*But the feeling that you're under can really make you wonder...*

The White Stripes have been a part of my music collection for quite a while now, though, I think I first became aware of them because of an episode of Gilmore Girls. The first album I purchased was White Blood Cells because of the song loud, punk-like song, “Fell In Love With A Girl”. It wasn’t until a year later that I heard Get Behind Me Satan and quickly fell in love with the entire album – and it’s still my favorite of their albums.

 

But instead of going album by album today, I’m just gonna do a quick inventory of my favorite White Stripes tunes. “Truth Doesn’t Make A Noise” is fantastic for the amazing and addictive guitar riff and the piano’s response to the riff. “The Denial Twist” was my favorite for a very long time for the fun, dance-y, ‘60s feel. “I’m Bound To Pack It Up” is very reminiscent of Led Zeppelin to me – but I love the acoustic guitar and minimal percussion. “I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother’s Heart” is awesome because of the featured slide guitar (I do love slide guitar!). More recently, I’ve found myself entirely addicted to the noisy “There’s No Home For You Here”. I love the harmonies and the driving guitar, but my favorite part is the bridge – and of course, the guitar is pretty impressive as well. “Apple Blossom” is another song that sounds like it was ripped right out of the ‘60s and I love it. Of course, there are numerous songs of theirs I could include in this list, but I am a bit pressed for time today, so that will have to wait for a later date…

 

But the thing I really love about The White Stripes is how bare their recordings are. Those oddly rustic guitars, the boyish vocals, the simple drumming, it all sounds out of place in this era, as if Jack and Meg White stayed under a rock for a quarter century and then came out and started making music. I mean, it’s just what it is… it’s not over dressed, not over produced. It is just plain and simple rock and roll. Fabulous! Love the way Jack uses piano in so much of his music. And Meg? No, she’s not a great drummer, but what she adds is a raw quality, that any technically talented drummer would completely destroy.  Somehow, though, the band’s stripped-down sound and lo-fi production just works. Jack White combines his acoustic guitar strumming with lots of bluesy licks and riffs, and Meg's insistent drumming propels the songs forward effectively. The vocals are another high point, as Jack comes out sounding like Mick Jagger and at other times sounds boyishly innocent. Music made by two people, sounding like it was recorded in a garage, has no right to pack this much of a punch. But it does. The conviction the White Stripes bring to their music alone would be enough to give them a listen.

It started off so well…

I can't believe it's taken me so long to get around to writing about this band, but Queen has long been one of my favorite bands. I got hooked on Queen about a decade ago after I had listened to a mix CD that included “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions”. I’d known those songs before, but never really listened to them… and as is typical for me, after hearing a band I really like, I dive right into their music for several months.

 

After borrowing News of the World from a friend, it seemed that each week I’d run out to buy another one of their albums. So, what can I say about Queen? Queen was incredibly different. They could have wild, loud rockers one minute, and then they would have a pretty ballad the next.  Or even better, they would have some bizarre song that was filled with their British charm. John Deacon is an amazing bassist. Deacon bass lines aren’t just that thumping you tend to hear – His bass lines were melodic and beautiful – And he wrote some of the biggest Queen hits. Roger Taylor can totally rock out on the drums and watching him behind a ridiculously huge set, and know exactly where he’s going… It’s pretty impressive. (And it’s because of him that I mastered the drumstick twirl!) Not to mention he can sing higher than me! Brian May is my favorite member… (I think I’ve already mentioned my “thing” for guitarists). Brian is an extraordinary guitarist and the way he used guitars as other instruments – Well, I’ve never heard another musician able to orchestrate a choir of guitars the way Brian can. And Freddie? Jeez, he’s one of the most charismatic front mans ever. He wasn’t much to look at, but that voice! So powerful which such a fantastic range… And he had a distinctive style on the piano as well. And he’s written some of rock and roll’s most complex songs.

