sir mix-a-lot
10-04-2006, 07:53 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.
Allen Celebrates All That Is Wrong With Melodic Hardcore: As Cities Burn - Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ascitiesburn.jpg
Website: (http://www.ascitiesburn.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ascitiesburn)
When I first listened to this album, I wasn’t overly impressed. In fact, I was kinda put off by the growling screams and the song (“The Widow”) which is probably tied for “the most blatantly obvious and preachy song about God/Jesus” slot along with fellow Solid State-ers Underoath’s “Some will seek forgiveness, Others escape.” But every once in awhile I'd return and slowly built up my love for this album, even the preachy Jesus song. Then I just stopped listening for a couple months — writing them off in my mind as thinking they were good, but not really remembering why I liked them so much. Two nights ago I went back and re-listened, and the album got even better for me again. It's soft enough to give a little bit of a respite in between the heavier stuff I’ve listened to this week like Misery Signals, Poison the Well, and Between the Buried and Me, while still fitting my mood (its been bad week).
Alex Davies Gives Me Flashbacks To Last Week: I Am Ghost - Lovers Requiem
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/iamghost.jpg
Website: (http://www.iamghost.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/iamghost)
I know not many people are jumping for joy over this release. And that this band probably won't feature on anybody's top 50, let alone top 5, as the year draws to a close. But frankly, I think that Lovers Requiem is a solid album, with a clutch of great tracks. OK, the vocals are heavily produced and there are definite MCR-apeing moments, but there are moments on this album that thoroughly overshadow this. There's a great harmony between the male and female singers and, on a base level, that are some brilliant choruses here. If you have any time between spins of new Blood Brothers, and a band with Sparrowes in their name, give it a chance.
Stephen Chamberlain Knows This Album Needs Attention And Will Go To Any Length To Make Sure It Doesn't Go Underappreciated, Including Name-Dropping Matt Bayles: Benton Falls - Guilt Beats Hate
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bentonfalls.jpg
Website: (http://www.deepelm.com/bands/index_benton.html) :: Listen: (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=27415493)
Add Benton Falls to the long list of quality bands that broke up during their prime. While they released only two albums, those with a discerning palette for authentic emo/post-hardcore hold them in high regard. It's too bad Deep Elm's recent roster hasn't been stellar--with the exception of Latterman--because they discovered a gem in this Santa Rosa four-piece/three-piece. Benton Falls's first record was more restrained, incorporating subtle cello and maintaining consistent melody. After dropping the second guitarist, on Guilt Beats Hate, the band cranked up the volume, with vocalist Michael Richardson assuming lead guitar duties as well.
Listening to this record, you would never guess that one man was creating that hailstorm of notes. Matt Bayles's production provides the perfect touch to the album, giving the harsh guitar sounds an organic feel to match Richardson's poignant vocals. Even when Richardson employs a tortured scream, it never sounds forced. Granted this record was released in 2003, before the influx of copycat "screamo" groups, but when you hear Richardson's anguished cries, you know there's something more--it was necessary for him to utter the words that way. It's a shame that only two people reviewed this album on Amazon and four thousand have reviewed Panic (I refuse the put that exclamation point) at the Disco. Benton Falls's lyrics can be a bit maudlin at times--this is emo, after all--but listen to this record and cry when you realize what the band could currently be producing.
Barry Scatton Reminds Me To Listen To More Orange9mm: Kiss It Goodbye - She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kissitgoodbye.jpg
Website: (http://www.revelationrecords.com/releases/58.html) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kissitgoodby)
When Tim Singer and Keith Huckins abruptly quit Deadguy to pave a separate path of sonic destruction, who knew they were going to create yet another string of metalcore masterpieces? As if Deadguy weren't awesome enough, Kiss It Goodbye completely raised the bar in their absurdly short reign of terror as a band. While a lot of burgeoning metalcore acts were playing a lot faster at the time, Kiss It Goodbye expanded on the genre with a sludgier, less frantic, but still heavy as balls interpretation of the genre. Fueled by Tim Singer's agony-ridden wails (seriously, the guy sounds like he was having nails driven through his torso while laying down the vocal tracks), and piles upon piles of crippling riffage, Kiss It Goodbye created a sound so distinct that it has been rarely imitated since their breakup. This is metalcore being played the way it was meant to be played. Those seeking cheesy metal riffs and recycled breakdowns: look elsewhere, because this is a band that didn't resort to conventional methods while creating this 45 minute blitzkrieg of corrosive noise.
