2004-11 Vital Source Mag – November 2004
The Ex
By Jeremy M. Rottgen When you think of The Ex, imagine mad scientists with guitars and drums pushing the raw sounds of their musical and political agenda through anything from punk to noise. Now imagine these scientists staying up all night in the lab, spreading their message relentlessly… for over two decades. Since their debut, Disturbing Domestic Peace, in 1980, The Ex have released almost two dozen albums. Turn is a long listen on two discs, defying the punk way by creating huge textures and strange harmonies. The set offers more standard rock fare, plus several excursions into house beats. The Ex rely on over-driven yet articulated rhythms. Stand-up bass provides a solid bottom. Steve Albini produced Turn, giving the guitars punch, but it’s the beat that ends up taking you away. “Listen to the Painters” begins Turn with the rant “We need poets we need painters.” “Pie” is a great rendition of a sweet potato pie recipe being barked into a microphone before a ridiculous breakdown. Disc two features more of a percussive onslaught inspired by international rhythms. “Theme from Konono” has a catchy African-themed guitar sway. “In the Event” ends Turn with a haunting melody accompanied by a lone saxophone. Turn is a roller-coaster ride of interweaving dynamics; from extreme highs to subterranean lows, unafraid of risks. That’s a good thing for a hazardous band like The Ex.
Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
Willie Nelson
By John Hughes Willie Nelson has turned in a quietly elegant album that showcases his singing talent in its burnished, golden essence. It Always Will Be is perhaps not on the level of Nelson’s masterpieces, Red-Headed Stranger and Stardust, but it is among his top ten records (out of over 100). The title cut is a classic of Texas Mellow, and the duets with Paula Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and Norah Jones, flowing from a bluesy feel to country to pure jazz, evoke Nelson’s finest singing in recent memory. The women are in superb voice as well, and these three songs are the backbone of the disc. A weak moment is Nelson’s cover of Tom Waits’ brilliant “Picture in a Frame.” Whereas Waits’ rendition features a deeply resonant piano, and Satchmo-style vocalizing, Nelson’s sounds like Muzak. The guts are gone from the song. This is quickly forgiven, however, and forgotten, because from there Nelson quickly moves onto his home turf with the delicious “The Way You See Me.”On the whole, the disc evokes dreamy reverie as the songs melt seamlessly into one another. The consistent use of electronic instruments is a slight annoyance, and the album’s sound could have been improved with a switch to acoustic guitars. Still, there is no denying that Nelson, despite his lack of vocal range, is a tremendous singer. His immaculate taste in songs is evident here, and after he closes the album with a Latin-tinged song called “Texas,” the listener walks away from the experience with a tranquil heart.
Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
Reeve Oliver
By Jeremy M. Rottgen In teen-angst TV shows like Dawson’s Creek or The OC, soundtracks featuring music that boosts the drama of adolescence are linchpins of the genre. From a songwriter’s perspective, the subject matter of those tumultuous years will never run dry. Reeve Oliver may not be as sappy as the aforementioned television programs, but they do have their moments of post-adolescent rock. “I Want Burns” starts out with an acoustic strum-along evolving into an almost Weezer-esque distorted progression. “Young and Dumb” features a cool intro of major to minor chording which spins into a sweet music box-type love song. “Until Someone Loves You” opens with softly blended vocals and piano keys, then reverts back to a distorted, happy guitar sound. “Revenge” is probably the hardest-hitting track, with a flying-fingers kind of riff. Guitarist Sean O’Donnell is singularly talented, both vocally and on the six-string. If only the subject matter could change up from teen romance and break out of the formulaic. Nevertheless, R.O. are successful at what they do and can certainly take charge of the pop-music spectrum. It’s not exactly the toughest music in the world, but they probably get a ton of groupies.—Jeremy M. Rottgen
Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
A High-Velocity, Low-Stress Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days
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Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
Cher Helps Liz Wagner Mend Her Broken Heart
by Liz Wagner High school graduation brought with it the end of many things: long waits in hot lunch lines, crammed lockers, gym class and my first love. I had been dating the same guy throughout high school, and like the youngsters we were, we thought it would last forever. But school was over and decisions had to be made. He was going off to college in Michigan, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Even with all the uncertainty, one thing I was sure of was that I needed some time, at least a few months, to “find myself.” In order to do that, I needed to distance myself from everything, basically from my life as I knew it. I decided to make some big changes like taking a year off before starting college, moving out of my parents’ house, and the big one: leaving my boyfriend. It was such a hard decision, because he was a great guy, but, like Guns N’ Roses sings, “Sometimes I need some time on my own.” The day I got the courage to tell him our time together was over, I packed up all the stuff I had of his: his high school ring, some CD’s and a shirt he’d left at my house. It was a beautiful summer day. The sun was bright, the sky was blue, the grass was green and the birds were chirping. Perfect for a drive through the country – he lived just outside of Wausau. The beauty of the day almost made me forget my heartbreaking mission. I took off in my parents’ car and arrived at his house, which sat lonely in a field, a few minutes later. We met out front, I gave him his things, an awkward hug and a quick goodbye, then left with tears in my eyes. Although it happened very quickly, it seemed like time was standing still. I sat in the car crying, wondering if I would soon regret my decision. Breaking up with my boyfriend was the hardest thing I had faced up to that point in my young life. But I also felt something strange. Only later did I recognize it as relief, for finally doing the deed and for doing what I needed in order to figure out who I was and what I really wanted. Our goodbye that day was the last time we spoke. He was upset with me–not surprisingly–and wasn’t exactly interested in pursuing a friendship. After all, we had promised ourselves to each other, and often talked about our future. We had planned on going to college together, raising a family and even growing old with each other. And although he was sure of his life path, I was too mixed up about mine to follow through with our “plan.” As I drove away down the dusty road (yeah, it was literally dusty), Cher’s “Believe” came on the radio. I don’t usually listen to pop rock, […]
Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
Wine Wisdom for the Holidays
By Nathan Norfolk How do holidays turn into horror days? You’re shopping for kids only to realize you don’t know the difference between Shrek and Sponge Bob. You’re making food for a million in-laws, each with different dietary restrictions. You’re buying wine and you don’t know Bordeaux from Burgundy. That first glimpse of smiling cardboard pilgrims and paper snowflakes can truly make you lose sleep. And while the only way out of most holiday stress is through the middle, here’s something to ease at least the pain of buying and serving wine. Don’t get too fancy. If you’re going to bring wine to a gathering and you won’t be pouring it yourself, do yourself two favors: keep things simple and be frugal. It will only hurt your pride and your pocketbook when you see your unopened bottle of thirty dollar “chateau what’s it called” next to a half empty jug of red rot-gut. Just offer a red and a white. Holiday gatherings are usually not the type of affair where you’ll talk to your grandmother about the subtleties of French viniculture. This is exactly where those wines that everybody’s heard of play a nice part. As far as reds go, Merlot is a good start. It’s on the heavier side, so it’s great for the colder fall and winter months. Most inexpensive Californian Merlots aren’t too dry either. Let’s face it – the stuff is popular for a reason. Castle Rock 2002 Napa Valley Merlot ($10) is a steal – it has a soft berry fruit and just a touch of warm oak and vanilla on the finish, and it won’t clash with most food. Pinot Grigio is Merlot’s white counterpart. Some still can’t live without Chardonnay, but most of the inexpensive stuff on the market is so woody and flabby, it ruins the food you pair it with. This is exactly why Pinot Grigio is so popular in restaurants – it can do what most Chardonnays only dream of. Placido 2003 Pinot Grigio ($8) is amazingly light and crisp with the faintest hint of refreshing lemon. It’s perfect for all poultry and pork, and even spicier foods. For gifts of thanksgiving. The pilgrims didn’t have an infinite array of gastronomic choices. This made things easy for them, but it also gave us turkey – for better or worse. You have the opportunity to spice things up by adding some great wine. One of the benefits of the jaw-dropping selection of wine available is the many that complement a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Shiraz is on everyone’s lips – it’s big, bold and spicy. Black Wing 2002 South Australian Shiraz ($10) is thick, unctuous and peppery. If you’re a fan of heavy reds, this is your turkey wine. Fuedo Monaci 2002 Primitvo Puglia ($9) is inexpensive and less acidic than Shiraz (Primitvo is like Chianti’s little brother) and medium-bodied, with an herbaceous fennel taste, pairing nicely with seasoned stuffing. Holiday meals are also perfect for the guilty pleasure of light, slightly […]
Nov 1st, 2004 by Vital Archives
November 2004
Dear Readers, Years from now, I hope to re-read this particular blog and laugh, picturing myself propped up on pillows trying to balance my keyboard on my lap, cursing over not breaking down and getting the laptop which would come in so handy now as I try to type without throwing my back into another painful spasm. I have restricted myself to ibuprofen until this column is finished, but my head is nevertheless filled with fog from the pain in my back and leg. I shift again. I cannot get comfortable. I should see a doctor. Maybe I can wait until tomorrow… It seemed like a good idea at the time. I awoke before everyone else and, as is my wont, began thinking about how I could maximize a few stolen moments of “alone time” before the demands of breakfast and soccer and an all-day production marathon took over the rest of my waking hours. I was feeling a little toxic after a long week of work, and decided a nice bike ride to my local coffee shop on North Ave. would be just the thing. I’d pick up donuts and be back before anyone even knew I was gone. It had been raining earlier, but it was fairly warm, just a little misty. I live on the east side of Wauwatosa. The residential streets in my neighborhood are quiet and mostly level, perfect for an easy ride. I took Meinecke west about three blocks past Cranky Al’s, then headed back east on North, riding in the bike lane. As the lane came to an end, I tapped the brakes. I remember my wheels locking up on the wet pavement, then the quick realization that yes, I was actually going down, then a full spin in the middle of the normally busy street, my body twisting most unnaturally. My right cheek kissed the pavement as my bike landed on top of me. I lay there for a second. A nice older lady was standing over me, trying to lift my bike and urging me to get out of the street. At first I thought the cuts and bruises on my leg were the worst of it, but as the minutes wore on, it grew increasingly difficult to breathe. Every inhale brought a stab of pain and not enough oxygen. A steel band formed quickly around my torso. I had seriously messed up my back. Like an idiot, I still stopped at Al’s for donuts, refusing rides home from several of the good neighbors there, insisting that I could make it on my own. Stupid. By the time I stumbled in to my house, I could barely stand. Eight hours later, I am sitting up for the first time. Call it instant karma. Three days ago, my art director, Tony, flipped his truck on the same off-ramp he takes every day. He’d realized too late as he took a tight turn that he hadn’t compensated enough for the wet road conditions. […]
Nov 1st, 2004 by Jon Anne Willow
