Twyler will be showing art at Easter Island Festival this weekend (April 13 and 14)! That should be reason enough to go, but the festival also features an incredible, diverse lineup of local and regional acts. It’s put together and hosted by Twyler favorite the Moai Broadcast, who will play a headlining slot on Saturday night. I mean, seriously, look at that lineup. If you know local music at all you’ll know that this is a who’s who of awesome local flavor.
It’s a great way to support local music and kick off the festival season. Also, camping! And Twyler! Come out because this is going to be something special. Check out @Twyler for updates throughout the weekend. Come kick it with us!
I’d love to do another ‘best-of’ post for this year’s music, but I’ve been slacking slightly in keeping up with new releases, so I thought I’d just ramble a bit on a few trends and bands I have been keeping up with.
Dubstep is this generation’s disco
This genre has become pretty mainstream among young people, though it’s been around for a while and has been big in Europe (which obviously is cooler than the American version). I’m actually a fan of some artists and certain styles that could be lumped into the genre (and, ok, some mainstream stuff) but I think it’s pretty clear that the dubstep craze will fizzle and become the disco of the 2010s. Once these kids (you know who you are) graduate from college or get real jobs and a few years pass, we will all sit back and laugh. ‘Dubstep is dead’ shirts will be mass-produced along with hilarious pictures and videos of people making stupid faces and doing the dubstep dance. (This is already happening.)
Again, I’m not knocking the genre as a whole — some artists aren’t simply button-pushers who jumped on the trend, and actually do it in a creative and amazing way — but check back in 4, 5, 10 years and tell me I wasn’t right.
I’m a little lost
I’ve always had a wide pallet when it comes to music, and this year has been no different. I do find myself, however, sort of lost when it comes to new music that I actually like and want to listen to. Maybe I need to dig a little deeper, but I’ve been listening to a lot of the same bands I did last year. Not a bad thing, but hopefully 2012 will offer more of a diverse group of must-hear new acts.
Standout artists of 2011
Little Dragon. I fell in love with this Swedish electro-rock band this year, along with many other critics and music fans. Their ‘Ritual Union’ record is filled with catchy hooks, poppy electronics and lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s delicate melodies. I’ve always loved the Swedish.
Ryan Adams. His ‘Ashes and Fire’ album was a simple, sweet return to his trademark acoustic, country-tinged sound, and it was refreshing to see him get back to making music like this. His voice is perfect for this type of music, and though I would have liked a little more rock mixed in with the lovey-dovey, I can’t complain.
Chromeo rocking Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa. By Twyler
Chromeo. I’ve been getting down to this band long before this year, but jumped at the chance when they came through Tulsa in October. I was giddy before, during, and after the show and it was clearly the highlight of my 2011 concert experiences. Super-funky, good-time grooves that also prove Palestinian/Jewish relations can do wonderful things.
Manchester Orchestra. I basically got into this band after seeing their tear-jerking and beautifully shot video for ‘Simple Math’ off their album of the same name. While that song is definitely the highlight, the rest of the album has its moments for sure, notably ‘Deer’ and ‘Leave it alone.’ Really wish I could have seen them play in Stillwater this year.
The Joy Formidable. One of my most-played bands this year. They’re aggressive and heavy but in a layered, melodic way — and the vocals of Ritzy Bryan (awesome English name) give their sound that female punch I love so much, similar to the Sounds but less poppy.
One of the goofy white dudes from Vampire Weekend. via Wikipedia
I’m not a music-hater, but allow me to do some hatin’. As a musician, I can appreciate almost every type and kind of music, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy listening to everything. And although most of the bands on this list fit the kind of styles I generally should like, whenever I hear them on Pandora or Slacker I get pissed off and immediately hit ‘skip’ or change the station. I even liked and listened to most of these bands at one point, but no more. Things change, and while I can’t really explain why some of these artists anger me the way they do, I’m sure there are deep psychological reasons for some.
Vampire Weekend – Cute little band for hipsters. Maybe if I wore thick-rimmed glasses and were rich I’d be a huge fan, but I doubt it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that …
Ben Harper – You’re cool. I dig your music and your sound. But f**k you. Absolutely no reason why.
