Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
I couldn't hear rhythm until I was 20 years old. Dancing utterly mystified me. It wasn't so much that I danced badly (though I did), it's that I had no concept of what dancing was. I could not see any correlation between the movement of dance and the sound of the music. It was just gibberish. I couldn't even tap my foot along to a song. I almost failed wave mechanics my sophomore year because the professor explained everything using musical metaphors, which is actually very helpful, if you have the slightest fucking clue about music. For me it was like explaining colors to Helen Keller using jazz as a reference point. I had assumed I was simply musically retarded and that would be the end of it. I didn't know I was missing anything.
Vodka and spandex changed that one delightful evening.
The girl I was seeing at the time was going through a major swing music phase (this was around the time of that six month swing resurgence led by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, etc.). I went to some swing dance classes with her. After a couple of sessions, the teacher just asked me to sit and observe because I ruined the class for whomever I was partnered with. So said girl decided that she'd get me to understand rhythm. The key was listening to part of the music, not all of the music. Just listen to the drums, ignore the rest, the drums are the beat. And with that almost stupidly simple insight that no one had ever seen fit to mention, rhythm entered my world in the form of the purple spandexed ass. It moved as the drums moved. Thank you purple spandexed ass, you and seven screwdrivers changed my perspective of the world.
But you don't really care for music, do you?
I describe this personal musical retardation as an explanation for my own shortcomings: music reviews might as well be written in Greek for how well their descriptions penetrate my musically addled mind. This is not intended as a criticism of the wonderful music reviews of TK and others, but rather an attempt to feel out where my comprehension falls short. I am accustomed to understanding, and so a blind spot is terrifically frustrating. I feel compelled to poke and prod at it until I figure out why it is a blind spot.
Lyrics drive music for me. A paragraph describing how music sounds is almost meaningless to my mind. I know what the adjectives mean, what a "fast," "angry," "energetic," "aggressive" song should sound like, but I don't feel that translate into any sort of visceral reaction. On the other hand, "It's about being too late to tell your estranged father you love him" ("4 A.M."), "Some people say it's about sex, but I think it's a fuck you to god" ("Hallelujah"), "It's a set of letters back and forth between a singer and a fan slowly going insane," ("Stan"). Those are the sort of descriptions that drag me to hunt down a song, regardless of genre.
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
I think the highest form of music, the songs that really stick in my soul, are poetry set to music. I heard Leonard Cohen the first time on the Natural Born Killers soundtrack and was hooked. My introduction to Bob Dylan was the U2 cover of "All Along the Watchtower" on Rattle and Hum. These two have been the twin pillars, the poet laureates, piecing together words that draw other artists like sirens on the rocks. Other bands cover their songs, add layers of harmony and melody, flesh out the bones, but the soul still lives in the words.
Meaning is not always easy to wring from the words, but it is there. Good poetry unravels slowly, over the decades of your life, so what seemed triumphant doggerel at fifteen reveals a sad and melancholy heart when you're thirty.
Half the time these type of songs don't even have choruses, because hammering the same verse home again and again just gets in the way of drawing more words. Repetition can be an effective lyrical tool, but lesser artists tend to use it as a crutch, so that they can stretch the four good lines of a song into decent radio length. That's why Nickelback and Creed can manage to sound good in short bursts of 30 seconds, but tally up the non-repeating parts of their albums and you'd be lucky to gleen a unique three minutes out of any of their albums.
The minor fall, the major lift
Some bands aren't poets so much as storytellers, delivering complete narratives packed into a few lines of verse. Other bands spend entire careers writing album after album filled with variations on the same couple of songs about love. Love is a rather boring subject when decoupled from all the myriad context of the rest of living. Ballads seem a poor substitute for songs about the other ninety percent of life.
Flogging Molly is a particular favorite of mine, along with Social Distortion and Pulp. Their songs are difficult to succinctly summarize but always seem to tell the story of something, whether it's reminiscing over the disaster of your twenties ("Ball and Chain"), or telling your son why he shouldn't look up to you ("Little Soul"), or even just the life and times of the craziest pirate to ever haunt the seas ("Salty Dog").
Maybe it's because I've always been a writer first, but it's those stories that draw me to a band. It's amazing how much story can be distilled down into a few well crafted words. Poke around the internet and you can find micro-fiction boards, contests. Complete stories in fifty words or less. Such compressed stories leave all the non-critical details to the reader, they just sweep broad brushstrokes onto the canvas that the mind renders into something complete. Songs about stories work the same way.
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
"The last person on earth sits in a locked room. A knock rattles the door." They say that is the shortest horror story in the world, because of the invisible monster that must lurk beyond the door. It may be the shortest story, but it is only a horror story by dint of the reader. An old time bible-thumper thinks it's a beautiful story because it's Jesus come knockin'. The optimist thinks the knock is proof that someone else survives. The cynic thinks the same thing. The nihilist thinks that the door will open to reveal nothing but a petrified tumbleweed thunking against the door in the forlorn wind blowing across the blasted plains. It's a matter of perspective. It's why Dickens wrote that it was both the best of times and the worst of times. It's why we can peel back so many layers from so few words in poetry and song.
