Operation Emo Freedom

The other day, while listening to NPR, I heard a story about how emo kids in Mexico City are under attack. Now, this story isn't funny at all- but I swear for the first two minutes, I thought at first it was a classic The Onion piece meant to be a parody. Imagine my surprise to hear this is a true story. Emo kids are under attack.

Among the many youth subcultures that exist, it seems that emo kids provoke the strongest reaction. I thought this might just exist in Mexico, but a simple google image search will show otherwise- but I'm going to stick with Mexico for now.

So why are the emo kids being attacked? Various sociologists have cited the recent presidential election as polarizing the right versus left, a more "macho" culture infused with homophobia and intolerance, but also the conflict between youth gangs over space and symbolism. These emo kids are being attacked (rather physically) by skaters, punks, and skinheads. Yes, other urban tribes are attacking the emos. Folks themselves who have appropriated their symbols are mad at the emo kids for stealing those same symbols.

Some of what I've read about the situation refers to the emo kids as "emosexual", which demostrates there are obvious gender and sexuality issues. Many of these more "masculine" subcultures are upset about the emo boys dressing more like girls. So, it sounds like the fear of boys taking on the characteristics of girls is the real issue. Really? That is what you are scared of?

Here is an article from the Chicago Tribune about the situation taking place in Mexico City, if interested. In Mexico, emo music fans face core of hatred.

As I mentioned, this isn't just happening in Mexico City, but the story stresses how this is spreading through various internet "campaigns" and youtube. As I searched for an image about emo kids, I was bombarded with images that demostrate the general hatred of emo, EVERYWHERE. There are images stating that "emo is just an excuse for boys to act like girls" and "yeah, emo, go cry about it". Apparently, June 6, 2006 was dubbed National Emo Kid Beatdown Day. There is an ad created that features 6 various haircuts and informs that on June 6th, if you have one of these haircuts, you should expect to be punched in the face.

I can only assume this is about gender. Expressing emotion is relegated to being feminine. It seems that a brunt of this violence, hate, and anger is reserved for male emo kids. Or at least more of it.

Much like all youth subcultures, emo was derived from a music subculture later to become amalgamated into a youth culture of fashion and style, as somewhat distinct and "mainstreamed" from the original source. I don't want to get into the history of emo culture, but rather, I find the fact that other subcultures that have been developed in similar ways would find so much to hate about this "newer" group- which is apparently another criticism of the groups attacking in the city of Queretaro. They are upset about this new group. They haven't been around long enough. I'm pretty sure the original working class punks in the UK wouldn't be too thrilled with the modern day punks in Mexico City.

As a side note, the NPR feature appropriately chose a Bright Eyes song to tie up the story. Conor, be careful.

Songs About Myrtle Beach

I have a travel guide about music and the United States. The travel guide informs you about where to find cool music venues, record stores, and historical music sites in each state. At the beginning of each chapter, there are a list of songs for the particular states. I always assumed these songs were listed so you could make a proper mix tape as you traveled the entire United States. Wait, perhaps that was just my plan.

There are of course any number of songs about a particular state or destination that could quickly be called to mind. I fell in love with Band of Horses, due to their song called St. Augustine. Turns out that a radio station in Minnesota did something very similar to this back in 2005, you can find the link here. This can help for any summer road trips you have planned.

Regardless, I find myself drawn to music about a particular location- especially when I live there. Imagine my delight when I came across Sunny Ledfurd's song Myrtle Beach. And I'll be honest, when people ask me about what it is like living in this spectacular location. I'm not going to answer anymore. I'm simply going to point them to this song. This is all you need to know. You can find this song on Sunny Ledfurd's myspace page, which I have listed below. I must warn you, the song isn't the "clean" version- so plug in those headphones before you isolate yourself from the rest of the office. That being said, a clean version of this wouldn't be Myrtle Beach. Not at all.

Sunny Ledfurd's Myspace Page

And if that wasn't enough, I listened to Sunny Ledfurd's song Red Bull and Vodka, which not only points out the merits of living in Myrtle Beach, as opposed to Los Angeles- but also speaks about a bar near the university in Charlotte called Tipsey's. Tipsey's use to be on of my favorite destinations in Charlotte. I wouldn't have survived graduate school without the aid of Tipsey's. Though the video comes dangerously close to a "girls gone wild video"...you'll get the point.

Top Five Songs of March...

Here are my top five songs of March. To be honest, I could have picked at least a couple of songs by each artist, but I narrowed as much as possible. I thought about listing my top five Bob Dylan songs, as I'm currently caught in the middle of a Bob Dylan obsession, but thought it might be too narrow of a list. So here goes...

1. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right- Bob Dylan


















I spent most of last weekend in my truck driving, which allowed me to spend some time with the dozen or so Dylan albums I recently picked up from the public library (not that I kept them on my computer!) After a few hours, I created my own Dylan playlist...and I found myself coming back to this song over and over again. When I was trying to choose just one song for my top five for this month, it was essentially a tie between this and "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down." It was a narrow margin.

"Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right"


2. Loose Change- The Morning Benders














I honestly know absolutely nothing about The Morning Benders. I know that there are certain weeks that Tim bombards me with new music. Over the course of two days, I swear I listened to 10 new albums. When I was finished, I went back to give a re-listen...and the first one I looked for was The Morning Benders. It, obviously, reminds me of The Strokes (and some other influences too, but I can't put my finger on it...) at times. I've noticed a trend with my music for March...it is mostly more upbeat music. I blame Spring.



3. We Get On- Kate Nash


















My mother introduced me to Kate Nash. Yes, thanks for asking, my mother is very cool. Regardless, not that I am a music snob, but I'm usually hesitant when someone hands me a copy of their favorite new music. Trust me, I realize this is completely contrary to my love of making mixes for people. Upon my introduction to Kate Nash, my mother showed me one of her videos on youtube. I thought she reminded me of a British Ani Difranco, but without as much anger, acoustic guitar, or growling sounds.

Taking my trip to Nashville, I thought (selflessly) I'll give this album a listen. I immediately fell in love with a handful of her songs. This song, "We Get On" in particular seems to perfectly speak to the experience of liking someone, not knowing if they like you, being nervous around them, trying to run into them, but then unfortuantely seeing them "digging" someone else.

One of the other interesting things about Kate Nash is how the handful of men that I have asked about her music- do not seem to like her. I don't think it is a categorical dislike, but they just don't get it. Perhaps she seems too honest, too angry...I don't quite know. Maybe it just seems non-applicable to men. Here is a video of her song "Foundations"...see, I told you I had a hard time picking this month.






4. Hotel Room in Casablanca- Ezra Furman and The Harpoons


















I've mentioned before, but I adore when I randomly come in contact with a new musical artist. A few weeks ago, I attended a show at North Myrtle Beach's finest rock clubs, The Pirates Cove. I was planning to see a band called Magnolia Network, which are worthy of their own entry...I just don't own anything yet. Regardless, there is a lack of shows in this area and I think we've seen Magnolia Network at least 5 times in the last year. They are worth though. The plan for the evening of the latest show was to watch them, then leave when the second band played, who were Ezra Furman and The Harpoons.

A mere 3 minutes into their set, I knew this was impossible. Tim and Jeremy (my co-conspirators for the evening) and I sat at the bar passing names of influences back and forth. Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Violent Femmes, Conor Oberst, Jonathan Richman...the rest are foggy. It was one of those experiences where I couldn't stop my foot from tapping and wanting to just get up in dance. I was a bit afraid that the fella in the bar from 38 Special would try to dance with me, so I stayed put.

In "Hotel Room in Casablanca," my heart drops when he sings "I am hiding in your bedroom, I am 17 years old..." and then later returns to sing, "I am hiding in your bedroom, I am 48 years old..." I'm not sure what it is, but something about it hits me in the gut. I almost put the song "I Wanna Be Ignored" up which can be found on the link for the band above.






5. See You Around- Vic Chesnutt
















I have loved Vic Chesnutt for a long time. When I heard him belt out "Little Vacation." which was placed as the first song on an old mix tape from a friend...I knew that Chesnutt and I would be life long pals. I saw Chesnutt years ago at The Evening Muse in Charlotte. It was an incredible show. I think my eyes may have teared up a few times. I don't know what it is about this song in particular that has caught my attention, but out of the blue...it resonated.

"Well I'm sorry for my lack of communication, but as I'm staring out of this 5th floor window, it seems like the least amount of communication the better...I will see you around...I'll save us both the hassle and leave and hang out all night in the familiar flourescent light of Dunkin' Donuts, Cause I ain't got time for the niceties or rather I was never fond of the niceties..."

Singin' in the Cinema

Growing up, The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies. I can remember the sheer excitement when it would come on television. And yet, I never really thought of it as a musical. The musical is a genre that isn't often appreciated, at least the modern day musical. Let me pause before I get ahead of myself.

