sir mix-a-lot
10-11-2006, 07:26 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.
Jared Loves His Korn On The C.O.B. - Children Of Bodom - Chaos Ridden Years: Stockholm Knockout Live
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/childrenofbodom3.jpg
Website: (http://www.cobhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/childrenofbodom)
I'd never been a Bodom fan until earlier this year when I heard their latest, Are You Dead Yet? After becoming a member of the "Hate Crew," I began investigating the band's back catalog (which is quite extensive). It's hard to pick a favorite; each of their discs has a different handful of songs I enjoy. Given that, I found Tokyo Warhearts, the band's live album, to be especially enjoyable.
After hearing they were producing a second live disc, I was all over it. Chaos Ridden Years has graced my ears and I can say it's every bit as good as Tokyo Warhearts. The album is comprised of 16 tracks (plus a drum solo and dueling guitar solo track) reaching through most of the band's material. The only album not represented is Something Wild. Laiho is animated and captivating as ever. I can't wait to sit down and watch the accompanying DVD.
Dave Spak Kept Me In Suspense Until The Very End: Botch - Unifying Themes Redux
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/botch2.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/botch) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/botch)
Botch blah blah blah We Are the Romans blah blah blah. I’m not even sure anyone has ever listened to the band. I think they just like saying the name. Not every band has to be compared to them. Anyway, for those of us who actually do listen to them and buy their albums, Hydrahead Records was kind enough to re-issue their compilation of rarities, Unifying Themes Redux. The label also proves once again that they are one of the best still going. This release shows that the band we have all come to know and love weren’t always insanely technical. In their modest beginnings, they wrote some short, brutal, and more traditional songs. This doesn’t mean that the release is lacking in any quality. Some of the songs contained within such as "God vs. Science," "Inch by Inch," and "In Spite of This" rank among their best material. There are also some surprise highlights such as "Rock Lobster" (yes, you read that right) and the live recording tacked to the end. Any fan of Botch or hardcore in general should own this album. And no, it does not sound like Norma Jean.
Chris Conlan Wishes He Had The Knack For Correctly Guessing Vocal Patterns And Lyrics For Bands Like This So He Could Be More Like Me: Dead Poetic - Vices
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadpoetic.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadpoetic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadpoetic)
Are you a big fan of New Medicines? Well, if you are, then get ready for Vices, because it is the complete opposite of that. With the new album Dead Poetic has decided to drop the screaming and stick to a straight rock vibe that is reminiscent of older Blindside and 30 Seconds to Mars. My only gripe is that the CD is a little overdone; basically it didn't need 14 songs. Towards the end of the disk it really loses steam, so you catch yourself starting at "Cannibal Vs. Cunning" again.
Vices will definitely give the band a lot more attention to a much bigger crowd of people. Smart choice, my friends.
Barry Puts White Powder In Envelopes: Anthrax - Persistence of Time
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/anthrax.jpg
Website: (http://www.anthrax.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/anthrax)
In 1990, just as they were reaching their peak of popularity, Anthrax unleashed their most ambitious work to date. Little did the unsuspecting public know that Persistence of Time would be their final true foray into the metal world and the final record with longtime lead vocalist Joey Belladonna. A lot of people write Anthrax off as merely a novelty band due to their subsequent material being borderline rap-rock, but this record is just straight up thrash metal, full of searing guitar solos, double bass, and high-pitched, over-the-top singing that isn't nearly as creepy as Dave Mustaine's vocals. With many of the songs on this album clocking in at over 5 minutes long, it's really hard not to take this band seriously and I think for anyone who claims to enjoy metal, Persistence of Time is completely essential. Anthrax might not have as many MySpace friends as Unearth, but they do have credibility and their metal records will continue to be influential for years to come. Unfortunately the songs Anthrax has on MySpace site are pretty bad, so I suggest previewing the album on Itunes or downloading a few tracks.
Andy Young Finally Exacts Vengeance Upon All Who Have Wronged Him: Sirens Sister - Echoes From The Ocean Floor
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sirenssister.jpg
Website: (http://www.notlame.com/CDSIRENSSISTER1.html) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sirenssister)
I'm trying to not be so typical by choosing one of the awesome newer releases that are dominating the forums here at Decoy (He is Legend, TAAS, Blood Brothers), which is pretty difficult, seeing as that's largely what I've been listening to this week. Just yesterday I got the first release from Sirens Sister, a band featuring two members of the now-disbanded Vendetta Red. I loved Vendetta Red, quite obsessively, and you could say I have reached fanboy status when it comes to lead singer Zach Davidson. So in my own biased opinion, you should check this out; there're a lot more love songs and less screaming than Vendetta Red and, although it doesn't stack up to VR, it's still pretty good and worth a listen.
