Kamran
07-18-2006, 02:32 PM
Akimbo – Forging Steel and Laying Stone
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/akimbo.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/akimbo) Site (http://akimbo.com)
Northwest hardcore is as distinct as any other region in the country, and Akimbo is no different. Taking after Botch, and to a lesser degree the Blood Brothers, Akimbo’s Forging Steel and Laying Stone is filled with brutal riffs, mathy tempos, and intense vocals. Although Botch’s presence is evident on Forging Steel and Laying Stone, it’s clear that Akimbo has an affinity for rock, and the band acknowledges this through some Sabbath inspired musicianship. So if Botch and Sabbath had a baby, it might certainly be Akimbo. Don’t let this album slip through your fingers.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Blood Brothers, Botch, Converge, Black Cobra
Black Heart Procession – The Spell
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/blackheartprocession.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/theblackheartprocession) Site (http://blackheartprocession.com)
Even though we at Decoy heavily covered A Whisper in the Noise’s As the Bluebird Sings and Murder By Death’s In Bocca Al Lupo, somehow the Black Heart Procession’s The Spell slipped through our fingers. Similarly to the aforementioned bands, BHP employs dark, Nice Cave/Tom Waits-influenced Americana. Moody and eerie, BHP also take notes from Radiohead, making The Spell a worthy listen. And although Murder By Death and A Whisper in the Noise may have made Decoy’s front page, BHP is commendable company for both bands, however, not as sonically and dynamically diverse.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: A Whisper in the Noise, Murder By Death, Nick Cave, Radiohead
Boris – Pink
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/boris.jpg
Site (http://southernlord.com/boris)
Although it was technically released last year, Pink made it to the states this year through Southern Lord. If that’s not any indication to Boris’ sound, then imagine an accessible Sunn 0)))-meets-MC5. The Japanese band explores dense soundscapes with crushing guitars and delicate melody, at a brutal pace. The band’s exploration on Pink is a definitive expansion from Akuma No Uta, incorporating accessible post-rock, garage, and noise rock elements. With Pink, Boris shows they can be perceptive and patient as well as raucous and exuberant.
Overall: 4.5/5
RIYL: Sunn 0))), Sleep, Wolf Eyes, MC5
Cat Power – The Greatest
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/catpower.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/catpower) Site (http://catpowerthegreatest.com)
Sullen and introspective, Chan Marshall, AKA Cat Power, released The Greatest earlier this year, a Memphis soul, piano driven album. At first listen, Fiona Apple comparisons will be made almost instantaneously, however, Cat Power is more accessible by means of song arrangement and lyrical content. Marshall’s voice is smooth and sultry, laid over some truly impressive production. A wide-range of instrumentation is used, however, nothing ever overpowers Marshall’s voice and her piano. The album’s only downside is a lack of dynamics – most songs are well written, but they also have the tendency to become repetitive.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Fiona Apple, Iron & Wine, PJ Harvey, Tori Amos
Ghostface Killah – Fishscale
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/ghostfacekillah.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/ghostface) Site (http://ghostface.com)
One of Wu-Tang’s most active products, Ghostface returned in 2006 with Fishscale, his most consistent release since Supreme Clientele. 2004’s Pretty Tony Album gathered critical praise from most, but fell short commercially. Fishscale, however, is without doubt the best hip-hop album of 2006, so far. "Fishscale" – for us whities – is a less obvious synonym for pure cocaine, and after one listen through, it becomes pretty obvious. Filled with soul and dynamics, Ghostface’s Fishcale is superb, and certainly wouldn’t be what it is without the production assistance of MF Doom, the late-great J Dilla, Just Blaze, and more.
Overall: 4.5/5
RIYL: Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mob Deep
Johnny Cash – Personal File
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/johnnycash.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/johnnycash) Site (http://johnnycash.com)
Taken from a box in his home called “Personal File,” Johnny Cash’s son gave permission for the release of completely new Cash material. Primarily recorded during his height of success, Personal File was never intended for commercial release, and the material was for Cash’s personal enjoyment only. The compilation, which spans an incredible 49 tracks, is a clear blueprint for the American Recording series that followed nearly 20 years later. Personal File is an essential for any Cash fan, and aside from American V, which was recently released, this may be the last unheard material from the Man in Black.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springstein
Millionaire – Paradisiac
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/millionaire.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/millionairetheband) Site (http://millionaire-theband.com)
Unfortunately, Millionaire’s Paradisiac hasn’t been released in the US yet; however, it was released last October through Play It Again Sam records. Produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, Paradisiac is an even blend between QOTSA and Muse. Musically, Belgium’s Millionaire utilizes fuzzed-out stoner riffs with some atmospheric elements more commonly associate with Muse. Additionally, vocalist Tim Vanhamel sounds eerily like the Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse “The Devil” Hughes. Although this influences are noticeable and blatant, Millionaire still put together a terrific release – one, in fact, that’s much better than the last QOTSA record.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Eagles of Death Metal, Screaming Trees
Mudhoney – Under a Billion Suns
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/mudhoney.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/mudhoney) Site (http://http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~ptn/mudhoney/)
Grunge’s first band and its last surviving band has returned – and returned big – in 2006 with Under a Billion Suns. Mudhoney has been around the same amount of time, approximately, as the sun, but they refuse to go away – thank god. Under a Billion Suns is a huge return for the fogies, following 2004’s Since We’ve Become Translucent, and is unquestionably the band’s best release in years. Somehow, Mudhoney reinvented themselves yet again with an awesome, original, rock album that recalls the best qualities grunge, while still moving forward.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Screaming Trees, Comets on Fire, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.
