Rock moves in cycles. One style dominates almost the entire industry, going from edgy and new to overdone and boring. So, in response, a bunch of kids grab their guitars and go balls-to-the-wall anti-establishment, forever changing the face of music. We’ve seen it with grunge, we’ve seen it with lo-fi. But the single most important change for music was the genesis of punk. A biting response to the increasingly ridiculous nature of ‘60s rock, punk was short, fast and hard. The following are the five albums that launched the careers of five of the greatest punk bands of all time.
NOTE: I know I’m going to get complaints for not including The Clash’s self-titled debut album. First off, it’s my top five, so if you’re really mad, get your own. But really I feel that the Clash didn’t hit their stride until “London Calling” a few years later. Don’t forget, this is a list of debut albums.
1. “Ramones” by the Ramones (1976)
This is the album that almost single-handedly started the genre of punk rock. The Ramones were four guys from Queens, New York who were fed up with the loopy guitar solos and songs that dragged on for well over ten minutes. Clocking in at a mere 29 minutes, “Ramones” is a 14 song full-frontal assault on the ears. The Ramones could play about three chords, and even then they were shaky. Joey Ramones’ vocals were rough at best. But none of that mattered. Each song is an anthem in its own right, bigger and badder than anything that had existed before. In later years the Ramones changed line-ups and fooled around with the sound, but nothing ever quite brought them back to their debut. After all, the whole album began with the ultimate call to disillusioned youth: “Hey! Ho! Let’s go!”
Key Tracks: “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Judy is a Punk,” “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue”
2. “Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols” by the Sex Pistols (1977)
Not long after the Ramones kicked things into high gear, the Sex Pistols assembled in London, England to give the Brits a taste of what they were missing. What they achieved was some of the most brutal and insane music ever created by man. Heck, two guys in the band had last names of Rotten and Vicious, so what do you expect? Every single track on this album is either a swipe at the English government, or the recording industry, or simply just getting older. They weren’t any more musically inclined than the Ramones, but the production on the album is far superior, giving “Never Mind the Bollocks” a much cleaner sound than its American cousin. The Sex Pistols also managed to make themselves legendary by never getting it together to record another album before bassist Sid Vicious killed himself. So what are we left with? A cry of pure defiance, by four guys who were mad as hell and weren’t going to take it.
Key Tracks: “God Save the Queen,” “Seventeen,” “Anarchy in the U.K.”
3. “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables” by the Dead Kennedys (1980)
Jello Biafra is quite possibly insane. But that didn’t stop him from getting three of his friends together, starting a band, and releasing the first leftist, socially-concious punk album ever. Where the Ramones and the Sex Pistols had faltered musically, the Dead Kennedys made up for in spades. Guitarist East Bay Ray tore his axe to shreds on every single track, with excellent support from Klaus Flouride on bass and Ted on drums. But what makes the album so definitive is the combination of Biafra’s voice and lyrics. In any other setting, he would be dismissed as just another nut, but instead his genius shines. The lyrics are brilliant attacks on the state of things in Cambodia, the draft, the neutron bomb and California governor Jerry Brown. No one is safe from Biafra’s razor sharp wit, not even his landlord. Plus, the band even had the gall to include a hammed up cover of “Viva Las Vegas.”
Key Tracks: “Kill The Poor,” “California Uber Alles,” “Holiday in Cambodia”
4. “Inflammable Material” by Stiff Little Fingers (1979)
Imagine an Irish version of the Sex Pistols without a self-destructive bent, and could actually play their instruments. That is the exact formula for Stiff Little Fingers. These punks out of Northern Ireland were just as fed up as the Sex Pistols, but with a much better sense of what worked musically. Their songs spoke to a brutally cruel English government, touching on the oppression the Irish endured under the English for decades. Lead singer Jake Burns has a fire in his voice on all the tracks that could make even grown men cower. Despite being overshadowed by their English contemporaries, “Inflammable Material” has remained a favorite amongst punk connoisseurs the world over. They’ve taken what the Sex Pistols attempted and brought it to the next level.
