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/rustystake/journal The Last.fm journal for rustystake. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/15/3rziah_scissor_sisters:_%22night_work%22_-_my_review Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:02:56 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/15/3rziah_scissor_sisters:_%22night_work%22_-_my_review Night Work, the Scissor Sisters’ third album, has been a long time coming. Lead singer Jake Shears admitted to the band being dissatisfied with and discarding their previous work in early 2009 after 18 months recording time. This lead to his solo, soul-searching journey to Berlin where he found inspiration from the electrifying music scene of the city to write a new album – which ultimately became Night Work. His inspiration called for some high-energy dance tunes and who better to craft this desire than Stuart Price, king producer of retro 70’s/80’s dance goodness. Even the album’s cover art appears to be a cheeky (no pun intended) nod to the time period, bringing to mind Bruce Springsteen’s iconic cover for Born in the U.S.A. turned queer – and surprisingly is not Shears’ ass, but a photograph from 1983 that he stumbled across and knew he wanted as the cover).

The Sisters’ last outing – 2006’s Ta-Dah – featured a more theatrical, show tune theme with a noticeably decreased libido. Night Work, however, is more reminiscent of the band’s salacious, disco-influenced debut and feels like its natural successor in time and maturity. It’s a more cohesive work of art from a band with total confidence in their vision – a non-stop journey through dance heaven, packed with introspective tales and sprinkled with indulgence and debauchery that remind us what we had been missing and why we fell in love with the band in the first place.

Night Work opens the album with a fireball of frantic energy, telling a story reminiscent of Shears’ go-go dancing past. There’s plenty more sexual innuendo and sleaze throughout with Whole New Way, Any Which Way, and Harder You Get all containing cleverly crafted metaphors for various body parts and activities of enjoyment in true Scissor Sisters’ style. The lovely Ana Matronic turns into a sex-prowled vixen on the slinky Skin This Cat, giving her best lead vocals ever and the desire for more. Heartstrings are pulled with Fire With Fire – a dramatic tale brimmed with hope and glory, and Skin Tight - the epitome of an 80’s power ballad with an “it’s you and me ‘til the end” love song with a powerful chorus you can imagine a rain-soaked Shears singing in slow motion. The last three tracks are the most serious, creating a sense of urgency that grips listeners until the very end; Sex and Violence pushes into darker territory with low, brooding vocals, while Invisible Light is a 6-minute, epic album closer, filled with dream-like imagery that serves as the apocalypse to the magnificent journey.

Night Work isn’t just a light throwback to the time period it channels; it’s an authentic embodiment of the sounds and stories of the late 70’s and early 80’s, making you feel as if you’re traveling chronologically through time as the album progresses. In a recent interview, Shears discussed the gay liberation movement of the late 70’s and asked the hypothetical question of what might have been if AIDS hadn’t struck the community so horrifically in the early 80’s; ultimately, Night Work feels like an exploration to answer his own question – musically, lyrically, and through the emotion it invokes – and in doing so, has led to the creation of an incredibly remarkable concept album.

Long live the Sisters.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/15/3rzafo_kylie_minogue:_%22aphrodite%22_-_my_review Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:46:40 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/15/3rzafo_kylie_minogue:_%22aphrodite%22_-_my_review “Dance – it’s all I wanna do, so won’t you dance?” Kylie Minogue declares as she opens Aphrodite, the pop diva’s 11th studio album. And that’s exactly what this album is all about – non-stop dance music, courtesy of Stuart Price’s role as executive producer and impeccable knack for creating monumental dance tracks. And while Kylie has always been a huge gay icon, this album embodies her queer appeal to the brink and could serve as *the* soundtrack to a white party near you.

