Music Meridian

You won't be seeing a Top 10 of 2004 from me. I can talk about stuff I liked, or the few CDs I actually purchased this year, or regurgitate other peoples' lists whom I agree/disagree with. However, I don't think that will get us very far. What I will do is say that no matter what list you look at, chances are there is someone with amazing talent that is nowhere on that listmakers radar screen. Local bands, for example, can have the most amazing sound/album/song/whatever and will never be recognized (except for the precious few that actually "make it", whatever that means).

With that in mind, here is one of my New Years Resolutions:
Take the time to go to more local shows. My concert attendance this year was pathetic, and was for primarily national acts. Don't break the bank, but see the bands. Maybe next year, I can give you my Top 10 local bands/albums. And wherever you are, maybe you can give me yours.

I've been watching a bit of the Live Aid DVD collection, and I must say it sparks a few memories.

I was only 11 when Live Aid occurred. I had no idea who any of the artists were, but I remember watching a bunch of it that day. Maybe it sparked interest in my musical insanity? That and the Bozo show I guess (but that's another story!)

U2 rocked then (Jen, take note!) and The Who and Dire Straits ruled (with a then cool Sting!)

Live Aid was not intended to ever be shown again. United States TV didn't keep their tapes. Luckily, MTV had the foresight to, but a lot of footage is according to the liner notes "missing forever" Led Zeppelin was a special case and didn't want their footage released because of their "subpar" performance.

However, around 5 years ago I was visiting my friend Joe and he was bragging about how he taped the entire day's worth of Live Aid off the TV. We watched the REO Speedwagon footage and had a good laugh. I wonder if he has the "missing footage" I'll have to find out....but do I really need to see Huey Lewis and the News or 80's Stevie Wonder?....hmmmm

Hi, I'm Jen. And I'm sick of U2. I swear, I'll have more positive and constructive posts in the future, but for now... If you're a mega-mongo fan of U2 who says they can do no wrong, read no further (or, maybe you should.) The overrated machine of pop that is U2 has even this pop lover wretching. How many times can we hear the same variation of another song? And, how many other songs are you going to rip off and mesh together to create your own pop wonder "Vertigo"? As a general lover of pop music (I'm talking Fountains of Wayne, Pappas Fritas, or even old school Depeche Mode, among several hundred quality pop bands I can't think of right now, not boy bands and titty pop as the current MTV would have you belive pop music consists of), I am appalled by the general disregard for any musicality and emotion in the latest U2 album. Yes, I care for all the little children all around the world. Thank you, Bono, for your work with charities and causes. But your publicity whoring self needs to take a step back and look at what got you where you are: your music. If it sucks, no one will care about what the hell you have to say anymore, be it lyrically or otherwise. And I'm sorry to say, but your relevence is about as important as my shoes. Get with the times, get back to making GOOD music (Joshua Tree anyone? I'd even take Achtung Baby right now), and get off your money making high horse. I'd rather have good music.

quickly, before any of you get the wrong idea, I am author and musician Andrew Jenkins, and not Buckethead. Pictures to follow.





So I went to see the return of the Blue Meanies last night at the Double Door. I braved the unbelievably cold weather and stood in line for an eternity outdoors, but it was well worth it.

The first band, who's name I didn't catch, was actually a two piece. Tuba and accordian. yes. You heard me. The tuba player sang like Tom Waits. They covered "Stay Up Late" by Talking Heads. Awesome.

Then came The Cougars, who were also quite good. A big rock band with horns that sound like The Jesus Lizard jamming with the JBs. I'm going to have to investigate futher, as I was duley impressed.

The Tossers brought their lame brand of Irish-Punk next. It's basically bad punk rock, with odd instrumentation (mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar). Thankfully they were cut short to allow more time for the Blue Meanies. This angered the drunken group next to me who kept yelling for more Tossers and how they were going to heckle the Blue Meanies. I was fully expecting them to ruin my evening.

However, the were scared away once the Meanies hit the stage and blazed right into "Send Help". I don't think the drunkards knew what hit them.

Without a doubt, the Blue Meanies were and are a tremedously fun and energetic live act. Like getting kicked and punched while your down for an hour, but in a good way. Their mix of punk, ska, prog etc still sounds exciting and fresh. No new material, but they didn't need it. The crowd screamed along, thrashed away and generally raised the roof off the place. There was even a scuffle between an audience member and the sax player. Good times. However, Billy Spunke mentioned they're "not broken up" and to expect more from them. New material on the way....? Hmmm...

They're playing again tonight at Metro with MU330. If you didn't see it last night...you better get there tonight. It's gonna rule.

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