sir mix-a-lot
09-13-2006, 08:38 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.
MJ Believes King's X Marks The G-Spot: Ty Tabor - Rock Garden
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tytabor.jpg
Website: (http://www.tytabor.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/tytabor)
Despite being one of the most influential bands in the last 25 or so years, King’s X doesn’t get the proper amount of coverage that they probably should here at Decoy. So in an attempt to catch up on some dues a little, this feature goes out to Ty Tabor’s 3rd solo release, Rock Garden. For those unfamiliar, Tabor is the vocalist and guitarist for King’s X; he’s also involved in a billion other alternate projects, most of them wrongly overlooked despite critical praise. Rock Garden demonstrates Ty in his tightest form, utilizing the strongest qualities of his prior releases, Moonflower Lane and Safety. Look no further than right here for a barebones rock performance that exceeds the norm. Like all offerings from Ty and his counterparts, equivalents are few and far between.
Rick Hates EPs. Give Him A Split Any Day Of The Week: Sarbanes-Oxley - Act of 2002
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sarbanes.jpg
Website: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarbanes-Oxley_Act) :: Listen: (http://www.sarbanes-oxley-forum.com/)
Sarbanes and Oxley. They're names heard often throughout the accounting industry, sometimes with scorn, sometimes with love over the amount of revenue they generate, although many would be quick to point out that it is felt that by making as much money via Sarbox (as their fans call them) as they do, they're selling out and compromising their integrity. I heartily disagree. I disagree so much so that I haven't been able to do anything but talk about and listen to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-related information for two straight days starting at 8 am until 6 pm. Seriously, how many of you have listened to your listening station pick for over 16 hours this week? I bet none of you! That's how awesome my listening station pick is this week. I dare anyone to click on the website link above and go through the entire history of Sarbanes-Oxley, from inception to their latest release. You're sure to enjoy yourself!
Kent Reauchambiaux Is French, I Would Assume. Therefore, I Also Assume He's Fairly Suave With The Ladies. With His First-Ever Listening Station Pick, It Is Obvious He Is Unleashing His Secret Weapon (Surprise! It's NOT Deodorant!): Onelinedrawing - Visitor
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/onelinedrawing.jpg
Website: (http://www.jadetree.com/bands/artist/onelinedrawing) :: Listen: (http://www.jadetree.com/releases/product/JT1076)
When Far broke up, I had no idea who they were. To summarize, the impact of such a monumental occasion upon my person was…minimal, to say the least. Years later (I assume it's years. I don't really know when Far broke up; Hell, I've never even heard an album), this singer guy Jonah Matranga did this solo project with a drum machine, a guitar, and his voice. He'd put out little home-made, hand-crafted EPs and sell them on a sliding scale while spouting about the importance of making music for yourself and not for money. He would later go on to sell a song to the motherfucking Coca Cola Bottling Company. I'm sure he did it pro-bono. And he also started the full-banded version of Onelinedrawing (called Gratitude)for a better live show, not so more people would be willing to accept him. Definitely how that went down. But I'm missing my point here. That point? Visitor is a fucking phenomenal album. It's touching, poignant, with just the right amount of "rock out with your shriveled cock out" moments. Until I revisited this album, I'd thought that Onelinedrawing was a band I could only listen to when I'm in the mood for it. But I wasn't in the mood for it when I put it on. I just stumbled across it and realized I hadn't heard it in a while. When I cast off Onelinedrawing's last album, I thought it was because I had to be in the mood to listen to that stuff. Turns out, I didn’t like it because it sucked. Visitor, though? Still great. Sketchy EP #1 is also still great. Sketchy EP #2 is, as would seem obvious, sketchy. Fuck that latest one, though, seriously.
Chris Conlan Has A List Of Hos And It's Kinda Set Up In This Exact Manner: Name Taken - Hold On
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nametaken.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/nametaken) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nametaken)
Why did this band have to break up? Name Taken was slowly making a name for themselves and when Hold On hit in 2004, it was the album that could've taken them somewhere. So many great songs on this album, like "Control," "Drive Drive Drive," and "A Year Spent Cold." I catch myself coming back to this album quite often and I get a little tear knowing there won't be any new material. What would make 2006 the best year is if these guys and The Movielife got back together. That would make me happy!