Jack Johnson – I don’t live on the beach and I have a job. Haven’t had the opportunity to surf yet either, so stop shoving your happy, melancholy beach business in my face.
Nirvana – Never, ever been a fan. Yeah, I get it. They started a movement, they were incredibly influential. I don’t care. I refuse to listen and always have. Maybe it’s because I was the lone person in junior high who didn’t have a Kurt Cobain T-shirt. I just can’t do it. Dave Grohl will always be the man though.
Phish – Very few moments in life compel me to actually listen and pay attention to this jam-band powerhouse. I’m sure seeing a live show would make me appreciate them more — and I really do think they’re some of the most talented musicians around today — but listening to a Phish CD just seems weird now that I’m out of college and no longer own my VW camper van. The song “Waste” will always hold a special place in my heart though.
Ironically, no Phish was ever played in this glorious van.
Lady Gaga – Just … no. I know I’m not alone here.
Again, as a musician I can appreciate the talent and creativity that all these artists bring and they’ve obviously been really successful. And although I may cringe at certain types of music, I give props where they’re due. All these bands deserve their success and maybe in the future I will reconsider. But I just can’t do it. It’s a gut-feeling thing. So sorry if you’re offended, but not really.
Here are a few of the best music videos of the last few months, as voted on by Twyler.com editors. It’s hot around these parts — and most of America, really — so be thankful for AC and chill out while watching these beautiful audio/video mash-ups. Oh, and happy birthday MTV. Thanks for pioneering this genre before bringing us Jersey Shore and the Hills. Please, drop the “M.” No music’s been there since the 90s. Stop kidding yourself.
A perfectly conceived video. The images, videography, editing, concept and the way they work in the band and slow-motion singing all work together flawlessly. An emotional and beautiful video. Almost made me cry the first time. Seriously.
Haunting. Beautiful. The video makes no sense, or makes all the sense in the world. I guess it depends on your outlook in life. And how often you lucidly dream.
This video features some incredible illustration and animation. The flowing visuals are a perfect fit for the band’s post-rock crescendos, and tell a story with art and instruments instead of a plot and song lyrics. Those seem unnecessary here, although eight-plus minutes might be a stretch for some. The band is all about layering and building up mountains of sound that build and then drop off almost completely. The video seems to mimic this approach, with a little break and switch in style in the middle that builds up yet again to the soaring peak.
Edit (addition): Super Gold Medal winner
“Some Child” – Holy Ghost! (feat. Michael McDonald)
Funk-nasty grooves, awesome animation and a cyclops Michael McDonald! ‘Nuff said!
I’ve decided to sell some of my art for a more reasonable price than I’ve been asking. At this point my goal is to make enough so I can buy more supplies and make a little extra money to keep making new stuff and experimenting. To be honest, I think these are worth more (given supply costs and time, mainly), but I also want to be able to make stuff that people can afford. (And also, to be honest, art is completely subjective.) At this point I wouldn’t be able to pay a whole lot for art myself — as much as I want to support other local artists — so I completely understand. I also just need to make room for some new works, so help take these off my hands!
I know I’ll get to the point where I can demand a decent amount for my work if I keep creating, changing and learning, but right now I think I’ll just keep making art I like and selling it for decent prices to (almost) anyone who likes it. I’m not an artist for a living, so obviously that’s a different story, but I think everyone should be able to afford some cool original art. So I think I’ll just keep it real, affordable, non-pretentious. Check out the ‘Art’ section of this website and email me if you like something. Make an offer if you want. Also, if there’s something you like that has sold or have an idea for something let me know, I’ll totally commission something awesome for you.
I had an amazing time this Memorial Day Weekend at Backwoods Bash on Keystone Lake. I took some art to show off, took the little one for a bit, got my fish on (got one really nice catfish), took part in a late-night djembe jam, listened to some amazing regional bands and even got to take the stage myself with the Move Trio. Lots of wonderful people, beautiful lake weather and inspiring, diverse music. Also, I’m a VIP (in every regard).