As I surveyed the AFI's 100 Years of Musicals list, which features the top musicals of American cinema. I came across many other musicals that I have enjoyed throughout the years. West Side Story, The Sound of Music, An American in Paris, Meet Me in St. Louis, Chicago, and Funny Girl. There is one musical that sticks out to me above all the rest...Singin' in the Rain.

I can't remember the first time I saw this musical, but I was surprisingly at least 20 years old. I immediately fell in love with the musical, and well, Gene Kelly for that matter. The movie itself speaks very clearly about the history of cinema, specifically the move from silent movies to "talkies". When Kelly performed the title track, Singin' in the Rain, I watched with amazement. I wanted to dance along with Kelly. It wasn't until I took a tap dancing class about 5 years ago that I attempted to learn the real dance that Kelly performs (this experiment in tap dancing didn't last as long as the actual film). Regardless, I love this scene in the movie. When Kelly jumps on the lightpost, throws his arms out to the side to let the rain cascade down on his face, when he takes off into the middle of the street, kicking puddles...all of it makes me feel the emotion of "come on with the rain".



All of this love for musicals would have you thinking that I watch nothing but musicals. Not true. I like the genre of the musical. I think it has to be well done. For someone who likes movies and likes music, I would assume that these two combined in this format would have a pretty good chance of pleasing me. Again, not always true.

Case in point. This past weekend I watched the movie Sweeney Todd. When I hear the phrase "modern day musical", I always think...tricky, very tricky. For some reason this genre does not always apply so well to modern day movies. There is something awkward at times about watching our favorite actors belt out a tune. Now, there have been some modern day musicals I have enjoyed. I liked Chicago. Yes, the one with Queen Latifah. I also enjoyed Woody Allen's Everyone Says I Love You. Dancer in the Dark was also a fine musical. I'm not sure what the trick is to making a modern day musical successful, but it is a fine line.

And I was even more sure of this after watching Sweeney Todd. I don't know exactly where it went wrong, but there was something between the plot, characters, lyrics, and music that just didn't work for me. I couldn't dig it, even though I really hoped I would.

The sheer goofiness and quirkiness of the "musical" made me start thinking about other films that were nominated the same year for awards. I started thinking about if they had also been produced as a musical. Would No Country for Old Men make a fascinating musical?

I do recognize that I'm leaving out one of the more recent musicals that has received critical acclaim. I haven't seen Once yet, but will update you on my opinions about the modern day musical when I have.

Tricky, very tricky.

Music, Martinis, and Memories

One of the few items I bought for myself this past holiday season was a new record player. I wanted a new record player that would allow me to copy my old records into mp3 files. Not only does this make sense in not having to re-purchase the old albums, but it also means these mp3's will be heavy with the crackle of the album. Oh, how I love that crackle.

I remember my one (embarrassing) attempt at making my own music. I spent months working on four songs, which layered samples of music over some original composition with my (thankfully, heavily distorted) vocals. When my "producer" and I were trying out different effects, I knew I wanted crackle. The more, the better.

There is certainly something authentically nostalgic about hearing the sound of a record playing. I hear the hiss of the album about to start, then the crackle...and then the music starts. I remember this sound from listening to my first Beatles albums. Even hearing this now, I'm back there. In my childhood room. There is also something (perhaps less authentic) about the sound of an album. Even if you didn't grow up in a time when albums were still sold, you hear this sound and it takes you back somewhere else.

Last night (albeit after a couple of cocktails), I found myself wanting to hear John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy. This album has deeper significance in that the album itself is my mother's old album. It is complete with her papers where she wrote out the lyrics to Watching the Wheels, presumably after a few cocktails of her own. Regardless, this led me to further listen to The White Album, specifically I'm So Tired, which is my self-proclaimed favorite Beatles song.

Today, while out buying a birthday present today, I found my way to the local Salvation Army, hoping to find some hidden gems in their dusty albums on the bottom shelf. One of the albums, I discovered was Jackie Gleason's Music, Martinis, and Memories, which although enjoyable was mostly purchased for the obvious connection to my project.

Bringing home my purchases and pulling the record out of the sleeve, I was excited with the prospect of a new album...but also in hearing the hiss and crackle of the album.

Top Five (um, Six) Songs for February...

Here are the top six songs for February. I tried to narrow down to five, but it felt impossible.

1. Devil Tricks for a Bitch- Lightspeed Champion












Shortly after I posted about Lightspeed Champion's ep, a full length album came out. And not surprisingly, I love it just as much. Now, if I can just convince him to play a show here in North Myrtle Beach. I particularly love the strings in this song, as well as the imagery of both having your phone checked assuming it is broken and the half a bowl of cereal. From a sociological perspective, Lightspeed Champion is interesting due to issues related to racial identity, which seem to appear in a number of his songs.


