Wed, 20 February 2008 The shoegazer movement of the 1990's was the UK answer to the Grunge scene in America. Both broke around the same time and both contained artists that were original followed by a lot of imitators who took the scene more seriously than the music. Those early bands, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN and RIDE (pictured) set a tone and feel with their sound. They weren't interested in theatrics or flashy stage shows, just playing music that they felt passionately about. They all set out with the intent of pushing the boundaries of what guitar based music should sound like. Although most of these bands had critical success here in the States, many of them failed to make any commercial dent. Most bands today seem to shy away from this sound, opting for a more radio friendly mix of rock and pop that plays well in car commercials, which only seems to reinforce the unique nature of what these bands were doing. This podcast is just a small sample... (mp3) Zencast #10 -- Gazing at My Shoes Tracklisting My Bloody Valentine -- Soft As Snow (But Warm Inside) My Bloody Valentine -- Only Shallow Ride -- Leave Them All Behind Sonic Youth -- Dirty Boots Spacemen 3 -- Take Me To The Other Side (Live) Swervedriver -- Rave Down Th' Faith Healers UK -- This Time Slowdive -- Some Velvet Morning Snowpony -- Easy Way Down Catherine Wheel -- Salt m83 -- A Guitar and a Heart p.s. here is a site with a great live show by RIDE from Italy in 1992. I think it's a great example of this style of music played live. Comments[1] |
Sat, 2 February 2008 I'm not entirely sure I like the end product of this particular Zencast. I had high hopes a week ago for a new podcast; I felt good and I had a clear idea in mind of what I wanted to do. Then I sprained my ankle playing basketball and spent the better part of a week hobbling around in pain (putting me in a less than festive mood). So I held off doing a podcast till I felt better. Then I changed the playlist about three times depending on my mood for the day until I settled on this line up. The feel is somewhat indie rock (which is rapidly becoming the most overused tag line for music ever) but I think the songs are really top notch. As for my contribution, well, you be the judge... Tracklisting Matt Pond PA -- Last Light Chris Walla -- Geometry &c. Band of Susans -- Not In The Life The Killingtons -- Destination Failure Chin Up Chin Up -- The Architect Has A Gun Emily Falls -- Carnation Aeon Spoke -- No Answers Iron Hero -- Spy Versus Spy Rogue Wave -- Harmonium The Stratford 4 -- Autopilot Voxtrot -- Blood Red Blood Comments[1] |

