sir mix-a-lot
09-20-2006, 11:49 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.
MJ Doesn't Find It At All Odd That Weird Al Yankovic Was Background Music To A Fight Scene In: Transformers: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/transformers.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/transformersuk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/transformersuk)
With the Transformers cult ruling the Internet with an iron fist, the braintrusts over in Hollywood feel like it’s a good idea to release a modern, live-action rendition of their story. Michael Bay is in the director’s chair, and the movie is set for release in the summer of 2007. The buzz for this project is wild, as many diehards are upset with some of the preliminary looks of Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee, as well as the possibility that Soundwave will end up an mp3 player. It’s best to give Michael Bay a chance, despite the fact that he’s a hack. After all, this is certainly no test of skill seeing as how the original 1986 animated film was nothing more than an 85-minute toy commercial (sorry, guys). No matter how the new movie turns out, the nostalgia factory is still pulling in overtime, most notably for the ‘86 original’s soundtrack. Let’s get one thing straight: much like the movie, this collection of 80’s cheeseball hair metal is AWFUL (sorry again). Even though this soundtrack is a total bust, it will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those that grew up watching the cartoon. Even to this day, “Dare,” “The Touch,” “The Transformers Theme,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our Way” induce goosebumps swelling with childhood bliss. With this taken well into account, instead of everyone just whining about what the bots are gonna look like, why hasn’t anyone thought to address the music?
Stephen Would Die On The Cross For Your Cos: These Arms Are Snakes - Easter
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesearmsaresnakes2.jpg
Website: (http://www.thesearmsaresnakes.org) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesearmsaresnakes)
While everyone shits themselves over the new Fear Before record, I'll be content to listen to Easter, easily the best record yet from the Seattle four-piece and, in my opinion, a record to rival the output from bassist Brian Cook's former band, the almighty Botch. Fear Before may have managed to blend several genres, but These Arms can incorporate disparate elements and still sound fluid and organic because they're simply great songwriters. Look for my lengthy review of Easter, wherein I trace the hypothetical transformation of Botch into These Arms and compare vocalist Steve Snere to Allen Ginsberg. Only Snere could sound cool saying, "I think I'd look great in your lawn!"
Rick Fails To Realize That Being A Soilwork Fan Is One Itsy Step Away From Being A Maggot!: Disarmonia Mundi - Mind Tricks
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/disarmoniamundi.jpg
Website: (http://www.disarmoniamundi.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/disarmoniamundi)
You know, for being a huge Soilwork fan, I can’t believe I never stumbled across Disarmonia Mundi before this last week. Jared managed to find them while looking around the good ol’ interweb for cool bands and pointed them out to me… at which point I creamed myself and listened to this disc about three times through. This disc is what the last Soilwork disc should have sounded like. The riffs are not nearly as neutered or nu-metal sounding. The rhythm section is less concerned with trying to stand out and more in tune with what needs to be done to make a mature song. Lastly the vocals hearken back to Soilwork's early days when screamed and sound like a much more melodic version of their last effort when sung.
You know what? After thinking about it, you might as well treat this as a Soilwork disc because it sounds almost exactly like them… just way better.
Jared Shoots The Pre-New Testament Messenger: Destroy The Runner - Saints
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/destroytherunner.jpg
Website: (http://www.destroytherunner.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/destroytherunner)
If you can't wait for the upcoming reissue of As I Lay Dying's Shadows Are Security to hit shelves, maybe my pick this week will hold you over: Solid State's Destroy the Runner. If I'd heard "My Darkness" randomly without seeing by whom it was, I definitely would've pegged it as an AILD B-Side.
In all fairness, they aren't a complete rip-off though. Destroy the Runner employs many much moosen more clean vocals and vocal harmonies than their influences. It's enough to set them apart and let them stand on their own. Part of the reason I really got a kick out of this release was the immediate gratification. I put on this record for the first time and enjoyed every single song from beginning to end. Records like that don't come around very often and when they do, they tend to get repeated listens from me. Props to life\as/proof (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/member.php?userid=842) for the recommendation.
