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.