Maggie

i was hanging outside the venue waiting for doors and he walked by so i said "hey jay, i'm a huge fan!" and he turned around and shook my hand and asked my name. I told him i've been a fan for a very long time, and he asked if i was from chattanooga (where the show was) and we talked a bit about Chickamauga and i asked him what it was like to make the record with Ben Gibbard. He said it was an interesting experience. I told him I was a music major in school and he wished me luck. I asked if I could take a picture, and he said sure and got Mark Spencer to take it. I was showing Mark how to work it, and Jay made a joke about Mark's steady hands, and actually chuckled. The first picture turned out blurry, so we ended up taking 4-5, but this is my fav out of all of them even though it is blurry cos Jay looks amused. Throughout the show Jay made eye contact with me and smiled a few times. Was really cool, but I think most of it was because I was the only sober person on the front row.

That is fantastic! It's great to ready a positive story about someone meeting Jay, given his reputation. Great picture!

A Ghost is Born

Summerteeth

Being There

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

AM

Sky Blue Sky

Wilco (the album)

YHF and Being There are sort of a toss up. I'd consider YHF the "better" album, but I listen to Being There more often and quite possibly get more enjoyment out of it.

I'm trying to move away from mp3's and back to CD's, but it's hard when you're used to the instant gratification. I hate to think my music collection will be outdated one day when lossless downloads become more prevalent. Additionally, I've always looked forward to growing old with a huge collection of music to flip through. It's not the same when all you've got to show for your collection is a hard drive (or 2) and an iPod.

There are no real record stores within 45 minutes of where I live (that I know of). About 99% my physical CD/LP purchases are done online anyway. On top of that, I NEVER listen to CD's anymore. Even when I buy the physical copy, it gets ripped to the computer immediately, and the CD is put away for storage. I do most of my listening on my computer and iPod, and I use the turntable when I want some more ambiance. When I'm browsing amazon.com this makes it way too easy for me to look at the $2.00 difference and decide to go for the download rather than the CD.

I started buying mp3's about 2 years ago when I lost my job. I found out about emusic.com, which was offering 50 free downloads, no questions asked. After the free trial, I figured it would be a cheap way to supplement my need for music until I found employment. The thing is, I discovered that I didn't miss the physical aspect of the purchase. If I absolutely loved an album, I could always purchase a physical copy later on (though I've only done that once: Songs: Ohia - Magnolia Electric Co on vinyl).

I've been re-employed for almost 2 years now and I'm downloading as many mp3's as ever, while continuing to buy CD's and LP's. I swear I'm going to shut down the emusic account soon and put myself on a music budget. But I've been saying that for months now . . .

I don't either. I was just encouraging you not to pass up on Jeff's stuff.

I get it.

It's just that I do sometimes get tired of Jeff, so he's gonna get skipped on occasion. I promise I don't pass him up everytime.

Oh no. Jeff's stuff from UT is amazing. So is Jay's - don't get me wrong. Jay was clearly the more polished songwriter, but Jeff's youthfulness on those early UT albums was a beautiful thing. I don't skip either's songs (except Grindstone - can't stand that song). I encourage you not to either.

I like Jeff's Tupelo stuff, but the fact is I listen to Jay a lot more in general. This has to sound strange to those who think of Jay as a one note, but I never get tired of the guy. On the other hand, there are days when I don't really feel like listening to Jeff's voice (particularly the earlier stuff). I may be in the mood to listen to "Still Be Around" any day of the week, but often times the transition to "Watch Me Fall" doesn't work for me. Other days it's great!

My take:

 

• I often skip Jeff's songs when I listen to Uncle Tupelo! Not always, but often. I usually break out the Tupelo when I'm in need of some Farrar.
   
  
• I enjoy most of Billy Bragg's songs on the first Mermaid Ave. album, not so much on the second. As a result I've only listened to the second album a couple times. I badly in need of a custom made playlist for the Mermaid stuff.
   
  
• I love Gary Louris and find the other Golden Smog guys, so that one isn't an issue for me. There are many super catchy non-Tweedy songs on Down By the Old Mainstream and Weird Tales. Give the other guys a chance.
   