 

My favorite album may be The Game – though, that’s not to say I don’t dig their other albums. Honestly, every album of theirs (particularly the earlier albums) have tons of noteworthy songs. I know that to some The Game marks the beginning of the end for Queen. It’s Queen’s first pop album and is the first of Queen’s albums that doesn’t boast the use of no synthesizers. In fact, the first sound of the album is a synthesizer. So, the album may lack the depth of Queen’s preceding albums and lack the edge of News of the World, but it doesn’t make it a bad album. “Play The Game” is a fantastic showcase for Freddie’s amazing vocals. “Another One Bites The Dust” is quite a departure for the band and for the writer of the song – John Deacon – successfully crossing over into the funk genre. Brian’s heavy “Dragon Attack” and John’s catchy “I Need Your Loving Tonight” are both great tunes. And “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a lovely little rockabilly tribute to Elvis with a great Brian May guitar solo played on a Fender Telecaster instead of his usual “Red Special”.

 

Brian wrote two absolutely gorgeous ballads on this album as well – “Sail Away Sweet Sister” is by far my most played Queen song. I love Brian’s vocals and amazing guitar solo – and Freddie’s vocals on the bridge tend to blow me away. (How does he hit that note?!) “Save Me” is the other ballad – and it has another killer guitar solo. And Freddie’s vocals are, of course, perfect. It builds up to a poignant climax flawlessly with its catchy and heartfelt chorus. While it may not be groundbreaking, it doesn’t detract from the beauty of the song. It’s a lovely and strong closer to the album.

 

So… I suppose that’s about all I’ve got to say about Queen for now, but be prepared for me to revisit the subject somewhere down the line.

The record goes from blue to gold…

I believe I’ve mentioned this band before, but allow me to say few more things about the “punk-cabaret” band, The Dresden Dolls. I was introduced to their music several years ago. The first album I heard was Yes, Virginia and was the music immediately caught my attention. What is so cool to me is that the music is, more or less, rock, but is played on the piano. Also, for a band that doesn't consist of anything more than a piano and drums, the tracks are huge, your brain won't even realize that there are only 2 instruments being played here. I’m in love with the piano parts Amanda Palmer always has – really crazy chords, kind of a bastardization on Jazz and Classical… and the consistently dark and twisted lyrics… I dunno, there’s something about all of that that really appeals to me. And let’s not forget about Brian’s drumming – inventive and powerful.

 

The song I first became infatuated with was “Backstabber". It’s kind of a 4-minute litany of insults aimed at some unknown critic, but it has an amazingly catchy piano riff and a captivating melody – with fantastic drumming by Brian. For all of her venom and sometimes-frightening intensity, Amanda has a sharp wit and I think it’s quite apparent in this song. The other song that quickly became a favorite of mine is “Dirty Business”. I love the feel of this song, the powerful chords, and some of the sarcasm that Amanda delivers in the lyrics – and the way the song builds throughout the last chorus. It’s really an amazing song.

 

Fairly recently, I dusted off the DVD of a concert The Dresden Dolls did quite a few years ago and was immediately impressed again with their commanding stage presence and energy during a performance – and they obviously love performing. I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to see them live, because it was an amazing experience. One thing you can say about The Dresden Dolls, their brand of theatrics, cabaret, and dark confessionals is a refreshing change of pace. So yeah, if you can get past their somewhat unusual appearance and not be freaked out by them, check ‘em out. You may enjoy them!

Don't let 'em tell you what you wanna be....

What can I say about Paul McCartney that hasn’t already been written somewhere? Probably not too much, but I’m gonna try.

 

Paul McCartney is my favorite Beatle. I think it was the White Album picture that officially hooked me. I remember after I had gotten The White Album while I was in high school, I was laying on my bedroom floor looking at the photos included with that album. I remember looking at that picture of Paul (you know the one) and thinking, “Okay yeah, he’s pretty good looking.” Of course, there’s much more to Paul McCartney than a pretty face. He is an amazingly talented musician, songwriter, entertainer… I mean, how many people have written such a vast amount of songs that basically everyone knows? I can tell you, there aren’t that many songwriters you can say that about. His voice is so extraordinary – it’s distinctive, but so versatile at the same time. It’s pretty amazing that he could sing “Here, There and Everywhere” in such a sweet voice and alternatively launch into a song like “Lady Madonna” or “Helter Skelter”. There was a time when I didn’t realize the same person sang those songs! And as a musician – his bass lines were always melodic and distinct, he played some pretty awesome guitar solos, he can rock on the piano, and can even hold his own on the drums.
 