2. Bye Bye Bye- Plants and Animals


















I'll probably say this more times than not in my life, but I thank the world for Bob Boilen. Listening to his podcast of All Songs Considered, I had the joy of hearing a song by the band Plants and Animals. This song has the potential to be my favorite song of the year, but I don't want to get too ahead of myself in only March...but honestly, while out walking the other day and listening to this song- I was practically brought to tears. Please listen to it now.


3. Come Sail Away- Styx












Last month, I happened upon Supertramp in my search for this particular song. I felt it was only suitable to include it in this months list. It feels like it holds particular significance for me, given the fact I'm at a place in my life where I'm about to leave the place I've lived for the past two years...and that place being the beach, certainly adds to the emotive connection to this song.


4. Potato Head Blues- Louis Armstrong











For the last couple of months, I've been watching Ken Burns' documentary on Jazz. In educating myself about a genre of music that I always felt inadequately educated, I sought out this documentary (as Burns also did an excellent job of his documentary on baseball), which ensured me that I would also fall in love with jazz. I'm about half way through the documentary; however, it has not only introduced me to new musicians (Artie Shaw, Jelly Roll Morton), but renewed my love of some folks I already loved. This particular song holds additional significance because of one of the last scenes in Woody Allen's Manhattan, where he lists this song as one of the reasons for living. See clip below.




5. The Pretender- Dr. Dog
















I have recently become acquainted with the music of Dr. Dog. I'm actually hoping to see them perform next week in Charleston, SC. This is the kind of song that will get stuck in your head for days upon days. I think what really got me hooked on the music was watching a clip of Dr. Dog performing this song on Youtube.


6. Devil In The Details- Bright Eyes













It is absolutely no surprise to those of you that know me about my adoration of Bright Eyes. A few months ago, my mother mentioned that a single day doesn't pass without her listening to at least one Bright Eyes song a day. I realized when she said this that I doubt a day passes for me either. That being said, I find myself listening to different songs at different times. Songs that I previously passed by quickly later become significant to me. This song, Devil In The Details, was one of those songs that I've found myself listening to more in recent days. And because I probably hear it once a day, I decided I couldn't leave it off the list for February.

Enjoy.

What I've Been Reading Lately...

Since I've started my research on music and memory, I look for any research that may exist that seeks to make the same connection. Luckily, I came across Tia DeNora's Music in Everyday Life. Certainly, DeNora went above and beyond my focus; however, she is able to walk the fine line between academic and general press- in that her writing is academic (in that it is well researched and places her own research in the canon of knowledge that exists about the subject), but it isn't so academic that it was a struggle to make it through the text. DeNora conducts research similar to my interests- in that I want to understand how individuals make use of music, as well as how they attach meaning (using an interpretive and symbolic interaction approach).




I've just started this book on Dylan. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I (somehow) was left out of the Dylan experience. I think the years of my life when many people are attracted to his music for the first time, I was too busy listening to Jawbreaker or Superchunk. After seeing Todd Haynes' I'm Not There (which I enthusiastically recommend that everyone watch), I became more interested in Dylan.



And lastly, I'm also reading Peter Martin's Sounds and Society, which thus far has been extremely informative for my upcoming entry into a doctoral program. Martin touches on many of the themes that DeNora also discusses; however, he also places this research within the context of theory- in the hopes that the sociology of music will become more "scientific". I'm thoroughly enjoying it, but as opposed to DeNora, it takes more of my focused attention and interpretation.

Top Five Songs of January

I've already started the process of thinking about the 2008 Christmas mix, believe it or not. I generally begin putting some of my favorite songs in a folder in my iTunes in January, so as the end of the year approaches, I won't forget those hidden gems that get overshadowed by end of the year big albums.

I decided it might be a good idea to archive the songs and albums that I listened to each month, as well as to share this information with you. I will post at the end of the month the top five songs I have been listening to during the month.

So, without further ado....in no particular order...

1. Serious by Richard Hawley
















Hawley ended up on my 2007 mix by happenstance. I was looking for a song to fit in between part one and part two of the mix. Hawley's The Sea Calls seemed suitable given my location and the sentiment helped put the mix into context. It wasn't until after the holidays that I explored his latest release, Lady's Bridge. I think the first couple of weeks of the new year will always be this album.



