Hi. I’m Chris. From here on out, I’ll probably be going by oB (just so you know). I’m in my 30’s, and I’ve been obsessed with all things music since I was a kid. I own a boatload of CDs, I go to a shit-ton of concerts, I play guitar and drums (both not all that well) and I write songs as a hobby with my “band”, which I will try not to mention too often.
I’ve decided to start a blog. A music blog. A music blog that will include album reviews, concert reviews and basically information about any band or artist that I think deserves your immediate attention. I take a lot of pictures at shows (when I can) and will include those that I have that are worthy. There will be no ratings or rankings, no “****” or “thumbs up”. I will link to audio and video as often as is possible so you can judge for yourself. [Incidentally, I will usually link to places you can purchase the records, which often have clips; that doesn’t mean I am endorsing Amazon.com or wherever – if you have the means to go to a local record store or a show, you should do that. Buying directly from the artist is always the best way and local stores always need more support. But in the end, whichever way works best for you is better than nothing, and if you like something, you should BUY IT any way you can.] I champion local and independent music and will try to stay away from a lot of major-label, major-money artists. I live in Philadelphia and will thus include quite a many Philly artist. However, if I think something deserves the spotlight, I shall give it and give it with vigor, no matter how big the name. I won’t talk about myself much.
I like a lot of different kinds of music. My favorite genre of music is “good”. If it’s good, I will probably like it. I tend to lean towards acoustic guitar and horns (specifically saxophone), though neither is necessary to pique my interest, and both of them together is not guaranteed to earn my praise. Then again, I also enjoy a nice, distorted, electric guitar. I like rhythm. I like songs that move. I love Incubus and Pearl Jam. I also love Hanson and Natalie Imbruglia. I will readily admit I like a good, cheesy pop song once in a while. I have no shame and don’t really care what other people think of my musical taste (or a perceived lack thereof). But I am also no snob; I love suggestions and am always looking for new music. Send me what you got. Credit will be duly noted. Also, be aware that I have no real musical training whatsoever, so I may get some terminology wrong – for example, I vaguely know what syncopation means. Just roll with it and feel free to correct me.
I like albums (CD or otherwise). I like holding them in my hands. I like reading liner notes. I don’t own an iPod. I do own a turntable. Live music stirs something in me that I cannot explain. I am disappointed with the music industry. I am saddened by the loss of physical music stores. I can usually tell you the very place I first heard any band that I like. I keep a file, updated often, that lists upcoming album release dates, usually 4 or 5 months in advance. I have over 100 Dave Matthews Band live shows on CD. I obsess. A lot.
I will insistently try and consistently fail to explain why I like what I like and why I think it’s good. It’s always easier to articulate what you don’t like, though, and I’ll try to remember that if you do. I will be long-winded, verbose, vulgar, detailed, tangential, sporadic and ridiculous. I will ramble. I will be all over the place. You might laugh. You will definitely roll your eyes. So sign up, subscribe, check it out, dig it. You won’t get bored, I promise. Maybe you’ll discover a song that changes your life, or at least one that really fucking rocks.
Finally, I give you: Bands That Are Awesome. Enjoy!
oB.
