Meeting People Is Easy

For the last four years without question Radiohead has been my favorite band. Never has a band held my heavyweight title for that long. I’ve never been big on watching videos or movies about bands, but I make an exception for Thom Yorke & Co. I’m lying down to watch the documentary
Meeting People Is Easy , which follows the and during their infamous 1997 OK Computer tour. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts and ramblings throughout the film.

“If you’re not he saviors of rock what are you?” one interviewer asks Thom.

“Clueless” is his response.

An expected modest response, but in many ways I believe that OK Computerdid save rock music. If it didn’t save rock it certainly was the beginning of my obsession for music. After I purchased OK Computer my endless pursuit of music began. I fell utterly and totally in love with that record.

It’s only 20 minutes into the film and I’ve heard “Creep” twice live. I know Thom was sick of playing that song, but I sure would love to hear the raw energy in his voice and the pounding of Jonny Greenwood’s guitar during the chorus…that would be something to witness live.

The 1997 tour is so famous for Thom’s near mental breakdown. During interviews and photo shoots throughout the film Thom looks totally uncomfortable. Only in concert when he is singing and swaying his head violently from side-to-side does he seem even moderately at peace

Bottom line: the film is worth your time  if you’re a Radiohead fanatic, but might not make a lot of sense to those with a limited understanding of the band’s history.

Animal Collective Live In London

Last night I finally was privileged to experience the magic of Animal Collective live. The band (less Deakin) has been tweaking many of the tracks that eventually ended up on the brilliant Merriweather Post Pavilion. Since the ground-breaking album dropped on the 20^th of January AC has only done four gigs in the U.S. so very few Americans have heard their favourite Merriweather tracks live. I am fortunate enough to be studying in England and was able to catch them towards the end of their European tour at the HMV Forum in London.

As expected, the show was fantastic despite the poor sound quality at the venue. For those that don’t know, Animal Collective’s music is nearly impossible to define, but the terms most frequently used are psychedelic folk and noise rock. I would argue after last night that they are more of an avant-garde jam band—each song poured flawlessly into the next. When “Fireworks” gave way to my personal favourite “Brother Sport” I was in my absolute glory. The jungle dance “Brother Sport,” the last track off Merriweather and the best song of the year thus far, was the perfect way to end their set before taking the stage again for a phenomenal encore.

I’ve only begun listening to Animal Collective in the last year, but soon fell in love and like most of the blog-o-sphere began to feverishly anticipate the release of Merriweather. I fell in love with the album (like every other blogger), so I was pleased that the set list was very Merriweather­-heavy.

Animal Collective will begin touring in the states in May and will be performing at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia on May 12.

Set List:

Lion In A Coma (from Merriweather)

My Girls (from Merriweather)

Summertime Clothes (from Merriweather)

Slippi (from Here Comes the Indian)

What Would I Want Sky (Merriweather unreleased B-side)

Guy Eyes (from Merriweather)

Daily Routine (from Merriweather)

Also Frightened (from Merriweather)

Fireworks (from Strawberry Jam)

Brother Sport (from Merriweather)

Encore:

In The Flowers (from Merriweather)

Leaf House (from Sung Tongs)

If You're An Indie Kid...

You've probably heard of the redunkulous collaboration Dark Was the Night.

If not, well, enjoy

Forget Every Best of 2008 List...

Without a doubt Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago is the best album of the year--such well crafted songs full of direct emotion, unsettling imagery, and vocal brilliance.

Buy this album or you're going to hell.

Jeff Tweddy sings Radiohead with Radiohead (and Johnny Marr!)

Pitchfork Media linked to this video today and I had to share it. Neil Finn's album project combines the likes of Jeff Tweedy fellow Wilco member John Stirratt on bass, Johnny Marr of Smiths/Modest Mouse fame, Phil Selway and Ed O'Brian of Radiohead. Enjoy "Fake Plastic Trees."