NVMP: What does your iPod playlist feature?
Alan Wilder: I have always enjoyed many areas of music, from different eras – mainly older stuff. A few old and current faves would be: U.N.K.L.E., Radiohead, David Bowie, Roxy Music, Elbow, Massive Attack, Morrissey, The Who, Goldfrapp. Latest purchases include Gill Scott Heron, John Foxx, ‘Odelay’ by Beck (the remixes), Architect, Boards of Canada, Johnny Cash, Howlin‘ Wolf, Grinderman. I also listen to a lot of film soundtracks.
NVMP: Even after a three decade long professional relationship, do you find it difficult working within the confines of a major label (even one such as Mute)? What types of challenges has working along a major label presented?
Alan Wilder: Mute are not really a major label. Even since Mute has been owned by EMI, the mentality of the label has always been one of an independent. In recent years, since the EMI take-over, the bureaucratic elements of dealing with Mute became more difficult (I’m referring to convoluted logistics in order to get simple things done). The good news is that Mute have just announced a reversion back to being much more properly independent (not just in attitude). EMI and Mute-boss Daniel Miller have reached an agreement that will allow Daniel to establish a second record label, and ensure the continuation of Mute as an independent record company. The new label will operate under the trademark Mute (which it is licensing from EMI) and will tap into EMI’s units for sales, distribution, synch & licensing and merchandising. Daniel will control the new label – with EMI taking a minority equity interest in the company. I’m happy for Daniel and for Mute’s future – I feel this is an important move in the right direction.
Recoil @ Highline Ballroom November 1st, 2010
Hi everyone,
Just a note that CMJ has come to town and NVMP is there! Stay tuned for tons of new bands to check out! Do your homework and discover some new music while this crazy music circus is in town.
Best,
TNT
Well, it’s that magical, macabre month of October, and that can only mean that things are going to get far scarier before they start to get plentiful and gracious for November, and holly and jolly for December. So, in honor of all things horrifying and spooky, we present our Top 5 Haunted Songs for Halloween 2010. Enjoy…if you dare…muah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
TNT’s Top 5
5. Music from The Shining – I love this movie and the music that goes along with it fits perfectly.
4. “Only The Birds” by Leah Siegel – All of her music is deliciously creepy sounding, but this one takes the cake. Listen to her music here.
3. “The Battle of Evermore” by Led Zeppelin
2. “Dragula” by Rob Zombie
1. “Black No. 1” by Type O Negative – RIP Peter Steele, we will miss your voice this Halloween.
Hoverbee’s Top 5
5. “Ave Satani” by Jerry Goldsmith – I’ve been afraid of this song since I first saw the 1976 film The Omen. It scares the pants off me.
4. “Season of the Witch” by Donovan – If there is a spooky psychedelia category, this song is in it. It starts slowly and builds to an intensity that’s slightly eerie.
3. “Brain Damage” by Pink Floyd – The lunatic is on the grass, in the hall, and in your head. He’s creepy and he’s coming for you on the dark side of the moon. It’s true that this is not the most spine-chilling song, but the laughing in the background is what makes it frightening for me.
2. “Diary of a Madman” by Ozzy Osbourne – It has an ominous intro and lyrics about a guy transcribing his journey to madness. The song ends with a chorus of voices in agony.
1. “Boris the Spider” by The Who – It has a death growl and high-pitched voices chanting “creep, crawly.” It’s a great song, but it freaks me out a little.
Angela’s Top 5
5. “Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones – The ONE song I like by this group. It’s just always been kind of a weird, creepy song for me that I’m fascinated with.
4. “Feed My Frankenstein” by Alice Cooper – It’s Alice Cooper, come on now.
3. “Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)” by The Doors – I don’t know what it is about this song, but something with it never quite sat well with me. Don’t ask, but it makes the list.
2. “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath
1. “Pussy Liquor” by Rob Zombie – from the “House of 1000 Corpses Soundtrack”… I hate this movie, I don’t do gore. So when I hear this song, it scares the crap out of me. There ya go.
Klone’s Top 5
5. “Black No. 1” by Type O Negative – May Peter Steele rest in peace, as this will be our first Halloween without him, and when we hear this deep and dark song of devotion to love, gothic-style, there will be a moment of near silence cutting through the mist and gloom, where he will be remembered. “Her perfume smells like…burning leaves…everyday…is Halloween.”
