KAT, NEW OBJECTIVE

childish gambino meets s

edit: also,

Some more unbiased reviews

Radiohead

The King of Limbs

My suggestions:

[Little by Little] [Feral] [Give Up The Ghost]

The follow-up to their successful In Rainbows, Radiohead continues to be a tour de force in experimental rock and deviating away from the standard in The King of Limbs. The bottom line is, if you liked In Rainbows, you’ll probably like this. It’s like an extension of Rainbows as in it’s even more weird, spacey shit. Which is fine, because I’m into that kind of thing.

“Bloom” sets the tone with its chromatic piano and weird… sounds. I’ve always wondered how these sort of songs are made, with the offbeat drums and seemingly random sound effects. There isn’t really any melody; just harmony. Especially for “Feral.” It’s totally immersive and makes sense but doesn’t make sense simultaneously? I’m going to stop trying now.

But I’m really proud of how Radiohead evolved from Pablo Honey to this. It must have been a glorious musical journey for them, as they have really strived to constantly modernize their sound and develop a unique voice. They’re not afraid to take chances either, and KIL is the living testament to that. Sometimes I wish that some bands would revert to their original sound, like in the case of Coldplay, after being overproduced into the ground following a big break or making an unwise musical decision (in my opinion, anyway). But Radiohead, just keep on doing whatever you’re doing.

Also, if you haven’t seen Thom Yorke in “Lotus Flower” yet, you’re welcome.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

I’m With You

"Hustle here, hustle there, hustle me bitch and you best beware."

[The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie][Look Around]

RCHP was probably my second most anticipated album this year, because I’ve noticed in their previous albums that there’s basically two-three songs that are really worthwhile and the rest is just… filler.
I’m With You was no different, with “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” and “Look Around” as the only two songs on the entire album that made me want to move physically to the music in awkward, jerky motions. The rest of it was sort of boring. Unsurprisingly, RCHP hasn’t changed much. I’m not saying they’re bad, it’s just how they roll. They’ll still be one of my favorites of all time and Flea will always be a master of slap-bass. (Dose bass lines mang)
But you’re better off getting a “Best of” album from them once they inevitably retire in a few years.

~One sentence reviews~

Coldplay Mylo Xyloto

-Coldplay is so, like, 2008.

Foster the People Torches

-Another band that’ll only be remembered for one wildly popular single.

"Indie" albums of 2011

“Indie” is a futile way to describe a particular band; it only indicates their status in regards to record companies. However, among youth, it seems to harbor some sort of reverence, not for its politically correctness, but for its non-conformity  from mainstream music. I used to ignore most bands that were self-labeled “indie” because they all started to sound the same after a while, and lacked luster. But the tables have turned in recent years and independent bands have started to gain prominence. Arcade Fire took a Grammy last year (well-deserved, too) and Mumford & Sons are nominated in some major categories this year.

Here are my thoughts on some of the indie rock albums released in 2011.

Mumford & Sons

Sigh No More*

My picks:

[Little Lion Man] [The Cave] [Thistle and Weeds]

Mumford & Sons is primarily a folk group, with lots of emphasis on acoustic instruments like the banjo. I used to have very low tolerance for folk, but this album has great charisma, soul, and strong narrative lyrics. The vocalist doesn’t simply sing; he tells stories and cajoles and reprimands. What strikes me the most are the lyrics- they rhyme flawlessly and flow like poetry. It is poetry. And sometimes lyrics seem like something taken from the Bible (“plant your hope with good seeds, don’t cover yourself with thistle and weeds, Rain down, rain down on me”** “For you were made to meet your Maker”) or a potential maxim (“In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. Where you invest your love, you will invest your life”).

My first impression of the album though, before I started paying attention to lyrics, was that it was sort of repetitive in terms of sound. It all sounded the same after a while, and the album sort of seemed to drag on. I guess it’s because I’m not very familiar with folk music, and it’ll probably grow onto me after a few listens. Overall, I think Mumford & Sons has a lot of potential, even though I’m not crazy about them. They appeal to the heart and have a very solid, genuine sound.

My Morning Jacket

Circuital

[Circuital] [Outta My System][Slow Slow Tune]

Circuital opens with a fanfare in “Victory Dance” with a smooth transition into their single, “Circuital” (go figure). I was starting to get excited this was going to be a rock-opera type thing but I was sorely disappointed, as each succeeding song was just its own entity. Did MMJ get lazy, or was that on purpose?

Anyway, the rest of the album was relatively happy, with a potpourri of sounds with upbeat backup choruses, sentimental acoustic pieces, cute rebellious tunes (“They told me not to smoke drugs, but I wouldn’t listen, never thought I’d get caught and wind up in prison”), and even a full brass section in “Holdin On To Black Metal.” MMJ seems to have a sense of humor too, as they break the fourth wall and directly address the listener in “Slow Slow Tune” (“You, somewhere in the future listening, I hope the present is glistening, with notes that ring so true, this slow slow tune”). And yes, it is a pretty slow song.

The only really attractive piece in this album is its namesake, “Circuital.” It’s sophisticated and catchy and interesting, unlike the other songs in the album. In fact, “Circuital” and “Victory Dance” sound entirely different and detached from the other songs, which is odd. It’s almost an insult to put these two songs in the same album as the others because the rest of the album just gets progressively worse and more shallow. Maybe it’s just my own taste (I tend to prefer darker music) but I think MMJ was sort of confused as to the direction of Circuital when they were making it.