Jared Makes Me Think Maybe Blasting Straight Static Wouldn't Be Such A Bad Idea, Given The Alternative: A Static Lullaby - A Static Lullaby
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/astaticlullaby.jpg
Website: (http://www.astaticlullaby.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/astaticlullaby)
Like just about every other A Static Lullaby fan, I had pretty much written them off after the abysmal Faso Latido. Not too long after its release, retail sales were low, a bitter feud erupted, causing 3 of the band members to leave, and they were released from the major label, Columbia Records. It would be enough for anyone to want to quit the music business for good. Then a few months later, replacements were announced and the band signed to Fearless Records.
A Static Lullaby returned in full force. Maybe it was all the turmoil that fueled the change. Whatever it was, A Static Lullaby found it in themselves to return to their roots and record an extremely catchy record. Not only that, but it's heavier than any of their previous material. It's a welcomed change. Hopefully they do well and don't repeat the same mistakes.
Dan Alcinii Displays His Canadian Pride: Picastro - Metal Cares
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/picastro.jpg
Website: (http://www.picastro.net) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/picastro)
Anything and everything that Toronto's rising star Owen Pallett comes in contact with is seriously a masterpiece: Les Mouches, The Arcade Fire, The Hidden Cameras, and now Final Fantasy. One of Mr. Pallett's first projects was that of Picastro. Don’t take the album name too seriously, though, because the band is nowhere near the metal genre; soft spoken and melancholic, this disc is great for rainy days or falling asleep to. If you enjoy bands like Tel Aviv, The Feverfew, The Soft Eyes or The Library Tapes, you'll enjoy this band.
P.S. Go Leafs.
Kamran Makes Some Startling Revelations Below: The Beatles - Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beatles.jpg
Website: (http://www.beatles.com) :: Listen: (http://www.beatles.com)
You know, I’m one of those guys who was never really introduced to music as a child. My older brother and sister never showed me any music, which I’m kind of bitter about. But then the other day, I put in the Beatles's Past Masters Volume 1 – a collection of the band’s earliest (1962!) recordings – and realized, “Holy huckapoo! I know all the words to all of these songs!” And I hadn’t listened to this CD in a good solid decade. Then I realized, “Sufferin’ suckatash!" my mom – who is relatively disinterested in rock n’ roll – was the first to show me the Beatles, and my first taste of rock n’ roll. Thanks, ma! Anyways, I’ve been rocking arguably the band’s best and most influential album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The best part about this album is that, although released in 1967, bands are still blatantly ripping the Beatles off, and Sgt. Pepper's is still relevant 40-fucking-years after it’s release.
Jordan Smith Enters The Circle Of Trust: Russian Circles - Enter
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/russiancircles.jpg
Website: (http://www.russiancircles.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/russiancircles)
On first hearing them on their opening stint on the Minus the Bear/mewithoutYou tour, I was very impressed. Atmospheric, heavy and instrumental is probably the best way to describe the sound as a whole; very comparable to Pelican, although with an overall faster pace than the Chicago atmos-metal act. The similarity in sound could be because they are from the same area and have been friends, but Russian Circles is not just some Pelican rip-off. Complex time changes and thick riffage fill out this amazing 6 song full length debut.
Chris Conlan Still Hasn't Figured Out That The Only Way To Southern-Fry Metal Is To Be In This Band Called Pantera: A Girl A Gun A Ghost - Save This City EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/agagag.jpg
Website: (http://www.agirlagunaghost.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/agirlagunaghost)
While people can bitch all they want about MySpace, I am so happy it was created because I have come across so many bands that have become my favorites. One of those favorites is an unsigned band called A Girl A Gun A Ghost. From the moment their fan-fucking-tablous style of southern rock/hardcore hit my ears, I was hooked. Save This City is 24 minutes of pure energy and rock. So grab your bottle of Jack and raise it high in the air and salute these southern gents. Rock n fucking roll!
