sir mix-a-lot
05-18-2006, 08:19 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. Make a mixtape, maybe buy an album...See what happens.
Daniel Alcinii Is New…And Canadian…So We Let Him Slide When He Chooses Shit Like: Sinking Ships - Meridian
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sinkingships.jpg
Website: (http://www.runforcoverrecords.com/bands) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sinkingships)
Sinking Ships is yet another band from the Pacific Northwest to hit the hardcore scene with a bang after 2005's Meridian. To add to that, 2006 looks just as promising - if not more - with the band's forthcoming Revelation Records debut, Disconnecting (due out this summer), already garnering much attention. Sinking Ships are bound to do anything but sink. Playing quick, melodic hardcore that will have both you and your friends two-stepping in no time, Sinking Ships are for fans of Stay Gold, This Is Hell, Comeback Kid, and Champion/Betrayed. Never forget what you loved!
All Marc Feels Is Hollow And Bruised, Used Up and Misused, Forced To Be Someone He Doesn't Want To Be: Ignite - Our Darkest Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ignite.jpg
Website: (http://www.igniteband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ignitemusic)
Our Darkest Days easily is becoming my album of the year. Countless listens from the stream we had at Decoy and the countless listens I gave it since buying it Tuesday. It's really an addicting album, and definitely something fresh for me in what has been a slow year. With Our Darkest Days, the band take a much more mature route, dealing with both social and political issues in a very intelligent manner. The band blends together a mix of melodic hardcore and punk that the Orange County 5-piece has been known for. This band was given a much-needed second chance and introducing themselves to a whole new audience that missed them the first time. With Our Darkest Days, I only have one word of advice for those who yet to give them a chance: don't miss the boat again. Who knows how long this will last.
Jared Is Absolutely Right: Swift - The Absolute Uncontrollable
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/swift.jpg
Website: (http://www.swift-band.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/swiftband)
I have a bad habit of writing off a band and then confusing it with another similarly named band. Once in a great while, I’ll give that band another shot. Somehow, someway, Swift has seemed to escape my ears for the last 8 years.
Lead vocalist Gary Forsyth’s voice could easily stand toe to toe with Anthony Green or the ex-Bedlight for Blueeyes guy. Yet at other times you swear you’re listening to the latest tunes from Underoath. From reading the band’s MySpace bio, this album is supposed to be like nothing Swift has ever done before. That said, I'm not sure I'd enjoy anything different with this band. Their sound is both familiar and experimental. Swift is underrated: period. This is what Thrice should have matured into.
Rick Is Equally Excited About Phoenix Rising In X-Men 3: Phoenix Mourning - When Excuses Become
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/phoenixmourning.jpg
Website: (http://www.phoenixmourning.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/phoenixmourning)
The last month or two I've moved away from listening to trendy, heavy music a la Underoath and Atreyu. I was more in a progressive rock and instrumental phase, no doubt thanks to Jordan and his expanded post-rock coverage here at Decoy. However, I've felt myself drawn back to heavy music with this release from Phoenix Mourning. Imagine The Agony Scene mixed with New Medicines-era Dead Poetic. I know it might not sound all that appealing initially, and I guarantee you this CD is far from revolutionary, but it does possess one very important trait--it is undeniably listenable. Because of that, my computer at work has been constantly playing this CD and I don't see it leaving too soon.
Chris Conlan Wants To Fix Any Band That's, Like, Ya Know: Busted - Busted
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/busted.jpg
Website: (http://www.busted.com) :: Listen: (http://www.busted.com/music_video/)
Goddamn, Busted is the shit. Call me what you want, but this defunct band can write some catchy tunes. Too bad Busted had to break up because I wanted another album chock-full of happy-go-lucky songs. You can call me a pussy for listening to this, but this shit is hardcore in my book.
Even though the guys went on to make new bands (Fightstar and Sons of Dork), Busted is still alive in my eyes. Long live the Brits!