Brandon Sometimes Forgets To "Throw Them 'Bows": Warrant - Cherry Pie
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/warrant.jpg
Website: (http://www.warrantweb.net) :: Listen: (http://www.warrantweb.net/albums.html)
With many great tunes such as "Cherry Pie," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," "Love in Stereo," oh who am I kidding?! Every song on this CD is rock n roll at its finest! If you want to throw on the rock and throw back some beers, then throw on this disc. Don't deny your inner desire to just flat out ROCK; instead, feed the need and stuff your ears with some Cherry Pie!
Bill Pyle Hates Capitalism! Down With The Tyrannical Dictators Of The World! Oops, Wrong Word…Bill Pyle Hates Capitalization!: The Honorary Title - Anything Else But The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thehonorarytitle.jpg
Website: (http://www.thehonorarytitle.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle)
I first heard these guys a few years ago, but never really listened to anything other than the single, "Bridge and Tunnel." I randomly went back and listened to the record a few months back and realized what I've been missing out on. It's all I've been listening to for the past few days. They supposedly have a new record coming out soon, but we all know how deceiving those words can be.
Marc Goes On Like A Blister In The Sun In Order To Fight For His Right To Party And Be Smokin' In The Boy's Room: The Offspring - Smash
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/offspring.jpg
Website: (http://www.offspring.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/offspringofficial)
I don't care what people say; I still love this record. They really should have just broken up or died in a plane crash after they wrote this. Forget the rest of their catalog. From start to finish, the Offspring don't hold back and stay true to their roots, playing a mixture of fast punk and alternative music with a pissed-off attitude. Even though I heard this album for the first time when I was like 8, it stills means as much to me now as it did then. It's a shame this band hasn't done anything else for me, because this is really a solid release they had. Maybe they will tour and play this in its entirety. Not bloody likely.
Jordan Says The Magic Word: Dredg - Waterborne
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/waterborne.jpg
Website: (http://www.thenextattack.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/waterborne)
Dredg scored a movie about a terrorist attack on the Los Angeles water supply (you know, like, science fiction sort of stuff). The score is haunting and beautiful (but just a little too short). Though I have yet to see the film itself, I can only hope it's as impressive and moving as the score is. You will find this score immediately if you even consider yourself a Dredg fan.
Scott Bays At The Moon Forlornly While Putting The Finishing Touches On His Hangman's Noose: Gallows - Orchestra Of Wolves
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/gallows.jpg
Website: (http://www.lastfightforthelivingdead.co.uk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/burnthegallows)
This British hardcore group's debut took me by surprise, primarily because it's become very difficult for any "hardcore" album to hold even the slightest bit of my attention for more than a few seconds. As we all know, the genre hit a wall several years ago, spawning numerous offshoots. Gallows takes this traditional hardcore edge - harsh vocals, straightforward riffs, etc. - and redefines it, incorporating tools set forth by many of those contemporary bands, offshoot or otherwise; you'll hear elements reminiscent of The Blood Brothers, At the Drive-In, and even Isis. A few lackluster bits and pieces keep Orchestra of Wolves from true greatness, but if the boys in Gallows continue on the track toward innovation, I'm sure they'll eventually find a sound that is entirely their own. And I, for one, can't wait to hear it.
Ben Really Only Listens To These Bands Because He Thinks He Has To. Secretly, He Doesn't Even Like Music: Isis & Aereogramme - In The Fishtank, Session 14
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/isisandaereogramme.jpg
Website: (http://www.konkurrent.nl/labels/fishtank.html) :: Listen: (http://www.sotu.co.uk/downloads.htm)
I really like this record. While I do love Aereogramme and enjoy Isis on a few occasions, neither of these bands is nearly as fascinating as the idea that spawned this album. Sure, the results aren't that tremendous, but I let it slide, because the Fishtank Sessions idea is simple genius. I wish they'd put out a new Fishtank every week. That'd be awesome. This particular installment is a huge grower. The two 10+ minute tracks can still be shortened, but, damn, does "Delial" rock. Good Lord. Opener "Low Tide" gets better each time, too. This was recorded in two days? Sign me up and put me in a room with Estradasphere. We'll tear the roof off the sucka.
