Bono: In Conversation With Michka Assayas

Bono: In Conversation With Michka Assayas

There's something about Bono, that bugged me for a while. I couldn't pinpoint it. I mean, I don't hate the guy. I even wrote a post about him sometime ago. But there was something that got under my skin. I’m not even a big U2 fan. I think they’re an overrated band (gasp!). I’m not saying they suck, but I don’t think they’re as good as people make them out to be. So what would make someone like me want to read Bono: In Conversation? One word: Hype. That’s what got me to read it. You can hardly go anywhere without Bono being mentioned these days. And for some time, this book was constantly being brought up to me. I finally gave in and read it. So after reading it, I realized what bothered me about Bono. It’s not him, it’s all the damn hype about him! And learning more about what he’s like in the book, I think he’d agree with me! I had some prejudices before reading it. I imagined it to be a 300+ page book of the interviewer kissing Bono's ass, and Bono bragging about his accomplishments. I was dead wrong! It's not like that at all. The author quite frequently let Bono know where he disagreed with him on issues, which provided the opportunity for some great dialogue. I liked how Bono spoke his mind, and articulated clearly what he stood for in his art and life. He didn’t try and protect his image, and allowed us readers to see a side of him that only a close friend or family member would know about. This was a good book, whether you are a U2 fan or not.

Mute Math - Typical

we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring...

The Best Of Depeche Mode, Volume 1

Depeche Mode
"The Best Of Depeche Mode, Volume 1"

I must admit, I’m a sucker for the synth! A song could sound like complete shit, but if they add in a little synth, my perspective of it will change. The only down side to that is I can be biased to those kinds of songs. So when checking out The Best Of Depeche Mode, Volume 1, I really had to do my best to not have any bias. Now, putting aside the facts that I’ve always loved their music, and that they’re the kings of synth, I really wanted to dig into this album and find out why I like them. I found that I relate so much to what they sing about. Along with the infectious melodies, there is real depth to their songs, whether they are singing about relationships, or the ups and downs in life, which most people can relate to. All the popular hits like Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence, and Strangelove are here, reminding us how revolutionary this band is. There's also a nice surprise with their new track Martyr. It’s a rocking, synthelicious song, showing they still have it in them to put out more great tunes. Hopefully, with the recent explosion of 80’s influenced music, we’ll hear more from DM, and that this album doesn’t signify the end of their career.

MuteMath at Gramercy Theatre (3/13/07)

So I went and saw MuteMath last night. After seeing them for a second time, the verdict is in... they fucking rocked. The last time I saw them was in November at BB Kings in Times Square. Last night, the show was at Gramercy Theatre on 23rd street. I was blown away. This time, they turned up the energy level a little more. And it seemed that the sound was louder at Gramercy Theatre than at BB Kings. They opened the show with the "Collapse" intro, getting the crowd pumped up before exploding into the song "Typical". From then on, it was an hour of mayhem that inluded a keytar, great songs, lots of jumping around, and Darren's drumsticks flying in the crowd after relentlessly pounding on the drums. This was an outstanding show by a band that never ceases to amaze me. Bravo guys. Looking forward to your next visit to the Big Apple.

Funny but true. I stepped away while one of the opening bands was playing so I could use the bathroom. As I walked into the men's restroom, I see none other than Darren King, MuteMath's drummer, washing his hands at the sink. We chatted for a minute as I washed my hands. After rinsing, I couldn't find any paper towels in the dispenser. So Darren being the nice guy, sees some extra ones and says, "Here ya go", and hands me a few. I then shook the hand of the guy who would later on pound the living hell out of his drums onstage. Awesome.

MuteMath in concert

MuteMath is playing tomorrow night (3/13) at Gramercy Theatre, NYC. I'll be there, and will have a full report the day after. Knowing these guys, I expect nothing less than a loud, energetic, insane show. I can't wait.

Stay tuned...

L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani
"Love Angel Music Baby"

This is an older one, but I was curious to hear it after I covered Gwen’s most recent album, The Sweet Escape. I heard the popular songs on the radio when it came out, but never got to hear the whole thing. L.A.M.B. is her first try at making it solo. I have to say this album grows on you after a few listens. On it, she brings 80's, hip-hop, and asian influences. "What You Waiting For?" starts off the album where Gwen deals with insecurities about stepping out to make it on her own. After going back and forth in the verses, she shouts in the chorus, “What you waiting for?” "Rich Girl" is a cover of the early 90’s reggae song by Louchie Lou and Michie One. I remember listening to the original around 1993 and I never imagined that a white girl from southern Cali would ever touch it. But she pulls it off well. "Hollaback Girl" is a catchy track, complete with stomping sound effects and tough girl lyrics. And "Cool" works like a nice 80’s slow jam. I know some people are pissed that Gwen stepped away from No Doubt. Among all the criticism, I don't see anything wrong with experimenting with different styles. This album is a little chaotic with all of the directions it takes you, but it’s a good kind of chaos.

"This shit is bananas, B.A.N.A.N.A.S!"