sir mix-a-lot
11-22-2006, 08:22 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.
Alex Davies Won't Hear Any Bad Music: Until June - Until June
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/untiljune.jpg
Website: (http://www.untiljune.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/untiljune)
Until June was one of those bands that, from the opening few seconds of the first song, I was in love. And the first song isn't even in the same league as some of the material on offer on their debut. "What I've Done," 'This City," and "You Do," to highlight a few moments, are straight up pop-driven indie with sparkling falsetto harmonies and instrumentation so atmospheric, it's clear there's a lot more to this band than is first apparent. Think Explosions in the Sky go pop, add a vocalist with a keen ear for melody, and proceed to make beautiful music. Mark your calendars kids: March 20th, 2007.
Ian Hancock Doesn't Mind A Little Oratory Jizzfest: Dead To Me - Cuban Ballerina
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadtome.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadtome.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadtomesf)
I don't write reviews. If I did, I might be inclined to say something about Dead to Me's aggression and raw energy or some such nonsense. Or I'd talk about how they blend punk and hardcore to make some hybrid form of awesomeness. I'd probably drop the fact that they're on Fat Wreck Chords and that they're touring with Leftover Crack, The Sainte Catherines, and Mischief Brew. But, like I said, I don't write reviews.
Sebastian Longpre-Allaire, Lord Of The Pretentious, Might Possibly Also Go By The Name Ian Hancock: The Sainte Catherines - Dancing For Decadence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesaintecatherines.jpg
Website: (http://www.thesaintecatherines.org) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesaintecatherines)
Pretentious street name in pretentious city = Pretentious music.
The street cats of Montreal. Alcohol-fueled hardcore punk rock. The Sainte Catherines have played over 400 shows in 9 different countries with some good bands and lots of bad bands. They want to play your show, drink your beer, steal your drugs and, while your back is turned, kiss your girlfriend. Think of Motley Crue taking a bath with Tragedy while Hot Water Music argues with Leatherface about the state of punk rock... Oh yeah, your mom is there too... Sound like paradise???
Dant Is The Non-Furry: We Are The Fury - Venus
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wearethefury.jpg
Website: (http://www.wearethefury.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/wearethefury)
I chose to listen to this wonderful CD because it’s, well, wonderful. Every song on it is absolutely perfect. Despite your hatred, you should all definitely check out this release, because it’s a huge step up for them.
Chris Conlan Proves A Prerequisite For Decoy Membership Is Listening To Early-Era: Unwritten Law - The Hits List
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/unwrittenlaw2.jpg
Website: (http://www.unwrittenlaw.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/unwrittenlaw)
Unwritten Law was a big band in my high school years. With Elva and their self-titled CD, Unwritten Law could do no wrong. Hits like "California Sky" and "Seein Red" are the epitome of great songs. Well, after their Music In High Places album, the guys slowly fell apart. Losing members and making an album that really didn't make an impact like their previous endeavors had.
Even though they had their tumble later in their career, the band still has left a lasting impact with their previous albums and, with this "authorized" greatest hits album, you'll be taken back to when you were hooked on UL. All the older songs on the CD were re-recorded and re-arranged. Well, that doesn't mean much because most of the time the stuff still sounds the same, but there are some songs that are different (i.e. "California Sky").
This is definitely a CD to buy when it comes out in January 2007.
Scott Steals My Pick For The Week And Also Plagiarizes A Previous Conversation We Had About The Necessary Items Needed To Make Yourself A Sandwich (Our Conclusion? MUST Have Bread): Linda Martini - Olhos de Mongol
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lindamartini2.jpg
Website: (http://www.lindamartini.tk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lindamartini)
At the beginning of the fourth track on Linda Martini's debut LP, Olhos de Mongol, there is a brief section of Portuguese lyrics that sounds remarkably similar to the English sentence, "I look at the sandwich." His voice trembles with such aching desperation that I can't help but want my very own sandwich to look at and eventually devour. But then I think about the implications lying dormant within such a seemingly simple and harmless idea: first of all, I'd have to get up off my ass and go get a sandwich. But what if I'm out of meat or cheese? Or, even worse…bread? I'd have to drive somewhere to buy one, shelling out my hard earned dollars. As if that isn't bad enough, my car's door is situated at the perfect height to static shock my nipple every single time I try to vacate the vehicle. It starts to feel as if the universe is mocking me; each shock akin to yet another metaphysical slap in the face. Why, God? Answer me! Are you even out there?! Sitting upon your cumulonimbus throne, cackling at my nipple-shocked misery? Or is the universe simply blankness? If we could punch through the pasteboard mask that shields our physical existence from the spiritual beyond, would we merely find a vast expanse of nothingness? Do our lives possess no meaning? GAAAAHH!!!
