Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tell me I'm your National Anthem


I’m alive, I swear to you. I’m just a poor blog manager.
You see, I’m trying to break free of the restraints I’ve put on myself by saying, “I’ll do book reviews and now I’ll do album reviews.” That sort of thing curbs my appetite for blogging and I’ll have to stop. I’ll still talk about music most of the time, but it doesn’t have to be about one specific band or musician.
Most of my listening lately has been dedicated to Florence + the Machine and Lana Del Rey. Lana is a surprise to me, as I was a bit put off by her performance on SNL and heard less than flattering things about her album ‘Born to Die’ from my hero, internet music critic Anthony Fantano. Video Games was catchy enough, and I allowed it into my repertoire. An alternate version of National Anthem came about, and before I knew it I was reading her interviews and reblogging her pictures and making her a Pandora station, right above St. Vincent and Big K.R.I.T. and below THEESatisfaction.
She’s an interesting character underneath the pouty, likely synthetic lips and vintage sex appeal. Lana has mentioned the probability of her not recording another album, but I am secretly hoping she releases something big. With her unique contralto and writing style, I think she’s capable.
As for Florence, I’ve fallen head over heels. I bought Ceremonials numerous months ago and always loved it, and now I’m beginning to dive into her first album. While not as epic or triumphant or mature as Ceremonials, Lungs does maintain its own form of innocence and wonder. Cosmic Love is incredible, possibly suited for Ceremonials. Their trademark percussion does much to fill up and enrich their sound. Her live performances are bordering on magic. Florence is in her own little world when on stage, often taking the audience with her.
I’m a bit uninspired in terms of other things at the moment. I’m at odds of what to do with myself most of the time. Hopefully I can get rid of it.