Dave Spak Gets Verbose As A Man Who Greatly Prefers Copulating With Females Who Have Borne Offspring When He Postulates Upon The Grandeur Of An Outfit Of The Musical Variety Which Has The Affectations For Songscripting The Likes Of: The Most Serene Republic - Underwater Cinematographer
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themostserenerepublic.jpg
Website: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/themostserenerepublic/index2.html) :: Listen: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/themostserenerepublic/index2.html)
Here is a band people need to hear. The Most Serene Republic is known as the only signing to Arts & Crafts that isn’t associated with Broken Social Scene. Underwater Cinematographer was one of my favorite albums of 2005 and one of the most impressive debuts I’ve heard in awhile. Almost a year later, the album still hasn’t lost its charm. This is the kind of album that is perfect to listen to late at night with your favorite pair of headphones. The album opens with “Prologue,” an intro containing gentle piano and an electronic beat. Fans of The Postal Service should take note: If you have been looking for an album with a similar electronic indie pop feel but haven’t found it, this might be just what you were looking for.
“Content Was Always My Favorite Colour” has a collage of sounds going on simultaneously. Acoustic guitars, layered vocal melodies, and breakbeats all collide together. It can seem overwhelming at first but the end result is a gorgeous mixture of lush instrumentation. “Proposition 61” is one of the stranger concoctions, which would appeal to fans of experimental electronic indie such as The Notwist. The song contains jingly acoustic guitars, subtle buzzing electronics, and some offbeat handclaps which create an eerie yet infectious atmosphere. “Where Cedar Nouns and Adverbs Walk” contains an enticing bouncy beat and catchy chants of “I think we all know the words.” “Relative’s Eyes” shows the band writing an upbeat song with a dreamy atmosphere similar to The Flaming Lips. The band really tries to expand their sound with “King of No One,” which sounds like a blend of jazz and If You’re Feeling Sinister-era Belle & Sebastian. There is just so much to listen for throughout the entire album. Because of the success of bands like The Postal Service, I could easily see this band gaining a lot of recognition and popularity.
Johnny Only Needs The Vagina Before The Transformation Is Complete: Head Automatica - Popaganda
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/headautomatica2.jpg
Website: (http://www.headautomatica.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/headautomatica)
Head Automatica came onto the scene a couple years ago with an incredibly dancey, fun record. A couple years later, minus one Dan The Automator, Head Automatica is back with their sophomore outing. This time there is less dance, more hooks, more pop and way more fun. The disc features the single "Graduation Day," which promises to be the breakout hit of the summer, and if Daryl can stay healthy, 2006 will be as successful for HA as 2005 was for Fall Out Boy.
Jordan Doesn't Like This Album Just Because It Promotes His Love Of Necrophilia. In Fact, There Are Many Reasons He Enjoys, Including How Much They Kick Ass: Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/prettygirlsmakegraves.jpg
Website: (http://www.prettygirlsmakegraves.com) :: Listen: (http://www.matadorrecords.com/pretty_girls_make_graves/music.html)
This album is different from their past releases: less fuzzy art punk, more actual songwriting with pianos and strings. Still, their other albums kick serious ass and this one is seriously good and still has a strong ass-kicking ability. The new chick has a kick-ass voice. I'm looking forward to seeing them play in June. Been listening to the album for a couple weeks now. Just really good music. No ramblin' this week.
Jayme Whispers Praises For The Man Because He Doesn't Want To Cause: Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sufjanstevens.jpg
Website: (http://www.asthmatickitty.com/musicians.php?artistID=5) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sufjanstevens)
Everyone went crazy last year for Sufjan Stevens. People from all musical backgrounds ranging from jazz musicians to mosh kids to pop-punk pole suckers heralded Illinois(e) as one of their favorite albums of the year in 2005. Surely, this must’ve come as some surprise to Stevens and his loyal fans, but it really shouldn’t have. Illinois(e) was indeed a creative masterpiece. Thus, when I heard that the outtakes and cutouts from the Illinois(e) sessions would be released on The Avalanche, I was more than excited. Once I got a listen of the excess material that Sufjan deemed worthy of cutting, my already existing envy of his talent reached new heights. Each of the twenty-one tracks on The Avalanche continues along the same ingenious and bouncy lines that Illinois(e) traveled upon, while they still manage to garner the same creative bliss that we’ve come to know and love from Mr. Stevens. From the mild, almost-bluesy “Springfield or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in His Hair,” to the brighter and blossoming “Adlai Stevenson,” The Avalanche is an auditory treat…even if these tracks weren’t good enough for Illinois(e).
