Some of you may remember a few weeks ago when Dustin and I bizarrely ended up locked in his basement. Well, strange things happen to the big D when he’s been beaten and abused. He makes some poor decisions. For example, he decided to create a music section, and then to show just how fucking crazy he is, he decided to make me music editor.
So with that said, welcome to Pajiba Music, the newest section of our fair site. Beginning next week, we hope to bring you music reviews, tales of concert experiences, industry news, videos, and everything else music related. I bring with me several writers from The Music is the Message, which is on temporary hiatus, and we’ll also be counting on contributions from Pajiba staff and other interested parties. You’ll find fresh posts at 5:00 PM EST every Monday through Thursday, and we hope to enlighten, enrich, offend and obfuscate.
Really, I just like using the word obfuscate.
Anyway, if you have any suggestions, ideas, recommendations, whatever — feel free to email me here. Please don’t be upset if I don’t get back to you right away, since it’s probably because you’re a dick. Wait — I mean… no, that’s what I meant.
So with that said, and apropos of absolutely nothing, here’s a video of one of my all-time favorite songs. “A Little Time,” by The Beautiful South.
TK can be found wandering aimlessly through suburban Massachusetts, wondering how the hell he got there while yelling at the kids on his lawn. You can find him raising the dead in preparation for world domination at Uncooked Meat.
I'm still waiting for a regular Pajiba Books reviews...
Posted by: Jean at November 13, 2008 5:24 PM
Seriously? Beautiful South? Its the kind of music I always expect to be in a Lifetime
Movie. Or an FTD commercial. I truly hope it is apropos of absolutely nothing
Posted by: Martika at November 13, 2008 5:24 PM
Oh damn. As a former music major who regularly got verbally assaulted for certain tastes/distastes in music I'm going to be having some very bad flashbacks in the comment threads that are sure to ensue from this column. Music is such a fantastically and tragically personal experience that there's no way NOT to insult someone if you're having any sort of qualitative discussion of it.
I friggin' like it. I enjoy TMITM, I enjoy Pajiba, I thoroughly enjoy music, so this sounds like a goddam hoot to me. New album reviews, per chance?
Here's some other shit I like: pumpkin pie, getting cut with glass, brown gravy, turtles.
Posted by: Skitz at November 13, 2008 5:36 PM
Ive had a liter of wine in the last hour, and I still cant enjoy that song. The video is kindof interesting...but I think that may be the wine talking. Pseudo-country-adult-pop-crap. Wait, wasn't this post titled I wanna rock with you? Where's the rock TK!? Where is the ROCK!?!?!
Posted by: elusive at November 13, 2008 5:38 PM
Kill'em All
Ride The Lightning
Watermark
Cosa Nuestra
King of Rock
Master of Puppets
Killing is My Business and Business is Good
Black Sunday
there, THAT's the only music you need to hear.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 5:43 PM
Really, BSlim,?
I would have pegged you for a Celine fan. I bet her French-Canadian warble makes your heart swoon.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 6:04 PM
OMG SWEEEEET!!!!!!
Posted by: Audiosuede at November 13, 2008 6:08 PM
You forget to mention So Far, So Good, So What - Hook in Mouth, Liar, Set the World Afire - c'mon man, they even did a good cover of Anarchy in the UK. Tsk. That's all I got - tsk.
Coincidentally, that was one of the first cassettes I ever shoplifted - back when Target used to have all their cassettes in those long, white plastic thingies. It kind of sucked, 'cause you'd have to steal a pair of wire cutters to get through the damned thing(s), but there's no way you coulda walked out of the store with the whole thing shoved down the front of your pants... Especially in my case, if you... if you, uh... get my drift...
Posted by: Skitz at November 13, 2008 6:12 PM
As the reigning music snob amongst my friends, I can't wait see the selection y'all come up with. If for no other reason than to be the pretentious douchehound who gets to say she totally found that band waaay before you did...that just never gets old. Countdown to Ghostland Observatory concert tommorow:26 hours,15 minutes,and 23 seconds.
