New Tape, MBV, Etc

Long time no update, first off here is a tracklisting to my newest tape which I just put together and finished last night.

29:59
Side A
Scraps And Heart Attacks- Don't F With S
ON- Generations
Hit The Lights- 309
Black Flag- TV Party
Gorilla Biscuits- Good Intentions
H2O- Songs Remain
Sinking Ships- Ghost Story
Give Up the Ghost- Shoplifting in a Ghost Town
Stay Gold- Toy Boats And Battleships
Killing the Dream- Sick of Sleeping
Verse- Sons And Daughters

Side B

The Ergs- Kind Of Like Smitten
Have Heart- bostons
Descendents- I'm The One
Title Fight- Loud and Clear
Lifetime- Young, Loud, And Scotty
Shook Ones- First Lunch, Then War
Minor Threat- Good Guys (Don't Wear White)
Energy- Talk Hard
Fireworks- Don't Blame The Ocean Floor
Champion- The Truth
Crime In Stereo- I, Stateside

Somehow while putting it together both sides ended up being 29:59 in length with 11 tracks. If I get a chance I might upload it... though its pretty different from most of my other tapes.


Remember how I said I was going to listen to Loveless a bunch to study it? I got tired of it after a while haven't listened to it all the way through since April, Ha. I admit though that I can see what its charm is.


Im lazy when it comes to updating. i haven't been making as many tapes. Possibly will take this is a different sort of direction? Who knows.


Shameless self promotion: Blog done with my friend Adam- http://xdisneyx.blogspot.com/

Ruben vs. Loveless Part Two

On my quest to understand Loveless I read the book in the 33 1/3 series written by Mike McGonigal.

I have previously read two other books in this series, one written about Ok Computer while the other writen about Daydream Nation.

Each title is written by a different author and has a different feel to it. The author who wrote the book about Daydream Nation, Matthew Stearns, describes the album in such detail that it made me love the album as much as he does.

In reality though I only enjoy the album. I have no pure love for the album, I don't even feel it is the best Sonic Youth release (that in my eyes belongs to Goo).

I went into this book wondering what the writing approach would be to this album, and if it would help me on my quest as to understand why people love this album so much.

In the end, it didn't.

Sure there were moments where it was describing the sound and feel of the record. The book was more about the creation of the record and everything going on with the band at the time, like a mini biography.

Not to say that I didn't enjoy the book, because I did, I found it to be an enjoyable read. I was only hoping for it to help me understand the album. Guess all that is left is to listen to the album until either I love it or completely hate it and never want to hear its name spoken again.

Ruben Vs My Bloody Valentine- Loveless.

I am going to be 100% honest right now- I do not get the hype behind this album.
Maybe its because of the fact that I was about five years old upon its release and spent my years of discovering music hearing bands that have played off and evolved their musical style. I think I have listened to the album start to finish only once (though as I type this I am playing through it again so by the time I finish this it will be twice) all other times I make it to around track 4. The songs tend to sound like a mess to me (coming from somebody who listens to some 'messy' or some might say terrible or crappy music that is saying something). Maybe it needs to click with me. I am going to give it time attempt to listen to it at least once a week for the next month in various settings- through computer speakers, through headphones, through stereo speakers (being that I get a stereo where both speakers work in the next month) just to try and figure it out.


Anyways sorry for the time without posts. I have been lazy simply put. There are mixes created and needing to be uploaded I just have to see where I left off. Also for those interested I created a mixtape that I will be creating 50 of and giving to those who want them. Currently 8 have been made (which includes my copy) so that leaves 42 to go. I will willingly make you a tape for free or for a donation (tapes and envelopes and shipping are not free themselves) and make you a copy and send it to you. Each tape contains the same music but has exclusive artwork- as in I didn't like the idea of photocopying artwork 50 times and thought different artwork for each tape was more interesting. Contact me in whatever way you wish (you may e-mail me at remixedremix@hotmail.com make sure the subject reads "enjoy the ride tape") and we can work something out I am sure.

So hopefully I will get to uploading those mixes sometime within the next few weeks. I will update about my ventures with 'Loveless' later to see if my emotions have changed about it at all.

Ruben Vs. Bex: An Interview

Tonight I got the random idea to interview my good freind Rebecca Merker, but better known as Bex. Lucky for me she's crazy just like me and thought it was a grand idea. So here is our interview, we touch on things such as music, style, and swallows. Also, she thinks that I have fans.







Ruben: Hello Bex how are you tonight?
Bex: I am doing pretty well, I am drinking some milk.
2%?
Yes actually hahah.
Good choice there Bex. Anyways I just thought i'd let you know that all these questions are off the top of my head seeing as this is a very spur of the moment idea.
Hahahah, thats fine. I should get used to it when I'm a famous rockstar. You know.