Dant's Just A Soul Whose Intentions Are Good. Oh, Lord, Please Don't Let Him Be Misunderstood: Zwan - Mary Star Of The Sea
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/zwan.jpg
Website: (http://www.zwanmusic.org) :: Listen: (http://www.poetsofzwan.com/?mp=media&PHPSESSID=b52f3220d9dba7cd84a3001caf4cc24d)
I was always a fan of The Smashing Pumpkins, so my enjoyment of Zwan’s only album, Mary Star of the Sea, came as no surprise to me. This CD doesn’t even wander too far from the sound of the Pumpkins as it is. Billy’s singing in his same old voice and all that jazz. I can’t remember how big this CD got, but I always just sort of blew it off, but that’s probably for the better. I can’t see myself appreciating it as much as I do now. And also, it will hold me off until The Smashing Pumpkins release their next album.
Scott Shows He's More Than Just A One-Trick Pony By Having Taste In Music As Well As Films: Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beirut.jpg
Website: (http://www.beirutband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/beruit)
I love this kind of music. If you're a fan of bands like Devotchka, Magnetic Fields, or Neutral Milk Hotel, you may already know what I mean. Utilizing everything from horns and clarinets to organs and pianos and even ukuleles, but somehow omitting the guitars so common to modern rock music, Beirut has crafted an amazing debut album in Gulag Orkestar. These haunting melodies are the kind you expect to hear echoing through a bombed-out building in Eastern Europe during World War II. And seemingly in spite of this old-world feel (and the relative inexperience of young frontman Zach Condon), Beirut's songs have an emotional pull that is alarmingly relevant. Due to the obscure style and odd instruments, this band probably won't "blow up" anytime soon, but the impact of Gulag Orkestar on underground music is sure to be felt by fans of new and interesting music.
Chris Pandolfo, You're My Gyro: Between The Buried And Me - Alaska
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/btbam.jpg
Website: (http://www.betweentheburiedandme.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betweentheburiedandme)
Today at work, while making pizzas, tossing French fries in the oven, and doing a whole bunch of other greasy shit, I blasted Between The Buried And Me’s Alaska. It happens to be my favorite album of 2005 and they are also one of my favorite bands. This Saturday I’ll have a chance to see the band live. So there was no doubt I’d be blasting the album to get ready for the show while doing Tommy’s growls and piecing together a gyro masterpiece. Yeah…
Ben Loves Space(hog)-Rock: Spacehog - The Chinese Album
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/spacehog.jpg
Website: (http://www.keephoggin.com) :: Listen: (http://www.keephoggin.com/spacehog.html)
There are at least two things that make Spacehog better than most pop-rock groups or even most bands, really. Number one: They wrote the single greatest pop song ever recorded. You may remember it for its epic intro "oohs." If not, well, you must not have been listening to the radio in 1997. Anyway, the point is, "In the Meantime…" is the greatest pop song ever recorded. There is absolutely not a single flaw in it and it has everything a pop song should have. However, it's not on The Chinese Album. The second thing that sets Spacehog above its peers: No other bands have impregnated Liv Tyler. Zero. And they (or just the one guy, really, Royston, one of the Langdon Brothers) did so long after they'd been forgotten by pretty much everyone. Take that, rock and pop musicians! Coldplay, I'm lookin' at you. Gwyneth Paltrow? Nice try, buddy, but we're talking Steven Tyler's daughter here, not Blythe Danner's. Jesus, man, can you do anything original? Anyway, I'm off my point. The point is, after Resident Alien (which featured "In the Meantime…"), Spacehog recorded The Chinese Album and built upon an already-solid foundation. They churned out some sick, disgusting, ass-kicking combination of classic standards, hip-hop inflected beats, Aerosmithian ballsy tracks, and even dashes of U2 and Sir Elton John with this record. It was bold, daring…and completely ignored. The Langdon Brothers (the other is named Antony) sing their souls out and the backing music is never shabby. It deserves respect, goddammit! This album has everything a rock lover could ask for. Meaty guitars, big hooks, memorable choruses, the swagger of Mick Jagger, and musicianship and creativity that somehow seems ahead of its time, even years later. The more I think about it, the madder I get that: A) No one remembers "In the Meantime…" B) I didn't even own this album until like two weeks ago C) I still heard it about twenty years before anyone else will and it came out in 1998 D) I didn't impregnate a famous person's daughter and probably never will.