Posted by: Jenintx at November 13, 2008 6:17 PM
I always figured BSlim for a Hannah Montana fan. I once saw him dithering about, trying to figure out which licensed plastic pencil-case to buy, HSM3, or H.M. in a groccery store.
That never happened. Although BSlim once punched the Hulk in the nuts. True Story.
Posted by: Dagon at November 13, 2008 6:18 PM
wait TO see..curses, my excitement done 'effed up my brain.
Posted by: jenintx at November 13, 2008 6:22 PM
What the fuck is that speaking ill of Paul Heaton up there?
Sure, the luster wore off after 93 or so, but the first three albums?!
If only I could push my Heaton falsetto at you through this damn thing.
Rope or gas?
And isn't Pitchfork already covering the snobbery bases? Oh wait, that's probably really 2002 of me. Anyway, I should hope that the staff at least has no bleeding edge douchehoundery in mind, MITM has seemed pretty catholic and fun so far.
Huh? Who the hell's Ghostland Observatory?
Oh and if you wanna send me free cd's I'll review em (hey, I used to get paid five bucks too! You'd be getting off easy). That or give me excuses to go photograph more bands, my fucking Wedding Present roll didn't come out. That happened on a Thursday, Thursdays have taken a nasty fucking turn lately.
Oooh, I can't wait for the shit to hit the fan with this. And to all you music writers out there, remember, if all else fails call The Beatles underrated. That will really throw people off.
Posted by: the_wakeful at November 13, 2008 6:36 PM
This should be fun. Certainly more fresh ground here for the crew than in movies.
Fwiw, through the miracle of youtube I've been jamming Dogs of Lust by The The and Desperate Situation by Mike Patton's Peeping Tom project pretty regularly the last couple days.
Btw, did anybody ever read Dr. David Thorpe's column on Somethingawful a couple years back? My God that shit was hilarious. His field guides to the American hipster were genius.
Posted by: Eep at November 13, 2008 6:39 PM
Goddamn Johnny Marr had a baby and didn't go on the Dusk tour, didn't goddamn see him on stage until this year, grumble grumble.....
TK with you and Rowles at the helm I just hope this isn't a recipe for disaster. On a side note I don't like bringing up racial shit in the house of pajiba seeing as I consider it my home away from home. Now with that being said I hope you two numbskulls explore music that spans across all ethnic lines and not just music by that homo that killed himself Cobain, I look forward to this new and exciting endeavor.
Posted by: Pookie at November 13, 2008 6:58 PM
I could never add Nirvana to this list...not while the woman who murdered him still walks the streets...
She KILLED him..she killed him with a shotgun.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 7:00 PM
Really, BSlim,?
I would have pegged you for a Celine fan. I bet her French-Canadian warble makes your heart swoon.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 6:04 PM
------------------------------------------
pffffffft...and really, really.
REALLY
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 7:02 PM
I always figured BSlim for a Hannah Montana fan.
Posted by: Dagon at November 13, 2008 6:18 PM
------------------------------------------
Dude, seriously.
We ALL know she's got like, some sort of secret life...right?
HELP ME, SYNERGY...
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 7:05 PM
I think you need me Obi One. Let me know if you want me writing...
Some points in my favor:
* I have great taste in music
* I'm funnier in writing than I am in person
* I play well with others. Ask all the roadies from the Duran Duran shows ;-)
* I know where the bodies are buried and I haven't told yet
Call me...
Ms. Mix & Bitch
Mix Tape Therapy
Posted by: Ms. Mix & Bitch at November 13, 2008 7:07 PM
You guys can talk all the shit you want to about Celine, but I think she's kinda sexy. I bet she's got a long pussy.
Posted by: Pookie at November 13, 2008 7:07 PM
One side of me says: FUCK YEAH! AN-GUS! *clap-clap* AN-GUS! *clap-clap* and makes the devil horns sign.
Other side of me says: PaJaysus, I already waste 24 hours a fucken day here, I'ma have to invent time travel if I'ma waste 48 hours a fucken day here.
Damn you, Rowles. Damn you to HE ...
What? It's TK?
Oh, then it's cool.