4. “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” by David Bowie – Without last fall’s ABC show FlashForward, I would probably have never discovered this song on my own, so don’t always listen when people tell you TV will rot your brains. This track was the highlight of the Halloween episode of FF, and was definitely fitting.
3. “The Thing That Should Not Be” by Metallica – I defy anyone to not imagine some seriously disturbing creature stalking a world unaware that this thing, that should not be, is waiting for us, just beyond the edge of reason, and over the cliffs of insanity.
2. “Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo! – Anyone who has seen the 1980s classic “Back To School” starring the late Rodney Dangerfield, has been treated to a front row performance of this Halloween Party classic track, complete with front-man Danny Elfman, who would later dominate the world of movie scoring, and utilize his vocal prowess to bring the character of Jack Skellington to life in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. When you listen to the lyrics of this song, Elfman’s future path seems so clear…”It’s a dead man’s party, who could ask for more? Everybody’s coming, leave your body at the door. Leave you body and soul at the door.” AWESOME!
1. “Haunted” by POE – Not only was this song a companion piece to the literary masterpiece House of Leaves, and not only was it composed by author Mark Z. Danielewski’s sister, POE, but it has popped up in all forms of pop-culture horror-fare, most notably as the track that kicks off the closing credits of “Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows”, and the Episode 2 closing track in the 2009 video game “Alan Wake”. This song is the perfect blend of melody, atmosphere and enticing vocals; POE’s voice draws you in even as the multiple voices of the chorus filling in the background of the track hits you with a sense of foreboding. Much like the book, this song is a perfect piece of art, and should be respected as such.
Honorable Mention: “Possum Kingdom” by The Toadies – You can’t tell me that this song is NOT about a vampire luring prey. Literal an interpretation as that might be, it’s still the blatant narrative of the track. “This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman – opening song of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Classic.
Mark’s Top 5
5. “Monster Mash”– Bobby “Boris” Pickett– Because someone just had to do it for the sake of Halloween, this 60’s throwback tune isn’t especially creepy or haunting, unless you find “The Munsters” to be a terrifying 30 minute experience. Pure fun by way of a slightly creepy singer.
4. “Ave Satani” (Theme from The Omen) – Jerry Goldsmith – The main theme from one of the creepiest child movies ever made reeks of chilling and frightening imagery and notation: chorus chanting menacingly in Latin, heavy use of brass instruments in minor keys, off-kilter pacing, and random chimes reminding you of the grim and cold qualities of churches. Give it a listen and see if a creepy demon child doesn’t come to mind.
3. “Moonlight Sonata” – Beethoven – The most popular segment from Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor “Quasi una fantasia”, op. 27, No. 2 is also the darkest and most haunting piece ever transcribed to paper. It gives off the vibe that Beethoven might very well have written the piece in Sleepy Hollow, perhaps as a sadness tinged ode to the Headless Horseman.
2. “Telekon” – Gary Numan – The opening synth line layered over the spare live drumming, accented with minor-keyed piano stabs make this song especially cold and haunting, almost giving you the feeling that you are existing in some type of a trance like state for all 5 minutes of the song. It wouldn’t be out of place played over a montage of Horror movie killings, or even during the all important revealing of a movie monster’s horrific past.
1. “Everyday is Halloween” – Ministry – Although it is more 80’s nostalgia than haunted, this song from the early days of Ministry still carries a monotonous and droning quality to it, making this tunes as fun as it is strangely creepy. What would the world be like if everyday was Halloween?
Many artists that NVMP covers find it difficult to establish themselves within the ever-changing and troubled music business. As an established artist, do you find yourself experiencing the same problems? What suggestions could you share with up and coming artists in navigating through the industry?
You know the glowing box of magical images that regularly captures our minds with an unexplainable charisma…well, that brainwashing wouldn’t be possible without the theme songs that introduce and setup the programs that we hold so near and dear…BECAUSE WE NEED TO!!!! Enjoy our exploration of our favorite TV Theme Songs, and don’t forget to add yours in the comments section…
TNT’s Top 5
5. The Nanny – Haha, I can’t help but laugh every time I hear it.
4. Friends – You either loved or hated it, but I loved it.
3. WEEDS (the original song by Melvina Reynolds) – I miss this song! Everyone who watches the show hated this theme song while all along, I’ve been in love.
2. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – C’mon, how could this not make my list?
