Author Archives: robert duffy

I own all three of their albums. I’ve seen them live twice. But when I try to go back and listen to the records, I think they’re pretty sucky.

I’ve cracked open the new one, “12 Memories,” and on first listen I think I hate it. What’s wrong with me? Or, what’s wrong with them?

For whatever reason, this artwork motivates me to post it.

Really good feature in the Washington Post about Beulah. It talks about “selling out,” the evolution of the band, and the fact that some fans aren’t into the new direction of the band.

“A lot of them can’t get into ‘Yoko’ but they like ‘Heartstrings’ or ‘Handsome Western States,’ and frankly I don’t really like those records,” says Kurosky, who obviously liked them when he made them. “Certainly, but I’ve grown out of that. I know where [the fans] are coming from. I used to say the same thing: ‘Why can’t Pavement keep making “Slanted & Enchanted” over and over?’ And I’m sure there are plenty of Wilco fans that want them to keep making ‘Being There’ and on and on and on. (full story)

Ex-REM drummer Bill Berry re-joined the band for two songs at a recent show.

And yes, the title of this post really has nothing to do with the actual content.

The title of the article is “A Band for Laura Bush to Love” which immediately threw me off. Most of the article is pretty good, though.

Of course, if sweet melodies alone were the source of the music’s appeal, Belle and Sebastian fans would also be James Taylor fans. But with Belle and Sebastian, the words are the thing; in Mr. Murdoch’s lyrics ? crammed with knowing references to literature, rock bands, movies, interior design, coffeehouses and bars, fanzines and fashion plates ? indie rock fans find a romantic vision of the lives of indie rock fans. More than perhaps any other music scene, indie rock thrives on the desire to be part of an exclusive club ? a fellowship built on mixed tapes, samizdat publications and superior taste. Mr. Murdoch’s diction may be elevated, but his lyrics are as densely coded as the most slang-thick rap, and the message they broadcast to Belle and Sebastian fans is flattering: you are in on a marvelous secret. (full story)

Here’s a round-up of some of the best stories, features, and message board activity that you might have missed last week on the site.

Rolling Stone magazine continues to be a trendsetter! In their 12/11 issue they will distribute a 9 song CD along with the mag. NINE SONGS! Wow, who knew a CD could fit that many songs?!!!

Here’s the best part of the article:

Rolling Stone editor and publisher Jann Wenner said the deal “comes at a time when the record business could use some excitement, some innovation, some added value.” (full story)

Excitement? Jesus, CMJ puts a CD with their magazine every month. So do a lot of other magazines and zines across the globe. Does Rolling Stone think they’re doing something new or innovative?

This hurts my brain.

That long headline just about says it all. And if you’re so inclined, all three of my reviews so far on the site can be found here.

“Hold on Love” is the first album by Azure Ray that I’ve purchased, mainly because it was produced by Eric Bachmann of Crooked Fingers. Good choice by me, pat pat on the back.

The album is really beautiful. There is this medly on “Nothing Like a Song” that is just the greatest thing I’ve heard a piano do this year. The rest of the album is really great, too, but I’ve only listened to it a few times so I can’t go in depth. I just wanted to share my joy with you. And you, then, can share it with others.

The Saddle Creek website has two MP3s from the album available for you. Download them. They are “If You Fall” and “Sea of Doubts”. You can buy the album on the cheap here on Amazon.com and get tourdates for the band here.

At the Shortlist Awards Ceremony held recently, Bright Eyes goes on a rant against Clear Channel. Watch a video of it here.