Some Thoughts From Your Favorite Oryctolagus Cuniculus

First of all, what's the deal with Bright Eyes? Does anyone really like this music, or is everyone just too afraid to step up and say that he sucks because he's not pop? I mean, what do people like about his songs? Thoughtful lyrics? I think he truly does put a lot of thought into them, but that's completely countered by the fact that he's a total pansy. I mean, he has a song which starts out by mentioning that he cries when a certain male friend of his sings. Come on.

This is actually a bit more informed than is customary for the Rabbit, but I spent the morning listening to the 23 Bright Eyes tracks that I have unfortunately acquired ('Cassadega' and 'I'm Wide Awake...") . There are a few songs that are actually not bad. These are 'Classic Cars,' 'If The Brakeman Turns My Way,' and maybe 'First Day Of My Life.' But basically, I don't get it. The dude sounds like a sobbing nancy at an open mic night. He should add some cool members to his band. Like a horn player. And a lead guitarist. And maybe he should get someone else to sing his songs. And write them.

Anyway, someone please try to explain this to me. Maybe the Cherry Ghost can hit me with some knowledge.

Secondly, I guess The Format broke up? I'm sort of indifferent to this. I liked The Format in a maybe-you've-never-heard-of-Queen kind of way. I thought 'Dog Problems' was pretty great. I had a really great time at one of their shows. But I guess at the end of the day I would have been embarrassed to have had to go out and buy their newest album on pre-release, so I'm thankful they saved me the embarrassment. Maybe it turns out I never really believed in them, despite the 'Caravan' cover.

Finally, if someone told me that 'Evil Empire' was the greatest album of all time, I would probably not argue. You can't argue with Rage Against the Machine fans anyway, but choosing that as the g.o.a.t. is a respectable choice. I mean, if I could kick it in a Havana speak-easy with Che Guevera, smoking a cigar and drinking rum, I'd probably want 'Year of tha Boomerang' rocking over the Bose sound system.

Bonus - I dare you to tell me that Conor Oberst is not singing lead in this song by Wild Sweet Orange called 'House of Regret.' Enjoy.

Vampire Weekend: Believe the Hype

This NYC-based Afro-reggae-punk-rock band is absolutely worthy of all the praise you have heard. One of the most blogged about bands of the past few months, I already felt like I knew Vampire Weekend before their self-titled album was even released. However, I was not fully convinced until I heard the entire thing through as a whole.

Consider me converted.

These guys have a unique sound that instantaneously gets you moving. Their music is more varied than you would initially think, but it is gripping in its raw sincerity and emotion. I dare you to listen to this and not feel something deep down inside your gut. Forget my beloved Bedouin Soundclash. Forget Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Forget Sublime. Forget Orchestra Baobab. These guys are the real deal.

Enjoy.

Vampire Weekend -
A-Punk.mp3

Aberfeldy Makes Catchy Music

So I'm out in L.A. finishing up our film - hence the lack of posts - and the Lighting Supervisor starts telling me about this band called Aberfeldy. Besides enjoying their name, I am really digging their sound. They've been around for a few years and I've only listened to their 2004 debut album Young Forever, but they really have found a niche with their catchy pop sound.

A Scottish band led by two brothers, Aberfeldy does not give the impression of a unique sound. Yet, as you listen to them, you can't help but get into their music. Much like Jack Johnson, even though the tunes are not groundbreaking or experimental, they are easy to listen to and enjoyable. Check out their myspace page here for a taste of what they have to offer.

And I'm pretty sure I've heard "Summer's Gone" in a commercial somewhere...

P.S. I'm convinced L.A. only plays the Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. In the past week, I started a tally and I'm up to 10 RHCP songs and 5 Pearl Jam songs played at any given time (and most likely right after the other). Also, 311 has made three appearances with "Love Song" and "Amber." I didn't know they were still played on the radio (not that they don't deserve to be...).