Chris Conlan Picks Up Where Johnny Left Off Just Last Week: New Found Glory - Coming Home
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nfg.jpg
Website: (http://www.newfoundglory.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/newfoundglory)
People can piss on this band all they want, but New Found Glory plays the best damn pop/punk around. They've been around for almost a decade and still are going strong. The guys' new album Coming Home is pretty close to being their best album to date (the self-titled album is their best). While many people were afraid NFG wouldn't go back to their roots, they have no need to fret because, on Coming Home, they do.
Barry Buys This Album For Every Professional Hockey Player He Meets: Jawbox - Jawbox
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jawbox.jpg
Website: (http://www.desotorecords.com/bands/jawbox.shtml) :: Listen: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFvz1JQAPgQ)
Nestled snugly in-between his stints in Government Issue and Burning Airlines, J Robbins made a name for himself as the frontman for Jawbox. After jumping ship from Dischord Records, Jawbox recorded two albums on Atlantic Records before breaking up in 1997. The band obviously never had huge commercial success, but their albums are still hailed as some of the finest in the indie rock genre. Their self-titled album presented a more polished rock approach, as opposed to the grungy indie rock stylings they had been playing since their inception. Dividing its time between shimmering vocal melodies and dreary guitar chords, this record provided the perfect balance between both eras of the band. For indie rock and alternative rock fans alike, this album is most definitely essential, as is every other album in their outstanding back catalog.
Daniel Proves You Can Like Music Without Obsessing Over Musicians: Emily Haines And The Soft Skeleton - Knives Don't Have Your Back
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/emilyhaines.jpg
Website: (http://www.softskeleton.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/emilyhaines)
I'm not necessarily the biggest fan Metric or Broken Social Scene (shoot me), but Emily Haines's "solo" project really took me by surprise. After watching the video online for "Doctor Blind" (which was what I thought to be a very beautifully executed, yet simple, artistic video), I set foot outside of my warm home and headed outside in the fucking Canadian cold to the local music shop and picked up her album. "Crowd Surf Off A Cliff" is such a beautiful song...I'm cutting this short because I need to shower. Go buy the album.
Sam Didn't Pick The Album I Sent Him And That Makes Me Happy (Because I Sent It To Him For A Reason, If You Catch My Drift): Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Like Bad News
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/modestmouse.jpg
Website: (http://www.modestmouse.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/modestmouse)
Being my personal favorite from the band, even though it was their mainstream breakthough, I enjoy this CD to its fullest. From the poppy "The View" to the melancholy "Blame It On The Tetons," there's nothing not to enjoy.
Chris Pandolfo Brings Up More Questions Than He Answers: Hopesfall - No Wings To Speak Of
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/hopesfall.jpg
Website: (http://www.hopesfall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/hopesfall)
Four years ago I was introduced to this band. This short four-song EP was one of the few CDs that got me into hardcore (along with Skycamefalling's 10.21). To this day I still listen to No Wings To Speak Of excessively and I have claimed it as one of the best four-song CDs of all time. It's easily my favorite EP of all time. It's perfect. Simple as that. Everything is perfect. The transitions in the songs run so beautifully together. Nothing is out of place or out of the ordinary. There is no showing off or throwing technical things in here and there. It's just...perfect.
In fact, I can admit that parts of "The Far Pavilions" almost brought me to tears...several times. Yeah, that's right. I probably shouldn't have admitted that but...fuck you. I don't care what you think.
Quick question: Does anyone know what that tiny little red thing is on the album art? It's so hard to see but it's on the left side...It has bothered me since I bought this CD a few years ago.
Andy Young Reminds Me Of Myself: Coldplay - Parachutes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/coldplay.jpg
Website: (http://www.coldplay.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/coldplay)
You know how you can tell I'm gay? I like Coldplay. A lot. I freely admit that (liking Coldplay, that is, as I'm hetero). Parachutes is my favorite of their albums; it's sheer genius. Front to back the mellow voice of Chris Martin is just ever so soothing. The bass on this album was great, like on "Trouble" and "Sparks." Damn, those were some catchy basslines. It sucks they strayed from that and that their following albums were good, but not Parachutes good.
