sir mix-a-lot
01-11-2007, 08:08 PM
Hey, young bucks, you've found Decoy's amazingly spectacular weekly Listening Station, home of the illest of the ill and the freshest of the fresh, but without all that rash bling you would find anywhere else that's cutting edge as Decoy's Listening Station. Like an obese trapeze artist, we're well-rounded, so no matter your taste, you're sure to find something each and every week. Without further ado, here are those picks.
Alex Davies Belongs In A Lunary
Clipse (http://www.clipseonline.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/clipse.jpg:
Hell Hath No Fury
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/clipse)
YUCK! Being a student sucks. You never have any money, you always see things you want to buy but you have to "budget," you would like to live a glamorous life, but instead you are bogged down with coursework and exam prep. Similarly, not being a hip hop heavyweight sucks. Not a day goes by where I don't wish I was rollin' down the strip top down on the whip, sitting on 26s, on my way to Jacob to drop $100k on a tasteful chain. Now, I'm not one to advocate illegal practices, but on Hell Hath No Fury, Clipse certainly makes the cocaine pushing business look awfully tempting. They don't chase a duck, they only race for bucks, peel money rolls 'til their thumbs get the papercuts. Cooking crack in Pyrex pots aside, this is one of the most accomplished hip hop records in a long time. It's not 24 tracks long, there are no irritating skits and there are no "R&B divas" thrown in for the radio hit. Dirty, grimy and bleak lyrics underpinned by the always excellent stark electro beats of the Neptunes, any fan of hip hop is sure to love this record. Wamp Wamp, what it do, what it do.
Editor's Note: I'm not gonna lie. As much as I mock Alex for his appearance and general musical taste, he's actually a really cool dude. He may not dig as deeply into underground stuff as most of the Decoy Staff does, but he knows plenty and recognizes good music when he hears it. Or he listens to so much crap that everything sounds good. Either way, when I talk to the guy, we actually have a ton in common. That said, I don't like Clipse at all.
Jordan Rescued This From A Man's Used-To Bin
Amon Tobin (http://www.amontobin.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/amontobin.jpg:
Foley Room
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/tobinamon)
What's to say? Amon Tobin is a pioneer for dark, heavy, extremely cinematic electronic music. Just about everything he touches is supremely badass. While his earlier releases were a lot funkier, his new stuff is a lot more like a score to a movie (or a video game). Basically, this guy rules, all his albums rule, and he puts on a great (and loud) live show. Actually, his show was the loudest concert I've ever been to...but maybe that's cause I was standing next to the speaker.
Editor's Note: Jordan hates the new layout. Put your thoughts in the comments. We're doing a little "This Week" vs. "Last Week" vs. "The Original" duel to determine the grand champion. That's right: I have no comment on this actual selection.
Johnny Lintz Has Been Missing In Listening Station Action And I Almost Began To
Panic! At The Disco (http://www.panicatthedisco.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/patd.jpg:
A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/panicatthedisco)
Everyone knows that I love pop music. I also love dance beats. The marriage of the two combines to make me one happy guy. Panic’s debut album is an orgy of pop, dance, punk and rock and they do it seamlessly and flawlessly. Basically if you can listen to this album and not at least bob your head, you’re probably near death.
Editor's Note: As much as people who know me wish it weren't true, I still really like this record. A lot. It costs me pretty much every ounce of credibility I've ever had, but I don't need your approval, dammit! Please give me your approval. I promise I won't like many other bands that are universally despised. Just let me keep this one. Please take me back. I miss you.
Armand Babian Took It A Little Too Easy And Plunged Off A Rooftop
Slowdive (http://www.slowdive.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/slowdive.jpg:
Souvlaki
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/slowdive2006)
Best album ever to share its name with a Greek food? I think so. Prove me wrong!
Oh, and also, shoegaze in your face!
Editor's Note: In case you missed it, that in reference to the song "Slow Ride." Thanks for playing.
Dave Spak Will Merely Shrug When Asked About Krug
Sunset Rubdown (http://www.myspace.com/sunsetrubdown)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sunsetrubdown.jpg:
Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/sunsetrubdown)
This is one of those albums that I should have heard much earlier. Had I been listening to this last year, it definitely would have been in my top 10. Few songs have the emotional impact that “Stadiums and Shrines II” possesses. This style of intense indie rock is what you come to expect from Spencer Krug, who also fronts Wolf Parade and plays alongside of Dan Bejar(Destroyer) in Swan Lake. The consistency throughout this album is incredible. I would rank this with Arcade Fire’s Funeral as far as great song arrangements go. I can’t seem to get enough of this album. The only question left is: which one of Krug’s projects is the best?
Editor's Note: This week, my lack of knowledge of or utter derision for every single band mentioned means I can't be very funny. Sorry for the off week.
