via//chicago

np: "is she really going out with him?" - sugar ray
not as horrid as i was afraid that cover was going to be, but nothing to get all excited over. for some odd reason there seems to be one track from each Sugar Ray album that i completely adore, and it's usually one of the big singles, "Every Morning" or "Answer the Phone". i can't stand to sit through an entire album, but every now and then they've got a decent hook for a nice summer day.

so, what exactly is up with the California Music Awards? Green Day as Outstanding Group and Artist of the Year? all that for releasing a B-sides comp last summer? seems with the groups that actually did something worthwhile last year, they could have found someone more deserving. not to hate on the Green Day though, i'll still take any praise for them over the recent pop-punk any day. just not sure why 2002 was such a banner year for them in the minds of the Cali Awards people.

speaking of things i just don't get, why is it so wrong for the hipsters to just let the rock and roll be fun? this review of the Exploding Heart's Guitar Romantic makes them sound evil for being derivative. so what? it's honestly one of the most fun albums i've heard in awhile. sure it lifts directly from Joe Jackson, the Buzzcocks, and every other late-70's power-pop group; but does that have to be such a negative thing? "Sleeping Aids and Razorblades" and "Modern Kicks" are still bouncing around my head, those razor-sharp hooks ripping through my brain.

i got a quick listen last night of the new Guided by Voices album last night, sounds pretty solid after one spin. nothing stands out as particularly great, although "Apologize in Advance" and "The Best of Jill Hives" seemed to have struck a chord as they are the two i can remember offhand. it seemed to strike me that Bob is heading in the same '70s-rock direction that Malkmus took the Jicks on Pig Lib earlier this year. could the new Foriegner be far behind? although, after seeing this pic, i gotta wonder if the Mods are coming back instead. still, thats a great publicity photo.