Brandon Was Already Torn On How To Pronounce "Either" And Now, Out Of Left Field, This Band Makes Him Question Its Spelling!: Aether - Apart
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/aether.jpg
Website: (http://www.aethersound.com) :: Listen: (http://cdbaby.com/cd/aether2)
These guys use their instruments to tell you a story, all the while narrating your life. If you want some decent background music, put this on; additionally, if you also want to have a 5-song disc that will subtly inspire you, then this is the one. Now, these songs could easily have vocals, but that just may ruin several of the tunes. It is in their instrumentation that they find strength and through their music that this band gains their integrity. Check these guys out if you are a fan of Unwed Sailor or bands of the sort.
Armand (Babarm87), If What Is Stated Below Is True, Believes This Band Just Might Sell Records At An Incredibly Steady Pace Simply Because People Need To Feel Hip, Even Though None Of Them Will Ever Listen To It. Strangely, This Oddity Will Not Keep It Off Of Said Persons' "Best Albums Of All Time" List, Despite Them Not Being Able To Name A Single Track Or Even Recite A Lyric: Oh No! Oh My! - Oh No! Oh My!
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ohnoohmy.jpg
Website: (http://www.ohnoohmy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ohnoohmyband)
I was introduced to Oh No! Oh My! by an English friend of mine, whom we shall just call TT for the time being, on Myspace. Yes, Myspace. Oddly enough Oh No! Oh My! is from Austin, Texas. Anyway, TT normally hooks me up with some great post-rock albums because he knows that’s what makes my pants moist. But Oh No! Oh My! really couldn’t be farther from post-rock. If you’re a fan of some good indie-folk-pop, then this album is for you.
Though this is a bold claim and there aren’t many similarities between the two, Oh No! Oh My! just might be the next Neutral Milk Hotel. Hopefully I’ve got your attention now, so I’ll just leave you and the Oh No! Oh My! Myspace link alone. Also, I might have said Oh No! Oh My! too many times in this write-up, but for good measure: Oh No! Oh My!
Dave Writes Angsty Teenage Poetry In His Copy Of: Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sdre.jpg
Website: (http://www.sunnydayrealestate.net) :: Listen: (http://www.sunnydayrealestate.net/audio.html)
There are so many different types of bands that are classified under the emo umbrella that I’m not even sure what the genre entails. But one thing I do know is that Sunny Day Real Estate is one of the pivotal bands that helped spawn the genre. I haven’t listened to them in the longest time but when I saw Diary in a used CD store, I had to get it. This album is full of extremely emotional rock songs and it is easy to see why it is considered somewhat of a classic. I’ve had “Seven” and “In Circles” stuck in my head for days now. And powerful epics such as “Song About An Angel” show how they obtained the emo title. It is strange to think that members of the band went on to play in the Foo Fighters, although there are some catchy songs on Diary. This is the album I think of when I hear about emo and this is what it should sound like.
Ben Finally Unsheated This 7" Monstrosity: Quintron & Miss Pussycat - Swamp Tech
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/quintron.jpg
Website: (http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com) :: Listen: (http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com/mp3/witchintheclub.mp3)
I've had this album for a long while now, thanks to the "wonder" of promotional items. Sure, the packaging is kooky, the name is mildy weird, the track titles ("Swamp Buggy Baddass," "French Quarter Faggot," etc.) are slightly unnerving, and there's what I could only have assumed was an ill-advised cover of Kiss's "God Of Thunder," but I simply had no desire to listen. Until today. The reason? Well, I'm listening to my CD collection in alphabetical order while I'm at work. I was in the Q section, so it was time for the wrapper to come off this beast. I didn't know what to expect. What I got was some fucked-up conglomerate of all the weird shit I listen to as often as possible. It's deeply funky, powerfully soul, and whacked-out to the beta max. To make it worse, it's a live album, recorded on a 2-track. And it sounds better than most studio albums I've heard. I am not a dancer, but I bust moves to this motherfucker. To the mighty Quintron and Miss Pussycat, I sincerely apologize.
