sir mix-a-lot
04-26-2006, 07:18 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. You could also buy an album, even. I know, far-fetched.
Dave Has A Thing For Lisps: Refused - Songs To Fan The Flames Of Discontent
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/refused2.jpg
Website: (http://www.burningheart.com/refused) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/refused)
With all the focus on the Refused DVD this week, I went back and listened to all their albums. The one that caught my attention the most was the criminally underrated Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent. It’s easy to see how everyone lost sight of how great this album is. After releasing an undisputed classic like The Shape of Punk to Come, a band’s back catalog can easily be left in the dust. The constantly aggressive nature of the album makes it easier to throw on and listen to straight through, as opposed to an elaborate epic like The Shape of Punk to Come. The first three songs are a hat trick of brutality and introspective lyrics. The album's lyrics are as relevant now as they were in 1996, which is probably a bad thing since they shout about corruption in government and the shallowness of society. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén has an incredible delivery which helps amplify the intensity of the emotions he is displaying. If you need a record that will help you vent some frustration, this is probably one of the best choices you can make.
Chris (Formerly of Breaking Custom) Fears Change: Clifton - We Never Change
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/clifton.jpg
Website: (http://www.cliftonrock.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/clifton)
Clifton is going to take over the metal/hardcore scene shortly with their new album We Never Change, which is due out June 13th via Abacus. Their style is a mix of southern rock, hardcore, and metal rolled into something that can only be described as greatness.
Marc's Dick Look Like A Anteater: Cave In - Antenna
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cavein2.jpg
Website: (http://www.cavein.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cavein)
This band can do no wrong in my eyes, and they proved that once again with Antenna. Many fans of the band brush this major label album off to the side, but only recently have I come to discover how much I appreciate this album. It took me a long time to adjust to their new "poppy" sound, but I've come to realize how dominating they were in this genre. And if it was promoted correctly, they could have had hit after hit. "Stained Silver," "Rubber and Glue," and "Joy Opposites" could be top 40 hits. I'll go so far as to say each song on here could be. Just when you think a band is going to do one thing specifically, bands like Cave In, Codeseven, and Dredg do the complete opposite and that's refreshing to hear.
Don't shrug this band off because they stopped playing the new flavor of the month: metalcore.
Thom Hazaert (Corporate Punishment Records) Lays Down Corporal Law With: Allele - Point Of Origin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/allele.jpg
Website: (http://www.allelemusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/allele)
I dunno if it's being brainwashed, vain, or really just loving my bands, but, sadly, about all I listen to these days is our records (and Van Halen 1). That said, the LP that most frequently haunts my CD player (it hasn't left it in almost a week, and has been there pretty much 6 days a week since last summer) would have to be Allele's Point of Origin. When I first heard the first rough tracks of this record last year, I was hooked, and the more I heard, I was amazed by the fact that every song they sent me, I loved. It really is the quintessential hard rock record - huge hooks, meaty guitars, lots of riffs, and great lyrics, melodies, and vocal delivery. Elitists beware, there's nothing retro-pseudo-post or probably even that "hip" about it. But the bottom line, if you like your rock hard and your art hanging on a wall, Point of Origin might be right up your alley.
Kamran Uses His Magical Powers Of Deduction To Uncover: Tarantella - Esqueletos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tarantella.jpg
Website: (http://www.tarantellamusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/tarantellaband)
So, I totally got this promo in a package from Adam, but the jerk didn't include any artwork, credits, or even a sticky note saying who it was; of course, there was nothing on the actual CD except a copyright by Alternative Tentacles. Hark! A clue! After 5 minutes of exhaustive searching, I discovered it was Tarantella's 2005 album Esqueletos. I may be behind the times, but oh well. It is an awesomely original Americana record, sung both in Spanish and English by frontwoman Kal Cahoone. I highly recommend this if you're a fan of A Whisper in the Noise, Okkervil River, and T.
Brent's Got The Juice Now: 2Pac - All Eyez On Me
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/2pac.jpg
Website: (http://www.2paclegacy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.2paclegacy.com/musicplayer/index.asp)
In addition to posters adorning the walls where I live and movies with Tupac in them constantly being played on our TV, this is all my roommate listens to. Tupac was great, but he contradicted himself. However, singing about bitches and guns in one song, then about his mom and tender things in the next didn't make him any less legitimate. This album is essential for any person who listens to rap.
