Black and White- The Neighbourhood

The Black and White album (actually titled #000000 & #FFFFFF, the compute code for those colors) was a mix tape released by the alternative band "The Neighbourhood" in 2014. Unlike their other albums, it's not all about relationships and existentialism. Okay, maybe it is a little, but when has any music escaped that? In addition to these themes, the life of the rich and famous is talked about.

Jesse Ruthford, the lead singer of the band, and the rest of the band members originate in LA. The land of Hollywood, and so many famous singers, dancers, actors, actresses, etc. This album talks about that life a little, and going from obscurity to fame. It also talks about some stereotypes of California and the lifestyle that goes hand in hand with growing up in this state. 

The third track, called "warm", opens with Jesse singing "you need to get off my mind". The song is a story about a long term relationship where at least one party is extremely depressed. Being in a relationship and trying not to drag the other person down, be there for them, without sacrificing your own mental health is a challenge. I know I talked about this a bit with the review of Billie Eilish's album, but having music to relate to, that you feel is written about your life, your story, is so powerful. Despite all the detrimental effects of media, the way it brings people together is kind of incredible. Later in the album, the band continues to talk about relationships and mental health. "U&I" says "All I ever do is think about you and I, all you ever do is think about suicide". It just brings attention to how hard it is to show caring for someone when every minute it's hard to stay alive.

The track that really talks about California is "When I Get Back". It features G-eazy and discusses the comforts of being in a known place after being away. The life of famous people can be tumultuous, especially with musicians. There's something so comforting about being alone and having freedom to do what you want.

As a teenager, for me at least, having that free time is rare. I use media as a form of escapism, to feel or at least keep in mind a feeling of peace. The Neighbourhood especially creates that for me because most of the songs fit perfectly into my story. I'm wondering if everyone nowadays has an album like that. If media is rooted that deeply in a lot of people's lives. Anyways, that was a detour.

The last track on this album, called T$RI (standing for True Story, Real Life), has a line that comments "mama said I'd be a rock star; but rock and roll is dead mama. It's not long before the blogs are. Until then I'll be a blog star." That poses the question "what comes next". Jesse is right, phases and what's popular at a certain time can easily change with time. Music has become more personal, easier to access, and it can only evolve further. Despite the convenience of technology, there's still the question of whether it connects us or detaches us, and I feel like the album indirectly comments on this too. It doesn't actually mention media outside of T$RI, but it's so modern in the way it sounds that it just reminds me of the differences between music now and music in, say, the 70s. Which is why it's interesting that they chose to record it on a tape rather than using modern tech.

Whenever I listen to this band, I get major California vibes. But when I listened to them in LA  riding along the beach, it's like pieces of a puzzle came together. It fit so well. Does media have a connection to where it was made? I'm someone who definitely feels vibes and energy, and there was an insane connection between the Neighbourhood and LA. Maybe it's just the feeling of home. We all gravitate to what is most familiar. Environments where media is created could have a certain style to them that's not found anywhere else.

 Heres the link to the album- https://open.spotify.com/album/2mKqHATk7WVbtazVkSe9w0 if anyone would like to check it out.