sir mix-a-lot
08-30-2006, 09:29 PM
Hey, folks! Welcome back for another wonderful edition of Decoy Music's Weekly Listening Station. This week, we're kicking it old-school, as my Microsoft Word decided to be a completely unviable option for building this thing. It is now being built piece by piece instead of just being copied and pasted into an already-designed layout. But I do it because our audience deserves to have this wonderful segment each and every week. This week, marvel at the impressive output by our writers, as well as what may be a new record for outside input!
Aaron Doesn't Contribute Many Listening Stations, But He's Still A Threat To: Strike Anywhere - Dead FM
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/strikeanywhere.jpg
Website: (http://www.strikeanywhere.org) :: Listen: (http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/706)
One of my most anticipated albums of this year has me addicted the same way I have been addicted to Exit English and To Live In Discontent. Dead FM delivers enough punk rock melody that it will be ringing through your head for days upon end. Strike Anywhere makes the jump to Fat Wreck Chords, writes a sonically solid sounding album and should only further blow up to a more mainstream status. Grab this disc this coming Tuesday (September 5th) because its one of the most honest fist-pumping sing-a-long albums to come out this year.
Alex Dehydrated While Visiting Iceland: Mum - Finally We Are No One
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mum.jpg
Website: (http://www.randomsummer.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mumtheband)
Iceland's Múm makes music that floats effortlessly between haunting, fragile, and bittersweet, yet always has a sense of wonder and beauty. This is an amazing album that everyone should hear, and is absolutely perfect nighttime listening. A stunning record.
Mike Phillips (Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com), Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com)) Never Gets This Album Confused With Helmet's Betty: The Melvins - Houdini
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themelvins.jpg
Website: (http://www.melvins.com) :: Listen: (http://www.melvins.com)
Do The Melvins really need an introduction? No, they don't. And if you really have no idea who they are at this point in your life, you're either musically ignorant or a newborn. I recently ran into an eight year-old (EIGHT!!!) in a record store that was buying a copy of this album – as well as a copy of Sonic Youth's Goo. That kid already has better taste the 99% of you – I tried to pawn off a Faith No More record on him, but he declined my offer. Snob! Don't worry, I told his mom he asked me for a cigarette and shoved him into the wall. Anyways, The Melvins are the only remaining act of the once-proud Seattle scene of the 1990's. I know what you're thinking, and no, Pearl Jam doesn't count because they've always sucked the big one. The rest have come and gone, yet The Melvins continue to churn out outstanding album after outstanding album. Houdini is their masterpiece; they will probably never top it. But that's okay because even The Melvins at their worst is better than most.
Johnny Is Seven Days Late, A Fiver and A Rare Two-Bill Short: Brazil - The Philosophy Of Velocity
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brazil.jpg
Website: (http://www.braziltheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brazil)
When Brazil broke onto the scene a couple years ago, there was something very strange and unique about them. They sang about weird things and their music sounded very futuristic and a bit out there. Despite the strange sound, there were always signs that this band had talent. Now, two albums later, Brazil brings forth their major label debut The Philosophy of Velocity. This incarnation of the band has their sound honed in and firing on all cylinders. Their sound is still a little in left field, but they are able to bring it all together to forge a sound that is a mix of Mars Volta, Pink Floyd, and The Secret Machines. Despite these kindred spirits, Brazil is definitely blazing their own trail and, while they may never be totally embraced by the public, Brazil is definitely making music that will last for years to come.
Brandon's Name Kinda Looks Like This Band's: Brandtson - Death And Taxes EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brandtson3.jpg
Website: (http://http://www.brandtson.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brandtson)
This is probably the least favorite Brandtson release for most fans of the band. Although this EP is certainly nothing groundbreaking for the Cleveland, OH boys, it is certainly just a step in the process of where they are today. Probably not the place to start for a first time Brandtson listener, but if you are familiar at all with the band, then you will perhaps appreciate a few tracks on this one.