Posted by: bucdaddy at November 13, 2008 7:07 PM
Excuse me Ms. Mix & Bitch, but men are talking here.
Posted by: Pookie at November 13, 2008 7:12 PM
pffffffft...and really, really.
REALLY
So I'll take that as a yes? Fantastic. When she comes a-caroling to your house this holiday season you'll know who to thank.
Kisses!
I bet she's got a long pussy.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 7:13 PM
I'm just afraid Slim's gonna notice the misspelling up there.
That girl's voice freaks me out. Seriously, I think she'd dead.
Posted by: Mat at November 13, 2008 7:14 PM
Fuck you, Pookie. I am not a man. And my boobies are hurt that you'd suggest otherwise.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 7:15 PM
....you want to make yourself useful, I'll take a Pastrami on rye.
Posted by: Pookie at November 13, 2008 7:18 PM
Kayanne I'm sorry, but all the men know what I'm talking about when I say that Celine has a long deal.
Posted by: Pookie at November 13, 2008 7:22 PM
Fuck you, Pookie. I am not a man. And my boobies are hurt that you'd suggest otherwise.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 7:15 PM
DUDE! just let it go.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 7:36 PM
Your absolutely right Pookie. It's how she hits the high notes. You see when she hits herself in the chest it forces air through her elongated canal and past the pancake like meat cutains. This in turn causes the causes the cutlets to vibrate producing the various tones you hear.
I swear to god, every song you hear is produced by her giant bearded clam.
Posted by: admin at November 13, 2008 7:41 PM
Oh, and sorry TK that song hurt. Bad.
Posted by: admin at November 13, 2008 7:44 PM
admin
That was the most ridiculous piece of hilarity I've ever heard in my life. You win at life.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 7:45 PM
I KNEW IT!!!!!!
THAT'S IT! all the the alleged "females" here are:
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODES!!!!!!!!!!
*cue me some Crying Game Phil*
Oooooh god. *slowly slides down shower wall*
PS: yes I do keep a laptop in the shower.. STFU!
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 7:46 PM
I welcome any and all of you bitches to bring your suck-ass comments to our reviews and such.
Did TK say anything about new album reviews? I'm sure we'll do some of them, but for most of you who are already reading TMITM (and if you haven't, go there now and read up so you know who we are), it's not just about new music, it's about music that means something. So yeah, I'm gonna throw some stuff in there that might be a few years old, but some of you youngsters need educatin'.
I see it as my personal duty to send your ass back to school.
Lurv,
Jez
Posted by: Jez at November 13, 2008 7:58 PM
I welcome any and all of you bitches to bring your suck-ass comments to our reviews and such.
Did TK say anything about new album reviews? I'm sure we'll do some of them, but for most of you who are already reading TMITM (and if you haven't, go there now and read up so you know who we are), it's not just about new music, it's about music that means something. So yeah, I'm gonna throw some stuff in there that might be a few years old, but some of you youngsters need educatin'.
I see it as my personal duty to send your ass back to school.
Lurv,
Jez
Posted by: Jez at November 13, 2008 7:59 PM
Fuck. I hate it when I post things twice on accident.
TK - Maybe these guys don't get the Beautiful South. Next time try "Amphetamines and Coffee" by the Afghan Whigs.
Posted by: Jez at November 13, 2008 8:02 PM
Posted by: Jez at November 13, 2008 7:58 PM
HUH?
...and you are...?
HUH?
eeeeeh?
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 8:03 PM
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 13, 2008 8:05 PM
BSlim,
You remind me a lot of JoJo the Idiot Circus Boy... Which is exactly why you can't find a pet.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 13, 2008 8:20 PM
jenintx,
Lucky! I so wanted to go see Ghostland but there was no way my schedule was going to let it happen. Stupid deadlines, I hate them. I also missed them over the summer with that whole floating down the river thing (I haven't lived in Austin that long, so the name of the river/event eludes me). As part of the music regime here at Pajiba, please report back on the concert!!
TK - Maybe these guys don't get the Beautiful South.
But I do get the ear piercing vocals (please see previous post). However I am confused as to how the dude(?) is pulling it off.
