Yes its time again for that column that many of you dread, as I dip my toes into the world of music. Today we’ll hit on a new album from Jack and Meg, Diddy’s return to TV, and of course the top 5 songs I’m currently listening to.
Album Review: The White Stripes- Icky Thump
Do you like to rock? That’s the question the Stripes are asking listeners on their latest release. Thump is a clear cut rock and roll album that evokes memories of a wide array of bands from Skynard to Foreigner. Yes I said Foreigner check out I’m Slowly Turning Into You. If you’re a fan of the Stripes blue grass material don’t despair as the southern rock is in full effect on tracks like Baby Brother and Catch Hell Blues. There’s a playfulness that permeates the album whether it be in lyrics, music, or the banter on tracks like Rag and Bone. I’ve always been a fan but this is the first complete Stripes album I’ve bought and my decision to purchase it was based on the rockin’ title track that came out a couple months back. If you liked that track I guarantee you’ll love this album. (Note any guarantee made by me is not related to money or reimbursement of money)
What’s New in Music Television: Making the Band 4
I don’t watch American Idol. In fact I tend to avoid all reality shows that revolve around music competitions. With that said, I’m pleased to say that Diddy is back y’all. I don’t like Diddy in fact I kinda despise him but the man knows how to make a competition to get a spot in a corporate packaged musical act into compelling TV. I skipped the first edition of MTB when the fat guy that ate half the Backstreet Boys made O-Town (now relegated to jokes that were funny 5 years ago) but I jumped on board for season 2 when Diddy took over and created the hip hop act Da Band. True confession time, I am one of the 13 people who actually bought their album. Diddy might be evil but some of those kids had a nice flow and MTV had hypnotized me into making the purchase I swear. Despite my poor purchase the show itself was great TV. Diddy made these kids do work and lots of it. From the conflict to the triumph the show really excelled. Season 3 stretched into 3 mini seasons as Diddy struggled to put his all girl group Danity Kane together. Sure as a man age 18-35 there was plenty of eye candy but once again the real reason the show was worth watching was to see Diddy and his crew put these girls through the ringer and explain to them the cost and dedication it takes to be a fly by night pop star (in case you’re wondering I did have will power enough to resist purchasing their album). Now Diddy’s kicking off season 4 (MTV, 9pm CST Mondays) and he’s looking for a boy band in the tradition of New Edition, N*Sync, and the Temptations (his words not mine). The hour long premiere featured Diddy’s advisors scouring the nation to bring back 58 finalists who Diddy then reduced to 20. Now these guys will continue on until Diddy whittles them down to a group or blows it up and starts over again like he did in season 3. There’s already some cats to cheer for like Chubby Danny, plenty of drama on the horizon, and of course Laurie Ann Gibson, who as Diddy’s choreographer provides the show with many of its best moments.
Top 5 on My iPod
5. Coin Operated Boy- Dresden Dolls: I’m a big visual association guy when it comes to music, meaning that if I hear a song in a film or TV show that I enjoy then that song will take on a greater importance to me. Here’s a case of that to the extreme. Flashback a couple of weeks ago to the mighty Buffy Sing A Long and the pre-show entertainment made up of clip packages. Far and away the best one was set to this song and featured the 3 great loves of Buffy’s life. The song itself is great as it changes tones midstream and then back again but I gotta believe the reason I have this track on repeat is the visual stimuli I associate it with.
4. Umbrella- Rihanna: I know I said I hated this song and that I wouldn’t be turned by it but what I can say I’m weak willed. I still hate how she sings individual syllables but damn it if the song doesn’t lodge itself in your head.
3. Catch Hell Blues- White Strips: I’ve only had the album for a day and already I’m having a hard time not listening to this track over and over again. As I said earlier, pure southern hard rock and roll.
2. Lip Gloss- Lil’ Mama: I have sunk to new lows in my appreciation of pop music. This song is about exactly what the title says….lip gloss. On the flip side though, Lil’ Mama has one of the best flows I’ve heard from a woman in a while and the simple beat construction allows her to shine. Also check out her work on the remix of Avril’s Girlfriend. If you got burnt out on that song like I did, Lil’ Mama freshens it up and then some.
1. Real Love- Regina Spektor: Wow. That’s really all you can say about this song. While I’m not a huge Beatles or Lennon guy I can appreciate their works and Real Love is one song that I’ve always enjoyed. Released on the Darfur fundraising album, Spektor’s cover takes this song to new heights with its operatic overtones and classical piano work. Her voice is as captivating as ever and I honestly believe she makes this classic her own.
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