sir mix-a-lot
08-23-2006, 09:49 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.
Marc Puts The "Grad" In "Congratulations": Ceremony - Violence, Violence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ceremony2.jpg
Website: (http://www.ceremonyhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ceremony)
Holy shit! 20 songs in 21 minutes! Finally, a hardcore band that is taking a different route. Ceremony isn't doing the youth crew era hardcore; they aren't doing the whole American Nightmare dealie either. They take it back to basics. Violence, Violence is fast and pissed off, just what your mommy and daddy don't want you to hear. There is no catchy single, there is no ballad; it's just straight up spazzy hardcore that is played the way it was meant to be played. Like most hardcore bands, this band is hard to grasp with only one listen. So be prepared to dismiss this as a bunch of noise at first. It may take 2 times or take 20. This band is not everyone's cup of tea and they don't mind at all. If you've been waiting for something along the lines of Mind Eraser, Negative Approach, or Shark Attack then congradulations! You just found your favorite band. After finally get to see them live at This is Hardcore Fest, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be the next big thing. FUCK!
Alex, In Accordance With The Basic Laws Placed Upon Him By This Album, Likes People Of The Female Persuasian: Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/boyslikegirls.gif
Website: (http://www.boyslikegirls.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/boyslikegirls)
I love me some pop music. I mean, I enjoy the occasional spot of Necrophagist and Xiu Xiu, but give me a sweet melody and a huge chorus, and I'm sold. And Boys Like Girls makes great pop music. This album is packed with songs you're humming along to by second listen. Whether or not VMA performances and pop starlets hanging off their arms is around the corner remains to be seen, but with tracks like "Dancehall Drug" and "Hero/Heroine," it seems pretty likely.
Jared Finds This Album Makes His Heart Grow Fonder: The Absence - From Your Grave
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theabsence.jpg
Website: (http://www.theabsence.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theabsence)
If you couldn't tell from my review (http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=reviews&reviewsid-15459), I really liked the new Unearth album. It's no surprise, then, that I went out and bought it the day it came out. Along with the disc came a sampler from Metal Blade. Normally, I ignore these types of shameless promotional inserts, but one day I was without my iPod in my car and threw it in. Among the 18 songs on the disc, I found one by The Absence: "A Breath Beneath." It immediately grabbed me with its At The Gates-style riffing.
After some sleuthing, I found that the album actually came out last year. After listening to it in its entirety, the only question I had was "How could I have missed this?" From Your Grave is a solid entry into the melodic death metal scene in the vein of Darkest Hour and the aforementioned At The Gates. If I were to guess, I'd say these guys were straight out of the Scandinavian metal scene, but they actually hail from Florida, right here in the good ole US of A. They were able to trick my ear and that says volumes about their music. If you're a fan of Scandinavian metal, The Absence is a band you can't miss.
Jeremy Is A Leafer: Comes With The Fall - The Year Is One
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/comeswiththefall.jpg
Website: (http://www.comeswiththefall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall)
Comes With The Fall are one of those bands that just said "You know what, screw the genre thing - can't you just be rock?" And by jeebus, they are. Singer William DuVall is currently getting a lot of press as the majority fill-in singer for Alice In Chains. This album is a nice spread - it satisfies my craving for that Seattle sound, for that Led Zep styled old-classic rock, and I'll be damned if there isn't some soul in the style of Roy Orbison or Chris Isaak (not that I listen to either particularly much, but they have a vibe that can't be denyed - and "So Cruel" on this album hits it on the head). For anyone who actually saw the reincarnated Alice In Chains or is even entertaining the idea - maybe wishing for that Soundgarden reunion - you know - the one that would kick ass, not the wussy one where they let you down.... this album will find a good home with you. Might not be your #1 record of all time, but you'll speak highly of it once you finally put it down.
