The National - Alligator/Secret Meeting

June seemed to be a slow (for lack of a better word) month in that we had three posts by the 10^th of the month and we ended up with a grand total…of three posts in June. The above picture I just featured on the marquee is also from June (this one here is a beautiful American gator) – a sort of cloudy time during the middle of the day that I couldn’t find any other time of the day. Sure it’s been hot and sure it’s been a bit different but my regards and sentiments don’t change on the aim of the blog: a hopefully thriving collection of writing. My compatriots don’t seem to share the same vision I have; heck, my dry spell for most of this year doesn’t seem to share the unlikely vision my brain has. Maybe I'm crazy, probably but for now, it’s gonna be a July or bust kind of month. July reigns as one of my favorite months because it’s sort of in the middle and it’s also a transitional/longing period for many. You know, the whole ‘it’s almost august before school and work (for most, not me) starts again so let’s enrich July." For me, it’s July, the maybe best month. I’ll be at the Chamizal for the 4^th and hopefully with a better picture than the one above. In the meantime, the realness of The National takes over.

I’ve got I think 3 posts on High Violet and only one on Boxer (which needs to change because that’s the one I was listening to earlier) but contrary to what the masses assume, The National made music well before either of those albums. This band is truly something for the ages. they make music surreal and amazingly in-tune with what many young adults face in the here and now. And they also name their albums beautifully with each one a story. For a punk college kid in 2005, Alligator really showed me the magic of combining the storied songwriting The National fashion with a compelling lushness of guitars and drums that never seem to tire. This alligator was always spiky and maybe ornery but only if you mess with it.

The first song is where many of us fell in love with the Ohio-created, now Brooklyn-based band. side note: maybe just moving to a new territory would be nice? Anyways, this song reckons some kind of kiss-off to The National’s record label as a sort of “leave me alone, I aint listening to you, I’m having a secret meeting in my head away from you about what this album will be.” Maybe it was like a moment of frustration where the band realized ‘hell you signed us, let us do our thing’ and well, according to most artists (even the big ones on major labels) the labels have a lot of say. And its funny, or ironic, for a better word, the big wigs at a record label isn’t always someone who knows about music. Sort of twisted but I’m sure it’s like that anywhere.

For me personally, the song drives a sort of paranoia, lost in a relationship, lost in a self destructive state of mind sort of. Like the spies are around you and they seem to be honing in on you but is it in your head? Are you having these secret meetings and finding something worse in your own terrible mindframe? They talk about trying to make it as a band (and I think that’s more what it is REALLY about) but I mean, the metaphors run wild on here. At the end he’s screaming about holding an ace but still folding, like a sort of give up where you realize you’re the best but still lose. And then they try to reason with him to throw it away but he’s scared. Like having too much power is scary enough and the ace, well, it’s strong no? I’m not sure, but the sharks always run wild in the river. The point is... they’re lost.

I wanted to include another song but I just realized I ranted for more than 600 words here already, that’s enough. Until then, some hopes and a bad ass song by a bad ass American band. – Bryan 

The White Stripes – De Stijl

When I think about music during the summer and the different waves of heat, The White Stripes always ring that stunningly live sound. All their albums possess a raw, visceral feel (captured mostly through Jack White’s amazingly brisk production) and they sound gorgeously alive on vinyl. The first time I came across this band was during their Elephant rise back in 2003 and I backtracked to their starting music. With De Stijl they truly celebrated their raw blues/punk/rock fusion and delivered an album simplistically excellent. Dutch for ‘the style,’ the album features art from that movement of art known for relishing the simple side of life with use of sole primary colors and basic shapes; and the Stripes took to that matching music that was undeniably blues at the core. Dedicated to an architect who created museums and more in Holland, it was also dedicated to Blind Willie McTell – a blues pioneer from the 1920-40s – the Stripes know their stuff. It’s also the first record I was able to get by them and finishing out a long time without a vinyl play, it sounded great all day today.

With "Apple Blossom" you have your standard blues song that roughly fine-tunes the edges with a lulling guitar and passive feel. It sounds like a lost song by Paul McCartney through White’s romantic lyrics. The feel is truly bluesy with the chords decorating the music’s longing feel. He’s basically telling her that he’ll take care of her, cure all her problems and to stop crying because she looks so much better smiling. A diehard Stripes fan (one of the people who first told me how dynamite they were) told me he thinks it to be about basically trying to bag a virgin with the male’s domineering style. I’m not sure about that but I wouldn’t be surprised! Still, simple blues at it’s finest.

