's Blog |
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| JB's Blog
| | Swim |
You gotta swim
Swim for your life
Swim for the music
That saves you
When you're not so sure you'll survive
You gotta swim
And swim when it hurts
The whole world is watching
You haven't come this far
To fall off the earth
The currents will pull you
Away from your love
Just keep your head above
I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the dawn
Memories like bullets
They fire at me from a gun
Cracking the armor, yeah
I swim for brighter days
Despite the absence of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
I swim
You gotta swim
Through nights that won't end
Swim for your families
Your lovers, your sisters
And brothers and friends
Yeah, you gotta swim
Through wars without cause
Swim for the lost politicians
Who don't see their greed as a flaw
The currents will pull us
Away from our love
Just keep your head above
I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the dawn
Memories like bullets
They fire at me from a gun
Cracking the armor, yeah
I swim for brighter days
Despite the absence of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
I swim
You gotta swim
Swim in the dark
There's an ocean to drift in
Feel the tide shifting
And wait for the spark
Yeah, you gotta swim
Don't let yourself sink
Just follow the horizon
I promise you
It's not as far as you think
And the currents will drag us
Away from our love
Just keep your head above
Swim
—Jack’s Mannequin (2008) | | Tags: Jack's Mannequin, The Glass Passenger, Swim, Lyrics |
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| | Concert Review – Jesse Lacey @ The Roxy |
Jesse Lacey
w/ Kevin Devine & Brian Bonz
The Roxy
Hollywood, CA
July 21, 2008
Over the past eight years Brand New has produced three acclaimed albums and amassed a devout following. As a token of appreciation, frontman Jesse Lacey recently embarked on a short solo tour that included a stop in Los Angeles.
While Brand New has progressed musically with each record, acoustic guitar-driven songs have always remained intact and were represented from the old (“Soco Amaretto Lime”) to the new (“Coca-Cola”). Lacey also delivered several Brand New staples, including “Jude Law,” a country-folk version of “Jesus” and an impressive rendition of “Degausser,” while throwing in some Modest Mouse and Neutral Milk Hotel covers.
Openers Kevin Devine and Brian Bonz were good at setting the tone early on, and the three were constantly onstage helping each other out. However, while Devine’s set was an effective blend of politically charged folk, the night clearly belonged to Lacey, proving a rare treat for Brand New fans.
Link: Campus Circle | | Tags: Jesse Lacey, Brand New, Kevin Devine, Brian Bonz, Concert, Review |
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| | CD Review: John Mayer – Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles |
Recorded last December at the Nokia Theatre, Where the Light Is confirms John Mayer's status as a top-class performer and one of the great guitarists of our time. Spanning two discs, the 22-song effort begins with a stripped-down acoustic session before segueing into sets from the bluesy John Mayer Trio and Mayer's own seven-piece touring band. While the obvious hits are included ("Daughters," "Waiting on the World to Change"), the excellent musicianship stands out as most impressive.
In keeping in line with Mayer's recent blues-driven work, several of the songs are extended into epic jam sessions amid free-styling guitar solos. Backed by a few inspired covers (Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'," Ray Charles' "I Don't Need No Doctor") and his smooth voice, which continues to improve with age, the record is a testament to Mayer's musical ability and makes for a nice holdover until his next studio album drops.
Grade: A-
Link: Campus Circle | | Tags: John Mayer, Where The Light Is, Live In Los Angeles |
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| | | | The Road Not Taken |
So I graduated on Saturday and this poem rings true, even though it has become a little cliché over the years.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
—Robert Frost (1916) | | Tags: The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost, Poem, Graduation |
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| | Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs |
The word “mature” is one that gets tossed around all too often today in labeling music. It’s almost to the point where the word has lost its meaning and become simply a term for when a band breaks expectations. It doesn’t have to be good – just artistic – which suddenly makes it “mature.” While many critics have been praising Narrow Stairs as Death Cab for Cutie’s most “mature” effort to date, in reality it’s merely a natural progression for the band.