Jordan Silverberg Makes His Triumphant Return To "Last Name Required": The Binges - Untitled
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thebinges.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thebinges) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thebinges)
I'm on a total straight rock n' roll kick right now. My pick last week was Priestess's Hello Master. In addition, I've been listening to The Bronx, The Sword, Burning Brides, The Giraffes, etc. Rock n' fuckin' roll all the fuckin' way! So, in my quest for more music, I came upon The Binges. Now, the music speaks for itself and totally kicks ass, but what blew my mind about this band -- the guitarist and the bassist are two Asian chicks who barely speak a lick of English, but can literally tear the roof apart with their musical chops. Watch their videos, you'll see what I mean. So, please, enjoy. Please.
Chris Pandolfo Practices Idolatry Like No God-Fearing Sinner Before Him. And If Being Gay Really Does Mean You Can't Get Into Heaven, Then This Blowjob He's About To Give Guarantees Him An Eternity In Hell's Fiery Depths: Tool - 10,000 Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tool.jpg
Website: (http://www.toolband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.toolband.com)
Just two days ago I saw Tool for the second time. In short, it was probably the best show I've ever seen. From the performance, to the light show, to the sound, etc. It was just an overall INCREDIBLE experience.
Here are some pics taken from the T.D.N. group on Flickr:
http://static.flickr.com/89/251962537_c0d04c16b5.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/83/251947702_5dde60dbc5.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/111/254442925_f5cbaf717c.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82042907@N00/254445230/in/pool-toolshed/
I'd do it again in a second. In fact, I may do it again this weekend. Yes.
Sometimes I think about what my review would look like if I reviewed the new record. It took me 5 seconds to imagine the most simplistic review possible and I chuckled. It would be something similar to this:
Tool is my favorite band; therefore you hate me. THEREFORE, I'm giving this album a 6.5/5 just to piss you off. I would normally give it a 6/5 but the extra half score is to just piss Ben off a little more than usual. He'll tell you that Tool sucks and that he is right about everything. He'd be wrong about that though. But if he said I was a typical asshole Tool fanatic, he'd be right on. This album is phenomenal.
I can just imagine what my header will be for this Listening Station. Whatever it says, well...Ben is always right!
Armand Has The Sex Appeal Of Ten Assantes, But His Taste In Music Leaves Much To Be Desired By The Ladies. Their Main Complaint? Needs More Prince: Wolverines + The Sibling Project - Split
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wolverines.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/wolverinesrock) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesiblingproject)
I initially downloaded this split off an emo forum and expected to hear two bands scream and thrash around for 20 minutes; boy, was I 75% surprised.
Listening to Wolverines was a pleasant experience. Before I listened to this split, I was getting pretty bored with screamo in general. I was tired of hearing bands pound it out for minute-long songs and of Funeral Diner-esque post-rock-influenced screamo. Well, Wolverines made me happy by settling for a middle ground and making some top-notch melodic screamo.
When The Sibling Project came on, I was dumbfounded. After hearing Wolverines, I was expecting another screamo band or at least something remotely heavy, just like every other split I’ve heard. I was in no way expecting to hear a female-fronted pop band. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed what I heard from The Sibling Project, which is actually a group of two siblings. They put some catchy pop tunes on this disc and really squashed the chances of this split getting stale.
So if you want to get a nice mix of screamy and catchy, this is the disc for you.
Johnny Gets His Powerful Message Out To His Adoring Masses: Nevertheless - Live Like We're Alive
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nevertheless.jpg
Website: (http://www.nevertheless.ca.tt) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nevertheless)
It has been a while, but finally, there is a new, talented pop rock band. Enter: Nevertheless. With their debut, Live Like We're Alive, this Chattanooga five-piece comes out of nowhere to deliver songs that are not only just catchy, but also well-written. The lyrics aren't just about breakups, but a much wider range of emotion. At the heart of the album is an energy created by a dynamic between high and low, verse and chorus. Frontman Josh Pearson's voice soothes as soft moments give way to explosive guitars and driving beats. Structure is simplified without being compromised, to complement songs as a whole, and, in the end, the album as a whole. If Nevertheless can build upon the fantastic start they have, this will be a band that I will be telling my children about. Top 10 album of the year.