Rebel Meets Rebel – Rebel Meets Rebel
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/rebelmeetsrebel.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/rebelmeetsrebel) Site (http://rebelmeetsrebel.com)
Rebel Meets Rebel is three-fourths Pantera, fronted by country singer David Allen Coe, and Dimebag’s final goodbye. RMR doesn’t really mesh Pantera and Coe’s style as much as it crudely tosses them together; that’s right, rebellious country meets groove-riff thrash. If you’re a metal-head but still need a good summer BBQ album, then Rebel Meets Rebel is your calling. As you might guess, it’s a pretty entertaining album, and although it doesn’t display Dimebag’s best riffs, it’s still a fun, albeit goofy, way to cap off an awesome career.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: Pantera, Superjoint Ritual, Hank III, White Zombie
Two Gallants – What the Tell Tolls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/twogallants.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/twogallants) Site (http://twogallants.com)
Saddle Creek is known for its inclusiveness, and quite frankly, after viewing Saddle Creek’s 10-year-birthday documentary, it’s easy to see why; the label started out by friends, for friends. Now, as the've become one of the most well known indie labels in the country, Saddle Creek has reached out beyond their circle of friends. One of the most recent additions is Two Gallants, a lo-fi blend of Americana and indie rock. The result is a brash, abrasive, yet earnest album titled What the Toll Tells. Album opener “Las Cruces Jail” makes the entire album worthwhile.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Johnny Cash, Neutral Milk Hotel, White Stripes, Okkervil River
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/akimbo.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/akimbo) Site (http://akimbo.com)
Northwest hardcore is as distinct as any other region in the country, and Akimbo is no different. Taking after Botch, and to a lesser degree the Blood Brothers, Akimbo’s Forging Steel and Laying Stone is filled with brutal riffs, mathy tempos, and intense vocals. Although Botch’s presence is evident on Forging Steel and Laying Stone, it’s clear that Akimbo has an affinity for rock, and the band acknowledges this through some Sabbath inspired musicianship. So if Botch and Sabbath had a baby, it might certainly be Akimbo. Don’t let this album slip through your fingers.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Blood Brothers, Botch, Converge, Black Cobra
Black Heart Procession – The Spell
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/blackheartprocession.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/theblackheartprocession) Site (http://blackheartprocession.com)
Even though we at Decoy heavily covered A Whisper in the Noise’s As the Bluebird Sings and Murder By Death’s In Bocca Al Lupo, somehow the Black Heart Procession’s The Spell slipped through our fingers. Similarly to the aforementioned bands, BHP employs dark, Nice Cave/Tom Waits-influenced Americana. Moody and eerie, BHP also take notes from Radiohead, making The Spell a worthy listen. And although Murder By Death and A Whisper in the Noise may have made Decoy’s front page, BHP is commendable company for both bands, however, not as sonically and dynamically diverse.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: A Whisper in the Noise, Murder By Death, Nick Cave, Radiohead
Boris – Pink
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/boris.jpg
Site (http://southernlord.com/boris)
Although it was technically released last year, Pink made it to the states this year through Southern Lord. If that’s not any indication to Boris’ sound, then imagine an accessible Sunn 0)))-meets-MC5. The Japanese band explores dense soundscapes with crushing guitars and delicate melody, at a brutal pace. The band’s exploration on Pink is a definitive expansion from Akuma No Uta, incorporating accessible post-rock, garage, and noise rock elements. With Pink, Boris shows they can be perceptive and patient as well as raucous and exuberant.
