Because some people are needy, so this post will take EXACTLY 11 minutes to make. Franz Ferdinand just recorded a cover of Britney Spears' "Womanizer," which, coincidentally, has been covered by other people. Because "Womanizer" is unfairly catchy (seriously, see how good you feel about yourself when you suddenly realize you're singing it out loud in a line of people), it makes sense that people are covering it. See below for some good, some bad, and some ugly "womanizers."
Franz Ferdinand Version
Lily Allen Version (I have a massive crush on Lily Allen...)
Acoustic French version
Acoustic Jason Mraz-wannabe version
All-American Rejects gawdawful version
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
GSATW - Going on Hiatus
In an effort to prove that grad students really are the worst, Audra and I are going on hiatus. And while we may not be as annoying as a Creative Lit or 18th Century British Literature PhD candidate, we are nonetheless taking a 5 day sabbatical from writing informative and witty commentaries about television and music. "What am I going to do with my life?!?"
That's a fantastic question, but we're confident that you'll survive. And here's why. Although we're not exactly sure how it happened, you were able to go the majority of your life without our greatness. For the next 5 days, channel those dark times in your life... the times without the sunlight that is GSATW. Read a book. Spend some time in quiet reflection or meditation. Engage in your community through service.
Or buy a season of TV on DVD and run through it while we're out.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Phoenix on SNL
While you were either sleeping or out having a good time last night, Phoenix was killing their performances on SNL! The sound was great on both "Lisztomania" and "1901," the two opening tracks off their new album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Oh yeah, and Seth Rogen is skinny now. It's weird. So there you go... you're caught up on SNL.
Phoenix: Lisztomania
Phoenix: 1901
Phoenix: Lisztomania
Phoenix: 1901
Saturday, April 4, 2009
March Music Madness - The Final Four
And so here we are... the Final Four. Possibly one of the most exciting weekends in all of sports, and I'll be missing most (if not all) of the action due to studying. Grad students really are the worst. But fear not. Before we essentially shut the blog down for a week (save for a couple of random posts), we have to finish up the March Music Madness competition, and I think the national semifinalists speak for themselves. Some of the best talent out there rose to the top, and although there's no Animal Collective or Grizzly Bear (which could possibly be a mistake), the bands left standing all have a strong case for being there. Let's do some quick analysis of the Final Four match-ups before the epic Championship throw-down on Sunday!
(2) Lil' Wayne vs. (4) Beirut
Winner: (2) Lil' Wayne
I probably love Beirut and Zach Condon more than a heterosexual male should, but I submit the following:
Tha Carter III vs. Any of Beirut's albums
Billboard's 2008 Top-Selling Albums
I understand the case for "rap isn't music, and what Beirut is doing is music!" I really do. I'm the same guy who never listened to rap until 2006 (unless it was played while I was awkwardly dancing* with a girl at a school dance). But you have to listen to this album. Is it misogynistic? Yes, at times. Is it filled with vulgarities? It has a Parental Warning Label, doesn't it? But this is poetry. This is comedy. This is extravagant, boisterous entertainment delivered by a man who may very well be losing his mind. And if a basic aversion to rap and hip-hop keeps you from hearing Tha Carter III (I mean... really hearing it), then you've let a seminal album slip through your fingers. Rarely does an album's popularity match its quality (and if you don't believe me, read the rest of the Billboard article). This one does.
