I read one time a little while back that the overwhelming majority of Americans define themselves by the job. That is to say, the first thing we might reveal to a new person we meet is what we do for a living. Not that I'm worried at all about this; I just find it an interesting bit of social psychology. I also find it a bit limiting. Of course, as a student (studying to be a journalist; I can't define myself like that just yet) I am still trying to find my way into the monotonous groove that will be the rest of m life. Like the average person my age, I think it's hard to define who I am. But, that won't stop me from trying. So, I made up a list of things I am. It might kind of sound like that one Meredith Brooks song "Bitch," but whatever... Here you go.
Who am I? I am a liberal, overweight, guitar-playing, music-loving, 2007 Davis Senior High grad, baseball fan, football fanatic, sports enthusiast who's not too athletic, working student, older brother, only son, half-Mexican, half-Filipino, natural born American citizen, shy, student journalist, closet theatre geek, indie filmmaker, Mac user, video game aficionado, caffeine addict, member of generation y.
I don't know if that is in any particular order. But it is what it is. I guess if I had to make up tags like tags for what categories this post goes under, those would be it...
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Current Top Ten Albums of Mine...
Because I have been organizing my music library, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite albums of all time. I have taken many factors into consideration, and have come up with a list of the top ten. Some of them don't get as much plays on my iPod, stereo, turntable (yes! I have a turntable), but each one in someway defines my current musical tastes. That also means that this list will most definitely change over time. So, without any further a due, here's the list, along with some blurbs about each one.
10. Soviet Kitsch by Regina Spektor (2004)- Her voice is just awesome. Period. You should listen to her most recent album, Begin To Hope, then move backward through her catalogue, to fully appreciate her musical brilliance. This album takes a little time to sink in, and maybe an acquired taste, but in the end I think it's worth it. It also doesn't hurt that she's extraordinarily cute. Maybe my huge crush on affects my feelings towards her music, but whatever. Favorite songs- "Ode To Divorce," "Us," and "Your Honor."
9. Phrenology by The Roots (2002)- Instrumental rap at it's best. Anyone who hates on rap for not being real music, well, they haven't heard the Roots. They are the best example of everything that is great about rap; and music for that matter. There is a socially conscious message in every one of their albums. It's just that this album is their most enjoyable, a perfect blend of their social commentary and head bobbing hooks. Favorite songs, "Rock You," "Sacrifice," "The Seed 2.0," and "Break You Off."
8. Let There Be Rock by AC/DC (1977)- This is what rock and roll is supposed to be. Minimalist, kick-your-ass bluesy rock. 'Nuff said. Favorite tracks- "Let There Be Rock," "Bad Boy Boogie," and "Whole Lotta Rosie."
7. Demon Days by Gorillaz (2005)- Take away the whole cartoon band shtick of the Gorillaz, and your left with some pretty awesome tunes. I can just put this album on and let it play itself out, which is what I tended to do quite a bit on my daily voyages to Sacramento riding on the bus and light rail. It's a perfect soundtrack to the inner city, at least to me. Dark, funky, and always enjoyable. Favorite tracks- "O Green World," "Dirty Harry," "El Mañana," and "Dare."
6. Third by Portishead (2008)- Their first and second albums are brilliant, but they take their sound to a whole new level here. Beth Gibbon's voice is beautifully expressive, while the backing beats are as disturbing as they are catchy. While not it doesn't have songs that are as immediately memorable as their first album, it does sport some their most eclectic blends of sounds. The rocking electronica track "We Carry On" is immediately followed by the barbershop-esque "Deep Water." Masterful songwriting brings the whole thing together. Favorite tracks- "Silence," "We Carry On," "Deep Water," and "Machine Gun."
5. We Are Pilots by Shiny Toy Guns (2006)- I bought this album for one track, "Le Disko," a little while back, and forgot about it until I put my iPod on shuffle one day and so happened upon "Rainy Monday." I decided to listen to the rest of the album, and fell in love with this group. Now whenever I hear one of the tracks, I just have to listen to the rest of the album. I can't wait for their new album due out this November, but I am a little disappointed that they parted ways with Carah Faye Charnow; she can never be replaced. Favorite tracks "You Are The One," "Starts With One," "Don't Cry Out," "Rainy Monday," and "We Are Pilots."
4. The Eraser by Thom Yorke (2006)- I will listen to anything remotely related to Radiohead. But Thom's solo album takes the best of what he brings to Radiohead (his brilliant songwriting abilities) and mixes it with minimalist electronica loops. Indeed, this could have easily been a Radiohead album, and probably the best result of their experimentation on albums like Kid A and Amnesiac. So yeah, Thom doesn't stray too far from his Radiohead stuff, but for some reason I find this album more enjoyable than more than a few Radiohead albums. Favorite tracks- "The Eraser," "Skip Divided," "Black Swan," and "Atoms For Peace."
3. Ready To Die by Notorious B.I.G. (1994)- The thing that strikes me most about this record is his sincerity. He doesn't glorify the lifestyle he lived, rather, he acts more like a documentarian, if that's a word. Gangster rap is all about the stories you weave, and what Biggie puts forth on this record is undoubtedly something he lived through. And at times, he sounds almost remorseful for acts he had committed. At least that's what I hear whenever I put this record on. Favorite tracks- "Gimmie The Loot," "Juicy" "Everyday Struggle," "Big Poppa," and "Suicidal Thoughts."
2. All That You Can't Leave Behind by U2 (2000)- This was the first CD I bought by myself. This and another reason are the reason this album holds a special place in my heart. On the last day of school of every year from 6th to 12th grade, the first song I played (well, blasted) on my radio when I got home was "Beautiful Day." It's just the perfect song to turn up and relish in all the memories of the past year. I found it fitting to use the title of this album as my senior quote in my yearbook. Favorite tracks- "Beautiful Day," "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of," and "Walk On."
