My Apologies/Down to Business

Hello again-
I've risen from the virtual dead to write this blog again. With school having started a few weeks ago, it has been extremely difficult just to take the time, sit down, and write anything. At this point, I'm not quite sure what to write about. So many things to discuss but I'll focus on a few.
I apologize-Hopefully, posts will be much more frequent now.

"Down to Business"
Okay, let's see. I've been listening to the new JET album, and I don't know what all the nasty backlash is all about. The album is by no means fantastic, but does it deserve this as a review from Pitchfork? I mean, a monkey pissing in his mouth? Pitchfork appears to me, at least, as a charicature of what music criticism is supposed to be. Pitchfork's reviews are the most self-indulgent crap that I've read-more concerned with giving pretentious essays that show their knack for the English language and their superior knowledge of music. But back to JET: there are some highlights (Come On Come On, Skin and Bones) and I personally think Shine On is a pleasant progression of their debut Get Born.

Moving onwards, let's talk a little about Beck. I've never been part of the cult following of Beck's everchanging music, nor have I been one to completely disregard it. I was rather impressed with Guero, and his newest release The Information illustrates just why exactly Beck is so well-liked. Whether it's a rockin' bass ("I Think I'm in Love") or a trippy dance beat ("We Dance Alone"), Beck pretty much delivers a good deal of sonic ecstasy. Count me in.

How come I'd never heard of Brenton Wood until a few weeks ago? Just listen to "Oogum Boogum" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

And lastly, I haven't had a chance to listen to The Decemberists' The Crane Wife in full, but from what I've heard, it's less R.E.M. and a tad more poppy. The anti-establishment band has moved on. Sold out? Probably not.

Listen to Skin and Bones by JET.

Listen to Elevator Music by Beck.

Listen to Oogum Boogum by Brenton Wood.