1. JEM – She’s excitement, adventure, glamor and glitter, fashion and fame. What’s not to love?!
Honorable Mention: Sponge Bob Square Pants and Pepper Ann (much too cool for 7th grade)
Angela’s Top 5
5. Mr. Ed – Yup, I watched it when I was little at my Nanny’s house a lot, in her basement when I was somewhere from 5 years old to like 10-ish or so. I don’t know, I just enjoyed it and have the theme song memorized.
4. The Munsters – Classic. You know exactly what to expect when you hear it. I feel like if I ever came across someone who didn’t recognize this theme song, my jaw would drop and I might twitch a little.
3. The Andy Griffith Show – Yea, I know it’s really old school but I watched it as a kid on Nickelodeon and I still catch myself whistling the theme song from time to time.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – You know you know it. You know you’re singing it. Enough said.
1. Power Rangers – In 4th grade, I was obsessed with the Power Rangers and tried to make my babysitter floor it home so I wouldn’t miss so much as the intro. Mind you, I’m talking the ORIGINAL rangers- Billy, Zach, Jason, Trini, Kimberly…and eventually Tommy (oh Tommy!) the most amazing Green Ranger, who I hated when he went White. Just sayin’.
Klone’s Top 5
5. The Sopranos – “Woke Up This Morning (Got Yourself a Gun)” by A3 – Whether you like the band on their own, whether you didn’t know it was a band that did music other than this show’s theme song, this track was synonymous with driving the NJ Turnpike, and thinking about where to dump the body in your trunk. Forever, this song will be Tony’s arrival home in the AM from nights of crime and debauchery in the big, scary NYC.
4. Twin Peaks – “Twin Peaks Theme” by Angelo Bandelamenti – The great thing about this theme is that it perfectly sets up the dichotomy of the show…rural, small-town life vs. the ugliness of politics, corruption, greed and murder. This witty, film noir-ish murder mystery with bizzare, avant-guard twists was best served by taking our traditional views of life and the world we live in and dosing them with super-charged insanity. Do you know who killed Laura Palmer?
3. Carnivale – Main Title by Jeff Beal – I don’t know how to describe why I like this one so much, other than that just thinking of the tune/melody lets me completely re-visualize the opening of that show…which was a piece of TV history that will forever be lost in obscurity due to HBO’s incredibly short-sighted notions and early cancellation…The Time Has Come, Brothers and Sisters…
2. Deadwood – Main Theme by David Schwartz – Also responsible for the quirky and fun theme for Northern Exposure, Schwartz’s enticing title sequence theme was full of light and hope and the majesty of the untamed west…the perfect vehicle to draw you in and get you ready for the seedy, dark underbelly of American Capitalism in its infancy.
1. LOST – Opening Title by J. J. Abrams – Nothing if not memorable in its minimalist presentation…more of a sound-effect than a theme song, these thirteen seconds have earned their place in the Pantheon of TV Themes. Though the rest of the show’s score really was more the theme music, the opening was something completely new…an anti-theme as it were. This would of course be nothing if not more often than not followed by a variation of “Credit Where Credit Is Due” by Michael Giacchino.
Honorable Mention: Battlestar Galactica – Main Theme by Bear McCreary – rarely do TV show theme songs evolve with the progression of the seasons of the show…but this one did…and it was awesome. FRINGE – Main Theme by J. J. Abrams – I know, two J. J. Abrams selections on the same list, and one a far greater attempt at music than the other…but still…all bows down to LOST…no matter what it is.
Daniel Edward’s Top 5
5. Sealab 2021 Theme by Calamine
4. Rocko’s Modern Life Theme by The B-52s
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
2. Captain Planet
1. JEM theme by Jem and the Holograms
Mark’s Top 5
5. Theme from ‘The Flash‘ by Danny Elfman– Is there an amazing superhero theme that the great Danny Elfman has not laid his twisted touch to? This 1990 TV show only lasted for one glorious season, and yet the theme is still a strong and memorable one, somehow helping to emphasize the comic book nature of the show without ever making it hokey. Badass!
4. Theme from ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’– A slightly silly, yet oddly creepy composition that is actually effective in giving you the chills, while preparing you for the latest story to unfold. The vocal humming that occurs during the title card still gives me the creeps.
3. “Temptation Sensation” by Heinz Kiessling – The now instantly recognizable theme for It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. A cheery and light-hearted composition that was originally used for stock music and temporary scoring purposes, became a sickly sweet and dandy theme song that leads into a show about self-absorbed and amoral assholes…perfect!
