sir mix-a-lot
04-05-2006, 08:53 PM
You've stumbled upon the wonderful world of Decoy Music's weekly Listening Station. So plug in your iPods or whatever you use and get ready to fill it with items selected by staff, readers, and bands you know and love.
Dant and Johnny Love Emo And That Makes Me Sad: Saves The Day - Sound The Alarm
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/savestheday2.jpg
Website: (http://www.savestheday.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/savestheday)
Dant's Take: I used to hate this band with a passion, but then this CD came along. It's as if a ton of great bands got together and had a huge orgy and this was the child. It's light years ahead of anything this band has ever released and is one of the few albums that stay in my CD player for more than a day.
The best thing to call it is a guilty pleasure. Ever since I started listening to it, my friends tried to blow up my house, my girlfriend won't talk to me, and my dog killed itself. But if listening to Saves the Day is wrong, then I don't want to be right.
Johnny's Viewpoint: So I think pretty much everyone except myself loathed In Reverie. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it was too slow. Maybe it was too much of a departure from the sound that made Saves The Day famous. Well, all of you In Reverie haters are in luck, because STD's new album Sound The Alarm is old school. The lyrics are dark and angry, the music is fast yet melodic, and it all just fits. This new album is no Stay What You Are, but it's pretty darn close. Why did everyone hate In Reverie so much? Was it the song about the monkey?
Dave Is Trying To Revive His: Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brokensocialscene.jpg
Website: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/) :: Listen: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/)
My pick this week definitely had to be Broken Social Scene’s self-titled album, which was released last year. Upon its release, the album received mixed reviews, but I believe this is one of those albums that takes numerous concentrated listens to truly appreciate. Half of the reason people were disappointed by the album was because of the constant comparisons to their 2002 masterpiece, You Forgot It in People. I believe that you have to look at the two records in a different light and take them each for what they're worth. Sure, You Forgot It in People was an indie rock classic, but I also think that Broken Social Scene is just as good, if not even better. This 15-member collective has managed to create an album that is over an hour long, but has enough diversity to keep me intently listening the whole time. There are so many extraordinary songs to choose from: the slow jangle of “Major Label Debut,” the hip-hop influence in “Windsurfing Nation,” the psychedelic romp of “Superconnected,” and the absolutely gorgeous epic “It’s All Gonna Break.” I also have to mention the lyrics, which are some of my favorite ever penned and are incredibly intelligent. As an even further bonus, there is the great EP, To Be You and Me, which came with the album for those lucky enough to get the limited edition. I believe this is an album that will stand the test of time and I could go on forever about it, so I’ll stop. For now, take out Broken Social Scene and listen to your very own indie nerd orchestra.
Chris Said The Magic Words When He Wrote About: My Disco - The Collapse Of An Erratic Lung/The Language Of Numbers
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mydisco.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/mdband) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mdband)
This past summer I was attending an Off Minor show with a few friends. We were lucky enough to witness Australian post-rock/screamo band My Disco, an Australian three piece featuring members of Clann Zu. When they took the stage, I, along with everyone else in the room, didn’t know what to expect. Half an hour later, we were all blown away. The vibe in the room was incredible. Everyone was dancing to the trancey yet groovy screamo pieces with punchy bass and unique vocals over top.
This album is both of their EPs tied together and it’s really a treat to listen to. Not only are they one of the most unique screamo bands to date, but they also know how to tie in funky yet crafty guitar work over top dance beat drums and extremely loud, rumbling bass. You can also find their 7’’ EP with Off Minor, which, although it's only one track each, is also very good. Give My Disco a good listen. I really can’t see anyone completely disliking these guys.
Brandon Prefers This To Mindless Breakup Songs Played On The Radio: Tilly And The Wall - Bottoms of Barrels
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tillyandthewall.jpg
Website: (http://www.tillyandthewall.com/tatw/index.html) :: Listen: (http://www.tillyandthewall.com/tatw/index.html)
The Tapdancing Team is back again with their '06 release and is sure to catch some more attention. This new release is packed with so much fun that it's sure to keep you moving throughout. With their unique sound, and their high energy, these boys and girls are sure to turn some heads. Folking it up and tapping it out, Tilly and The Wall pick up where Wild Like Children leaves off. A strong disc for this bunch and this label! Recommended if you like: Jenny Lewis or tapdancing!