  
• I think Jim is responsible for a couple of Loose Fur's best songs. And this is coming from someone who doesn't own any of his solo stuff.
  

This thread inspired me to listen to this song for the first time in a long while. I'd forgotten how great it is! Better than anything that made it on (the album), I'd say. In the end, it's just good to know that Wilco still has it in them, even if (the album) is underwhelming.

(And I think "Solitaire" is one of the better tracks on (the album).)

i always liked their album transatlaticism the best.

I may have to go for it. I've got a iTunes gift card hanging around . . .

And to keep things on track, I'm still loving One Fast Move or I'm Gone. I've been watching lots of Youtube videos from the shows in awe. Those guys really do make a great duo.

 

 

The Tweedy / Feist one is growing but I still prefer her & Ben Gibbard's duet on Dark Was The Night.

I love that Gibbard/Feist song. Dark Was the Night is worth the purchase for that song alone.

I'm also a fan of "You and I" despite the fact that it doesn't seem to be all that popular around here. Probably one of my top three songs on (the album). Gotta love Ms. Feist.

ben gibbard could be the next alt. country prodigy!

I've been seriously considering buying a Death Cab for Cutie album for the last couple weeks. But then I listen to samples and think no, it's not going to be the same. I listen to my fair share of "indie pop/rock" stuff, but for some reason Death Cab has always rubbed me the wrong way.

I say good for Jay giving this a try. Obviously he's a pretty devoted Guthrie fan - did anyone see the guitar he had made for himself?

http://sonvolt.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/jays-new-guitar/

(I actually found that to be kinda overboard, but whatever.)

Either Jay doesn't care what people think, or he wanted to take a shot at outshining Jeff. I would tend to assume (and hope) it's the former, but what do I know. I just look forward to hearing the music. Since hearing the Kerouac project I have a very good feeling about what he's capable of.

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals with Nora Jones - Dear John

This is a duet I expected to hate, but I was actually blown away on first listen. The song has a real emotional pull for me. I can't understand why they later rerecorded such a gorgeous song without her. Maybe I'm the only person who likes it?

I've been giving this more attention lately, and I have to say I love the album. I never would have expected it from such an unusual collaboration, but I thinking it's going to come out as one of my favorites of the year. Even "San Fransisco," which I hated when I first heard it last year, ended up impressing me.

I came across a torrent of a radio show the guys did a few days ago. I haven't listened yet, but it looks good. Appears that most of the songs from the album are included:

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=529206

And here's a pretty nice video of "California Zephyr" from the tour. Wish I was there:

From late August through late September I was doing a good job of limiting my purchases. I tried to give each album at least 3 listens before moving on to something different. I found I was actually appreciating what I heard rather than writing everything off after one attempt. In October I've gone back to my old ways. Way too many purchases, not enough time to give them all attention. I need to cancel my emusic subscription, but I can't bring myself to do it!

This morning my Beatles in Mono box set finally came in the mail after a month and a half of waiting. I'm really in trouble now.

It might make my top ten. It's a cute, pleasant album, but I heard plenty of music I like more this year.

I'd have to take a look at everything I own before doing an official list. Off hand though, I'd say my number one spot goes to Magnolia Electric Company this year. There's lots of other good stuff (including the every popular Califone album) that I'd put above Wilco (the album).

I enjoy most of The Avett Brother's songs individually, but I find the albums as a whole to be overwhelmingly sappy. It's like eating too much candy in one sitting. The lack of polish on the older stuff helps, but even then it's just too much (and a couple of those albums are awfully long-winded)

That said, I'm pretty sure I now own their entire catalog, or close to it. For some reason I won't give up on them. I'm convinced that at some point I'm going to really "get it."

I pre-ordered the vinyl last week and received an MP3 version of the album. Very good stuff. Gibbard's voice grated on me at first, but I'm enjoying him now too.

Same here, except I ordered the CD/DVD combo. The packaging of the CD is very cool.

