While making a routine examination of band websites looking for tour and other info, I noticed that the Silversun Pickups had an album called “Pikul” that I had never heard of before. I guess when we bought “Carnavas” I just assumed it was their only one and didn’t notice this EP released in 2005.
There are 5 songs, the first of which is Kissing Families which can be heard on their myspace. The first time I heard this song I knew who was playing, but I think even if I wouldn’t have known, I could have picked up on the fact that is was SSPU after the first few chords, because it sounded just so like them.
Another of my fav’s on this album is “Comeback Kid” which you can watch a video to right here:
We have been listening to Pikul a lot the last 2 weeks, its kind of like a treat to hold us over until the new album comes out.
One of the things I love about Stephenie Meyer so much is that music makes a big contribution to her writing. She is then so kind as to share her playlists with us, so we can hear what songs and voices inspired her books. She also thanks the band Muse in more than one of her books for creating their beautiful music, as it has fueled her awesome writing even more. Since I love Muse *almost* as much as Billy Corgan, that kind of thing makes me all happy.
Not all of the bands on this list are held in my highest esteem though, some of them were never even considered for my own personal “Twilight” playlist, and while I am no expert in this, it would seem almost scientifically impossible for such fabulous writing to have been inspired by songs I feel such animosity towards. But I learned a long time ago that not everyone can share in my exact vision of what perfect music is 
Breaking Dawn Playlist
Book I
* Beach Boys — Wouldn’t It Be Nice
* Billy Idol — White Wedding
* (INXS — Never Tear Us Apart)
* (Muse — Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You)
* Blue October — Congratulations
* Plain White T’s — Take Me Away
* Jack’s Mannequin — Dark Blue
* Coldplay — No More Keeping My Feet on the Ground
* Fuel — Hemorrhage
Book II
* Nine Inch Nails — Down In It
* Aerosmith — What it Takes
* Incubus — Earth to Bella (part 1)
* Interpol — No I in Threesome
* Korn — Twisted Transistor
* TV on the Radio — Wolf Like Me
* My Chemical Romance — The Sharpest Lives
* Motion City Soundtrack — Point of Extinction
* R.E.M. — Accelerate
* Blue October — My Never (song not released until March 2009)
* Jimmy Gnecco — Someone to Die For
Book III
* Smashing Pumpkins — Today
* Right Said Fred — I’m Too Sexy
* (Jimmy Eat World — Chase this Light)
* (Jackie Wilson — Your Love is Lifting Me Higher)
* Linkin Park — Pts. Of Athrty
* 3 Doors Down — Duck and Run
* Simon and Garfunkel — Hazy Shade of Winter
* Death Cab for Cutie — I Will Follow You Into the Dark
* Muse — Intro [Absolution]
* Muse — Take A Bow
* Muse — Assassin
* Ok Go — Invincible
* Travis — Safe
* Arcade Fire — No Cars Go
As much as I never wanted names like Linkin Park, Korn, Incubus, or Fuel to ever, EVER, make an appearance on this blog, I decided to give you the full (un-jen-edited) version. Stephenie’s site has a cool little player where you can listen to all of these songs if you like.
I was thrilled to see INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” because that was a favorite song for many years of my young life. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Muse was a new found treasure for me, and I have enjoyed it a bunch. NIN’s “Down in It” paints an accurate picture of the emotional pain taking place in the book, I have not listened to that song in years so it was fun to hear it again. TV on the Radio’s “Wolf Like Me” is the most perfect song for Jacob, plus I totally like that song, and I always dig a little My Chemical Romance.
FINALLY!!!! The Smashing Pumpkins made it on one of her playlists; and “Today” is one of the greatest songs ever, its also one of their most popular and being the fan that I am I wish one of their lesser known songs could have found it’s way to the list as well…perhaps “Eye” since that is such a hot sexy song, and so is the PG honeymoon scene in the book…but I’m still overjoyed for “Today.” Also, “Invinsible” by OK Go is such a perfect song for the end of Breaking Dawn, great song pick. I have not heard Coldplay’s “No More Keeping My Feet on the Ground,” but it gives me something fun to look forward to buying soon…(along with Block Party’s new album which I was so happy to read was released today).
If you really liked the books, you might enjoy seeing a few pictures from a little Breaking Dawn party my cousin had a couple weeks ago. You can see them on my lovely sister’s site. Enjoy!
I was glancing through the archives of the hilarious blog “Stuff White People Like,” when I read this post on Indie Music and really wanted to share it with you all.
If you want to understand white people, you need to understand indie music. As mentioned before, white people hate anything that’s “mainstream” and are desperate to find things that are more genuine, unique, and reflective of their experiences.
Fortunately, they have independent music.
A white person’s iPod (formerly CD collection) is not merely an assemblage of music that they enjoy. It is what defines them as a person. They are always on the look out for the latest hot band that no one has heard of so that one day, they can hit it just right and be into a band BEFORE they are featured in an Apple commercial. To a white person, being a fan of a band before they get popular is one of the most important things they can do with their life. They can hold it over their friends forever!