Tim Takes On All Comers: The Casualties - En La Linea Del Fronte
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thecasualties.jpg
Website: (http://www.thecasualties.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thecasualties)
The Casualties have been around forever, but success seems to allude them at all costs. Maybe that's because they're hypocritical posers who only pretend to be punk and actually shop at Hot Topic and get their 0-gauge piercings from a package that includes a nice, shiny clip-on instead of the real thing. Regardless of how the world perceives them, it doesn't really discount the fact that they're a pretty darn good punk band. In 2004, they released an album called On the Front Line, which was fast, loud, and catchy. In 2005, they released that same album in Spanish, with the title En La Linea Del Frente, and it actually sounded a lot cooler. Because, yes, Spanish songs always sound way more awesome, especially when you don't know what the fuck they're saying in the first place. Yeah, anyway, it's good. Pick it up if you can find it. Or download it. That way you can stick it to them and they won't be able to buy more henna tattoos to cover up the fact that they're too pussy to get their own real ones.
Viva la revolucion!
Sam Would Like It Known That He Will, From Hereon Out, Be Referred To As Sammy Mac!: The Falcon - Unicornography
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thefalcon.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thefalconisbiggerthanjesus) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thefalconisbiggerthanjesus)
A mix between Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano, The Lawrence Arms's raspy vocalist Brendon Kelly, as well as drummer Neil Hennessy, and former Rise Against guitarist Todd Mohney. Basically it's a modified version of The Lawrence Arms; awesome nonetheless.
Chris Conlan Is A Descendant Of: Twelve Tribes - Midwest Pandemic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/twelvetribes.jpg
Website: (http://www.twelvetribesonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/twelvetribes)
Sorry if I keep this short, but all that needs to be said about the new Twelve Tribes disc is that is FUCKING HAULS! Adam Jackson sounds meaner than ever and the songs are heavier and more ballistic. Get pumped.
Daniel Alcinii Wants To Be On A Wheaties Box: Steer Clear - Steer Clear
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/steerclear.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/steerclearhc) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/steerclearhc)
I'm friends with the guys in Steer Clear, and yeah, it is lame to recommend your friend's band because you may be biased and whatever. All that aside, I really like their music - even if it is of crappy unmastered demo recording quality - and it doesn't hurt that the lyrics are quite funny. If you like hardcore/punk and bands in the vein of Think I Care, Counting The Days, etc. check these guys out. Everyday I feel good and it’s cause I eat BREAKFAST!
Dant Will Give You A Headache: Lola Ray - Liars
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lolaray.jpg
Website: (http://www.lolaray.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lolaray)
I don’t wanna sound gay or nothing, but Lola Ray is kickass. They’ve been in my CD player this entire week and will probably be there for a lot longer. All nay sayers of “light rock,” give these guys a chance. It’s cliché to say at this point, but these guys really have some depth. But if you don’t want to listen to this, listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD.
Tom Butcher (Relation To Site Unknown) Chops Some Meat: Operation Ivy - Energy
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/operationivy.jpg
Website: (http://www.operationivy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.operationivy.com/mp3.php)
While I doubt there are many Decoy faithful who are not quite aware of this album, it remains a truly awesome piece of work. One of, if not the, most critical albums of the mid-90s punk wave, Operation Ivy's one and only record bleeds excitement from every pore. The album title describes it very well;* this is a very energetic cd. There isn't a single track that breaks three minutes and many are less than two, but they pack everything they need into those sparse seconds of music. Catchy, rocking guitars, fast beats, and lyrics flavored by the socio-politico and the fun. Basically, everything that would make later bands like Rancid, Green Day, and NOFX even barely listenable is contained in this album, plus more. Which makes sense, since Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman went on to form Rancid after Op. Ivy broke up. Even Blink-182, Good Charlotte, and Simple Plan can probably trace their very exitence back to this album. In a sense, this album is to the 90s what London Calling was to the 80s. If, by chance, you haven¹t heard this 27-song masterpiece, give it a spin. Now. Oh yeah, did I mention that? It has 27 songs on it. What more can you ask for?
