otium cum dignitate: Iraq Vote, et. al.

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The Arcade Fire: Neon Bible
A good friend of mine convinced me to buy "Funeral," Arcade Fire's first album, last year and I'd say my reaction to that album was mixed. I recognized that the band had some unique ideas, and an interesting sound, but it just didn't really fit my musical tastes. "Neon Bible" may be less inventive, but all in all, I think it is more enjoyable to listen to than "Funeral." However, I actually went to an Arcade Fire show here in DC last weekend, and I have to admit that the songs they played from "Funeral" were much more energetic and exciting than the selections from "Neon Bible." The concert, like the recordings, come off as highly orchestrated and refined rock compositions. There is little wasted space, and the music features an interesting, although somewhat off-putting blend of instruments and vocals. The finished product takes some getting used to, but once you've acquired the Arcade Fire taste, it's hard to put these albums down. (****)
Bloc Party: A Weekend in the City
Sure enough, Bloc Party validated my predictions and avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump" with their second album. While Silent Alarm was a bit more polished, A Weekend in the City takes more chances, and offers a more diverse and creative set of songs than the band's first album. There are clear allusions to Radiohead's Kid A throughout this album, but Bloc Party does a good job of continuing to hone their own unique sound. "I Still Remember" is the sort of anthemic single that could propel Bloc Party onto the national spotlight. (****)
Thom Yorke: The Eraser
This is basically a solo version of Kid A, although you can't really tell it's solo since there isn't really any instrumental background, only synthesized stuff like on Kid A and Amnesiac. I like this album, but i'm still really looking forward to the full band's new album which is expected in a couple of months. The Eraser is basically an addendum to Kid A/Amnesiac, and that's ok. But im excited to hear what's next. (****)
The Strokes: First Impressions of Earth
This is my first Strokes CD, and the first album in a recent foray of CD buying over the last week or so. Knowing almost nothing about the band, I first listened to this CD with an open mind, and I liked what I heard. Although there aren't many especially interesting songs, the overall sound is pleasing, and even a bit catchy at times. To me, Julian Casablancas' singing basically makes this band what it is. He has an extremely deep voice, and he features his impressive singing ability much more so on this album than on the other two. I went out and bought "Is this it" as an encore, but I am so far dissapointed in the older album. Sorry, AMG, but we just can't agree this time. (***)
Brad Mehldau: Day is Done
Another fine addition to the Brad Mehldau collection. On this newest album, the trio welcomes Jeff Ballard on drums to replace Jorge Rossy at least temporarily, and I must say Ballard provides a refreshing new feel to a trio that was in danger of becoming somewhat repetitive and dull. As usual, Mehldau delights those of us who supplement our Jazz listening with recordings from the real world as he begins this album with a rendition on the Radiohead composition "Knives Out." This is one of Mehldau's better albums in recent years. I don't want to completely sell out Rossy, but this trio seems to have more energy and spontaneity than it had on the previous few albums. (*****)
Bloc Party: Silent Alarm
After hearing a short clip online, I decided to see these guys perform at Music Midtown. Typically with rock-type bands, I know whether I'm going to like them or not within the first 30 seconds. Clearly, since I just bought the CD, Bloc Party impressed me from the outset and maintained my interest throughout their hour-long performance. In danger of becoming just another English band in the form of Coldplay or Keane, Bloc Party has thus far succeeded with a unique sound that blends the smooth and clean style of those former two bands with the type of rock heard on some of, dare I say, Radiohead's older albums like the Bends and Pablo Honey. Just released in March, this first album has a lot of good stuff on it. Bloc Party has serious potential. (****)
Joe Lovano: I'm All For You
As far as ballad-oriented albums go, this one is pretty damn good. Offering fresh renditions of standards as well as a few originals, Lovano's tone and expression remains unique but also traditional as he moves around these charts and improvises. This is really my first exposure to Lovano other than seeing him live once in New York. I like the album a lot and personally think he handles the ballads much better than Michael Brecker on his Ballad Book album a few years ago. (****)

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Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Iraq Vote, et. al.

Finally, some good news on the foreign affairs front. Even skeptic liberals can't help feeling surprisingly optimistic after the apparent success of the Iraqi vote this past weekend. Early vote estimates show upwards of 60% of registered voters braving the violence to go out to the polls. Beyond anything else, this seems to really prove that there is indeed a "silent majority" in Iraq that wants Democracy and indirectly appreciates the U.S.'s efforts (albeit with mistakes along the way) to aid in the overthrow of tyranny.

For Wilsonians and neo-cons alike, this vote is the real expression of all the theory that we heard in Bush's inuagural speech last week. Of course, it is important not to get too carried away here. Much remains to be done. But this vote is a hugely important first step for putting Iraq back together. It also vindicates those, including Tom Friedman, who argued for this vote to take place on its scheduled date despite ongoing violence. Now, no matter how much bloodshed the insurgents continue to inflict, the world knows that the Iraqi people as a whole are dedicated to the rebuilding of their country as a new beacon of real Democracy in the Middle East.

Another important lesson should be drawn from Iraq--one that might help improve our own Democracy here in America. When 60% of courageous Iraqi's go out and vote on election day knowing that they could be walking to their death, we here in the U.S. have absolutely no excuse for poor turnout in our own elections. This first Iraqi election matched the U.S. turnout for the recent 2004 election--turnout that was at its highest point since the 1970's. Americans take Democracy for granted. It is ironic that Iraqis could teach us a lesson about appreciating our own liberties while we are the ones claiming to be the radiating light for free society in the world.

Before finishing, I guess I should update my loyal blog-readers about my law school admissions status. So far, so good. I'm 3/3 but still really hoping for a school like Vandy to come through for me. In order of my preferences:

Columbia: pending
UVA: pending
Duke: pending
Vandy: pending
George Washington: accepted!
Emory: accepted!
WashU: pending
William and Mary: pending
UGA: accepted!
Wake Forest: pending

Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at 11:40 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink

Comments

I have to agree that the election turned out better than I think anyone could have expected. The high turnout rate is a true testiment to how badly the Iraqi people truly want a free and democratic society.

However, it is important to remember that elections are only the first of many steps to creating a truly consolidated democracy. As Tom Friedman said last night on Hardball, the key will be to see if the next election goes as smoothly as the first. It is an unfortunate reality that many new democracies make it through their first election only to end up with a regime that uses the election as a legitimizing tool but refuses to transfer power over to anyone else.

I say this not to be pessimistic, but rather as a reminder that just because elections have taken place does not mean we are anywhere near to declaring victory. There is still a great deal to be done and it is essential that we not pull out of Iraq too early. Hopefully, the incredible success of these elections will encourage everyone all around the world that no matter what they thought about the war, the focus now should be on the future and consolidating a strong democratic government in Iraq.

Posted by: Dave | Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at 12:19 PM

The comments to this entry are closed.

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