Thoughts From the Interstate

This past weekend, I had some drive time, which I actually kind of enjoy. Sure, sitting in the car gets old after a while, but the first two hours are usually kind of pleasant, some time to be alone and just listen to music without any distractions. Also I can sing in the car and nobody will tell me to knock it off.

Anyway, I listened to three albums and a little bit of radio on the road, so have some thoughts.

The New Pornographers - Challengers - Not sure why I picked this album but it was a good choice. I maintain my belief that it might be the most serious of the NP's albums, and possibly the least important, but it's still worth listening to. It only has pinches of the frantic energy that Mass Romantic (and to a slightly lesser extent, Electric Version) hit us with, and it hardly compares to the drums and seamless ambition of Twin Cinema, but it's still got something going for it.

Fiona Apple - Tidal - Now, I feel badly about this one. I think Fiona Apple is talented, and she seems to be less appreciated every year. Her song catalog is wildly uneven - there are plenty of 'oh skip this' songs on her albums, but her best songs would make an old woman steal. Having said that, Tidal has some strong moments, places in time that were once transcendent but have dried and not aged as well as I would have liked. I can't say I dislike this album, but it wasn't a good choice to listen to after Challengers, and probably isn't a good driving album in general. Sorry, Fiona. Call me.

Arcade Fire - Funeral - There probably isn't any new insight on this album, but having taken some time away from it, my perspective is strangely unchanged. I would say the album has aged a little, but it's still enjoyable if emotionally draining to listen to. The songs here are wonderful (except for the album closer, which I probably never will warm up to), though I can't say I'm always in the mood for the Arcade Fire's particular brand of bleeding-heart music. Still, an album so personal and revealing is rare, and if you listen to this and can't enjoy any of it, you might be more of a music snob than even me.

Side Note: I found Funeral one day at Best Buy for $7; that same day, I also bought Cat Power's The Greatest and Neko Case's Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, having only a passing familiarity with each album. Needless to say, I won that day handily.

Other Notes:
Why the hell does Omaha get a dedicated jazz station? I don't mean a lite/smooth/khakis-and-stupid-boat-shoes/jazz station, but a station that recognizes people like Thelonious Monk? Kiss my ass, Omaha. I want a jazz station.

In Other News:
I tried very hard to be good this weekend and failed only once, I think. I owe someone an apology; I didn't do anything wrong, but I could have done more for this person and I didn't, mostly because I second-guessed myself too much. I don't think this person is even mad at me, but I feel that I let someone down. Maybe I just worry too much.

I did some decent things this weekend, though. Just don't look at me like I ride a white horse.

Homemade banana bread makes everything better.

Tidal

Today's Music That Generally Defies Things is Fiona Apple's Tidal. Now, I could probably go on and on about Fiona Apple herself, but this is a music blog, so let's get down to business.

I really like this album! It has a dark and timeless quality to it that I can't exactly put my finger on. I know the album came out 15-ish years ago, but it doesn't sound dated at all. It's mostly just Fiona singing, with that deep, beautiful voice of hers, and playing the piano. To put things in context, some time ago I blogged about Regina Spektor, who I would consider something of a descendant of Apple, musically anyway. However, I wouldn't go so far as to say they are peers, exactly, just because they are both women who primarily play the piano. Spektor's music is light and friendly, very inviting, whereas Apple's music is reluctant and spurning. Tidal isn't a friendly album, not the kind of thing you listen to at a picnic on a warm summer day. If you want to call it 'emo', that's your business, but I would hardly consider that term applicable here. Tidal came out amidst a sea of distorted guitar and dirty male singers, establishing Apple as a musical force in her own right, and for good reason. I could name any number of songs off this album as starting points, but I do like "Sleep to Dream", and of course, everyone loves "Criminal". I used this as my background music for cooking last week, and it worked out great.

So, to summarize, this is a wonderful album, but if you're easily influenced by your music, save this one for days when you want to stay inside and brood. Also, if you are Fiona Apple, call me.

In Other News:
It's time to make a serious push.