The Useless Critic 2.0

My favorite album of Beck's has long been "Sea Change," for approximately the 20 or so years it's been out. I would probably regard it as one of my personal favorite records, for its wistfulness and its beauty. When I heard about Zoon (aka Zoongide’ewin) - the musical project of Daniel Monkman - covering the "Sea Change" track "Round the Bend," I was somewhat skeptical simply because the album holds such a place in my heart. Now, prior to hearing about this cover, I wasn't so familiar with the work of Zoon. And now, I've got to say, in my best Owen Wilson - Wow.  Apparently we both hold the 2003 Beck album in high esteem. Said Daniel about "Sea Change," "After my first listen I was so moved and at the time I was going through a pretty bad break up and this album helped me process my depression. Throughout my time away from music I’d always have a copy beside me; it kept inspiring me that I could try any kind of music style. I...

Dude, best music video of 2018. Hands down. How does Beck stay so good?!  Also, Alison Brie! And the dance collective that recalls Blue Man Group! Here's the second best video, which is noneother than Cardi B. I love her because she's kind of weird and I appreciate it. 

Before I post my sometimes-weekly playlist. let's celebrate what March 30th has been like previously: - Seward's Folly - An obsessed Jodie Foster fan shot President Reagan - John Denver had his first #1 hit. The song? "Sunshine on my Shoulders." This all being stated, here's this week's playlist. I put some new music on it for a change. Like the Chromeo single, some newer Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes and Beck's "Waking Light." Which is an excellent song and somewhat reminds me of his "Sea Change" work.  I love that Lorde song I included, btw. Albeit you are probably sick of it by now. Make it a great week!

I guess Charlotte Gainsbourg is "back." But she never really left to begin with? How could she? Melancholia and Antichrist  kept her well in the public eye, informing us of her a.) natural threat to penises (peni?) and b.) her close kinship with KIRSTEN DUNST.  Regardless, Stage Whisper  was released last month- following the success of 2010's IRM , produced by OUR LORD AND SAVIOR Beck Hansen- with relatively little new material, mostly a live album of sorts with a few new songs thrown in. See: "Paradisco" "Anna"  <-- my favorite "White Telephone" <-- haunting!  Whereas IRM  was decorated with feelings of paranoia and wistfulness, something about Stage Whisper  feels slightly more playful, whereas still very wistful! "Paradisco"- sort of a follow-up to "Trick Pony" is pretty distant and sexy. "Anna" is mournful, "Memoir" is somehow upbeat while maintaining a level of lovelorn-ness ...

Since I didn't get to make a fan video for Beck like I did for Zooey and Mila. Created from some loyal fans. QATFYG: Beavis and Butthead?

One Reason List: 1. Listen to the last 20 Seconds of "Devil's Haircut." If that doesn't make you like Beck, I don't know what will. QATFYG: What do you need to like Beck? PS: I hope someone else mentions "Devil's Haircut" this week.

Yes, that is right. This week is Bjork/Beck Week. It's pretty straightforward. Every other day will be about Bjork. Every other will be about Beck. Let's see where this shall take us. PS: She has such a great look. ;)

They are closely associated in my mind. They are like the essence of autumn to me, along with Andrew Bird and Beach House. It's like wearing sweaters and shit. But yeah. St. Vincent and Charlotte Gainsbourg are my melodic colder-weather music. I'd say Europop is definitely summer music, but on the other hand, when isn't Europop good? RIGHT.  EXHIBIT 1: Charlotte Gainsbourg - Terrible Angels   produced by Beck, this baby (EP) will be out September 6th. SWOON EXHIBIT 2: St. Vincent - Cruel Strange Mercy  in all its glorious entirety is available September 13th.  St. Vincent - "Cruel" I am jizzing in honor of both of these fine, fine girls. also, I might be MIA for a while. a hurricane is headed my way which might cut my electricity. alas, I WILL READ. :/

