What's interesting (to me) is that my favorite band is not my first choice for my writing music. I think that's because, when I put this band on, I'd actually like to listen to them as opposed to having them as background. Sometimes, though, I put them on anyway, since writing music is meant as background... to be absorbed by your subconscious... and then affect your writing in so many delicious ways. And this music... is just that. These guys. These guys! ...Now, I don't like the term "bucket list"; let's say, "List of Things to Do Before I Die." ...No. That's unwieldy. Let's say, "LOTTDBID." That's much better. ...Anyway, the band. The band is my LOTTDBID. No! I don't mean I want to do the band... I mean, going to see a concert. That's what I want to do before I die... Geez. Always making me clarify because of your dirty minds. You all are sick, sick people. For shame. *waves admonishing finger* The band is called Emperor Yes. They're a trio out of Old Blighty (England, that is- I just like saying Old Blighty. [Old Blighty]). Their music is trippy, intricate, catchy, well-crafted, singable, and smart. Yes, I italicize. That last is important.
How many damn songs are there out there about love? I mean, yes, love has many different aspects and is undeniably powerful; it affects us all at one time or another, so we can usually empathize with the lyrics and all that good stuff. But it gets old. A song about something- anything- different catches my attention. And boy howdy, are these songs different. Songs inspired by Carl Sagan. By defensive tactics in bees. By what I am unfortunately unfamiliar with but I believe to be mythology (also a way to see how many times you can fit the word "monkey" in a single song). It's not just the originality of the subject matter; that'll only take you so far. It should be borne out by the craftsmanship. Fortunately, as I said, that is excellent (bearing in mind I am a layperson when it comes to music). Ash Gardner on lead vocals (guitar, keyboards, probably other stuff) has a delivery unavoidably reminiscent of the Flaming Lips, which took me some getting used to; but now I don't think I could do without, it enhances the flavor of their sound so much. Adam Betts (of Three Trapped Tigers) on drums (possibly other stuff) whacks out a damn fine rhythm, often unexpected, always inspiring to my ever-twitchy toes. And Hugo Sheppard on keyboards (more than probably quite a lot of other stuff)- just wow. You know how sometimes, you watch someone doing something... and you have that feeling, like it's just a privilege, an honor, to be there, like you are in the presence of someone who is just... doing what they should be doing. I really can't think of any other way to say it. Someone who works the hell out of their craft. ...I guess I could think of another way to say it, after all. I have listened to this album many, many (many) times, and have yet to get sick of it. My kids love it. Cripes, my husband loves it- well, likes, but that's high praise from him. He's a hard sell when it comes to music. Seriously. My LOTTDBID. I'd have to afford a plane ticket to England, though. Anyone want to GoFundMe??? :D No? ...Hello?* Oh, well. I'll content myself for the time being with my MP3s, and videos; the videos are particular genius, check them out here. And buy their music on iTunes. Listen on Spotify. And SoundCloud. And here's a link to their record label page. (Damn, more people should have me as a fan. I'm not even requesting compensation). I'm actually reluctant to sound this about, in a way. This is my wonderful discovery- mineminemine! I feel almost like I want to keep it to myself. But then I remember that's stupid. The world needs to know about wonderful, different things like this. Who knows? Perhaps we'll end up bonding over our shared love of Emperor Yes, and peace will come to our time. Then we can end our struggles and move forward as a species. And then we'll all be destroyed by giant ants. *Seriously. Either I can sit right down front, unable to wipe the insanely pleased smile from my face until I have to be removed because I'm creeping the band out; or I'd be happy even to just stand somewhere in the corner, doing my patented "incredibly cool and not in the least reminiscent of a spazzy monkey" dance.
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Rebecca FrohlingWriter, dancer, actress, mother, me. Archives
February 2019
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