Finally, a week with great things to report in the music world. I scarcely know where to start, but I’ll try.
Remember when Beck used to actually make albums? Yeah, I’m having a hard time recalling those halcyon days as well. But those of us who have quivered in anticipation since the release of 1999’s insanely underrated “Midnite Vultures” have reason to celebrate.
This week it was announced that the sexiest short person since Prince is in a San Francisco studio recording with producer Dan “The Automator” Nakamura. In case you didn’t know, Nakamura has been responsible for incredible albums by Dr. Octagon, Deltron 3030 and the currently omnipresent Gorillaz. In other words: The Automator’s beats + Beck’s rhymes = possibly the best album of the millennium.
I don’t personally like Phish, but I realize that I live in Eugene, and I know that certain concessions must be made to the prevailing environment that surrounds me. So Phish fans, this one’s for you: Your favorite band is going to be reunited on an episode of “The Simpsons” that is airing in April.
Phish aficionados may also find another detail about this episode particularly interesting. Homer gets a prescription for medical marijuana and finds that it changes his life for the better. When greater Springfield becomes outraged at the presence of drugs in their community, a benefit concert for pot legalization takes place. Hence the presence of Phish.
I just realized how funny it would be if the episode aired on April 20.
Maybe the most exciting news I have this week is the fact that ‘N Sync are kicking off their spring tour in the humble town of Portland. Get ready for a breathtaking, nonstop tour-de-force of incredibly well-written songs, irresistible melodies and Justin Timberlake’s sexy peach fuzz. You can catch the most highly-anticipated show of the year at the Rose Garden on March 3. Diapers are optional.
You might have heard of a little band called Weezer. Legend has it that it took them about four years to make their last album. This apparently made their fans very sad. Those same fans will be very happy to know that a scant 11 months after last May’s “Green Album,” Rivers Cuomo and the boys will be releasing a brand-spanking new collection of songs. If you aren’t good at math, I will lay it out for you: In April, Weezer will release “Maladroit.” Yeah, I don’t know what that means, either.
If you want to know what “Maladroit” is going to sound like, go to www.weezer.com, where you can listen to a whole bunch of demo tracks which might make it onto the album. Hint: The songs are about girls.
Right now I’m listening to the new Chemical Brothers album, “Come With Us,” which was released just this week. It thoroughly surpassed all my expectations. In fact, my colleague Mason West just described it as “get down and freaky music.”
I would have to agree. Listening to “Come With Us” reminds me of my crazy clubbing days in Ibiza and the South of France, when I would gobble copious amounts of drugs and participate in all-night orgies with people from all over the world. Wait, I didn’t ever do any of that. Wow, this really is some CD!
Last, but certainly not least, I am obliged to report the presence of greatness on our campus tonight. This evening, the Buzz Coffeehouse will be rocked to its very foundation by Wallace — a band so talented, so driven, and so intense that they have been literally attacked after the show by women hungry for sensitive yet manly men.
Girls, don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your dreams come true. Guys, come in order to find out what you could be if you only applied yourselves. The show starts at 9 p.m., and there’s no opening act, so get there on time. Best of all, it’s free! Miss it at your peril.
E-mail columnist Dave Depper
at [email protected].
His opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald.