Music Mood Swing Friday

Today's mood swingin tracks are:

Portishead: "Machine Gun"


Portishead have a new album, Third, out this month. I haven't paid much attention because I've been hearing for a few years now that Portishead was getting a new album ready. And all this after about 10 years since their last record, in its self-titled brilliance.

So no mind was paid until I saw a studio performance of "Machine Gun". All sins forgiven in my book. It was a little strange at first for me, with its industrial-ish beat. But Portishead is all about atmosphere, and this track is no different. Beth Gibbons's mournful wail = check! Claustrophobic (but rhythmic) arrangement: double check!

Love when the keyboards kick in at the end.

Next:

Robyn: "Who's That Girl" (feat. The Knife)


Next up is Swedish avant-pop star Robyn collaborating with brother/sister beatmakers The Knife on "Who's That Girl". A great pop track with a proper dosage of nostalgia on its beats. The Knife definitely have the pop turned way up like on Deep Cuts singles like Heartbeats and You Take My Breath Away. Robyn injects a good amount of her charm into lyrics about the pressures of being a girl compared to the media ideal. The video isn't that spectacular, but whatever. Great track. Great drum major uniform as well.

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Actually that was supposed to be it, but you get a bonus mood swing.



The Long Blondes: "Century"


This was a bit of a surprise to me as "Century" is a radical departure for The Long Blondes. After last year's stylistic and rocking Someone To Drive You Home, the Blonde's new "Century" is radically different. Its more based on synths, subtle beats and Kate Jackson's different take on vocals. Very high, very pretty. Some say Cocteau Twins. Who knows. I figure if the last album paid tribute to a certain era of Britpop, with touches of Pulp and Elastica, then why not pay tribute to the new wave. I like it, and I'm willing to give the new album, Couples, a chance even though it seems some reviewers are not feeling as charitable.

You can (should) also download another new Long Blondes track: "Here Comes the Serious Bit", which is catchy and shouty in more traditional Blondes flair. Stream and/or download here: http://pitchforkmedia.imeem.com/music/oeEE6gUm/the_long_blondes_here_comes_the_serious_bit/

er.. and here's me and Kate!

Apologies to Stephen Malkmus, Bronson Pinchot

I've been on a Pavement/Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks kick.

That and desperation over my thesis have forced me to unearth....

Malki Martokomous!!!!



Cousin Larry will be pissed when he hears about this scheme!

Verizon hearts suburbs

As you might already know, the Boston Metro has a regular feature where people write in to Mayor Menino.

On March 6, there was a letter about Verizon's FiOS fiber optic cable/internet service and why we in Boston (or Cambridge or other big city in the metro area) are bombarded with ads about it, but can't actually get the service. Turns out its because we aren't in the suburbs.

Menino:

Thank you for this question. My Office of Cable Communications monitors cable TV franchises and mediates consumer issues regarding cable TV service. I have recently written to Verizon asking them to bring FiOS to the entire City of Boston. To date, Verizon has declined the City’s repeated encouragement to enter a cable franchise negotiation, opting instead to slowly build in the suburbs. Meanwhile, the cities and towns of Boston, Brookline, Somerville, Cambridge, Everett, Revere, Chelsea, Medford, Melrose, Watertown and Quincy are left without this service.

Verizon has said in the past that their business plans do not include urban areas, but how do they explain their FiOS builds in New York City and Washington, D.C.?

I don't know, man. However, I am glad that he gave a straight answer to a question that doesn't involve fixing a pothole, traffic signal or parking restriction enforcement. Damn those suburbs. First, they give us Mitt Romney (not really the first crappy thing the 495 belt gave us, but I've only been around here for 10 years) and now this. I want me some fast internet and a choice beyond DSL or craptastic Comcast cable for internet/tv.

Read here for original article