Daniel Alcinii Is New…And Canadian…So We Let Him Slide When He Chooses Shit Like: Sinking Ships - Meridian
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sinkingships.jpg
Website: (http://www.runforcoverrecords.com/bands) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sinkingships)
Sinking Ships is yet another band from the Pacific Northwest to hit the hardcore scene with a bang after 2005's Meridian. To add to that, 2006 looks just as promising - if not more - with the band's forthcoming Revelation Records debut, Disconnecting (due out this summer), already garnering much attention. Sinking Ships are bound to do anything but sink. Playing quick, melodic hardcore that will have both you and your friends two-stepping in no time, Sinking Ships are for fans of Stay Gold, This Is Hell, Comeback Kid, and Champion/Betrayed. Never forget what you loved!
All Marc Feels Is Hollow And Bruised, Used Up and Misused, Forced To Be Someone He Doesn't Want To Be: Ignite - Our Darkest Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ignite.jpg
Website: (http://www.igniteband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ignitemusic)
Our Darkest Days easily is becoming my album of the year. Countless listens from the stream we had at Decoy and the countless listens I gave it since buying it Tuesday. It's really an addicting album, and definitely something fresh for me in what has been a slow year. With Our Darkest Days, the band take a much more mature route, dealing with both social and political issues in a very intelligent manner. The band blends together a mix of melodic hardcore and punk that the Orange County 5-piece has been known for. This band was given a much-needed second chance and introducing themselves to a whole new audience that missed them the first time. With Our Darkest Days, I only have one word of advice for those who yet to give them a chance: don't miss the boat again. Who knows how long this will last.
Jared Is Absolutely Right: Swift - The Absolute Uncontrollable
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/swift.jpg
Website: (http://www.swift-band.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/swiftband)
I have a bad habit of writing off a band and then confusing it with another similarly named band. Once in a great while, I’ll give that band another shot. Somehow, someway, Swift has seemed to escape my ears for the last 8 years.
Lead vocalist Gary Forsyth’s voice could easily stand toe to toe with Anthony Green or the ex-Bedlight for Blueeyes guy. Yet at other times you swear you’re listening to the latest tunes from Underoath. From reading the band’s MySpace bio, this album is supposed to be like nothing Swift has ever done before. That said, I'm not sure I'd enjoy anything different with this band. Their sound is both familiar and experimental. Swift is underrated: period. This is what Thrice should have matured into.
Rick Is Equally Excited About Phoenix Rising In X-Men 3: Phoenix Mourning - When Excuses Become
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/phoenixmourning.jpg
Website: (http://www.phoenixmourning.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/phoenixmourning)
The last month or two I've moved away from listening to trendy, heavy music a la Underoath and Atreyu. I was more in a progressive rock and instrumental phase, no doubt thanks to Jordan and his expanded post-rock coverage here at Decoy. However, I've felt myself drawn back to heavy music with this release from Phoenix Mourning. Imagine The Agony Scene mixed with New Medicines-era Dead Poetic. I know it might not sound all that appealing initially, and I guarantee you this CD is far from revolutionary, but it does possess one very important trait--it is undeniably listenable. Because of that, my computer at work has been constantly playing this CD and I don't see it leaving too soon.
Chris Conlan Wants To Fix Any Band That's, Like, Ya Know: Busted - Busted
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/busted.jpg
Website: (http://www.busted.com) :: Listen: (http://www.busted.com/music_video/)
Goddamn, Busted is the shit. Call me what you want, but this defunct band can write some catchy tunes. Too bad Busted had to break up because I wanted another album chock-full of happy-go-lucky songs. You can call me a pussy for listening to this, but this shit is hardcore in my book.
Even though the guys went on to make new bands (Fightstar and Sons of Dork), Busted is still alive in my eyes. Long live the Brits!