(1) TV on the Radio vs. (4) The Decemberists
Winner: (1) TV on the Radio
By calling TV on the Radio this tournament's Louisville, I had a feeling I'd either be jinxing Louisville or TVOTR. But since I already knew who'd be advancing to the final in this tournmanet, Louisville had to fall (and they did). Admittedly, this is a tough match-up for the Brooklynites. The Decemberists have great length (discography-wise) and a rabid fan base. Colin Meloy's hyperliterate lyrics weave intricate stories that lend themselves to multiple listens... always a bonus. In fact, I entertained the thought of moving The Decemberists into the final, but to be honest... I was a little underwhelmed by Hazards of Love. Of course it's good (it's a Decemberists album, after all), but if it had blown me away, I think they had the potential to jump TVOTR (by the thinnest of margins). However, by putting out a merely good album, they lack the momentum to pass the behemoth that is... TV on the Radio. Dear Science is a treasure, and I feel a little sissy for saying that. This is a "tell your kids about it" type of album. I envision myself pulling out Dear Science 20 years from now, in middle-age, and still being blown away. In those 20 years, maybe 25 albums will be in the same league, and maybe 5 bands will have been as consistently as impressive as TVOTR. Maybe. Criticism is prone to hype and "Greatest of All Time" debates (see our last post if you don't believe me), but when something or someone elicits such an indelible visceral response, signs and blinking lights should go off. And so TVOTR is Las Vegas, and The Decemberists are Reno. And that's all right.
* Standing in a corner, avoiding eye-contact
(2) Lil' Wayne vs. (4) Beirut
Winner: (2) Lil' Wayne
I probably love Beirut and Zach Condon more than a heterosexual male should, but I submit the following:
Tha Carter III vs. Any of Beirut's albums
Billboard's 2008 Top-Selling Albums
I understand the case for "rap isn't music, and what Beirut is doing is music!" I really do. I'm the same guy who never listened to rap until 2006 (unless it was played while I was awkwardly dancing* with a girl at a school dance). But you have to listen to this album. Is it misogynistic? Yes, at times. Is it filled with vulgarities? It has a Parental Warning Label, doesn't it? But this is poetry. This is comedy. This is extravagant, boisterous entertainment delivered by a man who may very well be losing his mind. And if a basic aversion to rap and hip-hop keeps you from hearing Tha Carter III (I mean... really hearing it), then you've let a seminal album slip through your fingers. Rarely does an album's popularity match its quality (and if you don't believe me, read the rest of the Billboard article). This one does.
(1) TV on the Radio vs. (4) The Decemberists
Winner: (1) TV on the Radio
By calling TV on the Radio this tournament's Louisville, I had a feeling I'd either be jinxing Louisville or TVOTR. But since I already knew who'd be advancing to the final in this tournmanet, Louisville had to fall (and they did). Admittedly, this is a tough match-up for the Brooklynites. The Decemberists have great length (discography-wise) and a rabid fan base. Colin Meloy's hyperliterate lyrics weave intricate stories that lend themselves to multiple listens... always a bonus. In fact, I entertained the thought of moving The Decemberists into the final, but to be honest... I was a little underwhelmed by Hazards of Love. Of course it's good (it's a Decemberists album, after all), but if it had blown me away, I think they had the potential to jump TVOTR (by the thinnest of margins). However, by putting out a merely good album, they lack the momentum to pass the behemoth that is... TV on the Radio. Dear Science is a treasure, and I feel a little sissy for saying that. This is a "tell your kids about it" type of album. I envision myself pulling out Dear Science 20 years from now, in middle-age, and still being blown away. In those 20 years, maybe 25 albums will be in the same league, and maybe 5 bands will have been as consistently as impressive as TVOTR. Maybe. Criticism is prone to hype and "Greatest of All Time" debates (see our last post if you don't believe me), but when something or someone elicits such an indelible visceral response, signs and blinking lights should go off. And so TVOTR is Las Vegas, and The Decemberists are Reno. And that's all right.
* Standing in a corner, avoiding eye-contact
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Greatest Cover Band of All-Time?
The answer to the above question is obviously impossible to know. There are innumerable objective metrics (and even more completely subjective inputs) that would comprise a reliable equation capable of determining the GCBOAT. Although the sample size is small, and the song they covered is by one of the most annoying musicians in pop music today... Ukraine's own Los Colorados is on the short list of GCBOAT contenders with their cover of Katy Perry's "Hot and Cold." There are too many things to like about this video:
- 4-piece band with accordian, acoustic guitar, stand-up bass, and marching-band style bass drum/cymbal/tambourine. Also known as "The Ukranian Special."