Key Tracks: “Suspect Device,” “Barbed Wire Love,” “Alternative Ulster”
5. “Los Angeles” by X (1980)
X has one of the most definitive band names of all time. And their debut album has a sound that is simultaneously rockabilly and punk, if ever a think could exist. Lead singer Exene Cervenka belts out lyrics that can only be described as poetry. In fact, the band’s lyrics have been compared to the poetry of Charles Bukowski and the prose of Raymond Chandler. The songs address a Los Angeles underground scene filled with sex and drugs that was largely unfamiliar to the American public. But listeners found X to have an almost welcoming sound, due largely to the guitar work of the virtuoso John Doe and production courtesy of ex-Door Ray Manzarek. X’s career may have been brief, but the entire L.A. music scene was forever changed upon their debut.
Key Tracks: “You’re Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not,” “Johnny Hit and Run Pauline,” “Los Angeles”
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Jack's Top Five Special Report: Oscar Picks
This weekend is the 80th Academy Awards, and, not surprisingly, I’m looking forward to it. It’s the one night out of the year that my constant obsession over movies pays off as I watch some of the films I loved get the acclaim they deserve. So in honor of this night, I skipped the usual format and made my picks for five of the categories. Make sure to tune in! (Sunday Feb. 24th, 5pt/8et on ABC)
1. Best Picture
Will Win- “No Country For Old Men”
I already chose this as the best film of 2007, and I’m standing by it. No film this year is more compelling, more riveting or simply better done than “No Country For Old Men.” The entire cast is fantastic, with a spectacular script and excellent cinematography. This is, in short, one of the best films of the decade, not just the year.
Dark Horse- As fantastic as “No Country For Old Men” is, don’t rule out P.T. Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood.” The Academy is notorious for loving movies that follow one character’s rise and fall. A truly gifted Daniel Day Lewis puts in his all, helping to craft an excellent story. I just feel it’s going to fall short.
2. Best Actor
Will Win- Daniel Day-Lewis began his long walk up to the podium the day “There Will Be Blood” was released. His performance can only be described as a tour-de-force. He is, almost literally, the heart and soul of the film. The depth and complexity of Daniel Plainview is brought straight to fruition with the incomparable Day-Lewis.
Dark Horse- There really isn’t one. All the other nominees are amazing in their roles, but not one of them can match up with the monster inside of Day-Lewis. Oh well. Let’s just say George Clooney for “Michael Clayton” because he’s cute.
3. Best Actress
Will Win- A moment of honesty first: I have only seen one of the five movies that have nominees in this category. But based on all the reviews and Oscar buzz I’ve been hearing, I’m going to have to go with Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf in “La Vie En Rose.” The Academy likes biopics about musicians (“Walk The Line,” “Ray,” etc.), so you can’t really go wrong.
Dark Horse- I’m pulling for Ellen Page in “Juno.” She gave the film a sense of honesty and purity that may have been lacking otherwise. “Juno” was this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” so let’s give some credit where credit is due.
4. Best Director
Will Win- The Cohen brothers for “No Country For Old Men.” If they lose, they will officially become the next Scorsese. Every single film they’ve created is a masterpiece, and yet none of them have raked in this award. Why not reward them for crafting the most conceptually brilliant film of the year.
Dark Horse- Once again, the only competition here is P.T. Anderson. His vision of the oil-drilling world is so dark and subversive that it literally gives you chills. Every great actor needs an inspiration, and Day-Lewis gets it from Anderson. This is perhaps the closest contest of the night.
5. Best Original Song
Will Win- I included this category so that I’d have one more chance to tout the glory that is “Once.” “Falling Slowly” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in the past five years, and deserves every acclaim it can get. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are so frank and honest in this song that each word feels like it has the weight of a thousand. Truly amazing.
