Sound Opinions, being the scholarly work it is, has provided footnotes to help you navigate through the show's vast maze of musical knowledge.
Because, let's face it—sometimes even we have no idea what the heck Jim and Greg are talking about.
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02-23-07 Footnotes
Listen to the MP3 Stream of this show: (link)
Download the Podcast: (Download the MP3)
1 Many recent news stories have been about the music industry struggling to change its current paradigm. This week is no exception. With the rise of digital music distribution, the need to pay money for a hard disc no longer seems so great. So, the question is – how will musicians continue to make money? Tim Fite’s answer is, “I won’t.” The Anti- recording artist has decided to make his latest album, Over the Counter Culture, available for free on his website. Jim and Greg talk to the musician, who can be described as an intersection between De La Soul, Beck and the folk singers of O Brother Where Art Thou, about his decision not to use his label’s resources. Fite explains that the album is anti-commerce, so the album’s distribution had to be as well. While Anti- probably hopes this freebie will fuel future for-pay-albums, Fite hopes this model can survive in the future.
2 British import Lily Allen is Jim and Greg’s guest this week. The hosts have been fans of the 21 year old for over a year, however her album Alright, Still, was just released in the U.S. While Lily is now launching a full-blown American invasion with major label backing and major press and appearances, she started with more humble means. The singer/songwriter initially drew buzz after posting some songs on her MySpace.com page.
3 While her career is grassroots, Lily’s upbringing still has star power. Her father is British comedian and personality Keith Allen, and she spent many of her family vacations with Uncle Joe. (That’s Joe Strummer to you and me). In fact, the singer can boast that she has performed at Wembley with The Clash before she was old enough to buy herself a pint.
4 Jim and Greg are drawn to Lily’s sound, which is a pastiche of pop, reggae, ska and even a bit of ‘60s “space-age bachelor pad” music. But, it’s her lyrics that really “slay” them. Lily writes about everything from an average life in London to a failed relationship with a great deal of honesty, humor, and most of all, – attitude. Listen to her performances of hits “LDN” and “Smile,” and check out these exclusive bonus tracks.
5 Legendary Brazilian composer Caetano Veloso has a new album out this week called Cê. Veloso first emerged as a member of the Tropicália movement in Brazil in the 1960’s. Now he’s back with his 40th album, but is proving to be as experimental as ever. Cê is Veloso’s version of a rock album; He is backed by musicians 3 generations his junior, and his son is the album’s co-producer. While neither Jim nor Greg speak Portuguese, both critics are impressed with the lyrics’ translations. Jim, however, does not think this is a success from beginning to end. Greg, on the other hand, doesn’t think Veloso has ever sounded better. He finds the artist to be improving with age. Therefore, Cê gets a split vote of Burn It and Buy It.
6 Next the critics give their opinions on Writer’s Block, the third album from Swedish pop group Peter Bjorn and John. The trio has gotten a lot of great reviews and even some mainstream buzz due to the inclusion of their song, “Young Folks,” on Grey’s Anatomy. (Unfortunately the biggest Grey’s breakout thus far has been The Fray). “Young Folks” features former Concretes singer Victoria Bergsman, but it’s the whistle and the bass line that are the real stars for Jim and Greg. Both Jim and Greg love the pop songs on this record, which are full of eclectic touches and catchy hooks, and give it a Buy It.
7 Jim’s Desert Island Jukebox pick is an act of punk rebellion. One of his favorite singles, “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays” by the Buzzcocks, has been co-opted by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) for their recent ad campaign. AARP has been trying hard to attract younger people, but they seem to have missed the point of the song. It’s an ironic statement on how crummy life can be, rather than a celebration of getting older and retiring. In an effort to reclaim this great track, Jim steals it away to his deserted island.
Songs Featured in Show #65
Tim Fite, “I’ve Been Shot,” Over the Counter Culture, 2007
Tim Fite, “Camouflage”, Over the Counter Culture, 2007
Lily Allen, “Smile,” Alright Still, 2006
Lily Allen, “LDN,” Alright Still, 2006 Live in the Studio
Lily Allen, “Everything’s Just Wonderful,” Alright Still, 2006
Lily Allen, “Friday Night,” Alright Still, 2006
The Clash, “White Riot,” The Clash, 1997
Lily Allen, “Smile,” Alright Still, 2006 Live in the Studio
Lily Allen, “Littlest Things” Alright Still, 2006 Live in the Studio
Caetano Veloso, “Outro,” Cê, 2007
Caetano Veloso, “Rocks,” Cê, 2007
Peter Bjorn and John, “Paris 2004,” Writer’s Block, 2007
Peter Bjorn and John, “Young Folks” Writer’s Block, 2007
The Buzzcocks, “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays,” Singles Going Steady, 1979
Norah Jones, "Sinkin' Soon," Not Too Late, 2007
Lily Allen, “Take What You Take,” Alright Still, 2006
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