With a Buzz in Our Ears, We Play Endlessly (January 31st, 2009)

First official post. The new writing layout is going to be more expansive and less constrained to one particular artist. Every article will include a specific song that has recently caught my attention and a brief album review in the same rating system as my previous blog. However, in the Tilt column, the album's overall score on Metacritic.com will determine the point value. Additionally, the opening paragraph will discuss musical perceptions throughout the week, segments on music history or bizarre incidences in the music world (today, however, it will simply entail the details for future entries). Articles will be published as often as possible, most likely in a weekly fashion. For now, here are the first entries:

Featured Song: Inní mér Syngur Vitleysingur by Sigur Ros

Hauntingly uplifting, undeniably a song that will be stuck in your head for days. The Icelandic post-rock legends strike an unfamiliar chord with this song (off their new record, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust), moving towards an obtuse, direct orchestral sound rather than their traditional minimalism. It begins with what sounds like a 40's broadcast of horn music and moves directly into a powerful xylophone/strings combination that is quickly joined by higher brass. Eventually the song levels out at the middle, but gradually begins to build. A repetitive chorus in Icelandic guides you as progressively more and more instruments join the fold. Eventually the song explodes into a powerful, almost violent, climax that leaves the listener beyond satisfied and wanting more. All in all, fantastic song.

New Release: Slumdog Millionaire: Official Soundtrack to the Motion Picture.

Released: December 21, 2008
Every once in a while, a feel-good story takes your breath away and leaves you feeling nothing but joy. This year, that story is Slumdog Millionaire. Slumdog tells the tale of a boy from the streets of India who, through a series of remarkable incidents, wins 20 million rupees on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Much like the film, the soundtrack garners vast attention and high praise from critics. A.R. Rahman's score makes the slums outside Mumbai seem as wonderous as they are dangerous, combining traditional eastern instruments with modern, upbeat techno. Sri Lankan electronic superstar M.I.A. provides three tracks to the film, including her world famous Paper Planes and O...Saya, a powerful track that sets the mood early and never lets go. All in all, much like its Best Picture-nominated accompanying film, the soundtrack to Slumdog Millionaire was equally a breathtaking spectacle.

Overall: 8.5/10

Sound: 9
Quality: 8
Lyrics: 8
Impression: 10
Production: 8
Tilt: 8

The irony of it all is that it's all about words: words we encounter, words we ignore and words we think. Every word, be it the undeniable truth or a complete work of fiction, stems from some unknown meaning. Intentionality, they call it: our human ability to attach the world around us to usually innate perceptions. It's because the meaning needs to exist. Without it, what would we be? Free floating cosmozoan entities entities no better than the protists that provide for us?

It is in this intentional human quality that I classify music. Every human being, be it directly or indirectly, possesses an attachment to the melodies that surround them. Usually we see music as something performed or perpetrated by those who possess skills superior to our own but really, what it all boils down to is a series of sonic vibrations. The only thing separating a siren blast and Beethoven's Ninth is interpretation and how well notes dwell in connection to one another.

Imagine you are downtown standing in the middle of a crowded street. It is a blustery day and you can feel the wind pulsing against your face and through your hair. All around you are noises: people talking on cell phones and to each other, taxis honking one after another in gridlock, squeaking doors, tapping feet, birds cawing and brakes squealing. It is overwhelming to think about in one sitting, processing each sound and pitch and determining their origin. Now imagine you are sitting in an auditorium. An outstanding array of classical musicians surround you, holding instruments of every kind. They begin to play and you can almost catch the melodies with your fingertips in synesthetic bliss. Every note is perfect, every tone sublime. The flutes squeak, the drums tap, the clarinets caw, the low brass honks and the strings seem to talk to you; everything is striking.

Every adjective I just used to describe the noises were the same. So what's the difference? Why can't that city block expel the same sublime spectacle as the concert hall? That's what Lyricless is all about: analyzing music and determining what music is really about for people. This is a blog for the people whose best friend hates the music you absolutely love (which, theoretically, is everyone), for those looking for interesting perspectives on music past and present or even just for people looking for new music to listen to. No musical subject is taboo here and if there is something you desire I write about, never hesitate to ask.

The world should be a place united by music. While we don't play the same tune, we all have one to call our very own.