August 30, 2011

As I predicted in last week's video, there has been a lot going on this week (i.e. new college), and a video would be out of the question. But I do have a moment to write a little bit here so there isn't a huge gap in the story. My brief thoughts on the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album "I'm With You":

I thought this album was really good. From the moment it began, I felt all the energy, passion, and drive that I feared RHCP would lose. They totally lived up to standards. "Monarchy of Roses" is a great lead-off song, and it set my mind at ease straightaway. From here, the album stays fairly consistent in terms of energy and dynamic, with a few ups and downs. Enough that it doesn't get boring, but not so much that it loses coherency.

"Look Around", "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" and "Goodbye Hooray" all appear in the middle of the track list, and I think this is where the real heart of the album lies. I initially questioned the use of "Rain Dance Maggie" as the album's lead single because it is a somewhat flat song. However I have come to realize that, since the rest of the album has plenty of energy, "Maggie" fits into the flow easily. It is really a solid song, despite the low-energy feel it brings.

The album finishes strongly enough, and I am left totally satisfied. I don't think any of these songs will be instant hits, I doubt very much whether any will be chart-toppers, but I don't care. RHCP have rediscovered the art of the album, and have made a point of showing the musical world that, decades be damned, they still hit hard.


Final note for the week: my schedule is shaping up in a way that makes Tuesdays a much better day for "Got Music?" episodes than Mondays. So expect videos every Tuesday, not Monday. That is all...

August 23, 2011

My sincere apologies for not having this ready on time (again). I was really busy. But I totally didn't forget (I might have forgotten a little bit). Anyhow, enjoy.

August 16, 2011

Hello! I apologize for not having this yesterday, monday turned out to be a very busy day indeed! Nonetheless, here is this week's video and accompanying links/notes. Enjoy!

August 10, 2011 Update!

Almost forgot! My weekly concert recommendation was for KINK's Concert for Kids next Monday (link to tix on "Links" page), which is going to be great. But in my haste to promote this excellent benefit show, I nearly forgot that the Arctic Monkeys are going to be in town this week! In fact, tomorrow! If you can, go check them out because I have heard their live shows totally rock, and their new album (released June 6, 2011) is awesome! Check out both if you can!

Okay, back monday with more neat stuff!

August 8, 2011

Episode 1! Enjoy!

Note: I wanted to include my review of the new album by The Ettes, "Wicked Will", but the video got too long. But I really liked that album, and I think you should go check it out!

The Beginning

Hello, internet. My name is Allan Van Vliet. I make, listen to, and review music. I've decided that a good exercise to ensure I stay on top of all things musical will be to create a weekly video and blog in which I discuss the latest music news and releases. I am hoping that I will be finished with episode one later today, and will be able to post it soon. I am putting this post up so that, on the off chance that anyone finds this page before I am done, they don't see a blank blog.

Come back by later and check it out!