Ben Is The Poster Child For Musical Obsession: Skeleton Key - Obtainium
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/skeletonkey.jpg
Website: (http://www.skeletonkey.org) :: Listen: (http://www.skeletonkey.org/audio.html)
Surely, no one remembers my rant about how Tool fans are idiots for not enjoying/knowing about Lusk. Well, friends, welcome to another circle of that same rant, but in reverse: Sometimes, I follow a band too closely. Yes, it can be done. And I do it constantly. I'm not going to say I regret buying Skeleton Key. I absolutely don't. It's fucking fantastic music. But the reason I bought it? It was loosely tied to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. SGM's current drummer Matthias Bossi once had something to do with Skeleton Key. Therefore, I hunted down some Skeleton Key records. What I found was a band with two distinct sounds: Musical metamorphosis masters and junkyard percussion masters. The band steals from every band I love in order to create their highly-enjoyable rock/pop/metal melting pot of musical mixtures. It's so damned good, every time. Once I put on a Skeleton Key record, I have to play it at least three more times. Shit sucks, dawg.
Jeremy Is Quite Sure You Don't Need To Be Able To Talk To Solve Logarithms: Mutemath - Mutemath
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mutemath.jpg
Website: (http://www.mutemath.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mutemath)
I was a fan of Mutemath's full length release from the first time I heard it - problem was, I couldn't find it for my own purchase. I was able to score it straight from the band's website, but alas - now I can tell people about this band and send them straight to the store. I know this band is nothing new to anyone on this forum, but I thought their re-release deserved a quick mention for the lurkers. I do regret that they had to remove "With or Without It" to make room for some of the tracks off the Reset EP. Here's to hoping they sell enough to keep their steam going, but don't blow up too big that we can't see a good club show!
Allen Celebrates All That Is Wrong With Melodic Hardcore: As Cities Burn - Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ascitiesburn.jpg
Website: (http://www.ascitiesburn.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ascitiesburn)
When I first listened to this album, I wasn’t overly impressed. In fact, I was kinda put off by the growling screams and the song (“The Widow”) which is probably tied for “the most blatantly obvious and preachy song about God/Jesus” slot along with fellow Solid State-ers Underoath’s “Some will seek forgiveness, Others escape.” But every once in awhile I'd return and slowly built up my love for this album, even the preachy Jesus song. Then I just stopped listening for a couple months — writing them off in my mind as thinking they were good, but not really remembering why I liked them so much. Two nights ago I went back and re-listened, and the album got even better for me again. It's soft enough to give a little bit of a respite in between the heavier stuff I’ve listened to this week like Misery Signals, Poison the Well, and Between the Buried and Me, while still fitting my mood (its been bad week).
Alex Davies Gives Me Flashbacks To Last Week: I Am Ghost - Lovers Requiem
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/iamghost.jpg
Website: (http://www.iamghost.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/iamghost)
I know not many people are jumping for joy over this release. And that this band probably won't feature on anybody's top 50, let alone top 5, as the year draws to a close. But frankly, I think that Lovers Requiem is a solid album, with a clutch of great tracks. OK, the vocals are heavily produced and there are definite MCR-apeing moments, but there are moments on this album that thoroughly overshadow this. There's a great harmony between the male and female singers and, on a base level, that are some brilliant choruses here. If you have any time between spins of new Blood Brothers, and a band with Sparrowes in their name, give it a chance.