MJ Doesn't Find It At All Odd That Weird Al Yankovic Was Background Music To A Fight Scene In: Transformers: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/transformers.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/transformersuk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/transformersuk)
With the Transformers cult ruling the Internet with an iron fist, the braintrusts over in Hollywood feel like it’s a good idea to release a modern, live-action rendition of their story. Michael Bay is in the director’s chair, and the movie is set for release in the summer of 2007. The buzz for this project is wild, as many diehards are upset with some of the preliminary looks of Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee, as well as the possibility that Soundwave will end up an mp3 player. It’s best to give Michael Bay a chance, despite the fact that he’s a hack. After all, this is certainly no test of skill seeing as how the original 1986 animated film was nothing more than an 85-minute toy commercial (sorry, guys). No matter how the new movie turns out, the nostalgia factory is still pulling in overtime, most notably for the ‘86 original’s soundtrack. Let’s get one thing straight: much like the movie, this collection of 80’s cheeseball hair metal is AWFUL (sorry again). Even though this soundtrack is a total bust, it will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those that grew up watching the cartoon. Even to this day, “Dare,” “The Touch,” “The Transformers Theme,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our Way” induce goosebumps swelling with childhood bliss. With this taken well into account, instead of everyone just whining about what the bots are gonna look like, why hasn’t anyone thought to address the music?
Stephen Would Die On The Cross For Your Cos: These Arms Are Snakes - Easter
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesearmsaresnakes2.jpg
Website: (http://www.thesearmsaresnakes.org) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesearmsaresnakes)
While everyone shits themselves over the new Fear Before record, I'll be content to listen to Easter, easily the best record yet from the Seattle four-piece and, in my opinion, a record to rival the output from bassist Brian Cook's former band, the almighty Botch. Fear Before may have managed to blend several genres, but These Arms can incorporate disparate elements and still sound fluid and organic because they're simply great songwriters. Look for my lengthy review of Easter, wherein I trace the hypothetical transformation of Botch into These Arms and compare vocalist Steve Snere to Allen Ginsberg. Only Snere could sound cool saying, "I think I'd look great in your lawn!"
Rick Fails To Realize That Being A Soilwork Fan Is One Itsy Step Away From Being A Maggot!: Disarmonia Mundi - Mind Tricks
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/disarmoniamundi.jpg
Website: (http://www.disarmoniamundi.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/disarmoniamundi)
You know, for being a huge Soilwork fan, I can’t believe I never stumbled across Disarmonia Mundi before this last week. Jared managed to find them while looking around the good ol’ interweb for cool bands and pointed them out to me… at which point I creamed myself and listened to this disc about three times through. This disc is what the last Soilwork disc should have sounded like. The riffs are not nearly as neutered or nu-metal sounding. The rhythm section is less concerned with trying to stand out and more in tune with what needs to be done to make a mature song. Lastly the vocals hearken back to Soilwork's early days when screamed and sound like a much more melodic version of their last effort when sung.
You know what? After thinking about it, you might as well treat this as a Soilwork disc because it sounds almost exactly like them… just way better.
Jared Shoots The Pre-New Testament Messenger: Destroy The Runner - Saints
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/destroytherunner.jpg
Website: (http://www.destroytherunner.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/destroytherunner)
If you can't wait for the upcoming reissue of As I Lay Dying's Shadows Are Security to hit shelves, maybe my pick this week will hold you over: Solid State's Destroy the Runner. If I'd heard "My Darkness" randomly without seeing by whom it was, I definitely would've pegged it as an AILD B-Side.
In all fairness, they aren't a complete rip-off though. Destroy the Runner employs many much moosen more clean vocals and vocal harmonies than their influences. It's enough to set them apart and let them stand on their own. Part of the reason I really got a kick out of this release was the immediate gratification. I put on this record for the first time and enjoyed every single song from beginning to end. Records like that don't come around very often and when they do, they tend to get repeated listens from me. Props to life\as/proof (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/member.php?userid=842) for the recommendation.