2. Theme from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Heroes in a half shell…TURTLE POWER! You know it, you love it, now get some pizza.
1. Theme from Voltron: Defender of the Universe – One of the greatest Anime cartoons of all time, featuring a sweeping and epic theme laced with futuristic synth accompaniment, to further emphasize that Voltron is not of Earth’s realm. Its pure awesomeness rings in my ears to this day. Who doesn’t wish they could run to a cylinder turbine, and have an electronic swing lower you into a tunnel that will take you to your robot lion so that you can battle Evil King Zarkon and his Robeasts with your best buds?
Hoverbee’s Top 5
5. Gilligan’s Island – It’s dated and a little corny, but it’s still a winner. I liked how originally the song didn’t name all the castaways (and the rest), but then changed to name all those stuck on that isle.
4. Fraggle Rock – Colorful singing puppets urge you to dance your cares away and save those worries for another day. What could be better?
3. Freaks and Geeks – The theme to this show is “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Normally I don’t take too kindly to actual songs co-opted for television, but it’s a great song for the show, so I don’t mind.
2. Life on Mars – The theme to this British television show composed by Edmund Butt gets stuck in my head on the regular.
1. The Dead Zone – I found I really liked the theme song for this show so I did a little research. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s a Jeff Buckley tune called “New Year’s Prayer.” Another co-opted song, but I may never have known of it otherwise and I’m happy the show helped me to discover it.
A Review by Alexander Stigz Castiglione
Driving around South America with a spider monkey in his pocket, stinking up the car with rum-drenched monkey vomit…Nailing a pig heart to Jack Nicholson’s front door while blaring a recording of animals dying from a boom-box in the woods…Throwing an IBM Selectric typewriter out the window and firing a few .44 caliber rounds in it. 
Off color? Definitely. Madness? Maybe. Hunter S. Thompson doing all of this? Absolutely.
And those stories are only the beginning of a life steeped in booze, sex, drugs, and the American Dream. Gonzo takes these stories, climactic and wild as they are, and presents them in such a way that you close the book, actually feeling like you knew Gonzo himself.
Thompson fired literary bullets with fury and precision, much like the machine gun of the same name; belt fed on a diet of drug and a menu of madness, Hunter Thompson “shot out of the womb angry, and left in exactly the same way.” This biography written by two of his colleagues at Rolling Stone magazine truly illustrates the eccentricity and enigmatically magnetic man who Hunter S. Thompson was. In the form of an oral biography, they talked to hundreds of his friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. From his wife, to actors Johnny Depp and Jack Nicholson, all the way to his fellow writers at Rolling Stone, the book tells a story from every conceivable angle. Some thought he was a genius, others thought he was a prick; the beauty is that the book let’s you decide.
And it does this by being filled with wonderful little nuggets of information that most people in my generation wouldn’t know. Did you know Thompson ran for Sheriff of Denver? He actually got pretty close to winning. How about how the writer of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas spent his free time? Yes, that’s right, shooting at gas cans and propane tanks at Owl Farm when he wasn’t writing insane and incisive contemporary literature. What was a “Hunter Breakfast”? A six-pack of Heineken, half a grapefruit, a hard-boiled egg, and a few joints of some primo Thai stick. For lunch? A little LSD here, some burgers there, and some booze everywhere.
There are extremely too many stories in the piece to even begin to touch upon all of them, and several times, I was laughing so hard, people were looking at me like I was tripping on acid myself. From the Christmas cards he sent out to friends and family that said “Ho!Ho!Ho! I shit down your chimney! – Hunter” to his sexual conquests, all the way to his prolific and infamous drug use, it is the understatement of the century to say Gonzo lived “an interesting life.” But it doesn’t key in on these things specifically. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t think the Fear and Loathing author possessed, as one story-teller put it, “the keenest political mind” he had ever encountered. He rubbed elbows with Presidential candidates, actors, musicians, drug dealers, and bikers alike, something extremely rare for an artist/writer in any period in history.
Some parts of the book drag on, while others you’re flying through, reading fifty or sixty pages before you realize it. Overall, the wildly outlandish stories outweigh the mundane little tidbits about his home life/work ethic/family. Stick with it, and you will be laughing your ass off.
One thing is for sure: Still waters may run deep, but the raging rapids of Thompson’s life are vastly more interesting. Read the book.
4/5 Tabs of Acid
Review by Denise Marie Piccininni
I just got my hands on the music documentary RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage, and I was absolutely blown away. Clocking in at almost two hours, plus an extra hour and a half of bonus features (yes, live performances included)—this documentary is jam-packed and well worth every penny. The only bad thing about it is when it ended; I actually pouted for a second or two when the credits came rolling on the screen.
RUSH is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Despite that fact, they do not make it to many “Greatest Bands of All Time” lists, which is actually quite tragic. That theme of RUSH being a legendary rock band, but rarely given enough props for being so amazing, was actually a main focal point of Beyond the Lighted Stage.
With interviews of notable and respectable rock artists like Les Claypool (Primus), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Trent Reznor (NIN), Jack Black (Tenacious D), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), and Gene Simmons (KISS), it was fascinating to hear these big-name artists agree that RUSH does not get the credit they so greatly deserve. Thus, this documentary was born to tell the entire story of RUSH—from the very beginnings and on.
Even though RUSH has been around long before I was born, I appreciate them as an extremely talented trio with the ability of creating musical sounds that I can only dream of perfectly recreating. I actually heard about this band in college—from one of my favorite psychology professors. After inquiring about Hemispheres and 2112, two of my favorite RUSH albums to this day, I stumbled upon a band that changed my appreciation for beautiful music forever. I know fans range from people like me, who have only recently discovered the band, to people who have been passionate and loyal since the formation of RUSH, but it is quite hard to imagine anyone not appreciating this gifted band if you simply just love music.
Beyond the Lighted Stage is captivating—showing that even though RUSH has always had cult followers, Neil, Geddy and Alex have a deep connection of friendship and a realism that does not focus on fame and glamour, allowing one to relate to RUSH in a way describing who these men have grown together to become. With never-before-seen archive footage of the band’s early days, you get to see that despite popularity, RUSH simply loved music and loved creating sounds, melodies, and rhythms reflecting awesomely skilled musicians. As a Canadian band, it was hard for them to get signed in the States; their sound was a unique one, but a sound that hypnotizes the listener in a way that almost cannot be described. Even though it took some time, the band did not give up, and it was a good thing that they stayed strong, since it was finally discovered that these three men not only deserved to be performing in the United States, but deserve to be playing all over the world.
5/5 Stars
Earlier this year, the musical world received a surprising but welcome return to touring from former Depeche Mode member Alan Wilder, better known under his current moniker of Recoil, in support of his latest album release Selected. Thanks to the success of the tour in early 2010, Recoil has fortunately decided to return to the road for a full-on fall tour, with assurances of a grander interactive experience in tow. In the midst of tour preparations, Alan took the time to answer a few questions for NVMP’s Mark about his latest release and the updated tour.
NVMP: In past interviews, you made it known that touring with Recoil was unlikely because of your disdain for touring coupled with your assertion that Recoil is essentially a studio project. After 15 years of studio work, what inspired you to take Recoil on the road?
AW: There were a number of reasons – with all the new and old remixes at our disposal, the fact that it is 25 years since Recoil began, and also the fact that these days it is cost effective to use film. For me, this was always a ‘must’ for any live performance of Recoil. And with the advent of cheaper, portable HD cameras as well as affordable editing software, to make films has suddenly become viable. I have been collaborating with four different directors for this project using a central server where we could all upload (and feedback on) our work-in-progress. Without a band or vocalists, this provides the main visual focus.
NVMP: Your video updates have indicated that public reaction to your tour in Europe has been extremely well, with numerous sold-out shows. How has the response been on the US leg of the tour?
AW: Just as good I’m pleased to say, although touring the US requires a lot more preparation, promotion and logistical work. It is a very tough market generally due, it seems, to Ticketmaster surcharges putting people off buying. Promoters are less willing to take risks as a result and it is not so usual to get hotel and travel costs covered either (as we might in Europe and South America). It is also tougher for us having to procure expensive work visas (a nightmare to organize) and all the other extra costs of traveling in such a huge country. Luckily, we seem to be doing ok and expect good turn outs everywhere but, despite that, we’ll probably actually lose money on this leg.
NVMP: With a multitude of opening acts and guest DJs, promoted after parties, (Conjure One, Sarah Blackwood from Client, Mute legends Daniel Miller and Gareth Jones, Martin Gore, a double bill with Gary Numan), how did the artist selection for the Selected events come about?