Truman Does Almost Slant Rhyme With Waylon: Shooter Jennings - Electric Rodeo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shooterjennings.jpg
Website: (http://www.shooterjennings.com) :: Listen: (http://www.shooterjennings.com)
This week I decided to pick Shooter Jennings's Electric Rodeo. I know this isn’t usually the type of music you would find me recommending on the site, but Jennings has written probably one of the best country/rock albums and it is well worth a listen. This album has a ton of standout tracks and some of my favorite are “Electric Rodeo,” “Aviators,” and “Hair of the Dog.” If you absolutely hate country music, take in mind this isn’t your average country album. Jennings and his band The 357’s offer more than a fair amount of rock. After listening to this album, I only wish more artists were doing this kind of thing.
Kamran Returns To The Thirty-Six Chambers: Ghostface Killah - Fishscales
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ghostfacekillah.jpg
Website: (http://www6.defjam.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=485) :: Listen: (http://www6.defjam.com/site/artist_av.php?artist_id=485)
Well, I've never been much of a fan of East Coast rap, but lately, it's really growing on me. In fact it's safe to say that Ghostface's 2004 Pretty Toney Album was one of the first East Coast albums that really sparked my interest. In 2006, Ghostface Killah returns with Fishscale, a truly marvelous release and one of 2006's best offerings thus far. I endorse it. It's delicious with a light lime sauce.
Jordan S. Rolls To: Gomez - How We Operate
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/gomez.jpg
Website: (http://www.gomeztheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/gomez)
So, Gomez may not exactly be the kind of music most of you listen to, but their new album due this May. How We Operate is pretty incredible and worthy of a listen. The band got dropped from Virgin last year and was picked up by ATO, but this isn't the first time major labels have made major mistakes by dropping career artists for now-bands (Wilco, anyone?). So do yourself a favor, and if you don't already know who Gomez is, check them out. If you know, get the album. And if they play in your town, go.
Also check out the Lucky Number Slevin trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/luckynumberslevin/). The song in the backend is "Shot Shot" from their 2002 album In Our Gun.
Sam Disappoints Me With His Album Selection: Incubus - Morning View
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/incubus.jpg
Website: (http://www.enjoyincubus.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/incubus)
I.N.C.U.B.U.S. The first big rock group I got into. I'm bringing them back because I've been listening to Morning View a lot lately. The songs are all brilliant, and I believe this is their best work to date. Yes, better than S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
Ben Is Mad That You Don't Read His Reviews: Cerberus Shoal - The Land We All Believe In
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cerberusshoal.jpg
Website: (http://www.cerberusshoal.com) :: Listen: (http://www.cerberusshoal.com/sounds.htm)
I've only known about Cerberus Shoal for around two years now. Nothing serious. Just the one album I had on my computer at the time. Then they dropped this a few weeks ago. An absolute atomic bomb of musical ideas. It was so good that I actually ended up buying their entire back catalogue. Well, almost all of it. An EP with two different cover arts went unpurchased, but I have eight albums by them now. Nine if you count the double disc with two titles. That's how good The Land We All Believe In is. It also speaks volumes for my music purchasing addiction. Politically aware, socially awkward, and creative, Cerberus Shoal is a band we should all believe in.
Adam Asks If This Is Yours: Ermine - The Murra
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ermine.jpg
Website: (http://www.ermineonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ermine)
Do you think Coheed and Cambria are a bunch of pretentious D&D playing geeks who have suckered in the MTV demographic with their pseudo-prog? Do you think Queens of the Stone Age are hotel wrecking, success gone to the head, rockstar pricks? Do you find Tool to be inaccessible or Wintersleep too passive? Maybe you would answer no to all the questions posed. It's possible you would say yes as well. The answer is neither here nor there. Canada's forgotten underdog of a son, Ermine, has forged a path that bears a resemblance to all of the above, though much more notorious, artists. They have kicked around the ever-growing Canadian scene for several years, only now to release their first full length album, The Murra. Call it prog. Call it stoner. It doesn't matter, the album is top shelf, pretentiousness and rock star douchebaggery not included.