Aaron Needs This Album Just To Breathe
Inhale/Exhale (http://www.inhaleexhalerock.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inhaleexhale.jpg:
The Lost. The Sick. The Sacred.
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/inhaleexhale)
I think the whole metal with clean vocals is so insanely overdone nowadays, it's not even funny. I can't even pick bands apart anymore in the genre, especially if you go on tour. You see one band a night that follows this formula. Yet somehow I can't help but keep listening to this Inhale/Exhale album right now. I'm sure its just a short faze I'll go through before I can't stand it anymore, but for the last week or so I've been listening to this album, LOUD. Inhale/Exhale has a sort of southern rock feel mixed in their their rock, a la Haste The Day or some other like Solid State band. The clean vocals are very well done, when mixed with the typical screaming. This has been something to enjoy with nothing being released in the last month.
Editor's Note: I again urge all bands pursuing the "Southern rock and metal" thing to give up. You have nowhere near the talent of Pantera and you lack the upbring. Plus, unless your bassist plays like Rex does, it just won't work. And if you're sporting a mullet, well, I guess I'd see you live. But not because you're good.
Daniel Alcinii Passes Out When He Gets Confused
Mental (http://www.bridge9.com/bridgenine/band-mental.php#)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mental.jpg:
Get An Oxygen Tank
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mentalhc)
It's a shame that Mental played their last show this past summer (at least I think it was summer). Although this record came out in '03, it wasn't until recently that I was able to find their record at my local record store. That day was none other then last Wednesday and what a grand day it was. By the end of 2006, I despised Wednesdays because of the old pretty lady. But it's a new year and, surprisingly, 2007 has already brought two great Wednesdays: Mental record, met a pretty lady to replace old pretty lady, fun filled dinners.
A lot of Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Scrubs watching as well in between long ass shifts at work.
Editor's Note: I couldn't think of a better way to allude to lyrics from Eels track "Mental." But on to the actual writeup: I watch all three of those shows constantly. They're all superb. Guess which one I like best, then guess which one got cancelled. To summarize: Life isn't fair.
Brandon Fishes Out The Old Flashlight
Amandine (http://www.amandinemusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/amandine.jpg:
Waiting For The Light To Find Us
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/amandinemusic)
This beautiful album is filled with songs that are well crafted throughout. Sounding like it might be on an American label in the vein of Saddle Creek/Team Love, SubPop, or even Polyvinyl, instead they are on FatCat Records, which some may know as the label home of Sigur Ros, Animal Collective, and many more. If you like Owen, give this band a shot. These lovely lullaby-esque songs are enough to inspire or to cause you to sit back and reflect or to just enjoy. So throw this album on and appreciate the eclectic use of many different instruments and cozy up with a blanket by the fire.
Editor's Note: I'm pretty sure at least a third of our readers just wet themselves.
Jeremy Drops A Historic Deuce
Jonny Classic And The Classic Johns (http://www.gruvismalt.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/classic.jpg:
Your New Favorite Album
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jonnyclassic)
Brendan Bell of Gruvis Malt made up this little side project that takes its music mostly, if not wholly, from the old handheld classic - Gameboy. I know the "video-game music" genre has been over-killed of late, but this has been around for a little while and honestly just makes for a cool melodic electronica album moreso than a tribute to games of yesteryear. The album flies by, clocking in right at 30 minutes, and easily bears through multiple plays without getting old or terribly redundant. It's the perfect album for a quick pick-me-up out of a blah mood. Besides... tell that cloud that his album doesn't rock... go on.... that's what I thought.
Editor's Note: I hate when people say "an historic." So if you were offended by my header on this one because of that, I hate your guts. Anyway, I guess this album must be like a decent Nintendo game - replay value through the roof. Plus you can pause it. And only one person can listen to it at a time, but this is mainly because no one but you could stand this garbage. I'm sure there are other parallels that can be discussed, but it's getting late and my time is scarce.
Ben Breaks At Least Six Commandments A Day
Kenna (http://www.kennaonline.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kenna.jpg:
New Sacred Cow
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/kenna)
I really hope Kenna's next album takes off. New Sacred Cow was one of my favorite albums of 2003, even though I thought a few too many songs kind of killed the mood. Then I saw that Cingular commercial with a new Kenna track and it did two things to me: Reminded me to listen to this again…and made me wish the new album doesn’t have too many songs like the one in the commercial. It is not a strong display of the awesomeness of this Ethiopian pop superstar in the making. Because New Sacred Cow didn't put him at the head of the pack, look for his next release to do just that. But until then, be sure to revisit (or, if you missed it the first time, visit) superb tracks like electro-funked "Free Time" or glitchy "Man Fading." But mostly, be sure to throw on the almost-racist-sounding "Red Man." He's got you crazy.
