Hello_Operator

I didn't mind the Jesus reference. I think it ties in nicely, and the person of Jesus has been tied into tragic situations for centuries, in works of literature, in philosophical treatises, in music: he represents goodness extinguished by corruption and the idea of "dying for a cause," even to people who aren't Christian. A sort of ideal.

Who knows exactly what Jeff thinks of Jesus. But you have to admit, the "you have to learn how to die if you want to be alive" business certainly seems in tune with Christ.

Anyway, I'm with those who really like this song. It gets stuck in my head a lot.

Well, I'll probably just wait till it streams from Wilcoweb, but in the meantime, can somebody complete the lyrics to "I'll Fight" in the lyrics section? I saw them play that in Milwaukee and I really liked it, but I've been wondering what the words at the end are.

I got Pabst tickets, April 14, section 2RC Row F 1-4. Not bad. I'm pretty pumped.

Have you all received your confirmation emails yet? I couldn't print off the page because my computer wasn't hooked up to print. I always get nervous when I don't have the confirmation. But it was taken out of my checking account already...189 bones. They really kill you with those service fees.

I have my tickets to the Saturday show at the Aragon. I hear it's a pretty bad venue, though. You'd know better than I. I've been to the Riviera a few times, but never this one.

Hope to see some of you folks there!

Let me preface this post by saying, I definitely do not have golden ears and think a lot of audiophile stuff is just phooey. However, I have a hard time believing this issue is limited to my cd and a handful of other complaints I have read online since my last post. I've heard corroborations from other cd buyers and iTunes downloaders. I've heard it at all volume levels on my home stereo, home studio monitors, and headphones.

 

I really hope this is not taken as condescending but I think this crackling and sizzling is there and maybe some are just not noticing it--in which case I guess it's not a problem--or they're just used to this kind of thing--which I think kind of sucks especially when applied to a band like the White Stripes.

 

Anyway, I have a feeling that if you're just not hearing it, when your attention is called to it the first time you'll hear it everywhere after that.

 

So I ask you guys quoted above to check out what I think are the most obvious examples:

 

1:40-1:52 of You Don't Know What Love Is.

2:03-2:15 of 300 M.P.H.

0:00-0:16 of Little Cream Soda--It's especially evident in the left channel.

 

When you're listening for this, try to not focus on the music but (and I'm sure going to sound stupid) try to listen to the speaker itself. The crackling I'm hearing did not sound like that in the room and I'm sure did not sound like that through the mics. If you listen to the loud parts of The Nurse from Get Behind Me--where I think the potential for this problem is highest on that album--it's not there.

 

All this said, I just want to say that I think the songs and performances on this album are the best these guys have ever done and I'm a huge fan. I love Rag and Bone, Little Cream Soda, Catch Hell Blues.

I think I hear now what you're talking about. However, it doesn't really bother me. I didn't notice it before, or if I did notice it, I just though it was a reversion back to the old, gritty sounding Stripes from the 90's, which I love. But I can understand how some people would be a bit annoyed by it.

Negative. I love the playing, singing, and songs.

 

However, I can't be the only one who can hear the shit-ass mastering this album underwent. Who else can hear the sizzling, crackling distortion during the loud parts on this disc? Yes, I bought the disc so I know it's not an encoding thing. It almost makes it unlistenable. Almost, if like I said the songs didn't rule as much as they do. It's a shame that a band as into old-school sonics as the White Stripes are forced to do that--I can only assume it was a label decision.

Over on the white stripes boards there was a thread about this. Apparently not everyone has the sizzling/crackling (myself included), but everyone is noticing that the bass is incredibly heavy and loud. When I listen to it in my car at a not-too-loud volume, my mirrors still rattle. It's kind of bad-ass, but a little obnoxious after awhile.

Hopefully I'll be at Aragon as well. When do tickets go on sale for real?

I'm camping out all day

I must admit, I was a little wary of the whole thing. I would have rather Wilco had played "At Least That's What You Said" or "Muzzle of Bees" or "Misunderstood" in those few precious moments.

Being There?

Orchestra Pit Row Q. I'd rather be in the front of the first balcony, but this will suffice.

So Amazon is selling it for $19.99 after all. That's a pretty good deal.

Which means that Asthmatic Kitty will be going less than that.

I thought it was incredible. Imagine what I wanted to do to my friends who came out of the show saying "structurally it was pretty cool, but melodically it didn't work." If you said "she wanted to smite them through the sternum" you should have been correct. They were ridiculous.

Actually, amazon had it up for presale for $17.99 Asthmatic Kitty usually goes lower. Not bad.

When he took the three disciples

to the mountainside to pray,

his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.

Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;

they were at his side.

The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.

Then there came a word

of what he should accomplish on the day.

Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.

A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.

They fell on the ground.

A voice arrived, the voice of God,

the face of God, covered in a cloud.

What he said to them,

the voice of God: the most beloved son.

Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.

The prophecy was put to death,

was put to death, and so will the Son.

And keep your word, disguise the vision 'till the time has come.

Lost in the cloud, a voice. Have no fear! We draw near!

Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Turn your ear.

Lost in the cloud, a voice. Lamb of God! We draw near!

Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Son of God!

I saw the Muntu Dance Theater performance on the Jazz & Heritage stage. That was pretty sweet. Anybody else?

I always liked the Polyphonic Spree's size and sound, but I got SO sick of that guy's lyrics. I'm From Barcelona's lyrics aren't much better, but for some reason they do the trick for me. I like them a lot. I plan on purchasing the record, just for the fact that the music is so catchy and good for singing along with (which is a huge plus).

So embarassing...

I read this article in another forum. I think it's pretty ridiculous that she's actually offended by the fact that he released the songs on record. And for the record, it's HER opinion that The Avalanche is terrible. I happen to think that most of the stuff off The Avalanche is right on par with Illinois. Of course, she's the reviewer here, so whatever she says goes...

Seven Swans is definitely my favorite out of all of them.

I see where he is coming from on some of his points, but there's too much about Sufjan for me to love. I love the music, I love his lyrics, I love the way he handles Christianity...it's good to me.

Pabst Theater Milwaukee

Reserved Center Orchestra, Row A