| Pop Talk
With David Segal
Washington Post Music Critic
Wednesday, April 23, 2003; Noon ET David Segal hails from Rhode Island, where he once foisted himself backstage at an X concert and demanded autographs from all four band members. They happily obliged. The first song he ever loved was a kiddie recording of "Honeycomb, Won't You Be My Baby" and he quickly graduated to Simon & Garfunkel, then Elvis Costello and then the Dead Kennedys, who performed one of the greatest concerts he's ever seen in London in 1982. He hasn't been the same since. For a few years, he played guitar and sang in a deeply terrible cover band, the Bremers. The highlight of the group's show was a stalker version of "Leavin' on a Jet Plane," which was retitled "You're NOT Leavin' on a Jet Plane." He's been at The Post for going on eight years, first as a Book World editor, then a Business section reporter and finally as pop music critic. He enjoys the work and would like to point out that he is writing his bio, even though it's written in the third person, like someone else wrote it. Segal is doing that so he appears more important than he is, which is hilarious when you think about it! The transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
David Segal: Well, well. We meet yet again.
I was in Cuba last week, soaking up the sun, listening to music, checking out the police state and getting a first-hand look at the revolucion. An amazing place. I recommend it, and you ought to go before Castro dies and it goes into lock down or socialism dies and Donald Trump starts building casinos.
While I was gone the White Stripe's new album, "Elephant" entered the charts at no. 6, which is pretty amazing. There is something right with the world when that happens, when a band is talented produces an album so unpretentious and grabbing and the great masses out there want to buy it. Yes, I know Godsmack sold more copies in a week than the W. Stripes are likely to sell in a year, but we'll have to take these victories where we can.
I reviewed Madonna's new one today, so feel free to chat about that. Or anything else.
And here's a survey question: What's the worst album you ever bought? I remember when I was a kid I'd run out and buy LPs based on some snazzy single I'd heard on the radio and then realize that I'd made a godawful mistake. My greatest boo-boo: Suzanne Fellini. She had an early 80s hit with a song called "Makin' Love on the Phone," and oh, did I feel like a jackass five minutes after that landed on my turntable. The shame lingers to this day!
Anyway, now your turn. The more humiliating, the better. And believe, "Makin' Love on the Phone," that's humiliating.
Let's go...
washingtonpost.com: Madonna: Rebel Without Claws By David Segal, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Seattle, Wash.: I am a singer songwriter with a record coming out on a small label. I am considering hiring a publicity company to promote the record. What are your experiences with these people and do they influence your opinion or whether you will listen to a record or not? David Segal: I tend to find publicity people to be a bit of a hassle. I'm grateful to them for sending me records and it's helpful that they send along some clips and a bio. I think that's worth your money, unless you want to do it yourself. Don't pay for reps to badger critics, though. That's a waste. I get about 30 inquiries a day and despite an phone mail message urging PR folks to use my e mail rather than leave a message, many leave messages. It doesn't help the artist.
Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: OK, About the new White Stripes album. For the life of me I can't figure out the critical acclaim and the 5 stars from rolling stone (although they've started handing out 5 star reviews like AOL hands out CDs). It's not that it's a bad album. But it's nothing that I haven't already heard a thousand times since 1967 or so. Not a single original note on the album. If I wanted to listen to Iggy Pop, Led Zep, Robert Johnson, or Eric Burton and the Animals, I would. The whole CD sounds like it was made by a cover band that you'd find at the local dive bar. A serious waste of my $15. David Segal: Every great rock band borrows and steals. It's all been done before. The Beatles stole from Chuck Berry and Motown and the Beach Boys, the Stones from bluesmen and the Beatles and so on. The trick is finding new ways to shake up the elements; originality in rock is about new arrangements of old pieces. I think the White Stripes have a voice all their own. Yes, you've heard guitars like that, drumming like that, and crescendos like that. But they've been combined in unique ways and I think Jack White is a terrific songwriter. "I want to hold your little hand if I could be so bold/And be your right hand man till your hand gets old." Great line in a great tune. One of many superb moments on "Elephant," for my money, anyway.
