Current Playlist

I used to be a metal chick. When I was in high school (not middle school where I was labeled a "headbanger" for listening to the likes of Alice in Chains and Nirvana, etc.) I was big, big into metal. I even had my own metal band. I always compared that band to Ministry, in that it initially consisted of only two people: My friend Meaghan, growling out meaningful, dark and twisted lyrics...and myself, growling out dark, distorted guitar riffs in between strategically placed palm mutes- laced with our own unique brand of teenage angst. We called ourselves Stigmata, until we realized that name had already been taken. I loved that band. But I digress. These days, though I do enjoy a good metal song or two, I really have to be in the mood. So I have been apprehensive about listening to Opeth.

Last week someone had suggested that I listen to an album by them called Damnation. Here it is, a week later, and I decided to give it a spin. I've already listened to it all the way through twice. Ready to go for a third. I'm in.

On another note, I saw The Aristocrats  live this past Tuesday at Berklee and had my face melted. I went by myself (which I enjoy doing) and was just blown away the whole night by the level of musicianship this power trio had. Talent on top of talent. Besides Guthrie Govan's incredible shredding and Bryan Beller's ridiculous bass, the highlight for me had to be  when Marco Minnemann did a 6 minute long drum solo that was simply mesmerizing and unbelievable. So glad to have witnessed that show.

Playlist:
Opeth - Damnation
Phish - Live streaming of summer tour 2013
Steven Wilson - Too much to list on this blog
Ministry - Incase You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up
At the Drive In - Various albums
King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King
The Aristocrats - Culture Clash

Current Playlist and Other Thoughts

Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing
Frank Zappa - Hot Rats
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
Tori Amos -  Boys For Pele
Joni Mitchell - Blue
Phish - 12/30/2009 (Miami)
Steely Dan - Aja (particular focus on Home At Last)
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Jingle All The Way (yes, I realize it's May)
Jeff Beck - Live at Ronnie Scott's (Tal Wilkenfeld...ridiculous!!!)

I like to make up my own harmonies to songs I sing along with. Lately I have been harmonizing with the Porcupine Tree song "I Drive the Hearse" from beginning to end. I especially enjoy singing harmonies with the parts that don't have harmonies already in them. There is something so intimate about harmonizing, when you make that beautiful vocal pairing and that magic synchronization of voices happen...you feel so connected to the artist you are singing with. Like you are sharing something personal with them. I have found myself playing that song over and over again so I can experience that intimacy...not to mention I just really like the harmonies I made up with the song. ;)

                                     I Drive the Hearse. Beautiful song

I don't harmonize to this song, I just sing along...this a very favorite version of a very favorite song - Father Lucifer.
Sound quality on this isn't the most ideal,but it isn't terrible...

My favorite song off Hot Rats (along with Peaches En Regalia, of course) - Willie The Pimp. What a jam!

Jeff Beck - no words necessary - though I must admit..I had a very hard time deciding which video to post. All so amazing.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones...love this cover!!

My Current Playlist

I'm copying Steven Wilson a bit. I'll probably only update my list as often as he does (which isn't often), but I figured I would do it anyway. He won't mind, seeing as precious few people ever wander through my blog anyway.
:)

Bridges and Balloons: Joanna Newsom
The Raven That Refused to Sing and other stories: Steven Wilson
Deloused in the Comatorium: The Mars Volta
In Dreams: Topanga
Anesthetize: Porcupine Tree