Jawbreaker - Dear You

The biggest reason I picked this album today is because of the song Sluttering (May 4th), which is lyrically one of the hardest hitting songs regarding a breakup that I have in my personal library.  I actually learned today that May 4th (Star Wars day) is regarded by many on the internet as Jawbreaker day.

Jawbreaker.jpg

I had never heard of this, but I'm always looking for a reason to hear Jawbreaker so i'll take it.

I think its funny that Jawbreaker Day is based on a song from an album that many Jawbreaker fans dislike... I learned about the album and band when I was in college, so I don't quite feel the angst that lifelong Jawbreaker fans have for the album.  For those not in the know, the band is widely criticized for releasing an album on a major label after Blake had flatly stated that Jawbreaker would not do so...

Stand out tracks:

Artists: Jawbreaker
Album: Dear You
Producer: Rob Cavallo
Label: DGC
Recorded: ?

Nirvana - In Utero

I wish I could describe how big of an impact Nirvana had on people (my age) in 1991/1992.  For some, their musical output would transform and dominate their being for many, many, many years to come.

I'm a little surprised to say this, but the artwork on this CD still spooks me after 20 years

Today marks the 20th anniversary of news breaking over Kurt Cobain's death.  I got word of his passing during a lunch break on a Friday afternoon...  and recall having a lot of feelings to process. I was surrounded by a group of friends and things got quiet. Everyone sorta acknowledged that something significant had just happened but no one quite understood what  to fucking do or say...

I recall getting home and watching MTV News, Kurt Loader was trying to make sense of a senseless act.   MTV quickly turned into a "news" outlet and it may have been the first time that my Dad asked me what the fuck all the fuss was about.

 I especially recall David Fricke (Rolling Stone) helping me sorta piece together a number of feelings I didn't quite understand how to deal with.  As the music editor for Rolling Stone, he was a key interview that evening that sorta helped me calm the fuck down.

I rarely revisit any Nirvana records and I think it largely has to do with hearing the promise that could have been...  

It took a very long time before I came around to liking the album "In Utero"...  I could write a paragraph about every song on this album.  The one that intrigues me the most after all these years is still "Rape Me".  It's a song that begs to be played loudly, yet it's the track that I'm most likely to turn down if I'm around others or skip all together because its just to heavy to have on in the background and not pay attention to it.

Stand out tracks:

Artists: Nirvana
Album: In Utero
Producer: Steve Albini
Label: DGC
Recorded: Pachyderm Studio

Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album)

Today's album of the day was inspired by the opening lyrics to In the Garage by Weezer.

I've got a Dungeon Master's Guide
I've got a 12-sided die

I spent a good part of my Saturday at Chimaeracon a gaming convention where people get together play board/miniature/role playing games for an entire weekend.

But enough about that...  Weezer in many ways was the perfect bridge band between high school and college.  I slowly transitioned fro listening to a lot of Metal/Grunge to exploring Punk/Post Punk and contemporary college rock between ages 15 to 22.  Weezer is the perfect gateway band for said projection.  

The songs on this album are perfectly crafted for anyone age 15 to mid 20's.  There's an unapologetic awkwardness to every song that helps you figure out heartbreak and growing out of adolescent interests be it - Dungeons and Dragons or KISS.  

The other thing I love about this album is the heavy hand that producer Ric Ocasek (the Cars) had on the sound of the album.  The band would later go on to grow and develop another sound, but his oversight undoubtedly helped shape the sound that everyone recognizes as "the Blue Album".

Stand out tracks:

Artists: Weezer
Album: Weezer (Blue Album)
Producer: Ric Ocasek
Label: DGC
Recorded: Electric Lady Studios