Stephen Chamberlain Knows This Album Needs Attention And Will Go To Any Length To Make Sure It Doesn't Go Underappreciated, Including Name-Dropping Matt Bayles: Benton Falls - Guilt Beats Hate
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bentonfalls.jpg
Website: (http://www.deepelm.com/bands/index_benton.html) :: Listen: (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=27415493)
Add Benton Falls to the long list of quality bands that broke up during their prime. While they released only two albums, those with a discerning palette for authentic emo/post-hardcore hold them in high regard. It's too bad Deep Elm's recent roster hasn't been stellar--with the exception of Latterman--because they discovered a gem in this Santa Rosa four-piece/three-piece. Benton Falls's first record was more restrained, incorporating subtle cello and maintaining consistent melody. After dropping the second guitarist, on Guilt Beats Hate, the band cranked up the volume, with vocalist Michael Richardson assuming lead guitar duties as well.
Listening to this record, you would never guess that one man was creating that hailstorm of notes. Matt Bayles's production provides the perfect touch to the album, giving the harsh guitar sounds an organic feel to match Richardson's poignant vocals. Even when Richardson employs a tortured scream, it never sounds forced. Granted this record was released in 2003, before the influx of copycat "screamo" groups, but when you hear Richardson's anguished cries, you know there's something more--it was necessary for him to utter the words that way. It's a shame that only two people reviewed this album on Amazon and four thousand have reviewed Panic (I refuse the put that exclamation point) at the Disco. Benton Falls's lyrics can be a bit maudlin at times--this is emo, after all--but listen to this record and cry when you realize what the band could currently be producing.
Barry Scatton Reminds Me To Listen To More Orange9mm: Kiss It Goodbye - She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kissitgoodbye.jpg
Website: (http://www.revelationrecords.com/releases/58.html) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/kissitgoodby)
When Tim Singer and Keith Huckins abruptly quit Deadguy to pave a separate path of sonic destruction, who knew they were going to create yet another string of metalcore masterpieces? As if Deadguy weren't awesome enough, Kiss It Goodbye completely raised the bar in their absurdly short reign of terror as a band. While a lot of burgeoning metalcore acts were playing a lot faster at the time, Kiss It Goodbye expanded on the genre with a sludgier, less frantic, but still heavy as balls interpretation of the genre. Fueled by Tim Singer's agony-ridden wails (seriously, the guy sounds like he was having nails driven through his torso while laying down the vocal tracks), and piles upon piles of crippling riffage, Kiss It Goodbye created a sound so distinct that it has been rarely imitated since their breakup. This is metalcore being played the way it was meant to be played. Those seeking cheesy metal riffs and recycled breakdowns: look elsewhere, because this is a band that didn't resort to conventional methods while creating this 45 minute blitzkrieg of corrosive noise.
Jared Makes Me Think Maybe Blasting Straight Static Wouldn't Be Such A Bad Idea, Given The Alternative: A Static Lullaby - A Static Lullaby
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/astaticlullaby.jpg
Website: (http://www.astaticlullaby.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/astaticlullaby)
Like just about every other A Static Lullaby fan, I had pretty much written them off after the abysmal Faso Latido. Not too long after its release, retail sales were low, a bitter feud erupted, causing 3 of the band members to leave, and they were released from the major label, Columbia Records. It would be enough for anyone to want to quit the music business for good. Then a few months later, replacements were announced and the band signed to Fearless Records.
A Static Lullaby returned in full force. Maybe it was all the turmoil that fueled the change. Whatever it was, A Static Lullaby found it in themselves to return to their roots and record an extremely catchy record. Not only that, but it's heavier than any of their previous material. It's a welcomed change. Hopefully they do well and don't repeat the same mistakes.
Dan Alcinii Displays His Canadian Pride: Picastro - Metal Cares
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/picastro.jpg
Website: (http://www.picastro.net) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/picastro)
Anything and everything that Toronto's rising star Owen Pallett comes in contact with is seriously a masterpiece: Les Mouches, The Arcade Fire, The Hidden Cameras, and now Final Fantasy. One of Mr. Pallett's first projects was that of Picastro. Don’t take the album name too seriously, though, because the band is nowhere near the metal genre; soft spoken and melancholic, this disc is great for rainy days or falling asleep to. If you enjoy bands like Tel Aviv, The Feverfew, The Soft Eyes or The Library Tapes, you'll enjoy this band.
P.S. Go Leafs.