Dark Horse- I haven’t seen it, but apparently “Enchanted” had some great songs. Statistically speaking, it has the leg up with three nominations in this category. But no matter how sweet or funny these songs are they just won’t be able to stand up to a true masterwork.
1. Best Picture
Will Win- “No Country For Old Men”
I already chose this as the best film of 2007, and I’m standing by it. No film this year is more compelling, more riveting or simply better done than “No Country For Old Men.” The entire cast is fantastic, with a spectacular script and excellent cinematography. This is, in short, one of the best films of the decade, not just the year.
Dark Horse- As fantastic as “No Country For Old Men” is, don’t rule out P.T. Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood.” The Academy is notorious for loving movies that follow one character’s rise and fall. A truly gifted Daniel Day Lewis puts in his all, helping to craft an excellent story. I just feel it’s going to fall short.
2. Best Actor
Will Win- Daniel Day-Lewis began his long walk up to the podium the day “There Will Be Blood” was released. His performance can only be described as a tour-de-force. He is, almost literally, the heart and soul of the film. The depth and complexity of Daniel Plainview is brought straight to fruition with the incomparable Day-Lewis.
Dark Horse- There really isn’t one. All the other nominees are amazing in their roles, but not one of them can match up with the monster inside of Day-Lewis. Oh well. Let’s just say George Clooney for “Michael Clayton” because he’s cute.
3. Best Actress
Will Win- A moment of honesty first: I have only seen one of the five movies that have nominees in this category. But based on all the reviews and Oscar buzz I’ve been hearing, I’m going to have to go with Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf in “La Vie En Rose.” The Academy likes biopics about musicians (“Walk The Line,” “Ray,” etc.), so you can’t really go wrong.
Dark Horse- I’m pulling for Ellen Page in “Juno.” She gave the film a sense of honesty and purity that may have been lacking otherwise. “Juno” was this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” so let’s give some credit where credit is due.
4. Best Director
Will Win- The Cohen brothers for “No Country For Old Men.” If they lose, they will officially become the next Scorsese. Every single film they’ve created is a masterpiece, and yet none of them have raked in this award. Why not reward them for crafting the most conceptually brilliant film of the year.
Dark Horse- Once again, the only competition here is P.T. Anderson. His vision of the oil-drilling world is so dark and subversive that it literally gives you chills. Every great actor needs an inspiration, and Day-Lewis gets it from Anderson. This is perhaps the closest contest of the night.
5. Best Original Song
Will Win- I included this category so that I’d have one more chance to tout the glory that is “Once.” “Falling Slowly” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in the past five years, and deserves every acclaim it can get. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are so frank and honest in this song that each word feels like it has the weight of a thousand. Truly amazing.
Dark Horse- I haven’t seen it, but apparently “Enchanted” had some great songs. Statistically speaking, it has the leg up with three nominations in this category. But no matter how sweet or funny these songs are they just won’t be able to stand up to a true masterwork.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Top Five: Movies To Watch With Your Sweetie
Valentine’s Day is upon us. Or Singles’ Awareness Day. Either way you look at it, this is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year. Thus, I’m dishing up five films that are both romantic and funny, the best combination for some Valentine’s Day magic. Any of these would be great to watch cuddled up on the couch with your special someone. Or you can watch them alone with a big tub of ice cream, as I usually do.
1. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
There is a reason that this movie is such a great romantic comedy. Nora Ephron has written a slough of these things, but nothing quite matches with this wonderful film. And with Rob Reiner in the director’s chair, how can you go wrong? Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the title couple, following the story arch set in perhaps the most romantic city, New York. The film is a great look into the concept of platonic relationships, something that both Harry and Sally desperately want to pursue, despite being absolutely perfect for each other. Oh, and when Meg Ryan gives the fake orgasm in the world-famous Katz’s Deli, everyone saw the rules of comedy changed forever.