Jared Loves His Korn On The C.O.B. - Children Of Bodom - Chaos Ridden Years: Stockholm Knockout Live
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/childrenofbodom3.jpg
Website: (http://www.cobhc.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/childrenofbodom)
I'd never been a Bodom fan until earlier this year when I heard their latest, Are You Dead Yet? After becoming a member of the "Hate Crew," I began investigating the band's back catalog (which is quite extensive). It's hard to pick a favorite; each of their discs has a different handful of songs I enjoy. Given that, I found Tokyo Warhearts, the band's live album, to be especially enjoyable.
After hearing they were producing a second live disc, I was all over it. Chaos Ridden Years has graced my ears and I can say it's every bit as good as Tokyo Warhearts. The album is comprised of 16 tracks (plus a drum solo and dueling guitar solo track) reaching through most of the band's material. The only album not represented is Something Wild. Laiho is animated and captivating as ever. I can't wait to sit down and watch the accompanying DVD.
Dave Spak Kept Me In Suspense Until The Very End: Botch - Unifying Themes Redux
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/botch2.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/botch) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/botch)
Botch blah blah blah We Are the Romans blah blah blah. I’m not even sure anyone has ever listened to the band. I think they just like saying the name. Not every band has to be compared to them. Anyway, for those of us who actually do listen to them and buy their albums, Hydrahead Records was kind enough to re-issue their compilation of rarities, Unifying Themes Redux. The label also proves once again that they are one of the best still going. This release shows that the band we have all come to know and love weren’t always insanely technical. In their modest beginnings, they wrote some short, brutal, and more traditional songs. This doesn’t mean that the release is lacking in any quality. Some of the songs contained within such as "God vs. Science," "Inch by Inch," and "In Spite of This" rank among their best material. There are also some surprise highlights such as "Rock Lobster" (yes, you read that right) and the live recording tacked to the end. Any fan of Botch or hardcore in general should own this album. And no, it does not sound like Norma Jean.
Chris Conlan Wishes He Had The Knack For Correctly Guessing Vocal Patterns And Lyrics For Bands Like This So He Could Be More Like Me: Dead Poetic - Vices
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadpoetic.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadpoetic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadpoetic)
Are you a big fan of New Medicines? Well, if you are, then get ready for Vices, because it is the complete opposite of that. With the new album Dead Poetic has decided to drop the screaming and stick to a straight rock vibe that is reminiscent of older Blindside and 30 Seconds to Mars. My only gripe is that the CD is a little overdone; basically it didn't need 14 songs. Towards the end of the disk it really loses steam, so you catch yourself starting at "Cannibal Vs. Cunning" again.
Vices will definitely give the band a lot more attention to a much bigger crowd of people. Smart choice, my friends.
Barry Puts White Powder In Envelopes: Anthrax - Persistence of Time
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/anthrax.jpg
Website: (http://www.anthrax.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/anthrax)
In 1990, just as they were reaching their peak of popularity, Anthrax unleashed their most ambitious work to date. Little did the unsuspecting public know that Persistence of Time would be their final true foray into the metal world and the final record with longtime lead vocalist Joey Belladonna. A lot of people write Anthrax off as merely a novelty band due to their subsequent material being borderline rap-rock, but this record is just straight up thrash metal, full of searing guitar solos, double bass, and high-pitched, over-the-top singing that isn't nearly as creepy as Dave Mustaine's vocals. With many of the songs on this album clocking in at over 5 minutes long, it's really hard not to take this band seriously and I think for anyone who claims to enjoy metal, Persistence of Time is completely essential. Anthrax might not have as many MySpace friends as Unearth, but they do have credibility and their metal records will continue to be influential for years to come. Unfortunately the songs Anthrax has on MySpace site are pretty bad, so I suggest previewing the album on Itunes or downloading a few tracks.
Andy Young Finally Exacts Vengeance Upon All Who Have Wronged Him: Sirens Sister - Echoes From The Ocean Floor
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sirenssister.jpg
Website: (http://www.notlame.com/CDSIRENSSISTER1.html) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sirenssister)
I'm trying to not be so typical by choosing one of the awesome newer releases that are dominating the forums here at Decoy (He is Legend, TAAS, Blood Brothers), which is pretty difficult, seeing as that's largely what I've been listening to this week. Just yesterday I got the first release from Sirens Sister, a band featuring two members of the now-disbanded Vendetta Red. I loved Vendetta Red, quite obsessively, and you could say I have reached fanboy status when it comes to lead singer Zach Davidson. So in my own biased opinion, you should check this out; there're a lot more love songs and less screaming than Vendetta Red and, although it doesn't stack up to VR, it's still pretty good and worth a listen.