Kayanne the secret is that she also uses her music muff as a tea cosey. It keeps it supple like a well worn catchers mitt.
Posted by: admin at November 13, 2008 8:27 PM
I love this Beautiful South song. So, thanks TK - I haven't heard this in years. Thank god I refused to let all the cassette tapes go in the garage sale. ('Cause you know people are always scouting out sweet tapes at garage sales - first things to go after the cassingles, 8 tracks and outdated computer parts)
Also, I don't care if this gets posted twice, because I can't do anything computery today so it is not my fault.
Posted by: lp at November 13, 2008 8:34 PM
And it's ungrateful shits just like these that I karaoked "Song For Whoever" for.
Oh, TK, you have no fucking IDEA how happy this makes me. Honestly, I've been waiting forever for Pajiba to throw it's hat into the music circle. I am fucking gleeful right now. GLEEFUL!
Posted by: Jeremy Feist at November 13, 2008 8:43 PM
I DEMAND someone review Axl Rose's vanity project, Chinese Democracy.
Someone, please? Before my husband buys it longing for the good days of GnR?
Slim, be nice.
Pookie, QUIT IT NOW. Everyone knows Celine Dion is asexual. Besides, could you really make her hit those high notes?
Posted by: Melody at November 13, 2008 8:45 PM
And...I am just gonna take this opportunity to brag that I saw She and Him last week, and they were awesome.
Posted by: s. pisaster at November 13, 2008 8:46 PM
I am officially happy, not that anyone gives a shit. Pajiba needs more music. And TK you rock for picking The Beautiful South to get things going (though I'm partial to "Have You Ever Been Away?").
If y'all think Heaton has a high pitch, you ought to get a load of Jimmy Summerville:
Oh and "Straight in at 37", with these fabulous lyrics:
...Well Simon le Bon stayed round my house before
And he was sick on the plants and he was sick on the floor
And he wouldn't go home until he'd sung his song
With a backing harmony from Paul Young
Shell we dance again?
In our special way
With our trousers round
our knees...
Posted by: Cindy at November 13, 2008 8:51 PM
(though I'm partial to "Have You Ever Been Away?")
But, yes, I was surprised it was even available, but the Star Bar's kind of a tough crowd sometimes, or at least a disinterested one. I'm gonna go see if Mary's the gay bar has a working copy of "This Is Hardcore" as it no longer works at the Star Bar (along with a lot of other things I want to sing). They weren't that excited about that either that one time(but it killed in Portland. Killed).
The childish drawing up there gave me all kinds of hope for a few seconds. I just hope Pajiba Music won't be full of musical snobbery, about pretentious, bland non-rock acts. At least not all the time.
Posted by: JC at November 14, 2008 12:30 AM
I'm pleased, TK. For, you see, I need your help, so this is all good. I spent my teen years extensively delving into classic rock, a party of one, oddly. Yes, I saw my first few years of MuchMusic, but other than the mid-eighties...I lost my clue. I only have a collection of odd tunes that I have chanced into - easily identified by friend or boyfriend of the time. I still sing 'Woman in the Wall' (when I'm alone, because I sound like hell) so I'm delighted to actually KNOW a band that other people would mention. That's so Pajiban of you, to give me hope.
They are oddly country-ish, but not in the way I hate. Same with Mary Margaret O'Hara.
Posted by: replica at November 14, 2008 1:49 AM
There should definitely be a VOD (video of the day).
Shoulda gotten Peter Murphy for that Twilight movie.
That's what I've made my Facebook page, actually. Haven't used "A Strange Kind Of Love" yet but it's on deck (and it's always annoyed me that the video is a different version that I like better but isn't on the album). Peter's what I always thought Lestat looked like, so Tom Cruise was doubly jarring.
The Braves would play the intro of "Cuts You Up" a lot when going out to commercial in 91 and I always felt like I knew this weird secret.
That's another of my favorites Jay. And don't get me started on TC in Interview, that was a disaster. I'm guessing he pushed his way into that role.
Peter gave one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life.
Posted by: Cindy at November 14, 2008 9:51 AM
Next time try "Amphetamines and Coffee" by the Afghan Whigs.
