A Movie for Music Lovers

A movie starring musicians rather than actors. Yes, please.

It Might Get Loud, a documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim and screening at Sundance until Jan. 24th, chronicles the lives and careers of three guitar heroes, each one representing a different generation and style of guitar playing.

Who would your guitar heroes be? Guggenheim’s choice of Jimmy Page is fairly obvious. Few would argue against Page’s legendary status, and Led Zeppelin drew heavily on Blues influences. His choice of Jack White is certainly obvious to me. Arguably the best of his generation, he is exemplary in his appreciation for and employment of various genres and techniques, while steadfastly remaining deep-rooted in the Blues. The Edge seems a bit of an odd choice but I can understand how he acts as a counter to Page and White to represent more modern, effects-driven pop. For anyone like me who prefers a good concert to a movie night and who has always been fascinated by what goes on behind the songs, this will hopefully provide a solid 97 minutes of entertainment.

Here's the trailer...you can also watch on the movie's website.

Review: The Longband

I want to introduce you to the Longband. Unless you frequent the small woodsy towns that make up Marin County, you likely aren't familiar with them. I recently ventured up to San Rafael's Fourth Street Tavern to check them out. It's divey little place whose stage barely contains the entire band and their equipment. But it's cozy, and the show was 5$, so I really had very little to lose.

The set list was a well-balanced mix of bright rock ballads (No Long Goodbye) and soul-searching melodies (Sea and Stars). The sound is a blend of synthesized rock and Brit pop. Think the Strokes, polished and toned down, with elements of the Killers and Oasis. The lead singer has an impressive emotional range and sexy stage presence. And pay attention to the beat in the background. Drummers are often overlooked, and this one shouldn't be. The musical talent and proficiency is there. More importantly, they have the soul to back it up.

Lessons Learned

There was an unprecedented saturation of music festivals last summer. Not that I’m complaining. I can’t imagine a more perfect Friday than one spent with Cold War Kids, Beck and Radiohead. But, with this season’s all-inclusive, over-the-top lineups, seeing full sets of every favorite was next to impossible.

I attended San Francisco’s debut Bonaroo-style festival Outside Lands. In terms of organization, lineup, space, chaos control…I’d say they could not have done much better. I as an attendee, however, most certainly could have.

One lesson I took away from it all: the importance of foresight. Because I really stressed out. At a music festival. With so many bands and so little time, I had to make choices. Sacrifices. I now realize that most artists who play festivals are either promoting an album or they enjoy your city. Chances are, an opportunity to see them without the chaos and competition of a festival is likely around the corner. Process of elimination allows you to make a more sensible decision.

Note in my back pocket: Look ahead and streamline must-see list. Relax, and enjoy.

Why I love The White Stripes

The White Stripes are, to some, an acquired taste. The sound is raw and sometimes grating. This is what makes it special, but to the ear that has been conditioned to enjoy the produced, catchy tunes of, say, U2 or Maroon 5, it takes some getting used to. The stripped-down music of the White Stripes creates more room for creativity and talent, and consequently, more room for crap if the talent isn’t there. Oh, but it is. As writer, vocalist, motherf***er on the guitar and star of the show, Jack fills this space with ingenuity and passion. Because of the confines they place themselves in, every note, word and beat must mean something. And, upon listening, the meaning is so clearly felt. The music of the White Stripes reflects careful craftsmanship and is emblematic of musicianship in its purest form.