Alex Z (Does This Stand For "Zander?") Got His From A Wicked Tetherball Fight: Schoolyard Heroes - Fantastic Wounds
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/schoolyardheroes.jpg
Website: (http://www.schoolyardheroes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/schoolyardheroes)
I have been trying for a while to get anyone I know to listen to Schoolyard Heroes, hailing them as one of the most unique sounding bands out there right now. In short, this album should turn people into zombies. That’s right; slobbering, flesh-eating, brain-munching zombies. The same zombies (and/or werewolves, serial killers, murderers, etc.) which run rampant within the lyrics and song titles of this album. Between hooks, breakdowns, shrieks, screams, and operatic…outbursts…this album is by far a favorite of mine, with similarities to the Blood Brothers, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Vaux, The Misfits, and singing vocals like theSTART’s Aimee Echo joined a screamo/post-hardcore band, while still distancing their sound from all those. Not to mention they’ve shared stages with Vendetta Red, Vaux, Siren’s Sister, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Action Action, and I believe even theSTART, as well.
Jeremy Echoes (LOL?) The Sentiments Found In A Past Ten Bands You Should Know: Echo Helstrom - The Veil
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/echohelstrom.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/echohelstrom) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/echohelstrom)
This album took me a little by surprise. It's a very beautiful album, with very proficient musicianship that's mostly in the vein of Travis/Coldplay, but will occasionally just start rocking out too. They sound more like Seven Nations (Celtic rock band) than anyone else. The strings are definitely the hook for me. This solid album has scored multiple re-listens from me this week.
Brandon Is Saddened That This Man Would Be An Extremely Awkward-Sounding Governor, Because He's Clearly Got A Bright Future In Politics: John Mayer - Inside Wants Out
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/johnmayer.jpg
Website: (http://www.johnmayer.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/johnmayer)
This release of eight songs by John Mayer is plain and simple, yet beautifully crafted. Each song has its own feel and vibe. It's a great disc for anyone that might be unsure about whether or not they might be interested in listening to John Mayer.
Jared Revisits "Rock Of Ages" With A More Modern Slant: War Of Ages - Pride Of The Wicked
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/warofages.jpg
Website: (http://www.warofages.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/warofages)
I'm back again with the metalcore. After having reviewed this disc a week or so ago, it's really grown on me. I really wasn't so keen on it at first. As I said in my review, it can be quite medio-core and generic at times, but it really has some good songs. The band has matured which is more than can be said for many of their peers. Songs like "Strength Within" and "Absence of Fear" really get my head banging. Someone had said that this is the best band on Facedown and I'd say that's a fair statement, though, in my mind, Nodes of Ranvier rivals them.
Travis Marlon Might Actually Have A Point: Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/outkast.jpg
Website: (http://www.outkast.com/dre.htm) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/outkast)
Outkast :: rap as Mr. Bungle :: rock. Andre3000 = Mike Patton. Stankonia = Self-Titled. The Love Below = California. California = Greatest album ever?
Timothy Golden, When Combined With This Album, Turns Into This Film (http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Pond-Special-Mark-Rydell/dp/B0000JBALO/sr=8-1/qid=1158201199/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1243473-6219337?ie=UTF8&s=dvd): Matt Pond PA - Several Arrows Later
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mattpondpa.jpg
Website: (http://www.mattpondpa.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mattpondpa)
Apparently this group has been around forever and this album has been out over a year by now. However, I never bothered to really listen to it until really recently, and boy was I missing out. The track "So Much Trouble" is worth it on its own -- this is indie pop/rock at its finest.
Andy Young Pried It Open, Damaging The Nerves And Causing Untold Damages. The Story Lives On In His Nightmares And This Album: Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thirdeyeblind.jpg
Website: (http://www.3eb.com) :: Listen: (http://www.3eb.com)
I liked them back when this first came out, though I was only 10 at the time and didn't really understand that I was singing along to a song about doing crystal meth. Now, as this album has been out for nine years, I decided to give it another play and it has led to many more plays. It's an amazingly complete post-grunge era album that doesn't seem dated in the slightest. This being the debut album for 3EB, it set the bar really high for their career and all albums to follow were, to be put gently, disappointing.
