Violet - Hole
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Brianstorm - Arctic Monkeys
Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire
There, There - Radiohead
Do you ever just get so angry that all you can do is tear up everything in your sights? Where you just need to scream into the void? Well, when that happens to me, there’s only one song that’s fitting the soundtrack of my life, and that’s Violet by Hole. And I’ve been spinning that one on repeat lately.
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
It's my lie, you're mine, you're mine
Welcome to today’s edition of XOXO Chuck–angry girl edition. Well, for the most part. I honestly feel like I’m twelve years old again and raging against the entire world. I remember cutting off my hair because I was just so mad at everyone, but mostly at a boy. It’s always about a boy at the end of the day, isn’t it?
Fuck ‘em. Fuck everyone. (Not you, dear reader, never you).
The White Stripes are back again with Icky Thump, another solid track with a heavy, steady beat and catchy guitar licks. Can I be embarrassing for minute? Do you all play air guitar even though you can’t actually play guitar? I learned the real guitar for about five minutes before getting frustrated, so I remember a few chords, but mostly I’m just winging it. Someone once asked me if I could actually play the instrument because we were rocking out together, and was actually surprised when I told him no. Call it a hidden talent.
Also, what are we thinking about skinny jeans? I’m seeing Levi’s calling them “matchstick,” but I don’t know if that will catch on. I’ve got a few pairs, and I think I’m digging them. Especially with a great boot.
Staying on the heavy beat train, I am loving the sophomore album by Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare, and their new track Brianstorm. I was honestly surprised when I first heard it, like this is the same band? But they’ve evolved their sound in such a cool direction.
The drums and the guitar and the bass all put together so frantically with Alex Turner’s rough-cut velvety voice–perfection, in my mind. I hope he never loses his accent, because for me, it’s part of what makes Arctic Monkeys such a stand-out.
But I’m no longer into British boys. I’m calling it. No more accents for Chuck.
I’m trying to fluff up this otherwise angry post with a little bit of hope, in Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire. If you haven’t listened to their new album Neon Bible from top to bottom in one sitting, let me tell you, it’s a transcendent experience (especially with a bit of plant-based assistance, if you know what I mean).
Keep the Car Running is upbeat, swinging, and just generally a good time, especially in comparison to the rest of the album, which is a bit moodier. And sometimes, even if we’re in a mood, we need a bit of an upbeat, swinging song to push us out of it, even if the lyrics carry a darker message, as we’ve come to expect from this band.
My final song of the day is There, There by Radiohead, just to end us on a strong note. This song is all drums and wailing, and is the perfect anthem for a broken heart who just can’t take it anymore. It’s a bit of an oldie, but a goodie.
Just ‘cause you feel it doesn’t mean it’s there.
I’m off to break stuff, but I’ll see you later, Innovator.
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