Washington, D.C.: During your last chat, you said it was ok to lean against the railing on the 930 club side balcony. That’s true -- but the question was whether it's ok to arrive late and cut in front of people sitting on the risers. The answer is definitely NO, as any 9:30 balcony regular knows. People come to a show quite early just to get a spot at the balcony railing, and the accepted social code is that you can “save” that spot by sitting on the front riser until the headliner comes on, at which point you stand up by the railing. It totally violates that social code to waltz in late and cut in front of people who have been waiting for hours. Thanks for clarifying this important point. David Segal: I confess that I was unaware of this bit of social coding. Anyone else heard this one? Sometimes, a show at the 9:30 is so crowded that if you don't move toward the rail, in front of the risers, you're not really going to see much of the show. I'm all for decency, however. Hey, I used to live next to Miss Manners!
Anyone else have thoughts?
Washington, D.C.: Yo Dave, Did you catch the Flaming Lips on Sunday? Sounded like the tour has taken a bit of a toll on Wayne's voice, but hugely enjoyable none-the-less. I don't think anyone else has that wide-eyed wonder and joy about the world, music, and playing live. Speaking of things that flame, have you heard the Flaming Sideburns? Fantastic! the David Segal: Sorry to say that I missed this one. I do a radio show Sunday nights now so here comes a shameless plug -- WJFK, 106.7, 10 to 11 Sundays. Me and some buddies, yakking about music. I must say, though, I was really bummed to have skipped the Lips. I've never seen them and I love the group, and Producer Joe Heim's review made me realize what an excellent spectacle I missed.
Winchester, Va.: I'm having a hard time understanding your raves about the White Stripes. The same for other groups that are getting a lot hype recently. The Hives, The Vines, The Strokes, and a few of the other groups that I keep reading about. Groups such as The Ataris, The Donnas, The Datsuns rock out pretty good with some attempt at making music that can be remembered. But nothing original really. I try to live by the old saying "to each his own". But usually I can understand why a group that I might not particularly enjoy, is popular. In the case of the White Stripes and The Strokes I just don't get it. The Strokes were on a rerun, I guess, of SNL last week and they doing nothing that I could see that would cause them to deserve to be on national TV, have a deal, have a bus, or have a fan. The song, the singing, the whole thing was crap! It has to be about the songs first, not appearance, attitude and good representation. Question: Am I personally in one of those periods where the music world seems turned upside down and I need to relax, until it comes back? Is this one of the worst periods of time for rock music ever? David Segal: See answer above.
I personally think that rock is in a pretty good place right now. Better than it's been in years. Radio has been dominated by alt metal dreck for a long time and at least bands like the Strokes and the WS are doing something else. I happen to think the Strokes are pretty fun and if you weren't poisoned by the excessive hype about them -- not your fault that they're raved about everywhere -- they seem like what they are: a fine little rock combo.
Arlington, Va.: Worst purchase: J. Lo's new album. I really liked "Jenny from the Block." I hate the rest of that crap. I never listen to the damn thing. David Segal: That's pretty bad. I heard that Ben song on that album and it was one of the silliest things I've ever heard.
She and Suzanne Fellini should party.
Obscure, but still makes me mad:: I bought an album by Pierre Bensusan based on a song of his that was part of a Sugar Hill sampler. As it turns out (always!), the only song that was at all worthwhile was the one on the sampler. The rest were an amalgam of electronic discordant noise that never improved with listening. This was in early CD days, so the expense was significant (plus I was in grad school). I still resent that! David Segal: Never heard much about Pierre B.
Baltimore, Md.: I bought the White Stripes' new album and, although I like it, it hasn't immediately grabbed me the same way "White Blood Cells" or their debut did. Maybe it will grow on me.
But, speaking of bassless bands, what have you heard of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's new album? I love their EP. When's the latest coming out? David Segal: Well, I'm glad you mentioned the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The new one comes out in a week, I believe, and if you enjoyed the EP, you'll freakin' love the CD. Lordy, it's sublime. "Fever Tell," is going straight onto my Top Ten list of the year, unless 10 even more spectacular albums come out in the remaining months of 2003. I just love it. The songs are strong; the vocals are piercing at times, lulling at others. The drummer is incapable of a boring beat, and the guitarist (Nick Zinner, if memory serves) is inventive and gets a monstrous noise out of his instrument.
I could go on. You get the idea.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Having been to the 9:30 several dozen times, and having a bunch of friends who work there, I can say that that the previous poster's "social code" is a bunch of crap. There is no such thing. If you're at the railing, you're at the railing. Sitting 5 feet away and claiming to be "saving" the space is about as dumb as getting upset that someone took your space at the front of the stage when you went to get a beer. Face it: it's a general admission club. David Segal: Well, that's one dissenting voice ...
