sir mix-a-lot
07-12-2006, 08:09 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.
The First Is How Dan Feels About Bands Without The Latter: Betrayed - Substance
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/betrayed.jpg
Website: (http://www.betrayedhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betrayed)
Sorry in advance if the latter offends you. To be honest with you, I’m not quite sure what to write about Betrayed that hasn’t been written a thousand times before; two parts Champion, two parts Carry On, straightforward intensity filled to the brim with positive and, you guessed it, straight edge lyrics. Regardless of how many times these things have been said about the band, one thing is certain: they definitely know how to write an energetic album that could make any paraplegic up and dance or wake you from a comatose state – I just pictured Terry Schiavo and Stephen Hawking two stepping. Yeah, I’m unquestionably going to hell and there is no redeeming quality after a statement like that, but I’ll try and fail – If you like melodic hardcore, do it up!
Rick's Been Away So Long He Might As Well Have Joined A: Cult Of Luna - Somewhere Along The Highway
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cultofluna.jpg
Website: (http://www.cultofluna.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cultofluna)
One of doom metal’s top bands decided that, for their latest release, that they would hole up in an old barn in the middle of the woods, surround themselves with witch symbolism, and record their songs as a unit instead of individually tracking the different instruments. What sounds like a crazy premise led to the creation of what is, quite easily, the best and most organic doom metal release of this year. At 7 tracks and more than an hour of music, this is a sonically crushing and, oddly, beautiful release. More mature than anything they’ve done in the past, Cult of Luna have, in my eyes, surpassed Isis as the kings of doom.
Chris Conlan Is Seeeeeeeeeeeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaaain, Seeeeeeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaain, Seeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaaaiin, Seeeeeeeeeeing Re-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-ed!: Red - End Of Silence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/red.jpg
Website: (http://www.redmusiconline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/dropofred)
What makes a successful modern rock band? Too many majors believe that all you need is a hit single to sell an album. But to be a truly successful rock band you need to create an album that doesn't only rely on singles to sell it.
When I first heard "Breathe Into Me," it just screams radio hit. Instead of passing them off as another run-of-the-mill rock band, I gave these guys a full listen and it was the best thing I could've done because I haven't heard a rock album like End of Silence in a while. Michael, lead vocalist, has the voice every rock singer wants. It is melodic and full of range, yet it can be as vicious as any metal singer. But don't think Michael is the only thing in the band, because the hooks created in songs like "Already Over," "Let Go," and "Breathe Into Me" are immaculate.
Big things ahead for this band.
Michael Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Should Trust His Instincts: Garrison - The Model
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/garrison.jpg
Website: (http://www.garrisonrocks.com) :: Listen: (http://www.garrisonrocks.com/media.html)
Time to make this week's selection for the glorified ghetto blaster. I nearly opted for Converge's side of their split with Agoraphobic Nosebleed, but, at the last minute, decided to go with Garrison's The Model. Garrison grew out of the same Boston scene that spawned the likes of Cave In and Piebald; their earliest material was a bit chaotic at times and could best be described as unadulterated punk with moments of melody. As the band matured they incorporated aspects of different genres. The Model, made up of five tracks, is Garrison at their very best. The EP was released on the fledgling and now extinct Iodine Recordings in 2003, around the time of their appearance at South by Southwest (I was fortunate not only to attend but befriend the band there.) The Model hits the listener with music that draws from quintessential bands like Quicksand and Drive Like Jehu, but also incorporates the pop feel of the Foo Fighters. Garrison is no more and it's quite a tragedy as, looking back on this EP, it is damn near as close to perfection that you can get within the whole post-hardcore realm. So next time you're in a used CD store, pick this up; it'll likely be in the dollar bin, which is yet another tragedy.
Johnny Should Consider Early Hibernation: The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theearlynovember.jpg
Website: (http://www.theearlynovember.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theearlynovember)
This is probably not going to come as a shock to anyone, but, back in the day, I was a huge fan of Drive Thru Records. I ate up everything they put out. NFG, check. Something Corporate, check. Finch, check. So when The Early November put out their debut EP, of course I ate it up. The thing is, though, I didn't dig it just because DTR put it out, but there was some substance to it. There was something raw, something rocking about it that really drew me in. By the time their second album came out, I was stoked. Unfortunately I thought it sucked ass and became a TEN hater. Fast forward a year or so when the first new demo came out. "Decoration" was the first song I heard from what would become The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path and, immediately, my interest in TEN sparked up again.
