I’ve been purchasing, buying with my money, music lately. I know this sounds odd, like taking my hot dogs and starting a fire using a tender-bundle like Man vs. Wild. Where I used to buy movies with a passion, I’m buying records now, looking for whatever I can, trying to push my perceptions. Some of you know that I’m a fan of vinyl lately. Yes, it’s an expensive habit. But I know men that wear $200 jeans. Here’s what I’ve been listening to lately.
The Postal Service, “Give Up.” An amazing, amazing album. The guy’s voice is haunting. The rifts are deep and the music is good to just hum as you walk down the street. It’s probably the best album I’ve purchased in the last few years. The record I have is a double LP, the second record have some solid B sides on it.
Fleet Foxes, “Helplessness Blues.” I don’t know if I like this album or not. I’m still debating. I play it, like it, but then I never have the urge to play it again. I think I need to get the first album, for context.
The Clash, “London Calling.” I never listened to this record before. Ever. I was at the Vinyl fair a few weeks ago and it was sitting in front of me. The guy wanted 12 and I said Ten and he gave it to me. This album is really, really good. I’m embarrassed that I never listened to it before, even though there are probably not a ton of black people that have. Still, I have a new respect for The Clash, and I have to take back some things I’ve thought about Punk.
TV on the Radio, “Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.” Dear lord. How have I not took the time to listen to these guys before. They are fantastic. Fantastic. They might be crack for Hipsters, but I could care less. It’s just great, great, great music. I’ve listened to this album ten times since I gotten it. The last song was probably ten seconds away from making me have an emotional reaction.
Interpol, “Antics”. I have three of their albums now and each one is impressive, but I’m having a hard time liking any of them more than “Antics.” This feels like their most honest album.
Naam. This is my friend John Bundy’s group and, if you haven’t heard it, you probably should fix that probably. It is loud, blaring, angry in places but sweet and metal and hard. The album sounds like John Bundy looks. Beautiful and cunning.
Gza/Genius, “Liquid Swords.” This was just re-released on vinyl and I copped it instantly. Everyone should own this album in some form. There is a constant debate, and there should be, about what was the best hip-hop album of the 90s. I don’t really debate it. I just play this album and point. I’ve been listening to this album for almost 15 years and it has never, ever gotten old.
Stevie Wonder, “I Was Made To Love Her.” Stevie gets a ton of credit, but not nearly enough. I love his old stuff. It sounds happy, which is weird, having that emotion just pop up out of no where.
Led Zeppelin, “III.” I’ve become a huge Led Zeppelin fan lately, the last year or so. I’m not sure why. It probably has something to do with my love of Jimi. I am convinced that I should have been born in 60s so I could listen to the music of the 70s.
If you think I should be turned on to something, let me know. Good music is something worth conversing about.