Editor's Note: Dammit, now I want a sandwich, too. This album is phenomenal. If the Grammys made any sense or had any nobility left in them, Linda Martini would win Best New Artist.
Jordan Is Miffed That I Neglected His Pick Last Week, So He Shall Now Reign In Blood: Christine: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/christine.jpg
Website: (http://www.theofficialjohncarpenter.com) :: Listen: (http://www.theofficialjohncarpenter.com/pages/sounds.html)
I was on a kick this week for incredibly cheesy early 80's horror synth scores. In pursuit of such treasures, one cannot deny the power and impact that John Carpenter's films and scores had on 80's horror. We can hear how he was influenced by the scores of the late 70's Italian horror films. Sure, there're better Carpenter scores one could listen to than Christine (Escape From NY, The Thing, Halloween, and I will never deny the way I felt when I first listened to the score for They Live) but I definitely find his score to Christine (which is a pretty silly movie) to be extremely bad ass. "Moochie's Death" and "Moochie Mix Four" are quite honestly perfect pieces of music. Respect. Happy Thanksgiving.
Dave Spak Is Gracious For The Fact That: Sharks Keep Moving - Desert Strings And Drifters
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sharkskeepmoving.jpg
Website: (http://www.secondnaturerecordings.com/reborn/info.php?bandname=Sharks%20Keep%20Moving) :: Listen: (http://www.secondnaturerecordings.com/reborn/mp3/Try%20To%20Sleep.mp3)
Sharks Keep Moving is a very mysterious band. At one time they contained members of the Blood Brothers and Kill Sadie. With this EP, Desert Strings and Drifters, they send listeners through a laidback musical expedition in 28 minutes among only 4 songs. Each song has its own personality, although the EP plays best as a whole. The music contained here is easily described as beautiful with its mathy guitar lines, walking pace rhythms, and sweeping viola. Any fan of laidback math rock bands such as Minus the Bear will have plenty to enjoy here. Whenever I play this album, I need to listen to the entire thing and I get sucked in every time.
Armand Babian Has Apparently Gone Mentally Retarded This Week, Yet He Strangely Did Not Make Any Ill-Conceived Comparisons To Legendary Running Back Vai Sikahema, Who, According To Wikipedia, Is Related By Marriage To Jon Heder, AKA Napoleon Dynamite: Sika Redem - Entheogen
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sikaredem.jpg
Website: (http://www.sikaredem.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sikaredem)
RIYL:
Converge
Christian Okoye
Mono
Larry Johnson
Envy
Vai Sikahema
Isis
Marcus Allen
Mogwai
Priest Holmes
Orchid
Joe Delaney
Botch
Tim Knows For A Fact That The Devil Exists, Because He Has Full Licensing Of Hell: Heavens - Patent Pending
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/heavens.jpg
Website: (http://www.heavensband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/heavensband)
Who would have thought that Matt Skiba had songs left over, considering the high level of productivity he has with Alkaline Trio? Well, he did. So he made an album with his roommate, who also happened to be in the punk band F-Minus before they broke up. The result is a darker, even more introspective release than anything Alkaline Trio has ever recorded. It's got a dark, dancy feel and isn't punk at all, but it's definitely one of the best releases of the year. If you haven't checked this out yet, make sure you do. For absolute catchy excellence, check out the title track.
Johnny Expects Big Things, Such As A Turkey Baster, From: Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/motioncitysoundtrack.jpg
Website: (http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/motioncitysoundtrack)
MCS’s debut was a great record, so I knew that the band had plenty of potential, but I was blown away with the record that they came out with the second time around. Commit This to Memory combines the synth and Moog that made Motion City Soundtrack a scene favorite with Justin Pierre’s borderline schizophrenic lyrics and delivery, then adds a bigger helping of guitars to make this the record that I listened to more than any other last year. This band has left Epitaph Records with huge indie success and I have no doubt that, once on a major (whichever one they decide on), they will achieve Panic! stature.
Jared Gives Praise For The American Rebirth Of Metal In The Shape And Sound Of Metalcore: Catherine - Rumour Has It Astaroth Has Stolen Your Eyes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/catherine.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/catherine) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/catherine)
With my iPod on the fritz this week, I haven't been checking out my normal amount of new music. This past week I've also been to 3 shows, which left me little time for exploration.