Jared Believes The Proper Conversion Ratio Is Nine Fists For Every One Paragraph: 36 Crazyfists - Rest Inside The Flames
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/36crazyfists.jpg
Website: (http://www.36crazyfists.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/36crazyfists)
For a band that debuted during the height of the late 90’s nu-metal craze, 36 Crazyfists is still standing strong. Their 3rd full length, Rest Inside the Flames, sees the band moving in the same direction as A Snow Capped Romance. Things are still strangely melodic, yet provide enough punch to knock you on your ass.
This time around the band has borrowed the voices of a few other vocalists; namely, Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage and Jonah Jenkins of Milligram. “Elysium,” the track Jones appears on, at times sounds just like Killswitch Engage, especially in the instances where Jones makes his appearances.
At first listen, I pegged the guest vocals of “We Cannot Deny” to be from Murder By Death vocalist Adam Turla. The truth is they’re from Milligram’s Jonah Jenkins. Regardless of who is singing the vocals, “We Cannot Deny” is a beautiful track.
36 Crazyfists has once again managed to turn out another great album that straddles the line on melody and ferocity, all while not treading too far into dreaded nu-metal territory. My one gripe with this album (and also with their previous) is the lighter material. This band is capable of breakneck metal 100% of the time, but rarely sticks to the pace. Not to say their more melodic material is any less amazing, but I would like to see less of it.
Eric Tosses This One In Gently: Loftus - Hugs and Drugs
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/loftus.gif
Website: (http://www.loftusnoise.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/loftus)
The album starts with 8 minutes of tranquil rainforest noises with the occasional echoes of a woman moaning in sexual ecstasy and faint avian warbling, then, as the very last bird call fades away, the band launches an alarming blast of dismaying shrieks and strident riffs. With their album, Hugs & Drugs, you'll find that this tangy-techy recipe has spread evenly throughout the dish. Fans of Daughters and The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza should be taking notice to these guys, if they know what's good for them. Hugs & Drugs ends with quite a bit of electronic foolishness, which is okay because I would be surprised if any band could continue on with what they were dishing out earlier in the album.
Dant Has Too Much Of A Conscience To Exploit Irony In A Comedic Manner: The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theexplodinghearts.jpg
Website: (http://www.theexplodinghearts.com) :: Listen: (http://www.theexplodinghearts.com/Sounds.html)
After hearing all these stories that these guys inspired The Pink Spiders, I decided to check them out. There is definitely no disappointment here. Not only do they have catchy tunes, but they have great lyrics as well. It’s a shame that they died in a van wreck, but at least they have this gem to be remembered by.
Chris Is The First To Crack And Select: Tool - 10,000 Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tool.jpg
Website: (http://www.toolband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.toolarmy.com)
It’s been a dreaded five year wait that, at times, has seemed like decades since Tool has released a new album. Then when the release is right around the corner, you almost stop and think, “Wow, it seems too soon!” There is something about Tool that, when you hear a new song for the first time, you are usually thinking something like “What the fuck, mate!” That was my first reaction to Tool’s 10,000 Days. It took me only three listens to realize how big this album is, in sound and in emotion. Some of these songs are the most personal and heart-wrenching pieces Tool has ever written; others are tripped-out epics on acid. But whatever style Tool chooses to display their songs with, they always end up succeeding. I really never thought anything would top Lateralus for me, but I was wrong. Tool has once again created a masterpiece that I will enjoy furiously for the next several years until they release another album. This may not be your favorite album, but this one hit me hard, and in a good way.
One question: How is it that even after 20+ listens I can still notice new things in each song? How does Tool do that (okay, so two questions)? I can pick up any one of their previous albums right now and notice something I hadn’t heard before. I really could never get tired of this band. That is one reason why Tool is my favorite band. They can put out an album and leave us waiting for five years, but in reality, can you really get bored of these albums? I know I can’t. Be sure to buy 10,000 Days on May 2nd.
Ben Believes It May Be Time To Do Just That: Electric Light Orchestra - Face The Music
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/elo.jpg
Website: (http://www.fastballmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.fastballmusic.com/music.html)
I'm not picking Electric Light Orchestra because I'm so into them it hurts just to breathe. In fact, this is the only ELO album I actually own. And I've only had it for like two weeks. I just so happened to have discovered the opening track, "Fire on High" years ago and finally found the album featuring it. To say "Fire on High" is one of the best openers ever is an understatement. It may actually be one of the best instrumental pieces ever composed. The rest of the album features Jeff Lynne's angelic vocals and lush orchestrations merging the sounds of early prog, such asGenesis, with the mid-transition period Beatles. It's an incredible album, despite its short running time and measly 8 tracks. Then again, it was the 70s.