9:30 railer: Gimme a break. You don't get to hold a spot. If you're not at the rail, you're not at the rail. And if there's a space at the rail, anyone can step up there. There's no 9:30 rules committee. Whoever posted that must be a govt. bureaucrat who walks around with a little regulation handbook. David Segal: And here's another.
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: What's up w/ the White Stripes appearing on four consecutive nights on Conan this week? I know Letterman's favorite band is the Foos -- has Conan developed a taste for odd, pale rockers? BTW, I finally gave the new CD a listen -- it is good, but not the savior of rock as advertised in some places. David Segal: Pretty amazing, that Conan thing. Never heard of a run like that.
I only wish the band had picked a better single. "Seven Nation Army" is what they chose, but that tunes seems like the 8th or 9th best song on the album. I'm baffled. But hey, I thought Citizen Cope would be huge!
Nani: Can an old lady join your chitchat for just a minute to say that when I was a kid, record shops had little sound-proof rooms where you could listen to an entire album BEFORE deciding whether to purchase it or not. Hence, as a youngster I NEVER bought a "worst" album. Needless to say, times have changed and I've goofed on purchases more than once. The most recent "worst" is an album of Gershwin tunes sung by Rod Stewart accompanied by a full orchestra. Would've been so much better had he been accompanied by perhaps a piano and guitar. David Segal: Well, Nani, I'm glad to report that a lot of record shops are getting back to the old listen before you buy approach. At DCCD, for instance, on 18th St., you can listen to tons of albums from start to finish. And some chains have listening posts now, where you can hear many tracks from selected albums.
By the way, I interviewed David Bowie last year and he said that he did a lot of smooching t when he was a kid in the private booths you describe. He recalled it all very fondly.
Hey....was that with you, Nani!
Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: Hey, have you checked out the year-old Ryko tribute to Ray Davies? What a gem. Some really wonderful treatments of beautiful Kinks songs on there. Diverse artist selection -e.g., Fountains of Wayne, Tommy Womack, Ron Sexsmith]. Fans should get it to reconnect; others should check it out to hear how well these songs hold up over time. One quibble though: Who the HELL are Fastball, and how did these hacks get lucky enough to insult us on a Ray Davies tribute album?? David Segal: It's a fine album. Davies fans -- get yourself a copy.
Potomac, Md.: What the hell is the deal with Madonna? Why can't she just go away? She can't sing, she can't dance, she can't act, and she's got a scuzzy look that's not really appealing. Doesn't she listen to anyone, most of all the world, and realize that most people wish she would just shut up and go away?! Sheesh! Thank you. David Segal: My editor yesterday said that aliens, when they visit this planet centuries hence, will scratch their heads and wonder about this idiot culture that worshipped this marginally talented singer. I don't get it myself. I think so much of her recent work is flat out silly, and this "American Life" is perhaps the silliest thing she's ever done.
Bethesda, Md.: Worst album I ever bought was easily "Kid A." And I'm counting when I bought "To the Extreme" when I was 10. What do you think of the Libertines record? I like it pretty good, but it sounds kind of "same-y," y'know? I prefer the Coral record if I had to choose between hot-shot early-20 something Brit bands. David Segal: Awww. I liked Kid A. Still do, in fact.
As for the Libertines, I wish that producer Mick Jones had given the disc more oooph. It sounds kind of flat and unrocking. Also, they've been listening to the Strokes too much! A couple knock off numbers there. But toward the end, they do a tune called "Good Old Days" that's fine enough to make me think these dudes are worth keeping an ear on.
Columbia, Md.: Whats up w/ all the retro revitalism going on in music today. It seems like all the "buzz" bands are either garage this or new wave that. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy quite a few of these bands(interpol), but where has some of the true alt rock bands gone. I'm thinking Pixies here. David Segal: Ah, the Pixies. No sense waiting for another Pixies. Bands like come around once a very long while.
Social Code: Well, yeah, of course you're not going to see anything if you arrive late - but if you butt in front of people who got there earlier, they're not going to see anything either. They were there first - fair is fair. Hey, I remember Suzanne Fellini! That was Baaaaad. David Segal: I wonder where Ms. Fellini is now. I hope she's nowhere near a studio.
