| Pop Talk
With David Segal
Washington Post Music Critic
Wednesday, May 7, 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: Hey,
I'm here. A bit late today, so a less windy intro. Let's just get down on it. I've been writing about Madonna's new one (stinker) and the Kills' debut (superb). Saw Motorhead last night.
All other subjects are fair game.
Bring it.
Ashburn, Va.: David, I'm eagerly awaiting the Springsteen show in September. Here's a question about tickets, does it make a difference if I stand in line at a Ticketmaster outlet or do I get the chance at the same tickets by trying on-line? Just curious. David Segal: The on-line thing is worth a shot, but it's a bit of a crap shoot and the ticket brokers are getting better and better at mass phone jamming those lines so that they're served before you.
The very best strategy is this: take a look at the list of Ticketmaster outlets and find one that is waaaay out of the way. The harder to find, the more obscure, the better. Unless you're one of the first ten or so fans in line, odds are the whole thing will sell out before you can buy seats. So drive some place out of the way and show up early. That's your best bet.
Dumfries, Va.: David, A Mighty Wind the movie was terrific, but A Mighty Wind the Album blew me away! (Pun intended, if you're into that kind of thing.) Have you had the pleasure, and if so, do ya think it'll do for folk what O Brother did for bluegrass? Remember, Ea' a' 'oe's! David Segal: I was surprised by how deadpan that soundtrack is. If you didn't know that this was spoofish music you could easily mistake it for the real thing. These guys are getting subtle. I mean, you knew the Spinal Tap songs were meant as parodies just from the lyrics. Upshot is that I don't really dig the album much. There's nothing as funny as, say, "Sex Farm," on it.
Lost and Disoriented: But without your leading off the discussion topics, this feels like one of those brainstorming meetings where nobody really wants to be there...Help us, O Great One! David Segal: Sorry, Lost. I was jammed up this morning. Why don't YOU come up with some topics for a change!
College Park, Md.: Anyone that missed Motorhead last night really blew it. It was the first double guitar lineup in over a decade (since Wurzel left), with Todd Schoefield of Danzig fame joining them for the set. Truly an amazing and woefully underrated band, when every flavor of the week is gone Motorhead just keeps doing the good work. David Segal: As the dude in the mens room put it, as he pounded the silver beer mantel above the urinal: ROCK AND ROCK ROCK AND ROLL ROCK AND ROLL!
In Search of Kick-In-The-Gut Power: Hey Dave, So I've been listening to the new White Stripes CD thinkin' it was pretty good. Then the other day I happened to pop in Nirvana's "In Utero" and was blown away by the raw power and emotion (granted it is extremely negative) of that CD. My question is: Is there anything or anyone out there today who is releasing music with that kind of gut wrenching power and emotion? WS and the other garage bands just don't come close and nu-metal is terrible. David Segal: In Utero is one of the greatest, gut wrenchingest albums in the history of rock. I think it's Nirvana's finest and if you're looking for stuff that matches it you will search in vein. That album breathes its own air. I was just listening to some tracks yesterday and it's still the gold standard.
Thing about the WS is they aren't tortured. They rock plenty hard but Jack White likes life. Ditto the Foo Fighters. Grohl is a great songwriter and his band has lots of kick, but he's happy to be alive and he's amused by just about everything.
Rhode Island School of Design: The Talking Heads sound as fresh and vital today as they did back in the day. I know a reunion ain't going to happen, but can we get a revival movement started? Even Billy Idol got a second life and a Storytellers appearance a couple of years back. David Segal: Well, they've had a bit of revival. They were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame a couple years ago and the whole group got together for that. I think all their albums are still available.
I agree. Their music is timeless. The albums with Eno will never age. "More Songs About Buildings and Food" is every bit as amazing as the day it was released.
Arlington, Va.: Dave, You got a ton of criticism over your review of the Afro Cuban All-Stars. Most claiming that your perceptions of Cuba and how music is done there colored your review -- especially your comments on their clothing (which from the sounds of it -- pretty normal for the Caribbean). Do you feel that your perceptions played a part in your review? You can view the comments yourself at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salserocorner/message/31000 for more background. David Segal: I just tried to get a look at the site you posted here and it ain't working. Maybe it's a members only thing to read the postings. I got to the headline of an outraged sounding post about my review but couldn't open it. Or when I tried I got an FTD ad.
