Loving: Humorous tangle anecdotes

A snappy little article by the 'Modern Guru' Danny Katz in last weekend's 'Good Weekend' (page 11, The Age, Melbourne) - something we can all relate to. Someone get the guy a BudTrap!

"I keep getting my wires crossed and it's left me all mixed up
Is there a foolproof way to stop earbuds tangling?
M.G., Geelong, Vic

Enough worrying about the 2012 Mayan apocalypse, we've still got two years to prepare for that - there's a much greater global calamity facing us next Friday. In households around the world, normal people will be opening Christmas presents containing digital music devices and will initially be thrilled with their gift because it's something they've been wanting since their old digital music device became obsolete, which happens about every 45 minutes. Bt upon using this digital music device, they will be immediately stricken with a crisis of tsunamic proportions: earbud tangling or, worse, earphone-snaring or, most diabolical of all, headset grannyknotting. What mysterious forces are behind this dire wire-intertwining enigma? Some claim it's an ancient Mayan prophecy pertaining to the earphone equinox. Other believe it's technology getting smarter than us and trying to destroy us with rudimentary cord strangulation. Still others say it's just that we're yanking too much when we should be tugging gently, just generally in life. Whatever the reason, our immediate concern is urgent unilateral disentanglement, so here's some emergency solutions: you can try winding up your earbud cords neatly when you're done, coiling them around your finger like a roadie after a very small U2 concert... ...Or just be patient and wait until earbuds become wireless, which will most likely happen the day after Christmas."

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Listening: Interpol - Angst in Suits

Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights

It was always going to be hard choosing between two CD’s of equal relevance and quality. I refer to Interpol’s debut and sophomore releases “Turn On The Bright Lights’ and ‘Antics’, respectively. In the end, I chose “Turn On The Bright Lights”, arguably one of the finest, defining and musically poignant debut releases of the post punk era. Interpol are often referred to as the “best dressed” band in the business, (hailing from of New York I guess it's understandable) but it’s their music that sets them apart.

Interpol’s music is dark, broody and full of angst (as are most of their lyrics) yet paradoxically melodic. Carlos Dengler’s deep driving bass, harmonized by the intonation of Daniel Kessler’s rhythmic guitar layered with the lead vocals of Paul Banks, whose low deep voice has often been compared to the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division (then again which singer hasn’t?) rounded out by Samuel Fogarino’s ubiquitous snare drum beat, characterise and define Interpol’s, critically acclaimed, sound and style.

TOTBL, effectively and articulately introduces the distinctive sound of these Indie rockers, with the opening title track, aptly named “Untitled” challenging us to absorb and process the music, without the requirement for an actual track name (effortlessly aided by the extended guitar and drum intro). “Obstacle1” follows next; a favourite track played live, openly expressing an emotive quality to Paul Bank’s low vocal range. “Say Hello To The Angels” (a perfect opener to any mixed tape compilation) instantly delves into a flurry of grinding guitar riffs, which not only lay the song’s foundation but also immerse you into its melodious appeal.

“NYC”, an ode to their city of residence, an introspective reflection on life in the big apple, sometimes bittersweet and fastidious but always becoming and nurturing.” Roland” an accelerating and explosive piece, with obvious lineage to the punk genre, powers through and doesn’t disappoint those who like their music fast and loud. Then there is the somewhat ambiguously titled “Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down” – take time and ponder its meaning. My favourite track, “PDA”, is an appealing song that captivated me very late one night and incited my appreciation of Interpol; containing a fantastic instrumental bridge that serenades the subconscious.

The Australian release contained a bonus track “Specialist” which lyrically, is every bit as moody as Interpol can conjure musically. So as PDA claims, there are “200 couches”, so, pick one, lock and load TOTBL, assume the horizontal and assimilate in this highly enjoyable musical moment.

About this column:

BudTrap was born out of our love of music - and the frustration of having to deal with headphones that kept getting tangled up. Nothing's changed. We still listen to an awful lot of music - and go to a stack of gigs - it's our passion. So each week we like to share a little about what we've been listening to - good or bad - and spread that passion. Yeah we get a bit opinionated and worked up, that's what it's all about. We encourage you to bite back, join the discussion and let us know what's been rocking your world.