I think this new album is the band's finest to date. There are tons of different styles of music in here from straight rock and roll, to the classic "emo" sound, to alt country and The Early November really does well with all of them. While I think the whole triple disc idea was a little too ambitious, and some of the material is way stronger than others, I think this is a strong effort with stellar songs like "Money In His Hand," "Decoration," "Hair," "Driving South," and "A Little More Time" which make these albums a must have.
Tim Loved This Game As A Kid, Loved This Band As An Adult: Husker Du - Zen Arcade
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/huskerdu.jpg
Website: (http://www.aversion.com/bands/histories.cfm?directory=huskerdu) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/flipyourwig)
After Green Day's American Idiot hit the shelves in 2004 after much publicity in relation to its "punk rock opera" offerings, a lot of people thought it was the most original idea ever, including myself. But then I remembered The Who and what they did with Tommy. Soon afterward, I remembered I hated Tommy. But then I remembered Husker Du and their little venture into Zen Arcade, which was the first album to mix punk and opera together. Not that remembering this album did anything to diminish my love for American Idiot, but Zen Arcade holds a magical spot in my heart. Why? It's fucking awesome. If you don't know anything about Husker Du, they were the little band that could during the 80s who were hyped to be the equivalent of the musical form of sliced bread, but for some reason, it never happened (kind of like what happened with Sick of It All during the 90s). But they did leave a few masterpieces behind, and this is definitely one of them. Recommended.
Jordan Silverberg Celebrates His Last Week Of Needing His Last Name Listed By Selecting: Two Shirleys - Two Shirleys
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/twoshirleys.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/twoshirleys) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/twoshirleys)
Got a random friend request from these guys on MySpace, and it took me almost a week to listen to them. I regret that. Much like the Moscow Coup Attempt, I was blown away upon first listen. These guys create incredibly lush organic soundscapes, incorporating a wide variety of instruments, sounds, and styles. I simply felt the music was epic in every sense. It's not what most of you listen to, but that's why we do these listening stations, to expand horizons. So, expand.
Jared Had To Take Three Semesters Of Bulletinian In College, But It All Paid Off: The Bullet Never Lies - 17 Dead And Counting
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thebulletneverlies.jpg
Website: (http://www.thebulletneverlies.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thebulletneverlies)
Ready for some thunder from down under? OK, that was really lame, but the band I'm about to mention is not: The Bullet Never Lies. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this quintet can truly shred. On their independently released EP, 17 Dead and Counting, the band hardly lets up for the entire length of the album. Based on the strengths heard in this EP, I've gone ahead and recommended the band for inclusion in our upcoming unsigned band tournament.
What's really funny is how I found these guys. I saw their name referenced in another band's bio and, based on the sound of their name, I checked them out. Their site is filled with imagery of bloody body parts, nails, and bullets. Then you look at tracks 2 and 3 on the EP, "Yo-Ho Yo-Ho A Pirates Life For Me " and "Ninjas Killed My Family (Need Money For Karate Lessons)." After seeing their site and then the track names, I knew I was in for a treat. It turns out this is just a solid metal band with a sense of humor.
Dant Has His Anakin-To-Vader Moment: The Left Rights - What the Cooool Retards Are Listening To
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theleftrights.jpg
Website: (http://www.mindlessselfindulgence.com/leftrights) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theleftrights)
The Left Rights are a side project of singer Jimmy Urine and guitarist Steve Righ? of Mindless Self Indulgence. It was recorded in a few days, with literally no production involved. The CD itself is 39 tracks long, and most of the tracks don’t even make it over a minute. That’s right, people from Mindless Self Indulgence, the band so well known for making short songs, found a way to make songs even shorter.
But with all seriousness, this is probably the best CD you could ever buy. Not only is it insanely short, but it will also undoubtedly scare the shit out of you. Literally…
If you’re a hardcore fan of MSI or just good music in general, pick this up.
Chris Pandolfo Gains Only Mild Enjoyment And Satisfaction From: The Mars Volta - Amputechture
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themarsvolta.jpg
Website: (http://www.themarsvolta.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta)
The Mars Volta has always been one of the better mainstream bands out there today, in my opinion. They keep pushing that progressive and improvisational groove on each of their albums, which separates them from the everyday pop punk or rock you see on MTV. But I must admit, I was a bit skeptical before hearing Amputechture. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved Frances The Mute and, if you don’t, then maybe you should actually sit down and listen to all of it, then maybe that “noise” won’t seem so unnecessary. I mean, you can’t just bash the album because it doesn’t flow nicely when you’re driving in your car.