If you'd like to summarize, please do. This is all news to me.
Dupont, Washington D.C.: In a moment of weak silliness, I agreed to go to Super Diamond next weekend. What can I expect? David Segal: A blast. I've never heard them but everyone says they're awesome. This is a Neil Diamond tribute band, for those who don't know, and they take themselves pretty seriously. I mean, they're not lampooning the great man. They are honoring him.
Lost and Disoriented: Okay, um, I heard Hanson is back in the studio? David Segal: Good news!
I like Hanson. Their show a couple years ago at Warner was terrific. Although a mom approached me and delicately asked what the hell I was doing there, at a show packed with 12 year old girls.
Boston, Mass.: I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in concert last night and man, they put on a great show. Karen O has the bad-girl-sexiness of Shirley Manson and the on-stage swagger of Mick Jagger. Anyway, I got to the show in time to catch the 2nd opening band, and they were awful. Of all the shows you've been to, how often do you see good opening acts vs. crappy ones? The vast majority of the ones I've seen (that I hadn't heard of before) fall in the "not terrible, but please hurry up and finish your set" category. David Segal: Curse of the opening act. Look, most bands aren't good. Most stink, actually. They don't last longer than a year or two, sputter and then die. Meantime, they pad the bill at area clubs.
Glad you liked the YYYs. I think their debut album is sensational.
Delacroix: The subject: Radiohead. The question: will their new album finally be the one to convince America that they are more than that "Creep" band. David Segal: Oh, I think they've moved well beyond being the "Creep" band. I mean, OK Computer obliterated that. And then those last two, highly experimental records turned yet another corner. If anything, they're that "self-indulgent" band that stopped making songs that rock.
Washington, D.C.: You've heard by now that X is coming to town on June 14 at the 9:30. Given that your bio prominently mentions your "foisting" yourself on them in Rhode Island, what is your take on their live shows? David Segal: Well, they were great when I was a senior in high school but that was a long time ago. Haven't seen them since. Though I still have their autographs.
Alexandria, Va.: Just got back after a few days in Chicago, and was really impressed by the radio station selections there after the wasteland that is Washington area radio -- just a listening to mostly "classic" rock type stations and jazz -- deep cuts, top artists, actual DJ's telling us what was played, etc. I do not understand why Washington is so very very bad in its radio programming. David Segal: I hear my colleague Paul Farhi will soon write a definitive piece answering the question: Why does D.C. radio suck?
Again, a plug for XM which gets you back to what radio was about, namely, discovering things you otherwise wouldn't.
Arlington, Va.: This is a test. Pay no attention to it. David Segal: This is a reply. Ignore it, too.
Somewhere, USA: I suggest the Dixie Chicks come over to the dark side -- rock music. I think there'd be less of a chance of fans boycotting them and going to the extreme of actually destroying CDs because of what their perceived political beliefs. Maybe rock fans are more tolerant (more American, if you will) than at least some country music fans. David Segal: Country fans are definitely less willing to tolerate any kind of left-leaning dissent. You better be for the family and God and the US of A if you want to make country. That said, I don't think the Chicks are in permanent trouble. Their audience isn't the same audience that shows up for the Toby Keith shows. I think their appeal is younger and more female. Their last show at MCI was nearly all 22-year-old women. My guess is they'll survive and make platinum sellers for a long time.
Washington, D.C.: Just got the Lucinda Williams album and it is so great. I don't find it "depressing" just real. And she really rocks! Just a notch below "Car Wheels" and above "Essence" -- David Segal: How can you say that album isn't depressing? It's positively morbid. It's chockablock with morose thoughts and suicidal sentiments. I can see liking it, but I think its intention is to depress listeners.
