed stuff, too. So funky and trippy, all in one. Definitely something I chill out to. Right now, I'm also VERY much into a British electronica artist I've just discovered in the past few months: Chicane (not to be confused with some Canadian band named Chicane that I've been told is kicking around somewhere). I CANNOT GET ENOUGH CHICANE. SOMEONE PINCH ME; IT'S JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. Ahem. Yeah, I think Chicane is fantastic. *cough* Incredible musically and also has amazing lyrics. I was searching for a Chicane album forever before I finally found one at Sam the Record Man on Yonge. I suspect you can only get Chicane as an import in Canada, alas. It's well worth the extra cash, though.

British Rock --
I have to profess that I'm rather partial to British rock over American rock, especially when comparing more current artists. I thought Oasis were fantastic, despite their inflated egos. In spite of being a mad bastard, Van Morrison produced some amazing stuff. In the 80s, Big Country were a sound to be reckoned with, i.e. Porrohman. I'll be pleasantly surprised if anyone here has heard of Mike Scott or The Waterboys. Mike Scott is the lead singer, writer and orchestrator for the Waterboys and has also released some stuff independently. The evolution of both his own sound and the Waterboys' sound over the decades is an incredible journey. The group started out as folk rock, started to get a bit more rocky and then Mike did some solo stuff for a while. In the early 2000s somewhere, he got the group back together for a VERY experimental rock album, which is easily one of my all time favourite albums: A Rock in the Weary Land. The latest album the group has released came out last year and is an extremely toned-down acoustic album, almost the exact musical opposite from A Rock in the Weary Land. When I was in England last year, I had the pleasure of seeing them perform live and it was an experience I'll never forget.

Celtic Traditional --
I also adore old, traditional instrumental folk songs (see: fiddles and pipes) and music done in that style. If I'm in the mood for doing fanciful or nature-based art, that's probably what I'll be listening to. And although she's not exactly traditional, Loreena McKennitt's music is deeply rooted in traditional celtic music and she actually spends a lot of time exploring its cross-over into other cultures and vice versa. Finally -- and again I'm not afraid to admit it -- my Riverdance, Music from the Show CD is one of my most prized possessions. If there's any type of music I'll most likely be listening whilst writing or doing art, it's this one. Strangely enough, it's been a while since I've listened to any. Must get on that...

There are also other genres that I'm really into, but I think this post is long enough already. lol My bad. Once I get going, I seem to have a hard time stopping.

[Tim]

Hey,

Gen: I think your selection in music is very interesting. I liked Garotta d' Ipanema (Girl from Ip in portuguese) and my friend and i have collected different covers of the track. The best is the Gil Gilberto w/ Jobim & Stan Getz, though my friend really likes Oscar Peterson's cover. I noticed you mentionned the Kinks -any particular album? I've found that Ray Davies is a brilliant songwriter & although I like their rockers, my fav album is "Face to Face". I also like "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" -a very underrated album in its time, but now it's being noticed (it's been re-released as a 3 CD set, and there was a book on the album recently released). All in all, you've got a pretty interesting selection of music. If you like the Verve Remixed, look for Easy Tempo Experience -which consists of remixes from the Easy Tempo instrumental series (which are hit & miss).

To everyone: We've all talked about music & videos, and I've read a lot of interesting things from everyone. I was thinking to that we could make a compilation disc (DVDr or CDr) of tracks we like or even videos we like. It would be nice way to see everyone's tastes all in one place. Who knows, maybe the selections could be set up under a concept? Or maybe they could be organized where one track is linked to the other in a certain way. It could be pretty fun, so let's brainstorm. What do you guys think?

[Genna]

oooh Gen I love Oasis too. both gallaghers are asses but it's like when chris martin said how could he not forgive liam for slamming coldplay when he writes songs like songbird. ok songbird is pretty good but not my fave oasis song - Heathen Chemistry is overall an AMAZING album. easily in their top three. As for their new album... oy.... I don't know what to say? it's mostly really irritating! The only songs I feel will last the test of time with me are the importance of being idle and part of the queue (at least both these songs really blow me away). Apparently TIOBI has been released as a single - has ANYONE heard it on the radio/tv? arg North Americans!! and now the new single to be released later this month is apparently Let there be love. arg - it's not that great!!
I missed them this summer.
oh for the record - I can't stand coldplay for the most part.

and amit: there are soo many great songs - and our tastes are sooo varied! how about we each list 10 tracks and go from there?

[Genevieve]

Amit: Yeah, my favourite version of Girl from Ipanema is the original Jobim/Getz/Gilberto one. I think you meant João Gilberto, though, not Gil Gilberto. GG is a completely different Brazilian artist who did pop music in the 80s, long after Jobim and Getz' days. As for the Kinks, I've really only listened to their "best of" album and the random select tracks my bf has on his playlists. Davies actually performed in London last year and my boyfriend went to see him, I believe. Unfortunately, I was over here in Canada probably doing schoolwork at the time. Bah. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the Easy Tempo stuff you mentioned.