2. “Annie Hall” (1977)
Once again, this film is set in New York. Woody Allen used the city as a backdrop for a film that broke from his previous trend of laugh-out-loud comedies. “Annie Hall” is quite funny, but the film transcends mere humor and reaches a point where it explores the intricate nature of human relationships. Allen plays the hero, Alvy Singer, and Diane Keaton is fantastic as the title character. The film follows the entire cycle of their relationship, from their first meeting to the eventual break-up and beyond. The dialogue is so pure and earnest that watching the film is almost like watching your brain at work. Allen breaks the “fourth wall”, and speaks directly to the camera several times, making for some of the best writing in modern cinema. And Keaton’s layered attire defined a generation of women’s clothes.
3. “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
Say what you will about Tom Cruise now, but he used to be one of the best. Not only does “Jerry Maguire” have one of the best romantic stories of all time, it features sports prominently. It is because of this that this film is perfect for the couple that can’t agree on a movie on a Saturday night. Cruise is the title character, a sports agent who loses all his clients save for the obnoxiously loud football star Cuba Gooding Jr. Renee Zellweger is the one woman who actually believes in Jerry, and, in the end, the one woman that can complete his life. Director Cameron Crowe used to write for Rolling Stone, so naturally the music is amazing. Also, don’t forget the two lines of dialogue that defined the ‘90s for many, many people: “Show me the money!” and “You had me at ‘Hello.’”
4. “Love Actually” (2003)
This movie is basically a showcase of talented British actors. Let’s see who we have: Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightly, Laura Linney and Bill Nighy. Here’s the thing: THAT’S NOT EVERYONE. The massive cast is used to portray multiple stories of people falling in and out of love in London, England. Despite it’s length (over 2 hours), the film moves swiftly thanks to clever writing and excellent acting. It is simultaneously sweet and sorrowful, happy and sad. In the end, though, you are left with the feeling that everything has ended with the best. Oh, and in case you were worried, “Love Actually” will make you laugh.
5. “Some Like It Hot” (1959)
No list of romantic movies is complete without some solid cross-dressing. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis disguise themselves as members of an all-girl band on their way to Florida so as to avoid a Chicago gangster. Sound ridiculous? It is, but it’s so well done that nobody cares. Of course, they run across Marilyn Monroe while disguised as girls, thus leading to plot complications that would give Shakespeare a headache. Curtis assumes another identity just to get closer to Monroe, while an older male millionaire pursues Lemmon-in-drag. The laughs come hard and fast, and Lemmon and Curtis are spot on as they deal with the implications of their assumed identities. Heck, even if you don’t like their humor, you get to spend 2 hours looking at Marilyn Monroe, so who are you to complain?
1. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
There is a reason that this movie is such a great romantic comedy. Nora Ephron has written a slough of these things, but nothing quite matches with this wonderful film. And with Rob Reiner in the director’s chair, how can you go wrong? Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the title couple, following the story arch set in perhaps the most romantic city, New York. The film is a great look into the concept of platonic relationships, something that both Harry and Sally desperately want to pursue, despite being absolutely perfect for each other. Oh, and when Meg Ryan gives the fake orgasm in the world-famous Katz’s Deli, everyone saw the rules of comedy changed forever.
2. “Annie Hall” (1977)
Once again, this film is set in New York. Woody Allen used the city as a backdrop for a film that broke from his previous trend of laugh-out-loud comedies. “Annie Hall” is quite funny, but the film transcends mere humor and reaches a point where it explores the intricate nature of human relationships. Allen plays the hero, Alvy Singer, and Diane Keaton is fantastic as the title character. The film follows the entire cycle of their relationship, from their first meeting to the eventual break-up and beyond. The dialogue is so pure and earnest that watching the film is almost like watching your brain at work. Allen breaks the “fourth wall”, and speaks directly to the camera several times, making for some of the best writing in modern cinema. And Keaton’s layered attire defined a generation of women’s clothes.