Clarksburg, Md.: Heavy metal. Is it worthy stuff, or is it merely a phase you go through when you're 13 and want to annoy your parents? I'm guessing the latter ... David Segal: Well, it certainly annoys your parents but I don't think it's a phase you go through and then leave. Lots of people get stuck on it. The Motorhead crowd last night -- heavy on the 35 to 45-year-olds who've been following the band since the mid-70s. Basically, whatever music you liked when you were 13 -- even if its Ratt -- will tattoo itself in some way.
I swear, I think Donna Summer is amazing. I probably wouldn't think that if I was born ten years earlier or later.
Gut wrenchingest: I love the new Foo Fighters album and actually think the music might be upbeat, but the lyrics are pretty damn down. It is a pure break-up album. In the gut-wrenching category, you need to include Hole's Live Through This. Man, I listened to that again the other night for the first time in a while and holy moley -- pain oozing out of it. David Segal: Yeah. Forgot about Hole. Good one.
Arlington, Va: Elephant has one helluva song, Ball and Biscuits, and I'm still letting the rest of it settle. But I am surprised at the accolades. This is ground better trod by Blues Explosion, Gibson Bros, early 90s Touch n Go. What WS excel at it is pretension. I'm heading to the Jicks concert on Monday to see some truly creative, expansive guitar playing, not to mention Dead Meadow's wonderfully plodding tunes. David Segal: Dead Meadow -- great call. Local band, trio, a bit like Hendrix might sound if he were a garage rock act.
Check 'em out. New album on Matador.
New York: Dave, We've talked before about online radio. It's time for a suggestion (totally unsolicited; I'm a lawyer not a flak): Yahoo's Launchcast is way cool. You select and rate artists (pretty much anyone) and even albums and singles. They play a lot of what you like and suggest some other stuff which is often good (not always) plus you can always fast forward through songs you don't like. In the last few days I've heard only a few songs repeat and I've been exposed to most of the White Stripes' De Stijl which I hadn't heard and Pete Yorn's last album which I hadn't yet heard but certainly should of. It's perfect for someone at their desk all day. David Segal: Good idea. Thanks.
I Zwan an answer: I bought Zwan the other day, something I'd been thinking about getting for awhile. Loved the Pumpkins, but I think this is a bit of a dud. What's your take? David Segal: I think the Zwan album is pretty good. Nothing as tremendous as the Pumpkins at their peak but the Pumpkins stopped peaking a while ago.
Reminds me of one my favorite lines from the Simpsons.
Billy Corgan: Hello, I'm Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins.
Homer: Hello, I'm Homer Simpson, smiling stupidly.
Liz Phair: Hi David! any news about the new album from Liz Phair? She was a major force for me during my tender high school and college years -- Exile in Guyville was something of an anthem album for me. I have been anxiously awaiting something new from her -- yet I also understand that this next album is her major label debut and that (good God) she has been working with THE MATRIX, that triumvirate of evil responsible for She Who Will Not Get Her Hair Out Of Her Face, Avril Levigne. Say it ain´t so, David! Does this spell doom for my girl Liz? David Segal: Haven't heard the album yet, so I can't tell you.
The Matrix are actually terrific songwriters, but don't expect a whole lot of edge from them.
9:30 Club: I got tickets to the first night of the Polyphonic Spree due to their opening act. What can I expect from a Polyphonic Spree show? Is it worth sticking around for? Or just a 30-piece experiment? David Segal: I'd check it out. They're like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir meets pop.
Columbia, Md: Debating on whether to go to the Stephen Malkmus show this weekend. I haven't purchased the new CD yet but I really digged the last one. Thoughts?? SM can tend to be a little disinterested when performing. David Segal: I'm not a fan of the new album, but again -- worth seeing for Dead Meadow.
Homer Simpson, Smiling POLITELY: Sorry, I'm a geek. Can't let a Simpsons' reference be misstated. David Segal: You are quite right. And the original is a better line.
