12 March, 2004 - 2:45 PM:
Syntax Error now technically has a website.
Meanwhile, the Detainees are almost finished recordings for our CD, and a button is in production as we speak.
22 January, 2004 - 9:30 AM:
A recently recorded cover tune has been tossed on the heap.
7 January, 2004 - 3:00 PM:
One resolution for 2004 - update freakbeat.com more times than I did in 2003. Perhaps my right-column link pals will join me in this pursuit.
Let's get things started with the logical "Best of 2003" post. I didn't buy nearly as many records in '03 as I have in past years, and I still haven't gotten around to picking up some that look promising (e.g., The Fall, The Shins, Basement Jaxx). But here follow the six records I like best of those few that I did acquire.
- A-Frames - 2 : A slightly diversified version of their first record. How can something so monotone and clumsily pounding be so damn catchy?
- Outkast - The Love Below/Speakerboxxx : Andre3000's record is what we all wish Prince was still doing, so it gets all the attention. And "Hey Ya" is the greatest party anthem of this century. You can't not get excited when you hear it, even six months later. But don't overlook Big Boi's record, which is not only more consistent, but full of dance hits of its own.
- Junior Senior - D-D-Don't Don't Stop The Beat : In the midst of war and the most depressing presidency of my life, "Hey Ya" would've been comfort enough. This entire album's worth of pure dance-pop joy is almost too much to bear.
- The Rapture - Echoes : I program out a quarter of the tracks on this thing because they're too wretched to bear. But the others are exciting enough to keep me coming back. When they're on, this Gang of 2004 lives up to and surpasses their hype.
- Erase Errata - At Crystal Palace : Only a careful listener could differentiate this from their first record, but it's subtly better. Riot Grrrl meets Beefheart may sound out-of-date to you, but it's exactly the kinda thing I love.
- The New Pornographers - Electric Version : It's not as immediately thrilling as the first one, but it grew on me. Melodies, melodies, melodies - the power is in the pop.
Meanwhile, both of my bands are cruising along. The Detainees seem to get tighter with every show and people are actually responding enthusiastically to Syntax Error's assault on the senses! Now, if we can just get those recordings done.