- The "Dress for Success" style of all band members... except of course for the drummer, who's rockin' a Miami Vice look with his light-colored suit and rolled-up coat sleeves. Coincidentally, season 1 of Miami Vice just aired on Ukranian television.
- Ummm... the accents are amazing. It's more fun singing this song with their accents than singing any other song. Ever.
- Back-up singers are all over the repeated lyrics... "like eh gehrl!"... "PMS!"
- The fact that, by all accounts, they're on live TV and completely screw up the transition to the bridge... but keep going like champs!
- "Ein... Svie... Drie!!"
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Little of This, A Little of That
We're definitely not on the first-line of new things coming out... maybe not even the second. Regardless, here are some things that've been floating around the internets for a hot minute. Enjoy!
Beirut: Live at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Who has time to go to a concert? I mean, really... everyone should. But if you don't, this is the next best thing. Kicking it off with a song he wrote at 17, Zach Condon and the rest of the Beirut offer up a number of tracks, the majority of which come from their newest album, March of the Zapotec. So impressed.
Video: Beirut: Live at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Animal Collective: Live at the Paradiso (Amsterdam)
Yeah, that's right... TWO concerts for you to watch today! Although I get the feeling less people will be interested in watching/listening to this one, it's really cool to see AC manipulate the loops and sounds they use while also singing and going a little crazy. Acid not included.
Video: Animal Collective: Live at the Paradiso (Amsterdam)
Department of Eagles: "No One Does It Like You" Video
One of the best songs off of In Ear Park, and definitely one of the most immediately accessible, "No One Does It Like You" gets the artsy work-up on video. It even debuted at MoMA! Not bad for a Grizzly Bear side project.
Arcade Fire: Where The Wild Things Are Trailer
Acoustic version of "Wake Up" + Spike Jonze + Dave Eggers + Childhood Memories = chills. Basic math.
Ra Ra Riot: "Can You Tell"
If you listened to their post yesterday, you no doubt wanted more of Ra Ra Riot. They played on Craig Ferguson not long ago... it's not Letterman/Leno, but at least he didn't have to be around Jimmy Fallon. Because that guy's the worst!
Beirut: Live at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Who has time to go to a concert? I mean, really... everyone should. But if you don't, this is the next best thing. Kicking it off with a song he wrote at 17, Zach Condon and the rest of the Beirut offer up a number of tracks, the majority of which come from their newest album, March of the Zapotec. So impressed.
Video: Beirut: Live at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Animal Collective: Live at the Paradiso (Amsterdam)
Yeah, that's right... TWO concerts for you to watch today! Although I get the feeling less people will be interested in watching/listening to this one, it's really cool to see AC manipulate the loops and sounds they use while also singing and going a little crazy. Acid not included.
Video: Animal Collective: Live at the Paradiso (Amsterdam)
Department of Eagles: "No One Does It Like You" Video
One of the best songs off of In Ear Park, and definitely one of the most immediately accessible, "No One Does It Like You" gets the artsy work-up on video. It even debuted at MoMA! Not bad for a Grizzly Bear side project.
Arcade Fire: Where The Wild Things Are Trailer
Acoustic version of "Wake Up" + Spike Jonze + Dave Eggers + Childhood Memories = chills. Basic math.
Ra Ra Riot: "Can You Tell"
If you listened to their post yesterday, you no doubt wanted more of Ra Ra Riot. They played on Craig Ferguson not long ago... it's not Letterman/Leno, but at least he didn't have to be around Jimmy Fallon. Because that guy's the worst!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
What We're Listening To
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Heads Will Roll
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are blowing up right now... and "Heads Will Roll" might be one of the reasons. Although the album leaked months ago, and was released as a download March 10th, I wasn't the only one picking up a copy of It's Blitz! at Criminal Records yesterday. Just a phenomenal album and first-quarter candidate for Top 10 Album of the Year.