Brandon Sometimes Forgets To "Throw Them 'Bows": Warrant - Cherry Pie
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/warrant.jpg
Website: (http://www.warrantweb.net) :: Listen: (http://www.warrantweb.net/albums.html)
With many great tunes such as "Cherry Pie," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," "Love in Stereo," oh who am I kidding?! Every song on this CD is rock n roll at its finest! If you want to throw on the rock and throw back some beers, then throw on this disc. Don't deny your inner desire to just flat out ROCK; instead, feed the need and stuff your ears with some Cherry Pie!
Bill Pyle Hates Capitalism! Down With The Tyrannical Dictators Of The World! Oops, Wrong Word…Bill Pyle Hates Capitalization!: The Honorary Title - Anything Else But The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thehonorarytitle.jpg
Website: (http://www.thehonorarytitle.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle)
I first heard these guys a few years ago, but never really listened to anything other than the single, "Bridge and Tunnel." I randomly went back and listened to the record a few months back and realized what I've been missing out on. It's all I've been listening to for the past few days. They supposedly have a new record coming out soon, but we all know how deceiving those words can be.
Marc Goes On Like A Blister In The Sun In Order To Fight For His Right To Party And Be Smokin' In The Boy's Room: The Offspring - Smash
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/offspring.jpg
Website: (http://www.offspring.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/offspringofficial)
I don't care what people say; I still love this record. They really should have just broken up or died in a plane crash after they wrote this. Forget the rest of their catalog. From start to finish, the Offspring don't hold back and stay true to their roots, playing a mixture of fast punk and alternative music with a pissed-off attitude. Even though I heard this album for the first time when I was like 8, it stills means as much to me now as it did then. It's a shame this band hasn't done anything else for me, because this is really a solid release they had. Maybe they will tour and play this in its entirety. Not bloody likely.
Jordan Says The Magic Word: Dredg - Waterborne
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/waterborne.jpg
Website: (http://www.thenextattack.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/waterborne)
Dredg scored a movie about a terrorist attack on the Los Angeles water supply (you know, like, science fiction sort of stuff). The score is haunting and beautiful (but just a little too short). Though I have yet to see the film itself, I can only hope it's as impressive and moving as the score is. You will find this score immediately if you even consider yourself a Dredg fan.
Scott Bays At The Moon Forlornly While Putting The Finishing Touches On His Hangman's Noose: Gallows - Orchestra Of Wolves
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/gallows.jpg
Website: (http://www.lastfightforthelivingdead.co.uk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/burnthegallows)
This British hardcore group's debut took me by surprise, primarily because it's become very difficult for any "hardcore" album to hold even the slightest bit of my attention for more than a few seconds. As we all know, the genre hit a wall several years ago, spawning numerous offshoots. Gallows takes this traditional hardcore edge - harsh vocals, straightforward riffs, etc. - and redefines it, incorporating tools set forth by many of those contemporary bands, offshoot or otherwise; you'll hear elements reminiscent of The Blood Brothers, At the Drive-In, and even Isis. A few lackluster bits and pieces keep Orchestra of Wolves from true greatness, but if the boys in Gallows continue on the track toward innovation, I'm sure they'll eventually find a sound that is entirely their own. And I, for one, can't wait to hear it.
Ben Really Only Listens To These Bands Because He Thinks He Has To. Secretly, He Doesn't Even Like Music: Isis & Aereogramme - In The Fishtank, Session 14
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/isisandaereogramme.jpg
Website: (http://www.konkurrent.nl/labels/fishtank.html) :: Listen: (http://www.sotu.co.uk/downloads.htm)
I really like this record. While I do love Aereogramme and enjoy Isis on a few occasions, neither of these bands is nearly as fascinating as the idea that spawned this album. Sure, the results aren't that tremendous, but I let it slide, because the Fishtank Sessions idea is simple genius. I wish they'd put out a new Fishtank every week. That'd be awesome. This particular installment is a huge grower. The two 10+ minute tracks can still be shortened, but, damn, does "Delial" rock. Good Lord. Opener "Low Tide" gets better each time, too. This was recorded in two days? Sign me up and put me in a room with Estradasphere. We'll tear the roof off the sucka.