Waking Ear

I almost forgot: a very big congrats to my little sister and Paz, who just got engaged.

And, at last, after the strong presence of Julieta Venegas and Cafe Tacuba last year, the ACL Festival adds a little bit of Spanish-language music to the lineup.

I should have known, back when I was yawning at this year's lineup. I should have had faith in the Austin City Limits Festival's organizers. Their aim is true.

So I'm quitting my job today - see my post on Op:Rid for more details (plug, plug).
 
Tonight we're having a last-day-at-work party at my house - I'm soliciting soundtrack suggestions.  What would you want to hear when you walk away from your job for good?  Or at least, for several weeks until you are plunged headlong into graduate school.  No lie, George Michael's Freedom '90 was the first thing that popped into my head.
 
Surely, y'all can do better.  Your thoughts?

OK, since Pitchfork writer Jason Crock had to resort to the ol' "take the goofy rap lyrics out of context" routine, I'll just add a little more about Juvenile's "Slow Motion."

The acoustic guitar loop has been a steady undercurrent in hip-hop for quite a while now. (Remember the Fugees? What about Nelly's "Ride Wit Me?" It's still really good.) In hip-hop-world, it exudes emotional intimacy, a quieter, more personal kind of rap. The loop in "Slow Motion" sounds aching, a little sad, maybe even a little Spanish. It's wistful instead of sexy. I don't think Juvenile's really dancing with this girl. I think he's fantasizing. That's important for some reason.

The chorus is insanely catchy, and doesn't employ the normal Dirty South constant repitition technique. The "Unnnh," breathy and nasal, is actually the best part to sing along to. The "I like it like that/she's workin' that back/I don't know how to act" triplet, delivered much more quickly than most of the verses, with emphasis on the last syllable of each line -- that's Juvi's hidden talent, a real knack for saying things the right way, subtly, not like word-mangling Ludacris.

This was my favorite song for one week. My new favorite song is Akon's "Locked Up," which is like thugged-out Maxi Priest or some shit.

Interpol's surprise appearance on the file-sharing networks over the weekend was probably the biggest leak since Radiohead's Hail to the Thief, at least on my musical radar screen. With one cursory listen under my belt, I can safely say that it still sounds pretty much like Interpol, which is nice. I think we were all hoping more for natural evolution than for a dramatic change in direction.

I also really liked the image of the whole band living together in a house in Connecticut. Daniel mowing the lawn while Paul uses big, yellow gloves to pot a plant, Sam limping in from a jog and Carlos sitting in the kitchen in a bathrobe, enjoying his morning cocaine.

I finally got myself to the CD store today. Yay.
Way too many choices though. And, of course, the store didn't have everything I was looking for. I told myself I'd only buy two but I ended up with three (thanks to a free used cd via my frequent shopper card).
Purchases:
French Kicks - Trial of the Century
i know i could have burned this from someone, but i feel compelled to support the band in all their endeavors because 1) i do like them quite a bit and 2)phantroll and schmubb went to school with a brother of the keyboardist...oh, and 3)the band is made up of a bunch of cutie patooties.
!!! - Louden Up Now
been wanting this one for sooooo long. it was always getting pushed off the list but this time i gave in. am glad i did.
Free Cd - Alanis Morissette
ok ok. before you judge me harshly here, you must read my argument. i \'ve been a fan since the beginning and although i am disappointed with some of her tunes in the last couple of years, i still admire her work and what she's trying to do as an artist. in general, she has become way too adult contemporary for me, but i want to continue supporting her and giving the benefit of the doubt.
i'll let you know how it goes.
and happy fourth to everyone!! go do something that makes you think - movie, art, otherwise.