sir mix-a-lot
05-31-2006, 06:57 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.
Johnny Was Left On The Doorstep By A Mother In Trouble: House Of Heroes - House Of Heroes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/houseofheroes.jpg
Website: (http://www.thehouseofheroes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/houseofheroes)
These Columbus boys have been around for a while now, toiling in the indie scene, trying to make it. All along, House Of Heroes has written memorable songs with big guitars, memorable hooks, and ever-improving vocals. Slowly the band gained the attention of small labels and an army of fans around the country through ceaseless touring with all kinds of bands, big and small. Now, the band has joined major label ranks and their songs are better than ever. With the band poised for the big time, they have re-released their self-titled album and, with songs like "Buckets For Bullet Wounds" and "Mercedes Baby," this is a can't miss band.
Mike Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Forgot To Pay His Phone Bill, So There's A Lot Of: Sinking Ships - Disconnecting
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sinkingships2.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/sinkingships) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/sinkingships)
This five-piece outfit from the Seattle area plays fast and melodic hardcore in the vein of early Revelation act In My Eyes and more recent groups like Stay Gold and Champion. The twelve songs that comprise this album are fueled by high-octane riffs, swift drumming, and spoken-yells with sentimental lyrics. Throw them all together and you've got a recipe for success - hardcore style. If you're into present-day bands like Betrayed or This is Hell, then Sinking Ships' forthcoming full-length Disconnecting should be placed on top of your list of CDs to purchase. It's nice to know quality hardcore can still be delivered today.
Jared Really Loves This Album. He Loves It So Much He Thought It Deserved Yet Another Of His Votes For A Listening Station Selection: Bleeding Through - The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bleedingthrough.jpg
Website: (http://www.bleedingthrough.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/bleedingthrough)
Back in January when Bleeding Through released The Truth, I had written it off after only a couple listens. The sound was much different from Portrait of the Goddess and somewhat different from This is Love, This is Murderous and I wasn’t really into them. The problem I had is the heavy songs just blurred together and the songs that had melodic vocals in them just sounded too pussy to me. I have since found some light in this album. Two songs in particular, I absolutely love now: “For Love and Failing” and “Kill to Believe.” I’ll admit the entire album isn’t so bad now and after watching the DVD, Wolves Among Sheep, I understand the direction and some of meaning behind the songs. It gave me a whole new appreciation for this album. Anyone who has only heard The Truth needs to go back and hear their previous two albums. They’ll appreciate this one much more.
Chris Conlan Doesn't Realize This Band Actually Is The Literal Definition of The Fake Sound Of Progress: Lostprophets - Liberation Transmission
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lostprophets.jpg
Website: (http://www.lostprophets.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lostprophets)
If someone ever called me "emo," I'd dropkick them right in the face. That word just needs to be tossed into the ocean and never resurface again. Now that I got that out, let me just tell you a little about the new Lostprophets disc Liberation Transmission.
I've been following the guys for a long time now and from The Fake Sound of Progress to the new album, the guys have grown as musicians as they develop a new style of themselves each album. At first listen, I was half & half on the album, but I gave it a few more spins and I absolutely love it. The album has the guys relying not on singles to make the album, but an album full of "solid" rock songs. When you hear "Everybody's Screaming!!!," "Can't Stop, Gotta Date With Hate," and basically the rest of the disc, you will fall in love. You'll be adding these songs to your summer soundtrack; I know I have.
Dave Spak Didn't Bother To Spread The Word About These Guys Until: Ten Years After - Ssssh
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tenyearsafter.jpg
Website: (http://www.ten-years-after.com) :: Listen: (http://www.ten-years-after.com/_private/mp3/newlive.htm)
I was in the mood for some classic rock, so I decided to rummage through my vinyl collection and listen to some of the more obscure old records I have. I came upon this Ten Years After album, Ssssh, which was released in 1969, and I immediately fell in love. Fans of blues-influenced guitar rock similar to Led Zeppelin will definitely value this album. The incredible fretboard virtuosity of guitarist Alvin Lee is most easily comparable to Eric Clapton. A driving rhythm section helps lead the band through the swift blues romp of “Bad Scene.” The song contains incredible guitar work and soloing which I have yet to get tired of. The other obvious standout is the extensive cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” I never heard much talk about this band besides the occasional story about their legendary Woodstock performance. Throughout the album there is no lull in the quality of these fast-paced rockers. I would definitely recommend giving this a listen if you thought Led Zeppelin and Cream were the only bands that can write compelling blues-rock.
