Who is Jon Black

Weezer - The Red Album

A while back I said I wasn’t sure about Weezer’s new album (The Red Album). I longed for the days of the Blue Album and Pinkerton. Now, let me go on record and take back my comment of:

After a few listens I’ve come to the conclusion that their are a couple of good songs but nothing really new or classic Weezer.

I was so wrong. This album, from start to finish is fantastic. This is the album that should have followed Pinkerton. Speaking of Pinkerton, when I first heard it I hated it. It didn’t feel right. I put it away for a few months and then put it back on and started listening again. I still love that record and this is something I’m thankful I gave more chances.

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

One of my favorite bands right now is My Morning Jacket. I even own a t-shirt of theirs. I just heard a bad review of this album and I was shocked because critics love this band. Lots of people love this band: The jam band community, the indie rock kids, people who like southern touches in their music, and critics. Something you should consider when listening to this album is that MMJ isn’t going to fit a mold that well. They have some bizarre songs on this record (Highly Suspicious) that will really make you take a second glance at them. They are an evolving band and, honestly, it might be a too weird for some people who enjoyed their past stuff (especially It Still Moves). I have a friend that loves It Still Moves and I don’t think he’s heard this but he’ll hate it. It’s hard to shake people who like their easy rocker southern twang music… people still swear that Wilco’s A.M. was their best… I totally disagree (Being There is the best).

I love this album but parts of Evil Urges won’t be for every listener and that’s okay. That being said, their live show is for everyone and you must see this band if they come within two hours of your house. I was lucky enough to see them last year at The Ryman in Nashville and it was incredible. I wanted to jump up and down and scream “THANK GOD FOR ROCK N’ ROLL!” - I didn’t because you have to look like you don’t really care in Nashville because that’s what makes you really cool… I will jump up and down at my next MMJ show because looking cool is overrated.

Crosby, Stills, & Nash - Greatest Hits

I have this thing where I go back and listen to bands that are “Legends” and see if I can tell why people say that they are. Right now I’m on Crosby, Stills, & Nash… Here’s some songs that I like by them and why.

Ohio - Just for the intro alone… of course, this is during the CSNY days and I can hear Neil Young’s fingerprints all over this. The intro is twenty-five seconds of awesome.
Helplessly Hoping - songwriter’s guide to alliteration.
Southern Cross - goofy lyrics and dated instrument sounds but excellent execution of folk rock and vocal dynamics.
Helpless - yeah, technically CSNY but still, this is one of my favorite songs… I’m actually just a big Neil Young fan.
Carry On/Questions - The first two minutes are incredible then it gets to the part where everyone tripping on mushrooms takes their clothes off and wanders around the desert looking for the spiritual significance of an eagle and I almost get bored. I can see the “noodle dance” starting during this song. Which bothers me because the song is really cool and noodle dancing destroys songs for me.
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes - Seven and a half minutes that really does pay off when you listen to it a couple of times.
Our House - I never knew that they did this song. I’m not sure why I like this song so much but I do… and that’s all you need to know. You don’t need a reason all the time.

My big thing right now that I’m trying to figure out is if CSN actually said anything. You know, it’s all great and abstract (”Love isn’t lying it’s loose in a lady who lingers, Saying she is lost and choking on hello.”) and I can get down with abstract but I think I’m missing something. Can anyone tell me what I’m missing (except lots of weed)?

1 Comment(s)

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website