first of all, I cannot WAIT to see this film. oh my god. if I was a teacher, you know this would be me. I don't think you understand how much. also, in high school I was convinced I was going to get new boobs at some point, but I never did. anyway. REASONS FOR WANTING TO SEE THIS FILM: - Cameron Diaz is such a badass - PHYLLIS FROM THE OFFICE   ("and you need two of them") - Justin Timberlake plays the guy she likes! ha! that's cool the two of them remain on good terms all these years later. it's very Tony and Gwen, no? also, Cameron Diaz is pushing 40 here. but hell: let's face it, none of us will ever look that good. I mean I know she's probably had some work done but I WOULD HIT IT. hit it so hard your mother would feel it. yes:  your mother. that's also my subtle way to remind you Mother's Day is fast approaching. who among us watched the Office  where Michael Scott departed? I did- it's been growing on me again lately, does...

So Metric (who met the Queen of England yesterday???? weird??????) is doing the theme song for the Eclipse film. also appearing on that soundtrack: Bat For Lashes and Beck, Florence + the Machine, etc. I remember the first Twilight soundtrack. it wasn't amazing, not awful either. The Black Ghosts and Muse (duh what else) were on it, but then you had PARAMORE omg I hate Paramore don't even get me started. Then you had the New Moon soundtrack, with Grizzly Bear and Lykke Li. somewhat better. Editors were on it, though, which hurt it (ha sorry I JUST D NOT LIKE THEM). so if the first soundtrack scored a B-, New Moon earned a A-. (and also- OKGo, and that Anya Marina song, bleh) now you have Eclipse . which is AMAZING. and I had the epiphany yesterday- ha, why do I think so much about these things!- the continuing improvement of the soundtracks reflects the main characters' developing maturity levels. ... anyway Rusted Root and One World Tribe are kicking off Eight Great Tues...

First of all, Adam Lambert has been confirmed for scoring an Erie date in August on his latest tour. that's kind of big, considering he's one of the few relatively popular AI stars left. no one cares about Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard in New York. that is the way the cookie crumbles. Then, on June 25th, Nicole Atkins (along with Joshua James) is doing a free show in Pittsburgh. On July 21st- Free Energy, one of these bands you need to listen to- is doing a free gig in Cleveland. their live show is supposed to be amazingggggg. founded by ex-Hockey members, it has a kind of typical sort of indie sound mixed with classic rock and hippie tendencies. did that make sense? good because I don't give a fuck. FREE ENERGY HOCKEY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g-Eok8n0WE off the Eclipse soundtrack....wow. the Beck and Bat For Lashes duet? just listen, just listen, and change your pants afterwards: http://blahblahblahscience.com/uncategorized/in-the-mix-crocodiles-bat-for-lashes-mike-...

In high school, a lot of my friends were obsessed with Beck. And I liked Beck, in passing. But I never got that into him. Sea Change is a fantastic record, don't get me wrong. Something just kept me an elbow away from becoming a true Beck fan. Gradually, though, that's been shifting in the other direction. The more I think about it, the more respect I have for this Scientologist! First of all, his career. EXTENSIVE. think back to "Loser!" WHAT: He's gone onto work with the likes of Danger Mouse and Serge Gainsbourg. and, you know, like Madonna or David Bowie, he's constantly evolving. He's trying to keep things interesting. Not sure if I really care for his latter stuff, but at least he's giving it a shot. Anyway, he has this record club that consists of him and various guests doing covers of notable tracks/albums, such as the Velvet Underground's banana album (haha). Well, he just put out a rip of him doing "New Sensation" by INXS !!!! ...

SHE = HOT HIM = HOT HAIR CUT = GOOD VIDEO = WEIRD BUT NO SMASHED TESTICLES SO I AM HAPPY WITH THIS ah my night can't get any better. I love them. I love this. it's wonderful. in other news, the Magnetic Fields are going on tour at the beginning of next year, but the closest they are coming to here is D.C., so I don't give a shit. FRUITY PEBBLES

First, AIR. Nigel Godrich. Jarvis Cocker. Now: BECK. (everybody's fave Scientologist!) I know she's not the most talented woman, but: awesome!!!!!!!!!! I'd post a song, but I doubt you download them. so ask me and I giveth. SO BEAUTIFUL IT HURTS. - Brittany