Yes I do know, although normally interviewers prepare questions. So you say you're going to be a famous rock star?
Most likely.
So then I take it that you are very passionate about music and the music you make?
Ridiculously. Haha. I just, I love it.
Well what about it do you love?
I love being able to express myself, and I love it for the same reason I love music: to put into words what I'm feeling better than I can.
Ah yes, I see. So being a musician what instruments can you play?
I can play guitar... ish... and I sing, constantly.
Well punk bands never know how to play their instruments so you can always be a punk rocker.
Hahaha well I can sing, not like the chick from Paramore though.

You need red hair and matching pants for that. Speaking of that mumbo jumbo, how important do you think that image is in music these days?
I think it's pretty much bullshit artists like Britney Spears are followed there is so little talent. Nelly Furtado, before coming out with the dance shit, was nowhere
Big named producers can do a lot for you. You have to admit though, 'Say It Right' is a jam.
Whats that? I don't even know.
It was her second single off her new album.
I mean, I'm not saying it's bad it's just, so different.

Fashion wise, do you think that having a specific image for your band is important? Like how My Chemical Romance have that whole marching band theme or the rappers are so caught up with different fashions and such.
Personally? I think it's fun. I would do it, not over the top like MCR takes it but I find nothing wrong with dressing up.
How exactly do you feel about style, how important is it to you?
Not very I mean, I like looking nice but most of the time, I don't really care, as long as I'm comfortable.
What do you think about all the fashion world and whatnot, telling the world what is in style and what isn't. Do you feel they should be the ones to decide what is "in" and what is "out"?
Absolutely not, I think it's so dumb most of the stuff is just... ugly anyways. I think everyone should just wear what they want.
Very true. Also some of it tends to get really pricey. Plus half the time you're just paying $100 bucks for a label on the jeans.
Exactly. I go for how they fit, not what brand they are.

Good lass. So list for me your top five favorite albums of all time. ready Go!
1. Waiting For My Rocket To Come-Jason Mraz.
2. Heavier Things-John Mayer.
3. Songs About Jane-Maroon 5.
WAIT! Put #1 as Take Off Your Pants And Jacket-Blink-182.
5. either E Von Dahl Killed The Locals by the Matches or The Photo Album by Death Cab.
And split number 3 between Room For Squares and Heavier Things, cause I can't decide.

Well lets discuss this, you originally put Jason Mraz at number one but shortly thereafter changed it to Blink 182. Lets talk why at first you chose Jason, and then why you decided on Blink.
Well, the Jason album is genius and I am seriously, head over heels for every song. But Blink-182... well... they got me into rock music, in general and I wouldn't be listening to any of this if it weren't for them.
But why 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket' in general and not another one of their albums?
Because that WAS the album.
That was your first Blink 182 album?
Yeah, well I mean my brother had 'Enema of the State' and I stole it sometimes, but 'Take Off' was the first that got me REALLY into it.

Do you feel that the internet is ruining music?
nNot at all I think it's helping.
Why do you say that?
Because it's exposing everyone to a wider range of music.
But some will argue that with less people buying albums artists are unable to make revenue.
But the thing is so few artists make money off of that ANYWAY it's like I think it's better to go to a show, buy a t-shirt.
But what about all the other aspects of making the record, producer and etc?
I'm not really sure what to think of that.
Do you think its possible to somehow work out the things with downloading other than scaring everyone that the RIAA is going to sue your pants off?
I think that if it just wasn't so easy, and music wasn't as expensive, more people would buy music.

Did you know that when blank cassette tapes were first released, after people began making mixes and recording albums to them, they began selling them with labels that read "Home Taping Is Killing Music"?
Hahahaha how ironic.

Getting more into you personally here you were born and raised in New York correct?
Yep. Born in New York City, raised in Soho, Brooklyn, and the suburbs.
How much of an influence do you think living in all those places affected you?
Well, I'm described as being seen as "worldly." Growing up in and around New York City is just an insane experience, because so many cultures interact there it's truly unlike anywhere else.
So you are glad that you were raised there I take it.
Oh, totally. though I have to say, it's very liberal, and very Jewish-friendly, which made me a bit naive.

I just have a few questions left for you here

First, what is your quest?
To be the best, and happiest person I can be.
Second, what is your favorite color?
Red, yellow and purple.
Third, what is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
I have no fucking idea. I go to art school.
Hahaha. The correct answer was "an african or european swallow?"
I must advise you Bex to go out and watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail
I have, once, like 14 years ago.
Ah well, you really need to see it again. its a classic comedy

Any last words before we wrap things up?
Hi Ruben's fans.
Haha. Thank you for your time Bex.
No problem, Ruby doodles.