Yes. Yes you should.
Posted by: MG at November 14, 2008 9:56 AM
The second Bauhaus reunion tour came to the Tabernacle (deconsecrated church--spoooooky, right? Yes, but it was House of Blues first. It's really just a fantastic venue) on my 30th birthday, which also happened to be Thanksgiving. I had to eat fairly light in order to stay ambulatory, and I was part of the skeleton crew at the library the next morning due to being one of the suckers who stayed in town that week, but......it was rather grand.
Holy crap, YouTube's got a David J video I'll also use. What can't you do, YouTube?? (besides create Jazz Butcher videos that don't exist)
And the library reinstated being closed on Black Friday last year. Huzzah!
this is the worst thing i've ever heard, and i've heard me some bad. Toughen up TK, this is... scary.
Posted by: Todd at November 14, 2008 10:29 AM
I love The Beautiful South. Lovely, lovely songs about the most perverse things.
Posted by: Drake at November 14, 2008 11:37 AM
The Beautiful South: In concept, I should be all up in they bizness. But the dude is so... lackluster, I guess. And that bargain-basement Maria McKee wannabe only inspires me to listen to the real thing.
The songs themselves have tons of potential, though.
Posted by: firedmyass at November 14, 2008 12:01 PM
Hee, skeleton crew...
Posted by: Cindy at November 14, 2008 12:55 PM
Whew, I'm glad Pajiba is covering music now. I was worried no one would be able to tell me if the soundtrack to HSM3 was worth picking up, or if I should just stick to the mix cd I made from recording the movie in the theatre on my cell phone.
Posted by: stipe42 at November 14, 2008 12:59 PM
Music is somewhere I don't even go. I've had long weeks of listening to everything single thing put out by Radiohead, then I have to tell myself STOP OBSESSING! Anyway, my latest Radiohead experience was the outdoor concert in Golden Gate Park. I couldn't really see anything and everyone's singing drowned out Thom Yorke. But aside from that it was great! Wow, I'm so good at this! Hahahah!
Posted by: ph at November 14, 2008 2:27 PM
I think I've written like 20 times about how if Pajiba did music, I would never ever leave here again.
You just made my day, teek.
Posted by: jamiepants at November 14, 2008 2:43 PM
stipe that was so funny I almost cried!
Posted by: ph at November 14, 2008 6:36 PM
I just obfuscated in my pants.
Posted by: raindog at November 15, 2008 8:44 AM
Well. That song was truly, truly horrid. And I don't say this as someone who is anti-folk, jazz, or southern rock (I love me some Nick Drake, Traffic, and The Kings of Leon).
But that was truly, truly horrid. Let's hope it's not indicative of things to come.
Posted by: serena at November 15, 2008 4:27 PM
anti-folk, jazz, or southern rock
Yes, but The Beautiful South are not folk, jazz or from the south of anywhere.
It's kind of a regionalism joke, you see. They're from the north of England and the south and north look down on one another. The unintended twist is that my wearing their shirt that says only "NORTHERN SCUM" on the front (with "BEAUTIFUL SOUTH" in very small letters on the back just below the collar) works in Georgia too.
Also, you're wrong. Phooey.
But jeez, who knew they were so controversial? I'm sure Paul and the Daves would be proud.
But, uh, let's see what I can contribute......
Okay...I bought "Boys and Girls in America" cold, on a whim cause there's so much hubbub, played it once and then sold it back. Craig Finn's voice reminded me of two or three other singers and it's like when a cover song just makes you want to hear the better original instead. Much the same way that Ben Gibbard just makes me want to hear Ian Broudie...and then someone says "who?" (and believe me, that makes me feel much more old than superior).
There's, that's my Yoda pissing on the Federation shield (and I wish I knew where that sticker came from). Come'n' get me!
I don't see how their country of origin negates what I said. They are clearly employing elements of folk and jazz (though I grant that 'southern rock' was perhaps the wrong genre. Perhaps just 'rock' would be more appropriate).
And they are doing it badly.
SQUEE!
Err... That's cool, man.