Dave Spak Gets Verbose As A Man Who Greatly Prefers Copulating With Females Who Have Borne Offspring When He Postulates Upon The Grandeur Of An Outfit Of The Musical Variety Which Has The Affectations For Songscripting The Likes Of: The Most Serene Republic - Underwater Cinematographer
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themostserenerepublic.jpg
Website: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/themostserenerepublic/index2.html) :: Listen: (http://www.arts-crafts.ca/themostserenerepublic/index2.html)
Here is a band people need to hear. The Most Serene Republic is known as the only signing to Arts & Crafts that isn’t associated with Broken Social Scene. Underwater Cinematographer was one of my favorite albums of 2005 and one of the most impressive debuts I’ve heard in awhile. Almost a year later, the album still hasn’t lost its charm. This is the kind of album that is perfect to listen to late at night with your favorite pair of headphones. The album opens with “Prologue,” an intro containing gentle piano and an electronic beat. Fans of The Postal Service should take note: If you have been looking for an album with a similar electronic indie pop feel but haven’t found it, this might be just what you were looking for.
“Content Was Always My Favorite Colour” has a collage of sounds going on simultaneously. Acoustic guitars, layered vocal melodies, and breakbeats all collide together. It can seem overwhelming at first but the end result is a gorgeous mixture of lush instrumentation. “Proposition 61” is one of the stranger concoctions, which would appeal to fans of experimental electronic indie such as The Notwist. The song contains jingly acoustic guitars, subtle buzzing electronics, and some offbeat handclaps which create an eerie yet infectious atmosphere. “Where Cedar Nouns and Adverbs Walk” contains an enticing bouncy beat and catchy chants of “I think we all know the words.” “Relative’s Eyes” shows the band writing an upbeat song with a dreamy atmosphere similar to The Flaming Lips. The band really tries to expand their sound with “King of No One,” which sounds like a blend of jazz and If You’re Feeling Sinister-era Belle & Sebastian. There is just so much to listen for throughout the entire album. Because of the success of bands like The Postal Service, I could easily see this band gaining a lot of recognition and popularity.
Johnny Only Needs The Vagina Before The Transformation Is Complete: Head Automatica - Popaganda
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/headautomatica2.jpg
Website: (http://www.headautomatica.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/headautomatica)
Head Automatica came onto the scene a couple years ago with an incredibly dancey, fun record. A couple years later, minus one Dan The Automator, Head Automatica is back with their sophomore outing. This time there is less dance, more hooks, more pop and way more fun. The disc features the single "Graduation Day," which promises to be the breakout hit of the summer, and if Daryl can stay healthy, 2006 will be as successful for HA as 2005 was for Fall Out Boy.
Jordan Doesn't Like This Album Just Because It Promotes His Love Of Necrophilia. In Fact, There Are Many Reasons He Enjoys, Including How Much They Kick Ass: Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/prettygirlsmakegraves.jpg
Website: (http://www.prettygirlsmakegraves.com) :: Listen: (http://www.matadorrecords.com/pretty_girls_make_graves/music.html)
This album is different from their past releases: less fuzzy art punk, more actual songwriting with pianos and strings. Still, their other albums kick serious ass and this one is seriously good and still has a strong ass-kicking ability. The new chick has a kick-ass voice. I'm looking forward to seeing them play in June. Been listening to the album for a couple weeks now. Just really good music. No ramblin' this week.
Jayme Whispers Praises For The Man Because He Doesn't Want To Cause: Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sufjanstevens.jpg
Website: (http://www.asthmatickitty.com/musicians.php?artistID=5) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sufjanstevens)
Everyone went crazy last year for Sufjan Stevens. People from all musical backgrounds ranging from jazz musicians to mosh kids to pop-punk pole suckers heralded Illinois(e) as one of their favorite albums of the year in 2005. Surely, this must’ve come as some surprise to Stevens and his loyal fans, but it really shouldn’t have. Illinois(e) was indeed a creative masterpiece. Thus, when I heard that the outtakes and cutouts from the Illinois(e) sessions would be released on The Avalanche, I was more than excited. Once I got a listen of the excess material that Sufjan deemed worthy of cutting, my already existing envy of his talent reached new heights. Each of the twenty-one tracks on The Avalanche continues along the same ingenious and bouncy lines that Illinois(e) traveled upon, while they still manage to garner the same creative bliss that we’ve come to know and love from Mr. Stevens. From the mild, almost-bluesy “Springfield or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in His Hair,” to the brighter and blossoming “Adlai Stevenson,” The Avalanche is an auditory treat…even if these tracks weren’t good enough for Illinois(e).
