en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal The Last.fm journal for Ben010783. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/11/21/57ersm_watch_the_throne Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:07:53 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/11/21/57ersm_watch_the_throne I've been listening to Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne for over a month now. I haven't been taken in by a rap album like this since I was a teenager (over a decade). This album is a gigantic celebration of being experts at their craft. I can easily call it one of the best albums I've heard this year. I think it really raises the bar as far as collaborations. It is not chocked full of popular artists, it is just great rappers rapping. I was disappointed in the reviews though. They have been mostly so-so, talking about the lack of talk on social issues or saying that they "used to be better." I think both stances miss the point. When you create an album like this, with a name like this, you are clearly showing you dominance in rap music. Songs like Otis and Gotta Have It talk about how the rewards of having business acumen and the skills to back it up. The album touches on social issues in songs like Murder to Excellence, but this album was never intended to tell any story but their own. They discuss their own struggles to achieve what they have and even discuss their own mistakes and the ghosts that still haunt them. The second class of criticism follows in a similar path of expecting something that was never intended. Watch the Throne is amazing because it has two talented artists trying to make amazing music based on their own experiences. It is great because it is real. It is stupid to criticize them for telling the truth.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/07/26/4i6q3l_the_suburbs Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:41:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/07/26/4i6q3l_the_suburbs I have been listening to The Suburbs, by Arcade Fire, lately. I heard some of the album months ago, but it didn't stand out to me. The album has a specific tone and subject matter. As a result, I think it's best to listen to the whole thing. Since not everybody has the time and patience, I suggest listening to Ready to Start.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/03/19/4a6915_some_of_my_favorite_guitar_songs Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:11:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2011/03/19/4a6915_some_of_my_favorite_guitar_songs These are songs that have great guitar parts. They aren't listed because of technical skill, they are just ones I like to listen to.

Queens of the Stone Age - Better Living Through Chemistry
Josh Homme is amazing on the guitar and this is the best example I have found yet. The song starts out with a slow pace, but quickly goes into an epic solo before slowing things down again. I need to raise the volume every time I hear it.

Rage Against the Machine - Ashes in the Fall
This songs starts off with heavy use of guitar effects but it still doesn't prepare you for the insane playing that Tom Morello does at the end.

Radiohead - My Iron Lung
I really like this song because the lyrics describe the pressure that results from having a hit song.

Queens of the Stone Age - The Sky Is Fallin'
The heavy guitar riff in the verses just keeps me on edge.

Queens of the Stone Age - God Is in the Radio
This song has an amazing guitar solo by Homme.

Nirvana - Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
This song is so heavy on the distortion and Cobain used it effectively to build up tension.

Green Day - Brain Stew
Just a great song.

Green Day - Panic Song
Half of the songs is build-up, but it pays off. It is a pretty simple songs, but well executed.

Nirvana - School
The is probably the simplest song on this list because the song had so few lyrics or notes, but it delivers so much energy despite that.

Weezer - Say It Ain't So
Another classic.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2010/12/20/441vcd_my_favorite_nirvana_lines Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:27:49 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2010/12/20/441vcd_my_favorite_nirvana_lines I really think Kurt had a way with words. It's funny how he would sometimes write about mundane and boring things, but sing them in a way that made them feel significant and special. People tend to interpret songs based on how they feel or their own experiences, but that's part of the what makes music great. My favorite lines are made me think, made me want to sing along, or were just cool-sounding.

"Beat me outta me"
This line is from the song Aneurysm. It is a song based on one of Kurt's ex-girlfriends.

"Afraid of never knowing fear"
This is what makes Lounge Act one of my favorite Nirvana songs. This is such a great contradiction.

"Love you so much it makes me sick"
This is another one from Aneurysm. I like to think of how heartbreak can literally make you feel sick and how how people often feel mad at themselves for falling in love.

"You're in high school again"
You would not expect a reference to School in hear because it barely has any lyrics. I think this line expresses how we feel when we move on from one point in our lives and still find ourselves dealing with the same problems in the next stage.