AW: It just evolves as ideas come to mind – sometimes people are suggested to me, or they might happen to be on the road themselves playing nearby (as with Gary Numan), or they might have an affiliation with a place or town (Dan & Gareth in Berlin for example), they might have had some connection to Recoil or DM in the past (Nitzer Ebb, Martin Gore), or they might be something I just happened to hear and enjoy (like Architect). I definitely wanted each event to be unique in some way, which is why we have tried to set up after-show parties, situations where local artists can display their work (such as photographer Cosmin Bumbutz in Bucharest) or even perform after the show.
NVMP: Can you tell us a bit about your live equipment set up and its purpose over the course of your performance?
AW: Paul and I work closely together in the studio although we come from very different angles musically. I turn to him for unusual effects and lateral thinking. We have just extended what we do into the live setting. Initially, we used ‘Ableton Live’, then imported our new work into Apple’s ‘Logic Pro’ to arrange further, and finally back into Ableton to run at the shows, along with live effects, launch pads to trigger them and some external filtering using modular synths.
NVMP: The visuals for your previous tour’s set featured surreal, often nightmarish mini-films, stills and animations. How did you develop the concept for your sets and whom did you enlist to help bring your vision to life? What kind of visuals can we expect to see on this the latest tour?
AW: The way I work with most collaborators is to allow them a free reign. I enlisted the different filmmakers – all loyal supporters who have also become friends – because I believe they are not only talented but always enthusiastic about the prospect of supplying visuals, using my music as inspiration. The way we worked was that I would send them the music files and they would ‘respond’ back with the footage they had in mind to accompany it. I would then offer my views – in the role of ‘executive director’ if you will – and by the end of the process, something usually got created that was powerful and flowed naturally with the music. The filmmakers are Igor Dvorsky from Slovakia, Dmitry Semenov from Russia and Steve Fabian from Hungary. I’ve also used some footage from a film by Argentinean director Marcelo Schwartz. As for what you can expect on this upcoming tour, it’s not quite the same as on the last. You’ll have to come along and find out…:-)
NVMP: With your live show featuring such a unique multimedia experience, are there any plans to do some sort of CD/DVD multi-media release of the tour?
AW: It’s already happened! The special edition box set for ‘Selected’ contained an audio CD of the source music we present (excluding live fx) along with a DVD of the film elements.
NVMP: The album that the tour is promoting, Selected, is not merely a “Best Of“, but rather a handpicked audio experience that helps emphasize the eclectic musical styles of artists. Why did you select these specific tracks to feature? Why release the album in different versions?
AW: When I realised there weren’t any restrictions or stipulations with the content, the collection idea started to appeal and I kind of knew it would be possible to create an album with continuity, atmosphere and pacing. And I obviously wanted to feature most of the vocalists who have been involved over the years.
Even though there were a few interesting discoveries (or re-discoveries) along the way, my inclination that it would mainly consist of material from the last three Recoil albums proved correct after I attempted to fit in older material, and noticed that there had been a significant sound change around the time of ‘Unsound Methods’. I put this down to a couple of things: a) I had much more time to concentrate on the project after I left DM, and b) I had by then, under my belt, the experience of making ‘Songs of Faith & Devotion’ with Flood, where we had experimented much more deeply with looped performance.
The project evolved from what was initially a low budget, designed-for-retail ‘best of’ into something much more – a complete retrospective multi-format package with higher art values. Over the time spent discussing the release, the climate was almost changing in front of our eyes and it became clear that making different formats available is not only desirable to both artist and consumer, it is also viable financially. And then the idea of the tour capped everything off.
NVMP: As a sonic perfectionist, you are known for taking your time with albums and tweaking them until they achieve the highest sound quality possible. How long did it take you to compile and mix Selected? The audio aspects of the live show?
AW: It is true that I am a perfectionist. I am never fully satisfied with anything – which is sometimes restricting in that everything takes forever to complete but ultimately, it is that which drives me to always try and improve and produce better music. It took a long time to put the whole package together because of all the other elements that one has to consider these days surrounding any release. Putting the music together for the live event took many weeks. Again, due to film considerations, it became quite a complicated process, but also an exciting and enjoyable one.
NVMP: In news updates for your shows, you make it clear that you will be doing meet and greets at the shows. Why?