Jeffrey Bias (Another Relative Unknown, Most Likely Just Called Up From AA) Obviously Isn't Quite The Revolutionary Play-Maker Lenny Was. Of Course, He Also Hasn't Died Of A Drug Overdose, So He's Got That Going For Him. But Seriously, Who Hasn't Heard This Fucking Album?: Glassjaw - Worship And Tribute
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/glassjaw.jpg
Website: (http://www.glassjaw.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/glassjaw)
Before Daryl Palumbo went off into the world of pop music with Head Automatica, he fronted a small band by the name of Glassjaw. On their album Worship and Tribute, the band finds a perfect blend of beauty and brutality. There are so many good things to say about this band and album that I find myself searching for adequate words to put its greatness into perspective. Just listen for yourself. I’m sure you’ll understand.
Andy Young (Name Recognized!) Falls Asleep At The Controls: Boys Night Out - Trainwreck
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/boysnightout.jpg
Website: (http://www.boysnightout.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/boysnightout)
The third full-length from the Canadian band. It seems to be disliked by many of the band's fans due to its departure from 2003's Make Yourself Sick, but, regardless, it's one of my favorite "concept albums." The album follows the story of a guy who kills his wife in his sleep, then battles the law, drug addiction, and his own conscience in following tracks. Sure, the story sounds kinda far fetched, with the main character severing his own limbs and all, but its still entertaining and easy to follow. They recently released a concert DVD/Mockumentary called Dude, You Need to Stop Dancing that features a very insightful look at the band and an awesome set from March of this year with many of the songs from this album and their past two.
Marc Has Given Up All Hopes Of A Zack Attack! One-Off Reunion: Bayside - Acoustic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bayside2.jpg
Website: (http://www.baysideisacult.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bayside)
I really can't get enough of this band!! After hearing "Winter," I had to pick this up and it ended up being a very good buy. With the death of drummer John "Beatz" Halohan and not knowing what to do next, Bayside takes the acoustic route along with no drummer. Though a pretty emotional record, it's definitely very relaxing to listen too. Not many bands can pull this off, but they do so, with absolute sincerity.
Jayme Puts In A Call To Junior: Dead Man In Reno - Dead Man In Reno
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadmaninreno.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadmaninreno.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadmaninreno)
We all have our favorite local bands that we think could truly “make it” in the music business; however, how many of those bands fall flat on their face and never even get signed? Too many to count, huh? Well, I’ll admit that when I first heard Dead Man in Reno (under their former moniker, Silent Fall), I shrugged them off as simply being another local metal band. Much has changed since that first time I heard them, as the band has not only inked a deal with Candlelight Records USA, but they are also set to unleash their excellent self-titled debut on September 5th. What was once just another run-of-the-mill local metal band has flourished into a highly matured, exciting, and brutal force that melds standard metalcore with elements of grindcore and instrumental metal to create an extremely powerful and enjoyable final product. Fans of A Love Ends Suicide, The Chariot, From a Second Story Window, As I Lay Dying, Job For a Cowboy, and Unearth should all find something to enjoy inside Dead Man in Reno’s upcoming debut. So be sure to pick up Dead Man in Reno on Sept. 5th and, if you happen to live across the pond, you should check them out as they will be on the upcoming Sikth and Architects UK jaunt. With tracks like the epic 8-minute "Cursed" and the shape-shifting "Even In My Dreams," it's obvious that these guys are destined to be much more than just another local metal band from Alabama!
Scott Is In Command Of His Relationship: At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/atdi.jpg
Website: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/atdi)
I can't really say anything about this album that hasn't already been said (and probably more eloquently). All I can suggest is that if you haven't yet heard this post-hardcore masterpiece, go find a copy and enjoy the ride.
Ben Keeps Forgetting To Put The Cover On His TPS Reports: The Postman Syndrome - Terraforming
Website: (http://www.daywithoutdawn.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/daywithoutdawn)
This album's only ten bucks on Day Without Dawn's site. It's one of the best albums of the new millenium, as it blends metal with hard rock in one of the most exciting ways ever put to plastic. It's a masterpiece that few can compare to. With a three-pronged attack, the vocals never disappoint and the band uses this to create four distinct vocal sounds, further emphasizing their overall greatness. I don't care if you don't like Day Without Dawn, but you sure as shit had better like The Postman Syndrome.