2. Middle Distance Runner: Sea Wolf
















There was a similar experience with Sea Wolf, as Hawley...it wasn't until after the rush of the holidays that I was able to really explore this album. I like the fact that upon revisiting the album, there were others songs that appealed to me. I'm generally like this with an album, the obvious hits and singles overwhelm me. I immediately fall in love with them and it isn't until months pass and with continued listening or surprising shuffle listens, I discover that different songs move me...Middle Distance Runner is one of those songs.

3. The Logical Song: Supertramp


















Most of you are probably already familiar with this song. I revisted this song after driving one day and hearing a song that I thought was by Supertramp on the radio. I immediately came home to buy a few of their songs. I discovered not only a secret, hidden love for the band, but also that the song I heard on the radio was not among those I had purchased. Turns out- it was a Styx song. I'm glad I made the mistake though.



4. All I Want Is You: Barry Louis Polisar (Juno Soundtrack)


















This soundtrack (as previously mentioned) is one of my favorite albums so far this year. All of Kimya Dawson's music is of course fantastic, but this song initially stood out to me. An extremely sweet love song. "If you were an ocean, I'd learn to float."

5. The Rain Like A Gentle Dream: The Port Huron Statement













Many of you may be unfamiliar with PHS and that is a pity. I'm not sure if this album is being formally released, though it appears you can listen to it on their myspace page. Pressure them to release, pressure them to play a show in your town. You won't regret it.


Enjoy.

Brad the Bartender

I've been thinking about movie soundtracks recently. I suppose it started with buying the Juno soundtrack. Which is not only excellent, but was ranked at #1 for numerous weeks. I can't remember the last time I felt compelled to buy a movie soundtrack (wait...I can check that...) Apparently I haven't felt compelled to buy a soundtrack, the entire time I've been purchasing items on ITUNES. I have a few songs from Footloose and Purple Rain which were helping me work on the book, as I transitioned through my own musical history.

When I think about soundtracks that I adore...Amelie, Garden State, Vanilla Sky, Everything Is Illuminated, Rushmore, Manhattan (strike that- all Woody Allen movies), Brokeback Mountain, The Motorcycle Diaries...and the latest one is Juno. I suppose the real impetus for making me think about soundtrack music and memory is that I have recently been listening to Supertramp. I downloaded Goodbye Stranger and can't help but always be reminded of the scene with William H. Macy in Magnolia, where you realize the reason he wants braces and is sitting in a dark bar ordering soda. You realize it is all for Brad the Bartender. The point is that this song is always tied to this movie. My own memories also accompany it...who I was at the time, what this scene meant to me, the frog that Tim bought me from the movie for Christmas one year...

A good song in a perfect scene will do this. Forever. I will never hear Goodbye Stranger without seeing this scene in my mind.

It didn't stop there. On Sunday, while watching the Superbowl, well actually watching Tom Petty's performance, I found myself reeling back when I heard the song Free Falling. I not only saw the music video and could remember as a young girl identifying with the skater girl, but I also couldn't help but recall Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. I know this may be one of the cheesiest movies...but I will never hear this song without thinking of this moment.


Just in case you want to remind yourself...

And I will never hear Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue...with that clarinet, without seeing and feeling the beginning of Woody Allen's Manhattan.

Lightspeed Champion

One of my favorite things in this world is when I happen upon new music. Not just a new album by a band I already adore, but rather a completely new artist. I particularly love when this happens just at the time in your life when you feel like you needed to hear this particular artist/album/etc.

Last week, I was listening to NPR's All Songs Considered, which is one of the best ways I have found to discover new music(Thanks to Bob Boilen and folks). I was in the middle of doing various tasks (grading papers, recording attendance) and I heard Boilen remark that the next song he was playing was by a fella who recorded his album with Mike Mogis in Nebraska. Between Boilen and Mogis, I perked up and listened to this new music. Not surprisingly, I immediately fell in love with the song.

The artist is Lightspeed Champion, well, rather the musical project. Lightspeed Champion is the project of Devonte Hynes. I think Hynes is pretty incredible. I anxiously anticipate more of his music to listen to, but this ep- which is called Galaxy of the Lost- was just what I needed.

Check out his webpage here.
www.lightspeedchampion.com

Not only is he very talented, but if you read the last post...you have to love someone who gets a kick out of the fabulous spelling errors of others. I urge you to now buy this ep and love it.

Also, Tim and I visited the flea market...where people with record players can still find tons of great records for only $1.00. Tonight, the Superbowl will happen to the a Supertramp soundtrack. Of course, you might could argue with me the "great records" part of this statement.