As evidenced by the three-month lapse between this post and its predecessor, I've been on the move. Not, A.C. Slater "on the move", wearing a tank top and cruising for babes, or whatever he used to do. "On the move" like time zones and passports "on the move." Contrary to what one might think, this isn't a pat on my back, or on my burgeoning frequent flier balance. Nope, just an explanation. In my jaunts to China, Brazil, and France (again, not patting, just saying), my only redeeming musical moment was catching one of my favorite bands, The Go! Team, at a very industrial warehouse-style venue in Shanghai. For those familiar with The Go! Team, you'll understand when I say it's ironic that my one source of familiarity in sometimes all-too-different surroundings was this wacky pop supergroup from the U.K. But it's true, and I love them for it. For those who aren't familiar with The Go! Team, I encourage you to stop reading this now, open your iTunes Store, and hit that magic button next to the track "Ladyflash." Listen, then come back to us.
Enough excuses, ramblings, and explanations, and on to the reason I'm writing. While I've been away, my connection to the New York (and greater) music scene has been limited. I set out with freshly-downloaded copies of The National's Boxer, Spoon's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Rooney's Calling The World, and a few live cuts from Tokyo Police Club. Needless to say, it's been a few months, and I'm ready for more. Problem is, for the first time in a long time, I don't know where to start. Well, that's not true. I go to my trusty Apple vault, and check out the new releases. The new Rilo Kiley dropped the week? Damn, I've been out of it! Let's see what people in the "Reviews" section are saying.....
Big mistake.
I tell myself over and over...."don't read comments, don't read reviews."
Do I listen to myself?
Obviously not.
Where does it get me?
It gets me to a place where people rip an album before it's hit the street.
Are you kidding me? Who are these people? Is part of the rush about writing a review before the album release date just to convince people you're cool enough to have an advance copy? Wake up! EVERYONE has an advance copy! It's called the internet!!!
Why am I so worked up about this? I'll tell you.
Of course, I happen to have a special affinity towards Rilo Kiley's, and specifically Jenny Lewis' music, so my emotional level may be higher than "rational" right now. All the better time to make a point.
What do critics say when The Strokes release "Room On Fire?" Too much of the old thing.
What do critics say when Ryan Adams releases "Rock N Roll?" Not enough of the old thing.
What do critics say when Rilo Kiley releases "More Adventurous?" Brilliant.
What do critics say when Rilo Kiley releases "Under The Blacklight?" Too adventurous.
I'll be damned. Well, not me, I guess. It's more like they'll be damned. Poor celebrities. I mean it. Especially in this music game. As Amy Winehouse says, life is a losing game.