I thought I would post a little something since I gave out a few cards. So, if you somehow made it to this site because you were at Backwoods Bash go ahead and comment or shoot me an email (tylizzle@gmail.com). I know I get some decent traffic on here, but it’s always cool to see how people find the site. Also, a few people were asking about artwork and how they can get in touch with me, so if you saw something that you liked (or even if you weren’t there) I’ll give you the Memorial Day deal of $50 for any of the paintings I took out. It’s a steal, really. Literally. Well, almost literally. Nobody uses that word right so I don’t feel remotely bad about that phrase. Almost literally.
Email me (tylizzle@gmail.com) if you want some Tulsa-made art/t-shirts or if you just went to the Bash and wanted to toss around crazy stories and fuzzy memories. I have boatloads. I’ll also be putting up pictures of my art and doing a site redesign, so watch out for that.
Dirtfoot at BWB 2011. Absolutely epic band.
A music post is coming shortly, so stay tuned. I’ll have to include some bands I saw this weekend, because there was some serious star power out there. Goodnight!
Tonight from 5-9 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. I’ll be showing some art at the Eclipse in Tulsa. It’s part of the Street Cred Tulsa event put on by the Tulsa Young Professionals. There are going to be a ton of vendors and small businesses who will be showing off the coolest that Tulsa has to offer. Be there!
I’ve also been putting a few pictures of my art on a Tumblr I started. I’m still undecided about the whole Tumblr thing. It’s an easy way to blog or put up pictures and I love the search/tag and community aspects, but it seems like a breeding ground for copyright and attribution issues… or, just like the rest of the Internet. I’ll stick it with it for a while although I should really just build my own site to show off my artwork.
Here are a couple pictures to pique your interest. Or not, depending on your cool factor.
Today marks the second day of sunshine and no snow or ice accumulation. After almost an entire week of being stuck inside by blizzards and snow drifts, I was very much convinced of the perils of the so-called ‘cabin fever’. I nearly lost my mind.
Yesterday I was able to work again, and it felt wonderful. I feel like a new man today, like a real person again. I also got to sleep in which helped a great deal, and today I’m tackling all kinds of things on my to-do lists.
It makes one really think about what’s important. It was nice to have time off to play with the little one, play in the snow and put off paying bills, but after a while your mind starts to wonder what exactly the hell you’re doing. You’ve been in this same house, doing the same thing for what? Three, four days straight? That’s not entirely abnormal for some people, but the simple fact is that with the street conditions and below 0 temperatures you are STUCK. You can’t go anywhere, and this can be a really depressing thought.
I don’t want to speak too soon, as we’re setting up for another round of intense snow and panic, but today was the first time in a long time that I’ve felt this fresh, this alive, this ready to tackle the world like Brian Urlacher on speed. Music is more intense, colors are brighter and the melting snow has never looked prettier. I hate to admit that something as silly as the weather can affect my mood this much, but after the snowpocalypse I think we can all agree that the sun is a good, good friend right now.
Bring on summer, music festivals, 105-degree sunburns, road trips and the like. I’m over you, snow.
This magical year of two thousand ten, the year of our Lord, is almost gone. *gasp* There has been a lot of really good music, a lot of really bad music, and a lot of crazy things have happened in the entertainment world. It’s time that I share my impressive and expansive knowledge of all the coolest music in “Twyler’s top ten (albums) of twenty-ten“.
Before I give you the best of, though, I thought I’d share my thoughts on some of the worst of the year, or the ‘not top ten’. Most of these bands were hugely successful this year, and I think they need to be taken down a notch, or twenty.
So enjoy, comment and debate as you wait for Twyler’s top ten.
Kings of Leon (No. 18 album of 2010 on Rolling Stone list)
Oh, they have Grammy's too.
I will admit that I haven’t heard anything from their new album, aside from whatever I may have accidentally caught on the radio (Burning Sex or something?). I have, however, read about their rockstar diva antics (see below), and I think it’s safe to say that the success has gotten to them. Call them tools, d-bags, sellouts, divas, whatever… I hate to use words like that about Oklahoma musicians, but there are eyewitness accounts from musicians and fans who haven’t suddenly become millionaires (thus not losing all sense of reality), so I don’t feel bad. Maybe their music is great, but I don’t support douchiness. Although if I had made the ‘arena rock record of the year’ (Rolling Stone) I bet I would be a drunken tool to a lot of people, and be loving every minute of it.
