Aug/090
In memory of Elliott Smith
Today would have been Elliott Smith’s 40th birthday.
He is truly one of my absolute favourite artists. It is such a shame that he was lost at such an early age. Being the great talent that he was I’m sure he would have been able to offer so much more fantastic music. Happy birthday, Elliott!
Jul/090
My favourite Buckley songs
Buckley released 1½ albums. Well, the second one “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk” was being made at the time of his death. Still, it was released posthumously. His “two” albums contain songs that vary a lot in style and sound. From elegant and glamorous ballad(s) to more distorted and introverted projects. His songs still manage to take me away, but it’s hard not to make favourites among his songs.
So, here I’ve listed a select few that I think of as the best of his songs. It all depends on mood etc., but there are a few songs that I can always listen to. I’m basically just going through his albums song by song now. Let’s get started…
Oh yes, and there’ll be a link to youtube granted the song exists there.
#1
Mojo Pin
Album: Grace
Note: First song of his first album. Fantastic intro to one of the greatest albums ever released in the time of time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBeP6drdNuw
#2
Grace
Album: Grace
Note: Buckley takes folks with their pants down by adding one of his absolute best songs as the direct follow-up to his intro. He’s more or less bitch slapping people with good lyrics and melodic virtuosity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siNsgbIWhAQ
#3
Last Goodbye
Album: Grace
Note: Yea, I like him that much. This is the third song from Grace (pun intended). Not much to say. It just rocks (or is it then “pops”?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxeB4Ue4ROY
#4
So Real
Album: Grace
Note: Really great song as well. Now I skipped my first song (Lilac Wine, which is still good) so this is actually the fifth song on Grace. It’s quite interesting how the line “So Real” can sound like “Surreal”. Hmm! The line: “I love you, but I’m afraid to love you” is simply stunning. The way he performs it accompanied by the music – it’s fantastic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WolmjxD4hn4
#5
Lover, You Should’ve Come Over
Album: Grace
Note: This song is sooo good. I love the accordian intro. It has an almost folk-esque kling to it. I love it, and the slow but melodic pace of the song adds to its perfection. Good song that should NEVER be missed when introduced to Buckley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXe1jpHPnUs
#6
Eternal Life
Album: Grace
Note: This song has a more dynamic, aggressive sound. It has an awesome bass. Take a look! What a cool slap-bass, eh? Hahah! Weeeee! Who needs RATM when you can get Buckley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqXCSleVMdU
#7
Dream Brother
Album: Grace
Note: This takes Buckley into the realm of slightly uplifted psychadellic music. And it suits him well. He does it perfectly. This is a great example of Buckley immense song-writing talent. It carries a huge instrumental load but it is performed so great. Laveez, you have to hear it to understand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mra1ZM4H_Pk
#8
The Sky Is A Landfill
Album: Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk
Note: This is the opening song. It has a slow and slightly heavy pace. Also a directness and a boldness. Well, just listen to it instead of reading this crap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zooQhWWpXX0
#9
Nightmares By The Sea
Album: Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk
Note: Great guitar-riff. Simple as that. Also a great darkness to it. Yummy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un9VmOSzzCs
#10
Witches’ Rave
Album: Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk
Note: This song is very up-beat. It is quite different to the other songs on the album… me likes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GAq_oHPXto
#11
Vancouver
Album: Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk
Note: Once again, a song with a catching intro. I’m getting tired now, so I’ll shut up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0_pFAh6cbw
The second album contains quite a lot of songs, but I just chose a few. I could probably go on and on with more songs, but for the sake of keeping it simple, I’ll just end it here… almost…
#12
Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Fraser – All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun
Note: This song was never released. It never was published. Nope, it’s simply an internet phenomenon. It is said the Buckley had a relationship with Elizabeth. But who am I to go into gossip. Let’s just listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui3JZkITEkA
There are many other songs out there that never got released. Studio recordings and sessions. They go about the internet on Rare Tracks and Rare NYC Recordings etc. They can be hard to find, but youtube often contains a lot of these unique songs. So give it a go – discover more of Buckley yourself.
RIP JB
Jul/090
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was released for Xbox360 and Playstation 3 on September 2008. Though it didn’t manage to impress critics all that much it nonetheless has become quite a financial success. Selling more than 6 million copies worldwide.
This year’s Comic-Con (2009) in San Diego has been the scene where LucasArts revealed its future plans for the game. They are developing a downloadable expansion for the game. This fall, the Xbox Live and PlayStation network will present the new Downloadable Content’. The story of the new content features a sort of alternate history taking place in the Star Wars universe. It’s called “Infinities” and players will once again go into battle in the role of Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice.
Several DLC-packs have been planned, and the first one will feature Tatooine, where players will seek out Obi-Wan Kenobi, visit Jabba’s palace, and encounter Boba Fett. Later packs will feature Hoth, where one meets Luke Skywalker for a not-so-friendly test of lightsabers.
These DLC packs will also be released in a retail package named Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, which will include the original game as well as the Coruscant and Tatooine missions, and the Hoth level. As mentioned this will be out in stores this fall.
An interesting turn of events is LucasArts’ announcement at Comic-Con that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition will also be coming for PC and Mac. Probably hitting shelves at the same time as the DLCs for the consoles.
This should offer some time killing for those of us eagerly waiting for Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Jul/091
How to use and maintain silver jewellery
Silver is a highly popular material in the making of jewellery. It is relatively easy to work on, and it is also quite cheap. Most silver jewellery are made of a silver alloy. Sterling silver, which is a mixture of silver and copper, is the most common alloy. When these to materials are mixed,a shiny material is achieved that at the same time is strong and sturdy. In some cases, rhodium is added to the process, as it reduces the loss of shine.
Silver jewellery requires regular maintenance. This is due to its reaction with sulphur and hydrogen in the air. This interaction will cause the silver to turn dark. There are many ways of keeping the silver shiny.
- A good way to avoid silver jewellery to turn dark is to wear it often. Wearing the jewellery while showering is also a good way of maintaining the silver due to the water and soap.
- Another way is to clean it in boiling water mixed with a washing-up liquid.
- The jewellery can also be put in a bowl with a tin foil bed. Add a little salt and boiling water. Then let it lie for about 2-3 minutes and then wash it in water.
- Keep the silver jewellery in an air tight plastic bag or in a small jewellery box. This will prolong the shiny look of the silver as well.
Oxydized silver does not require any maintenance, but may be re-oxydized if the oxydation has worn off. Don’t dip oxydized silver in a silver cleaning solution as this may ruin the oxydation.
As a general rule, always be cautious with chemicals and acids when wearing jewellery. Avoid contact with hair spray, perfume, vinegar and lemon, and take them off when exercising.