iPod Observer

Stadium Arcadium

Fri, 12 May 2006 16:42:06 -0400

What? Only four stars, you stingy bastard? I'm asking myself the same question, so let me explain myself to myself... If I compare the new RHCP album to, say, any double album I can think of off the top of my head, Stadium Arcadium would be taunting lesser double albums from atop a French-occupied British castle while using a funny accent and a moustache.

However, if I compare it to 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Stadium Arcadium has failed to grab me as completely. I am telling myself that I'm being a little bit unfair to Anthony, Flea, Chad, and John. How could another album from one band possibly affect me the way Blood Sugar Sex Magik did? I tattooed their logo on my body, I loved them so much.

Four stars or five, Stadium Arcadium brings back the Peppers with a vengeance. The funk -- which (IMNHO) fizzled away with Dave Navarro on guitar and the subsequent so-so release One Hot Minute -- has come back. Drummer Chad Smith and bassist Flea lay down great beats, giving us the funk, but also showing some well-deserved musical maturity.

"21st Century" musically calls back to "Naked in the Rain," and has hints of the "old" band while it showcases the newer sound of the band. Guitarist John Frusciante blisters through a great run at the end of that song, which just makes me want to hear more. (Chanting for more in my living room gets me nothing, alas.)

Where I found Californication and By the Way to be fine, if not too laid back, I love the energy behind Stadium Arcadium. Tracks like "Readymade" and "Dani California" have bass and guitar lines (respectively) that cause head bobbing you don't even realize you're doing. The greatest compliment I can give this album is that I'd road trip to this set and not skip a song. Now what I want are the tracks that didn't make the album.

This band is 23 years old. While I fondly think back upon the pseudo-Seuss days of socks-on-[you-know-whats], I can't imagine a better gift than a new/old avenue for a great band.

The Peppers are going on tour this summer. You can bet I'll be there and feeling better than ever.

Favorite Songs: "Snow ((Hey Oh!))," "Charlie," "21st Century," "Readymade," "Animal Bar"

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Fri, 12 May 2006 15:57:53 -0400

Get on your dancing shoes
You sexy little swine

-Arctic Monkeys, "Dancing Shoes"

I admit it. I was introduced to the Arctic Monkeys when they appeared on Saturday Night Live in March. Is it cool to learn about bands on TV? Clearly, based on the album title, I shouldn't say what I think about the band or the music, as I will be wrong. Those tricksters.

This is an album my boyfriend thinks I should dislike. He's (for once) wrong, and I've been rocking to Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not for days. (It's so rocking that it inspired me to clean my car. Really.)

What is it? It's Brit pop which is really more rock with a smidge of ska influence thrown in. I'm sure other reviewers are comparing the vocalist to Jack White, but it's just an auditory illusion. The thumping and bumping bass line ought to tell you you're far from White Stripes territory. This album makes me want to put on big ol' headphones and strut down the street. Or rock out on public transportation. Or throw myself down a hill on my mountain bike.

A friend and I talk often about albums which have an "intro" track that we inevitably skip. You know the ones--where track 1 might not be called "Intro," but it's just as necessary as a song without a title could possibly be. Whatever... does not have an intro track. Jump in at the beginning and enjoy, you won't regret it.

Favorite Songs: "Dancing Shoes" and "Mardy Bum."

Haunted

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 00:24:14 -0400

Dropping like a bomb on some of the blah musical offerings of her contemporaries, Haunted was one of the best albums of 2000, obliterating the competition.

Ostensibly a tie-in to her brother's novel-within-a-novel, as well as a tribute to her late father, her emotions are close to the surface with every song. She brings it with each track, changing the mood while connecting all the songs with snippets of dialogue from her father.

The one word to describe this album is "rich." Poe's vocals and textures are gorgeous...try out "Haunted," "Wild," or "Spanish Doll" to get a good feel for the album.

So Jealous

Sat, 20 Aug 2005 23:59:35 -0400

So Jealous is the third album from these sisters, and easily the one to single out for an introduction to their music. Some people may not get on board with their vocal styles, which are slightly over-driven and sound more like one and a half voices, rather than two. (Their singing style begs the question: When twins sing together, is it like one person with two voices?)

Most of the songs on this album are head-bobbers, though repeated listenings may leave you with the distinct feeling that you've heard the same four songs over and over again.

The duo is still young, so expect their next offering to flip the switch on more complex and diverse songwriting. Crank up the volume for "I Know I Know I Know" or the title track, "So Jealous." In fact, turn it up and drive with the windows down. Your trip will jam just a little bit more.

Jagged Little Pill (Acoustic)

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 22:08:30 -0400

Ten years after the original release, comes the traditional celebratory acoustic re-recording. The album has held up remarkably well. While it is not as meaningful to me as it was when I was sixteen, I think it has (with the exception of the forever-grating "Ironic") aged gracefully. The acoustic recording allows her to be gentler sounding, with the same aggressive message. Try "You Oughta Know" and compare the original to the acoustic version.

Music Has The Right To Children

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 02:43:29 -0400

This one will haunt you. From the first notes to the last, their sound surrounds you. BOC has put out a fantastic catalogue, and this album is a great starting point for a new listener. Jump straight to track 2, "An Eagle In Your Mind," and make a new friend.

One Word Extinguisher

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 02:16:49 -0400

It's an album about a breakup, done with beats instead of mopey lyrics. But the beats are raw, and the emotions are there, even if there aren't many words on top of it. While possibly not Scott Herren's most accessible album, it is infinitely playable.

Kind of Blue

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 02:08:21 -0400

The jazz album to end all jazz albums. Miles Davis and John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderly and the list goes on. The who's who of who's who in jazz have assembled for this monumental record. Get this one for your friends who have not yet learned to appreciate jazz genius.

Supermodified

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 18:02:56 -0400

The genius is in the beats. Amon Tobin creates fantastic, groovy beats behind beats. "Supermodified" rolls through your expectations of breakbeat music, and turns them up a bit. It's a mellow album, perfect for nighttime city driving, maybe in the rain.

Odyssey Number Five

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:42:48 -0400

Guitar-driven rock out of Australia, Powderfinger has not seen much exposure in the States, but should get a nod for their toe-tapping songs. Building off their previous release, "Internationalist" (also a great album), "Odyssey Number Five" rocks from track one all the way until the end.

Spilt Milk

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:35:42 -0400

The second and final album from this power-pop group makes me wish Jellyfish had been able to make just one more record together. The album is best enjoyed as a whole piece, flowing from one track to the next. Jellyfish is, to me, what The Beatles would have been after doing more drugs following "I Am the Walrus." Check out "Sebrina, Paste & Plato" or "Bye, Bye, Bye" for a snapshot of this fantastic band.