Unlike the aforementioned Elephant, De Stijl won’t feature the roaring guitar shredding or huge sounds the Stripes most recently made. But that’s the beauty of the White Stripes, they made a nice round 6 albums in about 8 years and the only time they took breaks was for White to work on another album or project. They consistently changed up their sound from album to album, shifting through different styles of blues and rock in a ball of awesomeness. So each album is a different story, a different style, a different kind of beauty. Here with “Why Can't You Be Nicer to Me?” they rip through a playful rhyming pattern to more of a louder sound (White shows off his guitar skill and grit like a modern day Jimi Hendrix, yes an apt comparison to make) and perhaps, this is the most charged song on here. Either way, it’s all gold really. – Bryan

Shut Up and Play the Hits (Demand IT)

So this bad ass documentary about LCD Soundsystem's final shows is showing in theatres across the USA for one night only: July 18. Of course, they overlooked huge El Paso but we have the chance to demand it. As of right now only 14 other people have demanded it. Here's to hoping we can see it here in July too!

View all El Paso events on Eventful

Talk Show Host

I want to, I want to be someone else or I'll explode
Floating upon the surface for the birds, the birds, the birds

You want me, well fucking well come and find me
I'll be waiting, with a gun and a pack of sandwiches
And nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing

You want me, well, come on and break the door down
You want me, fucking come on and break the door down
I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready... - Bryan (6/6)

Part Dos of Neon Desert 2012

The neon desert festival is upon us for sure. Last week we stressed and yelled and screamed and then enjoyed beautiful Saturday victories. This Saturday we take a look at what El Paso has to offer on the festival circuit. We’ve talked about the schedule and about the bands playing and about details, details, details; but nonetheless, it’s a festival in our hometown. Naturally, I hope I speak for everyone when I recognize that, they should make every effort to continue to grow and improve. There is potential in spades here and well fortunately, this year they do feature a solid amount of acts to enjoy.

With terrific A-Trak added the latest, half the schedule released in a ‘phase’ method, the anticipation grew and dissipated by the time it was all settled – and somewhere in between the dreams of At The Drive In being added. Why they couldn’t…well enough of the second-guessing because at this point you’re either spending $20 on sun block and a six pack to drink before the festivities (actually no, scratch the beer maybe[not]) or honestly, missing out on the second year fest. Probably the former.

With Le Butcherettes we get a Mexican band (no love for the team but yes, go Chivas sox) that plays stunningly terrific rock music. Their affinity for strong, strident sounds is impressive and they’re fresh of playing at Coachella. Something tells me they will kill it in complete agreement here; why they gotta pair them at the exact same time as Class Actress sucks majorly. The latter is a dance-pop style of music that really hones in on sweet pop sensibilities. And yes Butcherettes are like Yeah Yeah Yeahs meets hard synths. They’re opposites you say? Maybe they’re just as good.

Yacht doesn’t have to worry about much of that; after showing all their love for Marfa they finally get to play El Paso. I haven’t been to the former in about five years so I would love to see how much it’s changed and if it hasn’t, I’m really stunned why bands prefer there than here. Is it really that feel-good, or that hip? After solidifying as a duo Yacht found new highs and their last two albums are strong. It just makes sense, too, it’s summer almost, it’s a song. Here’s the big hit.

Summer Song (sorry low on time, gotta go, will add other missing videos tonight!) [EDIT:here]

We also get a major treat with La Vida Bohème and their brand of alternative rock. The Venezuelan band hits strong with their mixture of instruments against the backdrop of their chugging guitars and rhythms. Their name first sounded familiar after the feature of their song “Buen Salvaje” on my fifa game, here is that song. And they will look to really kill it tomorrow.

And finally, we also get some really great Spanish rock in the form of Babasónicos, an Argentine band with tremendous melodies.  If you know me you know I dig Cafe Tacuba like no other and while the comparison is ridiculously unfair (for who? For both/either) the sónicos carry a soft touch that is equal parts of drifting rock and ornate pop. They sound like a tremendous mix of soulful rock/pop that shimmers lightly. Enough lame adjectives, here’s "Pijamas" and well, see you all tomorrow.

Go Blues (love you Drogba) Go…forever. – Bryan--edit 137a

Neon Desert 2012

A little over a year ago a small upstart by the name of Splendid Sun Productions realized their vision to bring a homegrown music festival to El Paso. With ties to Austin Texas, like so many Chuco towners, they set out to create a festival that could bring International talent and create a unique El Paso festival for the region to enjoy. The resulting effort has blossomed into the second installment of The Neon Desert Music Festival. Interestingly enough a separate production company made their big freshman outing 2011 as well, but that's for another post. A year has passed since the inaugural Neon Desert Fest, and round two is upon us. Downtown El Paso will be in riot in less than 3 days, on Saturday May 26th. Los pinche largartos de San Jacinto will be dancing their asses off with two stages of indie flavored beats cornered in by historic El Paso buildings, the Cortez and Mills at each side. Not to mention a non stop dance music stage at their base playing from sun up to way passed sun down. With those major alterations in place it looks to be an interesting change the second time around. You can still expect the usual suspects like local food trucks for nourishment, live art and favorites of the talented Chuco indie music scene.