Aaron Doesn't Contribute Many Listening Stations, But He's Still A Threat To: Strike Anywhere - Dead FM
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/strikeanywhere.jpg
Website: (http://www.strikeanywhere.org) :: Listen: (http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/706)
One of my most anticipated albums of this year has me addicted the same way I have been addicted to Exit English and To Live In Discontent. Dead FM delivers enough punk rock melody that it will be ringing through your head for days upon end. Strike Anywhere makes the jump to Fat Wreck Chords, writes a sonically solid sounding album and should only further blow up to a more mainstream status. Grab this disc this coming Tuesday (September 5th) because its one of the most honest fist-pumping sing-a-long albums to come out this year.
Alex Dehydrated While Visiting Iceland: Mum - Finally We Are No One
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mum.jpg
Website: (http://www.randomsummer.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mumtheband)
Iceland's Múm makes music that floats effortlessly between haunting, fragile, and bittersweet, yet always has a sense of wonder and beauty. This is an amazing album that everyone should hear, and is absolutely perfect nighttime listening. A stunning record.
Mike Phillips (Escapist Records (http://www.escapistrecords.com), Scene Point Blank (http://www.scenepointblank.com)) Never Gets This Album Confused With Helmet's Betty: The Melvins - Houdini
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/themelvins.jpg
Website: (http://www.melvins.com) :: Listen: (http://www.melvins.com)
Do The Melvins really need an introduction? No, they don't. And if you really have no idea who they are at this point in your life, you're either musically ignorant or a newborn. I recently ran into an eight year-old (EIGHT!!!) in a record store that was buying a copy of this album – as well as a copy of Sonic Youth's Goo. That kid already has better taste the 99% of you – I tried to pawn off a Faith No More record on him, but he declined my offer. Snob! Don't worry, I told his mom he asked me for a cigarette and shoved him into the wall. Anyways, The Melvins are the only remaining act of the once-proud Seattle scene of the 1990's. I know what you're thinking, and no, Pearl Jam doesn't count because they've always sucked the big one. The rest have come and gone, yet The Melvins continue to churn out outstanding album after outstanding album. Houdini is their masterpiece; they will probably never top it. But that's okay because even The Melvins at their worst is better than most.
Johnny Is Seven Days Late, A Fiver and A Rare Two-Bill Short: Brazil - The Philosophy Of Velocity
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brazil.jpg
Website: (http://www.braziltheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brazil)
When Brazil broke onto the scene a couple years ago, there was something very strange and unique about them. They sang about weird things and their music sounded very futuristic and a bit out there. Despite the strange sound, there were always signs that this band had talent. Now, two albums later, Brazil brings forth their major label debut The Philosophy of Velocity. This incarnation of the band has their sound honed in and firing on all cylinders. Their sound is still a little in left field, but they are able to bring it all together to forge a sound that is a mix of Mars Volta, Pink Floyd, and The Secret Machines. Despite these kindred spirits, Brazil is definitely blazing their own trail and, while they may never be totally embraced by the public, Brazil is definitely making music that will last for years to come.
Brandon's Name Kinda Looks Like This Band's: Brandtson - Death And Taxes EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brandtson3.jpg
Website: (http://http://www.brandtson.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/brandtson)
This is probably the least favorite Brandtson release for most fans of the band. Although this EP is certainly nothing groundbreaking for the Cleveland, OH boys, it is certainly just a step in the process of where they are today. Probably not the place to start for a first time Brandtson listener, but if you are familiar at all with the band, then you will perhaps appreciate a few tracks on this one.
Tim Takes On All Comers: The Casualties - En La Linea Del Fronte
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thecasualties.jpg
Website: (http://www.thecasualties.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thecasualties)
The Casualties have been around forever, but success seems to allude them at all costs. Maybe that's because they're hypocritical posers who only pretend to be punk and actually shop at Hot Topic and get their 0-gauge piercings from a package that includes a nice, shiny clip-on instead of the real thing. Regardless of how the world perceives them, it doesn't really discount the fact that they're a pretty darn good punk band. In 2004, they released an album called On the Front Line, which was fast, loud, and catchy. In 2005, they released that same album in Spanish, with the title En La Linea Del Frente, and it actually sounded a lot cooler. Because, yes, Spanish songs always sound way more awesome, especially when you don't know what the fuck they're saying in the first place. Yeah, anyway, it's good. Pick it up if you can find it. Or download it. That way you can stick it to them and they won't be able to buy more henna tattoos to cover up the fact that they're too pussy to get their own real ones.