AW: Why not? I haven’t been out there since 1994 and I get a lot of requests from fans to sign their items and so on. Plus I’ve always thought it’s important to communicate with the people who have supported me over the years and enabled me to live the life I have enjoyed. Through this kind of communication, I have forged many friendships and collaborations (just take the four filmmakers as a great example of that. Each has talent and each has come to me offering their services because they enjoy what I do. That’s very flattering and also very helpful). I like to give something back if I can.
NVMP: What type of drinks help enhance the performing live experience?
AW: I usually go for a couple of beers onstage, and some nice wine afterwards to relax a bit. Then we see if the night develops…
NVMP: How important would you say ‘word of mouth’ has been in your career, especially recently?
AW: Word of mouth via social networking has been very important for the last 10-15 years I’d say. It’s particularly useful for artists who don’t enjoy the luxury of major corporation backing, with large amounts of cash being poured into TV ads and so on. I have cultivated a whole network of pro-active supporters who host unofficial websites, run Facebook pages, blogs, forums etc.
NVMP: What can your fans look forward to next from Recoil?
AW: I’m planning to get back into the studio next year if I can fix my very ill studio computer and get to writing some new Recoil music. I may show up at one or two events next year but nothing is firmly planned yet.
NVMP: And finally, what is your definition of a “Poser”?
AW: One who is insecure and puts on an act to mask that insecurity.
***MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST @ HIGHLINE BALLROOM NYC – RECOIL FT. ALAN WILDER. ALSO ON THE BILL- ARCHITECT, CONJURE ONE (RHYS FULBER FROM FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY) AFTER THE SHOW, DEPECHE MODE NY PRESENTS THE OFFICIAL RECOIL AFTERPARTY!!!***
TNT’s Top 5
5. Katy Perry – Didn’t want to put her on here, we all know she’s my #1, but that would just be too easy. Katy Perry ruined Sesame Street. What’s next?
4. The Mighty Regis – Ever watch a band and just have every element rub you the wrong way? That’s what The Mighty Regis felt like, one big wedgie.
3. U2 – Screw you Bono. Just screw you. I have never liked your music and if I was as rich as you are, I would spend a good chunk of it on charities and saving the rain forests too. You’re not the only one who cares about the environment AND loves music Bono.
2. Bjork – God, is she still making music? I’ve disliked Bjork forever, since childhood. I still laugh at the truthful childish joke “Bjork? More like big dork.”
1. Creed – OH man, I used to make fun of Creed like it was nobody’s business. I hated their music as much as I hated their music videos. I counted, Scott Stapp did that ‘slowly-lower-my-forearms-in-front-of-my-face-while-singing-to-make-me-look-like-I’m-passionate-about-something’ look 23 TIMES in the video for “My Sacrifice”…yeah…passionate about sucking ass. Are you officially broken up Creed? You are the reason South Park made episode 709 Christian Rock Hard. Did you finally learn your lesson that no one cares about you?
Stigz’s Top 5
5. Any winner of American Idol – Seriously, this has to stop. You put out maybe three talented singers since the show started. Everyone else just makes me want toss my cookies, especially that flamboyant guy-liner wearing dude (I don’t know if he won or made it to the finals, but who gives a shit).
4. Bon Jovi – My sister is a huge fan, sorry Steph, but I just can’t get into it. And everybody is like “But he’s from Jersey!” which reiterates my disgust with one of his songs, the theme song from Deadliest Catch. You know it. “I’m a cowboy/On a steel horse I ride/I’m wanted/Dead or alive.” My response: You’re from Jersey not Texas, so stop referring to your IROC Z as a “steel horse.”
3. T.I. – Autotune called, they want their shit back. P.S. Stop buying your way into movies. Quit while your ahead.
2. Lil. Wayne – aka The Scourge of Modern Hip Hop.
1. Kanye West – Paging no-talent, autotuned, sampling-addicted douchebags…Oh Kanye there you are, you responded quick.
Hoverbee’s Top 5
It would be so easy to pick Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, or any other artist that is currently the most popular, but I decided to pick bands that have been getting under my skin for what feels like ages.
5. Three Days Grace – This post-grunge band from Canada kills me with such tunes as “Animal I Have Become” and “Just Like You.”
4. Puddle of Mudd – Forever to be known by me as that “smack my ass band” with the single “Control,” this American post-grunge band makes me clutch my head and scream “why?” Grunge is over and there is no need to keep trying to evoke the spirit of Kurt Cobain. “She Hates Me” is one such example that makes me weep with disdain.
