very short

Hey friends...new blogs coming soon this weekend. Sit tight. :)

On letting go and letting in...

Hey friends, its been awhile, not too long though. You forgive me, right?

As promised, this will be somewhat deep. Have you ever done something or agreed to something that you weren't sure about? Today is valentines day. I had a valentine...that I decided to make her a girlfriend. Maybe its the love bug, but as excited as I am, I am terrified. I haven't been serious with anyone since I practically had a promise ring in hand over a year ago with a girl named Emily. I was so sure about her. She was amazing. Flawless. Then she went to Maryland for Pharmacy school and I hate myself everyday for not going with her.

Anyways! Everything has happened so fast. Without too many harsh details...really fast (you know...). And here I am, now official with someone who knows one of my ex's very well and who I barely know. She seems great though. Shes attractive. Very nice and thoughtful. Seems sweet.

Why am I so terrified?

I tried writing songs tonight after the Wisconsin game and after my friends left, and everything I write down is the same. This overwhelming feeling.

By the way, a couple people came over briefly and I played 3 songs on my acoustic guitar that I've been sporting lately. Thank you for listening. You've avenged me. My projected is called The Avenging Plan, a little cheesy, I know...

Is it too soon? Am I still holding on to the one that got away? Maybe I am not ready...

I wish I knew.

Moreover, I feel like I have let the wrong friends in and the good ones out. Are we always questioning who are good influences and are really there for us and not just waiting with knives when we turn our backs? Something I have been pondering a while...


I know this is rant, advice is welcomed, thank you for reading at least.

Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion" and an announcement

Hey friends.

After reading a lot of reviews about Animal Collective's new record, Merriweather Post Pavilion, I decided that I want/need to listen to it to see what the hype was all about. I listened to their sophomore record back in 2004, Sung Tongs, and it was alright, not amazing to me. So I hoped that this time around they'd be more appealing.

Rather than breaking down a record like I normally do, I am going to tell you what all the others haven't yet because to me, when I read the reviews for this album I was so convinced (which its their job to convince you yay or nay) that this would be "something for the masses."

Before you listen to this record, ask yourself...Do you like psychedelic rock? Do you like musicians like Mercury Rev, Bjork, Fuck Buttons or The Flaming Lips? If so, then you might just have found the new album to swear by. I remembered listening to them back in 2004 and thinking, "you know they're like psychedelic with pop influences." That's still true. I figured I better throw that out there before I have a bunch of people tell me, "well they're not just psychedelic..." (mainly they are though!).

This record does offer some very stimulating musical endeavors. "My Girls" almost reminds me of new wave 80's music. I like the clapping sounds and echoes of "Daily Routine," and the Beach Boys's Pet Sounds-style of the last track (and really a couple tracks are reminsicent of "Wilsonism," Brian Wilson). However, as much as I love my Beach Boys records, Animal Collective just really isn't for me I guess. BUT, do not mistake me, they have great songs. This isn't noise. The music is perfectly calculated. My main point, if you like really psychedelic rock, this may be the new record you and your friends turn on your black lights, have a smoke, and talk about Floyd with (certainly not me when I was a teen with Radiohead's OK Computer...but I am afraid I have said too much...) :)

Anyways, an announcement(s) I'd like to make. I am kind of going to not really make this about sports anymore, I will only when I feel theres something on a "global" scale to say about something. I think I am definitely going to stick to music, possibly more about my own project (The Avenging Plan), and life concerns, lessons, happenings, etc. I've had a crazy last week and there'll definitely be a story or two about something we probably at one point or another relate to. My objective is to relate and connect with you. Make a friend. Share thoughts. Follow my blog and I absolutely follow yours. Those are my sincere and honest intentions.

Franz Ferdinand is back with "Tonight" and the Milwaukee Bucks problems...

Hey friends.