Jenn: I'm not a Coldplay fan, either. "Yellow" was an okay song, but it wasn't spectacular, and everything else I've heard by them in passing hasn't gotten me very excited either. I really need to get a couple more Oasis albums; the only one I have is Be here Now, plus some other random songs on my computer. I've heard that What's the Story Morning Glory? is supposed to be their best album. What's your take?

As for a compilation disc of some sort, I think that's a wonderful idea! I suppose the first task is to figure out exactly what we want to do. Do we want to cram as many files as we can onto a CD in MP3/compressed video format, or do we want a ~18-track selection of everyone's favourite song(s) in .wav form so that we can listen to it as a CD in a normal stereo? Also, how are the logistics going to work? I presume we would all send our select files to one person who would then compile and order the list and do the actual burning? In terms of getting the blank CDs to burn onto, I think it would be easiest for the Official Burner to get a bunch of blank CDs and then just ask for however much each one is worth when they distribute the CDs to whoever wants one. Sound like a plan? We may as well start a tally now of who wants one, so count me in!

[Velata]

... May I...?

The compilation sounds like a good idea!

To Genevieve: I came across Mylene Farmer a while back, on the "French Kiss" program on Much music. I was surprised to find that she's Canadian! (from Pierrefonds, Montreal). I suppose she could be compared to a French Madonna (then again, why does everyone have to be compared to Madonna?!) with elaborate shows and provocative (and banned) music videos. However, I don't think I have been quite acquainted with Alizée. A "French Christina Aguilera"... sounds midly interesting...

I love Enigma and Delirium. Delirium is not really as dark and depressing as how people would paint them. Sure, the older stuff is quite different from the newer ones, but they are still worth a listen, especially if you like Enigma.

Loreena McKennett is just plain wonderful, too! (both in music and in person! ) I had the chance to see her in person in Montreal a while back, and I don't think I can easily forget that experience. Too bad that she hasn' produced anything new... ... Ah, personal tragedies...

Great! It's nice to know that we finally have some kind of overlap on what we like to listen to... 18 tracks for such a diverse group is simply not enough... even with the overlaps!

[Tim]

I was originally thinking along the lines of Video, where people could submit 2-3 videos (or an absolut max of 5) they liked and it could be burned onto a DVD. I'm really curious about the videos that others have talked about and would love to see what y'all mean.

Making an audio compiliation is sorta tricky. I think what will have to be done is that someone (or some people) would have to listen to everyone's submissions and try to organize it in a certain way that flows. I've got a friend that makes compilations all the time: He basically compiles what he's listening to during a period -and selects tracks that work w/ each other and w/ a theme. He also designs a cover, and makes limited runs of the burned CD + cover & finally gives them to his friend. Hearing him talk about it is almost like hearing a musician talk about making an album... ALMOST. I think we should go w/ a wav CD -which could hold from 18-20something tracks. If there are more, then a second CD can be made. (or maybe one music CD, one video DVD) To make an MP3 CD would be waay too much music do go through.

Gen: You gotta pick up something else by the Kinks (not the album "Something Else", but something other than a best of). Admittedly I got into them via a "Best of" -but it's only a tip of the iceberg -and most of them don't showcase the full power of the group. I envy your bf for seeing Mr. Davies perform. Check out the book "Waterloo Sunset" by him. It's a novel (sorta) that has different plots running parallel, and each section ends with song lyrics from various Kinks/solo songs. I thought it was fantastic.

The worst group to buy a "Best Of" from is The Yardbirds (unless it's their 2 CD Anthology). They had 3 of the greatest guitarists in rock -and the band was the springboard for their careers. Usually Yardbirds compilations never have any material from the Jimmy Page line-up, which IMO ranged from bubble gum to heavy metal -all under the umbrella of psychedelia. The fact that most of the Page-led group's work is mainly available as bootleg doesn't help. Another really good group for which you shouldn't buy the "best of" is the Velvet Underground. They released 4 albums, each with a different flavor -which, for some reason, doesn't work when you cut and splice 'em. Lou Reed is also a brilliant writer. It's really funny w/ him because you'll be trapped up in the melody of the words & music that you don't notice what he's saying -and when you finally pay attention you're like "Holy fuck! I can't believe he's singing about THAT!" -it's a sense of surprise, and humour.. I assure you.

My fav Oasis album (I know you asked this to Jenn -but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents) is The Masterplan: it's a b-side + rareties album.

Does anyone listen to Beck?