3. Godsmack – Pick any song by this American post-grunge, nu metal hot mess and I dislike it. Hits like “Whatever,” “Speak,” and “I Stand Alone” bring redundancy to an entirely new level.
2. Linkin Park – I admit I was a huge supporter of rap rock when it was a new concept and hadn’t gained wide acceptance or popularity as a genre. Although considered nu metal and alternative rock as well, this band single-handedly killed my rap rock support. My least favorite song by the band being “Numb.”
1. Nickelback – Yet another post-grunge band from Canada that makes my ears bleed and not in a good way. I’ve never owned or cared enough to listen to an entire album, but every single they release is a stinker. From “Photograph” to “How You Remind Me” and “Something In Your Mouth,” I can’t help but hear a recycled sound that has been pimped-out and popped-up for mass consumption.
Angela’s Top 5
Top 5 artists I love to hate is probably the easiest list I’ve ever met. These major acts that so many people go crazy for often make me feel like punching babies when they come on air.* To say they turned me off completely in disgust is something of an understatement. Anyway, enjoy this list and love to hate me for hating them.
*I do not condone baby punching.
5. Creed – Fuck Scott Stapp and his many Jesus like poses. I got an idea, if you want to be Jesus so fucking badly let’s get some people together and publicly crucify you. Man up. Sounds like a party to me.
4. Lenny Kravitz – He drives me insane. When I hear “American Woman” I get angry all over again like it’s a brand new discovery of hate. I’d rather turn the radio off and sit in complete silence. Kinda like how my uncle feels about watching Met games, “I’d rather watch grass grow than watch the fucking Mets.”
3. Dave Matthews Band – “Omg, I saw Dave last night,” “Yo, how many times have you seen Dave?” “Dude, this one time at a Dave concert. . . . ” Fuck. Dave. And Fuck Your first name basis. Every single one. I do not see what is appealing about his music. . .to me, it’s just a really drunk guy blathering into a microphone. I just fucking hate jam bands. I passionately despise the “Jam Band.” If you all want to make real music sit down and write an actual song instead of wandering aimlessly until no one can tell which song of the set you’re on anymore.
2. U2 – I can not stand Bono. I just can’t listen to him preach. I can’t do it. The songs have never pulled me anywhere into their music and I would like to keep it that way.
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers/ The Rolling Stones – A tie for first, let me break this down. I really do hate the Chili Peppers. Though this is one of those things you KNOW is fundamentally wrong because just look at what they’ve done for music in their longevity. I turn the station every time. But, “how can you hate the Chili Peppers?!?!?!” Listen, in my youth I found myself thinking that I liked them and I would listen when it came on. HOLY SHIT – can I just tell you that AS I write this the RHCP came on…life is fucking funny. Karma ladies and gentlemen, karma. As for the Stones…I got nothing. Nothing at all. Sitting through one of their songs is slow torture in which the car becomes more of a hellish locked chamber I must endure until another song comes on, coaching myself all the while. It’s like the panic of trying to hold your breath in the face of a gas explosion; you know if you let go and breathe it in, even for one second, it’s going to feel like death…but your lungs burn so bad…
Honorable Mentions: The Killers, NickelBack, Tom Petty, and Neil Young
Klone’s Top 5
5. Lady GaGa – I don’t care if I find a song or two catchy, and I claim “Guilty Pleasures” like scared witnesses plead the 5th, but still…she’s a ridiculous spectacle, and I don’t mean ridiculous in the opposite day sense of trying to say super cool…she’s a nut bag…hopefully one day EVERYONE realizes it.
4. Katy Perry – I didn’t even know I realized I knew who this notorious shock-value airhead was, but leave it to SNL to confirm as much. I hate this chick so much I’ve actually started finding some of her songs in the “Guilty Pleasure” category.
3. Soulja Boy – a.k.a. DeAndre Cortez Way…Do I need to explain this? Can we please stop rewarding mediocrity? PLEASE?!
2. Lindsey Lohan – Thank God she’s technically also a singer, so she can make this list. I mean, talent? NO! Hilarity at what a failure at life she is? Oh, HELL YES!!
1. Paris Hilton – She makes the list under the same LiLo exception to the rule…but this chick is the single person that instantly comes to mind when I think, “Who would the world NOT give a fuck about if she drove her brand new car into an active volcano?” I mean, seriously? A socialite? Does anyone else find it disturbing that these rich idiots are so out of touch that they consider that an occupation?
Nevermind The Posers 