Chris Conlan Picks Up Where Johnny Left Off Just Last Week: New Found Glory - Coming Home
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nfg.jpg
Website: (http://www.newfoundglory.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/newfoundglory)
People can piss on this band all they want, but New Found Glory plays the best damn pop/punk around. They've been around for almost a decade and still are going strong. The guys' new album Coming Home is pretty close to being their best album to date (the self-titled album is their best). While many people were afraid NFG wouldn't go back to their roots, they have no need to fret because, on Coming Home, they do.
Barry Buys This Album For Every Professional Hockey Player He Meets: Jawbox - Jawbox
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jawbox.jpg
Website: (http://www.desotorecords.com/bands/jawbox.shtml) :: Listen: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFvz1JQAPgQ)
Nestled snugly in-between his stints in Government Issue and Burning Airlines, J Robbins made a name for himself as the frontman for Jawbox. After jumping ship from Dischord Records, Jawbox recorded two albums on Atlantic Records before breaking up in 1997. The band obviously never had huge commercial success, but their albums are still hailed as some of the finest in the indie rock genre. Their self-titled album presented a more polished rock approach, as opposed to the grungy indie rock stylings they had been playing since their inception. Dividing its time between shimmering vocal melodies and dreary guitar chords, this record provided the perfect balance between both eras of the band. For indie rock and alternative rock fans alike, this album is most definitely essential, as is every other album in their outstanding back catalog.
Daniel Proves You Can Like Music Without Obsessing Over Musicians: Emily Haines And The Soft Skeleton - Knives Don't Have Your Back
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/emilyhaines.jpg
Website: (http://www.softskeleton.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/emilyhaines)
I'm not necessarily the biggest fan Metric or Broken Social Scene (shoot me), but Emily Haines's "solo" project really took me by surprise. After watching the video online for "Doctor Blind" (which was what I thought to be a very beautifully executed, yet simple, artistic video), I set foot outside of my warm home and headed outside in the fucking Canadian cold to the local music shop and picked up her album. "Crowd Surf Off A Cliff" is such a beautiful song...I'm cutting this short because I need to shower. Go buy the album.
Sam Didn't Pick The Album I Sent Him And That Makes Me Happy (Because I Sent It To Him For A Reason, If You Catch My Drift): Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Like Bad News
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/modestmouse.jpg
Website: (http://www.modestmouse.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/modestmouse)
Being my personal favorite from the band, even though it was their mainstream breakthough, I enjoy this CD to its fullest. From the poppy "The View" to the melancholy "Blame It On The Tetons," there's nothing not to enjoy.
Chris Pandolfo Brings Up More Questions Than He Answers: Hopesfall - No Wings To Speak Of
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/hopesfall.jpg
Website: (http://www.hopesfall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/hopesfall)
Four years ago I was introduced to this band. This short four-song EP was one of the few CDs that got me into hardcore (along with Skycamefalling's 10.21). To this day I still listen to No Wings To Speak Of excessively and I have claimed it as one of the best four-song CDs of all time. It's easily my favorite EP of all time. It's perfect. Simple as that. Everything is perfect. The transitions in the songs run so beautifully together. Nothing is out of place or out of the ordinary. There is no showing off or throwing technical things in here and there. It's just...perfect.
In fact, I can admit that parts of "The Far Pavilions" almost brought me to tears...several times. Yeah, that's right. I probably shouldn't have admitted that but...fuck you. I don't care what you think.
Quick question: Does anyone know what that tiny little red thing is on the album art? It's so hard to see but it's on the left side...It has bothered me since I bought this CD a few years ago.
Andy Young Reminds Me Of Myself: Coldplay - Parachutes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/coldplay.jpg
Website: (http://www.coldplay.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/coldplay)
You know how you can tell I'm gay? I like Coldplay. A lot. I freely admit that (liking Coldplay, that is, as I'm hetero). Parachutes is my favorite of their albums; it's sheer genius. Front to back the mellow voice of Chris Martin is just ever so soothing. The bass on this album was great, like on "Trouble" and "Sparks." Damn, those were some catchy basslines. It sucks they strayed from that and that their following albums were good, but not Parachutes good.