Price is a genius at what he does; yet, he’s also quite predictable. All the Lovers sounds like the love child of the Killers’ “Human” and Minogue’s previous hit “I Believe In You” and was most definitely engineered that way as the first single. That still doesn’t take away from its brilliance as a shining, glorious dance anthem. Get Outta My Way instantly sends rushes of serotonin to the brain, with its rich, pulsing beats, while “Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love) creates the image of a euphoric, jam-packed dance floor. Everything Is Beautiful sounds like a magical hit ripped from the late 70’s, with its lush instrumentation coupled with Kylie’s sexual coos. Title-track Aphrodite is a cheerleading-inspired, butt-kicking rumpus while Illusion is straight-up single material, with its addictive hooks and beats. Unfortunately, the second half of the album begins to sag a bit. While most of the music is still quite good, the moments become less special when compared to previous songs. The lyrics noticeably feel more cliché – with Kylie continuing to assert unbridled love for her lucky man – and it fails to explore any new territory.

With a legacy of over 20 years in the music business, Kylie is about established as one could ever hope to be. She’s pop royalty – a goddess, as appropriately embodied on the album’s cover – and there’s little left for her to prove. However, it’s tempting for some of us to want a little more from our girl, especially when we know Kylie is capable of mixing good beats with substance. Aphrodite only falters when you expect some sort of theme or message alongside the music – alas, there is none.

Admittedly, no one really expects a “deep” album from Kylie. Though she experimented in the past with 1997’s amazing and largely unheard Impossible Princess, the album didn’t fare well and is a far cry from what the majority of her fan base would expect today; besides, we don’t need any more dark, megalomaniac divas attempting to be full of meaning (no names necessary). Kylie knows what she does best – embodying the joyous, celebratory factor of pop music. All the same, 2007’s X is a prime example of top-quality, original and entertaining pop music with a bit of soul to it. If she can top that body of work in the future, she’s done something remarkable. For now, shake your ass, find somebody to love, and bow down to worship Aphrodite, goddess of the dance floor.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/02/3qy46m_christina_aguilera:_%22bionic%22_-_my_review Fri, 2 Jul 2010 05:49:21 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/07/02/3qy46m_christina_aguilera:_%22bionic%22_-_my_review It’s been a long 4 years since Christina Aguilera last graced us with an album, however, it’s really no surprise; Miss Aguilera has always taken her time between musical endeavors in true diva fashion. It’s always a risky move to delay your next album for an extended period of time in the world of pop music. A good two years off usually suffices as enough time for any established star to leave their audience yearning for more – but pushing it further can endanger an artist of becoming irrelevant in the sweeping tides of the music industry. And, of course, the obvious question is – mostly due to fan feuds and a fat blogger on the Internet – can Christina make it in a GaGa world?

Let’s briefly rewind back to 2006 when Christina put out Back to Basics. This album ultimately didn't intrigue me. It seemed almost too calculated of a career move and none of the songs really blew me away. Where was the innovative fighter who told the world she was Dirrty, yet Beautiful, and didn’t really give a fuck what you think? Well, boys and girls, with Bionic, X-Tina is back in full force. Bionic ultimately seems like the natural sequel to Stripped; it follows a similar formula and has Christina exploring similar territory musically and lyrically. However, Bionic stands on its own as a worthy, unique predecessor and actually flows more cohesively throughout.

Bionic sees Christina experimenting more than ever – and not just musically, but vocally as well. Everyone knows Aguilera is a vocal powerhouse, but she surprisingly can twist her voice into multiple characters that Whitney and Mariah have never dared to try. Whether its exploring her lower register, rapping, gently cooing, or belting out something technically difficult, she’s always spot on. The album also possesses amazing production, thanks to an impressive array of established producers (Linda Perry, Tricky Stewart, and Sia) that mesh incredibly well together.

Not Myself Tonight introduced the album – and quite poorly due to the video’s numerous GaGa/Madonna comparisons. While the song itself is fun, it ends up being slightly unoriginal as the first single and actually pales in comparison to many superior tracks on the album. Woohoo – the album’s second single – would most likely be a hot mess of a song by any other artist, but Christina’s quick and irresistibly catchy vocal stylings make it pure fun the whole way through. Desnudate (translation: get naked!) is a brilliant 4 ½ minutes of raunchy, upbeat Latin fire, while the fabulous Glam stands as the next generation’s “Vogue.” Sex for Breakfast is a sexy, Janet-inspired “baby-making” song, I Am could be considered the sequel to “Beautiful” with its magical, dreamy chorus, and Lift Me Up climaxes into a inspirational crescendo of beauty that leaves one in awe of the powerful vocals and magical touch that Aguilera can effortlessly put into a song.