"If you ever need anything please don't,
hesitate to ask someone else first"
I just love how he leads you in one direction, and then takes you in another. This, plus the awesome guitar effects, makes me love Very Ape.

"I'm so tired I can't sleep"
Just an amazing line. It's completely contradictory, but it is so easy to identify it. Things like this make Pennyroyal Tea one of Nirvana's greatest songs.

"Rather be dead than cool"
It's kind of chilling to hear a line like this (which was recorded before Nirvana was cool). The back and forth with the lyrics in Stay Away really make this song stand out. I imagine it as the internal dialog of somebody slipping into madness.

"What the hell I'm tryin' to say"
This line from On a Plain is one of the many times Kurt just literally injects what he is thinking at the time. This kind of thing is essentially breaking character, but it makes it easier for listener's to identify with him.

"All in all is all we are"
I really don't have an idea of what this line from All Apologies really means. It's just always stuck with me for some reason.

"What is wrong with me?"
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter is another song I absolutely love. I love this line because it's a question I ask myself all the time. I see it as asking yourself why your actions, thoughts, etc. don't seem to match the norm.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2010/07/05/3r5olw_there%27s_no_one_here,_and_people_everywhere Mon, 5 Jul 2010 03:48:03 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2010/07/05/3r5olw_there%27s_no_one_here,_and_people_everywhere One of the CDs I recently purchased was Rated R by Queens of the Stone Age. Songs for the Deaf has been one of my top albums since I got it, so I thought I should check out what else is out there. Rated R is not as good as Songs for the Deaf, but that is expected. It is still a strong album.

The song that stood out to me was Better Living Through Chemistry. It is the epitome of Queens. The guitar parts are aggressive and the vocals make you wonder if you're in a daze. What stood out most to me was the line "There's no-one here, And people everywhere." It stood out to me because it is the same line that Björk used in her song Crying. Apparently that is where the line came from. They are both great songs, so I suggest you check them out. It is interesting that the songs are about two different subjects, but you can't complain when the product is good.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2009/12/28/3aamm2_10_hours_in_12_months Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:12:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2009/12/28/3aamm2_10_hours_in_12_months I decided to buy a new CD ever month again this year. I got some really good music last year by deciding to get a new album every month last year, so I tried it again this year. My only rule has been that I try to get good music. This years albums were a mix of old and new and mostly rock.

The White Stripes - De Stijl
I've loved White Blood Cells since it came out so I decided to check out more from The White Stripes. I didn't really like Elephant, so I decided to get something older. This album is the one that really got the music industry's attention. It is very gritty, mostly because it was recorded with an 8-track analogue tape-recorder. It has a simple style, but you also notice more use of instruments than more recent White Stripes songs.

Funeral For A Friend - Hours
This is the first full album of FFAF that I purchased. I got it after a pretty good concert they put on at the Metro in Chicago. This one was weird because half of the songs were just subpar, while the others were amazing. I suggest checking out Hospitality and Sonny especially.

Jane's Addiction - Ritual de lo Habitual
I got this album because of the songs Stop! and Been Caught Stealing, but there is so much more to this album. The second half has a group of songs that can be best described as epic.

Green Day - Dookie
I liked a couple of songs from their American Idiot album so I wanted more. Everyone said the old stuff was so good, so I decided to start there. All I can say is this is a great punk record. My favorite song is probably Welcome to Paradise.

Green Day - American Idiot
American Idiot is really a concept album, so I had to get this in it's entirety. It's really fun to listen to from beginning to end. It has a number of great songs, but I think Letterbomb sums things up nicely.

DMX - It's Dark And Hell Is Hot
This was an album I used to be very familiar with, but never owned. I finally decided to get my own copy. DMX's multi-platinum debut rocked the world of hip-hop when it came out in 1998. His style of story-telling and rhyme delivery was so unique at the time. I feel silly recommending it though since everyone was listening to it when it came out.

Nirvana - Nevermind
This was another album that defined a genre. This album not only put grunge on the map, it put it on the forefront. After I got all of the Foo Fighters albums, I wanted to see what Dave Grohl was working on before doing Foo Fighters. Songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit and In Bloom are well known. I think Come as You Are shows off Kurt Cobain's writing the best.