Truman Gets His Rocks Off To: Head Automatica - Pop Rocks
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/headautomatica.jpg
Website: (http://www.headautomatica.com):: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/headautomatica)
I decided to recommend Head Automatica's Pop Rocks this week. This an iTunes release that features 4 tracks that will be on their new album. I’ll be honest; when this band first surfaced, I wasn't too crazy about them, even with Daryl in the band, but the album grew on me and if this EP showcases what the next album has to offer, I think this will be one of my favorite summer releases. If the album isn't as good as I'm hoping, these 4 songs will do. The song “Graduation Day” is the single and it’s a really good song. Daryl does a great job as usual with the vocal delivery and the music is really good. I think these songs move more in the direction of previous songs like “Beating Heart Baby.” This a fun release that’s good for the summer.
Aaron Lights A Fire Under My Ass To Get This In: Ignite - Our Darkest Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ignite.jpg
Website: (http://www.ignitemusic.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ignitemusic)
It's been a long time since the last Ignite album. 2000's A Place Called Home was the last time we were graced with the incredible music from these punk rock pioneers. Formed in 1993, Ignite has definitely survived past the best days of melodic punk rock and has once again popped up to deliver the incredible melodies, the blistering beats, and some of the best lyrics found on anyones cd nowdays. Lead singer Zuli continues to keep the album incredibly political with his lyrics and the rest of the band keeps the music extremely punk rock. When I listen to this album, each song sends chills down my spine. God damn, Zuli can hit the high notes. The words "Speak The Truth!" cry out on the first song, "Bleeding," which definitely sets the tone for one of the best albums of 2006. The message, the music, the backup vocals, the production on the album, everything seems flat out perfect. Words almost can't even describe how good this album is. I encourage anyone who hasnt heard of Ignite before to become acquainted with them now. There honestly isn't a bad song on this album. Be prepared for an insane version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" as the second to last track and get ready for the return of Ignite. They're going to turn a lot of heads.
Dave Has A Thing For Lisps: Refused - Songs To Fan The Flames Of Discontent
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/refused2.jpg
Website: (http://www.burningheart.com/refused) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/refused)
With all the focus on the Refused DVD this week, I went back and listened to all their albums. The one that caught my attention the most was the criminally underrated Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent. It’s easy to see how everyone lost sight of how great this album is. After releasing an undisputed classic like The Shape of Punk to Come, a band’s back catalog can easily be left in the dust. The constantly aggressive nature of the album makes it easier to throw on and listen to straight through, as opposed to an elaborate epic like The Shape of Punk to Come. The first three songs are a hat trick of brutality and introspective lyrics. The album's lyrics are as relevant now as they were in 1996, which is probably a bad thing since they shout about corruption in government and the shallowness of society. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén has an incredible delivery which helps amplify the intensity of the emotions he is displaying. If you need a record that will help you vent some frustration, this is probably one of the best choices you can make.
Chris (Formerly of Breaking Custom) Fears Change: Clifton - We Never Change
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/clifton.jpg
Website: (http://www.cliftonrock.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/clifton)
Clifton is going to take over the metal/hardcore scene shortly with their new album We Never Change, which is due out June 13th via Abacus. Their style is a mix of southern rock, hardcore, and metal rolled into something that can only be described as greatness.
Marc's Dick Look Like A Anteater: Cave In - Antenna
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cavein2.jpg
Website: (http://www.cavein.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cavein)
This band can do no wrong in my eyes, and they proved that once again with Antenna. Many fans of the band brush this major label album off to the side, but only recently have I come to discover how much I appreciate this album. It took me a long time to adjust to their new "poppy" sound, but I've come to realize how dominating they were in this genre. And if it was promoted correctly, they could have had hit after hit. "Stained Silver," "Rubber and Glue," and "Joy Opposites" could be top 40 hits. I'll go so far as to say each song on here could be. Just when you think a band is going to do one thing specifically, bands like Cave In, Codeseven, and Dredg do the complete opposite and that's refreshing to hear.
Don't shrug this band off because they stopped playing the new flavor of the month: metalcore.