Narrow Stairs is Death Cab’s sixth proper record, yet it isn’t any more mature than their previous two, 2005’s mainstream breakthrough Plans and 2003’s masterpiece Transatlanticism. While the mood might be darker and the music less commercially viable, it still contains all the elements fans have come to love and expect – indie-pop melodies, reflective lyrics and Ben Gibbard’s distinctive voice.
The record begins with “Bixby Canyon Bridge” in typical Death Cab fashion, with Gibbard singing over softly atmospheric guitars. However, this lasts for less than two minutes before crunchy distortion kicks in, the kind which hasn’t been heard since the band’s days on Barsuk Records. The eight-minute-plus single “I Will Possess Your Heart” continues the departure from its typical sound. Backed by a methodical bass riff from Nick Harmer, who is stellar throughout the album, the track finds Death Cab exploring its artsy, improvisational side. Is the elaborate intro justified? Not really, but it still grooves and sounds cool.
Meanwhile, “No Sunlight” and “Long Division” are reminiscent of Death Cab’s catchiest material. The upbeat guitars and repetitious choruses easily get stuck in your head, a stark contrast to the somber lyrics. The same is true of the standout song “Cath…,” a tale of a woman resigned to an ill-fated marriage. It’s an example of classic Death Cab and would fit right at home on Transatlanticism.
Lyrically, Gibbard continues to explore lost love and its repercussions, but this time with a slightly darker twist less inclined towards sunny optimism. None is more telling than the aforementioned “I Will Possess Your Heart,” which follows a man who is seemingly stalking the woman he desires and demanding her attention. On other tracks he tells stories and uses extended metaphors – a caged bird, a bed, wildfires, melting ice – trying to make sense of life and the fragility of love.
Gibbard recently offered an intriguing glimpse into his thought process in the May issue of Paste Magazine. In an essay on the meaning of life, he talked about why he fails at relationships and concluded the most important thing for him is music – his one and only constant. Taken in the context of Narrow Stairs, it’s a revealing self-portrait that readily stands out.
In the end, Narrow Stairs is the work of a band comfortable in its own skin yet unafraid to grow. While it never quite reaches the heights of Transatlanticism, it is an effective about-face from the mellow, piano-driven Plans. As with all of Death Cab’s releases, repeated spins are a must to fully appreciate and grasp its breadth and, once it has sunk in, Narrow Stairs neatly fits into the band’s expanding repertoire. “Mature” or not, you can’t ask for much more than that.
The Verdict: A- | | Tags: Death Cab For Cutie, Narrow Stairs, Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, CD, Album, Review |
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| | Concert Review – New Found Glory @ Safari Sam's |
New Found Glory
w/ International Superheroes Of Hardcore
Safari Sam's
Hollywood, CA
May 19, 2008
First off, New Found Glory is one of my favorite bands of all time. Not only were they one of the first punk bands I started listening to back in the day, but they’re also one of the major reasons why I got into music in the first place. Therefore it’s not lightly that I say this was arguably the best I’ve ever seen from them, my eighth time, even though they always put on a great show. Since this was the CD release show for Tip Of The Iceberg, they played the entire EP before opening it up to crowd requests. This resulted in witnessing many songs I had never seen before, notably “Boy Crazy,” “Vegas” and “The Story So Far.”
The show took place at a little venue in Hollywood called Safari Sam’s, which has a capacity of 500 or so. There aren’t any barriers and security is pretty lax, so there was a ton of stage diving with the crowd going nuts. In all, NFG played for around 100 minutes, which is easily the longest set I’ve seen them do.
Meanwhile, their side band, International Superheroes Of Hardcore, played its debut show beforehand. This consisted of everything from Takin’ It Ova’ – though not in order – and, when combined with NFG’s set, meant the five guys were onstage for more than two hours. Overall, it was quite an impressive display, especially considering that Steve hurt his leg and threw up onstage after "At Least I'm Known For Something." It's a testament to his dedication that he only missed one song.
Afterwards, I was able to briefly talk with Jordan – who played guitar live for the first time ever during ISHC – and learned a few updates on the new album. The band is currently finishing pre-production and is set to head into the studio June 2nd to record with Mark Hoppus producing. Jordan described it as a tentative mixture between Sticks And Stones and Catalyst, but a little more mature sounding. He also mentioned there are no new developments yet on the label front.