Jordan Makes Me Wonder Why I'm Not Involved In The Music Business: Red Sparowes/Gregor Samsa Split EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lookatmeilikegoodmusicandlistentoitconstantlyandrubitineveryonesfacebecauseimanassholelikethat.jpg
Website: (http://www.redsparowes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.gregorsamsa.com)
In the realm of post rock, one couldn't ask for much more than this. Red Sparowes and Gregor Samsa on a split EP. Two songs from each band and all four songs are totally great. It's nice to hear the new Red Sparowes song. Feels a bit more mature. I know, everyone says that, but you can really hear the difference. It feels a little more subdued, until you reach the end, and it breaks out in At The Drive-In style epic proportions. Unfortunately, the other Red Sparowes song is from At The Soundless Dawn, so it isn't anything new. The Gregor Samsa songs, which are new to me, are both awesome. Awesome in that Sigur Ros/Saxon Shore sort of way, with lyrics. And, although there're only 4 songs total, the album clocks in at almost 30 minutes, which is almost as long as it takes to drive home from work. So, buy the album and support these bands. Thank you for reading.
Truman Doesn't Dare Argue With: The Format - Dog Problems
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theformat.jpg
Website: (http://www.theformat.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theformat)
Everyone is raving about this album and talking about how great it is and I couldn’t agree more. Dog Problems is probably the best summer album you’ll hear this summer, but, aside from that, it’s also a great anytime album. I’ve been a fan of this band for years and have been waiting for this album for quite some time. It’s always nice when a band doesn’t make the same album twice and it’s also nice when a band doesn’t change things for the worse. I wouldn’t call this album a reinvention of the band's sound, but The Format definitely treads on new ground. My only complaint about the album is that the first couple songs don’t feel like they should be at the beginning of the record…but they are great songs. Standout tracks: "Oceans," "Dead End," "Snails," "The Compromise."
Ben Takes Great Pride In Owning An Original Pressing Of: Kary - The Sound Of Beauty Breathing
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kary.jpg
Website: (http://www.dependentmusic.com/kary) :: Listen: (http://www.newmusiccanada.com/genres/artist.cfm?Band_Id=6878)
Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to Dependent Records. As late as a year and a half ago, I considered them one of the most consistent, if not fantastic, labels in existence. Lately, though, I haven't noticed a lot of noise being made in their camp. So I started to wonder if, maybe, they're starting to wind down. After all, they're a self-funded indie whose ownership consists of members of bands on the roster. A little squabble over a bit of Thanksgiving turkey could end everything. After all, why are they eating turkey on Thanksgiving? They're Canadian. It's not even a holiday there. Anyway, Kary's The Sound of Beauty Breathing was one of the label's first real releases and was also the one that really put them on the musical map. It displayed the label's unusual gift of poorly mixing drums to achieve an effect that somehow took the band to another level. Hearing an earthy band like Kary dally in space rock and even a few hardcore breakdowns is something to behold, as every time they try to venture out of their organic sounds, it's something never heard before. This album is fantastic, even if the vocals aren't that great and the kick drum sounds like a low drone. In fact, that's part of its charm. I wonder what this label is doing now…
Rick Is Going To Use The Excuse That He Is In Mexico For Adding This Himself After The Fact: Danko Jones - Sleep Is The Enemy
http://static.flickr.com/68/157630025_4163f7ce17_m.jpg
Website: (http://www.dankojones.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/dankojones)
I saw these guys a week ago in New York at CBGB's and was really into their live show (despite the cockiness of Danko himself). I'd enjoyed their latest release, Sleep is the Enemy, quite a bit, but after the show I couldn't help but listen to it over and over and over again. This is what punk music is all about for me - singing about how fucking cool you are, how much you need to get laid, how much trouble girls are, and how much you work your ass off to get by. There's no frills to be found here. This is simply some ridiculously simple, yet awesome, punk rawk motherfuckers.