Dan Parscale Returns With A Query: Does Lady Sovereign Wish She Could Be "Ruff N Stuff With Her Afro Puff?": Lady Sovereign - Vertically Challenged EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ladysovereign.jpg
Website: (http://www.ladysovereign.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ladysovereign)
I was a few steps behind on the Grime scene. It wasn’t until a few months ago, during a road trip to San Francisco, that I first heard Lady Sovereign’s infectious mixture of hip hop and electro, but after just a half minute of the Euro-crunk “Ch-Ching,” I was completely hooked. Featuring some of the most unfuckwithable beats that I’ve ever heard, Sov raps about her unimpressive size and affinity for affordable beer. As a white guy, I don’t think I’ve felt so at ease blaring my party speakers since The Marshall Mathers LP. If her upcoming full-length is anywhere near as good as this (and from the sounds of “Gatheration” and “Love Me or Hate Me,” it will be), Sov will have one of the most important party albums of the year.
Chris Pandolfo Proves He Earned The New Knock-Knock Joke I Made Up In His Honor: 7 Angels 7 Plagues - Jhazmyn's Lullabye
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/7a7p.jpg
Website: (http://www.guerrilladigital.cc/7a7p/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sevenangelssevenplagues)
Yes, it's sad 7 Angels 7 Plagues broke up. If it weren't for Misery Signals, I'd actually be really upset. But Misery Signals exists. So I'm not upset. This has been fun. Bye now.
Matthew Dyess Has A Sudden Change Of Heart: Mastodon - Blood Mountain
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mastodon3.jpg
Website: (http://www.mastodonrocks.com) :: Listen: (http://www.mastodonrocks.com/ecard)
This band fucking sucks.
Or Not
Johnny Tried To Start A Sugar Cult When He Was But A Wee Lad, Then Remembered He Is Diabetic. Fuck Genes: Sugarcult - Lights Out
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sugarcult.jpg
Website: (http://www.sugarcult.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sugarcult)
It used to be that I would go to Best Buy and basically just buy random CDs. I had never heard anything that Sugarcult had done, but for some reason I decided to take a chance and buy Start Static. From the get-go there was something about Sugarcult's hybrid pop-punk/rock sound. When their second album Palm Trees and Powerlines came out, I was the first person on campus to be playing Sugarcult. Each album was a steady improvement. Now Sugarcult brings their third album, Lights Out. Again, there's major improvement and a slight variation of their sound. This time around, there is more rock and less punk. There is a darker sound than in the past, and yet, you know it's Sugarcult. I think that is the sign of a good, long-lasting band: there are subtle changes, the sound progresses, but you can still tell it's the band you've grown to love.
Ben Admits He Really Listened To This Album Last Week, But Wanted To Hold Up A Promise About Using This Album At Some Point, Because It Is, In Fact, Really Good And Criminally Unheralded: Molly McGuire - Lime
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mollymcguire.jpg
Website: (http://www.gunfightermusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.kingdom-of-snakes.com)
Lime is an album no one has heard. Those who have heard it most likely found their way to it because of the producer involved. Yes, you cannot dub yourself a true Failure fan until you buy an album simply because Ken Andrews got involved. This is actually one of Ken's first attempts at production and it is immediately obvious why he continues to record albums for both himself and whoever has the balls to ask. Molly McGuire, in its own right, is a pretty tremendous band. Jason Blackmore's work with the band hints at a subtle musical genius just itching to become more prevalent in the public eye. Of course, he would later fire some guys, move to San Diego, and re-christen Molly McGuire as Gunfighter, then dumb down the sound and release three very tepid albums, all of which I own out of sheer loyalty. I hope he appreciates how hard it was for me to track down Sisters Of…, Molly McGuire's first album. It's also a very solid rock record, but Lime is one of the best albums of the '90s. It's got everything a rock record should have and more. Personally, my favorite track is "Humansville." Track it down, listen, and if you don't like it, well, fuck you then. Talk all the shit you want about Gunfighter, but Molly McGuire deserves your utmost respect!
Oh, and Blackmore started a band with some dudes from Nothingface not too long ago, but I think those guys left when Nothingface got back together. They are/were called Kingdom of Snakes and they actually weren't that bad, as I recall.
