Random thoughts version 2.0

-I keep meaning to post little old reviews of albums that I've been listening to the past month or so, but I NEVER get around to it.

I blame this on the Flaming Lips. I've been wanting to write about them first, and then I sit down to listen to the album again so I can properly write about it, but then I start listening to something else. Every single time. It means that I get a whole lot of nothing done.

Like, I could be listening to it now, and then power it out late tonight after work, but instead I'm listening to this:



Isn't this awesome? First it's catchy as hell, and a little bit of ridiculous. Adding to the ridiculous factor is the lead singer wears this ridiculous sweater/scarf combo while indulging in terribly awkward motions that sort of look like an attempt at dancing. BUT THE KEYBOARDIST IS AMAZING. At first he seems kind of annoyed to be there, with a little bit of playing along to the camera, but then it just looks like he's PISSED OFF. I like to imagine that he was annoyed with the lead singer at some point for being an embarrassment, harboring secret desires to strangle him right around the time he grits his teeth. This hatred theory might be helped by the fact that they're brothers, too.

Anyway, the point is... I'm easily distracted.

-Another cool thing I like: Julian Casablancas covering "I Wish It Was Christmas Today."

A) I do have a soft post for Strokes-related stuff. I think a lot of what turned people off was the hipper-than-thou vibe they gave off, but the problem with that for me was that they executed simple and good rock music too well. Their first album just has plain quality songwriting... and the whole buzz around them as the "saviors of rock and roll" was simply some overeager folks excited that something simple like that could sound fresh and exciting again.

B) I also have a soft spot for early 2000's SNL, which is where the cover originates from. It was pretty much all stupid, and people like Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, etc are probably derided more than actually enjoyed... I grew up watching them, so they get a pass in my book, you know?

C) Also this cover is pretty much awesome. And makes me want to 1) review every single Christmas item that I may or may not have, and 2) listen to the dude's solo album a little more closely, perhaps.

-Also, I need to listen to Bob Dylan's Christmas album. I'm pretty sure it is awesome. Any ill will towards it must be because parents generally hate their kids.