Kamran Makes Some Startling Revelations Below: The Beatles - Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beatles.jpg
Website: (http://www.beatles.com) :: Listen: (http://www.beatles.com)
You know, I’m one of those guys who was never really introduced to music as a child. My older brother and sister never showed me any music, which I’m kind of bitter about. But then the other day, I put in the Beatles's Past Masters Volume 1 – a collection of the band’s earliest (1962!) recordings – and realized, “Holy huckapoo! I know all the words to all of these songs!” And I hadn’t listened to this CD in a good solid decade. Then I realized, “Sufferin’ suckatash!" my mom – who is relatively disinterested in rock n’ roll – was the first to show me the Beatles, and my first taste of rock n’ roll. Thanks, ma! Anyways, I’ve been rocking arguably the band’s best and most influential album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The best part about this album is that, although released in 1967, bands are still blatantly ripping the Beatles off, and Sgt. Pepper's is still relevant 40-fucking-years after it’s release.
Jordan Smith Enters The Circle Of Trust: Russian Circles - Enter
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/russiancircles.jpg
Website: (http://www.russiancircles.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/russiancircles)
On first hearing them on their opening stint on the Minus the Bear/mewithoutYou tour, I was very impressed. Atmospheric, heavy and instrumental is probably the best way to describe the sound as a whole; very comparable to Pelican, although with an overall faster pace than the Chicago atmos-metal act. The similarity in sound could be because they are from the same area and have been friends, but Russian Circles is not just some Pelican rip-off. Complex time changes and thick riffage fill out this amazing 6 song full length debut.
Chris Conlan Still Hasn't Figured Out That The Only Way To Southern-Fry Metal Is To Be In This Band Called Pantera: A Girl A Gun A Ghost - Save This City EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/agagag.jpg
Website: (http://www.agirlagunaghost.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/agirlagunaghost)
While people can bitch all they want about MySpace, I am so happy it was created because I have come across so many bands that have become my favorites. One of those favorites is an unsigned band called A Girl A Gun A Ghost. From the moment their fan-fucking-tablous style of southern rock/hardcore hit my ears, I was hooked. Save This City is 24 minutes of pure energy and rock. So grab your bottle of Jack and raise it high in the air and salute these southern gents. Rock n fucking roll!
Jordan Silverberg Makes His Triumphant Return To "Last Name Required": The Binges - Untitled
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thebinges.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/thebinges) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thebinges)
I'm on a total straight rock n' roll kick right now. My pick last week was Priestess's Hello Master. In addition, I've been listening to The Bronx, The Sword, Burning Brides, The Giraffes, etc. Rock n' fuckin' roll all the fuckin' way! So, in my quest for more music, I came upon The Binges. Now, the music speaks for itself and totally kicks ass, but what blew my mind about this band -- the guitarist and the bassist are two Asian chicks who barely speak a lick of English, but can literally tear the roof apart with their musical chops. Watch their videos, you'll see what I mean. So, please, enjoy. Please.
Chris Pandolfo Practices Idolatry Like No God-Fearing Sinner Before Him. And If Being Gay Really Does Mean You Can't Get Into Heaven, Then This Blowjob He's About To Give Guarantees Him An Eternity In Hell's Fiery Depths: Tool - 10,000 Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tool.jpg
Website: (http://www.toolband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.toolband.com)
Just two days ago I saw Tool for the second time. In short, it was probably the best show I've ever seen. From the performance, to the light show, to the sound, etc. It was just an overall INCREDIBLE experience.
Here are some pics taken from the T.D.N. group on Flickr:
http://static.flickr.com/89/251962537_c0d04c16b5.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/83/251947702_5dde60dbc5.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/111/254442925_f5cbaf717c.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82042907@N00/254445230/in/pool-toolshed/
I'd do it again in a second. In fact, I may do it again this weekend. Yes.