The most disappointing aspect of the album comes at the closing with the last three songs; with extremely immature lyrics and Christina screaming “bitch” multiple times while talking about how “fucking pretty” she is, it seems like this songs were solely tacked on to impress queeny gays across the world. Nevertheless, because of the superior bonus tracks, the faux pas can be forgiven; it’s just surprising she didn’t choose them to be on the actual album! Monday Morning is effortlessly cool and could easily be a Ladyhawke song, Birds Of Prey is mysterious, dark and alluring, while Little Dreamer is an uplifting slice of 80’s inspired pop that would have worked well as the album closer.

In the end, the album is pretty fantastic and stands as her best yet. The whole “Christina is a copycat” cry has unfairly overshadowed the music and become quite boring; besides, Christina is the original wild child of fashion. Anyone remember when she sported blond weave with a ghetto-fabulous, reverse cleavage top? And who would ever forget her infamous Lady Marmalade getup? I remember back to my undergrad years discussing what she would wear to the 2003 VMAs (I made a joke about ostrich feathers and she actually ended up wearing a dress made of magenta feathers!). She’s the long-standing fashionista of crazy and has been criticized severely for it all along – and with “Not Myself Tonight” faltering on the charts, it seems as if boycotting Christina is once again in style at the moment. However, something tells me she doesn’t care too much. This is the same girl who experienced the public turning their back on her when “Dirrty” was released, was overshadowed at the VMAs by Britney’s kiss, and has normally lived in the shadow of more popular artists. Christina is the ultimate fighter – the underdog – and she’s always pulled through turmoil stronger than before. Honestly, I don’t think she’d have it any other way; remarkably good music speaks for itself and something tells me X-Tina knows it.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/04/29/3lmvwd_april_26th,_2010_-_sia_at_st._andrews_hall,_detroit Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:33:00 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2010/04/29/3lmvwd_april_26th,_2010_-_sia_at_st._andrews_hall,_detroit Mon 26 Apr – Sia

Setlist:
1) The Fight
2) Buttons
3) You've Changed
4) Be Good To Me
5) Oh Father (Madonna cover)
6) Little Black Sandals
7) Bring Night
8) Sunday
9) I Go To Sleep
10) Never Gonna Leave Me
11) The Girl You Lost To Cocaine
12) Cloud
13) Clap Your Hands
14) You Have Been Loved
15) Breathe Me
**********
Encore:
16) Co-Dependent
17) Soon We'll Be Found]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/07/16/2veg65_15_amazing_songs Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:30:50 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/07/16/2veg65_15_amazing_songs It's impossible to pick my most favorites... but I feel like I'm getting close:

01) Jóga - Björk
02) Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
03) A&E - Goldfrapp
04) Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - Kate Bush
05) Breathe Me - Sia
06) Silent All These Years - Tori Amos
07) Destiny - Zero 7
08) Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Radiohead
09) Frozen - Madonna
10) Why - Annie Lennox
11) Head Over Feet - Alanis Morissette
12) You Look So Fine - Garbage
13) Never Is A Promise - Fiona Apple
14) Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
15) Pagan Poetry - Björk]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/05/14/2q2bc6_2009_so_far Thu, 14 May 2009 17:02:47 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/05/14/2q2bc6_2009_so_far Just writing this to say I absolutely love the following 4 albums:

Two Suns -- Bat For Lashes
Fantasies -- Metric
I Feel Cream -- Peaches
It's Blitz! -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2009 is shaping up to be a great year for music... and Abnormally Attracted To Sin is coming out next week. I've done well with staying away from it. I like to be suddenly and fully immersed into Tori albums. Excited :)]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/04/14/2nab2u_electrospring Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:41:43 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/04/14/2nab2u_electrospring The promise of warm weather, clear skies, and cocktails on the balcony with the sun shining inspired this new playlist for Spring 2009...