Indie music also produces a lot of concerts, for which white people can attend and meet other white people. It’s especially useful, since they are attending the same concert, they both like the artist and can easily strike up a conversation that will flow from band at the show->other bands they like->where they went to/go to school->where to get the best vegan food in town->agreement to meet at said restaurant for awkward date.
It is worth noting that white people are expected to stay current with music and go to concerts well into their 40s. Unlike at dance or hip hop clubs, there are few stigmas attached to being the “old guy at the club.”
But BE WARNED, talking about Indie Music with white people is perhaps the most dangerous subject you touch upon. One false move and you will lose their respect and admiration forever. Here are some general rules
* Bands that have had their songs in an Apple ad are still marginally acceptable
* Bands that have had their songs in ads for other companies are not acceptable
* If you mention a band you like and the other person has heard of them, you lose. They own you. It is essential that you like the most obscure music possible.
Remember, popular artists can turn unpopular in a heartbeat (Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, The Strokes), so you would be best to stick to the following statements: “I love the Arcade Fire,” “I still think the Montreal scene is the best in the world,” “I would die without Stereogum or Fluxblog“* and “Joanna Newsom is maybe the most original artist today.”
*-do not substitute Stereogum for Pitchfork, as this is one of those things that used to be cool, but is now not cool
Another possible topic for what white people like to do; complain about Billy Corgan :).
Last year I got all crafty and made a Smashing Pumpkins hoodie, and I guess I’ve been bitten again (unfortunately that is not an Edward Cullen reference) because I made another band shirt.
If you’re a fan, then you already know that is the Mew angel (my daughter will argue that its a bunny). I’m getting pretty excited about the new album they have been working on, and I had to do something tangible to channel my energy through.
Plus, I really like band shirts, but I don’t like how they fit me whenever I buy one. Solution: go to the Gap and buy a shirt that fits you and feels good, then do your own thing.
For this shirt I ended up blowing up a copy of the angel, tracing it onto the shirt with a pencil and going over that with a fabric marker.
So, love and good luck to Mew in their endeavors with the new album.
There are two things I have been wanting to post on this site for days, and just haven’t had the chance yet. Partly because I have been trying to get my life and house in perfect order because Stephenie Meyer’s new book “Breaking Dawn” comes out today and after 9:30 this morning (when the bookstore opens) I will be totally out of commission for days. Also, I have just been so busy having a blast this summer with my kids, I am a huge fan of the summer vacation.
First, I bought an EP album from the band Umbrellas, who i have loved for quite some time. They have some full length albums out as well that are very good, this EP was just new so i bought it. It is called “Beach Front Property” and has 4 beautiful Umbrellas style songs that are great like all their other stuff, and 1 very different kind of Umbrellas song called “Walking on Water.” It is my favorite. I think there is an accordion playing in it. It is playful, and ever so slightly dark, and inspires dancing (note: Tac did not marry me for my dancing skills). If you are an Umbrellas fan (Tyler Rice) you will love it, and if you don’t know Umbrellas yet, give them a try.
Second, Tac showed me something that had me laughing really hard and I was just so tickled when i realized it was technically music and therefore could be published in this blog. I should also explain that we have no satellite or cable, so this was new to me whereas it might be old news to you who have lots of channels. Its a show called “Flight of the Conchords.” Heres a little clip; have a great weekend!
I am having a dirty, hot, sweaty love affair. With my new mountain bike. Earlier in the month Tac and I took the kids to Tamarack for a little biking vacation. It was so fun. Yesterday for Tac’s birthday he and I went up to Tamarack *without the kids* and had such a fantastic time biking, anyways I did…he broke his rib.
He hoped after a nights sleep he would be up for more biking today, but he was in much pain. Happily for me he is a very sweet guy and read a book most of the day while I biked. Also happy for me, we invited my sister and her husband Rich (whenever I say Rich’s full name I always think of Hyacinth from the BBC show “Keeping Up Appearances”) to join us today so I had someone to bike with.
As we were driving up to Tamarack we listened to My Chemical Romance almost the whole way. I’ve already received an online lecture from a complete stranger about how dumb and immature I am for listening to that “teenager” music, so spare me another one if you were thinking of trying to help me better myself. There are some days when I am really in the mood for some MCR, plus they have a theatric flare to their music that I dig.
On the way home, we listened to everything by The Smashing Pumpkins on shuffle. It confirmed to me that as hard as I was trying not to get too excited about their new song coming out in September, I am in fact fairly excited. Also, when the song “Bring the Light” came on I realized that was the perfect soundtrack song for my day; the best part being taking the lift and riding the downhill trails. They were amazing and fast and technical and without being all tired from a long uphill, I had so much energy to devote to the downhill. The fact that it was the best biking day of my life, made me double sad for Tac though (especially since it was his birthday). I hope he gets better soon.