Anyhow, I’ve recently had the good fortune to get tickets to see Paul McCartney in concert – again! I’ve been lucky enough to have seen him twice before. In fact, my first real concert was to see Paul McCartney. Let me tell you, that was an amazing experience. I was able to see him towards the height of my Beatlemania – with my best Beatle friend – and it was the most incredible concert I’ve ever been to. Even the second time I saw him couldn’t compare. Also, up until that concert, I really couldn’t understand the girls during the ‘60s screaming and carrying on the way they did when they saw the Fab Four. And while I still don’t completely understand the logic of screaming during the performance of a song (how can you hear it if you’re screaming?), I do understand the involuntary emotional response that happens being so near such a magnetic and charismatic presence. I’ve never been a very scream-y person, but at the beginning and ending of each song, the excitement just is too much to keep bottled up.

 

Since I found out I’m going to see Paul again, I’ve dug up all of my Paul-related CDs and have been listening to him and The Beatles almost exclusively. This is something I haven’t done for about 7 or 8 years. It’s been interesting and amazingly, despite the fact that I know all of this music so well, it still triggers that emotional response in me. Giddiness, exhilaration, and a bit of wonder at the awesomeness of the songs.

 

I think my favorite Paul album post-Beatles is Ram. “Too Many People” has been one of the songs I’ve been constantly going back to this week. I really love the song. The guitar, the drums, the way it builds… To me, it’s a pretty great way to open an album.  “Dear Boy” is another track on the album that I tend to keep going back to. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m such a sucker for harmonies, and this song is saturated with them. Absolutely catchy melody, simple lyrics, and so many layers of McCartney,  that one could almost get lost in it. My favorite bit is the last 30 seconds of the song when there are all those parts going on at the same time. Oh my god! It’s almost as good as a guitar solo for me!  I also must mention the fantastic guitar riff in “Smile Away”. But really, the entire album is incredible. It’s strange for me to think that this album was actually met with a fairly poor critical reception – especially since it’s so well revered now.

 

Oh well, before I close for now, I do want to say one last thing. While I am definitely a Maccaholic, I don’t want you to think I play that stupid game of “who was better? John or Paul?” I just refuse to play that game, just as I reject any suggestion that the Beatles could have done what they did, been what they were (or are) to millions of us, without George or Ringo. They all had a very important part in the band and are all amazingly talented individuals. And like Paul said in Living In The Material World, “I always likend us [The Beatles] to four corners of a square. People say, ‘Ah, well, John and Paul were the important ones.’ But I say, ‘No, no, it’s a square.’ Without any of the four corners, you collapse.”

 

So, be prepared for more entries about “My Boys”, but until then, I’ll leave you with this:

It’s got you layin’ up nights, just waiting for the music to start…

My first Carpenters album. It's a
little worse for wear these days.

So… as is consistent with my music addiction, I have a tendency to make myself various CDs of the tunes I’m in the mood for during a week. And yes, I tend to make about 1 (sometimes 2) official mix CDs a week. This last week, I made a CD of the music I listened to the summer before I went into 9^th grade. Okay, so that’s been a little while ago and some people are impressed that I can remember the music I was listening to at that time, but music has always been an important part of my life and my life has definitely had a soundtrack. Besides, during my early teenage years, I didn’t have too big of a variety of music. At that time in my life, I mostly listened to the Carpenters and the Partridge Family – with a little bit of Judy Garland soundtracks, one Petula Clark CD, and The Beatles CD – Past Masters Vol. 2, because I wanted the song “Let It Be”.
 