Rick Has Asked Me To Discuss His Selection With Him In A Court Of Law. Sadly, In America's Highly-Litigious State, I Could Probably Win A Hefty Settlement, Citing Emotional Scarring, Extreme Eardrum Trauma, And Brain Damage, For Taking His Recommendation. His Countersuit For Slander, Libel, Defamation Of Character, And Other Such Bullshit Would Probably Win It All Back For Him. Thanks So Very Much, American Judicial Branch. You Piece Of Shit. I Could Have Been Rich And Retired To Canada. I Am Now On A Government Watch List. If No Listening Station Gets Posted Next Week, Please Revolt In Remembrance Of Me. Or, To Quote That Shit You Say During Communion: "Do This For The Remembrance Of Me." I Just Compared Myself To Jesus. I Am Going To Hell. I Have Also Now Drawn The Wrath Of The Muslim Fundamentalists Who Wish Death Upon All Americans And Christians, But Have No Real Means To Cause Demolition On Such A Mass Scale As To Wipe Us All Out. Thanks, Rick. You've Really Outdone Yourself. On The Plus Side, Though, The Band He Picked Is Swedish And Swedes Wish No Harm To Anyone, So I Could Perhaps Seek Shelter And Solace There While The Worldwide Political And Religious Communities Seek Vengeance Upon Me And Everything That I Stand For, Believe In, Or Even Think About From Time To Time, But Never Truly Give A Deep, Introspective Look. Oh, And For The Record, Rick Picked This Album Like Three Fucking Weeks Ago. What A Douchebag: In Flames - Come Clarity
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inflames666.jpg
Website: (http://www.inflames.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/inflames)
With Soundtrack to Your Escape being a subpar effort, at least in comparison to other In Flames albums, I didn’t have a lot of anticipation for Come Clarity. Even after it came out, I didn’t give it much of a listen and, when I did, it was in the background while I was at work. Now, having had the chance to go back and revisit it, I don’t know what the hell I was thinking by letting it slip by for so long. Alongside the classics from Whoracle and Clayman, Come Clarity contains some of the best songs in their catalog. “Take this Life,” “Come Clarity,” and “Dead End” are undeniably solid Gothenburg metal hits. Don’t make the same mistake I did — go out and listen to this today. Hell, I know it’s an odd concept, but you might even head down to Target and buy it!
Chris Conlan Really Likes That Second Paragraph He Wrote About This Album. So Much So That It Showed Up Not Only In His Original Draft, But His Second Draft, Also. And Now, It Makes A Third Appearance In Our Weekly Listening Station: Saosin - Saosin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/saosin.jpg
Website: (http://www.saosin.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/saosin)
I give the guys in Saosin all the credit in the world for overcoming everything and creating an album like this. With all the speculation around this album, the guys shatter expectations. Don't take that as "this album is perfect," but that doesn't slow down the momentum from the CD. So I say to all you naysayers, quit complaining because, when this album hits shelves on 9/26, you'll be regretting it.
Jordan Is But Mowgli In This Sordid Tale: Wolfmother - Wolfmother
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wolfmother2.jpg
Website: (http://www.wolfmother.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/wolfmother)
I know these guys are kind of yesterday's news, but Goddamnitron!! This album is fucking tops. I honestly can't stop listening. "Mind's Eye" has to be one of the most powerful songs I've heard in ages. They recall everything magical and wonderful about Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, and God bless them for every second of their incredible rock n' roll. There really isn't much I can say about these guys that hasn't already been said a million times over in every popular music magazine around the world...which leads me to believe that it all must be true. Believe the hype.
Daniel's Gonna Need His Fix If Every Chapter's Gonna Take This Damn Long To Get Through: The Drugstore Cowboys - Chapter 3006 Of Dance Moves For The Apocalypse: If The Octamaiden Was A Diabetic Joykill Addict
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thedrugstorecowboys.jpg
Website: (http://www.dudebot.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thedrugstorecowboys)
Listen to this band - if you can call a duo a band…well actually, I guess you can if Death From Above 1979 (RIP) can be considered a band. Anyways, if you like any genre in music, they throw it all together with influences ranging from Genghis Tron to Britney Spears to Three 6 Mafia. Review coming soon.
Sam Is Not Aware That I Actually Have This Album In Its Entirety (Sans Cover Art, Alas): mewithoutYou - Brother Sister
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mewithoutyou.jpg
Website: (http://www.mewithoutyou.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mewithoutyou)
So the album hasn't come out yet, but I've found two songs. Just two. And I've been listening to them nonstop. "In A Sweater Poorly Knit" was recorded at Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. It includes Aaron Weiss on acoustic guitar to begin the song, and then Aaron moves on to accordion. Three quarters of the way through the song, a harp is introduced. A-mazing. This one song has me fully convinced that it will be one of the best albums of 2006. The other song that I've heard is "Nice and Blue pt. 2," which borrows lyrics from Mewithoutyou's first full length A to B : Life.
