In defense of Keane

So those ubiquitous In Plain Sight commercials have reminded me how much I liked Keane back in the day. (on second thought, maybe it's only ubiquitous because of the amount of Law & Order: SVU that I watch on USA. but i digress).

The song is "Everybody's Changing," and it's interesting that they're using it now, since it's about 5 years old and was never a single. But those factors combined actually make it pretty fresh sounding, in the way that only a song that you used to love but haven't heard in years can. But the question I constantly have to ask myself with these guys is do I like them because I used to love them, or because they make good music? Because, honestly, it's not very hip to like them. (honestly, who reading this isn't a little skeptical right now?).

I'm just going to say it: I LIKE KEANE.

And I'll tell you why.

I took the time to listen to them. I did not let "Somewhere Only We Know" inform my entire opinion. It was a hit, and was branded "adult contemporary" (whatever the fuck that means) and they were often mentioned in the same breath as Coldplay (fuck Coldplay). And if you only listen to that song, it makes sense. But the rest of 2004's Hopes and Fears goes in more than one direction. It's piano driven rock, sure, but it gets fast paced and even experimental and dark toward the end.

And unlike Coldplay, there next album did not replicate their earlier sound. 2006's Under the Iron Sea is an extremely cohesive and interesting album. It might even be considered a concept album, complete with a thematic instrumental track half-way through. Again, the different tracks feature different things, from Tim Rice-Oxley playing his piano through a vintage guitar petal on "Is It Any Wonder?" to Richard Hughes playing a backwards beat (there's no other way to describe it) on "Atlantic," all while Tom Chaplin pushes and explores his vocal range (aside: this band is a great example of why all songwriters should have the best possible vocalist for their songs. sometimes it's better if you don't sing it yourself).

And again, 2008's Perfect Symmetry saw them finding a new sound. And I think they quite successfully explore synths and more dance-ready tunes (see my synthtastic playlist). Not to say the whole album is like that. I can't comment extensively on this album, however, since I don't know it as intimately as I do the other two.

I don't mean to say they don't have there missteps. There are songs I can't stand, but on the whole, I think they get it right, particularly on Under the Iron Sea which so brilliantly uses the album as a form instead of just a collection of songs.


I mean, they're a power trio! and adorably British! I am unashamed to love them.



The song that set off this rant (live! in a stadium! post-rehab!):



i mean, have you ever seen someone rock out so hard at a piano? i didn't think so.


(this post is dedicated to brittaney with whom i will always be united in keane love)

But is it worth it?

I... kind of want to go to All Points West?


If I buy early it's only $199. But I don't really care about the 3 big headliners. Is wanting to see 11 of the other bands and all the comedians really worth it?


or should I just fuck it and go to Bonnaroo?

Breaking Form

This has little to nothing to do with music, but I have interests that are broad and diverse, and I came across something the other day that I really enjoyed, and thought you might enjoy, and since I spent part of my day at Buffalo Exchange (the clothing store they go to, just wait you'll see), and since I love any and everything that David Wain does especially if it involves Paul Rudd (and the best things do), here is an episode from David Wain's web series "Wainy Days" that parodies The Pickup Artist, vh1's terrible "reality series" which is actually amazingly entertaining if you just let go of any and all respect you every had for any human being. whoo. ok let's go.



Do I know comedy, or do I know comedy?

some friendly advice

Make a Genius playlist using Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill."


YOU'RE WELCOME.




I mean... this is pretty much THE bike riding song, am I right? Peter Gabriel does what he wants.


(thanks to Ryan for pointing out the video)

Video Flashback: Will Smith

Last night, full on sushi and lazily watching an old SNL, the topic of Will Smith came up among my friends and I. After seeing a trailer for the DVD release of Seven Pounds we began to lament the fact that Will Smith seemed to no longer do tie-in music videos with his films. (haha, imagine what a Seven Pounds tie-in would have been like? Pretty ridiculous. But I Am Legend? A video for that could have been amazing!)

Anyway, even though it is widely agreed upon that Men in Black is a much better movie than Wild Wild West, there was some disagreement as to which was the better song. Now that is something worth discussing. Both songs tell the story of their respective movie's plot, both sample famous melodies ("Forget Me Nots" and "I Wish"), and both feature a charismatic, costumed Frsh Prince. But which is superior?

Let's refresh our memories:



"It's the MIB's. Here come the MIB's." Ha. I love it. I remember quite well that this video comes after the credits on the VHS tape. Also, I think I know about 95% of the lyrics and could sing back the whole song without much prompting. And that dance breakdown with the alien? Genius.

Next!



This video comes with its own storyline. And the song itself is arguably more catchy (as is the source material). AND it features Cisco of "The Thong Song" fame! But unlike with "Men in Black," which makes me want to watch the movie, "Wild Wild West" just reminds me how good the movie should have been and wasn't.

But we're comparing videos here. And "Wild Wild West" not only features the ever-gorgeous Selma Hayek, but there are cameos by Stevie Wonder (we love Stevie) and CARLTON! (at 3:06 is you missed him). Ultimately though, I don't like the separate storyline. And though Will Smith makes a hot cowboy, nothing beats the sharp suit and Ray Bans.

If I HAVE to choose, though both are fabulous, my heart belongs to "Men in Black."


Which is better? Leave your vote in the comments.

All the Single...what?!

I agree with Gabe at Videogum: this is the worst.




I don't even know where to start with this? It's not cute and tongue-in-cheek, it's just straight-up wrong. And every time you think it's bad, it just gets worse. Most importantly, WHO LET THESE PEOPLE INTO YALE??

Dear Bono,

It's not OK to wear eyeliner. It may have been cute when Brandon Flowers did it, but even he got too old for it. Please put the sunglasses back on. It's for your own good.

Your friend,

madelyn


P.S. in case you forgot what it looks like...





(photos of U2's glamtastic photo shoot with SPIN is here)