Ballston, Va.: Ok, minor rant here: Went to The State Theatre last month for the Old and In the Gray. Hadn't been to the place before, but knew they had tables a la Birchmere. We got there WAY early in order to score a table (the concert was at 7pm so we definitely wanted to eat). We were like, fifth in line. When we got to the front of the line, we were too late - all tables had been reserved that morning, which is the apparent procedure. I NEVER saw this on their Web site, and was a little peeved. Great concert, though. David Segal: I guess the lesson here is simple: call in the a.m.!
Miss Manners: Did you really live next to Miss Manners? Awesome! So, a little bird told me that Radiohead is coming to the 9:30 for two shows in June can you confirm/deny this? David Segal: Haven't heard that. Remember the last time they were supposed to come to D.C. They were slated for Bull Run, an outdoor venue, and it rained like the end was nigh for a whole day, flooding the entire region so thoroughly that the federal disaster reps were handing out checks to local homeowners. Both that show and the one rescheduled for the following day were cancelled.
and while we're on about 9:30 rules: Gotta rant here: The so-called "professional concert-goers" who write (probably with their pinkies up) to complain about regular joes who -- gasp -- actually express emotion at a concert, and maybe play air guitar/act out songs, request favorite songs, and, yes maybe even sing a little--LIGHTEN UP! Part of going out is the public experience, and that means opening yourself up to the fact that different people enjoy music differently. I do agree that people who sing really loud are annoying, but some of the concert-nazis who police this chat--man, gimme a break. This is ROCK AND ROLL, people! If you want high-falutin' manners, go to a wine-tasting, or a chamber quartet or something! Thank you, David. And yes, I DO play air-guitar at concerts, and (very quietly, I assure you) sing along with my favorite songs. Take that! David Segal: I can take air guitar and I can take singing, if it's quiet. But I've been to many shows where some nitwit is singing so loud that he -- it's always a he -- is obliterating the act on stage. Happened at the James Mercer show at Iota a while back. An acoustic show, and some jackass is belting it out, and drowning Mercer out for anyone in a 15 foot radius. What is that dude thinking? And aren't there tasers for that sort of thing?
Yo Yo Yo: Segal, what's in your CD player right now? David Segal: I keep listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and this band called the Kills, whom I mentioned a chat or two ago. The Kills are a duo that make grimy blues-rock with a really vintage sound. I badly want to know what instruments and amps this dude is using because it's a sound so warm and rich that you could sing limericks with it and sound suave.
What else ... I like a Toronto band called the Deadly Snakes, yet another garage rock act, this one very heavily influenced by Bob Dylan.
And I've been spending some quality time with XM satellite radio. Got a boom box at home now with XM. Pretty amazing. 100 channels, and then some. I'm pretty stuck on one channel called Special X, which is a whole lot of weird music, much of it covers. Heard a reggae band doing the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows" the other day. Excellent.
Ballston, Va: Sorry you missed the Flaming Lips show. You need to get up to New York this Friday and check it out - still tix left. I promise you, it was nothing less than inspirational. You know a concert is great when it's over and you still feel the need to go home and listen to some of the bands CDs and relive it... And you've got to fall a little bit in love with a band - esp Wayne Coyne - who can pull all of that off with such aplomb. And who just really seem to "get it" - joy and sadness and darkness and all - but not take themselves too seriously. Amazing. I am STILL smiling. THAT's where music should be headed. David Segal: Hey, don't rub it in! I feel bad enough, ok? I'm just trying to put the whole thing behind!
By the way, if you missed the Esquire piece about the Flaming Lips last month, get it. Has a quote from Coyne that is one of the great rock quotes in history. It's him ripping into Beck for being hoity-toity and refusing to dance on stage. I can't do it justice. It makes you realize that Coyne is a genius.
State Theater: Just writing in to defend them. Their Web site clearly states: "The State Theater has a full service in-house restaurant for those patrons at the dining tables. Tables may be reserved, while they last, by calling the business office (703 237-0300) 12 Noon to 5 PM weekdays. Reservations are accepted until 5 PM the day before the show at a fee of $7.50 per person. Tables are held until 45 minutes after the doors open." The fact that reservations are accepted "WHILE THEY LAST" from noon to 5 suggests to me that if you want to sit and eat, you'd better call ahead. David Segal: Thanks!
White Stripes: If "Seven Nation Army" is, as a previous poster said, the 8th or 9th best song on "Elephant," I am running out to buy that album pronto. I LOVE "SNA." Worst album I ever bought? That would have to be "Wings of Joy" by the Cranes. I loved their song "Shining Road" from '94, and I thought a whole album of that would be awesome. But "Wings" was terrible. Couldn't listen to a single song on it. David Segal: Never heard of the Cranes.
And glad to hear a thumbs up about the WS. Starting to think I was alone in this room.
Washington, D.C.: Have you checked out the album from Brit Duo Weekend Players? Really nice music to chill to on, well, a weekend! Worst Album purchase: I bought Bon Jovi's New Jersey. It was high school and the girl next to me liked it and I liked her. Ugh ... David Segal: Ah, the things we do for the ladies, huh? You certain paid dearly, my friend.
Washington, D.C.: Worst album ever purchased? Easy. Goat's Head Soup by the Stones. The clear dividing point in their career, considering it followed Exile On Main Street. Thirty years later, I still remember sitting there waiting for the good songs to show up. David Segal: Interesting. It IS an album that one never hears much about.
Charlotte, N.C.: I'm confused. I listened to a couple White Stripes tunes ... then bought White blood Cells ... I am completely blown away ... how can one guy (with the world's worst haircut ... must be a self-haircut) and a guitar sound so vibrant and interesting? Is all popular music so lame? David Segal: When I listen to the WS I have a similar thought. It doesn't sound THAT hard. The raw materials are out there. Why can't anyone else write a song as great as "Hypnotize," which is a minute and a half of bliss, to my ears.
Fairfax, Va.: Nice review of the Madonna record. It sounds really terrible. I've been wondering what you think of the new Ted Leo record. David Segal: I wasn't all that impressed by the first few tracks and kept listening. You want my copy?
Vienna, Va.: Can you recommend an album or songs by the band X? The only songs I have are 'Burning House of Love' and '4th of July' ... they had one song that had a chorus that went 'Watch out for the working class..' or something like that ... help David Segal: My fave is "More Fun in the New World." (I think that's the title. If not, I'm close.) A really great effort. The standard critics response is "Wild Gift," which predates "World," but I never cottoned to that one the same way. I also really loved a side project of X's called The Knitters, which was a country acoustic band with Dave Alvin sharing some guitar duties. That band's sole album, "Poor Little Critters," I think, is worth finding. Got some slow ballads that crush.
"A mid life crisis with techno trimmings": Excellent line, David. Reminds me of your suggestion that rock songwriters tend to dry up around age 40. I've heard that people with antisocial disorders grow out of them around the same age. Maybe Madonna had a low-level antisocial disorder that motivated her to stir up controversy. Now she seems to be borrowing her lyrics from pathetic Village Voice rants about GWB. David Segal: That's as fine a theory as I've heard. thanks.
Washington D.C.: Re: Listening posts at music stores- YECHH! Have you ever taken a look at the residual scum on those headphones? Don't people take showers before they go out in public? Truly gross. David Segal: Oh Jeez. Now I'm poisoned for life. I've never even bothered to look, but now that I'm all SARSed out of my gord, my nascent germphobia is only getting worse and so much for public earphones.
Washington, D.C.: David, can you admit that you're biased towards certain rock genres? Its clear from your love of the Stripes, and the yeah yeah yeahs and other groups that you really like certain 'old school' type groups. Contrast this with your constant denigration of "alt " and "nu" metal. But its hardly surprising I guess. Each generation carves out its own style, and you apparently can't feel groups like Linkin Park. I've been rockin' out to LP for the last month - great CD. White Stripes are okay, but I don't really like that kind of rock - but hey, at least I can admit it. I wish you would too. David Segal: I'm definitely biased. I mean, I can't pretend any more than anyone else, that I have personal favorites and personal leanings. I think as a human, you arrive with those leanings. As a critic, you listen with an open mind and an open ear. I'm glad you like that LP record. My beef with it is that it's basically a rehash of the first one, and represents not a single inch forward, either musically or emotionally.
But I'm guilty as charged. I do love a good old nasty, unprocessed honest crunching guitar, the louder the better.
Banging My Head on the Listening Station: Far worse than the SARS germs on the headphones is the new listening stations (I've seen 'em at Barnes and Noble and some stupid mall record store) that only give you 30 seconds of a song. Borders seems not to have given in to that imposed attention deficit disorder. Go, Borders. David Segal: True! Those suck.