Our family went to McCall, ID last week and we got to go biking at Tamarack every day. It was incredibly beautiful, the trails were so nice, and our kids totally impressed us with their hard work and tenacity…in other words there wasn’t too much whining and the words “I quit” were only said once. I am so proud of them, they worked hard and wrecked hard (mostly Xzavier), and we all had a great time.
Here I am riding through a gorgeous meadow, and I know it’s hard to tell from here, but I have a really cool bike (I don’t think I have gushed about my new bike on this site yet…I love it)
This is of the kids in the car after one of their best rides, they were so sweaty and in such high spirits. Much “woo hooing” was done that day.
Tamarack has a stunt park area with all these neat (scary) raised wooden tracks that tilt all crazy, including a huge teeter totter. This is Tac riding part of it.
Xzavier before we entered one of the trails.
I took this while Tac was pulling Seth on the tag a’long bike and Emma and Xzav rode through the meadow.
Here’s Xzavier on a different part of the stunt park. He was almost fearless in here.
First, Tac BBQ-ed some fantastic bugers, then as I was baking cookies and slicing up watermelon for dessert we all gathered round the kitchen table where my laptop sat playing the DVD “HAARP” which is Muse live in concert at Wembley Stadium in London last year.
It was our first time watching it, ( I ordered it right before we left for vacation last week, which I will write about tomorrow because it was very fun) so spirits were high. Seth, our 4 year old, called out at least 4 times that it was “awesome.” He was almost as excited watching Muse live, as he was during the fight scene in Kung Fu Panda, where he was bouncing up and down in front of his seat wildly.
“HAARP” is incredibly captivating, lovely and rocks you like a hurricane. It is so much fun to watch Muse play, I especially enjoyed the piano parts….oooh and everything else. I still dream of seeing them live in person, but this serves nicely to placate me in the mean time.
Yes, we bought Coldplay’s newest album “Viva la Vida” on the day it came out. We are not rabid fans or anything like that, but I freely admit that I like everything they have done. This album is pretty great, even Tac likes it.
When you have a music blog, part of you wants to be too cool for bands that millions of people love. I was tempted to omit mentioning on this blog that I bought that particular album, because for some reason humans who have enough food to eat and shelter with running water, have the mental energy and feel compelled to come up with weird social laws telling us what is cool and hip. And liking a band as popular and mellow as Coldplay puts a person as far away from the fringe as is possible while still keeping their listening pallet’s integrity intact.
So there you have it, I’m not holding anything back from you.. no shameful secrets here. Ha ha, as if listening to Coldplay was in any way uncool, it’s just sometimes hard to admit to liking a band that people who listen to rap or Gwen Stephani also like. I am so glad when talented bands that I love make it big; THEY SHOULD, they are way more talented than most of the music enjoyed by radio listening mass population.
“Viva la Vida” is full of beautiful piano, and a plethera (see Hefe for the definition if you don’t already know) of other gorgeous instruments. The lyrics are engaging and totally worth listening to and I love his voice. This album fits nicely with the other albums as the band progresses and learns new things along the way.
It’s not like Death Cab For Cutie are anything remotely close to indie now-a-days, but they are still awesome. We have had their latest album “Narrow Stairs” for a week or so, and I have really been enjoying the slightly different from any of their others, album.
I have not had the luxury of tons of extra time to be reading what everyone else has to say about this album (like usual), only one of the blogs that I subscribe to even mentioned it. While he liked the album, he said fans might feel “slighted by this release.” Yikes I thought, as I read that before I had the album.
I don’t feel slighted after listening to it though, even though I agree heartily that “Transatlanticism” is a perfect album in every polished aspect. My one complaint about this “rock” album is that the first two tracks in particular are way heavy on the instrumentals and too light on the vocals.
Its kind of like taquitos and guacamole; they are both delicious on their own, but when you eat them together the combination is (dare I say? ) magic Same with the vocals and guitars in Death Cab; the long instrumental parts are good, I just know it would be better if I could hear Ben Gibbard’s voice singing along.
I really like the rock twist they gave this album though, in particular I have enjoyed the Don McLeanish sound of track 6, “You Can Do Better Than Me.” And while I complained a little about tracks 1 and 2 above, they are my favorite tracks anyway. Gibbard’s voice just sneaks out and starts “Bixby Canyon Bridge” in such a touching way, then the drums and guitar kick in and kapow! your listening to Death Cab rockin out.
Track 2, “I Will Possess Your Heart” really hooked me with it’s lyrics. “you gotta spend some time love, you’ve gotta spend some time with me, and know that you’ll find love, I will possess your heart.” My boys have both asked me what the word possess means, because of this song. It really demands to be heard.
Well, I’m not doing a song by song review; cause everyone is just going to have their own opinion anyway. But if you have an opinion on “Narrow Stairs” let us hear it.