Living well is the best revenge

I remember reading an interview Morrissey gave around the time The Smiths split, chastising Mick Jagger and other “past their prime” rockers for hanging around past their best-before dates. He had a point at the time, but I find it odd that as the years pass, and the tables turn, Morrissey and the class of ‘83 are now the “elder statesmen” he seemed so opinionated about all those years ago.

I personally have no problem with a 50 year old Morrissey releasing new music in 2008, and I’m pretty chuffed to have a new R.E.M. album drops in less than 24 hours time. 48 year old Michael Stipe, 52 year old Peter Buck, and 49 year old Mike Mills have been R.E.M. for 28 years now, and i think it’s safe to say that they know a little something about how to make music, and make it good (and how to make it the absolute worse it an ever be). There’s no need to delve into the patchwork quality of the last 10 years, where they floundered as a trio in the wake of f Bill Berry’s departure–we all know that collectively, Up, Reveal and Around The Sun
belie the legacy of classic alt-rock album’s like Life’s Rich Pageant, Green, and Document.

Their latest album, Accelerate goes along way to redeeming their reputation, and returning R.E.M. to the upper echelon of indie rockdom.

From the opening spit of lyrics to “Living Well Is The Best Revenge,” you know that the R.E.M. universe in back in alignment. It echoes all the way back to “Radio Free Europe” in tempo and instrumentation. “Man-Sized Wreath” reminds me of Document’s “Finest Worksong” with its strong rhythm section and slick production. But, even with all these obvious touchstones, the thing that makes Accelerate unique is that, as it proceeds, it finds its own voice and its own sound. R.E.M. have gone back to a writing and playing style they may have abandoned, but they’re not retreading old songs in new clothes; this is a new R.E.M. album that sounds like–nay reminds you of–some of the old, great R.E.M. albums of the past.

Welcome back elder statesmen Stipe, Mills and Buck, we’ve been keeping your seat warm.

4 for the weekend vol. 34

Well the road to good health has been slow and very uneven, but I was able to muster up some energy to get this weekend’s 4 picks up and running. Thanks to all the well wishes I’ve been receiving–they’ve helped spur my recovery along. As always, if you want to win these four CDs, drop your name in the 4 for the Weekend discussion forum on the QBiM Facebook page, and say you want vol. 34. This contest closes, Sunday, March 30, at 11:59 pm.

CONTEST: The B-52s Funplex

It’s been a horrible week laying in bed, feverish and achy, with little sleep to soothe my tired old body, but music’s been my buddy, and The B-52’s have been best buddy who brings you chicken soup and and hangs out watching trashy TV with with you while all your other friends go out and have a good time.

So I’m happy to say that I’m on the mend, and feeling better, and hopefully back up to blogging regularly. I think that deserves a celebration of some kind, doesn’t it? Perhaps a contest?

In honour of Funplex which is out in the shops tomorrow, and the welcome return of Athens’ favourite party band after a 16 year break, I’ve got a deluxe Funplex Prize Pack consisting of the new album on CD and vinyl, plus the “Funplex” Remix EP, featuring remixes by CSS and Scissor Sisters. To get your hands on this hot booty, just fire an email with “Hot Dang I want that B-52’s stuff!” in the subject line to contests at quickbeforeitmelts.com. Contest closes Friday, March 28th at 11:59 p.m.

Sick something bad

Hello folks. I’m saddened to inform you that over the last few days, I’ve been sicker than a dog and the fever doesn’t seem to want to break anytime soon. My throat feels like its clogged by one of Antony Hegerty’s hairballs–scratchy, itchy, and not all that pleasant.

So I’m sorry to say I’m a bit behind on my postings, and some of the awesome contests that have been going on, but don’t despair! They shall return soon. In the interim, consider this a reminder to those who’ve been contacted via Facebook about winning the Jim White CDs, and last weeks 4 for the Weekend CDs to send me mailing addresses if you haven’t already done so.

Also, I thought I’d take an opportunity to point out the nifty little PayPal Donate box that’s been added to the sidebar. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support the blog has gotten over our March Madness Contest drive, and appreciate all the kind words and messages. It’s a labour of love running this blog, but there’s little financial support to the labours. We have made some money via advertising recently, but it’s a drop in the bucket when it comes to covering our operating costs. If you’re able to help us out with a small contribution towards our hosting fees and domain registry, we’d be ever grateful.

Here’s hoping I’m feeling better soon!

She & Him speak volumes

She & Him started quite by happenstance, when musician M. Ward met actress Zooey Deschanel during the recording of Richard and Linda Thompson cover for a movie soundtrack. They hit it off. She mentioned she wrote and recorded songs in her bedroom. He said he wanted to hear the songs. She was shy about letting anyone listen, but eventually she sent them to him. He really liked them. She was happy that he was impressed. they decided to work on some material together and see where things go.

Where they went is an impressive album that harks back to the golden age of analog recordings, and to the sultry vocal styling of Dusty Springfield (whom I’m currently crushing over). Volume One is sure to make an impression on any who hear it. It’s out in the shops today.If you like “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” then you’ll love “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” and “This Is Not A Test,” and they only way to know that you’ll love it for sure is to check out the album for yourself. Am I making myself clear?

Also released today, coincidentally on Merge also, is Destroyer’s Trouble In Dreams. Dan Bejar continues his prolific release schedule, having already released an album with his girlfriend under the name Hello, Blue Roses earlier this year.