Re: Lucinda: David, I'm wondering why you're slagging off Lucinda for being overly morose. Really, would you do the same for a good male group that wrote biting, bitter lyrics? Why do you expect Lucinda to be peppy when she's never positioned herself that way? And what's the crap about "this album was intended to depress listeners"? Uh, maybe she wrote it that way because, as a songwriter, that's what she was feeling and wanted to express. Some songwriters still do that, you know. David Segal: I like plenty of morose musicians and a good sob story song can be an uplifting experience. Back to In Utero, a really dark album. But an amazing album. Or the Blackheart Procession, a band that ONLY makes heartbreak music. I just find that Lucinda's moroseness isn't compelling and I felt like a voyeur for most of this last album. Uncomfortably so.
Washington, D.C.: I think there's a lot to be learned from listening to the new Lucinda Williams disc .. like don't write songs with lyrics about vomiting over a toilet bowl. Too bad about the cringe moments on the CD, however, because she can rock ... that's why I like my CD changer with the delete function. I'll just omit those tracks and have a new, cool 5 or 6 track Lucinda Williams CD. David Segal: OK.
Dixie Chicks: I also think that the Chicks attract more of an "O Brother, Where Art Thou" audience, at least with this last album, than a "Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors" audience. "Home" is a great album for its acoustic bluegrassiness ... and it does not sound like Shania Twain or Faith Hill or any of the other country superstars out there. I really think that the Chicks are in their own category. Of course, maybe this is self-justification for why I love the Dixie Chicks but cannot stand "country." David Segal: I think there are a lot of fans like you -- non-country lovers who love the Chicks.
Lexington Park, Md.: Hey, why the down remarks at those of us who still like heavy metal? What are we just supposed to decide one day that we want to listen to elevator music? That we should put down the amplifiers and instead pick up another Matchbox 20 wannabe CD? Leave us alone, and please note, there are more older heavy metal fans out there than you think. We could be in the cube next to you ... David Segal: Stephen Hunter sits in the cube next to me and it's hard to imagine that dude likes metal. Guns, yes. Metal, probably not.
I wouldn't slag metal as a genre, by the way. And I could never recommend that anyone love Matchbox 20.
By the way, that band is headlining a show at the MCI Center. What's up with that? Does anyone listen to these dudes anymore? I was shocked to see that. Would have pegged them as a Patriot Center-level band.
Gut Wrenchingest-est: Gotta be Crooked Fingers. Eric Bachmann has the morbidly amazing talent of being able to write the catchiest, yet most depressing songs ever. He's either drunk, breaking up, cheating, killing himself, killing others, drunk, breaking up or drunk. David Segal: Steve Earle can also rock and bum at the same time. NB: Transcendental Blues. Great album.
Liz Phair info: The album's slated for release June 24 and in the meantime she'll be touring with the Flaming Lips to test her new stuff out ... David Segal: Thanks and ...
Re: Liz Phair: Pitchforkmedia.com announced she's posted 3 new songs on her Web site. Admittedly, Pitchfork is sometimes too cooler than thou, but they likened her new stuff to Sheryl Crow. Ouch. Not that I can't really see that transition, since she married the rich corporate dude, had a kid, took a lot of time off ... David Segal: Thanks again. I'll head to pitchfork and check 'em out.
Annapolis, Md: Diamond Dave,
You think the Post would be interested in a piece about touring with The Dead as a fan of the Grateful Dead who only got to see the real thang one time? ... Kind of a "what it's like to be fan post Jerry" ... Thanks. ps. Thoughts on the new Steve Malkmus disc ... methinks it's decent, kinda standard Malkmus ... didn't blow me away, but enjoyed it ... David Segal: Are you proposing to write this piece about the Dead.
By the way, where do these dudes get off calling themselves the Dead? They specifically said they wouldn't do that and have been touring for a while as the Other Ones -- with the same line up. I think this is one of the crasser moves I've seen in rock. Up there with KISS coming back to town after a farewell tour that went on for 36 months.
As a buddy put it, new name ought to be the Greedful Dead.
Matchbox Twenty: Going to see Matchbox Twenty and Sugar Ray ... what does that say about me ... saw Bonjovi at MCI in march, Deftones on Sunday, going to 50 cent and Lollapalooza this summer. David Segal: Well, you're eclectic, got to say that.