Washington, D.C.: Wait a minute. Arriving late to the 9:30 and getting a railing space is not "butting" in front of someone, it's taking an open space. It's not like you're shoving someone out of the way. Besides, if you're so concerned about what's "fair," then what's so fair about sitting on the riser and saving a spot at the railing, thereby taking up at least 2 spaces at the same time. Talk about hypocrisy. David Segal: Thanks for the call.
Virginia: Daaaaaaaaave: worst album purchase, without a doubt, was Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Fox Trot." impenetrable. David Segal: You're not alone. I never drank the Kook Aid on that one either.
Long Beach, Calif.: Speaking of the White Stripes, I live in Long Beach, which is where SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY is located. Long Gone John, its owner and sole employee, signed the White Stripes, paid for their first recordings, including White Blood Cells, and then got snaked by Virgin, who stole the record from him. LGJ made a bunch of dough in the time he had them, with 800k in sales in 60 days to UK alone. Not bad. P.S. I find Jack White to be a great lyricist. Very clever with the language, and its nuances. David Segal: Stayed tune, Long Beach.
Much more on this topic, coming to a newspaper near you asap.
New York, N.Y.: What do you think of the notion that better music is born during Republican administrations because people are suffering more? I mean, it's hard to argue with the facts -- late 60s-mid 70s (Nixon/Ford) = some really great classic rock music a la Jimi, the Stones, Janice Joplin, Skynyrd (at the time), etc.. Mid 70s-early 80s (Carter) = rise of disco, and post-folk songwriters who couldn't hack it anymore. Early 80s-early 90s (Reagan/Bush I) = rise of punk, hardcore, indie rock, rap and hip-hop with some mainstream successes/icons like U2, Madonna, Beastie Boys, Run DMC etc., plus the beginning of the grunge era. Mid 90s-2000 = end of grunge, rise of pop crap and boy bands, blonde temptresses, Dave Matthews, etc. 2000-present = rebirth of rock, demise of pop. Of course, I'm being fairly selective with my choices of bands to represent each era, but I think it's generally true. David Segal: I like this idea and think it's worth exploring. Unfortunately, one of the greatest explosions of excellent rock -- the birth of punk in England -- came during a Labor (ie, liberal) government. And American punk blossomed while Carter was in charge.
Dupont, Washington, D.C.: When I was at Don Giovanni last month the guy next to me started singing along. I kid you not. David Segal: Well, I'm glad it's not just a rock problem.
Somewhere, USA: So I'd like to jump on the White Stripes bandwagon--which album would you recommend for someone who is completely new to the band? David Segal: Either De Stilj or the new one, "Elephant."
Adams Morgan:
So how did you get around the Cuba travel restrictions? Did you go through a 3rd country? My girlfriend has been bugging me to go and I have been hedging a bit because of the fines I have heard about. What new CD should I buy? Haven't bought one in a while. I like Pavement, Modest Mouse, Built to Spill etc. ... David Segal: I travelled through Cancun. I should say that the State Dept. makes exceptions for journalists, who are legally allowed to travel there, despite the embargo. I imagine it's so that reporters can write stories about how repressive the govt is there. (It's very repressive, if you're curious.) I told the U.S. Customs folks where I'd been on the way home.
Arlington, Va.: OK, I thought it was just me on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I'm waiting for "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" to come to me via Netflix, hoping that maybe the insight I glean from the movie will allow me to suddenly like the album, but currently, I hate it. David Segal: Never saw it either. Maybe that'll help, but I sort of doubt it.
Ok, I'm going to start posting a bunch of things without comment because our time is nearly up and want to make sure everyone gets some air time.
20615: Worst Album I ever bought: That Andrea Bocelli album with that song on it. The rest of is stunk to high heaven and I even got sick of that one song. David Segal: ok
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: I confess that I not only owned Yes' "Tales from Topographic Oceans", but I even knew all of the lyrics, including the ones in obscure foreign languages. On the other hand, I think WS are OK, but just OK. I loved the Strokes album but they must be the worst live band ever. If their intent is to be ambivalent, OK, I get it, but why do more than one concert ever? David Segal: Thanks
Alexandria, Va.: A minor complaint about the Cream BBC sessions review (by Steve Futterman) on Sunday: Why is it necessary to invent crap when writing a review? The first sentence says they’re “chiefly remembered for . . . extended musical jams.” I would have thought Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, and the first half of Wheels of Fire contained most of their music that’s heard today. But then the business of “this trio thought entirely differently than the average rock band.” Was Futterman around in the late 60s? At the time, Cream was pretty mainstream for FM radio play, with plenty of other bands, particularly in San Francisco, LA, and London, exploring the same areas. As for Ginger Baker’s “jazzman's technical sophistication,” I remember a Buddy Rich interview at the time in which he said he thought Baker was one of the worst drummers in rock. David Segal: I'll pass this along to Steve.