Clipse (feat. Ab-Liva): Pop Champagne
Road To Till The Casket Drops is a mixtape that Clipse made to promote their Play Cloths clothing line, the actual tracks are much less disappointing than the reason for making the album in the first place. "Pop Champagne" has an incredibly infective hook, and Ab-Liva summons up We Got It 4 Cheap-esque raps for his contribution. Plus it's a mixtape, so you can get it all for free!
Streaming MP3 & Album: Road Till The Casket Drops
St. Vincent: The Strangers
St. Vincent (nee Annie Clark) knocked one out of the park with Marry Me, and if "The Strangers" is any indication, her new album Actors will be just as solid. It has a very Alice In Wonderland feel to it, from the spiraling sound to the repetition of "Paint the black hole blacker," I can't stop thinking of falling down the rabbit's hole.
MP3: St. Vincent: The Strangers
Spoon: The Fitted Shirt
I'm revisiting Spoon... get ready to read about them in the not-too-distant future. Going back through all of their discography has reminded me how much they fucking rock. And they do it without the bombast and opulence of so many artists. Each sound is necessary, nothing is excessive. "The Fitted Shirt," from Girls Can Tell is actually one of their more sonically full tracks, but it's been stuck in my head for days.
Death Cab For Cutie: Cath...
I realize that Narrow Stairs is not in any way current, but my iPod was on shuffle and this song popped up. And it's really good. And really sad. Kind of like songs Death Cab used to make. We're probably on the part of the graph where it's uncool to like Death Cab, but "Cath..." is good songwriting, pure and simple.
Ra Ra Riot: Ghost Under Rocks
Pretty much the perfect combination of traditional indie rock sound and strings, Ra Ra Riot's "Ghost Under Rocks" is the opening track off their impressive The Rhumb Line (nope, I don't understand it either). Hailing from Syracuse, NY, I'm hoping they take the image of "less pretentious Vampire Weekend" and run with it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are blowing up right now... and "Heads Will Roll" might be one of the reasons. Although the album leaked months ago, and was released as a download March 10th, I wasn't the only one picking up a copy of It's Blitz! at Criminal Records yesterday. Just a phenomenal album and first-quarter candidate for Top 10 Album of the Year.
Clipse (feat. Ab-Liva): Pop Champagne
Road To Till The Casket Drops is a mixtape that Clipse made to promote their Play Cloths clothing line, the actual tracks are much less disappointing than the reason for making the album in the first place. "Pop Champagne" has an incredibly infective hook, and Ab-Liva summons up We Got It 4 Cheap-esque raps for his contribution. Plus it's a mixtape, so you can get it all for free!
Streaming MP3 & Album: Road Till The Casket Drops
St. Vincent: The Strangers
St. Vincent (nee Annie Clark) knocked one out of the park with Marry Me, and if "The Strangers" is any indication, her new album Actors will be just as solid. It has a very Alice In Wonderland feel to it, from the spiraling sound to the repetition of "Paint the black hole blacker," I can't stop thinking of falling down the rabbit's hole.
MP3: St. Vincent: The Strangers
Spoon: The Fitted Shirt
I'm revisiting Spoon... get ready to read about them in the not-too-distant future. Going back through all of their discography has reminded me how much they fucking rock. And they do it without the bombast and opulence of so many artists. Each sound is necessary, nothing is excessive. "The Fitted Shirt," from Girls Can Tell is actually one of their more sonically full tracks, but it's been stuck in my head for days.
Death Cab For Cutie: Cath...
I realize that Narrow Stairs is not in any way current, but my iPod was on shuffle and this song popped up. And it's really good. And really sad. Kind of like songs Death Cab used to make. We're probably on the part of the graph where it's uncool to like Death Cab, but "Cath..." is good songwriting, pure and simple.
Ra Ra Riot: Ghost Under Rocks
Pretty much the perfect combination of traditional indie rock sound and strings, Ra Ra Riot's "Ghost Under Rocks" is the opening track off their impressive The Rhumb Line (nope, I don't understand it either). Hailing from Syracuse, NY, I'm hoping they take the image of "less pretentious Vampire Weekend" and run with it.
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