sir mix-a-lot
06-21-2006, 07:00 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.
Chris Bought Their Intentions, But Got Stiffed On That Whole Unicorn Deal: Kaddisfly - Set Sail The Prairie
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kaddisfly.jpg
Website: (http://www.kaddisfly.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kaddisfly)
When I first heard Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You A Unicorn, I thought that was going to be Kaddisfly’s masterpiece. I was wrong. I’m not even upset that this summer will go so damn fast because in September Kaddisfly will be releasing their real masterpiece.
It’s time to set sail the prairie, mothafuckas!!!
Alex Davies Demands You Never Trust His Musical Opinion Ever And He Couldn't Make It Any More Obvious Than He Has By Selecting: Cute Is What We Aim For - The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shitiswhatwesoundlike.jpg
Website: (http://www.cuteiswhatweaimfor.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/cuteiswhatweaimfor)
I figured nobody else would own up to listening to, let alone liking, this, so I had to go for it. Because, questionable hair and countless message board rumours aside, this is actually a great CD. Ok, so it isn't Dark Side of the Moon, but as far as pop records go, this ticks a whole bunch of boxes. There are catchy choruses in abundance, and surprisingly very little filler. For those who shudder at even the mention of their name, a listen to tracks like 'Sweet Talk 101' and 'Teasing To Please (Left Side, Strong Side)' might just convince otherwise. Or make you hate them more. All I know is that this is a perfect summer album, and that even the staunchest rock types cannot deny that 'The Curse of Curves' is catchy as hell.
Ben Rice's Rebuttal: This album is complete and utter shit and no one should gain even mild enjoyment from it. The music is mixed low in the album, probably so you won't even notice it's boring, uncreative, and, well, terrible. The vocals take whiny to a whole new level (perhaps a "new touch," even). No pop-punk fan in their right mind should like it. No emo fan with half a brain should play this record more than twice. No rock fan should dare even check it out. I did because I felt compelled since it arrived on my doorstep. Face it: I got this record for free and feel like I should get a refund. This is awful and that's not even because I'm pretentious. It's just bad. Peep the name of the album art's jpeg. You're impressed, I know.
Michael Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Celebrates A History Of Violence: Ceremony - Violence Violence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ceremony.jpg
Website: (http://www.ceremonyhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ceremony)
On their debut full-length, the Bay Area's Ceremony has built on the intense music and angered lyrical content of the 7" that they released late last year. The band still borrows heavily from acts like Negative Approach and Infest, but in addition they've intertwined those influences with others to form their own unique take on fast, short, pissed, hardcore punk.
Lyrically, Ross Farrar is even more pissed off and bitter than before. How is that possible??? I don't know how, but it's a perfect match to the music and I love every minute of it. Here's an excerpt from the song "Walking Home": "I'm here to wrap my hands around society's neck. / Slowly slip away against a lifeless grip. / A long painful death is what you deserve. / Open your mouth, bite the fucking curb." If you like what you hear check them out live, they're on tour now with Lights Out.
Dave Spak Picks An Album Everyone Already Owns Or Should Own: Jane's Addiction - Ritual de lo Habitual
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/janesaddiction.jpg
Website: (http://www.janesaddiction.com) :: Listen: (http://www.janesaddiction.com)
This is a definite classic. I found it to be the perfect album to listen to on long cars rides. Right from the start, “Stop” gets my blood pumping and always makes me realize why I like Jane’s Addiction so much. “Of Course” is one of the most unexpected yet enjoyable songs I’ve ever heard. The lyrics are also some of the most genius ever penned. Dave Navarro’s guitar is top-notch throughout the entire album and Perry Farrell’s vocals are as interesting and enticing as ever. With trashy guitar rock, epic progressive songs, and superior ballads this album has everything and is definitely an alternative rock masterpiece.
Johnny L Makes A Convincing Argument: Blackpool Lights - This Town's Disaster
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/blackpoollights.jpg
Website: (http://www.blackpoollights.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/blackpoollights)
I LOVED Get Up Kids. LOVED them. They totally influenced what I listen to today, so when I heard about this new group that Jim Suptic was a part of, I, of course, checked it out. Blackpool Lights has hints of TGUK, but they have their own new sound that is part Americana, part indie rock and part alt country. Their lyrics are honest, their songs are memorable and Suptic's voice is stellar. Here's the thing though: as good as their album is, their live show is even better. For a band that has only been full time for a short while, they are incredibly tight, incredibly polished. If you think about it, though, this is a band full of veterans and I love that. Listen to these guys if you're fans of just about any style of music.