Trevor Erb (of Tub Ring, Jesus Kills Butterflies, and 3-2-1 Activate!) Goes Where No Woman Has Gone Before: Queen - A Kind Of Magic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/queen.jpg
Website: (http://www.queenonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.queenonline.com/media/login.php)
I don't know what the deal has been lately, but I've been on a huge Queen kick for the past few months. I think it had something to do with buying the Live at Wembley Stadium DVD on a whim and completely falling head over heels for Brian May's huge walls of lush guitar riffage mixed with all the other elements that make that band the phenomenon that they are. A Kind of Magic has been in constant rotation on my MP3 player as of late, mostly the bi-polar tracks "One Vision" and "Who Wants to Live Forever." The energy in "One Vision" just propels that song out of this world, and all the subtleties of the programming/keyboards on that song intermingle nicely with the music. However, it's "Who Wants to Live Forever" that really gets to me. I don't know how to interpret those lyrics sometimes; sometimes it's happy but a tad bit sad, other times it's just plain depressing. I think wherever Freddie was at the point (after finding out about his illness) is probably the reason behind that vagueness. Regardless, it doesn't matter which Queen album I'm listening to, I'm happy as a pig in shit when they're coming through the speakers.
Marc Takes Voice Lessons From Tom Hanks, But Failed The "Prepositions" Course: Reach The Sky - Friends, Lies, And The End Of The World
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reachthesky.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/reachtheskyband) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/reachtheskyband)
Seriously one of the catchiest hardcore records I own, and I own a lot. Reach the Sky is a band many people tend to pass up on and think nothing of them. Those who do find them tend to treasure this little-known secret. Aside with that, this album deals with the hardships of life, but do this in a positive way and not a bitchy, emo way. Refreshing, right? If you're looking for something fast with all the sing-alongs you can want in one package, then pick this up. I'd say get into this band before you miss out, but you already did.
Dant and Johnny Love Emo And That Makes Me Sad: Saves The Day - Sound The Alarm
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/savestheday2.jpg
Website: (http://www.savestheday.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/savestheday)
Dant's Take: I used to hate this band with a passion, but then this CD came along. It's as if a ton of great bands got together and had a huge orgy and this was the child. It's light years ahead of anything this band has ever released and is one of the few albums that stay in my CD player for more than a day.
The best thing to call it is a guilty pleasure. Ever since I started listening to it, my friends tried to blow up my house, my girlfriend won't talk to me, and my dog killed itself. But if listening to Saves the Day is wrong, then I don't want to be right.
Johnny's Viewpoint: So I think pretty much everyone except myself loathed In Reverie. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it was too slow. Maybe it was too much of a departure from the sound that made Saves The Day famous. Well, all of you In Reverie haters are in luck, because STD's new album Sound The Alarm is old school. The lyrics are dark and angry, the music is fast yet melodic, and it all just fits. This new album is no Stay What You Are, but it's pretty darn close. Why did everyone hate In Reverie so much? Was it the song about the monkey?
Dave Is Trying To Revive His: Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brokensocialscene.jpg
Website: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/) :: Listen: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/)
My pick this week definitely had to be Broken Social Scene’s self-titled album, which was released last year. Upon its release, the album received mixed reviews, but I believe this is one of those albums that takes numerous concentrated listens to truly appreciate. Half of the reason people were disappointed by the album was because of the constant comparisons to their 2002 masterpiece, You Forgot It in People. I believe that you have to look at the two records in a different light and take them each for what they're worth. Sure, You Forgot It in People was an indie rock classic, but I also think that Broken Social Scene is just as good, if not even better. This 15-member collective has managed to create an album that is over an hour long, but has enough diversity to keep me intently listening the whole time. There are so many extraordinary songs to choose from: the slow jangle of “Major Label Debut,” the hip-hop influence in “Windsurfing Nation,” the psychedelic romp of “Superconnected,” and the absolutely gorgeous epic “It’s All Gonna Break.” I also have to mention the lyrics, which are some of my favorite ever penned and are incredibly intelligent. As an even further bonus, there is the great EP, To Be You and Me, which came with the album for those lucky enough to get the limited edition. I believe this is an album that will stand the test of time and I could go on forever about it, so I’ll stop. For now, take out Broken Social Scene and listen to your very own indie nerd orchestra.
