Learn from the best

I've been trying my best to read up on current music journalism, considering that's what I want to be doing with the rest of my life. I honestly thought it would be simple, writing about music. But how can you put into words what you feel when you listen to a piece of music? Usually, and especially when I like it, I'm speechless. That's why it is music - it's beyond words.

But alas, you can still write about the musicians, which is why I started the whole magazine thing. I am incredibly intrigued by what drives these people creatively, why they can write masterpieces and I can hardly write a poem that doesn't sound like a Hallmark greeting card. So last night I got into bed quite early (I'm beyond tired these days) and began reading the Killers article in this month's Spin.

Now I like the Killers, I know some people think that they are just a regurgitation of Duran Duran, 80's pop, [insert other comparison here], but what the hell, they do it pretty well.

I have to go off on a tangent for a second. My biggest pet peeve in the music journalism world is the fact that you always have to compare one band to another. I understand that helps people place who they are and whether they will like them, but dammit, can't I just tell you that there's this band, and they are doing this, and you should listen to them? The comparisons, to me, feel like the writer proving his/her knowledge and placing the band in the conformed genre. It's just not that simple. Sure, bands have influences, but we should be striving for bands not to sound like someone else. Anyways, just a rant. Back to the story...

I have loved the album since it first came out, and although I cannot listen to "Somebody Told Me" anymore (damn the radio and MTV), songs like "All These Things That I've Done" and "Smile Like You Mean It" are gems. I hope they don't ruin "Mr. Brightside" by over playing it. ANYWAYS, I had a point here. Yes, I was reading this article and the writer went down to Las Vegas (where the boys are from) and spent 24 hours with The Killers in an attempt to complete the seven deadly sins. It was incredibly entertaining, from an all you can eat buffet that ended with a custard desert, to the "un-rockster" failure of Lust, especially in Vegas. The writer, Marc Spitz, did an incredibly job of taking a basic profile, adding drama, story, and yet gave me a completely new insight into a band that I have been reading about for months now. That's music journalism. I can only hope to live up to that.

So I'm incredibly nervous about Wednesday, and there really isn't any reason I should be. It's going to be a great night. I keep having these dreams where I am in a cab on my way to Tribeca Rock Club and I've forgotten everything I'm supposed to bring. Couple nights in a row now...same dream. I made a check list on a post-it so I can make sure to bring everything before I leave. It's sad to say, but I will be happy when it's over. Sure I'll be sad, but I'll be more impressed that it actually happened. This last month, this last year, it's taken it's toll. Going to get one more issue of the magazine out before I head to Florence for 10 days. Now that will be a vacation. I cannot wait.

Currently listening to: Chemo Limo (right click, save as)- Regina Spektor.
What can I say about this incredible singer/songwriter? This song gives me chills each time I listen to it. Thank you Regina for showing this male-driven industry that women can be talented, fearless, and unique. Hopefully Ms. Spektor will be the cover of the next issue. Fingers crossed.

You are underrated. So are we. Let's Rock.

A self-promotion: UNDERRATED MAGAZINE'S One-Year Anniversary Concert at Tribeca Rock Club. THIS Wednesday, February 2, 2005. Featuring: Tammany Hall NYC, El Jezel, A Brief Smile, and NYCSmoke. Doors open at 7pm. $8. Visit http://www.underratedmagazine.com/ for more information.


So my local newspaper in New Jersey did a story on me and the magazine. I did it only so that news of the show would spread, I'd rather keel over and die than have myself be the focus. So I talked to the freelancer who also works for CNBC and it was a little strange being on that side of the interview, but I was interested to see what she would do with the story. My parents brought it in this Saturday. I couldn't believe how many things were blatenly wrong! How frickin unethical. Even I know how to do basic fact-checking. First off, and most importantly, she got the date of the show wrong. THE WHOLE POINT OF THE ARTICLE. Come on! She also said I graduated 2 years ago (3), lived in the NYU Dorms (live in an apartment), three bands are playing (four), and that I copy the magazines at Kinkos (Unique.) Terrible. Just terrible. And when I wrote a nice but pointed email to the editor of the local newspaper, she didn't even acknowledge. Oh well. What can you do now. Silly journalists...

I can't stop listening to the new Bright Eyes albums. It has perfectly accompanied my mood in the last few weeks, overly stressed causing overly emotional causing lack of sleep causing a tad bit insanity. Anyways, Conor Oberst rocks and even though there is so much hype around him right now, I definitely think he deserves it. So in essence, he's not over or under, he's just rated.

First mp3, enjoy!: We are Nowhere and It's Now from I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning- Bright Eyes (right click and save as or mac users - click holding down control)

The beginning of the end...

Well here this is, this so-called blog. I began researching blogs for a story I'm writing for the next issue of the magazine, and well, I thought why can't I have one too? Maybe I'll incorporate that in the article...who knows.

But basically this will be my daily nonsense now that most of my friends are overseas for the next few months. But mostly I'll get a chance to share some great new music that I hope people will enjoy. If not, it kills time at work when I know I'm supposed to be doing a hundred million other things. Ah procrastination, it's a beautiful thing. We'll see how this goes...