Sometimes I think about what my review would look like if I reviewed the new record. It took me 5 seconds to imagine the most simplistic review possible and I chuckled. It would be something similar to this:
Tool is my favorite band; therefore you hate me. THEREFORE, I'm giving this album a 6.5/5 just to piss you off. I would normally give it a 6/5 but the extra half score is to just piss Ben off a little more than usual. He'll tell you that Tool sucks and that he is right about everything. He'd be wrong about that though. But if he said I was a typical asshole Tool fanatic, he'd be right on. This album is phenomenal.
I can just imagine what my header will be for this Listening Station. Whatever it says, well...Ben is always right!
Armand Has The Sex Appeal Of Ten Assantes, But His Taste In Music Leaves Much To Be Desired By The Ladies. Their Main Complaint? Needs More Prince: Wolverines + The Sibling Project - Split
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wolverines.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/wolverinesrock) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesiblingproject)
I initially downloaded this split off an emo forum and expected to hear two bands scream and thrash around for 20 minutes; boy, was I 75% surprised.
Listening to Wolverines was a pleasant experience. Before I listened to this split, I was getting pretty bored with screamo in general. I was tired of hearing bands pound it out for minute-long songs and of Funeral Diner-esque post-rock-influenced screamo. Well, Wolverines made me happy by settling for a middle ground and making some top-notch melodic screamo.
When The Sibling Project came on, I was dumbfounded. After hearing Wolverines, I was expecting another screamo band or at least something remotely heavy, just like every other split I’ve heard. I was in no way expecting to hear a female-fronted pop band. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed what I heard from The Sibling Project, which is actually a group of two siblings. They put some catchy pop tunes on this disc and really squashed the chances of this split getting stale.
So if you want to get a nice mix of screamy and catchy, this is the disc for you.
Johnny Gets His Powerful Message Out To His Adoring Masses: Nevertheless - Live Like We're Alive
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Website: (http://www.nevertheless.ca.tt) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nevertheless)
It has been a while, but finally, there is a new, talented pop rock band. Enter: Nevertheless. With their debut, Live Like We're Alive, this Chattanooga five-piece comes out of nowhere to deliver songs that are not only just catchy, but also well-written. The lyrics aren't just about breakups, but a much wider range of emotion. At the heart of the album is an energy created by a dynamic between high and low, verse and chorus. Frontman Josh Pearson's voice soothes as soft moments give way to explosive guitars and driving beats. Structure is simplified without being compromised, to complement songs as a whole, and, in the end, the album as a whole. If Nevertheless can build upon the fantastic start they have, this will be a band that I will be telling my children about. Top 10 album of the year.
Ben Is The Poster Child For Musical Obsession: Skeleton Key - Obtainium
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Website: (http://www.skeletonkey.org) :: Listen: (http://www.skeletonkey.org/audio.html)
Surely, no one remembers my rant about how Tool fans are idiots for not enjoying/knowing about Lusk. Well, friends, welcome to another circle of that same rant, but in reverse: Sometimes, I follow a band too closely. Yes, it can be done. And I do it constantly. I'm not going to say I regret buying Skeleton Key. I absolutely don't. It's fucking fantastic music. But the reason I bought it? It was loosely tied to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. SGM's current drummer Matthias Bossi once had something to do with Skeleton Key. Therefore, I hunted down some Skeleton Key records. What I found was a band with two distinct sounds: Musical metamorphosis masters and junkyard percussion masters. The band steals from every band I love in order to create their highly-enjoyable rock/pop/metal melting pot of musical mixtures. It's so damned good, every time. Once I put on a Skeleton Key record, I have to play it at least three more times. Shit sucks, dawg.
Jeremy Is Quite Sure You Don't Need To Be Able To Talk To Solve Logarithms: Mutemath - Mutemath
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Website: (http://www.mutemath.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mutemath)
I was a fan of Mutemath's full length release from the first time I heard it - problem was, I couldn't find it for my own purchase. I was able to score it straight from the band's website, but alas - now I can tell people about this band and send them straight to the store. I know this band is nothing new to anyone on this forum, but I thought their re-release deserved a quick mention for the lurkers. I do regret that they had to remove "With or Without It" to make room for some of the tracks off the Reset EP. Here's to hoping they sell enough to keep their steam going, but don't blow up too big that we can't see a good club show!