The Walkmen

Well, I've been keeping this topic on the backburner for awhile now, these blogs aren't really like homework, they're essays for fun basically; if you can't find a topic to write about, either improvise without you voice, or write about something (Anything) you feel like talking about and if you can't think of anything because your out of the mood, then wait til later. It's your audience your looking for, but don't let that get to you, just remember to stay on topic. A blog is whatever you want it to be, how it appeals to your audience and yourself is more important than what topic you choose.

My brother once asked me to run a search on Youtube for Rat, of course, I didn't know what in god's name he was getting me in to, so I searched it. The first thing that showed up was "The Rat" by The Walkmen. I indefinitely watch the video with music, which had music when I saw it last fall, until WMG (Warner Brothers Music Group) saw it and snatched their little audio away; the video's still there though, but without the audio, the audio's disabled. The video is set with their unique black-and-white style while showing the band enjoying themselves, the drummer's going wild at the beginning which, still today, lifts my spirit; the flow of the guitar at the beginning catches on as you notice the beat of the drums establish a mood to listen to. It was beautiful, I asked my brother how he found it and he didn't know what I was talking about; when I told him that he asked me to search rat, he then corrected me and said "No, R-A-T-T, Ratt - the band". I of course already knew about their punk rock sound and simply ignored it. In the end, he obviously didn't care about the song or the band , but I'm so glad I discovered them and hopefully others can enjoy them as well.

I love them, I suppose no one ever listens to them. Though, I'm not saying they're a decent band but I'm not saying they suck dry ice either. They deliver the works and everything yet I don't think they're a band that everyone will gab about after listening, and that's why I love these types of bands. Bands that become successful over time, yet no one knows them before they're famous because they're not sure whether they like them or not. Once enough people accept that band, they'll re-consider listening to a few songs, same goes with everyone. That's the chance though, is it not? Listen to a band before they're cool and discuss your times then, now; or listen to a band that gets so popular that their supercilious attitude destroys their reason for being a band. (Am I going too fast with the "them, their, they're, or thats"?).

I feel more people should listen to music that they enjoy, it does matter what you believe in when it comes to music. If you think that un-popular bands are inferior compared to modern day rock bands, it's the other way around (in some cases). Usually it's the runner-up that wins first place (metaphorically ugh!), how that happens? well in my belief, I look for more than a few catchy words or beats in a song; I try to connect to the song, whatever attitude the song welcomes me with, I apply to my feelings and thoughts. Listening to powerful, angry, sensational music promotes a sense of rebellion and motivation. Listening to quiet, deep songs promotes a sense of reflection and security. Listening to pop music promotes, nothing. Well I sense irony in this how I got off topic ...again... but oh well, I'm already behind in these so I could care less (in a way).

The Walkmen are certainly something to look into even though they've only had a few great songs. A band is a band, but what makes them unique is how they promote themselves and how they voice their fashion. They Walkmen are an outstanding band, they just do what they want to do, and I like that. A good old fashioned monochrome band, with a sensitive touch, always a winner in my opinion =D. Their kind of like a sleazy Modest Mouse kind of band if you consider. I like their happy, willing attitude they promote. I consider them if you're into Modest Mouse (of course), The Strokes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, maybe even Pearl Jam too; just anyone that you feel promotes a sincere attitude basically. It's not just how "Creative" the sound is, the people doing the music are just as important, when it comes to deciding whether you like the band or not.

The Walkmen had become an instant favorite in my book since then and I couldn't stop listening to The Rat, I looked into their discography more and found some of their other popular songs which I've learned to love by now; such as We've Been Had, which delivers a clear message saying how people rush their lives away and don't even notice it or something relating to aging. The video for We've Been Had is also in black-and-white and shows the singers older self fighting his younger self which I think is the most creative idea for this music video because it creates the perfect mood to go along with the song's serenity.

Word Count: 906 words..................... :D? (YES, the third + fourth paragraph ARE necessary). I seriously don't understand why there needs to be a Word Limit; around 500 words (less than 600) isn't exactly my cup of tea. I won't take that into effect even though it needs to be short and simple to deliver the point, I always feel you need a little backstory to it or support. And yes, I forgot to talk about the band itself (i.e. members, background, other stuff) but this will have to do for now.