The Raconteurs - Consoler of The Lonely
There has always been buzzing about The Raconteurs, so I had to get the albums. Since I could not find the first one, I got this (their second album). It has a folksy feel, but in a good way. Jack White seems to do more of the lead singing and it really helps. The songs These Stones Will Shout and Carolina Drama really show off their range.

The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
When I got to purchase the first album by The Raconteurs, I was surprised because it has a slightly different sound. This one seems to focus less on storytelling. It is still a great album. A really great one. But I guess it's not for everyone. You can probably use Intimate Secretary and Blue Veins to make the decision.

Radiohead - Pablo Honey
I've known that Radiohead was good for many years, but had heard only a few songs. I decided to start from the beginning at get their first album. This album is great in ways that I can't really describe. It almost feels like a band was sent back in time to learn to play. Their playing just doesn't seem typical of '90s bands even though the lyrics and vocals do.

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
This is Dave Grohl's most recent project. That was really enough for me. Since I loved Songs for the Deaf so much, my expectations were probably too high. I didn't even like this the first time (but the same was true for Deaf). This is a good album, but it is not for everyone and not really a follow up to anything (Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Led Zepplin, etc.).

Radiohead - The Bends
This was not my first choice, but Pablo Honey was great. I was initially let down because there were more melodic songs and I wanted something more aggressive. This is a very solid album though. I especially like My Iron Lung.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/12/26/2cvaw7_12_ways_to_scream_your_name Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:40:42 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/12/26/2cvaw7_12_ways_to_scream_your_name This year I had a New Years resolution to listen to music that I've been putting off. I decided that the best way to do that was to commit to buying a CD every month. It was fun to always have new music coming in.

January - Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against the Machine

This goes down as the first and greatest CD I got this year. This album is just amazing from beginning to end. Every song on this album just works so well and puts most other songs to shame. I can't say enough about this. It is truly a classic.

February - The Impossibles - Return

I bought this CD based on just two songs that I'd heard. I was so relieved that it was good. I really like this album, but I keep on comparing it to Foo Fighters because they have a similar sound at times, but Return is just missing a little fine tuning. This is a great album, but you can tell it could have been better.

March - My Chemical Romance - I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love

I bought the last two My Chemical Romance studio albums last year so I decided to buy the first to complete the set. I was not happy with this album at first. This album has a lot of heavy metal influence that smacks you in the face the first time you listen to it. This album isn't as polished as Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, but it is great.

April - The Matches - A Band In Hope

I think The Matches have been hit or miss, but I really like the hits. AM Tilts and Their City
are pretty strong songs, but this album is weak. It lacks a real direction and doesn't focus on what really works. I applaud them for taking chances though.

May - Foo Fighters - There Is Nothing Left to Lose

I had the first two Foo CDs since '06, so I thought it was about time to start getting the rest. The Foo FIghters' third album is the best and I this is my number 2 CD of the year. This CD doesn't really have any missteps and never really feels like they were forcing a sound on the listener. Everything feels natural, and you can sit back and enjoy it.

June - Rage Against The Machine - The Battle of Los Angeles

I like this album, but I honestly don't listen to it as much. I just have to be in the mood to listen to it. The lyrics also don't seem as "good" as those on the previous two albums.

July - Foo Fighters - One by One

This is the one Foo Fighters album that the band doesn't like, but I think it's great. IMO, the only bad song on this album is Overdrive.

August - Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American

I bought this album only based on Sweetness. It's a good album overall, but I can't stand to listen to some of the "girlie" songs on it. The first song on the album starts off so strong, but the second lets you know that there is a mix of songs.

September - Black Star - Black Star

Who knows why it took me so long to get this album. Two of the greatest MCs got together to change the direction of Hip-Hop. This Black Star is full of songs that you'll love to listen to. It's not full of catchy hooks and deep bass, but that allows you to pay attention to the lyrics.