Dave Spak Is An M. Ward Of The State Because His Parents Died When He Re-Enacted Throw Momma From The Train: M. Ward - Post-War
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mward.jpg
Website: (http://www.mwardmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mward)
I saw the video for the song “Chinese Translation” by M. Ward somewhere online. I immediately fell in love with the song and the animated video was excellent. After having the song stuck in my head, I knew I had to get it. I got the vinyl version, of course, because I’m a nerd and Merge Records gives you a free download of the album if you buy it on vinyl because they are one of the best labels. I was instantly blow away by the incredible and personal songwriting contained on Post-War. With this record, M. Ward proves without any doubt that he is one of the most talented singer/songwriters right now. Every song on the album is incredible and takes on a life of its own. Whether it is the account of a loved one who passed away (“Requiem”) or one of the many catchy lo-fi indie rock songs, you can tell he puts everything he has into these songs. In a more perfect world, this is what would be in the top 40. Post-War is easily one of my favorite albums of 2006.
Aliseya Allen Loves Goblin Cock And That, My Friends, Is The Definition Of Hot: Goblin Cock - Bagged And Boarded
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/goblincock.jpg
Website: (http://www.absolutelykosher.com/goblincock.html) :: Listen: (http://www.absolutelykosher.com/musicfiles/Stumped.mp3)
I don't just like this album because it makes all the boys in my school think of me as a slut (I am, but I mean, come on, this band is really good). It's got that guy from Pinback who's totally cute in it and the vocals are all weird and stuff. Every song sounds almost the same, but they never get uninteresting. It's really great. I don't mean to come off as ditzy or anything, but I think even guys could like Goblin Cock. They sound like Sabbath (at least that's what my sexually-abusive stepfather tells me), but with those really weird vocals. They can't sing. But it's so fun! And you just have to play it loud. Don't discount this just because a girl's telling you she likes music. Even macho men and men with fine taste in music (and vagina, as well, such as my sweet coochie) should love this.
Truman Channels A Strange Consortium Of Ozzy Osbourne And Joe Sib: New Found Glory - Coming Home
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nfg.jpg
Website: (http://www.newfoundglory.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/newfoundglory)
This week I decided to recommend an album I feel is a big achievment for this band. New Found Glory's Coming Home is a top-notch release from a band I've enjoyed for a long time. I wasn't the biggest fan of the band's last release(it did, however, grow on me after a time), but I feel like this time around, they got it right. The guitar work is great and the vocals are some of the best I've heard from singer Jordan Pundik. I like that this album is a return to a poppier sound, whereas the last album was a lot heavier. I think anyone whose liked any of New Found Glory's previous albums could find something on this album for them. Stream this one on Purevolume; it's a fun listen.
MJ Believes King's X Marks The G-Spot: Ty Tabor - Rock Garden
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tytabor.jpg
Website: (http://www.tytabor.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/tytabor)
Despite being one of the most influential bands in the last 25 or so years, King’s X doesn’t get the proper amount of coverage that they probably should here at Decoy. So in an attempt to catch up on some dues a little, this feature goes out to Ty Tabor’s 3rd solo release, Rock Garden. For those unfamiliar, Tabor is the vocalist and guitarist for King’s X; he’s also involved in a billion other alternate projects, most of them wrongly overlooked despite critical praise. Rock Garden demonstrates Ty in his tightest form, utilizing the strongest qualities of his prior releases, Moonflower Lane and Safety. Look no further than right here for a barebones rock performance that exceeds the norm. Like all offerings from Ty and his counterparts, equivalents are few and far between.
Rick Hates EPs. Give Him A Split Any Day Of The Week: Sarbanes-Oxley - Act of 2002
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sarbanes.jpg
Website: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarbanes-Oxley_Act) :: Listen: (http://www.sarbanes-oxley-forum.com/)
Sarbanes and Oxley. They're names heard often throughout the accounting industry, sometimes with scorn, sometimes with love over the amount of revenue they generate, although many would be quick to point out that it is felt that by making as much money via Sarbox (as their fans call them) as they do, they're selling out and compromising their integrity. I heartily disagree. I disagree so much so that I haven't been able to do anything but talk about and listen to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-related information for two straight days starting at 8 am until 6 pm. Seriously, how many of you have listened to your listening station pick for over 16 hours this week? I bet none of you! That's how awesome my listening station pick is this week. I dare anyone to click on the website link above and go through the entire history of Sarbanes-Oxley, from inception to their latest release. You're sure to enjoy yourself!