Last night I caught Catherine opening for 36 Crazyfists. I can't say for sure if I listened to the entire album during their live set, but they played most of it and I was pleased. This is metalcore to the extreme. You'll find all of the standard metalcore fare, such as blistering guitar work and chaotic breakdowns. What sets these guys apart is the epic quality of their songs. If the end of the world had a soundtrack, surely Catherine would be blaring while things came crashing down.
Jeremy Deal Views The Second Coming Of Miles Davis Through The Eyes Of Hootie, Post-Jerry Maguire: After Miles - Listen
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/aftermiles.jpg
Website: (http://www.aftermiles.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/aftermiles)
I just received their album this week and I must say, it surpassed what I had expected of it. The vocals remind me of something in between Dave Matthews and John Popper (of Blues Traveler, for those few who didn't know). The bass sticks out on some songs in the way that it stuck on on Live's first album, Mental Jewelry. I don't know if that is a side-effect of low cost studio production, but if it is, I think it's a positive side effect; I like it when bass let's itself be heard!. I'd be lying, though, if I didn't say the thing that is giving this band the most credibility with me is their violin player. He gives the most amount of character to each song and really brings the life of the band out; the CD sounds as if it might border on repetitive at times without it. One thing that this album does scream is to be played in a live environment. I imagine them playing at a Bayou/Blues festival and receiving standing ovations. The album is recommended for fans of Echo Helstrom (or, to a lesser extent, your Dave Matthews sound-alike bands of the mid to late 90's). It may not be a 5 star album by any means, but it's worth a few listens and an opportunity for sure.
Ben Decided To Go In Another Direction: Dikta - Hunting For Happiness
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dikta.jpg
Website: (http://www.dikta.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/dikta)
I didn't want to have the same pick as the lowly Scott Miller, so I reversed my vote, went Republican where I normally would head Democrat, and picked Iceland's own Dikta, who write better songs with American lyrics than most American bands do. Plus they're better musicians. Granted, they have nothing better to do, but it's still an accomplishment to write an album that actually means something without once coming across as contrived, boring, repetitive, or overly emotional. "This Song Could Save the World" is a pretty emo song title, though. So close, so close.
Alex Davies Won't Hear Any Bad Music: Until June - Until June
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/untiljune.jpg
Website: (http://www.untiljune.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/untiljune)
Until June was one of those bands that, from the opening few seconds of the first song, I was in love. And the first song isn't even in the same league as some of the material on offer on their debut. "What I've Done," 'This City," and "You Do," to highlight a few moments, are straight up pop-driven indie with sparkling falsetto harmonies and instrumentation so atmospheric, it's clear there's a lot more to this band than is first apparent. Think Explosions in the Sky go pop, add a vocalist with a keen ear for melody, and proceed to make beautiful music. Mark your calendars kids: March 20th, 2007.
Ian Hancock Doesn't Mind A Little Oratory Jizzfest: Dead To Me - Cuban Ballerina
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadtome.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadtome.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadtomesf)
I don't write reviews. If I did, I might be inclined to say something about Dead to Me's aggression and raw energy or some such nonsense. Or I'd talk about how they blend punk and hardcore to make some hybrid form of awesomeness. I'd probably drop the fact that they're on Fat Wreck Chords and that they're touring with Leftover Crack, The Sainte Catherines, and Mischief Brew. But, like I said, I don't write reviews.
Sebastian Longpre-Allaire, Lord Of The Pretentious, Might Possibly Also Go By The Name Ian Hancock: The Sainte Catherines - Dancing For Decadence
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesaintecatherines.jpg
Website: (http://www.thesaintecatherines.org) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thesaintecatherines)
Pretentious street name in pretentious city = Pretentious music.
The street cats of Montreal. Alcohol-fueled hardcore punk rock. The Sainte Catherines have played over 400 shows in 9 different countries with some good bands and lots of bad bands. They want to play your show, drink your beer, steal your drugs and, while your back is turned, kiss your girlfriend. Think of Motley Crue taking a bath with Tragedy while Hot Water Music argues with Leatherface about the state of punk rock... Oh yeah, your mom is there too... Sound like paradise???
Dant Is The Non-Furry: We Are The Fury - Venus
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wearethefury.jpg
Website: (http://www.wearethefury.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/wearethefury)
I chose to listen to this wonderful CD because it’s, well, wonderful. Every song on it is absolutely perfect. Despite your hatred, you should all definitely check out this release, because it’s a huge step up for them.