Chris Was Late Because He Was Busy Listening To: Meg & Dia - Something Real
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/megdia.jpg
Website: (http://www.meganddia.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/megdia)
When I first heard Meg & Dia I knew they were onto something. The explosive combo of sisters, Meg and Dia, is shown in tracks like “Monster” and “Masterpiece”. Their style of pop/rock is breath of fresh air because instead of the over-the-top pop songs you always hear, the band is able to create heartfelt songs with talent to back it all up. The band will be releasing their Doghouse debut Something Real on August 8th and I can honestly say that this could be a top contender for being a top album of the year.
Ben Still Doesn't Own Any Radiohead Studio Albums: Kieskagato - You, Are The One, Who Can
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kieskagato.jpg
Website: (http://www.kieskagato.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kieskagato)
A few days ago, a band emailed me asking if I was still planning on reviewing their debut album. I emailed them back saying I was and had been trying since I had received it to think of an angle to use to start the review, as I'd started and scrapped dozens of attempts. Eventually, I began to think of links I could draw from their album to other albums in recent years. Almost instantly, I realized they had the capability to go in one of two directions: Unexpected, fantastic album that somehow got fairly massive exposure and got the respect it deserved…and albums that came out of left field, but never quite got to the plate. Kieskagato's You, Are the One, Who Can is 2004's version of that album, while Lake Trout's Not Them, You was 2005's version, which, I just realized, I left out of the review. Anyway…
Kieskagato's debut full length under their new name (formerly Room 101, which also went nowhere) is a strange mix of groups influenced by Radiohead without really sounding like Radiohead. They have a unique grasp on loud/soft dynamics and utilize enough non-standard instrumentation (specifically, trumpets) to make the album varied enough to stand head and shoulders among its peers. Two years later, I’m still glad I found out about them during a trip to Portland. Two years later, I’m still dumbfounded that this band hasn’t found a national audience.
Chris Bought Their Intentions, But Got Stiffed On That Whole Unicorn Deal: Kaddisfly - Set Sail The Prairie
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kaddisfly.jpg
Website: (http://www.kaddisfly.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kaddisfly)
When I first heard Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You A Unicorn, I thought that was going to be Kaddisfly’s masterpiece. I was wrong. I’m not even upset that this summer will go so damn fast because in September Kaddisfly will be releasing their real masterpiece.
It’s time to set sail the prairie, mothafuckas!!!
Alex Davies Demands You Never Trust His Musical Opinion Ever And He Couldn't Make It Any More Obvious Than He Has By Selecting: Cute Is What We Aim For - The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shitiswhatwesoundlike.jpg
Website: (http://www.cuteiswhatweaimfor.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/cuteiswhatweaimfor)
I figured nobody else would own up to listening to, let alone liking, this, so I had to go for it. Because, questionable hair and countless message board rumours aside, this is actually a great CD. Ok, so it isn't Dark Side of the Moon, but as far as pop records go, this ticks a whole bunch of boxes. There are catchy choruses in abundance, and surprisingly very little filler. For those who shudder at even the mention of their name, a listen to tracks like 'Sweet Talk 101' and 'Teasing To Please (Left Side, Strong Side)' might just convince otherwise. Or make you hate them more. All I know is that this is a perfect summer album, and that even the staunchest rock types cannot deny that 'The Curse of Curves' is catchy as hell.
Ben Rice's Rebuttal: This album is complete and utter shit and no one should gain even mild enjoyment from it. The music is mixed low in the album, probably so you won't even notice it's boring, uncreative, and, well, terrible. The vocals take whiny to a whole new level (perhaps a "new touch," even). No pop-punk fan in their right mind should like it. No emo fan with half a brain should play this record more than twice. No rock fan should dare even check it out. I did because I felt compelled since it arrived on my doorstep. Face it: I got this record for free and feel like I should get a refund. This is awful and that's not even because I'm pretentious. It's just bad. Peep the name of the album art's jpeg. You're impressed, I know.