Kent Reauchambiaux Is French, I Would Assume. Therefore, I Also Assume He's Fairly Suave With The Ladies. With His First-Ever Listening Station Pick, It Is Obvious He Is Unleashing His Secret Weapon (Surprise! It's NOT Deodorant!): Onelinedrawing - Visitor
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/onelinedrawing.jpg
Website: (http://www.jadetree.com/bands/artist/onelinedrawing) :: Listen: (http://www.jadetree.com/releases/product/JT1076)
When Far broke up, I had no idea who they were. To summarize, the impact of such a monumental occasion upon my person was…minimal, to say the least. Years later (I assume it's years. I don't really know when Far broke up; Hell, I've never even heard an album), this singer guy Jonah Matranga did this solo project with a drum machine, a guitar, and his voice. He'd put out little home-made, hand-crafted EPs and sell them on a sliding scale while spouting about the importance of making music for yourself and not for money. He would later go on to sell a song to the motherfucking Coca Cola Bottling Company. I'm sure he did it pro-bono. And he also started the full-banded version of Onelinedrawing (called Gratitude)for a better live show, not so more people would be willing to accept him. Definitely how that went down. But I'm missing my point here. That point? Visitor is a fucking phenomenal album. It's touching, poignant, with just the right amount of "rock out with your shriveled cock out" moments. Until I revisited this album, I'd thought that Onelinedrawing was a band I could only listen to when I'm in the mood for it. But I wasn't in the mood for it when I put it on. I just stumbled across it and realized I hadn't heard it in a while. When I cast off Onelinedrawing's last album, I thought it was because I had to be in the mood to listen to that stuff. Turns out, I didn’t like it because it sucked. Visitor, though? Still great. Sketchy EP #1 is also still great. Sketchy EP #2 is, as would seem obvious, sketchy. Fuck that latest one, though, seriously.
Chris Conlan Has A List Of Hos And It's Kinda Set Up In This Exact Manner: Name Taken - Hold On
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nametaken.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/nametaken) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nametaken)
Why did this band have to break up? Name Taken was slowly making a name for themselves and when Hold On hit in 2004, it was the album that could've taken them somewhere. So many great songs on this album, like "Control," "Drive Drive Drive," and "A Year Spent Cold." I catch myself coming back to this album quite often and I get a little tear knowing there won't be any new material. What would make 2006 the best year is if these guys and The Movielife got back together. That would make me happy!
Alex Z (Does This Stand For "Zander?") Got His From A Wicked Tetherball Fight: Schoolyard Heroes - Fantastic Wounds
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/schoolyardheroes.jpg
Website: (http://www.schoolyardheroes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/schoolyardheroes)
I have been trying for a while to get anyone I know to listen to Schoolyard Heroes, hailing them as one of the most unique sounding bands out there right now. In short, this album should turn people into zombies. That’s right; slobbering, flesh-eating, brain-munching zombies. The same zombies (and/or werewolves, serial killers, murderers, etc.) which run rampant within the lyrics and song titles of this album. Between hooks, breakdowns, shrieks, screams, and operatic…outbursts…this album is by far a favorite of mine, with similarities to the Blood Brothers, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Vaux, The Misfits, and singing vocals like theSTART’s Aimee Echo joined a screamo/post-hardcore band, while still distancing their sound from all those. Not to mention they’ve shared stages with Vendetta Red, Vaux, Siren’s Sister, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Action Action, and I believe even theSTART, as well.
Jeremy Echoes (LOL?) The Sentiments Found In A Past Ten Bands You Should Know: Echo Helstrom - The Veil
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/echohelstrom.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/echohelstrom) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/echohelstrom)
This album took me a little by surprise. It's a very beautiful album, with very proficient musicianship that's mostly in the vein of Travis/Coldplay, but will occasionally just start rocking out too. They sound more like Seven Nations (Celtic rock band) than anyone else. The strings are definitely the hook for me. This solid album has scored multiple re-listens from me this week.
Brandon Is Saddened That This Man Would Be An Extremely Awkward-Sounding Governor, Because He's Clearly Got A Bright Future In Politics: John Mayer - Inside Wants Out
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/johnmayer.jpg
Website: (http://www.johnmayer.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/johnmayer)
This release of eight songs by John Mayer is plain and simple, yet beautifully crafted. Each song has its own feel and vibe. It's a great disc for anyone that might be unsure about whether or not they might be interested in listening to John Mayer.