Viva la revolucion!
Sam Would Like It Known That He Will, From Hereon Out, Be Referred To As Sammy Mac!: The Falcon - Unicornography
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thefalcon.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thefalconisbiggerthanjesus) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thefalconisbiggerthanjesus)
A mix between Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano, The Lawrence Arms's raspy vocalist Brendon Kelly, as well as drummer Neil Hennessy, and former Rise Against guitarist Todd Mohney. Basically it's a modified version of The Lawrence Arms; awesome nonetheless.
Chris Conlan Is A Descendant Of: Twelve Tribes - Midwest Pandemic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/twelvetribes.jpg
Website: (http://www.twelvetribesonline.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/twelvetribes)
Sorry if I keep this short, but all that needs to be said about the new Twelve Tribes disc is that is FUCKING HAULS! Adam Jackson sounds meaner than ever and the songs are heavier and more ballistic. Get pumped.
Daniel Alcinii Wants To Be On A Wheaties Box: Steer Clear - Steer Clear
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/steerclear.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/steerclearhc) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/steerclearhc)
I'm friends with the guys in Steer Clear, and yeah, it is lame to recommend your friend's band because you may be biased and whatever. All that aside, I really like their music - even if it is of crappy unmastered demo recording quality - and it doesn't hurt that the lyrics are quite funny. If you like hardcore/punk and bands in the vein of Think I Care, Counting The Days, etc. check these guys out. Everyday I feel good and it’s cause I eat BREAKFAST!
Dant Will Give You A Headache: Lola Ray - Liars
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lolaray.jpg
Website: (http://www.lolaray.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lolaray)
I don’t wanna sound gay or nothing, but Lola Ray is kickass. They’ve been in my CD player this entire week and will probably be there for a lot longer. All nay sayers of “light rock,” give these guys a chance. It’s cliché to say at this point, but these guys really have some depth. But if you don’t want to listen to this, listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD. Yes, the self proclaimed ‘model for blondes’ all over the world. If this is really the case, then I feel that there are very sad, sad times again. But only if you don’t like the ladies. Because if Paris Hilton became a role model, everyone would get sex. EVERYBODY. And not just that. You could totally mooch off of the money that she herself is mooching off of. Then after that, you could listen to the new Paris Hilton CD.
Tom Butcher (Relation To Site Unknown) Chops Some Meat: Operation Ivy - Energy
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/operationivy.jpg
Website: (http://www.operationivy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.operationivy.com/mp3.php)
While I doubt there are many Decoy faithful who are not quite aware of this album, it remains a truly awesome piece of work. One of, if not the, most critical albums of the mid-90s punk wave, Operation Ivy's one and only record bleeds excitement from every pore. The album title describes it very well;* this is a very energetic cd. There isn't a single track that breaks three minutes and many are less than two, but they pack everything they need into those sparse seconds of music. Catchy, rocking guitars, fast beats, and lyrics flavored by the socio-politico and the fun. Basically, everything that would make later bands like Rancid, Green Day, and NOFX even barely listenable is contained in this album, plus more. Which makes sense, since Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman went on to form Rancid after Op. Ivy broke up. Even Blink-182, Good Charlotte, and Simple Plan can probably trace their very exitence back to this album. In a sense, this album is to the 90s what London Calling was to the 80s. If, by chance, you haven¹t heard this 27-song masterpiece, give it a spin. Now. Oh yeah, did I mention that? It has 27 songs on it. What more can you ask for?
