Category: Music
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If I were a producer: DJ Khaled
Actually, I probably wouldn’t change much. But I have questions about this marketing photo: Just, no. Do not pose with apex predators, even the little ones. Not okay, Mr. Khaled. I know this isn’t a question? Why doesn’t said apex predator kitty get a matching robe? Are you, Mr. DJ Khaled, just a catchphrase soundboard? […]
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If I were a producer: Muse
I have feelings about Muse, but let’s talk about this particular song I’m listening to right now: “Big Freeze” off The 2nd Law. In general, I would overgeneralize Muse’s music as “future-prog”. But this song has a) the typical fuzz bass Muse uses, b) nearly chicken grease guitar chords, and c) a distinct U2 vibe. […]
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Levels of musical genius
I often think about what kind of unique musical talent some performer I enjoy possesses. A few examples: J-Dilla was at the center of many groups doing amazing things creating an exciting moment in time, but at the same time was a master composer himself Prince or Quincy Jones were often running multiple performers and groups, […]
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Stevie Wonder, for our times of need
Tim Carmody writing for Kottke.org, Stevie Wonder and the radical politics of love: Songs in the Key of Life tries to reconcile the reality of the post-Nixon era — the pain that even though the enemy is gone, the work is not done and the world has not been transformed — with an inclusive hope that […]
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I love overproduced music
It seems like some folks don’t like music with a lot of studio work. Overproduced, they call it. Maybe this is a relic of the days when producers weren’t a creative force on par with the actual performers and artists. I don’t know, because I love overproduced music. Phil Spector, “Wall of Sound”? Bring it. […]
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The lesser known vapors and waves
There’s a thing going on in music with all the vapors and chills and waves. I’m not entirely sure what it is, yet. Even after reading this excellent survey of the various vaporwave subgenres, I’m still not sure what it is. But it’s very synth-y, a little sample-y, and very much what you’d expect to hear […]
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Van Halen ranked, atypically
Best songs that David Lee Roth talks over: “Hot for Teacher” “Panama” “Everybody Wants Some” Coincidentally, best use of Van Halen songs in film: “Hot for Teacher” in the strip club scene of Varsity Blues “Panama” in the joyriding/donuts scene of Superbad “Everybody Wants Some” in the Hummer scene of Zombieland
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Bon Iver discovers the Option key on his Mac
22, A Million, quick thoughts: first track has a very Tune-Yards drums thing going second track has a very 808s & Heartbreak thing a few tracks in: each track is like Bon Iver doing someone else’s track from the past ten years, but with emo autotune I like the background piano/horn tracks on “29 #Strafford […]
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On the albums of The Clash
Passing thoughts on the discography of The Clash that is not London Calling: Brian and I had a conversation that randomly veered onto the Clash which prompted to me to listen to all of their studio albums I have listened to London Calling a few times before, and recall some story about its producer encouraging […]
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I love when snares don’t keep time
In the majority of music you’ll hear after 1960, the drummer does most of the time keeping with their snare. On 100% of Bruce Springsteen songs, time is kept entirely with the snare. I listen to a lot of The Boss; it’s a little surprising when I don’t here a consistent 1/3 or 2/4 snare keeping […]
Adam Keys is typing 