Thom Hazaert (Corporate Punishment Records) Lays Down Corporal Law With: Allele - Point Of Origin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/allele.jpg
Website: (http://www.allelemusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/allele)
I dunno if it's being brainwashed, vain, or really just loving my bands, but, sadly, about all I listen to these days is our records (and Van Halen 1). That said, the LP that most frequently haunts my CD player (it hasn't left it in almost a week, and has been there pretty much 6 days a week since last summer) would have to be Allele's Point of Origin. When I first heard the first rough tracks of this record last year, I was hooked, and the more I heard, I was amazed by the fact that every song they sent me, I loved. It really is the quintessential hard rock record - huge hooks, meaty guitars, lots of riffs, and great lyrics, melodies, and vocal delivery. Elitists beware, there's nothing retro-pseudo-post or probably even that "hip" about it. But the bottom line, if you like your rock hard and your art hanging on a wall, Point of Origin might be right up your alley.
Kamran Uses His Magical Powers Of Deduction To Uncover: Tarantella - Esqueletos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tarantella.jpg
Website: (http://www.tarantellamusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/tarantellaband)
So, I totally got this promo in a package from Adam, but the jerk didn't include any artwork, credits, or even a sticky note saying who it was; of course, there was nothing on the actual CD except a copyright by Alternative Tentacles. Hark! A clue! After 5 minutes of exhaustive searching, I discovered it was Tarantella's 2005 album Esqueletos. I may be behind the times, but oh well. It is an awesomely original Americana record, sung both in Spanish and English by frontwoman Kal Cahoone. I highly recommend this if you're a fan of A Whisper in the Noise, Okkervil River, and T.
Brent's Got The Juice Now: 2Pac - All Eyez On Me
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/2pac.jpg
Website: (http://www.2paclegacy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.2paclegacy.com/musicplayer/index.asp)
In addition to posters adorning the walls where I live and movies with Tupac in them constantly being played on our TV, this is all my roommate listens to. Tupac was great, but he contradicted himself. However, singing about bitches and guns in one song, then about his mom and tender things in the next didn't make him any less legitimate. This album is essential for any person who listens to rap.
Jared Believes The Proper Conversion Ratio Is Nine Fists For Every One Paragraph: 36 Crazyfists - Rest Inside The Flames
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/36crazyfists.jpg
Website: (http://www.36crazyfists.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/36crazyfists)
For a band that debuted during the height of the late 90’s nu-metal craze, 36 Crazyfists is still standing strong. Their 3rd full length, Rest Inside the Flames, sees the band moving in the same direction as A Snow Capped Romance. Things are still strangely melodic, yet provide enough punch to knock you on your ass.
This time around the band has borrowed the voices of a few other vocalists; namely, Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage and Jonah Jenkins of Milligram. “Elysium,” the track Jones appears on, at times sounds just like Killswitch Engage, especially in the instances where Jones makes his appearances.
At first listen, I pegged the guest vocals of “We Cannot Deny” to be from Murder By Death vocalist Adam Turla. The truth is they’re from Milligram’s Jonah Jenkins. Regardless of who is singing the vocals, “We Cannot Deny” is a beautiful track.
36 Crazyfists has once again managed to turn out another great album that straddles the line on melody and ferocity, all while not treading too far into dreaded nu-metal territory. My one gripe with this album (and also with their previous) is the lighter material. This band is capable of breakneck metal 100% of the time, but rarely sticks to the pace. Not to say their more melodic material is any less amazing, but I would like to see less of it.
Eric Tosses This One In Gently: Loftus - Hugs and Drugs
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/loftus.gif
Website: (http://www.loftusnoise.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/loftus)
The album starts with 8 minutes of tranquil rainforest noises with the occasional echoes of a woman moaning in sexual ecstasy and faint avian warbling, then, as the very last bird call fades away, the band launches an alarming blast of dismaying shrieks and strident riffs. With their album, Hugs & Drugs, you'll find that this tangy-techy recipe has spread evenly throughout the dish. Fans of Daughters and The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza should be taking notice to these guys, if they know what's good for them. Hugs & Drugs ends with quite a bit of electronic foolishness, which is okay because I would be surprised if any band could continue on with what they were dishing out earlier in the album.