On a random side note for those interested, it appears that Chad and Hayley are now dating. When Chad introduced her onstage for "It Ain't Me Babe," he said something along the lines of "Here's the prettiest woman in the world next to my mother." Also Chris from Saosin helped guitar tech, and Andy from Fall Out Boy was hanging out as well.
New Found Glory Set List (Not 100% About Order):
01. Tip Of The Iceberg
02. Dig My Own Grave
03. If You Don’t Love Me
04. No Reason Why
05. Here We Go Again
06. Cut The Tension
07. At Least I’m Known For Something
08. Sincerely Me
09. 3rd And Long
10. Boy Crazy
11. Dressed To Kill
12. 2’s & 3’s
13. Never Sometimes
14. Ballad For The Lost Romantics
15. Vegas
16. It Ain’t Me Babe (Feat. Hayley Williams)
17. The Story So Far
18. Truth Of My Youth
19. Minor Threat (Cover)
20. Sonny
21. On My Mind
22. Understatement
23. Passing Time
24. The Glory Of Love
25. Hit Or Miss
26. All Downhill From Here
27. Intro
28. My Friends Over You
Link: MammothPress.com | | Tags: New Found Glory, International Superheroes Of Hardcore, Concert, Review |
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| | | | | Viva La Vida |
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes
Listened as the crowd would sing,
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king"
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you'd gone there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn’t believe what I’d become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can’t explain
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
—Coldplay (2008) | | Tags: Coldplay, Chris Martin, Viva La Vida, Death And All His Friends, Lyrics |
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| | Movie Review – Iron Man |
After a disappointing four months, the summer movie season is finally here. “Iron Man” smashed into theaters last weekend to the tune of $100 million, the second highest opening ever for a non-sequel. Not only is the film a refreshing breeze of cool air, it’s also one of the strongest comic book adaptations to hit the big screen.
The story begins with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a self-absorbed billionaire weapons manufacturer who is captured by a militant group while in Afghanistan. After constructing a crude metal suit, he narrowly escapes and returns home, vowing to change his ways and never sell weapons again. In hopes of becoming an agent for the common good, Stark builds a high-tech version of the suit, but the top executive of Stark Industries, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), has other plans.
First and foremost, the casting of Downey was pure genius. He has quietly been stealing scenes in recent films such as “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” and “Zodiac,” and his turn in “Iron Man” will surely catapult him atop Hollywood’s A-list. Downey perfectly embodies Stark, delivering charm and narcissist wisecracks while exhibiting the intellectualism and womanizing side seen in the comics. Perhaps most notable is how Downey makes Stark’s development of a conscience natural, and his drive to avenge past wrongs becomes more than simple fodder. This duality makes Stark a comic book rarity – a living, breathing character.
While the rest of the cast tends to be somewhat underwritten, they clearly benefit from Downey’s infectious energy. Gwyneth Paltrow is surprisingly good as Stark’s assistant and blossoming love interest, while Terrance Howard as Stark’s military friend and Shaun Toub as a prisoner who helps Stark escape are solid additions. The script certainly leaves plenty of room for its characters to grow, and the inspired casting foundation should serve the purpose well.
Another reason the film works is actor-turned-director Jon Favreau, who handles the proceedings like an old pro. Known for character-driven films like “Swingers” and “Elf,” Favreau keeps the characters, specifically Downey, at the center of the story. While there’s not as much action as one might expect and the villain never poses the most formidable threat, Favreau allows these shortcomings to be overlooked. He also is effective at transporting the comic into a modern setting by interweaving political and anti-war components, the likes of which were qualities Marvel was founded upon.
In the end, “Iron Man” is one of those rare breeds that should please both fans and mainstream audiences. While it’s far from the greatest comic film of all time, it is the strongest since “Batman Begins,” and as the scene after the end credits indicates, the next installment should only get better. Move over Spider-Man, there’s a new superhero in town.
The Verdict: B+ (88%) | | Tags: Iron Man, Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Marvel, Comic, Movie, Review |
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