Dant's Just A Soul Whose Intentions Are Good. Oh, Lord, Please Don't Let Him Be Misunderstood: Zwan - Mary Star Of The Sea
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/zwan.jpg
Website: (http://www.zwanmusic.org) :: Listen: (http://www.poetsofzwan.com/?mp=media&PHPSESSID=b52f3220d9dba7cd84a3001caf4cc24d)
I was always a fan of The Smashing Pumpkins, so my enjoyment of Zwan’s only album, Mary Star of the Sea, came as no surprise to me. This CD doesn’t even wander too far from the sound of the Pumpkins as it is. Billy’s singing in his same old voice and all that jazz. I can’t remember how big this CD got, but I always just sort of blew it off, but that’s probably for the better. I can’t see myself appreciating it as much as I do now. And also, it will hold me off until The Smashing Pumpkins release their next album.
Scott Shows He's More Than Just A One-Trick Pony By Having Taste In Music As Well As Films: Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beirut.jpg
Website: (http://www.beirutband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/beruit)
I love this kind of music. If you're a fan of bands like Devotchka, Magnetic Fields, or Neutral Milk Hotel, you may already know what I mean. Utilizing everything from horns and clarinets to organs and pianos and even ukuleles, but somehow omitting the guitars so common to modern rock music, Beirut has crafted an amazing debut album in Gulag Orkestar. These haunting melodies are the kind you expect to hear echoing through a bombed-out building in Eastern Europe during World War II. And seemingly in spite of this old-world feel (and the relative inexperience of young frontman Zach Condon), Beirut's songs have an emotional pull that is alarmingly relevant. Due to the obscure style and odd instruments, this band probably won't "blow up" anytime soon, but the impact of Gulag Orkestar on underground music is sure to be felt by fans of new and interesting music.
Chris Pandolfo, You're My Gyro: Between The Buried And Me - Alaska
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/btbam.jpg
Website: (http://www.betweentheburiedandme.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betweentheburiedandme)
Today at work, while making pizzas, tossing French fries in the oven, and doing a whole bunch of other greasy shit, I blasted Between The Buried And Me’s Alaska. It happens to be my favorite album of 2005 and they are also one of my favorite bands. This Saturday I’ll have a chance to see the band live. So there was no doubt I’d be blasting the album to get ready for the show while doing Tommy’s growls and piecing together a gyro masterpiece. Yeah…
Ben Loves Space(hog)-Rock: Spacehog - The Chinese Album
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/spacehog.jpg
Website: (http://www.keephoggin.com) :: Listen: (http://www.keephoggin.com/spacehog.html)
There are at least two things that make Spacehog better than most pop-rock groups or even most bands, really. Number one: They wrote the single greatest pop song ever recorded. You may remember it for its epic intro "oohs." If not, well, you must not have been listening to the radio in 1997. Anyway, the point is, "In the Meantime…" is the greatest pop song ever recorded. There is absolutely not a single flaw in it and it has everything a pop song should have. However, it's not on The Chinese Album. The second thing that sets Spacehog above its peers: No other bands have impregnated Liv Tyler. Zero. And they (or just the one guy, really, Royston, one of the Langdon Brothers) did so long after they'd been forgotten by pretty much everyone. Take that, rock and pop musicians! Coldplay, I'm lookin' at you. Gwyneth Paltrow? Nice try, buddy, but we're talking Steven Tyler's daughter here, not Blythe Danner's. Jesus, man, can you do anything original? Anyway, I'm off my point. The point is, after Resident Alien (which featured "In the Meantime…"), Spacehog recorded The Chinese Album and built upon an already-solid foundation. They churned out some sick, disgusting, ass-kicking combination of classic standards, hip-hop inflected beats, Aerosmithian ballsy tracks, and even dashes of U2 and Sir Elton John with this record. It was bold, daring…and completely ignored. The Langdon Brothers (the other is named Antony) sing their souls out and the backing music is never shabby. It deserves respect, goddammit! This album has everything a rock lover could ask for. Meaty guitars, big hooks, memorable choruses, the swagger of Mick Jagger, and musicianship and creativity that somehow seems ahead of its time, even years later. The more I think about it, the madder I get that: A) No one remembers "In the Meantime…" B) I didn't even own this album until like two weeks ago C) I still heard it about twenty years before anyone else will and it came out in 1998 D) I didn't impregnate a famous person's daughter and probably never will.