Andy Young, Spastic Reader, Has His Finger On: Foxy Shazam - The Flamingo Trigger
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/foxyshazam.jpg
Website: (http://www.foxyshazam.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/foxyshazam)
In a less-than-booming local band scene here in Cincinnati, Foxy Shazam is a beast among mere mortals, with a totally unique style of music that combines everything from Motown Soul to metal and oh so much in between. Most compare them to the Blood Brothers, which is pretty close but they are still very different with their piano breakdowns and less witty but still thought-provoking lyrics...provoking thoughts like, "What the hell is wrong with these guys?" that is. They are touring right now and that is what sets this band apart. I discovered them when they opened for Gatsby's American Dream in Covington, KY, (Ed. Note: NOT from when Ben Rice wrote a really badass review of their album, then later featured them in a different Listening Station, proving once again no one gives a shit what Ben Rice has to say. Ever) and I was amazed at how....odd their live show is. I guess odd is the best description I'm capable of short of fucked up. With his storytelling of how he injured his hand in a microwave accident and Tourette's-like motions, Eric Nally is a lead vocalist who is a treat to watch. This album can't possibly capture the spectacle that is a Foxy Shazam show, but it's pretty good nonetheless.
Brandon, Just Like Every Other Male Ever, Sounds Like A Complete Pansy When He Says "Snickerdoodle." Snickerdoodles Are The Best Cookies Ever. Anyone Who Says Differently Probably Thinks This Album Sucks, Which Means They're Wrong Not Once, But Twice!: Snic - The Garden Ecstasis
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/snic.jpg
Website: (http://www.thegardenecstasis.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/snic)
We featured these guys over a year ago and they are well worth it to take the time to check them out!
From beauty to chaos and back again several times, snic creates music that is a driving force of life. Much like the waters of the oceans, they create a soothing sound that can quickly turn into the roughest seas. While the duality of the calm waves and rough seas exists, what really makes snic is the fine detail of their sound. In a similar fashion to the oceans, their sound has so much more going on beneath the surface. A whole teeming source of life lies beneath the surface, producing a sound that can seamlessly shift from chaotic to calm in a split second. Take the time to experience snic and let them crash over you like the waves in the oceans!
Highly recommended if you enjoy bands like Dredg, Godspeed, and mewithoutyou.
Scott, When He Needs To Clear His Head, Takes Jets To: Brazil - The Philosophy Of Velocity
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brazil.jpg
Website: (http://www.braziltheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brazil)
Ever wonder what Coheed and Cambria might sound like if they were musical geniuses? Check out Brazil. Well, that comparison mainly applies to the vocals, which are reminiscent of Claudio's without that pesky makes-me-wanna-punch-a-wall, annoying-after-the-first-song influence. A more accurate comparison might be to Rush, Queen, or Muse…with a bit of The Mars Volta thrown in to keep things interesting. Each of the 12 tracks on The Philosophy of Velocity is like a tiny explosion of passion and energy, managing to uphold a grandiose tone even in the midst of skillfully executed pop catchiness.
Kamran Likes 'Em Sharp 'N' Spry: The Blood Brothers - Young Machetes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/boodbrothers.jpg
Website: (http://www.thebloodbrothers.com) :: Listen: (http://www.thebloodbrothers.com/media2.html)
Why spoil my pros/cons about this album when I'll be writing the review for it in a month anyways? All you really need to know now is the following information: I am a Blood Brothers fan; Burn Piano Island Burn is a very important record; Crimes was good, but not great; Young Machetes is revolutionary, and I've never heard anything remotely like it.
Chris Pandolfo Kinda Likes This Record, But Enjoys The Schwarzenegger Vehicle Much More: Thom Yorke - The Eraser
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thomyorke.jpg
Website: (http://www.theeraser.net) :: Listen: (http://www.theeraser.net)
While Radiohead fans wait for the upcoming album, Thom Yorke has released The Eraser, which is a handful of songs he has put together over the years while being on the road with the band. The album is most comparable to Radiohead's Kid A, as the songs are moody sounding and mostly electric. On first listen of The Eraser, I thought it was a tad boring and repetitive, but in time I realized how enjoyable it really is. The songs sound more personal compared to Yorke's work with Radiohead. Maybe that's because it's strictly Thom and not the rest, but it really does hit deep down when you listen to some of these songs. If you are a fan of Radiohead and still haven't heard this album, you should really check it out.