3. “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
Say what you will about Tom Cruise now, but he used to be one of the best. Not only does “Jerry Maguire” have one of the best romantic stories of all time, it features sports prominently. It is because of this that this film is perfect for the couple that can’t agree on a movie on a Saturday night. Cruise is the title character, a sports agent who loses all his clients save for the obnoxiously loud football star Cuba Gooding Jr. Renee Zellweger is the one woman who actually believes in Jerry, and, in the end, the one woman that can complete his life. Director Cameron Crowe used to write for Rolling Stone, so naturally the music is amazing. Also, don’t forget the two lines of dialogue that defined the ‘90s for many, many people: “Show me the money!” and “You had me at ‘Hello.’”
4. “Love Actually” (2003)
This movie is basically a showcase of talented British actors. Let’s see who we have: Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightly, Laura Linney and Bill Nighy. Here’s the thing: THAT’S NOT EVERYONE. The massive cast is used to portray multiple stories of people falling in and out of love in London, England. Despite it’s length (over 2 hours), the film moves swiftly thanks to clever writing and excellent acting. It is simultaneously sweet and sorrowful, happy and sad. In the end, though, you are left with the feeling that everything has ended with the best. Oh, and in case you were worried, “Love Actually” will make you laugh.
5. “Some Like It Hot” (1959)
No list of romantic movies is complete without some solid cross-dressing. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis disguise themselves as members of an all-girl band on their way to Florida so as to avoid a Chicago gangster. Sound ridiculous? It is, but it’s so well done that nobody cares. Of course, they run across Marilyn Monroe while disguised as girls, thus leading to plot complications that would give Shakespeare a headache. Curtis assumes another identity just to get closer to Monroe, while an older male millionaire pursues Lemmon-in-drag. The laughs come hard and fast, and Lemmon and Curtis are spot on as they deal with the implications of their assumed identities. Heck, even if you don’t like their humor, you get to spend 2 hours looking at Marilyn Monroe, so who are you to complain?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Top Five Neil Young Albums
Let’s face it. When talking about rock and roll, there’s good, there’s great, and then there’s Neil Young. As my comrade-in-arms Jake Bartolic once put it, “In a contest between any two bands, Neil Young wins.” Arguably one of the best singer-songwriters of all time, Young has a knack for crafting songs that are simultaneously touching and rocking. He’s been around for over 40 years, and so, without further ado, I present my favorites.
1. Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
The concept album that was released AFTER the tour. How brilliant. Its title borrowed from Rustoleum paint, the “Rust Never Sleeps” tour was a two act set that featured Young alone in the first half, performing acoustic songs. The second act was the electric set, with backing band Crazy Horse. Put the two together, and you get some of the most expertly crafted songs possible. Young is able to show off both his acoustic picking and his electric shredding. Songs like “Thrasher” and “Powderfinger” are epic tales of a lost America. And the duo of “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)” and “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” are the perfect bookends. As Mr. Young reminds us in the latter, “It’s better to burn out / ‘cause rust never sleeps.”
2. Harvest (1972)
“Harvest” is Young’s most commercially successful album. It’s the only one of his albums to go to number one, and has been certified platinum four times over. It’s not surprising why. “Harvest” has some of Young’s most deeply personal songs while featuring a star-studded cast of backing musicians. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and the London Symphony Orchestra all lend a helping hand to completing this masterpiece. And with songs like “Heart of Gold,” “A Man Needs a Maid,” “Old Man” and “The Needle and the Damage Done,” who could argue with the results?
3. American Stars ‘N Bars (1977)
This is Neil Young’s forgotten gem. Recorded in four rather different sessions from 1974 to 1977, “American Stars ‘N Bars” is simultaneously country and rock. Songs like “Saddle Up the Palomino” and “Bite the Bullet” evoke images of days past in the folk stylings of old. Conversely, “Will to Love” and “Like a Hurricane” are hard-rocking guitar workouts, the latter being the best evidence of Young’s immense prowess with the electric guitar. The album closes with “Homegrown,” a potential anthem for organic farmers and those growing their own stash of weed. Those crazy Canadians.