The reason I was skeptical about Amputechture is that they only released Frances The Mute a little over a year ago. I was expecting to hear some of the improvisations they did on tour thrown into this album, just like improv moments in Scab Dates were heard in Frances The Mute. After listening to Amputechture, I was very satisfied. And for the people who shit on the last album so much, you should have nothing bad to say at all. Sure, it may not be as good as Deloused In The Comatorium, but it’s definitely close behind it.
Songs like “Tetragrammaton” and “Day Of The Baphomets” include some of the best jams I’ve ever heard. The musicianship is once again outstanding on this record, just like the other two. Oh, and if anyone labels TMV as overrated, you should be kicked in the crotch, and hard. This album is nothing but an improvement for the band, and it should be heard.
Kamran Is Sheisty With The Details: The Coma Recovery - Drown That Holy End In Wine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thecomarecovery.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thecomarecovery) :: Listen: (http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=wimpy&playerid=14094)
Well, duh. The band is our indie spotlight artist, we stream their full album, and a review will be coming in a week. I don't need to say much more. This album is totally phenomenal.
Like Some Hellacious Seabeast, Brandon Springs Forth To Wreak Havoc Upon The Unsuspecting: Jaws: The Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jaws.jpg
Website: (http://www.johnwilliamscomposer.com) :: Listen: (http://musicby.jw-music.net/midi.php?critere=film&lang=us)
John Williams. Enough said.
Ben Waited For Something Wild And Got Stuck With The Semi-Lackluster Dawn Of A Dead Day: Sikth - The Trees Are Dead And Dried Out, Wait For Something Wild
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sikth.jpg
Website: (http://www.sikth.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sikth)
If your first experience with Sikth was Death of a Dead Day, you owe it to yourself, as well as the band, to give this record a spin. And crank it. If you're not impressed that they out-AFI AFI on "Peep Show," I think it's safe to say they might not be for you. That track made me give AFI another chance. Still not an AFI fan, though. Thankfully, the rest of the album is all over the metal map.
The First Is How Dan Feels About Bands Without The Latter: Betrayed - Substance
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/betrayed.jpg
Website: (http://www.betrayedhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betrayed)
Sorry in advance if the latter offends you. To be honest with you, I’m not quite sure what to write about Betrayed that hasn’t been written a thousand times before; two parts Champion, two parts Carry On, straightforward intensity filled to the brim with positive and, you guessed it, straight edge lyrics. Regardless of how many times these things have been said about the band, one thing is certain: they definitely know how to write an energetic album that could make any paraplegic up and dance or wake you from a comatose state – I just pictured Terry Schiavo and Stephen Hawking two stepping. Yeah, I’m unquestionably going to hell and there is no redeeming quality after a statement like that, but I’ll try and fail – If you like melodic hardcore, do it up!
Rick's Been Away So Long He Might As Well Have Joined A: Cult Of Luna - Somewhere Along The Highway
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cultofluna.jpg
Website: (http://www.cultofluna.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cultofluna)
One of doom metal’s top bands decided that, for their latest release, that they would hole up in an old barn in the middle of the woods, surround themselves with witch symbolism, and record their songs as a unit instead of individually tracking the different instruments. What sounds like a crazy premise led to the creation of what is, quite easily, the best and most organic doom metal release of this year. At 7 tracks and more than an hour of music, this is a sonically crushing and, oddly, beautiful release. More mature than anything they’ve done in the past, Cult of Luna have, in my eyes, surpassed Isis as the kings of doom.
Chris Conlan Is Seeeeeeeeeeeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaaain, Seeeeeeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaain, Seeeing Red Agaaaaaaaaaaiin, Seeeeeeeeeeing Re-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-ed!: Red - End Of Silence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/red.jpg
Website: (http://www.redmusiconline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/dropofred)
What makes a successful modern rock band? Too many majors believe that all you need is a hit single to sell an album. But to be a truly successful rock band you need to create an album that doesn't only rely on singles to sell it.
When I first heard "Breathe Into Me," it just screams radio hit. Instead of passing them off as another run-of-the-mill rock band, I gave these guys a full listen and it was the best thing I could've done because I haven't heard a rock album like End of Silence in a while. Michael, lead vocalist, has the voice every rock singer wants. It is melodic and full of range, yet it can be as vicious as any metal singer. But don't think Michael is the only thing in the band, because the hooks created in songs like "Already Over," "Let Go," and "Breathe Into Me" are immaculate.