Ben Hates Tool Fans: Lusk - Free Mars
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Website: (http://www.myspace.com/feersumennjin) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/feersumennjin)
I really hate Tool fans. They're idiots. What kind of fanbase only follows side projects to a point? Why will people listen to Danny Carey's absolutely abysmal side project, will listen to Maynard's fairly phenomenal, yet unsteady side project, but aren't even aware that Lusk exists?
Sure, Paul D'Amour left the band in the midst of writing Aenima and it was after the release of that album that Tool really took off, but there's still no reason not to have listened to, or even become aware of the existence of, Lusk if you're any kind of Tool fan. Hell, if D'Amour isn't enough, what about the fact that former Tool keyboardist (yes, they once employed a keyboardist) Chris Pitman is also a heavy part of Lusk? And anyone worth a damn would know that A Perfect Circle's track "The Nurse Who Loved Me" is actually a Failure cover. Naturally, Tool fans assumed it was an original and avoided discovering Failure yet again. Failure is not only responsible for one of the greatest albums of all time (Fantastic Planet), but also used to tour with Tool before their much-too-early demise. Of course, as already stated and as is still so painful and painfully obvious, no fucking Tool fan seems to know who Failure is, either.
It's not like D'Amour and Pitman put out a covers album under the oh-so-clever name Replicants with the two full-time Failure members Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards and Maynard just happened to do the vocals on their version of "Silly Love Songs." Oh, wait, yes, they did! No fucking Tool fan knows this shit. None of them! And it's fucking outrageous because D'Amour and Pitman teamed up with Edwards to create the template for experimental, drugged-out pop in the late '90s with the only album ever released under the Lusk moniker, in the inarguably sublime Free Mars. It's dense, layered, and damned near perfect. This band should have been huge, but instead, just like anything else at least halfway decent a member of Tool has aligned themselves with, it has gone completely unnoticed. Hell, D'Amour even put out his latest take on the Lusk mold just last year with his new band Feersum Ennjin, which featured another criminally-overlooked band's main mastermind (I'm talking about Self's Matt Mahaffey here), and still, no one cared.
I fucking hate Tool fans. Do me a favor and buy this goddamn record. D'Amour wrote Tool's best bass parts. Show some respect.
Tim Apparently Would Bone Any Frontwoman Ever. The Question Is, Would He Bang Courtney Love Just To Get Into The Spotlight?: Rainer Maria - Catastrophe Keeps Us Together
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/rainermaria.jpg
Website: (http://www.rainermaria.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/rainermaria)
Even though this band has been around for a decade, they still sound as fresh as a fiddle. And even though the singer isn't as cute and little as she used to be, I still want to have sex with her. This is the best band to feature a gay rhythm section since The Pansy Division. Go get it now, bitches. Check out "Life of Leisure."
Dave Spak Reminds Me Of That Book Shiloh. Because, Just Like That One Guy In The Book, I Really Want The Dogged Dave To Die (But Only Because He Just Had To Submit This At Literally The Last Minute. As In, I Click "Post," He Messages Me): Sebadoh - III
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sebadoh.jpg
Website: (http://www.sebadoh.com) :: Listen: (http://www.dominorecordco.com/site/index.php?page=releases&releaseID=648)
I am a big fan of Lou Barlow’s work with Dinosaur Jr, but I hadn’t heard much from Sebadoh until recently. Sebadoh’s III was re-released earlier this August in an expanded package and I decided I should check it out. I can’t believe it took me so long to find out about this incredible band. Sebadoh has a mind-set that is very rare to find in music. They completely don’t care if they make money or sell records. Actually, they don’t even care if their music sounds good. But somehow they manage to write a classic album full of lo-fi alternative folk songs. The lyrics are impressively clever and songs like “Black Haired Gurl” can actually be surprisingly catchy. I urge anyone who is a fan of indie rock to make sure they check this album out, especially the slacker anthem “Gimme Indie Rock.” It’s worth buying the CD just for “Showtape ‘91,” which is probably the funniest extra I have ever heard on an album.
