DFA1979 just released a new song, “Government Trash” from their upcoming LP, and while it’s nice and loud, I think I still prefer the previously released “Trainwreck 1979”. It has a bit of a “Black History Month” swagger going on, instead of the straightforward barrage of “Government…”. The Physical World is out September 9th, and it’s shaping up to be a worthwhile successor to You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, even though both albums are separated by over a decade.
Music
In lieue of a single song of the day, how about some Polvo Peel Sessioning it?
Who would’ve guessed that one of Kurt Cobain’s biggest influences would be the ones putting out new tunes in 2014, and not Nirvana? V for Vaselines is out at the end of September on Rotary Music.
It’s Sunday. Let’s take a break from the deep thoughts to enjoy this completely beautiful tune. Actually heard this while watching Longmire. TV does some good for once.
Shamelessly lifted from Gorilla Vs. Bear, who describes this as “elegant, haunting 60’s French pop-noir vibes.” I couldn’t have said it any better myself.
The last two days, I played two songs about the difficulties of life, love, and change. It wasn’t at all random. I have been thinking that there are stories to share, that can help provide some context for why some of these songs have meaning to me that goes beyond the fact that it’s simply good music. Heck, some of what I like isn’t good music. That’s half the point.
Anyhow, I think that a common theme this week in the wake of Robin Williams is on mental health. In the world of art there are many ways to explore this issue, such as the photos taken by John William Keedy. As a sufferer of anxiety and depression issues (that’s not necessarily a reveal that all of my friends know, but it’s one that most know), I relate strongly to the complexity of it all. In that NPR article I linked above, Keedy says:
I really wanted to be in contact with my friends and my family, but there was something physically just keeping me back from it. A friend would call, and I’d just stare at the phone. I’d really want to answer it, and I felt I couldn’t. There was something keeping me from doing that.
I cannot explain how on point that is. I’ve been there. I’ve stared at the phone. I’ve neglected the doorbell. I’ve failed at a job. I’ve closed all of the curtains and hid away for days at a time. And it was often very difficult for those around me to understand it. I’ve mostly found ways to cope and manage things so that I can have a healthy life. Some of those methods include embracing the things that I love such as music. As such, i’ve always found music that appeals to me emotionally has a meaningful impact on my mental health. I didn’t quite intend for this to be so personal, but these issues are personal to me. This song from Air Waves, for whatever reason, has that appeal that lifts my spirits and brings about a better day.
Here is a great version of this song. Great video too.
And as I said above, it’s just a great song that really reaches me. What I didn’t say is that some days I will listen to this song over and over and over. I’ve also known a number of other people with similar issues who have been reached by Air Waves’ music. So expect more…
In a strange turn, Michael Cera (yes, that Michael Cera) dumped an 18 track album on Bandcamp a few days ago. Weirder still, the whole thing is quite endearing, not unlike the type of music you’d expect to soundtrack one of his films.
Yesterday, I played the Sebadoh classic Brand New Love. It has interesting sentiments involving break ups and starting anew. Here is another one in the same vein. A classic from the Mountain Goats.
Ty Segall stopped by Conan to continue his run of impressive late night performances last night. His new album Manipulator is out August 26th, get pumped.
Vacation is over. So here we go with my song of the days going forward.
Sebadoh has been a mechanism for me to handle some of my more complex emotions. Difficult breakup? Listen to bubble and scrape over and over and over. Brand New Love is one of those epic Lou Barlow tunes that appeals to the sensitive side of life and love. As an extremely emotionally sensitive individual, fuck yeah.