Johnny Was Left On The Doorstep By A Mother In Trouble: House Of Heroes - House Of Heroes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/houseofheroes.jpg
Website: (http://www.thehouseofheroes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/houseofheroes)
These Columbus boys have been around for a while now, toiling in the indie scene, trying to make it. All along, House Of Heroes has written memorable songs with big guitars, memorable hooks, and ever-improving vocals. Slowly the band gained the attention of small labels and an army of fans around the country through ceaseless touring with all kinds of bands, big and small. Now, the band has joined major label ranks and their songs are better than ever. With the band poised for the big time, they have re-released their self-titled album and, with songs like "Buckets For Bullet Wounds" and "Mercedes Baby," this is a can't miss band.
Mike Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Forgot To Pay His Phone Bill, So There's A Lot Of: Sinking Ships - Disconnecting
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sinkingships2.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/sinkingships) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/sinkingships)
This five-piece outfit from the Seattle area plays fast and melodic hardcore in the vein of early Revelation act In My Eyes and more recent groups like Stay Gold and Champion. The twelve songs that comprise this album are fueled by high-octane riffs, swift drumming, and spoken-yells with sentimental lyrics. Throw them all together and you've got a recipe for success - hardcore style. If you're into present-day bands like Betrayed or This is Hell, then Sinking Ships' forthcoming full-length Disconnecting should be placed on top of your list of CDs to purchase. It's nice to know quality hardcore can still be delivered today.
Jared Really Loves This Album. He Loves It So Much He Thought It Deserved Yet Another Of His Votes For A Listening Station Selection: Bleeding Through - The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bleedingthrough.jpg
Website: (http://www.bleedingthrough.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/bleedingthrough)
Back in January when Bleeding Through released The Truth, I had written it off after only a couple listens. The sound was much different from Portrait of the Goddess and somewhat different from This is Love, This is Murderous and I wasn’t really into them. The problem I had is the heavy songs just blurred together and the songs that had melodic vocals in them just sounded too pussy to me. I have since found some light in this album. Two songs in particular, I absolutely love now: “For Love and Failing” and “Kill to Believe.” I’ll admit the entire album isn’t so bad now and after watching the DVD, Wolves Among Sheep, I understand the direction and some of meaning behind the songs. It gave me a whole new appreciation for this album. Anyone who has only heard The Truth needs to go back and hear their previous two albums. They’ll appreciate this one much more.
Chris Conlan Doesn't Realize This Band Actually Is The Literal Definition of The Fake Sound Of Progress: Lostprophets - Liberation Transmission
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lostprophets.jpg
Website: (http://www.lostprophets.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lostprophets)
If someone ever called me "emo," I'd dropkick them right in the face. That word just needs to be tossed into the ocean and never resurface again. Now that I got that out, let me just tell you a little about the new Lostprophets disc Liberation Transmission.
I've been following the guys for a long time now and from The Fake Sound of Progress to the new album, the guys have grown as musicians as they develop a new style of themselves each album. At first listen, I was half & half on the album, but I gave it a few more spins and I absolutely love it. The album has the guys relying not on singles to make the album, but an album full of "solid" rock songs. When you hear "Everybody's Screaming!!!," "Can't Stop, Gotta Date With Hate," and basically the rest of the disc, you will fall in love. You'll be adding these songs to your summer soundtrack; I know I have.
Dave Spak Didn't Bother To Spread The Word About These Guys Until: Ten Years After - Ssssh
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tenyearsafter.jpg
Website: (http://www.ten-years-after.com) :: Listen: (http://www.ten-years-after.com/_private/mp3/newlive.htm)
I was in the mood for some classic rock, so I decided to rummage through my vinyl collection and listen to some of the more obscure old records I have. I came upon this Ten Years After album, Ssssh, which was released in 1969, and I immediately fell in love. Fans of blues-influenced guitar rock similar to Led Zeppelin will definitely value this album. The incredible fretboard virtuosity of guitarist Alvin Lee is most easily comparable to Eric Clapton. A driving rhythm section helps lead the band through the swift blues romp of “Bad Scene.” The song contains incredible guitar work and soloing which I have yet to get tired of. The other obvious standout is the extensive cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” I never heard much talk about this band besides the occasional story about their legendary Woodstock performance. Throughout the album there is no lull in the quality of these fast-paced rockers. I would definitely recommend giving this a listen if you thought Led Zeppelin and Cream were the only bands that can write compelling blues-rock.