Marc Puts The "Grad" In "Congratulations": Ceremony - Violence, Violence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ceremony2.jpg
Website: (http://www.ceremonyhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ceremony)
Holy shit! 20 songs in 21 minutes! Finally, a hardcore band that is taking a different route. Ceremony isn't doing the youth crew era hardcore; they aren't doing the whole American Nightmare dealie either. They take it back to basics. Violence, Violence is fast and pissed off, just what your mommy and daddy don't want you to hear. There is no catchy single, there is no ballad; it's just straight up spazzy hardcore that is played the way it was meant to be played. Like most hardcore bands, this band is hard to grasp with only one listen. So be prepared to dismiss this as a bunch of noise at first. It may take 2 times or take 20. This band is not everyone's cup of tea and they don't mind at all. If you've been waiting for something along the lines of Mind Eraser, Negative Approach, or Shark Attack then congradulations! You just found your favorite band. After finally get to see them live at This is Hardcore Fest, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be the next big thing. FUCK!
Alex, In Accordance With The Basic Laws Placed Upon Him By This Album, Likes People Of The Female Persuasian: Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/boyslikegirls.gif
Website: (http://www.boyslikegirls.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/boyslikegirls)
I love me some pop music. I mean, I enjoy the occasional spot of Necrophagist and Xiu Xiu, but give me a sweet melody and a huge chorus, and I'm sold. And Boys Like Girls makes great pop music. This album is packed with songs you're humming along to by second listen. Whether or not VMA performances and pop starlets hanging off their arms is around the corner remains to be seen, but with tracks like "Dancehall Drug" and "Hero/Heroine," it seems pretty likely.
Jared Finds This Album Makes His Heart Grow Fonder: The Absence - From Your Grave
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theabsence.jpg
Website: (http://www.theabsence.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theabsence)
If you couldn't tell from my review (http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=reviews&reviewsid-15459), I really liked the new Unearth album. It's no surprise, then, that I went out and bought it the day it came out. Along with the disc came a sampler from Metal Blade. Normally, I ignore these types of shameless promotional inserts, but one day I was without my iPod in my car and threw it in. Among the 18 songs on the disc, I found one by The Absence: "A Breath Beneath." It immediately grabbed me with its At The Gates-style riffing.
After some sleuthing, I found that the album actually came out last year. After listening to it in its entirety, the only question I had was "How could I have missed this?" From Your Grave is a solid entry into the melodic death metal scene in the vein of Darkest Hour and the aforementioned At The Gates. If I were to guess, I'd say these guys were straight out of the Scandinavian metal scene, but they actually hail from Florida, right here in the good ole US of A. They were able to trick my ear and that says volumes about their music. If you're a fan of Scandinavian metal, The Absence is a band you can't miss.
Jeremy Is A Leafer: Comes With The Fall - The Year Is One
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/comeswiththefall.jpg
Website: (http://www.comeswiththefall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/comeswiththefall)
Comes With The Fall are one of those bands that just said "You know what, screw the genre thing - can't you just be rock?" And by jeebus, they are. Singer William DuVall is currently getting a lot of press as the majority fill-in singer for Alice In Chains. This album is a nice spread - it satisfies my craving for that Seattle sound, for that Led Zep styled old-classic rock, and I'll be damned if there isn't some soul in the style of Roy Orbison or Chris Isaak (not that I listen to either particularly much, but they have a vibe that can't be denyed - and "So Cruel" on this album hits it on the head). For anyone who actually saw the reincarnated Alice In Chains or is even entertaining the idea - maybe wishing for that Soundgarden reunion - you know - the one that would kick ass, not the wussy one where they let you down.... this album will find a good home with you. Might not be your #1 record of all time, but you'll speak highly of it once you finally put it down.