Chris Conlan Proves A Prerequisite For Decoy Membership Is Listening To Early-Era: Unwritten Law - The Hits List
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/unwrittenlaw2.jpg
Website: (http://www.unwrittenlaw.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/unwrittenlaw)
Unwritten Law was a big band in my high school years. With Elva and their self-titled CD, Unwritten Law could do no wrong. Hits like "California Sky" and "Seein Red" are the epitome of great songs. Well, after their Music In High Places album, the guys slowly fell apart. Losing members and making an album that really didn't make an impact like their previous endeavors had.
Even though they had their tumble later in their career, the band still has left a lasting impact with their previous albums and, with this "authorized" greatest hits album, you'll be taken back to when you were hooked on UL. All the older songs on the CD were re-recorded and re-arranged. Well, that doesn't mean much because most of the time the stuff still sounds the same, but there are some songs that are different (i.e. "California Sky").
This is definitely a CD to buy when it comes out in January 2007.
Scott Steals My Pick For The Week And Also Plagiarizes A Previous Conversation We Had About The Necessary Items Needed To Make Yourself A Sandwich (Our Conclusion? MUST Have Bread): Linda Martini - Olhos de Mongol
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/lindamartini2.jpg
Website: (http://www.lindamartini.tk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/lindamartini)
At the beginning of the fourth track on Linda Martini's debut LP, Olhos de Mongol, there is a brief section of Portuguese lyrics that sounds remarkably similar to the English sentence, "I look at the sandwich." His voice trembles with such aching desperation that I can't help but want my very own sandwich to look at and eventually devour. But then I think about the implications lying dormant within such a seemingly simple and harmless idea: first of all, I'd have to get up off my ass and go get a sandwich. But what if I'm out of meat or cheese? Or, even worse…bread? I'd have to drive somewhere to buy one, shelling out my hard earned dollars. As if that isn't bad enough, my car's door is situated at the perfect height to static shock my nipple every single time I try to vacate the vehicle. It starts to feel as if the universe is mocking me; each shock akin to yet another metaphysical slap in the face. Why, God? Answer me! Are you even out there?! Sitting upon your cumulonimbus throne, cackling at my nipple-shocked misery? Or is the universe simply blankness? If we could punch through the pasteboard mask that shields our physical existence from the spiritual beyond, would we merely find a vast expanse of nothingness? Do our lives possess no meaning? GAAAAHH!!!
Editor's Note: Dammit, now I want a sandwich, too. This album is phenomenal. If the Grammys made any sense or had any nobility left in them, Linda Martini would win Best New Artist.
Jordan Is Miffed That I Neglected His Pick Last Week, So He Shall Now Reign In Blood: Christine: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/christine.jpg
Website: (http://www.theofficialjohncarpenter.com) :: Listen: (http://www.theofficialjohncarpenter.com/pages/sounds.html)
I was on a kick this week for incredibly cheesy early 80's horror synth scores. In pursuit of such treasures, one cannot deny the power and impact that John Carpenter's films and scores had on 80's horror. We can hear how he was influenced by the scores of the late 70's Italian horror films. Sure, there're better Carpenter scores one could listen to than Christine (Escape From NY, The Thing, Halloween, and I will never deny the way I felt when I first listened to the score for They Live) but I definitely find his score to Christine (which is a pretty silly movie) to be extremely bad ass. "Moochie's Death" and "Moochie Mix Four" are quite honestly perfect pieces of music. Respect. Happy Thanksgiving.
Dave Spak Is Gracious For The Fact That: Sharks Keep Moving - Desert Strings And Drifters
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sharkskeepmoving.jpg
Website: (http://www.secondnaturerecordings.com/reborn/info.php?bandname=Sharks%20Keep%20Moving) :: Listen: (http://www.secondnaturerecordings.com/reborn/mp3/Try%20To%20Sleep.mp3)
Sharks Keep Moving is a very mysterious band. At one time they contained members of the Blood Brothers and Kill Sadie. With this EP, Desert Strings and Drifters, they send listeners through a laidback musical expedition in 28 minutes among only 4 songs. Each song has its own personality, although the EP plays best as a whole. The music contained here is easily described as beautiful with its mathy guitar lines, walking pace rhythms, and sweeping viola. Any fan of laidback math rock bands such as Minus the Bear will have plenty to enjoy here. Whenever I play this album, I need to listen to the entire thing and I get sucked in every time.