The template for who the orginizers brought this year seems to be similar to last year. A solid dose of Spanish indie and regional acts, along with some big international names that should really shine in the sun city, all sprinkled with local Chuco flavor.

There is no LoveFoxx of CSS fame in the line-up this year but there are plenty acts I look forward to seeing. Here is my short list. If Diplo and Los Tigres del Norte had a love child it would be this guy! From Mexico City check Mexian Institute of Sound's interesting blend of traditional folk sounds with more modern dance music sensibilities . With an amazing female vocalist and the 50's rock vibe, I don't wanna miss Le Bucherettes of Guadalajara.Go CHIVAS socks. Their bassist is some guy named Omar Rodriguez-Lopez by the way. ​​ Toy Selectah describes his music eloquently as Raverton. Enough said. As for 2 bigger named acts I'm looking forward to seeing there's Ghostland Observatory and A-Trak. The electro rock duo from Austin better bring their crazy lazer show! I saw the other half of DuckSauce, Mr Arman Van Heldon about a year ago and was very impressed. A-Trak has really exploded in 2012 and should be a fun closer. ​ As Neon Desert 2012 quickly approaches it seems the success of only the second installment crucial for its long term success and growth as a legitamate music fest.I can only hope for it to be bigger and better and for it to be so for years to come.Get your sun screen kids and drink a water between those $8 beers, it should be good! -Nick

Björk – Homegenic

 

I was actually starting to feel a little bit more relaxed in many senses. And through the Drakefest I was persevering; I mixed it up one day and even though I was playing this yesterday, it’s not worth it to ignore it. In any other words, Björk’s Homogenic was something I recently busted out and I’ve definitely been loving it all over again. It’s not as if all hope is lost but do I feel helpless, yeah partly.

I used to have a friend that really thought the world of this album – to be lazily clichéd. I remember he mentioning it was absolutely perfect and one of the best albums ever, ever. I never really could say – nor did I want to say – anything back. I mean, this is during a time when many would consider OK Computer the best album of recent times (20 or so years) and coincidentally, Homogenic came out the same year as that aforesaid album. (It’s gonna be 20 years from ’97 in five years! – not so subtle fact) But I mean, was I gonna disagree that it’s perfect? That it’s the best? Nah.

It’s like when someone says Bob Dylan is just as good and as important as The Beatles. I kind of shrug but do I necessarily disagree? Or like if we’re talking about the best Beatle and one says George is the best? Hmm, it’s kind of ponder-some, I guess. But do I disagree? nah.

Music is so awesome. It’s all sorts of flavors and most and some and for some all, can be loved equally. I mean Björk kills it on this album in every possible way. She’s at the forefront during her time as someone making gorgeously challenging music at the end of that century and she’s delivering heartfelt lyrics that embody a full sense of confidence, romanticism and sheer brilliance. It’s hard to say where Björk continues to go from here, last year’s Biophilia was great; but Homogenic sounds like if heaven exists, this is what it sounds like. She’s sort of preceding Kid A with her electronic flurries and where she masks synths to sound like strings, or pounding away at keyboards for a thick wall of sound, she sounds flawless, sure.

Take “Unravel” and it’s downright perfect, yes, composure. She’s made a completely beautiful love song through morbidly dark, yet very real, feelings. The lyrics alone explain it all:

While you are away, my heart comes undone
Slowly unravels, in a ball of yarn
The devil collects it, with a grin
Our love, in a ball of yarn

He'll never return it

So when you come back
We'll have to make new love

The second (third?) part I put in italics just because of the way she sings it, it’s like a chorus and her voice sounds like a ghostly choir that well, it just fits. It’s emotionally gripping of course but her structure of the music – lovely decorations, a soft drum beat in the background and her gorgeous voice all over – is something to behold.

I feel like a chump even for what I tried to write about it. No words can really describe how perfect this is, angelic, just yeah.

So yeah, the album flows so sweetly that the next song, “Bachelorette” is the perfect follow-up. It’s a stomping sound that really explored Björk’s ability at presenting that huge wall of sound. There’s a slow creep at the beginning before the sweeping strings tower in; there’s a strong, menacing tenacity to her voice, as if she’s fueled by anger. But again, in many ways, it’s another love song where she’s tortured and yet, yearning for her lover. There’s such beauty with the way she masters her metaphors to truly showcase such wonderful imagery with every single verse, one of my favorites:

Drink me, make me feel real…wet your beak in the stream
Game we're playing is life, love is a two way dream

Just a sample of her bad-ass-ness but nonetheless, an important factor, helplessness blues and all. – Bryan