Jared Revisits "Rock Of Ages" With A More Modern Slant: War Of Ages - Pride Of The Wicked
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/warofages.jpg
Website: (http://www.warofages.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/warofages)
I'm back again with the metalcore. After having reviewed this disc a week or so ago, it's really grown on me. I really wasn't so keen on it at first. As I said in my review, it can be quite medio-core and generic at times, but it really has some good songs. The band has matured which is more than can be said for many of their peers. Songs like "Strength Within" and "Absence of Fear" really get my head banging. Someone had said that this is the best band on Facedown and I'd say that's a fair statement, though, in my mind, Nodes of Ranvier rivals them.
Travis Marlon Might Actually Have A Point: Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/outkast.jpg
Website: (http://www.outkast.com/dre.htm) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/outkast)
Outkast :: rap as Mr. Bungle :: rock. Andre3000 = Mike Patton. Stankonia = Self-Titled. The Love Below = California. California = Greatest album ever?
Timothy Golden, When Combined With This Album, Turns Into This Film (http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Pond-Special-Mark-Rydell/dp/B0000JBALO/sr=8-1/qid=1158201199/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1243473-6219337?ie=UTF8&s=dvd): Matt Pond PA - Several Arrows Later
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mattpondpa.jpg
Website: (http://www.mattpondpa.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mattpondpa)
Apparently this group has been around forever and this album has been out over a year by now. However, I never bothered to really listen to it until really recently, and boy was I missing out. The track "So Much Trouble" is worth it on its own -- this is indie pop/rock at its finest.
Andy Young Pried It Open, Damaging The Nerves And Causing Untold Damages. The Story Lives On In His Nightmares And This Album: Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thirdeyeblind.jpg
Website: (http://www.3eb.com) :: Listen: (http://www.3eb.com)
I liked them back when this first came out, though I was only 10 at the time and didn't really understand that I was singing along to a song about doing crystal meth. Now, as this album has been out for nine years, I decided to give it another play and it has led to many more plays. It's an amazingly complete post-grunge era album that doesn't seem dated in the slightest. This being the debut album for 3EB, it set the bar really high for their career and all albums to follow were, to be put gently, disappointing.
Dan Parscale Returns With A Query: Does Lady Sovereign Wish She Could Be "Ruff N Stuff With Her Afro Puff?": Lady Sovereign - Vertically Challenged EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ladysovereign.jpg
Website: (http://www.ladysovereign.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ladysovereign)
I was a few steps behind on the Grime scene. It wasn’t until a few months ago, during a road trip to San Francisco, that I first heard Lady Sovereign’s infectious mixture of hip hop and electro, but after just a half minute of the Euro-crunk “Ch-Ching,” I was completely hooked. Featuring some of the most unfuckwithable beats that I’ve ever heard, Sov raps about her unimpressive size and affinity for affordable beer. As a white guy, I don’t think I’ve felt so at ease blaring my party speakers since The Marshall Mathers LP. If her upcoming full-length is anywhere near as good as this (and from the sounds of “Gatheration” and “Love Me or Hate Me,” it will be), Sov will have one of the most important party albums of the year.
Chris Pandolfo Proves He Earned The New Knock-Knock Joke I Made Up In His Honor: 7 Angels 7 Plagues - Jhazmyn's Lullabye
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/7a7p.jpg
Website: (http://www.guerrilladigital.cc/7a7p/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sevenangelssevenplagues)
Yes, it's sad 7 Angels 7 Plagues broke up. If it weren't for Misery Signals, I'd actually be really upset. But Misery Signals exists. So I'm not upset. This has been fun. Bye now.
Matthew Dyess Has A Sudden Change Of Heart: Mastodon - Blood Mountain
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Website: (http://www.mastodonrocks.com) :: Listen: (http://www.mastodonrocks.com/ecard)
This band fucking sucks.
Or Not
Johnny Tried To Start A Sugar Cult When He Was But A Wee Lad, Then Remembered He Is Diabetic. Fuck Genes: Sugarcult - Lights Out
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Website: (http://www.sugarcult.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sugarcult)
It used to be that I would go to Best Buy and basically just buy random CDs. I had never heard anything that Sugarcult had done, but for some reason I decided to take a chance and buy Start Static. From the get-go there was something about Sugarcult's hybrid pop-punk/rock sound. When their second album Palm Trees and Powerlines came out, I was the first person on campus to be playing Sugarcult. Each album was a steady improvement. Now Sugarcult brings their third album, Lights Out. Again, there's major improvement and a slight variation of their sound. This time around, there is more rock and less punk. There is a darker sound than in the past, and yet, you know it's Sugarcult. I think that is the sign of a good, long-lasting band: there are subtle changes, the sound progresses, but you can still tell it's the band you've grown to love.