Dant Has Too Much Of A Conscience To Exploit Irony In A Comedic Manner: The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theexplodinghearts.jpg
Website: (http://www.theexplodinghearts.com) :: Listen: (http://www.theexplodinghearts.com/Sounds.html)
After hearing all these stories that these guys inspired The Pink Spiders, I decided to check them out. There is definitely no disappointment here. Not only do they have catchy tunes, but they have great lyrics as well. It’s a shame that they died in a van wreck, but at least they have this gem to be remembered by.
Chris Is The First To Crack And Select: Tool - 10,000 Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tool.jpg
Website: (http://www.toolband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.toolarmy.com)
It’s been a dreaded five year wait that, at times, has seemed like decades since Tool has released a new album. Then when the release is right around the corner, you almost stop and think, “Wow, it seems too soon!” There is something about Tool that, when you hear a new song for the first time, you are usually thinking something like “What the fuck, mate!” That was my first reaction to Tool’s 10,000 Days. It took me only three listens to realize how big this album is, in sound and in emotion. Some of these songs are the most personal and heart-wrenching pieces Tool has ever written; others are tripped-out epics on acid. But whatever style Tool chooses to display their songs with, they always end up succeeding. I really never thought anything would top Lateralus for me, but I was wrong. Tool has once again created a masterpiece that I will enjoy furiously for the next several years until they release another album. This may not be your favorite album, but this one hit me hard, and in a good way.
One question: How is it that even after 20+ listens I can still notice new things in each song? How does Tool do that (okay, so two questions)? I can pick up any one of their previous albums right now and notice something I hadn’t heard before. I really could never get tired of this band. That is one reason why Tool is my favorite band. They can put out an album and leave us waiting for five years, but in reality, can you really get bored of these albums? I know I can’t. Be sure to buy 10,000 Days on May 2nd.
Ben Believes It May Be Time To Do Just That: Electric Light Orchestra - Face The Music
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/elo.jpg
Website: (http://www.fastballmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.fastballmusic.com/music.html)
I'm not picking Electric Light Orchestra because I'm so into them it hurts just to breathe. In fact, this is the only ELO album I actually own. And I've only had it for like two weeks. I just so happened to have discovered the opening track, "Fire on High" years ago and finally found the album featuring it. To say "Fire on High" is one of the best openers ever is an understatement. It may actually be one of the best instrumental pieces ever composed. The rest of the album features Jeff Lynne's angelic vocals and lush orchestrations merging the sounds of early prog, such asGenesis, with the mid-transition period Beatles. It's an incredible album, despite its short running time and measly 8 tracks. Then again, it was the 70s.
Truman Gets His Rocks Off To: Head Automatica - Pop Rocks
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/headautomatica.jpg
Website: (http://www.headautomatica.com):: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/headautomatica)
I decided to recommend Head Automatica's Pop Rocks this week. This an iTunes release that features 4 tracks that will be on their new album. I’ll be honest; when this band first surfaced, I wasn't too crazy about them, even with Daryl in the band, but the album grew on me and if this EP showcases what the next album has to offer, I think this will be one of my favorite summer releases. If the album isn't as good as I'm hoping, these 4 songs will do. The song “Graduation Day” is the single and it’s a really good song. Daryl does a great job as usual with the vocal delivery and the music is really good. I think these songs move more in the direction of previous songs like “Beating Heart Baby.” This a fun release that’s good for the summer.
Aaron Lights A Fire Under My Ass To Get This In: Ignite - Our Darkest Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ignite.jpg
Website: (http://www.ignitemusic.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ignitemusic)
It's been a long time since the last Ignite album. 2000's A Place Called Home was the last time we were graced with the incredible music from these punk rock pioneers. Formed in 1993, Ignite has definitely survived past the best days of melodic punk rock and has once again popped up to deliver the incredible melodies, the blistering beats, and some of the best lyrics found on anyones cd nowdays. Lead singer Zuli continues to keep the album incredibly political with his lyrics and the rest of the band keeps the music extremely punk rock. When I listen to this album, each song sends chills down my spine. God damn, Zuli can hit the high notes. The words "Speak The Truth!" cry out on the first song, "Bleeding," which definitely sets the tone for one of the best albums of 2006. The message, the music, the backup vocals, the production on the album, everything seems flat out perfect. Words almost can't even describe how good this album is. I encourage anyone who hasnt heard of Ignite before to become acquainted with them now. There honestly isn't a bad song on this album. Be prepared for an insane version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" as the second to last track and get ready for the return of Ignite. They're going to turn a lot of heads.