What I’ve Been Listening To: Vol. 1, P. 3
Dinosaur Jr – Dinosaur (1985)
Dinosaur Jr – Does It Float
Dinosaur was the second release from the Massachusetts trio and first release for SST. The album is loud, yet approachable. The lyrics heavily play on the insecurities of Mascis, which he portrays well with his unsure whine.
The Fashion – S/T (2007)
Every year my friend and I put together a roller disco party, which always manages to be an exceedingly good time (sans him fracturing his arm this year). The day of the event is pretty hectic and involves running around town to get 12 kegs and then bringing them to the rink. I listened to the Fashion’s S/T maybe seven times that day and it did not get on my nerves. That’s either a testament to the fact I really enjoy the album or that it’s so mindless and dull that it’s almost like not listening to music at all. I’m pretty confident the former is correct.
El Perro Del Mar – From the Valley to the Stars (2008)
El Perro Del Mar – Glory to the World
From the Valley to the Stars is contagious in its simplicity. The vocals are charming and the doo-wop influenced songs are fun. For more of what I think of El Perro Del Mar’s second album click here. She will be playing the Middle East on May 9th.
Daniel Johnston – Yip/Jump Music (1983)
Daniel Johnston – Chord Organ Blues
He’ll never be as big as the Beatles, but down the line his story may be just like that legendary fairy tale he thinks of the Beatles as. He crashed a plane in some part due to Casper the Ghost. If that’s not rock n’ roll fairy tale material then I don’t know what is.
The music is often poorly played and recorded, but wonderfully desperate.
Saul Williams – S/T (2004)
I saw Saul Williams at the Paradise on Tuesday. The show was phenomenal, but more on that Monday or Tuesday. Saul’s S/T album plays much more to hip-hop sensibilities than The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust. Some of the songs are impressive achievements for their sound and lyrics. I guess stunning lyrics should be expected from a well respected spoken word poet, but Saul’s delivery makes them all the more impressive.