I've only used the album as background music thus far, but I like the sound.

I'm not much of a Kerouac fan (have read Big Sur and On the Road once a piece, hardly remember anything about the latter), so I can't comment on whether the guys did him justice. I do however like the concept of album. I'm thinking the album and documentary may inspire me to give him another try.

My taste in music was pretty terrible during the 90's. First half of the decade it was pop radio, second half was mainstream alternative rock.

I'll give my vote to Pearl Jam. Other than the Beatles (who obviously do not count here), they are probably the only band I listened to during that decade that I still stand behind.

I went to see the Drive-by Truckers on their tour with the Hold Steady last year. I bought a couple Hold Steady albums and wasn't impressed, but I figured the live show would change things for me. I don't attend many shows, so I want every one I do attend to be a great success. I didn't particularly like anything about the music - subject matter, music or vocal style, but I was open.

The Hold Steady came out after the Truckers, suddenly the audience came alive, and I was standing there looking around and thinking "what happened." All the trendy kids with their cute hats and scarves who had sat bored during the Truckers (or simply hadn't shown up yet) suddenly jumped up and came alive, and I'm the one standing there not knowing what to do. If it hadn't been a weeknight following an unusually long day at work we might of stayed, but I actually have no regrets that we left after 2 or 3 songs.

I'm really enjoying this album. It's no masterpiece, but it is pleasant and fun to listen to. Almost makes me consider going back and buying some of Conor's stuff.

For those of you who are interested, the only thing different about the Target and Ten Club versions is the packaging. The Ten Club version is in a "book" style and contains some artwork that's also included on the vinyl, whereas the Target version is standard packaging.

That email I quoted the other day almost sounds like the "vault" shows for the indie/10C edition will be different from the Target shows. Perhaps we're talking '90's shows - something worthy of the term "vault."

I'm probably wrong, but a girl can dream.

Any idea if the 10 Club edition is supposed to come with any decent downloadable extras later on down the line? Am I missing something here? From what I can tell we can just download some wallpaper, look at some photos and browse concerts that are for sale.

 

 

Found the answer to my own questions, if anyone is interested. Apparently Pearl Jam sent out an email that I did not receive:

The Target version of the CD and the iTunes version contain 2 free concert downloads chosen from a list of 11 PJ shows. Stay tuned for details on free concert downloads from the vault through the Ten Club version of the CD.

Sounds promising.

you get two free concert downloads with the target version

target deluxe version comes with the concerts and rockband tracks

Any idea if the 10 Club edition is supposed to come with any decent downloadable extras later on down the line? Am I missing something here? From what I can tell we can just download some wallpaper, look at some photos and browse concerts that are for sale.

It was nice getting the CD a couple days early, but otherwise I'm feeling ripped off. And I don't need book style packaging when the artwork is hideous.

I've become accustomed to getting something extra when I pre-order directly from a band. Posters, stickers, buttons . . . you usually get SOMETHING, even if it's only worth pennies. A friendly gesture would be appreciated.

For those on the fence about this release (like myself), amazon.com has the mp3 album as their deal of the day today. $3.99 to get the album two days early. Not too bad if you don't mind mp3's.

http://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Of-Folk/dp/B002ORT4L8/ref=amb_link_85190051_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=11N49SF1W4EFV1F28AZ4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=488806171&pf_rd_i=163856011

While I love M. Ward, I've never been much of a Conor Oberst fan, and I find Jim James to be pretty hit or miss. I can handle $3.99.

I only listened once, but I thought this was their worst, along with Riot Act, by a mile. The lyrics sound like they were written by a teenager. I'm going to give it a couple more chances (it's short), but I don't know about this thing. If the lyrics bother me on a record, I'm very liable to not come around on it.

Got my copy yesterday, and on first listen my reaction is similar. I think it could possibly be worse than Riot Act, which I loved initially, but sunk in standing for me as time went on.

I've never had a negative reaction on first listen of a Pearl Jam album. This feels really strange for me.

I'll have to give it couple more chances this weekend. At least it's fairly short.