01) Comfortably Numb - Scissor Sisters
02) My Love Is Better - Annie
03) The Girl and the Robot - Röyksopp ft. Robyn
04) Better Off As Two - Frankmusik
05) Me and My Imagination - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
06) Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
07) Talk to Me - Peaches
08) Sleep Alone - Bat For Lashes
09) The Fear - Lily Allen
10) Too Funky - George Michael
11) Sandcastle Disco - Solange
12) Footprints - Róisín Murphy
13) The Look Of Love (Madison Park vs. Lenny B Remix) - Nina Simone
14) Boys Boys Boys - Lady Gaga
15) Raging Storm - Cyndi Lauper
16) Little Star - Stina Nordenstam
17) Crazy World - Ladyhawke]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/02/15/2hjwhn_winter_2009_playlist Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:18:30 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/02/15/2hjwhn_winter_2009_playlist This is probably my most random playlist ever, consisting of songs I've had on repeat recently. However, I noticed one thing they all have in common: they're sung by incredible female vocalists. Let me know what you think...

1) Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
2) Wanderlust - Björk
3) Internacional - Brazilian Girls
4) Dear Miami - Róisín Murphy
5) Little Star - Stina Nordenstam
6) Rain on Me - Cyndi Lauper
7) You Will Feel Like This - Nicola Hitchcock
8) Snow On The Sahara - Anggun
9) Agenais - Donna Lewis
10) Don't Bring Me Down - Sia
11) The Song of Solomon - Kate Bush
12) Oedipus - Regina Spektor
13) Love...Thy Will Be Done - Martika
14) Must Be Dreaming - Frou Frou
15) No Fear, No Pain, No Hate (No Broken Hearts) - Eurythmics
16) Fly Away - Poe]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/01/29/2fw449_artists_who_suck Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:52:41 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/01/29/2fw449_artists_who_suck I saw Jason Mraz on TV and he inspired me to write this! There are too many artists to remember and include, so I decided to lump them into categories:

1) Jason Mraz
(this includes music that's supposed to sound all witty and "da-do-do-dum")

2) Beyonce
(this includes artists who actually have some good stuff, but have this God's-gift-to-music personality - this includes Mary J. Blige, and also older bitches like Aretha Franklin who refuse to go away and want to be continually treated as a "legend" even though they haven't done anything notable in years)

3) John Legend
(this includes every artist who's acclaimed for some reason but puts out really boring shit)

4) Akon
(this includes every shitty R&B/Rap artist on the radio - this is a giant, never-ending category)

5) Nickelback
(and all bands designed to appeal to the dumbest of the dumb redneck people)

6) Miley Cyrus
(includes any shitty artist from the Disney Channel that doesn't deserve to be called music - however, she specifically is probably the worst)

7) O.A.R.
(this includes every mediocre contemporary rock band that you can catch on the radio - and David Cook, too)

8) All-American Rejects
(this includes every whiny band like them who appeal to 12 year olds and are pushing 30- Avril Lavigne can go here, too)

9) Slipknot
(and other music that consists of screaming and/or wearing stupid shit on your face and looking unhygienic)

10) Country-Pop Music
(It's not even worth mentioning a specific artist)

*There are always exceptions and I will admit to owning a select few guilty pleasures from these categories]]> http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/01/07/2dqkkp_s.e.x. Wed, 7 Jan 2009 23:39:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/rustystake/journal/2009/01/07/2dqkkp_s.e.x. My sex playlist:

01 #1 Crush - Garbage
02 Fastlove - George Michael
03 Sexual (Li Da Di) - Amber
04 Breathe on Me - Britney Spears
05 Get Mine, Get Yours - Christina Aguilera
06 Chocolate - Kylie Minogue
07 Red Light Special - TLC
08 Rope Burn - Janet
09 Justify My Love - Madonna
10 2Wicky - Hooverphonic
11 Heaven - Lamb
12 Destiny - Zero 7

(If you can last that long)]]>