The Look Back

Still on track for a perfect record in 2009 (minus that first Friday which really doesn’t count.)  Last weekend’s Charlie Louvin show gave rise to me picking my Lucinda Williams albums up again.  I felt the show was remarkably less fulfilling than 2007’s show at the Mint but still a great time.  The power went out 30 minutes in which did manage to give rise to an acoustic version of “The Christian Life” to end the show which was the best song of the night.  Somehow a fitting way to end things.  And for the last time he didn’t tell a racist joke.  An anti-Obama joke is not inherently racist because the president is black.  All the hipsters would have been cheering if the same joke would have been said about Bush this time last year.  And on that note….

Komar & Melamid and Dave Soldier – The Most Unwanted Song

This song comes about by some Russians who wanted to find out what sounds/music/song Americans hated the most.  They then took that information and put together a 21 minute opus to these generalizations.  Now that I’ve given you the name of the song and the premise behind it you are already in a “I’ll love it” or “I’ll hate it” reactionary state. There is no way to be unbiased towards this song unless you knew nothing about it.  Having known what it was about when I first went into it I was inclined to like it, and I do.  The cheesy kids chorus screaming out “AT WALMART” makes me crack up every time.  Lyrics that mention cowboys…love it.  Long sustained music…love it.  Shifts in tempo….love it.  Tuba…eh.  Of course everyone has their own distinct tastes in music (unless you listen to the radio) and this will be unique to you.  Still an interesting idea. 

Mastodon – Divinations

The new single off of their forthcoming album.  I really enjoy Mastodon as a change of pace from my normal fair of music.  Lamb of God came out with a new metal album this week as well which is growing on me but I’m not sure I’m going to go down this road again anytime soon. 

Phosphorescent – Can I Sleep in Your Arms

This is a superb album that I thought would ultimately be extremely corny and/or non-original.  I wasn’t.  This track in particular stands out with its minimal arrangement and makes you almost want to sing Amazing Grace.  Subtlety is what lends itself to the listener and makes you want to come back for just one last listen. 

Lucinda Williams – Passionate Kisses

My all time favorite Lucinda Williams song off of herself titled album.  You most likely know this song though not as sung by her.  Mary Chapin Carpenter sang this and gave the song it’s real following.  Lucinda did win a Grammy for writing and later got some acclaim in her own right for singing it as well.  I only wish this was the duet she did with Charlie on Saturday though I can only imagine how that would have sounded in her rather inebriated state.