Opening bands: I went to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the winter of 1992 at the Bender Arena at AU -- at least I think that is when the show was, so long ago, it was definitely before the summer Lollapolooza tour. Never heard of the opening band, but wanted to get a good spot. First opening band, an unknown Pearl Jam. Second band I had heard of, but didn't really know: a pissy Billy Corrigan and his Smashing Pumpkins. I remember thinking to myself after the both hit it big time, maybe I should pay more attention to those opening bands. David Segal: Every once in a while you get lucky that way. I heard Husker Du open for REM in college. Everyone was so shocked at how long the band was that we all began backing up. Others fled for their lives.
Springfield , Va.: Is Philthy Phil the Animal Taylor still with Motorhead? How did Lemmy look? David Segal: Filthy's mother passed away a couple days ago, so he wasn't there. In his stead, Danzig guitarist Todd Schofield, who did a fine job.
Lemmy looks pretty damn good for a guy his age -- I'll double check this but someone said he's close to 60 -- and rocking that loud for that long. He's still in black tights and white leather boots. Still singing up into a down-tilted mic. His voice is still shredded to bits.
Re: Radio in Chicago: Could not agree more. WXRT is easily one of the three best (though for my money, the best) radio stations in the country -- another being KGSR in Austin. But it's an Infinity station, so they don't stream on the Web. D.C. radio does, in fact, suck. Is it the takeover of Clear Channel? I'm 31-years-old -- I'm a demographic they should want. Why, Dave, why? David Segal: Off the top answer is that our alternative station -- WHFS -- has been brained by Corporate Interests and there are no college radio stations filling that void. We've got classic rock out the Yazoo, but if you spend a couple days with an XM radio you realize that there are dozens of musical solar systems that you never hear if you stick to regular radio.
Anyway, Farhi will delve into this and explain all. Stay tuned.
Standard Dead joke: What did the Deadhead say to the other Deadhead after their dope ran out? Hey man, this music sucks .... They've always been shameless .... David Segal: I like it.
I enjoyed the Other Ones' show, by the way. I'm just amazed their getting away with this name switcheroo. Seems like blasphemous to me, and brazenly money-grubbing.
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Dave, I used to be really into music (worked at my college radio and everything) now I'm a wee bit older and all I seem to listen to is NPR. I miss being into music, but obviously I'm not going to hear new, good stuff on local radio. What does one do? Sadly, we don't have a good college radio station to rely on either. David Segal: Try out 'Net radio. There are some great stations out there -- KCRW is one of my faves -- or invest in XM, which is really meant for people like you.
Opening bands: I got to see the Pixies opening for U2 in '92 -- pretty awesome, especially since U2 has had consistently awful opening bands every other time I've seen them. David Segal: You lucky dawg.
Washington, D.C.: Matchbox 20 should be banished to a hospital in Beijing. I'm actually ashamed that I bought their first disc way back when. They so blatantly cater to the soft rock/"adult alternative" crowd that it is sickening. So cookie cutter. David Segal: I don't actually want the band to catch the SARS or nothing, but I'm stunned that anyone thinks they'll fill up the MCI. Do they have a hit that I've missed, somehow?
Re: Springsteen tickets: Your best bet in on-line. Truly. I've scored decent seats at a lot smaller venues than the evil FedEx Field. Ticketmaster has added a step to the ticket buying process where you have to type in the word that you see on the screen supposedly in order to flout people running programs to buy up all the tickets online. If you can get through, which admittedly is a challenge, you'll be OK. Do yourself a favor and get an account to make checkout faster -- it's saved me on those hellish Saturday mornings. Also, Pittsburgh goes on sale this Saturday too, so the relative geographic proximity of the two -- i.e., some people farther north might choose to go to that show instead -- will work in your favor. The phone'll just drive you nuts. Go on line. David Segal: Very find ideas. Thanks much.
David Segal: Sadly, folks, our time here is over. Thanks for coming.
I'm heading to Liverpool next week and I'll come back with some entertaining tales, I'd bet.
Till then,
rock on with your bad selves.
David
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
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