The Digital Outhouse

Black Lips “New Direction”

Lately I feel like my life has been taking on a, wait for it… new direction (yup).

I realize this is all just mirage though, because in all actuality my life is simply headed in the direction that it is supposed to be headed. This isn’t to say that I believe in fate or anything like that, I simply think that we choose our own, singular path, and that we never truly deviate from it. 

This probably makes no sense. This is what happens when you try to get philosophical while listening to the Black Lips.

Beck “Soul Of A Man”

Throughout the years, Beck has has steadily proved that the soul of a man is indeed the dark bottomless pit everyone envisions it to be. 

Well, a dark bottomless pit with a candy center. Yeah, we’re Tootsie Pops. 

The Black Keys “Gold On The Ceiling”

The Black Keys have blown the fuck up (wait, is that old news?).

My brother and I were having a riveting discussion about this very topic a few weeks ago (because as a curator of musical awesomeness, it’s kind of like my duty to discuss these things). His conclusion was consistent with mine. The Black Keys have, over the past few years, hit the big time. Radio play, and sold-out stadium concerts have become the norm, and honestly, that’s just swell.

This is not without it’s disadvantages though. None are as evident as the band’s musical evolution since they burst on to the scene over a decade ago. It’s not quite a stretch to say their music has changed from their gritty blues style, to an approach consistent with what you expect to hear on the, well, radio. 

I don’t actually think this is bad. It’s just the way the world works.

In the end, I’m still a huge fan, and I am supremely bummed I waited over 4 hours in Coachella’s online queue only to get denied (keep in mind this was a few weeks ago, and I’ve only now admitted it. Yes, I was that bummed). 

Looks like I’ll have to take to the streets in hopes of finding a way to see The Black Keys (and all the other amazing musicians who will be there). If you have a ticket, please refrain from telling me. Cool? Thanks!

The Animals “Baby Let Me Take You Home”

Oh, how vile the machinations of society.

No but seriously. We live in a world so rife with bullshit, that sometimes it would just be nice to have you know, less of it (speaking of shit).

Particularly in the game of love. I mean, have we not been playing this game for far too long anyway? 

And before you go off and praise me for my infinite wisdom (as you surely should), I must confess this idea is not new, especially in popular music. Once upon time, The Beatles just wanted to hold your hand, and by that, I’m fairly sure they meant “can you please stop ignoring my text messages? I know you see them, and purposely answering them 30 minutes from now does not, in fact, make you any more desirable”.

In a similar fashion, Eric Burdon and The Animals call on the ladies for permission to take them home. And love them all their life.

See? It really is quite simple.

Young Marble Giants “Include Me Out”

These days, everyone is about simplicity (and I can’t blame them, simplicity is indeed, awesome). Back in 1978 though, things were a bit different.

Not for the Wales based trio, Young Marble Giants (YMG) however. Part Beach House (or well technically speaking, Beach House is part YMG) and part Daft Punk inspired bass lines, the Young Marble Giants are the type of band that make you wish they released more than one album.

That’s minimalism for you.