Rick Has Asked Me To Discuss His Selection With Him In A Court Of Law. Sadly, In America's Highly-Litigious State, I Could Probably Win A Hefty Settlement, Citing Emotional Scarring, Extreme Eardrum Trauma, And Brain Damage, For Taking His Recommendation. His Countersuit For Slander, Libel, Defamation Of Character, And Other Such Bullshit Would Probably Win It All Back For Him. Thanks So Very Much, American Judicial Branch. You Piece Of Shit. I Could Have Been Rich And Retired To Canada. I Am Now On A Government Watch List. If No Listening Station Gets Posted Next Week, Please Revolt In Remembrance Of Me. Or, To Quote That Shit You Say During Communion: "Do This For The Remembrance Of Me." I Just Compared Myself To Jesus. I Am Going To Hell. I Have Also Now Drawn The Wrath Of The Muslim Fundamentalists Who Wish Death Upon All Americans And Christians, But Have No Real Means To Cause Demolition On Such A Mass Scale As To Wipe Us All Out. Thanks, Rick. You've Really Outdone Yourself. On The Plus Side, Though, The Band He Picked Is Swedish And Swedes Wish No Harm To Anyone, So I Could Perhaps Seek Shelter And Solace There While The Worldwide Political And Religious Communities Seek Vengeance Upon Me And Everything That I Stand For, Believe In, Or Even Think About From Time To Time, But Never Truly Give A Deep, Introspective Look. Oh, And For The Record, Rick Picked This Album Like Three Fucking Weeks Ago. What A Douchebag: In Flames - Come Clarity
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inflames666.jpg
Website: (http://www.inflames.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/inflames)
With Soundtrack to Your Escape being a subpar effort, at least in comparison to other In Flames albums, I didn’t have a lot of anticipation for Come Clarity. Even after it came out, I didn’t give it much of a listen and, when I did, it was in the background while I was at work. Now, having had the chance to go back and revisit it, I don’t know what the hell I was thinking by letting it slip by for so long. Alongside the classics from Whoracle and Clayman, Come Clarity contains some of the best songs in their catalog. “Take this Life,” “Come Clarity,” and “Dead End” are undeniably solid Gothenburg metal hits. Don’t make the same mistake I did — go out and listen to this today. Hell, I know it’s an odd concept, but you might even head down to Target and buy it!
Chris Conlan Really Likes That Second Paragraph He Wrote About This Album. So Much So That It Showed Up Not Only In His Original Draft, But His Second Draft, Also. And Now, It Makes A Third Appearance In Our Weekly Listening Station: Saosin - Saosin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/saosin.jpg
Website: (http://www.saosin.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/saosin)
I give the guys in Saosin all the credit in the world for overcoming everything and creating an album like this. With all the speculation around this album, the guys shatter expectations. Don't take that as "this album is perfect," but that doesn't slow down the momentum from the CD. So I say to all you naysayers, quit complaining because, when this album hits shelves on 9/26, you'll be regretting it.
Jordan Is But Mowgli In This Sordid Tale: Wolfmother - Wolfmother
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wolfmother2.jpg
Website: (http://www.wolfmother.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/wolfmother)
I know these guys are kind of yesterday's news, but Goddamnitron!! This album is fucking tops. I honestly can't stop listening. "Mind's Eye" has to be one of the most powerful songs I've heard in ages. They recall everything magical and wonderful about Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, and God bless them for every second of their incredible rock n' roll. There really isn't much I can say about these guys that hasn't already been said a million times over in every popular music magazine around the world...which leads me to believe that it all must be true. Believe the hype.
Daniel's Gonna Need His Fix If Every Chapter's Gonna Take This Damn Long To Get Through: The Drugstore Cowboys - Chapter 3006 Of Dance Moves For The Apocalypse: If The Octamaiden Was A Diabetic Joykill Addict
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thedrugstorecowboys.jpg
Website: (http://www.dudebot.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thedrugstorecowboys)
Listen to this band - if you can call a duo a band…well actually, I guess you can if Death From Above 1979 (RIP) can be considered a band. Anyways, if you like any genre in music, they throw it all together with influences ranging from Genghis Tron to Britney Spears to Three 6 Mafia. Review coming soon.
Sam Is Not Aware That I Actually Have This Album In Its Entirety (Sans Cover Art, Alas): mewithoutYou - Brother Sister
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mewithoutyou.jpg
Website: (http://www.mewithoutyou.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mewithoutyou)
So the album hasn't come out yet, but I've found two songs. Just two. And I've been listening to them nonstop. "In A Sweater Poorly Knit" was recorded at Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. It includes Aaron Weiss on acoustic guitar to begin the song, and then Aaron moves on to accordion. Three quarters of the way through the song, a harp is introduced. A-mazing. This one song has me fully convinced that it will be one of the best albums of 2006. The other song that I've heard is "Nice and Blue pt. 2," which borrows lyrics from Mewithoutyou's first full length A to B : Life.