Okay, so I was a bit of a dork. But honestly, I maintain my love for The Carpenters. The Carpenters have been a staple in my music collection for as far back as I can remember. I knew their albums because of my mother and I picked out my first “grownup album” out shortly after I turned 6. It was The Carpenters Singles 1969-1973. My favorite song became “Hurting Each Other” and I used to play it over and over. At 6, I obviously didn’t understand the feelings behind the song, but I knew it was a beautiful song – and I still love it. And there’s something about her voice when she’s singing just before the chorus “Oh why should it be”… It’s strange, but it’s one of those moments that I can listen to over and over.
 
So, yeah… My love for The Carpenters started ages ago and it ebbed and flowed during various stages in my life. I really only had the one album until my serious obsession began at age 11. I don’t really remember what kicked off the obsession, but I remember dusting off my old cassette tape and popping it into the stereo and I was hooked all over again. I listened to that tape so many times throughout that year and the following Christmas I got a CD player and a Carpenters two-disc compilation album: Yesterday Once More. That’s another album I listened to pretty much non-stop for months – my favorite song during that time was “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” – and this song kicked off my fixation for getting the album, Passage (which was out of print at the time). Over the following couple years, I sunk most of my allowance into buying Carpenters albums (though, The Partridge Family received a great deal of my allowance money as well… I had it bad for Keith Partridge). I think a lot of my favorite Carpenters songs during this time tended toward their non-hits: “Let Me Be The One” (from Carpenters), “Maybe It’s You” (from Close To You), “Love Me For What I Am” (from Horizon), “Boat to Sail” (from A Kind of Hush), “Where Do I Go From Here?” (from Lovelines), “I Can’t Make Music” (from Now and Then),  “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” (from A Song For You), and “Turn Away” (from Ticket to Ride)…

I learned quite a few of their songs on the piano during this time too. “Hurting Each Other” was the first song I learned by them. And I remember sitting at the piano with my headphones on, trying to play “Flat Baroque” along with the recording… Richard is a much better pianist than I am, let me tell you! I could play most of the “Bacharach/David Medley” with the recording though (and here’s another little music-related secret of mine: I kind of have a thing for medleys).

Somewhere along the line, during my high school years, I didn’t listen to them so much.  I didn’t seriously start listening to the Carpenters again until a few years back… I don’t really know why I didn’t… It might have been the “non-cool factor”, or maybe I had too much other music to listen to, or maybe I just burned myself out on them in my early teenage years. Whatever the reason, I looked them up on youtube a few years back and was hooked all over again. Being an adult at this point, I heard them again with fresh ears – and a new perspective. Yes, I knew all the songs like the back of my hand, but I heard them differently than I did before (and even found some songs I hadn’t known before – outtakes from Karen’s solo album). I had a better understanding of music and what real talent is. Now, I know they get a lot of crap. “They’re too sugary, too sentimental, too melodic”.  They’re definitely not rock and roll, but… I don’t know if I can really consider them a guilty pleasure because, really, I’m pretty proud of being a fan of theirs. I’m proud of knowing all their music!
 
So no, not a guilty pleasure (the Partridge Family on the other hand, might fall into that category - but that's a subject for another time…). Why not? Because, no matter what anyone says – they were extremely talented individuals. Karen’s voice is what always gets mentioned – and it rightfully should. It was incredible. She had nearly a 4 octave range. She had impeccable phrasing, resonance, and consistently perfect pitch. No vocalist has ever matched her vocal quality- the haunting, sadness and the natural mellowness. She never screeched (like so many vocalists are apt to these days). She always produced a lovely pure and rich tone.
 
But it wasn’t just Karen’s voice – She was an astounding drummer… after trying to play the drums, I became aware of just how fantastic she was and how much natural talent she possessed on the drums…  She’s also the whole reason I wanted to play the drums.
 
Of course, you can’t over look Richard’s contributions – and amazing pianist, composer, and arranger. It’s the combination of the 2 that make them what they are. And the layers and layers of Carpenters voices in each recording? Nothing can quite compare to that.
 
My Recommendations –
Albums: A Song For You, Close To You, and Carpenters
Songs:   Hurting Each Other
                Goodbye To Love
                Let Me Be The One
                We’ve Only Just Begun
                All You Get From Love Is A Love Song
      

And here’s a little clip from their appearance on The Tonight Show. Karen really rocked on the drums.