Ben Admits He Really Listened To This Album Last Week, But Wanted To Hold Up A Promise About Using This Album At Some Point, Because It Is, In Fact, Really Good And Criminally Unheralded: Molly McGuire - Lime
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Website: (http://www.gunfightermusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.kingdom-of-snakes.com)
Lime is an album no one has heard. Those who have heard it most likely found their way to it because of the producer involved. Yes, you cannot dub yourself a true Failure fan until you buy an album simply because Ken Andrews got involved. This is actually one of Ken's first attempts at production and it is immediately obvious why he continues to record albums for both himself and whoever has the balls to ask. Molly McGuire, in its own right, is a pretty tremendous band. Jason Blackmore's work with the band hints at a subtle musical genius just itching to become more prevalent in the public eye. Of course, he would later fire some guys, move to San Diego, and re-christen Molly McGuire as Gunfighter, then dumb down the sound and release three very tepid albums, all of which I own out of sheer loyalty. I hope he appreciates how hard it was for me to track down Sisters Of…, Molly McGuire's first album. It's also a very solid rock record, but Lime is one of the best albums of the '90s. It's got everything a rock record should have and more. Personally, my favorite track is "Humansville." Track it down, listen, and if you don't like it, well, fuck you then. Talk all the shit you want about Gunfighter, but Molly McGuire deserves your utmost respect!
Oh, and Blackmore started a band with some dudes from Nothingface not too long ago, but I think those guys left when Nothingface got back together. They are/were called Kingdom of Snakes and they actually weren't that bad, as I recall.
Dave Spak Is An M. Ward Of The State Because His Parents Died When He Re-Enacted Throw Momma From The Train: M. Ward - Post-War
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Website: (http://www.mwardmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mward)
I saw the video for the song “Chinese Translation” by M. Ward somewhere online. I immediately fell in love with the song and the animated video was excellent. After having the song stuck in my head, I knew I had to get it. I got the vinyl version, of course, because I’m a nerd and Merge Records gives you a free download of the album if you buy it on vinyl because they are one of the best labels. I was instantly blow away by the incredible and personal songwriting contained on Post-War. With this record, M. Ward proves without any doubt that he is one of the most talented singer/songwriters right now. Every song on the album is incredible and takes on a life of its own. Whether it is the account of a loved one who passed away (“Requiem”) or one of the many catchy lo-fi indie rock songs, you can tell he puts everything he has into these songs. In a more perfect world, this is what would be in the top 40. Post-War is easily one of my favorite albums of 2006.
Aliseya Allen Loves Goblin Cock And That, My Friends, Is The Definition Of Hot: Goblin Cock - Bagged And Boarded
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Website: (http://www.absolutelykosher.com/goblincock.html) :: Listen: (http://www.absolutelykosher.com/musicfiles/Stumped.mp3)
I don't just like this album because it makes all the boys in my school think of me as a slut (I am, but I mean, come on, this band is really good). It's got that guy from Pinback who's totally cute in it and the vocals are all weird and stuff. Every song sounds almost the same, but they never get uninteresting. It's really great. I don't mean to come off as ditzy or anything, but I think even guys could like Goblin Cock. They sound like Sabbath (at least that's what my sexually-abusive stepfather tells me), but with those really weird vocals. They can't sing. But it's so fun! And you just have to play it loud. Don't discount this just because a girl's telling you she likes music. Even macho men and men with fine taste in music (and vagina, as well, such as my sweet coochie) should love this.
Truman Channels A Strange Consortium Of Ozzy Osbourne And Joe Sib: New Found Glory - Coming Home
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Website: (http://www.newfoundglory.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/newfoundglory)
This week I decided to recommend an album I feel is a big achievment for this band. New Found Glory's Coming Home is a top-notch release from a band I've enjoyed for a long time. I wasn't the biggest fan of the band's last release(it did, however, grow on me after a time), but I feel like this time around, they got it right. The guitar work is great and the vocals are some of the best I've heard from singer Jordan Pundik. I like that this album is a return to a poppier sound, whereas the last album was a lot heavier. I think anyone whose liked any of New Found Glory's previous albums could find something on this album for them. Stream this one on Purevolume; it's a fun listen.