Aggro Femme

It was suggested I read this book because 1. I have virtually no self-confidence, 2. my life is largely ruled by fear, 3. and the past several months have launched blow after blow at me. I’ll go into that later. Maybe. Let me just put it this way: I am SICK and TIRED of spirituality/self-help crossover books. They’re chock-farking-full of anecdotes, and I HATE anecdotes. That’s all these books seem to be! If you can’t find anything worth saying and have to pad your book with story after never-ending story that all say the same damn thing, write a pamphlet! I’d buy the pamphlet! If you’ve got ten $25 books out already, you could handle writing something that merely says what needs saying, and nothing else. This book warrants no rating.

Fini for now.

I was very recently (3 days ago) introduced to this band via the song by the album’s title, No Depression. The song was originally recorded in 1936 by the Original Carter Family, and instantly reminded me of Big Rock Candy Mountain, typically attributed to Harry McClintock, both songs being from generally the same musical “era,” as it were, during the Depression.

As an aside, I’m no history buff. Remembering what happened when is not one of my strong suits, so if I’m mistaken, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to swallow my pride and correct myself. =P

BUT! Back to the matter at hand.

Uncle Tupelo sound like the Hank Williamses and They Might Be Giants had children. The musicianship is fantastic (the base lines are particularly technically superior). They broke up in the mid-nineties and formed Son Volt and Wilco, the latter being a band I should be more familiar with, yet sadly am not. This oversight will be rectified soon enough, but after having given them another listen, I may remember that I didn’t like them. *shrug* I’ll let you know. Check out the Wikipedia entry on Uncle Tupelo.

My favorite songs from this album (so far… another premature review) include “Factory Belt,” “No Depression” (naturally), “Whiskey Bottle” and “Life Worth Livin’.”

Let’s go with a 4.25 out of 5. Again, so far.

1 - SUCK!
2 - I guess I should at least finish it…
3 - I kinda liked this one.
4 - Love it!
5 - One of my favorites of all time.

Unless you live under a rock, or for some strange reason are not a Cranberries fan, “Are You Listening?” is the debut solo album of the Voice of the Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan, and it couldn’t be better. Whereas the Cranberries are slightly more pop-rockish and marginally political, O’Riordan on her own is mournful and introspective, yet wise. This review is largely premature and sorely lacking, as I haven’t listened to the entire album yet (*slaps her own wrist*), but among my favorite songs so far are “Human Spirit,” “Accept Things,” “Apple of My Eye,” “Angel Fire” and “Ordinary Day,” the last being the best. Give it a listen. Or five hundred.

4.75 out of 5

1 - SUCK!
2 - I guess I should at least finish it…
3 - I kinda liked this one.
4 - Love it!
5 - One of my favorites of all time.