Big things ahead for this band.
Michael Phillips (Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com), Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com)) Should Trust His Instincts: Garrison - The Model
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/garrison.jpg
Website: (http://www.garrisonrocks.com) :: Listen: (http://www.garrisonrocks.com/media.html)
Time to make this week's selection for the glorified ghetto blaster. I nearly opted for Converge's side of their split with Agoraphobic Nosebleed, but, at the last minute, decided to go with Garrison's The Model. Garrison grew out of the same Boston scene that spawned the likes of Cave In and Piebald; their earliest material was a bit chaotic at times and could best be described as unadulterated punk with moments of melody. As the band matured they incorporated aspects of different genres. The Model, made up of five tracks, is Garrison at their very best. The EP was released on the fledgling and now extinct Iodine Recordings in 2003, around the time of their appearance at South by Southwest (I was fortunate not only to attend but befriend the band there.) The Model hits the listener with music that draws from quintessential bands like Quicksand and Drive Like Jehu, but also incorporates the pop feel of the Foo Fighters. Garrison is no more and it's quite a tragedy as, looking back on this EP, it is damn near as close to perfection that you can get within the whole post-hardcore realm. So next time you're in a used CD store, pick this up; it'll likely be in the dollar bin, which is yet another tragedy.
Johnny Should Consider Early Hibernation: The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theearlynovember.jpg
Website: (http://www.theearlynovember.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theearlynovember)
This is probably not going to come as a shock to anyone, but, back in the day, I was a huge fan of Drive Thru Records. I ate up everything they put out. NFG, check. Something Corporate, check. Finch, check. So when The Early November put out their debut EP, of course I ate it up. The thing is, though, I didn't dig it just because DTR put it out, but there was some substance to it. There was something raw, something rocking about it that really drew me in. By the time their second album came out, I was stoked. Unfortunately I thought it sucked ass and became a TEN hater. Fast forward a year or so when the first new demo came out. "Decoration" was the first song I heard from what would become The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path and, immediately, my interest in TEN sparked up again.
I think this new album is the band's finest to date. There are tons of different styles of music in here from straight rock and roll, to the classic "emo" sound, to alt country and The Early November really does well with all of them. While I think the whole triple disc idea was a little too ambitious, and some of the material is way stronger than others, I think this is a strong effort with stellar songs like "Money In His Hand," "Decoration," "Hair," "Driving South," and "A Little More Time" which make these albums a must have.
Tim Loved This Game As A Kid, Loved This Band As An Adult: Husker Du - Zen Arcade
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/huskerdu.jpg
Website: (http://www.aversion.com/bands/histories.cfm?directory=huskerdu) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/flipyourwig)
After Green Day's American Idiot hit the shelves in 2004 after much publicity in relation to its "punk rock opera" offerings, a lot of people thought it was the most original idea ever, including myself. But then I remembered The Who and what they did with Tommy. Soon afterward, I remembered I hated Tommy. But then I remembered Husker Du and their little venture into Zen Arcade, which was the first album to mix punk and opera together. Not that remembering this album did anything to diminish my love for American Idiot, but Zen Arcade holds a magical spot in my heart. Why? It's fucking awesome. If you don't know anything about Husker Du, they were the little band that could during the 80s who were hyped to be the equivalent of the musical form of sliced bread, but for some reason, it never happened (kind of like what happened with Sick of It All during the 90s). But they did leave a few masterpieces behind, and this is definitely one of them. Recommended.
Jordan Silverberg Celebrates His Last Week Of Needing His Last Name Listed By Selecting: Two Shirleys - Two Shirleys
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/twoshirleys.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/twoshirleys) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/twoshirleys)
Got a random friend request from these guys on MySpace, and it took me almost a week to listen to them. I regret that. Much like the Moscow Coup Attempt, I was blown away upon first listen. These guys create incredibly lush organic soundscapes, incorporating a wide variety of instruments, sounds, and styles. I simply felt the music was epic in every sense. It's not what most of you listen to, but that's why we do these listening stations, to expand horizons. So, expand.