Jordan Makes Me Wonder Why I'm Not Involved In The Music Business: Red Sparowes/Gregor Samsa Split EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lookatmeilikegoodmusicandlistentoitconstantlyandrubitineveryonesfacebecauseimanassholelikethat.jpg
Website: (http://www.redsparowes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.gregorsamsa.com)
In the realm of post rock, one couldn't ask for much more than this. Red Sparowes and Gregor Samsa on a split EP. Two songs from each band and all four songs are totally great. It's nice to hear the new Red Sparowes song. Feels a bit more mature. I know, everyone says that, but you can really hear the difference. It feels a little more subdued, until you reach the end, and it breaks out in At The Drive-In style epic proportions. Unfortunately, the other Red Sparowes song is from At The Soundless Dawn, so it isn't anything new. The Gregor Samsa songs, which are new to me, are both awesome. Awesome in that Sigur Ros/Saxon Shore sort of way, with lyrics. And, although there're only 4 songs total, the album clocks in at almost 30 minutes, which is almost as long as it takes to drive home from work. So, buy the album and support these bands. Thank you for reading.
Truman Doesn't Dare Argue With: The Format - Dog Problems
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theformat.jpg
Website: (http://www.theformat.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theformat)
Everyone is raving about this album and talking about how great it is and I couldn’t agree more. Dog Problems is probably the best summer album you’ll hear this summer, but, aside from that, it’s also a great anytime album. I’ve been a fan of this band for years and have been waiting for this album for quite some time. It’s always nice when a band doesn’t make the same album twice and it’s also nice when a band doesn’t change things for the worse. I wouldn’t call this album a reinvention of the band's sound, but The Format definitely treads on new ground. My only complaint about the album is that the first couple songs don’t feel like they should be at the beginning of the record…but they are great songs. Standout tracks: "Oceans," "Dead End," "Snails," "The Compromise."
Ben Takes Great Pride In Owning An Original Pressing Of: Kary - The Sound Of Beauty Breathing
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kary.jpg
Website: (http://www.dependentmusic.com/kary) :: Listen: (http://www.newmusiccanada.com/genres/artist.cfm?Band_Id=6878)
Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to Dependent Records. As late as a year and a half ago, I considered them one of the most consistent, if not fantastic, labels in existence. Lately, though, I haven't noticed a lot of noise being made in their camp. So I started to wonder if, maybe, they're starting to wind down. After all, they're a self-funded indie whose ownership consists of members of bands on the roster. A little squabble over a bit of Thanksgiving turkey could end everything. After all, why are they eating turkey on Thanksgiving? They're Canadian. It's not even a holiday there. Anyway, Kary's The Sound of Beauty Breathing was one of the label's first real releases and was also the one that really put them on the musical map. It displayed the label's unusual gift of poorly mixing drums to achieve an effect that somehow took the band to another level. Hearing an earthy band like Kary dally in space rock and even a few hardcore breakdowns is something to behold, as every time they try to venture out of their organic sounds, it's something never heard before. This album is fantastic, even if the vocals aren't that great and the kick drum sounds like a low drone. In fact, that's part of its charm. I wonder what this label is doing now…
Rick Is Going To Use The Excuse That He Is In Mexico For Adding This Himself After The Fact: Danko Jones - Sleep Is The Enemy
http://static.flickr.com/68/157630025_4163f7ce17_m.jpg
Website: (http://www.dankojones.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/dankojones)
I saw these guys a week ago in New York at CBGB's and was really into their live show (despite the cockiness of Danko himself). I'd enjoyed their latest release, Sleep is the Enemy, quite a bit, but after the show I couldn't help but listen to it over and over and over again. This is what punk music is all about for me - singing about how fucking cool you are, how much you need to get laid, how much trouble girls are, and how much you work your ass off to get by. There's no frills to be found here. This is simply some ridiculously simple, yet awesome, punk rawk motherfuckers.