1. O.K. Computer by Radiohead (1997)- The first time I put this CD in my walkman was the first time I smiled when I listened to an album, ever. I think it is the only time I have. Simply put, my music tastes changed when I heard this album. There isn't a dull moment, not one second wasted. I don't think the spacey soundscapes will ever go out of date. I cannot choose my favorite tracks because they are all equally awesome to me. It's just something you've got to hear to believe it. Of course, it will turn off quite a few people, but those who truly appreciate it will be rewarded.
Albums that almost made the list, One Nation Under A Groove by Funkadelic (1977), Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones (1969), and Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division (1979).
10. Soviet Kitsch by Regina Spektor (2004)- Her voice is just awesome. Period. You should listen to her most recent album, Begin To Hope, then move backward through her catalogue, to fully appreciate her musical brilliance. This album takes a little time to sink in, and maybe an acquired taste, but in the end I think it's worth it. It also doesn't hurt that she's extraordinarily cute. Maybe my huge crush on affects my feelings towards her music, but whatever. Favorite songs- "Ode To Divorce," "Us," and "Your Honor."9. Phrenology by The Roots (2002)- Instrumental rap at it's best. Anyone who hates on rap for not being real music, well, they haven't heard the Roots. They are the best example of everything that is great about rap; and music for that matter. There is a socially conscious message in every one of their albums. It's just that this album is their most enjoyable, a perfect blend of their social commentary and head bobbing hooks. Favorite songs, "Rock You," "Sacrifice," "The Seed 2.0," and "Break You Off."8. Let There Be Rock by AC/DC (1977)- This is what rock and roll is supposed to be. Minimalist, kick-your-ass bluesy rock. 'Nuff said. Favorite tracks- "Let There Be Rock," "Bad Boy Boogie," and "Whole Lotta Rosie."7. Demon Days by Gorillaz (2005)- Take away the whole cartoon band shtick of the Gorillaz, and your left with some pretty awesome tunes. I can just put this album on and let it play itself out, which is what I tended to do quite a bit on my daily voyages to Sacramento riding on the bus and light rail. It's a perfect soundtrack to the inner city, at least to me. Dark, funky, and always enjoyable. Favorite tracks- "O Green World," "Dirty Harry," "El Mañana," and "Dare."6. Third by Portishead (2008)- Their first and second albums are brilliant, but they take their sound to a whole new level here. Beth Gibbon's voice is beautifully expressive, while the backing beats are as disturbing as they are catchy. While not it doesn't have songs that are as immediately memorable as their first album, it does sport some their most eclectic blends of sounds. The rocking electronica track "We Carry On" is immediately followed by the barbershop-esque "Deep Water." Masterful songwriting brings the whole thing together. Favorite tracks- "Silence," "We Carry On," "Deep Water," and "Machine Gun."5. We Are Pilots by Shiny Toy Guns (2006)- I bought this album for one track, "Le Disko," a little while back, and forgot about it until I put my iPod on shuffle one day and so happened upon "Rainy Monday." I decided to listen to the rest of the album, and fell in love with this group. Now whenever I hear one of the tracks, I just have to listen to the rest of the album. I can't wait for their new album due out this November, but I am a little disappointed that they parted ways with Carah Faye Charnow; she can never be replaced. Favorite tracks "You Are The One," "Starts With One," "Don't Cry Out," "Rainy Monday," and "We Are Pilots."4. The Eraser by Thom Yorke (2006)- I will listen to anything remotely related to Radiohead. But Thom's solo album takes the best of what he brings to Radiohead (his brilliant songwriting abilities) and mixes it with minimalist electronica loops. Indeed, this could have easily been a Radiohead album, and probably the best result of their experimentation on albums like Kid A and Amnesiac. So yeah, Thom doesn't stray too far from his Radiohead stuff, but for some reason I find this album more enjoyable than more than a few Radiohead albums. Favorite tracks- "The Eraser," "Skip Divided," "Black Swan," and "Atoms For Peace."3. Ready To Die by Notorious B.I.G. (1994)- The thing that strikes me most about this record is his sincerity. He doesn't glorify the lifestyle he lived, rather, he acts more like a documentarian, if that's a word. Gangster rap is all about the stories you weave, and what Biggie puts forth on this record is undoubtedly something he lived through. And at times, he sounds almost remorseful for acts he had committed. At least that's what I hear whenever I put this record on. Favorite tracks- "Gimmie The Loot," "Juicy" "Everyday Struggle," "Big Poppa," and "Suicidal Thoughts."2. All That You Can't Leave Behind by U2 (2000)- This was the first CD I bought by myself. This and another reason are the reason this album holds a special place in my heart. On the last day of school of every year from 6th to 12th grade, the first song I played (well, blasted) on my radio when I got home was "Beautiful Day." It's just the perfect song to turn up and relish in all the memories of the past year. I found it fitting to use the title of this album as my senior quote in my yearbook. Favorite tracks- "Beautiful Day," "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of," and "Walk On."1. O.K. Computer by Radiohead (1997)- The first time I put this CD in my walkman was the first time I smiled when I listened to an album, ever. I think it is the only time I have. Simply put, my music tastes changed when I heard this album. There isn't a dull moment, not one second wasted. I don't think the spacey soundscapes will ever go out of date. I cannot choose my favorite tracks because they are all equally awesome to me. It's just something you've got to hear to believe it. Of course, it will turn off quite a few people, but those who truly appreciate it will be rewarded.Albums that almost made the list, One Nation Under A Groove by Funkadelic (1977), Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones (1969), and Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division (1979).
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