A Bloy and his Blog

When I think of the life Michael Jackson, it’s hard not to consider him a tragic figure. With the announcement of his death today (at the young age of 50), even more so. But when I consider Michael Jackson, what comes to mind are not the struggles he had in life, not his eccentricities, but some of the excellent music he made. In particular, some killer songs on his albums Off The Wall and Thriller.

I’ve always loved the simplicity and intrigue of “Billy Jean”, my favorite song of his. Thank you Michael, and may you rest in peace.

Billy Jean by Michael Jackson

I’ve often said that music is one of those things that helps me get through life, and makes it worth living. About a month ago, Neko Case released the excellent Middle Cyclone, a record that I’ve been listening to a lot, and has played a part in getting me through the stresses of moving and buying a house.

Back in January, Neko and her record label released a free MP3 of “People Got A Lot Of Nerve”, a song which has a deceptively bright sound, but with lyrics that are a bit on the dark side. I was intrigued and couldn’t wait for the album to come out.

read the rest of: Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone

I’ve posted before that sports and rock & roll don’t necessarily go well together. Having said that, Bruce Springsteen’s halftime performance was my favorite thing about yesterday’s big game.

Springsteen and his band are the quintessential showmen, even when they’re only playing for twelve minutes, they push it to the full limit.

And you’ve got to love that introduction…

I want you to step back from the guacamole dip. I want you to put the chicken fingers down, and turn your television all the way up!

Update: The NFL had YouTube remove the videos I was linking to. (Boo!) However, you can download bootlegs of the performance. T.U.B.E. has links to an audio bootleg of Bruce Springsteen’s halftime show as well as a video bootleg.

Neko Case has made a free MP3 available of People Got A Lotta Nerve.

From now until February 13, Neko Case and Anti records will donate five dollars for every blog that posts the song (or one dollar for every user of iLike that adds the song to their profile) to the Best Friends Animal Society.

The new song is from her forthcoming release Middle Cyclone (coming out on March 3, 2009). What a great way to put out the word on the new material. Thanks Neko! I can’t wait for the new album.

I heard a LOT of new music this past year. Quite a bit of it though, seemed mediocre to me. Some albums would have a few great songs, but also a lot of filler. Is that a consequence of the single song sales on iTunes and other online music outlets? Is the complete album dying as an art form? I hope not. Whether I get them on CD or full-album downloads, complete albums are still how I listen to music. Here are the best ones I heard in 2008.

Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
The fresh and unique sound of Vampire Weekend made this my favorite album of the year. It’s also the best debut album of 2008. See my post from last February for a review of Vampire Weekend.

read the rest of: 2008’s best music

One of my favorite (modern) Christmas songs: “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I found this really nice video for the song, created with shots of Christmas cards, while browsing YouTube.

YouTube: I Believe in Father Christmas

Hope you have a Merry Christmas everyone!

For all the talk in the news about the downfall of the music industry, there certainly has been a lot of new releases over the past few months. I’ve had my hands (or is that ears?) on a lot of new music lately. But the album I keep coming back to is Big Blue Ball.

Almost eighteen years in the making, Big Blue Ball grew from three extraordinary Recording Weeks at Real World Studios in the summers of 1991, 1992 and 1995. The project’s originators and curators were Real World founder Peter Gabriel and Karl Wallinger of World Party and The Waterboys.

So very appropriately named, Big Blue Ball is filled with international artists, collaborating together. On “Shadow” Congolese singer Papa Wemba combines his vocal and musical styles with flamenco guitarist Juan Cañizares.

read the rest of: Music from the Big Blue Ball