Editor's Note: Pretty much every track on this album has something of extreme musical value, even if some of the tracks are less stellar than others. I thought I could eat some food, grab something to drink, while the last five tracks played. I was wrong. Too catchy not to sing.
Alex Davies Belongs In A Lunary
Clipse (http://www.clipseonline.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/clipse.jpg:
Hell Hath No Fury
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/clipse)
YUCK! Being a student sucks. You never have any money, you always see things you want to buy but you have to "budget," you would like to live a glamorous life, but instead you are bogged down with coursework and exam prep. Similarly, not being a hip hop heavyweight sucks. Not a day goes by where I don't wish I was rollin' down the strip top down on the whip, sitting on 26s, on my way to Jacob to drop $100k on a tasteful chain. Now, I'm not one to advocate illegal practices, but on Hell Hath No Fury, Clipse certainly makes the cocaine pushing business look awfully tempting. They don't chase a duck, they only race for bucks, peel money rolls 'til their thumbs get the papercuts. Cooking crack in Pyrex pots aside, this is one of the most accomplished hip hop records in a long time. It's not 24 tracks long, there are no irritating skits and there are no "R&B divas" thrown in for the radio hit. Dirty, grimy and bleak lyrics underpinned by the always excellent stark electro beats of the Neptunes, any fan of hip hop is sure to love this record. Wamp Wamp, what it do, what it do.
Editor's Note: I'm not gonna lie. As much as I mock Alex for his appearance and general musical taste, he's actually a really cool dude. He may not dig as deeply into underground stuff as most of the Decoy Staff does, but he knows plenty and recognizes good music when he hears it. Or he listens to so much crap that everything sounds good. Either way, when I talk to the guy, we actually have a ton in common. That said, I don't like Clipse at all.
Jordan Rescued This From A Man's Used-To Bin
Amon Tobin (http://www.amontobin.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/amontobin.jpg:
Foley Room
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/tobinamon)
What's to say? Amon Tobin is a pioneer for dark, heavy, extremely cinematic electronic music. Just about everything he touches is supremely badass. While his earlier releases were a lot funkier, his new stuff is a lot more like a score to a movie (or a video game). Basically, this guy rules, all his albums rule, and he puts on a great (and loud) live show. Actually, his show was the loudest concert I've ever been to...but maybe that's cause I was standing next to the speaker.
Editor's Note: Jordan hates the new layout. Put your thoughts in the comments. We're doing a little "This Week" vs. "Last Week" vs. "The Original" duel to determine the grand champion. That's right: I have no comment on this actual selection.
Johnny Lintz Has Been Missing In Listening Station Action And I Almost Began To
Panic! At The Disco (http://www.panicatthedisco.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/patd.jpg:
A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/panicatthedisco)
Everyone knows that I love pop music. I also love dance beats. The marriage of the two combines to make me one happy guy. Panic’s debut album is an orgy of pop, dance, punk and rock and they do it seamlessly and flawlessly. Basically if you can listen to this album and not at least bob your head, you’re probably near death.
Editor's Note: As much as people who know me wish it weren't true, I still really like this record. A lot. It costs me pretty much every ounce of credibility I've ever had, but I don't need your approval, dammit! Please give me your approval. I promise I won't like many other bands that are universally despised. Just let me keep this one. Please take me back. I miss you.
Armand Babian Took It A Little Too Easy And Plunged Off A Rooftop
Slowdive (http://www.slowdive.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/slowdive.jpg:
Souvlaki
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/slowdive2006)
Best album ever to share its name with a Greek food? I think so. Prove me wrong!
Oh, and also, shoegaze in your face!
Editor's Note: In case you missed it, that in reference to the song "Slow Ride." Thanks for playing.
Dave Spak Will Merely Shrug When Asked About Krug
Sunset Rubdown (http://www.myspace.com/sunsetrubdown)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sunsetrubdown.jpg:
Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/sunsetrubdown)
This is one of those albums that I should have heard much earlier. Had I been listening to this last year, it definitely would have been in my top 10. Few songs have the emotional impact that “Stadiums and Shrines II” possesses. This style of intense indie rock is what you come to expect from Spencer Krug, who also fronts Wolf Parade and plays alongside of Dan Bejar(Destroyer) in Swan Lake. The consistency throughout this album is incredible. I would rank this with Arcade Fire’s Funeral as far as great song arrangements go. I can’t seem to get enough of this album. The only question left is: which one of Krug’s projects is the best?
Editor's Note: This week, my lack of knowledge of or utter derision for every single band mentioned means I can't be very funny. Sorry for the off week.
Aaron Needs This Album Just To Breathe
Inhale/Exhale (http://www.inhaleexhalerock.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inhaleexhale.jpg:
The Lost. The Sick. The Sacred.
