It took me a few weeks, but I think I’ve finally learned my lesson about the downfalls of excessive drinking in university. I spent my entire Sunday in bed with a splitting headache (mind you, the fire alarm going off at about 11 a.m. didn’t help matters) and a turbulent stomach, and now I am going to attempt to write a post to prove to myself I haven’t completely wasted the day. So here are some random music-related thoughts that have been floating inside my head the past weekend.

First off, I heard the new Killers single “Human” off their upcoming fourth album Day & Age (scheduled for release November 25th), and I have to say that I wasn’t terribly impressed. I was hoping that the new Killers songs would sound darker and more post-punk, like their awesome collaboration with Lou Reed on “Tranquilize” from their b-sides and rarities album Sawdust, but this just sounds like their more weaker material from Sam’s Town.

Another fourth album also being released that same date is 808′s and Heartbreak from the Louis Vuitton Don himself, Mr. Kanye West. At last count, West has dropped four songs from the album, to mixed reviews from music critics and listeners alike. Other than “Love Lockdown“, which is stellar, I have yet to be impressed by any of the other tracks (“Robocop”, “Coldest Winter”, “Heartless”). C’mon Kanye, everyone knows that you can’t sing – stick to rapping, and leave that Auto-Tune shit to T-Pain. If you tend to feel otherwise about The Killers’ or Kanye’s new material, drop me a line at mmertens@ryerson.ca.

On a positive listening note, if you ever wondered what The White Stripes would sound like if they were fronted by Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, you should probably check out San Diego’s Grand Ole Party. Oh, and in case you were wondering what Karen O has been up to these days, she has a new side-project called Native Korean Rock & The Fishnets which is decidedly more mellow (but still very good) than the YYYs.

In Halloween-related news, I’ve finally decided who I’m going as! Want a hint? Check this out then.

Also, if you’re looking for a good show to attend on October 31st, here are a few that might be a good time:

Spiral Beach + others @ The Centre Of Gravity Theatre (1300 Gerard St.)
Thunderheist + VNDLSM + Mansion + Barbi @ CiRCA
Fucked Up + Sex Vid + Quest For Fire + Jack of Heart + Demon’s Claws @ Sneaky Dee’s
Dungen @ The Horseshoe Tavern

Anyways, that’s all for me tonight. Hopefully a few more hours of sleep and my body can be back to functioning normally.

Cheers,
Max