My particular affliction has led to the appearance of an eclectic taste in music, but that's like saying a blind person has an eclectic taste of color palettes. I don't mind twang in country, volume in metal, or the quiet spaces in acoustic folk, not because I musically appreciate all those things, but because I'm not really listening to the music. It's why techno, jazz and classical music more or less baffle me. A song without lyrics is like a novel without words.
This article was originally published on the mighty Pajiba.
Wow I completely missed this on Pajiba.
I am the exact opposite of you. I was born with rhythm. I have danced and played music all my life, so I was completely fascinated by your post.
It doesn't matter what is playing, I will find the beat and mentally become a part of that musical landscape. I air drum to Metallica yet I also sway in time to Beethoven's 7th Symphony.
Music is a language but there are an infinite number of variations necessary to express the point of view. Country twang is as essential as loud noise, or the absence of noise, syncopation or discord.
However, your point is extremely valid. Lyrically-driven songs such as those written by Social D are as amazing as a well done Kabuki piece or a beautiful tango.
Music reviews are only as valid as the person who writes them. I never ever read Rolling Stone's reviews because I have no respect for the reviewers' taste in music. I do take into account TK's reviews though because I respect his musical taste.
Ultimately, however, the individual is the final judge. Reviews are only there to suggest, advise, refer - but never are they the final word on any piece of art.
I thought might want to know that your site template does not display right in k-meleon. I like your site though
Maybe you can tell me where the source of your post is from? I am fascinated by learning more about it.
I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.
I did a search on the topic and found most people agree with your blog.
Clearly your open minded and receptive to other ideas. Many people in the online community are a little more totalitarian. added to my socialbookmark well done Of course-- and I probably shouldn't even have to say this-- people are free to run their own websites as they see fit. But I get the highest value from blogs where either the author's writing is so outstanding that the lack of comments isn't material a combination of good writing and good comments
Hi. Really nice site - just wanted to say Hey and keep up the good work - positive feedback is needed right ? :) ps. love the layout :)
Hi. Really nice site - just wanted to say Hey and keep up the good work - positive feedback is needed right ? :) ps. love the layout :)
I think that is an interesting point, it made me think a bit. Thanks for sparking my thinking cap. Sometimes I get so much in a rut that I just feel like a record.
Where can get more info?
Another awesome postThanks for the knowledge.
Hey very nice blog!!....I'm an instant fan, I have bookmarked you and I'll be checking back on a regular....See ya
Nice job!
What a great perspective to have.
I want you to know, your writing goes to the nerve of the issue. Your pellucidity leaves me wanting to know more. I am going to immediately grab your feed to keep up to date with your site. Sounding Out thanks is simply my little way of saying what a masterpiece for a fantastic resource. Let In my dearest wishes for your future post.
Substantially, the article is really the greatest on this deserving topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your upcoming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful lucidity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Good work and much success in your business dealings!
Howdy, fantastic information! Have you ever taken into consideration including more videos to your blog posts to help keep your readers more entertained? I mean I just went through the entire article of yours and it was very good but as I'm more of a visual learner,I think it well be more helpful. well let me know how it works out! I enjoy what you guys are always up to. Such brilliant work and reporting! Keep up the nice works guys I've bookmarked your site and for certain i will visit your blog more often for some most recent article. : ) Cheers
I didn't see a link anywhere but do you allow advertising? I have a few in the same niche and I would like to add my banner somwhere on your page.
Giving flowers is hardly a novel valentine tradition. Flowers have been used as a medium for expressing love since the late 1600s.
Funk und Jazz: Das ist für mich das Höchste, was es gibt! Schön, wenn man so viele mit der gleichen Auffasung im WWW findet. Noch ein dickes Lob an den Webmaster!
Some scientific studies suggest that a loving relationship, physical touch and sex can bring health benefits such as lower blood pressure.
hah a few of the comments many people make are kinda silly, from time to time i contemplate whether they in reality read the content material and threads before writing a comment or whether they only just skim the title of the post and prepare the first thought that comes to mind. anyways, it is enjoyable to browse through smart commentary once in a while rather than the identical, old post vomit that i oftentimes see on the net
hopefully this post doesn't appear several times (it seems to freeze once i try to post my comment.. not sure if it's actually posting), but all I really wanted to say was great post and thanks for sharing.
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your opinions. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
I surely ought to get out and about alot more not to mention cease from investing nearly all of my shift playing poker on myspace or facebook considering of late i have been missing in regard to this. Even though I cannot express that I wholeheartedly agree with every concept, it's good to scan some smart commentary in lieu of the regular crap I see flying all across the net.
That is my favored music group, I simply love all things they make , but the initial things remains some of the very best i think
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
I love this site!!