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/inhaleexhale)
I think the whole metal with clean vocals is so insanely overdone nowadays, it's not even funny. I can't even pick bands apart anymore in the genre, especially if you go on tour. You see one band a night that follows this formula. Yet somehow I can't help but keep listening to this Inhale/Exhale album right now. I'm sure its just a short faze I'll go through before I can't stand it anymore, but for the last week or so I've been listening to this album, LOUD. Inhale/Exhale has a sort of southern rock feel mixed in their their rock, a la Haste The Day or some other like Solid State band. The clean vocals are very well done, when mixed with the typical screaming. This has been something to enjoy with nothing being released in the last month.
Editor's Note: I again urge all bands pursuing the "Southern rock and metal" thing to give up. You have nowhere near the talent of Pantera and you lack the upbring. Plus, unless your bassist plays like Rex does, it just won't work. And if you're sporting a mullet, well, I guess I'd see you live. But not because you're good.
Daniel Alcinii Passes Out When He Gets Confused
Mental (http://www.bridge9.com/bridgenine/band-mental.php#)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mental.jpg:
Get An Oxygen Tank
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mentalhc)
It's a shame that Mental played their last show this past summer (at least I think it was summer). Although this record came out in '03, it wasn't until recently that I was able to find their record at my local record store. That day was none other then last Wednesday and what a grand day it was. By the end of 2006, I despised Wednesdays because of the old pretty lady. But it's a new year and, surprisingly, 2007 has already brought two great Wednesdays: Mental record, met a pretty lady to replace old pretty lady, fun filled dinners.
A lot of Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Scrubs watching as well in between long ass shifts at work.
Editor's Note: I couldn't think of a better way to allude to lyrics from Eels track "Mental." But on to the actual writeup: I watch all three of those shows constantly. They're all superb. Guess which one I like best, then guess which one got cancelled. To summarize: Life isn't fair.
Brandon Fishes Out The Old Flashlight
Amandine (http://www.amandinemusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/amandine.jpg:
Waiting For The Light To Find Us
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/amandinemusic)
This beautiful album is filled with songs that are well crafted throughout. Sounding like it might be on an American label in the vein of Saddle Creek/Team Love, SubPop, or even Polyvinyl, instead they are on FatCat Records, which some may know as the label home of Sigur Ros, Animal Collective, and many more. If you like Owen, give this band a shot. These lovely lullaby-esque songs are enough to inspire or to cause you to sit back and reflect or to just enjoy. So throw this album on and appreciate the eclectic use of many different instruments and cozy up with a blanket by the fire.
Editor's Note: I'm pretty sure at least a third of our readers just wet themselves.
Jeremy Drops A Historic Deuce
Jonny Classic And The Classic Johns (http://www.gruvismalt.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/classic.jpg:
Your New Favorite Album
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jonnyclassic)
Brendan Bell of Gruvis Malt made up this little side project that takes its music mostly, if not wholly, from the old handheld classic - Gameboy. I know the "video-game music" genre has been over-killed of late, but this has been around for a little while and honestly just makes for a cool melodic electronica album moreso than a tribute to games of yesteryear. The album flies by, clocking in right at 30 minutes, and easily bears through multiple plays without getting old or terribly redundant. It's the perfect album for a quick pick-me-up out of a blah mood. Besides... tell that cloud that his album doesn't rock... go on.... that's what I thought.
Editor's Note: I hate when people say "an historic." So if you were offended by my header on this one because of that, I hate your guts. Anyway, I guess this album must be like a decent Nintendo game - replay value through the roof. Plus you can pause it. And only one person can listen to it at a time, but this is mainly because no one but you could stand this garbage. I'm sure there are other parallels that can be discussed, but it's getting late and my time is scarce.
Ben Breaks At Least Six Commandments A Day
Kenna (http://www.kennaonline.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kenna.jpg:
New Sacred Cow
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/kenna)
I really hope Kenna's next album takes off. New Sacred Cow was one of my favorite albums of 2003, even though I thought a few too many songs kind of killed the mood. Then I saw that Cingular commercial with a new Kenna track and it did two things to me: Reminded me to listen to this again…and made me wish the new album doesn’t have too many songs like the one in the commercial. It is not a strong display of the awesomeness of this Ethiopian pop superstar in the making. Because New Sacred Cow didn't put him at the head of the pack, look for his next release to do just that. But until then, be sure to revisit (or, if you missed it the first time, visit) superb tracks like electro-funked "Free Time" or glitchy "Man Fading." But mostly, be sure to throw on the almost-racist-sounding "Red Man." He's got you crazy.
Editor's Note: Pretty much every track on this album has something of extreme musical value, even if some of the tracks are less stellar than others. I thought I could eat some food, grab something to drink, while the last five tracks played. I was wrong. Too catchy not to sing.