Armand Babian Has Apparently Gone Mentally Retarded This Week, Yet He Strangely Did Not Make Any Ill-Conceived Comparisons To Legendary Running Back Vai Sikahema, Who, According To Wikipedia, Is Related By Marriage To Jon Heder, AKA Napoleon Dynamite: Sika Redem - Entheogen
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sikaredem.jpg
Website: (http://www.sikaredem.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sikaredem)
RIYL:
Converge
Christian Okoye
Mono
Larry Johnson
Envy
Vai Sikahema
Isis
Marcus Allen
Mogwai
Priest Holmes
Orchid
Joe Delaney
Botch
Tim Knows For A Fact That The Devil Exists, Because He Has Full Licensing Of Hell: Heavens - Patent Pending
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/heavens.jpg
Website: (http://www.heavensband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/heavensband)
Who would have thought that Matt Skiba had songs left over, considering the high level of productivity he has with Alkaline Trio? Well, he did. So he made an album with his roommate, who also happened to be in the punk band F-Minus before they broke up. The result is a darker, even more introspective release than anything Alkaline Trio has ever recorded. It's got a dark, dancy feel and isn't punk at all, but it's definitely one of the best releases of the year. If you haven't checked this out yet, make sure you do. For absolute catchy excellence, check out the title track.
Johnny Expects Big Things, Such As A Turkey Baster, From: Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/motioncitysoundtrack.jpg
Website: (http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/motioncitysoundtrack)
MCS’s debut was a great record, so I knew that the band had plenty of potential, but I was blown away with the record that they came out with the second time around. Commit This to Memory combines the synth and Moog that made Motion City Soundtrack a scene favorite with Justin Pierre’s borderline schizophrenic lyrics and delivery, then adds a bigger helping of guitars to make this the record that I listened to more than any other last year. This band has left Epitaph Records with huge indie success and I have no doubt that, once on a major (whichever one they decide on), they will achieve Panic! stature.
Jared Gives Praise For The American Rebirth Of Metal In The Shape And Sound Of Metalcore: Catherine - Rumour Has It Astaroth Has Stolen Your Eyes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/catherine.jpg
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/catherine) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/catherine)
With my iPod on the fritz this week, I haven't been checking out my normal amount of new music. This past week I've also been to 3 shows, which left me little time for exploration.
Last night I caught Catherine opening for 36 Crazyfists. I can't say for sure if I listened to the entire album during their live set, but they played most of it and I was pleased. This is metalcore to the extreme. You'll find all of the standard metalcore fare, such as blistering guitar work and chaotic breakdowns. What sets these guys apart is the epic quality of their songs. If the end of the world had a soundtrack, surely Catherine would be blaring while things came crashing down.
Jeremy Deal Views The Second Coming Of Miles Davis Through The Eyes Of Hootie, Post-Jerry Maguire: After Miles - Listen
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/aftermiles.jpg
Website: (http://www.aftermiles.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/aftermiles)
I just received their album this week and I must say, it surpassed what I had expected of it. The vocals remind me of something in between Dave Matthews and John Popper (of Blues Traveler, for those few who didn't know). The bass sticks out on some songs in the way that it stuck on on Live's first album, Mental Jewelry. I don't know if that is a side-effect of low cost studio production, but if it is, I think it's a positive side effect; I like it when bass let's itself be heard!. I'd be lying, though, if I didn't say the thing that is giving this band the most credibility with me is their violin player. He gives the most amount of character to each song and really brings the life of the band out; the CD sounds as if it might border on repetitive at times without it. One thing that this album does scream is to be played in a live environment. I imagine them playing at a Bayou/Blues festival and receiving standing ovations. The album is recommended for fans of Echo Helstrom (or, to a lesser extent, your Dave Matthews sound-alike bands of the mid to late 90's). It may not be a 5 star album by any means, but it's worth a few listens and an opportunity for sure.
Ben Decided To Go In Another Direction: Dikta - Hunting For Happiness
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dikta.jpg
Website: (http://www.dikta.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/dikta)
I didn't want to have the same pick as the lowly Scott Miller, so I reversed my vote, went Republican where I normally would head Democrat, and picked Iceland's own Dikta, who write better songs with American lyrics than most American bands do. Plus they're better musicians. Granted, they have nothing better to do, but it's still an accomplishment to write an album that actually means something without once coming across as contrived, boring, repetitive, or overly emotional. "This Song Could Save the World" is a pretty emo song title, though. So close, so close.