Another Friday Music Post
TGIF
Yet another week that’s been more depressing and stupid and wrong than the last one. Time to listen to some music.
“Grace,” Idles
These guys have a new album out today, Tangk, and it’s the first time I’ve been excited about a record release since… I honestly don’t know. And one big reason is because they do stuff like this.
Yes, that’s the video for Yellow by Coldplay, from all the way back in 2000, except they deepfaked Chris Martin doing the lyrics to the new song. Not only did Martin approve the use of the video that made him famous, he actually helped train the AI. It’s the coolest thing he’s ever done, not that there are too many other examples. Sorry! Was that mean? Well, the lads in Idles like him, anyway. And now, so do I.
“Watermelon,” John + Jane Q. Public
I’ve had this in my brain on repeat ever since I watched Dinner in America, which depicted the writing and recording of the song by the two main characters, Simon and Patty, AKA John and Jane Q. Public. It’s got a rude word or two, but it’s very sweet.
Kinda sounds like something Kim Deal would’ve sang for the Pixies.
Dinner in America never got its due in theaters, but it’s on Hulu now and I give it my highest recommendation. At first you’ll be like, “Ewwww!” But then you’ll be like, “Awwww!”
“Dayman,” These City Limits
Here’s what the internet has done to my brain: I read that story by the financial advice columnist who got scammed for $50K, and it sounded like something out of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Title card: “Charlie Hands $50,000 in Cash to a Scammer.”
So then, of course, I went to Spotify to listen to the show’s soundtrack and scratch that itch, and somehow I ended up listening to this.
Makes sense, right?
“Honky Tonk Birthday,” The Reverend Horton Heat, Dale Watson, Jason D. Williams
Is today your birthday? Well, it is now.
I’ve been listening to the Reverend for 30 years, and he’s one of the few music acts I’ve seen live more than once. (I think it was twice?) Glad he’s still kicking around.
“2nd Prettiest Girl (In the World),” Lauran Hibberd
California guitar pop isn’t dead. It just moved to England.
I’m convinced if this young lady had been born 25 years earlier, she’d be a huge star. Every one of her songs would be on the radio. But it’s 2024 and there’s no room for anybody but Taylor.
Which is basically what this song is about!
“Blown Piston,” Vector Hold
This is one of those “synthwave” acts that wants to sound like Miami Vice all the time. Which makes sense, because Miami Vice is awesome.
The Miami Vice movie came out 16 years after the show ended, and that was 18 years ago. Time waits for no man, even if he’s wearing a white linen suit with a pastel t-shirt.
“Bleed in the Sun,” Sap
These guys sound exactly like Nirvana. It does my Gen X heart good to hear our musical legacy being upheld.
If Kurt were still alive… well, he’d probably hate these guys. But I sure don’t!
And speaking of Seattle…
“Phasing,” Weep Wave
Never heard of these fellows before today, and their name is kinda dumb, but this rocks.
The music industry has all but given up on this kind of music. Much respect to the people who are still out there making it.
TGIF (Toby Generates Infinite Flatulence), and thanks for reading.
I hope you like these occasional music posts. Some people want to talk about politics all the time and nothing else, but there are other things in this world, and from time to time it’s good to relax and enjoy them.
You’re welcome, friend!
Heartily endorse the Dinner in America movie. For me, it echoes Raising Arizona. I like the music posts too. Most reviewers are so filled to the nostrils with self-esteem that whatever they say about the artist or song gets lost in the freighted prose they favor. If I want word salad, I’ll enroll in Gender Studies.
I like the music posts. Sometimes they turn me on to music I like, much like Glenn Reynolds pointed me toward SF authors I like. Not 100% all the time but still good.