Voiceless Singer-Wannabes

I am no singer (and you must thank me for this).

I can't play musical instrument. Not one.

Yet, I love music, particularly the one referred to as "alternative music".


What the F is "alternative"? Who gave the term alternative anyway? Alternative music is the critics way of saying the new sounds are "unfit" to their established categories - rock, pop, country, jazz, keroncong (really?), classic (read: really really old and depressing stuff - sorry guys - I don't have to get myself used to this genre to be acknowledged as an intelligent person), folk, blues, rap, etc.

See? they even give constant foul mouthed complaints a specific category!

And they refer DMB, Pearl Jam, Peter Bjorn and John, The Decemberists and The Killers (I could go on and on here people) as "alternative"? To what? Music? That's pretty insulting guys!

The New Pornographers

Changchutters

This "new" category showed the critics incapability of finding new categories for these new found sounds (identified since early 90s) by these new talented singers and bands refuse to be dictated by the establishment. Music critics is a bunch of narrow-minded-self-declared-ancient-people (who by the way are not musicians, can't sing and can't play - just llike you and me) that make a living out of critisizing singers and bands (hello?!! Did you guys not see the irony here?).

Does that make me a musician or a singer? Thank GOD no, if yes, you'd have to buy my CD along with a set of ear plug or insurance for wanting to kill yourself while hearing me sing.

Same goes for the critics: you voiceless singer-wannabes!

Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King

I've been listening for the first single (Funny The Way It Is) of the new Dave Matthews Band album (post title) since March this year (the band generously let their fans download the song in their official website). All I can say is: this song made me very much looking forward to the real deal.

The cover is designed by Dave himself and picturing the late LeRoi Moore (DMB saxophonist who passed away last year in an accident). Roi's death was actually in the middle of this album recording process. GrooGrux King is his nick name and the album art explain Roi and the band well.

This is their first studio album since 2005 and if you're a die hard fans like me and hoping for Dave's acoustic, don't get your hope high as he's shifting (at least for this album) to more electric. But somehow his move makes perfect sense without leaving his signature guitar play and quirky and brilliant lyricism.

(Listening to this album while writing this post) I'm catching similarities with 1998's Before These Crowded Streets.

DMB wind up returning to their roots and reviving the loose-limbed jams, a sound they've largely abandoned. Now, everything seem to be falling into places, their signature clean and elastic solos are back - on record. Since this is the band that is widely recognized for their outstanding and exhaustive live performances (which is better than their studio versions).

You can expect to find epic song ala "dont drink the water" (Squirm - the ref is perfection!), implicit messages that all love (Laying in the Hands of God) and loss (Why I Am) can be felt and shared through music. I can feel the band's loss of a very dear friend. Music creation itself is the reason they're here - and it's not just an album tribute to LeRoi Moore, it's a reason for the band to keep moving on. This album is the perfect interpretation of the new millennium DMB and I'm loving it to the core.

Verdict:

Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King is by far DMB's richest, most powerful and quite possibly best album.

Is My Playlist Harming (the ears of) My Colleagues?

Where I work, we are juggled into a not so big room consist of 8 persons (including me). With the pint size room, we can hear others speak, or sometimes if we really concentrate to eavesdropped, we can even hear someone whispers. Neat right?!

Someone - or is it everyone? - once mentioned that there is no secret in that room. This can be beneficial AND damaging sometimes. Meaning we know our friend's personal conversation, personal argument, personal problem, even down to the romance department. But, let's discuss this some other time.

When arriving @ the office we used to race on who will be the first to play music on their computer. Most of the time that person is me. Music plays an important driver to my work, just like coffee.

When arrive at the office the first thing I do is turn on the computer, and while waiting for it to start I make myself a cup of coffee. A moment later, coffee is ready and so is the computer. Then I turn on my secretary (Ms. Outlook), to refresh my calendar and emails. While waiting for my emails to load, I click the music application and select songs that I would be playing for the rest of the day.


The Playlist

Selecting the playlist can be flattering (or harmful) to my colleagues ears. But you know how each person is different right? How each person is individualistic depending on their own nature and character, my playlist is probably a reflection of my character. Again... let's not discuss character. Let's play it safe by discussing what songs/artists are usually (and most of the time) IN my playlist.

1. Acoustic. I am a big fan of Jack Johnson (the complete albums), so I frequently play his songs. One friend comment that he never realize what a big fan of reggae I am until he hears Jack around the clock (I sometimes play the complete discography the whole day - all 80 songs). By the way, Jack's music is TOTALLY NOT REGGAE!! It's called acoustic, people. Let's not forget Ben Harper, Matt Costa and Mason Jennings... they are all part of this genre.


2. The Quirky Tree Girls. Tori (Amos), Fiona (Apple) and Joni (Mitchell). Also have the complete albums and even DVD collections. I've been a fan of the ladies for a long time. Actually I like Joni first and I find that Tori and Fiona has similar music so, naturally I adore them as well. Try to listen to them and you'll fall madly in love as well. Not sure my roomies (at the office) would though.



3. The Alternative Genre. Started listen to this at the same time Pearl Jam release its first album. Pearl Jam, DMB, Soundgarden, Green Day, Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, etc. One more thing, Even though Soundgarden is officially dead, Chris (Cornell) is still productive (be it Audioslave or going solo).


4. The Brits. The Beatles, U2, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, Mika and Mark Ronson. My friends used to comments every time I play Ronson's Version. They said his songs are like anthems of police movies (the scene where criminals being chased by police in a car race).



5. Indie. Peter Bjorn and John is my new thing here, along with The Decemberists and The Hush Sound. So yes, I play them around the clock also (occasionally). One friend comment that he can tolerate some of Peter Bjorn and John's songs.



6. Actually I am not into R & B, but I make an exception for John Legend. He is just awesome and keeps getting better and better, don't you think? You should listen to his new album Evolver.

7. The Locals. Recurring playlist members are: Benyamin Sueb. Been trying to transfer my Ebiet G. Ade Collection to my office computer. I also enjoy Dewa (before Dhani's big mouth happen). I don't really like current and happenning local music, except for Andra's Sempurna - which I played around the clock and drove my friends crazy.




8. The Obvious. Miscellaneous Genre. I still consider myself a jazz and pop fan. I can listen to music from Sarah Brightman to Christina Aguillera. From Andrea Bocelli to Jason Mraz. Call me tasteless. Fine with it, as I don't adore a specific genre.

There you go.... will your ears hurt if you're in the same office room as me?
Probably yes, or probably yours even quirkier than mine.