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon II: the Legend of Mr. Rager
Great style, bad singing.
Maybe I just don’t get it. I think the real issue, though, is that I’m really intrigued by this guy’s style and brand of dark, rock-inspired hip hop, but he just doesn’t deliver. There are a few tracks I can dig, but for the most part this album fell flat and I just couldn’t listen to it more than a couple times. I think maybe he just needs more Weezy. Who doesn’t? Or maybe the Kid should focus less on thug-singing about drugs and more on writing actual lyrics. (“pretty green bud, all in my blood, Ohhh I need it, we can take off now, Ohh marijuana, yeahhh” – wow. Really clever.)
(I like this song, especially that St. Vincent, a Tulsa native, is on it, but the album is not all it’s cracked up to be.) Also, the Roots make any artist better, and notice the iphone sound effects. Pretty sweet.
Vampire Weekend, Contra (No. 6 album of 2010 in RS)
Sorry hipsters. I can’t stand listening to this band anymore. I had the album and liked it a little bit. Kind of like an ‘oh, that’s cute’ kind of way. Or maybe just as background music. But not something I’d put on and really dig into. I’m not sure what it is about this band exactly, but Pandora seems to think I absolutely love them, and continually tries to get me to listen to them despite countless thumbs down. Sorry, maybe I need an Ivy League education. Or maybe more flannel?
Pretty, blonde, kinda country. I like that part.
Taylor Swift, Speak Now (No. 15 in RS)
Yes, I did actually listen to this album. Yes, I am embarrassed about it. I’ve heard a few of her older songs on the radio and actually enjoyed a couple, maybe one of them. At least as much as I could without being 13 and female. Maybe I was also blinded by the fact that she’s pretty, blonde and can write her own songs. I couldn’t get past the silly teen-pop high school sheen this time. I’m glad that she’s successful, I guess. But her music is obviously not for me… and I think Kanye was right after all. “Imma let you finish, but…”
Glee, whatever
I don’t care who you are. I don’t care how popular this show is or how obsessed you are with this cheesy disney-fied high school show. I don’t want any part of it. Here’s an idea: take some songs that are already popular, make them as cheesy as possible. THEN, throw in some teenage drama and hot-button issues and you have a show. THEN, record this fake glee club singing these songs and sell millions of albums. It’s almost worse than muzak to me. It makes me wonder about humanity when the record industry is dying but blatantly unoriginal stuff like this is selling like mad. They take stupid pop songs (and songs I actually like too…) and make them even more commercial, even more flat and mass-appealing. Even your grandma can enjoy it. But that’s the point. And that also makes my point. Right?
It’s unnaturally popular, mainstream to the max, and once again, it’s just not for me. But I also think Glee fans should take a hard look in the mirror. Are you buying what they’re selling?
The real top ten will drop in the next few days. Stay tuned! I promise (pinky-swear) to update this blog more. Seriously.
I’ve been waiting to hear these two albums for a while. These two bands are both from Canada, both have a pretty awesome, unique sound and both of these bands are favorites of Twyler(dotcom). For one reason or another, I initially liked the Stars album quite a bit more than “the Suburbs”, but I think it was the pop-ness and electrical / upbeat feel of “Ghosts” compared to Arcade Fire’s more melancholy but still epic album about life in the suburbs.
I think that the Arcade Fire album will continue to do well on the charts despite their indie label and probably launch them to Death Cab-like popularity and frat guy status, but it really is a good album and has some amazing moments.
I think everyone should listen to the new album by Stars. You might hate it, but I think they’re a very underestimated band and this is by far their best album. “The Five Ghosts” ranges from a little creepy, really danceable, romantic and emotional to just flat out beautiful. The members are also part of the band/collective Broken Social Scene, who are another one of my favorite indie darlings, and made another one of my favorite albums of 2010 (see below).