Chris Said The Magic Words When He Wrote About: My Disco - The Collapse Of An Erratic Lung/The Language Of Numbers
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mydisco.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/mdband) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mdband)
This past summer I was attending an Off Minor show with a few friends. We were lucky enough to witness Australian post-rock/screamo band My Disco, an Australian three piece featuring members of Clann Zu. When they took the stage, I, along with everyone else in the room, didn’t know what to expect. Half an hour later, we were all blown away. The vibe in the room was incredible. Everyone was dancing to the trancey yet groovy screamo pieces with punchy bass and unique vocals over top.
This album is both of their EPs tied together and it’s really a treat to listen to. Not only are they one of the most unique screamo bands to date, but they also know how to tie in funky yet crafty guitar work over top dance beat drums and extremely loud, rumbling bass. You can also find their 7’’ EP with Off Minor, which, although it's only one track each, is also very good. Give My Disco a good listen. I really can’t see anyone completely disliking these guys.
Brandon Prefers This To Mindless Breakup Songs Played On The Radio: Tilly And The Wall - Bottoms of Barrels
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tillyandthewall.jpg
Website: (http://www.tillyandthewall.com/tatw/index.html) :: Listen: (http://www.tillyandthewall.com/tatw/index.html)
The Tapdancing Team is back again with their '06 release and is sure to catch some more attention. This new release is packed with so much fun that it's sure to keep you moving throughout. With their unique sound, and their high energy, these boys and girls are sure to turn some heads. Folking it up and tapping it out, Tilly and The Wall pick up where Wild Like Children leaves off. A strong disc for this bunch and this label! Recommended if you like: Jenny Lewis or tapdancing!
Truman Does Almost Slant Rhyme With Waylon: Shooter Jennings - Electric Rodeo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shooterjennings.jpg
Website: (http://www.shooterjennings.com) :: Listen: (http://www.shooterjennings.com)
This week I decided to pick Shooter Jennings's Electric Rodeo. I know this isn’t usually the type of music you would find me recommending on the site, but Jennings has written probably one of the best country/rock albums and it is well worth a listen. This album has a ton of standout tracks and some of my favorite are “Electric Rodeo,” “Aviators,” and “Hair of the Dog.” If you absolutely hate country music, take in mind this isn’t your average country album. Jennings and his band The 357’s offer more than a fair amount of rock. After listening to this album, I only wish more artists were doing this kind of thing.
Kamran Returns To The Thirty-Six Chambers: Ghostface Killah - Fishscales
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ghostfacekillah.jpg
Website: (http://www6.defjam.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=485) :: Listen: (http://www6.defjam.com/site/artist_av.php?artist_id=485)
Well, I've never been much of a fan of East Coast rap, but lately, it's really growing on me. In fact it's safe to say that Ghostface's 2004 Pretty Toney Album was one of the first East Coast albums that really sparked my interest. In 2006, Ghostface Killah returns with Fishscale, a truly marvelous release and one of 2006's best offerings thus far. I endorse it. It's delicious with a light lime sauce.
Jordan S. Rolls To: Gomez - How We Operate
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/gomez.jpg
Website: (http://www.gomeztheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/gomez)
So, Gomez may not exactly be the kind of music most of you listen to, but their new album due this May. How We Operate is pretty incredible and worthy of a listen. The band got dropped from Virgin last year and was picked up by ATO, but this isn't the first time major labels have made major mistakes by dropping career artists for now-bands (Wilco, anyone?). So do yourself a favor, and if you don't already know who Gomez is, check them out. If you know, get the album. And if they play in your town, go.