Andy Young, Spastic Reader, Has His Finger On: Foxy Shazam - The Flamingo Trigger
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/foxyshazam.jpg
Website: (http://www.foxyshazam.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/foxyshazam)
In a less-than-booming local band scene here in Cincinnati, Foxy Shazam is a beast among mere mortals, with a totally unique style of music that combines everything from Motown Soul to metal and oh so much in between. Most compare them to the Blood Brothers, which is pretty close but they are still very different with their piano breakdowns and less witty but still thought-provoking lyrics...provoking thoughts like, "What the hell is wrong with these guys?" that is. They are touring right now and that is what sets this band apart. I discovered them when they opened for Gatsby's American Dream in Covington, KY, (Ed. Note: NOT from when Ben Rice wrote a really badass review of their album, then later featured them in a different Listening Station, proving once again no one gives a shit what Ben Rice has to say. Ever) and I was amazed at how....odd their live show is. I guess odd is the best description I'm capable of short of fucked up. With his storytelling of how he injured his hand in a microwave accident and Tourette's-like motions, Eric Nally is a lead vocalist who is a treat to watch. This album can't possibly capture the spectacle that is a Foxy Shazam show, but it's pretty good nonetheless.
Brandon, Just Like Every Other Male Ever, Sounds Like A Complete Pansy When He Says "Snickerdoodle." Snickerdoodles Are The Best Cookies Ever. Anyone Who Says Differently Probably Thinks This Album Sucks, Which Means They're Wrong Not Once, But Twice!: Snic - The Garden Ecstasis
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Website: (http://www.thegardenecstasis.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/snic)
We featured these guys over a year ago and they are well worth it to take the time to check them out!
From beauty to chaos and back again several times, snic creates music that is a driving force of life. Much like the waters of the oceans, they create a soothing sound that can quickly turn into the roughest seas. While the duality of the calm waves and rough seas exists, what really makes snic is the fine detail of their sound. In a similar fashion to the oceans, their sound has so much more going on beneath the surface. A whole teeming source of life lies beneath the surface, producing a sound that can seamlessly shift from chaotic to calm in a split second. Take the time to experience snic and let them crash over you like the waves in the oceans!
Highly recommended if you enjoy bands like Dredg, Godspeed, and mewithoutyou.
Scott, When He Needs To Clear His Head, Takes Jets To: Brazil - The Philosophy Of Velocity
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Website: (http://www.braziltheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brazil)
Ever wonder what Coheed and Cambria might sound like if they were musical geniuses? Check out Brazil. Well, that comparison mainly applies to the vocals, which are reminiscent of Claudio's without that pesky makes-me-wanna-punch-a-wall, annoying-after-the-first-song influence. A more accurate comparison might be to Rush, Queen, or Muse…with a bit of The Mars Volta thrown in to keep things interesting. Each of the 12 tracks on The Philosophy of Velocity is like a tiny explosion of passion and energy, managing to uphold a grandiose tone even in the midst of skillfully executed pop catchiness.
Kamran Likes 'Em Sharp 'N' Spry: The Blood Brothers - Young Machetes
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Website: (http://www.thebloodbrothers.com) :: Listen: (http://www.thebloodbrothers.com/media2.html)
Why spoil my pros/cons about this album when I'll be writing the review for it in a month anyways? All you really need to know now is the following information: I am a Blood Brothers fan; Burn Piano Island Burn is a very important record; Crimes was good, but not great; Young Machetes is revolutionary, and I've never heard anything remotely like it.
Chris Pandolfo Kinda Likes This Record, But Enjoys The Schwarzenegger Vehicle Much More: Thom Yorke - The Eraser
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Website: (http://www.theeraser.net) :: Listen: (http://www.theeraser.net)
While Radiohead fans wait for the upcoming album, Thom Yorke has released The Eraser, which is a handful of songs he has put together over the years while being on the road with the band. The album is most comparable to Radiohead's Kid A, as the songs are moody sounding and mostly electric. On first listen of The Eraser, I thought it was a tad boring and repetitive, but in time I realized how enjoyable it really is. The songs sound more personal compared to Yorke's work with Radiohead. Maybe that's because it's strictly Thom and not the rest, but it really does hit deep down when you listen to some of these songs. If you are a fan of Radiohead and still haven't heard this album, you should really check it out.