Overall: 4.5/5
RIYL: Sunn 0))), Sleep, Wolf Eyes, MC5
Cat Power – The Greatest
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/catpower.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/catpower) Site (http://catpowerthegreatest.com)
Sullen and introspective, Chan Marshall, AKA Cat Power, released The Greatest earlier this year, a Memphis soul, piano driven album. At first listen, Fiona Apple comparisons will be made almost instantaneously, however, Cat Power is more accessible by means of song arrangement and lyrical content. Marshall’s voice is smooth and sultry, laid over some truly impressive production. A wide-range of instrumentation is used, however, nothing ever overpowers Marshall’s voice and her piano. The album’s only downside is a lack of dynamics – most songs are well written, but they also have the tendency to become repetitive.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Fiona Apple, Iron & Wine, PJ Harvey, Tori Amos
Ghostface Killah – Fishscale
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/ghostfacekillah.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/ghostface) Site (http://ghostface.com)
One of Wu-Tang’s most active products, Ghostface returned in 2006 with Fishscale, his most consistent release since Supreme Clientele. 2004’s Pretty Tony Album gathered critical praise from most, but fell short commercially. Fishscale, however, is without doubt the best hip-hop album of 2006, so far. "Fishscale" – for us whities – is a less obvious synonym for pure cocaine, and after one listen through, it becomes pretty obvious. Filled with soul and dynamics, Ghostface’s Fishcale is superb, and certainly wouldn’t be what it is without the production assistance of MF Doom, the late-great J Dilla, Just Blaze, and more.
Overall: 4.5/5
RIYL: Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mob Deep
Johnny Cash – Personal File
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/johnnycash.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/johnnycash) Site (http://johnnycash.com)
Taken from a box in his home called “Personal File,” Johnny Cash’s son gave permission for the release of completely new Cash material. Primarily recorded during his height of success, Personal File was never intended for commercial release, and the material was for Cash’s personal enjoyment only. The compilation, which spans an incredible 49 tracks, is a clear blueprint for the American Recording series that followed nearly 20 years later. Personal File is an essential for any Cash fan, and aside from American V, which was recently released, this may be the last unheard material from the Man in Black.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springstein
Millionaire – Paradisiac
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/millionaire.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/millionairetheband) Site (http://millionaire-theband.com)
Unfortunately, Millionaire’s Paradisiac hasn’t been released in the US yet; however, it was released last October through Play It Again Sam records. Produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, Paradisiac is an even blend between QOTSA and Muse. Musically, Belgium’s Millionaire utilizes fuzzed-out stoner riffs with some atmospheric elements more commonly associate with Muse. Additionally, vocalist Tim Vanhamel sounds eerily like the Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse “The Devil” Hughes. Although this influences are noticeable and blatant, Millionaire still put together a terrific release – one, in fact, that’s much better than the last QOTSA record.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Eagles of Death Metal, Screaming Trees
Mudhoney – Under a Billion Suns
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/mudhoney.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/mudhoney) Site (http://http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~ptn/mudhoney/)
Grunge’s first band and its last surviving band has returned – and returned big – in 2006 with Under a Billion Suns. Mudhoney has been around the same amount of time, approximately, as the sun, but they refuse to go away – thank god. Under a Billion Suns is a huge return for the fogies, following 2004’s Since We’ve Become Translucent, and is unquestionably the band’s best release in years. Somehow, Mudhoney reinvented themselves yet again with an awesome, original, rock album that recalls the best qualities grunge, while still moving forward.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Screaming Trees, Comets on Fire, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.
Rebel Meets Rebel – Rebel Meets Rebel
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/rebelmeetsrebel.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/rebelmeetsrebel) Site (http://rebelmeetsrebel.com)
Rebel Meets Rebel is three-fourths Pantera, fronted by country singer David Allen Coe, and Dimebag’s final goodbye. RMR doesn’t really mesh Pantera and Coe’s style as much as it crudely tosses them together; that’s right, rebellious country meets groove-riff thrash. If you’re a metal-head but still need a good summer BBQ album, then Rebel Meets Rebel is your calling. As you might guess, it’s a pretty entertaining album, and although it doesn’t display Dimebag’s best riffs, it’s still a fun, albeit goofy, way to cap off an awesome career.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: Pantera, Superjoint Ritual, Hank III, White Zombie
Two Gallants – What the Tell Tolls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/twogallants.jpg
Listen (http://myspace.com/twogallants) Site (http://twogallants.com)
Saddle Creek is known for its inclusiveness, and quite frankly, after viewing Saddle Creek’s 10-year-birthday documentary, it’s easy to see why; the label started out by friends, for friends. Now, as the've become one of the most well known indie labels in the country, Saddle Creek has reached out beyond their circle of friends. One of the most recent additions is Two Gallants, a lo-fi blend of Americana and indie rock. The result is a brash, abrasive, yet earnest album titled What the Toll Tells. Album opener “Las Cruces Jail” makes the entire album worthwhile.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Johnny Cash, Neutral Milk Hotel, White Stripes, Okkervil River