Also check out the Lucky Number Slevin trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/luckynumberslevin/). The song in the backend is "Shot Shot" from their 2002 album In Our Gun.
Sam Disappoints Me With His Album Selection: Incubus - Morning View
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/incubus.jpg
Website: (http://www.enjoyincubus.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/incubus)
I.N.C.U.B.U.S. The first big rock group I got into. I'm bringing them back because I've been listening to Morning View a lot lately. The songs are all brilliant, and I believe this is their best work to date. Yes, better than S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
Ben Is Mad That You Don't Read His Reviews: Cerberus Shoal - The Land We All Believe In
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cerberusshoal.jpg
Website: (http://www.cerberusshoal.com) :: Listen: (http://www.cerberusshoal.com/sounds.htm)
I've only known about Cerberus Shoal for around two years now. Nothing serious. Just the one album I had on my computer at the time. Then they dropped this a few weeks ago. An absolute atomic bomb of musical ideas. It was so good that I actually ended up buying their entire back catalogue. Well, almost all of it. An EP with two different cover arts went unpurchased, but I have eight albums by them now. Nine if you count the double disc with two titles. That's how good The Land We All Believe In is. It also speaks volumes for my music purchasing addiction. Politically aware, socially awkward, and creative, Cerberus Shoal is a band we should all believe in.
Adam Asks If This Is Yours: Ermine - The Murra
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ermine.jpg
Website: (http://www.ermineonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ermine)
Do you think Coheed and Cambria are a bunch of pretentious D&D playing geeks who have suckered in the MTV demographic with their pseudo-prog? Do you think Queens of the Stone Age are hotel wrecking, success gone to the head, rockstar pricks? Do you find Tool to be inaccessible or Wintersleep too passive? Maybe you would answer no to all the questions posed. It's possible you would say yes as well. The answer is neither here nor there. Canada's forgotten underdog of a son, Ermine, has forged a path that bears a resemblance to all of the above, though much more notorious, artists. They have kicked around the ever-growing Canadian scene for several years, only now to release their first full length album, The Murra. Call it prog. Call it stoner. It doesn't matter, the album is top shelf, pretentiousness and rock star douchebaggery not included.
Trevor Erb (of Tub Ring, Jesus Kills Butterflies, and 3-2-1 Activate!) Goes Where No Woman Has Gone Before: Queen - A Kind Of Magic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/queen.jpg
Website: (http://www.queenonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.queenonline.com/media/login.php)
I don't know what the deal has been lately, but I've been on a huge Queen kick for the past few months. I think it had something to do with buying the Live at Wembley Stadium DVD on a whim and completely falling head over heels for Brian May's huge walls of lush guitar riffage mixed with all the other elements that make that band the phenomenon that they are. A Kind of Magic has been in constant rotation on my MP3 player as of late, mostly the bi-polar tracks "One Vision" and "Who Wants to Live Forever." The energy in "One Vision" just propels that song out of this world, and all the subtleties of the programming/keyboards on that song intermingle nicely with the music. However, it's "Who Wants to Live Forever" that really gets to me. I don't know how to interpret those lyrics sometimes; sometimes it's happy but a tad bit sad, other times it's just plain depressing. I think wherever Freddie was at the point (after finding out about his illness) is probably the reason behind that vagueness. Regardless, it doesn't matter which Queen album I'm listening to, I'm happy as a pig in shit when they're coming through the speakers.
Marc Takes Voice Lessons From Tom Hanks, But Failed The "Prepositions" Course: Reach The Sky - Friends, Lies, And The End Of The World
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reachthesky.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/reachtheskyband) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/reachtheskyband)
Seriously one of the catchiest hardcore records I own, and I own a lot. Reach the Sky is a band many people tend to pass up on and think nothing of them. Those who do find them tend to treasure this little-known secret. Aside with that, this album deals with the hardships of life, but do this in a positive way and not a bitchy, emo way. Refreshing, right? If you're looking for something fast with all the sing-alongs you can want in one package, then pick this up. I'd say get into this band before you miss out, but you already did.