Michael Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Celebrates A History Of Violence: Ceremony - Violence Violence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ceremony.jpg
Website: (http://www.ceremonyhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ceremony)
On their debut full-length, the Bay Area's Ceremony has built on the intense music and angered lyrical content of the 7" that they released late last year. The band still borrows heavily from acts like Negative Approach and Infest, but in addition they've intertwined those influences with others to form their own unique take on fast, short, pissed, hardcore punk.
Lyrically, Ross Farrar is even more pissed off and bitter than before. How is that possible??? I don't know how, but it's a perfect match to the music and I love every minute of it. Here's an excerpt from the song "Walking Home": "I'm here to wrap my hands around society's neck. / Slowly slip away against a lifeless grip. / A long painful death is what you deserve. / Open your mouth, bite the fucking curb." If you like what you hear check them out live, they're on tour now with Lights Out.
Dave Spak Picks An Album Everyone Already Owns Or Should Own: Jane's Addiction - Ritual de lo Habitual
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/janesaddiction.jpg
Website: (http://www.janesaddiction.com) :: Listen: (http://www.janesaddiction.com)
This is a definite classic. I found it to be the perfect album to listen to on long cars rides. Right from the start, “Stop” gets my blood pumping and always makes me realize why I like Jane’s Addiction so much. “Of Course” is one of the most unexpected yet enjoyable songs I’ve ever heard. The lyrics are also some of the most genius ever penned. Dave Navarro’s guitar is top-notch throughout the entire album and Perry Farrell’s vocals are as interesting and enticing as ever. With trashy guitar rock, epic progressive songs, and superior ballads this album has everything and is definitely an alternative rock masterpiece.
Johnny L Makes A Convincing Argument: Blackpool Lights - This Town's Disaster
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/blackpoollights.jpg
Website: (http://www.blackpoollights.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/blackpoollights)
I LOVED Get Up Kids. LOVED them. They totally influenced what I listen to today, so when I heard about this new group that Jim Suptic was a part of, I, of course, checked it out. Blackpool Lights has hints of TGUK, but they have their own new sound that is part Americana, part indie rock and part alt country. Their lyrics are honest, their songs are memorable and Suptic's voice is stellar. Here's the thing though: as good as their album is, their live show is even better. For a band that has only been full time for a short while, they are incredibly tight, incredibly polished. If you think about it, though, this is a band full of veterans and I love that. Listen to these guys if you're fans of just about any style of music.
Chris Was Late Because He Was Busy Listening To: Meg & Dia - Something Real
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/megdia.jpg
Website: (http://www.meganddia.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/megdia)
When I first heard Meg & Dia I knew they were onto something. The explosive combo of sisters, Meg and Dia, is shown in tracks like “Monster” and “Masterpiece”. Their style of pop/rock is breath of fresh air because instead of the over-the-top pop songs you always hear, the band is able to create heartfelt songs with talent to back it all up. The band will be releasing their Doghouse debut Something Real on August 8th and I can honestly say that this could be a top contender for being a top album of the year.
Ben Still Doesn't Own Any Radiohead Studio Albums: Kieskagato - You, Are The One, Who Can
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kieskagato.jpg
Website: (http://www.kieskagato.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kieskagato)
A few days ago, a band emailed me asking if I was still planning on reviewing their debut album. I emailed them back saying I was and had been trying since I had received it to think of an angle to use to start the review, as I'd started and scrapped dozens of attempts. Eventually, I began to think of links I could draw from their album to other albums in recent years. Almost instantly, I realized they had the capability to go in one of two directions: Unexpected, fantastic album that somehow got fairly massive exposure and got the respect it deserved…and albums that came out of left field, but never quite got to the plate. Kieskagato's You, Are the One, Who Can is 2004's version of that album, while Lake Trout's Not Them, You was 2005's version, which, I just realized, I left out of the review. Anyway…
Kieskagato's debut full length under their new name (formerly Room 101, which also went nowhere) is a strange mix of groups influenced by Radiohead without really sounding like Radiohead. They have a unique grasp on loud/soft dynamics and utilize enough non-standard instrumentation (specifically, trumpets) to make the album varied enough to stand head and shoulders among its peers. Two years later, I’m still glad I found out about them during a trip to Portland. Two years later, I’m still dumbfounded that this band hasn’t found a national audience.