Jared Had To Take Three Semesters Of Bulletinian In College, But It All Paid Off: The Bullet Never Lies - 17 Dead And Counting
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thebulletneverlies.jpg
Website: (http://www.thebulletneverlies.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thebulletneverlies)
Ready for some thunder from down under? OK, that was really lame, but the band I'm about to mention is not: The Bullet Never Lies. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this quintet can truly shred. On their independently released EP, 17 Dead and Counting, the band hardly lets up for the entire length of the album. Based on the strengths heard in this EP, I've gone ahead and recommended the band for inclusion in our upcoming unsigned band tournament.
What's really funny is how I found these guys. I saw their name referenced in another band's bio and, based on the sound of their name, I checked them out. Their site is filled with imagery of bloody body parts, nails, and bullets. Then you look at tracks 2 and 3 on the EP, "Yo-Ho Yo-Ho A Pirates Life For Me " and "Ninjas Killed My Family (Need Money For Karate Lessons)." After seeing their site and then the track names, I knew I was in for a treat. It turns out this is just a solid metal band with a sense of humor.
Dant Has His Anakin-To-Vader Moment: The Left Rights - What the Cooool Retards Are Listening To
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theleftrights.jpg
Website: (http://www.mindlessselfindulgence.com/leftrights) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theleftrights)
The Left Rights are a side project of singer Jimmy Urine and guitarist Steve Righ? of Mindless Self Indulgence. It was recorded in a few days, with literally no production involved. The CD itself is 39 tracks long, and most of the tracks don’t even make it over a minute. That’s right, people from Mindless Self Indulgence, the band so well known for making short songs, found a way to make songs even shorter.
But with all seriousness, this is probably the best CD you could ever buy. Not only is it insanely short, but it will also undoubtedly scare the shit out of you. Literally…
If you’re a hardcore fan of MSI or just good music in general, pick this up.
Chris Pandolfo Gains Only Mild Enjoyment And Satisfaction From: The Mars Volta - Amputechture
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themarsvolta.jpg
Website: (http://www.themarsvolta.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta)
The Mars Volta has always been one of the better mainstream bands out there today, in my opinion. They keep pushing that progressive and improvisational groove on each of their albums, which separates them from the everyday pop punk or rock you see on MTV. But I must admit, I was a bit skeptical before hearing Amputechture. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved Frances The Mute and, if you don’t, then maybe you should actually sit down and listen to all of it, then maybe that “noise” won’t seem so unnecessary. I mean, you can’t just bash the album because it doesn’t flow nicely when you’re driving in your car.
The reason I was skeptical about Amputechture is that they only released Frances The Mute a little over a year ago. I was expecting to hear some of the improvisations they did on tour thrown into this album, just like improv moments in Scab Dates were heard in Frances The Mute. After listening to Amputechture, I was very satisfied. And for the people who shit on the last album so much, you should have nothing bad to say at all. Sure, it may not be as good as Deloused In The Comatorium, but it’s definitely close behind it.
Songs like “Tetragrammaton” and “Day Of The Baphomets” include some of the best jams I’ve ever heard. The musicianship is once again outstanding on this record, just like the other two. Oh, and if anyone labels TMV as overrated, you should be kicked in the crotch, and hard. This album is nothing but an improvement for the band, and it should be heard.
Kamran Is Sheisty With The Details: The Coma Recovery - Drown That Holy End In Wine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thecomarecovery.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thecomarecovery) :: Listen: (http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=wimpy&playerid=14094)
Well, duh. The band is our indie spotlight artist, we stream their full album, and a review will be coming in a week. I don't need to say much more. This album is totally phenomenal.
Like Some Hellacious Seabeast, Brandon Springs Forth To Wreak Havoc Upon The Unsuspecting: Jaws: The Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jaws.jpg
Website: (http://www.johnwilliamscomposer.com) :: Listen: (http://musicby.jw-music.net/midi.php?critere=film&lang=us)
John Williams. Enough said.
Ben Waited For Something Wild And Got Stuck With The Semi-Lackluster Dawn Of A Dead Day: Sikth - The Trees Are Dead And Dried Out, Wait For Something Wild
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sikth.jpg
Website: (http://www.sikth.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sikth)
If your first experience with Sikth was Death of a Dead Day, you owe it to yourself, as well as the band, to give this record a spin. And crank it. If you're not impressed that they out-AFI AFI on "Peep Show," I think it's safe to say they might not be for you. That track made me give AFI another chance. Still not an AFI fan, though. Thankfully, the rest of the album is all over the metal map.