Brandon Was Already Torn On How To Pronounce "Either" And Now, Out Of Left Field, This Band Makes Him Question Its Spelling!: Aether - Apart
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/aether.jpg
Website: (http://www.aethersound.com) :: Listen: (http://cdbaby.com/cd/aether2)
These guys use their instruments to tell you a story, all the while narrating your life. If you want some decent background music, put this on; additionally, if you also want to have a 5-song disc that will subtly inspire you, then this is the one. Now, these songs could easily have vocals, but that just may ruin several of the tunes. It is in their instrumentation that they find strength and through their music that this band gains their integrity. Check these guys out if you are a fan of Unwed Sailor or bands of the sort.
Armand (Babarm87), If What Is Stated Below Is True, Believes This Band Just Might Sell Records At An Incredibly Steady Pace Simply Because People Need To Feel Hip, Even Though None Of Them Will Ever Listen To It. Strangely, This Oddity Will Not Keep It Off Of Said Persons' "Best Albums Of All Time" List, Despite Them Not Being Able To Name A Single Track Or Even Recite A Lyric: Oh No! Oh My! - Oh No! Oh My!
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ohnoohmy.jpg
Website: (http://www.ohnoohmy.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ohnoohmyband)
I was introduced to Oh No! Oh My! by an English friend of mine, whom we shall just call TT for the time being, on Myspace. Yes, Myspace. Oddly enough Oh No! Oh My! is from Austin, Texas. Anyway, TT normally hooks me up with some great post-rock albums because he knows that’s what makes my pants moist. But Oh No! Oh My! really couldn’t be farther from post-rock. If you’re a fan of some good indie-folk-pop, then this album is for you.
Though this is a bold claim and there aren’t many similarities between the two, Oh No! Oh My! just might be the next Neutral Milk Hotel. Hopefully I’ve got your attention now, so I’ll just leave you and the Oh No! Oh My! Myspace link alone. Also, I might have said Oh No! Oh My! too many times in this write-up, but for good measure: Oh No! Oh My!
Dave Writes Angsty Teenage Poetry In His Copy Of: Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sdre.jpg
Website: (http://www.sunnydayrealestate.net) :: Listen: (http://www.sunnydayrealestate.net/audio.html)
There are so many different types of bands that are classified under the emo umbrella that I’m not even sure what the genre entails. But one thing I do know is that Sunny Day Real Estate is one of the pivotal bands that helped spawn the genre. I haven’t listened to them in the longest time but when I saw Diary in a used CD store, I had to get it. This album is full of extremely emotional rock songs and it is easy to see why it is considered somewhat of a classic. I’ve had “Seven” and “In Circles” stuck in my head for days now. And powerful epics such as “Song About An Angel” show how they obtained the emo title. It is strange to think that members of the band went on to play in the Foo Fighters, although there are some catchy songs on Diary. This is the album I think of when I hear about emo and this is what it should sound like.
Ben Finally Unsheated This 7" Monstrosity: Quintron & Miss Pussycat - Swamp Tech
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/quintron.jpg
Website: (http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com) :: Listen: (http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com/mp3/witchintheclub.mp3)
I've had this album for a long while now, thanks to the "wonder" of promotional items. Sure, the packaging is kooky, the name is mildy weird, the track titles ("Swamp Buggy Baddass," "French Quarter Faggot," etc.) are slightly unnerving, and there's what I could only have assumed was an ill-advised cover of Kiss's "God Of Thunder," but I simply had no desire to listen. Until today. The reason? Well, I'm listening to my CD collection in alphabetical order while I'm at work. I was in the Q section, so it was time for the wrapper to come off this beast. I didn't know what to expect. What I got was some fucked-up conglomerate of all the weird shit I listen to as often as possible. It's deeply funky, powerfully soul, and whacked-out to the beta max. To make it worse, it's a live album, recorded on a 2-track. And it sounds better than most studio albums I've heard. I am not a dancer, but I bust moves to this motherfucker. To the mighty Quintron and Miss Pussycat, I sincerely apologize.