First off, being the avid music fan that I am, I feel obligated to voice my opinion on Franz Ferdinand's long-awaited 3rd effort, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand" First off, their sophomore record, "You Could Have So Much Better," left me thinking that the record felt rushed and hurried. Its an okay record, but it didn't live up to the first one. The gang took nearly 4 years to complete this one. All in all, I'd say it shows. I encourage you all to read what critics write (including myself, I guess...) with caution. Rolling Stone gave this record 3 stars. Allmusic.com gave it a modest 3.5 stars. Finally, Blender magazine got it right, 4 stars. The first single and opening track, "Ulysses" sets up the record pretty well. Its a good song. But if you think thats good...get ready for a bitchslap with the next 3 songs, "Turn It On," "No You Girls," and "Send Him Away," deliver knock-out rocked out dance tracks (just like the debut). I really like "Send Him Away" because it reminds me of a Steely Dan 70's song, but I am a nerd for Steely Dan, hehe. They get a little more experimental on tracks like "Twilight Omens" and "Lucid Dreams." It works to perfection. I'd definitely give this record an 8 out of 10. Very solid effort and it beats the hell out of the last one (even though the singles off the last record were valuable). One thing that I MUST say about this record and the way it was received. This is was really what made me scream, Rolling Stone for example (and a couple others), essentially said "Yeah, but it sounds like everything they've done before..." Basically stating that it lacks progression from the predecessors. However, I argue, is that such a bad thing? Remember when The Strokes released "First Impressions of Earth," their last album. It sucked. Know why? It didn't sound like them at all. The crunchy, vintage distortions within the guitars were gone. Some bands like Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, The Hives, and yes, I'll bust this one out...The Killers (look where changing their sound got them? Lots of pissed of fans from "Hot Fuss"). However, that doesn't mean they can't make better and better records, but certain styles of rock do not allow the sudden shifting of things like guitar tunings (tuning down or up), etc. Franz Ferdinand experiments just enough with their sound to keep it theirs. Check it out.

Okay, I hate to stick my junk in the Jell-O, but the Milwaukee Bucks are in trouble. Michael Redd, the team's star shooting guard, is out for the season. John Hammond, the Buck's GM continues to mention the fact that they will try to make a trade to help the playoff race cause before the trade deadline. Obviously, the Milwaukee Bucks need someone to step in place for the injured Michael Redd. But do we trade for a shooting guard or do we try to get another big threat under the rim with Andrew Bogut (when he frickin' comes back from back spasms!!)? Ramon Sessions has played well in Redd's place with 34 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 5 assists combined in the last two games. Then again, Charlie Villanueva has been playing well...But will it keep up? What do I suggest? Charlie V is playing great, if we really want another (somewhat) big name, I'd be okay for Milwaukee using him as trade bait. Also, 2 players just chap my ass right now on this team...Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. They are decent, but they are not consistent and they hold us back. They could go as well and only Charlie V if its a really good deal! Here are some players I think could help Milwaukee. Shooting guards: Sacramento's John Salmons, Houston's Ron Artest (I know, he's a contraversial guy...), JR Smith (this guy wants a team who lets him play more anyways!). Forwards: Zach Randolph (you know, we almost got this guy last year!), LaMarcus Aldridge, or here's a good choice Mehmet Okur (Utah is just dying for a trade!!!). Sadly, I love our young talent, Sessions, Alexander, above all the newcomer 2nd pick Moute, however, Jefferson and Bogut (and Charlie V, if not involved with trade) cannot lead us alone. Sessions and Moute have to stay hot and one more key element, most likely created by means of a trade. Without these things, Milwaukee cannot make the playoffs...again.

Anyways, lets see coming up I'll be bitching about the upcoming baseball season, my Chicago Blackhawks, and my next record review will be Animal Collective's new record. There may be another blog or two before I get to these things. Until then, comment, tell me your thoughts on the new FF record or Milwaukee Buck's (if theres any fans out there), etc. Follow my blog :)

--Matthew

I am Matthew.

I am Matthew. I live in Madison, Wisconsin. I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin. I am 24 years old. I am going to write a lot of about music. Quite a bit about films. A bit about sports. However, at times I will try to write a lot about life in general. I welcome your feedback, thoughts, opinions, constructive criticism, etc. I am history major. I have the equivalent of a Communication Arts (Film) minor. What do I love? I love music. Mainly rock, all kinds. Definitely alternative at the top. I also write my own music and lyrics with a solo project that I am created called The Avenging Plan. Right now it's an acoustic bit, just me and my guitar. I am slowly learning piano. I hope to write some piano pieces to fit with my material already. Regarding sports I am pretty pro-Wisconsin: Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, etc. I LOVE the Chicago Blackhawks and hockey. I love pretty much all genres of film, but I'd say drama and suspense at the top. I know this is only an introduction; a little boring, I know.

Next post...Franz Ferdinands new album and what the Milwaukee Bucks NEED to do to salvage the season. Talk to you soon!