Airborne Toxic Event

All At Once

[Changing][Half of Something Else][All I Ever Wanted]

Airborne Toxic Event is a pretty new band, having just debuted on the radio (KROQ) this year? Last year? I stumbled upon them when a classmate told me the band had a female violinist in its ranks, and downloaded All At Once. For a debut, it has some promise, but as a record it is disappointing. Their catchy single, “Changing,” is cute but very elementary in terms of how sophisticated the music is. In general, I think that the band is trying to imitate other rock bands instead of creating something new or creative or innovating, even with a violinist. It doesn’t have to be experimental or avant-garde or anything, as long as you don’t sound like generic shit. I’m probably being too hard on them; I’m sure it takes a lot of time and experience to find a foothold and mature as a band.

Also something that bugs me a lot is how some songs start with the drummers rapping their drumsticks together four times. And this isn’t just limited to ATE, plenty of bands do it, and it just annoys me because this should be routine in rehearsals, not on recordings. You shouldn’t have to be reminded of the tempo of a song in a recording studio; you should’ve played it together enough already to know how the song goes. Surely there are more creative ways to initiate a song.

The Black Keys

El Camino

[Lonely Boy][Run Right Back][Gold On The Ceiling]

This was the most anticipated album this year for me. The Black Keys is a band that you really can’t criticize; their music is rollicking fun, and the band members are totally lovable. It’s like trying to condemn Jimi Hendrix. Who doesn’t love Hendrix? How can you not like the Black Keys? Speaking of Hendrix, the essence of his music is sort of similar to BK. Or vice versa.
El Camino is classic feel-good American rock (sex, drugs, and violence- woo!), and the Black Keys avoid being generic by throwing in some fun, bluesy guitar riffs and vocals, and even a dash of house-influenced synths. To be honest, I can’t really pinpoint the success of their music- it’s totally relatable and familiar but fresh at the same time. Talent, I guess.

 There isn’t really a difference between El Camino and last year’s Brothers, except they are more famous now. It’s the same head-banging (it does get a bit tiresome after a bit) song after song in a disconnected fashion. But who cares? I love the Black Keys oh yes I do

Also, is it just me or does the singer remind me of Amy Winehouse’s voice? Listen to Lonely Boy. Couldn’t you just imagine it replaced by Winehouse’s voice? If only she was alive… they’d make a sick collab.

* Included this because it was recently nominated for Grammy’s and I thought it was still relevant even though it was released in 2010 in the U.S.

**All lyrics may not be accurate; I typed them out as I was listening to them so there may be errors. :x

Sound of San Francisco

                                                         

I've been poking around SF lately (they hire some really great artists to play with the symphony). If I could rank the major cities in terms of livability, it would be something like this:

1) Philly

2) SF

3) LA

4) NYC

Outdated ad :3

Also, I'm basing this off of my experience in their downtown areas, not suburban. Philly and SF have a great amount of things to do and see in the city center. NYC is overdoing it and downtown LA is pretty much barren compared to the others. Musically though, I prefer Philly and NYC, simply because their halls are better and the student subscription to the Phil Orch is a really nice deal (as in like $1 to see the best orch in the world in concert). Although I haven't attended many operas, I think SFOpera also has a pretty good program- I saw their "La Boheme" on the telly one night and it was fantastic. There was this one scene where a guy sung beautifully to his coat... you can only find this kind of stuff in Italian operas mang.


Anyway, I used to think that SF was pretty posh compared to the more ghetto Philly and NYC, until I almost stepped in dog crap in Chinatown. It depends on the specific neighborhood too, I guess. 

Also, there is pretty much no variation in the Chinatowns of each metropolis... they all start to look/seem the same after a while haha.

I don't know what my mum was doing.

The day after Black Friday, I had a rehearsal and a Gil Shaham concert in the area and consequently spent an entire day there. My parents and I visited Pier 39 and walked around. It was the same old tourist hubbub, with generic gift shops spammed every few meters.

Then, on a whim I decided to hike up one of the infamous hills. At first, my mum was reluctant, but the sense of fulfillment when we got up there (albeit half-dead) was satisfying. It also had a better view of Alcatraz than down at the pier! 

Mi madre

Also, I saw one family in a car approach the apex of the hill, and all the kids in it started screaming as they drove down the slope as if it was a roller coaster. Heh, tourists.


Afterwards, we sought a public space for me to fiddle a bit in, and we stumbled upon a relatively peaceful dog park. A husky was mildly interested in Bach. :3

I'm alive!

Before I say anything, can you believe that my procrastination habits are so bad that I procrastinated making this post just now? I probably opened up this window half an hour ago, only to chat with strangers on turntable. Anyway, I guess it's sort of a given that I've been busy whenever I have a hiatus. I just got back from a Xmas gig, and it's actually my first paying job! About 50-60 bucks an hour to sightread random holiday songs- notbad.jpg. However, it does take up quite a bit of time, and right when my teachers realize that finals is in a week and they better start catching up on work. I'm staying afloat though. I had a catapult project last week, and mine kind of failed- it was 2.9 m away from the target. But oh well, I have a solid A in Physics (and yes I needed to flaunt that).

Le Trebuchet

It was fun though, and 'twas one of the rare moments in my life where I was handed a drill and expected to know what to do with it. 
Oh, I also passed my Chinese SAT II's with minimal reading experience. I must bask in my academic glory.
On that note, I'm going to get some equally glorious sleep. That's been hard to come by lately, so I'll continue this ramble later. Before I go though, condolences to those who suffered property damage from those winds last week. You Arcadia folks went through a lot lately- first that death threat nonsense and now this? Thank God no one was hurt.





^This Arcade Fire dump is for Jason. I know, at first listen they're bland and generic but I gave them another chance and listened to their rock opera, The Suburbs, in one sitting. The sound is sort of hard to describe- it's deep, hopeful, and full of youth. For some reason, I think it captures modern American youth perfectly (or at least me). You can tell that they worked really hard on it too, and it's quite a convincing record. It won a Grammy anyway, so... it's good. Give it a try.