Jeffrey Bias (Another Relative Unknown, Most Likely Just Called Up From AA) Obviously Isn't Quite The Revolutionary Play-Maker Lenny Was. Of Course, He Also Hasn't Died Of A Drug Overdose, So He's Got That Going For Him. But Seriously, Who Hasn't Heard This Fucking Album?: Glassjaw - Worship And Tribute
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/glassjaw.jpg
Website: (http://www.glassjaw.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/glassjaw)
Before Daryl Palumbo went off into the world of pop music with Head Automatica, he fronted a small band by the name of Glassjaw. On their album Worship and Tribute, the band finds a perfect blend of beauty and brutality. There are so many good things to say about this band and album that I find myself searching for adequate words to put its greatness into perspective. Just listen for yourself. I’m sure you’ll understand.
Andy Young (Name Recognized!) Falls Asleep At The Controls: Boys Night Out - Trainwreck
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/boysnightout.jpg
Website: (http://www.boysnightout.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/boysnightout)
The third full-length from the Canadian band. It seems to be disliked by many of the band's fans due to its departure from 2003's Make Yourself Sick, but, regardless, it's one of my favorite "concept albums." The album follows the story of a guy who kills his wife in his sleep, then battles the law, drug addiction, and his own conscience in following tracks. Sure, the story sounds kinda far fetched, with the main character severing his own limbs and all, but its still entertaining and easy to follow. They recently released a concert DVD/Mockumentary called Dude, You Need to Stop Dancing that features a very insightful look at the band and an awesome set from March of this year with many of the songs from this album and their past two.
Marc Has Given Up All Hopes Of A Zack Attack! One-Off Reunion: Bayside - Acoustic
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bayside2.jpg
Website: (http://www.baysideisacult.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bayside)
I really can't get enough of this band!! After hearing "Winter," I had to pick this up and it ended up being a very good buy. With the death of drummer John "Beatz" Halohan and not knowing what to do next, Bayside takes the acoustic route along with no drummer. Though a pretty emotional record, it's definitely very relaxing to listen too. Not many bands can pull this off, but they do so, with absolute sincerity.
Jayme Puts In A Call To Junior: Dead Man In Reno - Dead Man In Reno
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Website: (http://www.deadmaninreno.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadmaninreno)
We all have our favorite local bands that we think could truly “make it” in the music business; however, how many of those bands fall flat on their face and never even get signed? Too many to count, huh? Well, I’ll admit that when I first heard Dead Man in Reno (under their former moniker, Silent Fall), I shrugged them off as simply being another local metal band. Much has changed since that first time I heard them, as the band has not only inked a deal with Candlelight Records USA, but they are also set to unleash their excellent self-titled debut on September 5th. What was once just another run-of-the-mill local metal band has flourished into a highly matured, exciting, and brutal force that melds standard metalcore with elements of grindcore and instrumental metal to create an extremely powerful and enjoyable final product. Fans of A Love Ends Suicide, The Chariot, From a Second Story Window, As I Lay Dying, Job For a Cowboy, and Unearth should all find something to enjoy inside Dead Man in Reno’s upcoming debut. So be sure to pick up Dead Man in Reno on Sept. 5th and, if you happen to live across the pond, you should check them out as they will be on the upcoming Sikth and Architects UK jaunt. With tracks like the epic 8-minute "Cursed" and the shape-shifting "Even In My Dreams," it's obvious that these guys are destined to be much more than just another local metal band from Alabama!
Scott Is In Command Of His Relationship: At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command
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Website: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/atdi)
I can't really say anything about this album that hasn't already been said (and probably more eloquently). All I can suggest is that if you haven't yet heard this post-hardcore masterpiece, go find a copy and enjoy the ride.
Ben Keeps Forgetting To Put The Cover On His TPS Reports: The Postman Syndrome - Terraforming
Website: (http://www.daywithoutdawn.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/daywithoutdawn)
This album's only ten bucks on Day Without Dawn's site. It's one of the best albums of the new millenium, as it blends metal with hard rock in one of the most exciting ways ever put to plastic. It's a masterpiece that few can compare to. With a three-pronged attack, the vocals never disappoint and the band uses this to create four distinct vocal sounds, further emphasizing their overall greatness. I don't care if you don't like Day Without Dawn, but you sure as shit had better like The Postman Syndrome.