15th street: Madonna is the most courageous artist of our time, Mr. I'm So Cool I Can Make Fun of Madonna! You should reinvent yourself as a decent rock critic! who do you think you are, Mr. I'm So Cool I Can Make Fun of 50 Cent? oh, one more thing: love your work! keep it up! David Segal: Less coffee, my friend, less coffee!
Bama: While I love the Stripes' simplicity ... I can't wait until Jack leaves Meg and forms a real band. Anyone know any rumors? David Segal: None that I've heard.
Virginia: D.S. -- at what point does an artist's personality start to affect, positively or negatively, their performance? Madonna may actually have something going (I always liked "live to tell," for instance) but she's just such a cynical, insufferable pain. Springsteen, meanwhile, may have gotten a pass on criticism for "The Rising" (which is nothing to write home about) because he is genuinely a nice guy and not a weasel. David Segal: Interesting.
Philly, Pa: I am a big fan of Newfoundland's Great Big Sea. While they go to number one in Canada, they can't seem to get much beyond a cult following down here? Is it because they don't have a sound like the bland crap that is currently passed off as pop music? David Segal: Only time will tell.
(Got that from the magic 8 ball)
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Been playing the new Radiohead on KEXP, and it sounds like the last two albums. The DJ says it's requested like crazy, it'll probably be the #1 album in their end of the year survey, and I don't get it. What's the buzz you're hearing about the album, and can you please explain to me what it is I'm missing w/this band? Check out the new Bettie Serveert album, -Log22-.... David Segal: thanks for heads up.
Somewhere, USA: Hey Dave. I realize this isn't right down the center of your alley, but, out of curiosity more than anything else, I went to see Widespread Panic at DAR last week. I had heard horror stories about the place, but I thought it worked out pretty nicely. What surprised me, though, was that as soon as the band came on and the lights went off, the ushers disappeared. It immediately became a gigantic party, and the ratio of people smoking, any of a variety of things, to not-smoking was probably record-setting for a place that doesn't allow smoking. I also found it interesting that the most valuable commodity in the house is bottled water, Xer's smuggled it in like it was I don't know what. I saw one guy with a Camelback. As for the music, I liked it. Nice jams, the keyboard player is great. Some of the songs and covers were tight, and I was impressed that fans were singing along with the new album, which had only been out for three days and which features lyrics that, for the most part, seem totally random and nonsensical. But it was fun.... David Segal: Live and let smoke, I guess.
9:30 Etiquette: OK, I have to admit that I'm often peeved when I have to defend my friend's spots at the railing from people who stand behind us, breathing down our necks, just waiting for someone to have to go to the bathroom so they can swoop in (although I find that politely pointing out that the person will be returning usually does the trick). But, getting all riled up because you want to save a prime spot at the railing while you kick back and wait for the concert to start is just ridiculous. Unless you make it abundantly clear to anyone walking by that you feel like the spot is yours, get over it. I got mad about this issue once, the first time I went to the 9:30. now, 5 years and at least 75 concerts later, I know better. David Segal: Thanks.
New York, N.Y.: Don't know if you've answered a question like this before, but how many times do you listen to a CD before you review it, and how do you do it? As a struggling music reviewer for assorted online sites, I would appreciate your advice on whether or not I'm going way overboard. First I give the whole CD a listen. Second listen, I listen to only the standouts. Third listen, only the songs I overlooked the second time. Fourth is once more all at once. Fifth is just for the melodies. Sixth is just for the lyrics. Then, once more all at once for an overall feel. Fair judgment or obscenely anal? David Segal: Fair.
I'm limited sometimes by timing. For instance, the fine folks who back Madonna wouldn't send me a copy of her album, so I went to the store and bought it yesterday. I listened to it all the way through 3 times, then started writing, then listened a bit more as I wrote. Not ideal, of course.
Ok, I'm out of here. Have a very pleasant fortnight. (I don't think I've ever typed that word.) See you back here next time.
Meantime,
Rock on with your bad self.
David
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
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