Ben Hates Tool Fans: Lusk - Free Mars
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Website: (http://www.myspace.com/feersumennjin) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/feersumennjin)
I really hate Tool fans. They're idiots. What kind of fanbase only follows side projects to a point? Why will people listen to Danny Carey's absolutely abysmal side project, will listen to Maynard's fairly phenomenal, yet unsteady side project, but aren't even aware that Lusk exists?
Sure, Paul D'Amour left the band in the midst of writing Aenima and it was after the release of that album that Tool really took off, but there's still no reason not to have listened to, or even become aware of the existence of, Lusk if you're any kind of Tool fan. Hell, if D'Amour isn't enough, what about the fact that former Tool keyboardist (yes, they once employed a keyboardist) Chris Pitman is also a heavy part of Lusk? And anyone worth a damn would know that A Perfect Circle's track "The Nurse Who Loved Me" is actually a Failure cover. Naturally, Tool fans assumed it was an original and avoided discovering Failure yet again. Failure is not only responsible for one of the greatest albums of all time (Fantastic Planet), but also used to tour with Tool before their much-too-early demise. Of course, as already stated and as is still so painful and painfully obvious, no fucking Tool fan seems to know who Failure is, either.
It's not like D'Amour and Pitman put out a covers album under the oh-so-clever name Replicants with the two full-time Failure members Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards and Maynard just happened to do the vocals on their version of "Silly Love Songs." Oh, wait, yes, they did! No fucking Tool fan knows this shit. None of them! And it's fucking outrageous because D'Amour and Pitman teamed up with Edwards to create the template for experimental, drugged-out pop in the late '90s with the only album ever released under the Lusk moniker, in the inarguably sublime Free Mars. It's dense, layered, and damned near perfect. This band should have been huge, but instead, just like anything else at least halfway decent a member of Tool has aligned themselves with, it has gone completely unnoticed. Hell, D'Amour even put out his latest take on the Lusk mold just last year with his new band Feersum Ennjin, which featured another criminally-overlooked band's main mastermind (I'm talking about Self's Matt Mahaffey here), and still, no one cared.
I fucking hate Tool fans. Do me a favor and buy this goddamn record. D'Amour wrote Tool's best bass parts. Show some respect.
Tim Apparently Would Bone Any Frontwoman Ever. The Question Is, Would He Bang Courtney Love Just To Get Into The Spotlight?: Rainer Maria - Catastrophe Keeps Us Together
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Website: (http://www.rainermaria.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/rainermaria)
Even though this band has been around for a decade, they still sound as fresh as a fiddle. And even though the singer isn't as cute and little as she used to be, I still want to have sex with her. This is the best band to feature a gay rhythm section since The Pansy Division. Go get it now, bitches. Check out "Life of Leisure."
Dave Spak Reminds Me Of That Book Shiloh. Because, Just Like That One Guy In The Book, I Really Want The Dogged Dave To Die (But Only Because He Just Had To Submit This At Literally The Last Minute. As In, I Click "Post," He Messages Me): Sebadoh - III
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Website: (http://www.sebadoh.com) :: Listen: (http://www.dominorecordco.com/site/index.php?page=releases&releaseID=648)
I am a big fan of Lou Barlow’s work with Dinosaur Jr, but I hadn’t heard much from Sebadoh until recently. Sebadoh’s III was re-released earlier this August in an expanded package and I decided I should check it out. I can’t believe it took me so long to find out about this incredible band. Sebadoh has a mind-set that is very rare to find in music. They completely don’t care if they make money or sell records. Actually, they don’t even care if their music sounds good. But somehow they manage to write a classic album full of lo-fi alternative folk songs. The lyrics are impressively clever and songs like “Black Haired Gurl” can actually be surprisingly catchy. I urge anyone who is a fan of indie rock to make sure they check this album out, especially the slacker anthem “Gimme Indie Rock.” It’s worth buying the CD just for “Showtape ‘91,” which is probably the funniest extra I have ever heard on an album.