October - Foo Fighters - In Your Honor

This wins the award for best start of an album. I love this CD. But you should know that this was released as a double CD. I just never warmed up to the acoustic CD. The non-acoustic CD is just incredibly sharp and keeps you enthralled.

November - Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

This is another great album, but I think three of the songs ruin the flow. There is also the fact that the last song is so slow. It's a big difference from how Foo Fighters CDs usually end. Right now, this is my least favorite Foo album, but this Grammy winner is still great.

December - Kanye West - 808s and Heartbreak

Kanye switched his style and people went crazy. No, this is not The College Dropout, but that's not what he was going for. This is the first album of his that I think is really easy to listen to from beginning to end. There is a common theme, but at the same time it just short of being annoying. I think this album was largely Kanye, the producer.

Also
Ash - Free All Angels

I was immediately let down by this CD. There are maybe two ok songs on it. It was quite a disappointment.

Funeral for a Friend - Seven Ways to Scream Your Name

This EP is really an introduction to Funeral for a Friend and follows their progression as a band. As you listen to the songs you notice that there is less screaming and you can make out more of the lyrics.

Rage Against The Machine - Evil Empire

RATM's second album is ok, but not nearly as good as their first. It's hard to like this album even though it has so many good songs.

Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf

This is my pick for the 3rd best album I've gotten this year. I tried to check out this album when it was released, but I never got into it. I think the problem is that I tried to cherry-pick songs. When you listen to it from beginning to end it makes so much sense and you can tell how great it is. I highly recommend this.

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

I know this seems like an oddball, but it's a great album. Part of me wanted to know why Elton John is such a big deal and this album tells you.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/10/20/28c8ex_rap_that_rocks Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:26:51 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/10/20/28c8ex_rap_that_rocks These are some songs that mix rock and rap.

Run D.M.C. - Rock Box
Jay-Z - 99 Problems
Mos Def - Zimzallabim
OutKast - Chonky Fire
Kanye West - Big Brother
R. Kelly - Rock Star
Twista - Get Me
Young Jeezy - I'm The Realest]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/05/19/b7hd0_what%27s_her_name_again%3F Mon, 19 May 2008 02:57:49 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/05/19/b7hd0_what%27s_her_name_again%3F Having a song named after you can be quite an honor. But it really depends on what the song is about. Here are some of my favorite songs named after ladies.

The White Stripes - Now Mary
This is one of my favorite songs. It's simple a relationship that isn't working.
"Now Mary
can't you find a way
to bring me down?"

Franz Ferdinand - Jacqueline
This song doesn't really revolve around Jacqueline, but it is a great song.

Supergrass - Grace
This is an upbeat song about fun-loving kids.

The Police- Roxanne
A classic song about a lady of the night. Easy to learn lyrics.

Björk - Isobel
"Isobel is a woman who was born in a forest from a spark, not a mother or a father." -Björk

The Impossibles - Oh, Angelina
This is a song about a young couple opening up to each other emotionally.
"I would keep your fears a secret
Give my strengths up for your weakness"

My Chemical Romance - Helena
This is a song about death. "Helena" is person has passed.
"What's the worst that I could say
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight"

Ash - Nicole
THis is a song about an ex-girlfriend. He now realizes that he made a mistake.
"It's still haunting me night and day, Oh my Nicole"]]> http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/05/03/b7hcz_what_i%27m_listening_to_now Sat, 3 May 2008 13:28:30 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/Ben010783/journal/2008/05/03/b7hcz_what_i%27m_listening_to_now The Matches - Their City
This is my favorite song from their new album. It reminds me of an '80s song, but it's not as cheesy.

Green Day - Jesus of Suburbia
I found this song on my computer and it's so great. This made me realize why Green Day is such a big deal.

Members of Mayday - 10 in 01 (Paul van Dyk Club Mix)
This classic trance song is rarely played and I think it's because it was an anthem for a specific event. Paul van Dyk's remix is superb.

N.E.R.D. - She Wants to Move (remix)
This is one of those rare instances when the biggest names in hip-hop come together on one song.

Clear View - Tell Me
This is a great dance track from a current Tiesto project, but I have a feeling it won't get picked up much by DJs.]]>