Can it get any better than this? I turn up the volume every time they are on the stereo
This was a nice post and I think it is pretty easy to see from the other comments as well that this post is well written and helpful. God bless.
Nice post mate
Nice post mate
Nice post mate
I bookmarked this blog a while ago because of the smart content and I am never being dissapointed. Keep up the good work.
Hey! I just wanted to mention that I enjoy all your posting style and that I'm going to visit this blog frequently from now on ;-) Keep it up!
Not only are you right, but you have clearly delineated the alternative position.
You're absolutely right.I couldn't agree more with you.Indeed a good read.
Another informative post. This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to several more times this year!
This was a nice post and I think it is pretty easy to see from the other comments as well that this post is well written and helpful. Keep up the good work.
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but nicetopic.|I needs to spend some time learningmore or understanding more.|Thanks for greatinformation I was looking for this information for my project.
are you a fan of blackjack, roulette, slots ? check out the latest free online casino games at the all new www.realcazinoz.com, the finest online casino guide on the web.
Nice blog but I had some problems watching it in Google Chrome. know why?
I bookmarked this blog a while ago because of the smart content and I am never being dissapointed. Keep up the good work.
I bookmarked this blog a while ago because of the informative content and I am never being dissapointed. Continue the good work.
Nice blog but I had some problems watching it in Google Chrome. know why?
This was just what I was on the look for. I'll come back to this blog for sure!
Cheers lots, I've found this article very nice!
Awesome post, I'm an avid reader of this blog, keep up the great work, and I'll be a regular visitor for a very long time.
There's no doubt that the very best torrent site for videogames is simply game-iso.com , due to they have got almost all latest Nintendo Wii torrents and additionally sorted nicely and the video game titles actually are easy to find.
loved vegas and a fan of blackjack, roulette, slots ? check out the latest free online casinos games at the all new www.realcazinoz.com, the finest online casino guide on the web.
We just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors... Will be back often to check up on new posts
Fine Blog! Have checked out the NEW Playstation3 Motion Sention joypad? is kinda cool, I have added a movie on my new blog. if you have a min check my profile link or go to move-motion-controller.com
Wonderful to read!
Intesting and clean site you have! I have created a new website, if you are interested in PC Game BitTorrents you most likely like it! the address is Games-ISO.com
Excellent and clean blog you have! I have created a new site, if you are interested in PS2 Game BitTorrents you must digg it! the address is w w w . g a m e s - i s o . c o m. NO registration required
politeinformation, many thanks to the author.
Excellent job.
Cool and clean blog you have! I have created a new website, if you are interested in PC Game BitTorrents you must like it! the address is w w w . g a m e s - i s o . c o m. NO registration required
I'm not sure that I understand this. I might actually need some help.
Obtain WII, PS2 , PC , DS , DS LITE , DSi and XBOX 360 torrents at www.games-iso.com . Absolutely no REGISTRATION Needed. Truly is my new favorite internet site!
I definitely like your web site structure its so clean, easy to read. We have just recently designed a brand new torrent website for games (nintendo wii, pc,ds lite,xbox,ps2 etc). In case you got a min pay a visit to my link thx.
I truly like your site layout its very nice and clean, simple to read. I have recently created a brand-new bit-torrent blog for games (wii, pc,ds lite,xbox 360,ps2 etc). In case you got a min look at my link thanks.
I really like your blog design its so nice and clean, easy to read. My husband and i have recently designed a brand new torrent web for games (nintendo wii, pc,ds,xbox 360,playstation 2 etc). If you have a min pay a visit to my link thank you.
Hi, just thought you'd be interested to know that I have added you to my Google bookmarks because of your fantastic blog layout (LOL). But honestly, I believe your site has one of the cleanest theme I've came across. It honestly helps make reading your blog a lot easier.
Thank you for a great post
I used to work for a lobor company. This information has kept me up at night intesifying my knowledge of the industry. I hope to start my own blog in the near future. In the mean time, I have bookmarked this blog in attempts to further intesify my knowledge with this. I appreciate the hard work that was done to create these articles/blogs on this subject. I look forward to more post just like this!
Very good article I enjoy your website keep up the great blog posts
very use full information. thank you.
Burning Violin #5 - The Minor Fall, The Major Lift - Burning Violin
I thought I was the only one who had the same point of view.
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am starting a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
I can see that you are an expert in this area. I am starting a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
I wanted to thank you for this interesting I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your web site to check out the latest stuff you post.
Yes, that is true, I agree with you, but I am not sure if there are no other options.
I must agree, what the author is saying is true, I aslo came up with the same conclustion but im shure theres others who think otherwise.
Metallica is my best group ever!
Does anyone know when the new Club penguin game is out for the Nintendo DSI
Cool work, hope to hear more from you.Are you working in a Group that you can make such a great Blog? :-)
Great post!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well and i have start my own blog now, it's about to domain name , thanks for your effort