Tris McCall's Pop Music Abstract

Tris McCall has posted his 2005 Pop Music Abstract.

I've been considering what more I should say about this. I mean, besides the fact that I really want to share it with you because I think it's awesome.

I won't say anything more. I'll just blockquote two pieces and hope that you feel moved to read the rest on your own.

Bright Eyes — "Easy/Lucky/Free," "First Day Of My Life"

Or, selections from Conor Oberst's continuing attempt to make recordings at a faster pace than anybody can play them back. The physics of this project are complicated, but thanks to iTunes and expanded flash memory, it will soon be possible to download Bright Eyes songs from the Internet at a rate almost as quick as the speed with which Oberst rips the, er, writes them and waxes them. Yes, portable MP3 players are amazing devices, I have learned in my old age, and perhaps I might even splurge for one someday. But, see, your man has a special device that stores millions and millions of songs. It enables me to create playlists, fast forward and rewind, and jump instantly to any track I choose. It is lightning-fast, and is compatible with every computer in the world. Best of all, it never needs recharging, and I take it with me wherever I go. It is called my fucking brain. With this device, I am able to organize, process, and evaluate all of the music in my collection. I strongly advise all iPod users to consider getting one.

The Bravery — "Fearless"

My problem with the IRCE, so far as I've even got one, is that it all reads like guarded, carefully-researched term papers written to impress Professor Coolguy. I do not need forty indistinguishable websites soberly and responsibly considering the new Castanets album; I need somebody to beat the shit out of it and tell me whether or not it holds up to the abuse. I don't need a god damned numerical value or a letter grade assigned to the new Hold Steady album; I need you to make fun of its pretensions with a vehemence that lets me know why you and I both consider it indispensable anyway. I've lost any trace of individual critical voices or perspectives on the 'net — it all has begun to wash together into one big, solemn Arcade Fire-appreciating mush. I recognize that the marketplace of ideas is supposed to have created the consensus tone best suited for all of us, but what if We The People suck? Somebody really needs to take a discursive torch to the whole operation. Consider my intentionally infuriating prose as a vain attempt to cause a little friction. Can't start a fire without a spark, guys.

Hot stuff.

Tris McCall is trying to make the world a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race.

It starts with 50 Cent and ends with Young Jeezy.

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