steal this record

I have a lot of weird stuff on my iPod.  I'm sure you do as well, being the music lover and Apple supporter you inevitably are.  In my tradition of telling you what to do, what to think and what to like, therefore, I've decided to recommend a few albums you've never heard of that are worth a listen.  They are diverse, spanning genre and eras, and they're all available on iTunes!  (EDITOR'S NOTE: Despite claims to the contrary, all featured albums are not currently available on iTunes.)  If you've got any of your own suggestions, feel free to share in the comments section.

Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One

The Kinks

Released November 27, 1970

Sample

First of all, yes.  Best title ever.  Second of all, also yes.  These are the same Kinks that became famous for their three-chord, radio filler pop hits "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night."  I thought that was all they ever did before I found this album; turns out the group went on to record some real music.  This album is classic early seventies rock, with killer riffs and some steel guitar to boot.  Lest you think it's just a clever title, the album does, in fact, contain songs entitled "Lola," "Powerman," and "The Moneygoround."  There's also a song called "Apeman."  So there.  In terms of sound and concept, it's a little like Sergeant Pepper-era Beatles meets the Guess Who, which isn't a bad combo at all.  I highly recommend it.

Rules
The Whitest Boy Alive
Released March 30, 2009
Sample


I know.  Best band name ever.  If you're noticing that the music I like seems to be based more on kitschy names than actual music, you're totally right it's just a coincidence, I swear.  From the realms of European indie electric pop comes The Whitest Boy Alive, a new(ish) group that knows how to put down a fat beat.  This boy may be white, but he's got some funk.  The rhythms on this album are toe-tapping, the vocals are mellow and laid back, and some of the lyrics are subtly humorous.  The obvious stand out tracks are "Keep a Secret," and "1517," but the best of the rest--"Courage," "Timebomb," and "High on the Heels"--more than hold their own.  Perhaps the best thing I can say about this album is there isn't a track on it I'd call "weak."  As with any electric pop album, it all starts to sound the same if you listen to it in one marathon session.  But if you are known to throw spontaneous dance parties, this is the album for you.

The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions
Seu Jorge
Released November 22, 2005
Sample


Bowie unplugged.  In Portuguese.  Easily one of the most obscure things on my iPod.  So not only did Wes Anderson have the genius to cast Brazilian pop star Seu Jorge in The Life Aquatic as a Bowie-crooning crewman, he had the good sense to release Jorge's covers on vinyl (okay, so they don't release albums on vinyl anymore, but it sounds better than almost-pure polycarbonate plastic).  The album features fourteen Bowie covers from the Ziggy Stardust era and one original composition.  It's just Jorge and his guitar, and it's friggin' brilliant (and I don't speak a word of Portuguese).  All of the arrangements are excellent, with some ("Starman," "Rebel Rebel") rivaling Bowie's originals.  While I don't understand a word he says, Jorge's basso vocals are soulful and oddly soothing, and his picking and strumming is deceptively good.  The stripped down nature of these songs actually gave me a better appreciation for Bowie's versions, as the single acoustic guitar allows the melody to come to the front.  If you're in need of some relaxation, turn this bad boy on, put your feet up, and tune out.  There's nothing better.

From the virtual desk of Ivan Zissou

dictated but not read
cth

The rooibos unbounded

Ahoy Lifers.  I recently watched a film called The Royal Tenenbaums, directed by Wes Anderson.  I've always been a huge fan of Mr. Anderson's (see title of blog), but I was particularly impressed by his directorial work in this film in spite of the fact that I'd rate it below most of his other work.  Why?  Because I don't particular care for Gene Hackman and I don't particularly care for Ben Stiller--actors who play two of the lead roles in the film (including the eponymous Royal Tenenbaum)--yet I loved them in this movie.  I know many aren't fans of Anderson's admittedly-offbeat style, including blond-haired sisters to remain nameless, but even non-fans have to admit the guy knows how to get a great performance out of his actors.

I also love the man for revitalizing Bill Murray's career, as the last thing the world needs is less Bill Murray.  We all knew he was funny, but the guy can flat out act.  For evidence, I direct you to the  climactic jaguar shark scene in The Life Aquatic.  Normally I'd post the link, but I feel like to truly appreciate the scene you've got to see it in context.  And yes, I realize how pretentious that sounded.  But seriously, if you haven't seen it, put on your list.  NOTE: Sleeping through it doesn't count as seeing it, aforementioned person to remain nameless.

I wish I could be that little German boy in lederhosen.  Okay, that was weird.

Yes, the characters are totally unrealistic.  Yes, no one actually talks the way people talk in his films.  But come on, it's the movies!  And I think it's damn entertaining.  Nobody uses music in films better than Wes Anderson, whose knowledge of obscure classic British rock causes me great envy.  Also, nobody does better slo-mo work, and if you've been unfortunate enough to have seen any of my own celluloid creations, you know how I feel about slo-mo.

So in conclusion, I say critics be damned, Wes Anderson; we here at the Life Despotic salute you!

P.S. Two bonus points to the first commenter to figure out the title of this post.

From the virtual desk of Ivan Zissou

dictated but not read

cth

I'm going to fight it but I'll let it live

"That's an endangered species at most. What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?"

"Revenge."

From the virtual desk of Ivan Zissou

dictated but not read
cth