4. Mirror Ball (1995)
In 1995, Young found his best backing band since Crazy Horse: Pearl Jam. Yes, the Seattle grunge rockers collaborated with Young to craft the ultimate blend of alternative rock and Young’s iconic folk-rock style. Each song is its own epic story, a cross between classic Pearl Jam sound and Neil Young vocals. “Song X,” “I’m the Ocean” and “Peace and Love” are just highlights of an album that never stumbles, only soars. Even better: the following 11-date tour to promote the album was dubbed “Neil Jam” by fans. Best. Collaboration. Ever.
5. After The Gold Rush (1970)
This is the sound of Neil Young before he struck it big. “Harvest” wasn’t released until two years later, giving “Gold Rush” plenty of time to sink into the national conciousness. It took some time to, for this is arguable Young’s saddest album. The title track is a piano ballad that is only accompianied by a French horn, and speaks of a disillusioned Young looking at a world slowly falling apart. “Southern Man” is a biting attack on racism in the south, the best part of which is not the actual song, but the fact that it inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” And “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”? Try and guess what that’s about. He’s chippered up recently, but some of Young’s best work comes out of this dark period.
1. Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
The concept album that was released AFTER the tour. How brilliant. Its title borrowed from Rustoleum paint, the “Rust Never Sleeps” tour was a two act set that featured Young alone in the first half, performing acoustic songs. The second act was the electric set, with backing band Crazy Horse. Put the two together, and you get some of the most expertly crafted songs possible. Young is able to show off both his acoustic picking and his electric shredding. Songs like “Thrasher” and “Powderfinger” are epic tales of a lost America. And the duo of “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)” and “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” are the perfect bookends. As Mr. Young reminds us in the latter, “It’s better to burn out / ‘cause rust never sleeps.”
2. Harvest (1972)
“Harvest” is Young’s most commercially successful album. It’s the only one of his albums to go to number one, and has been certified platinum four times over. It’s not surprising why. “Harvest” has some of Young’s most deeply personal songs while featuring a star-studded cast of backing musicians. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and the London Symphony Orchestra all lend a helping hand to completing this masterpiece. And with songs like “Heart of Gold,” “A Man Needs a Maid,” “Old Man” and “The Needle and the Damage Done,” who could argue with the results?
3. American Stars ‘N Bars (1977)
This is Neil Young’s forgotten gem. Recorded in four rather different sessions from 1974 to 1977, “American Stars ‘N Bars” is simultaneously country and rock. Songs like “Saddle Up the Palomino” and “Bite the Bullet” evoke images of days past in the folk stylings of old. Conversely, “Will to Love” and “Like a Hurricane” are hard-rocking guitar workouts, the latter being the best evidence of Young’s immense prowess with the electric guitar. The album closes with “Homegrown,” a potential anthem for organic farmers and those growing their own stash of weed. Those crazy Canadians.
4. Mirror Ball (1995)
In 1995, Young found his best backing band since Crazy Horse: Pearl Jam. Yes, the Seattle grunge rockers collaborated with Young to craft the ultimate blend of alternative rock and Young’s iconic folk-rock style. Each song is its own epic story, a cross between classic Pearl Jam sound and Neil Young vocals. “Song X,” “I’m the Ocean” and “Peace and Love” are just highlights of an album that never stumbles, only soars. Even better: the following 11-date tour to promote the album was dubbed “Neil Jam” by fans. Best. Collaboration. Ever.
5. After The Gold Rush (1970)
This is the sound of Neil Young before he struck it big. “Harvest” wasn’t released until two years later, giving “Gold Rush” plenty of time to sink into the national conciousness. It took some time to, for this is arguable Young’s saddest album. The title track is a piano ballad that is only accompianied by a French horn, and speaks of a disillusioned Young looking at a world slowly falling apart. “Southern Man” is a biting attack on racism in the south, the best part of which is not the actual song, but the fact that it inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” And “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”? Try and guess what that’s about. He’s chippered up recently, but some of Young’s best work comes out of this dark period.
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