Talking Heads, one of the fresh faces of '70s-era avant-garde punk rock, goes out on top with a swan-song soundtrack single that clearly got its boost from the band's legacy status
Live shows are the key that unlocks GBV. They're just so wonderful live, and the fans are so great. It's like church. I realize how lame this sounds, like they're the Dead or something; nonetheless, it's true. If they do a show anywhere near you (they're on tour right now), go, if you can.
Also: when checking out 'Loveless,' grab your good headphones and (if streaming) play it on somewhere like Soundcloud or Qobuz; it'll make a huge difference. I know people fawn over this record, but it really is a masterpiece.
I've been thinking about this for a couple of days. I'm subscribed to Spotify, so that's where I've been listening to music in general. What is it about a different service that makes it better? Is there an optimal headphone/streaming service that makes the music experience better? Is it just MBV and "Loveless," or do you find most or all music to be better on a premium streaming service or platform?
I ask because I'm curious to explore these services, and see if there's something to add to the experience.
To my (admittedly damaged) ear, the difference in quality is quite noticeable. I have Spotify, Soundcloud, and Qobuz. The same song on the latter two will usually sound quite a but more dynamic. Higher highs, lower lows, etc. FWIW, I'm using AirPod Pros. I don't currently have a good pair of over-the-ear headphones.
I'm with you on the headphones; I don't have a really good dedicated set for music, just Beats earbuds.
Which of the "premium" streaming services have you tried? I never heard of Qobuz, so I downloaded it and have a free trial. I know Tidal is another one.
Once upon a time someone on the Internet was complaining that Lady Gaga songs were "SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SAX AND VIOLENCE" and then we proceeded to joke that Sax and Violence was the name of our new jazz-punk band, and someone changed it to Sax and Violins. It turns out that's already very taken, not that that's a real problem since it is funny.
For me, it wasn't that 'Sax and Violins' was a bad song; it's that everything else that came before it was so good. It was an impossibly high bar to clear. Even more so when one considers that it was on tacked on to a greatest hits record. It's unique--and as you've noted-- of it's time, but it's just a little undercooked. I felt the same way about 'Naked' as well.
Live shows are the key that unlocks GBV. They're just so wonderful live, and the fans are so great. It's like church. I realize how lame this sounds, like they're the Dead or something; nonetheless, it's true. If they do a show anywhere near you (they're on tour right now), go, if you can.
They are playing relatively close to me in July. I might take you up on this challenge and report back!
Not lame at all! GBV is definitely a band that grows on you, quietly until one day you realize that they're one of your favorites.
Also: when checking out 'Loveless,' grab your good headphones and (if streaming) play it on somewhere like Soundcloud or Qobuz; it'll make a huge difference. I know people fawn over this record, but it really is a masterpiece.
I've been thinking about this for a couple of days. I'm subscribed to Spotify, so that's where I've been listening to music in general. What is it about a different service that makes it better? Is there an optimal headphone/streaming service that makes the music experience better? Is it just MBV and "Loveless," or do you find most or all music to be better on a premium streaming service or platform?
I ask because I'm curious to explore these services, and see if there's something to add to the experience.
To my (admittedly damaged) ear, the difference in quality is quite noticeable. I have Spotify, Soundcloud, and Qobuz. The same song on the latter two will usually sound quite a but more dynamic. Higher highs, lower lows, etc. FWIW, I'm using AirPod Pros. I don't currently have a good pair of over-the-ear headphones.
I'm with you on the headphones; I don't have a really good dedicated set for music, just Beats earbuds.
Which of the "premium" streaming services have you tried? I never heard of Qobuz, so I downloaded it and have a free trial. I know Tidal is another one.
Once upon a time someone on the Internet was complaining that Lady Gaga songs were "SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SEX AND VIOLENCE SAX AND VIOLENCE" and then we proceeded to joke that Sax and Violence was the name of our new jazz-punk band, and someone changed it to Sax and Violins. It turns out that's already very taken, not that that's a real problem since it is funny.
I would totally go to a Sax and Violence concert! That mosh pit would be epic!
For me, it wasn't that 'Sax and Violins' was a bad song; it's that everything else that came before it was so good. It was an impossibly high bar to clear. Even more so when one considers that it was on tacked on to a greatest hits record. It's unique--and as you've noted-- of it's time, but it's just a little undercooked. I felt the same way about 'Naked' as well.
That's a very good take! I agree.