sir mix-a-lot
03-07-2007, 09:48 PM
It's time to kick March off the right way: Late. That's why we at Decoy do this Listening Station once a week. Because if it's gonna be seen, it's gonna be seen at an awkward time. We're all about transitions, which is why we hate bands that get repetitive. I'm blabbering.
MJ Invites You To Shake Hands With
Chief Beef (http://www.chiefbeefband.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chiefbeef.jpg:
Something About Rock
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/chiefbeef)
With an idiotic name like Chief Beef coupled with the equally lame album art that comes with their LP, one would think they were “trying” not get noticed. It’s that, or maybe they just don’t care about producing spectacles -- since that’s what casual music listeners buy rather than quality music.
If the latter is true, then Chief Beef is undoubtedly one of the many unsung messiahs of indie music. The band’s reclusive album rocks competently with a sound akin to the likes of Jawbox, Traindodge, Riddle of Steel, Hum, Shiner, Failure, heck, just about any meaningful band that embodies post-hardcore, math-rock or whatever title one chooses to label it. Do yourself a favor and track Something About Rock down or at least check out the tune “Quitting.”
Editor's Note: Man, this sounds badass. It's too bad I'm so deeply absorbed in my own pick to give them a listen at the moment. Should bear noting that my pick was also inspired by MJ reminding me the band in question once existed, which later prompted me to buy their album off CDBaby, which prompted me to buy other bands that have CDs available through there. I hate MJ. He's a fucker.
Dan Alcinii Say This Album And Immediately Went Straightedge
You Say Party! We Say Die! (http://www.yousaypartywesaydie.ca)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/partydie.jpg:
Lose All Time
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie)
These Vancouver, BC natives evidently really enjoy exclamation marks. Seriously, there are two in the name, and that's just pure insanity. Anyways, the sophomore full length from these Canadian dudes is just as fantastic as its predecessor, only with the enjoyment factor cranked through the roof. This is probably the lamest attempt at getting anyone interested in a record, but seriously, it's good dance stuff. Get into it because I'm getting some sleep.
Editor's Note: For the second consecutive week, this thing was postponed because of an issue with entrances to my home. Do I live in the ghetto? Just kidding, my lock just sucks. In further news, notice the album title listed here and the album title listed on the artwork don't match. I smell conspiracy! Daniel tried to send me new artwork, but couldn't find any. Likely story, I know. That's why it's stuck as is. He just can't admit he doesn't know this album's title.
Rick Thinks This Pick Will Rile Everyone Up, But He's Really No Firestarter, He Is No Keen Instigator
Deftones (http://www.deftones.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deftones2.jpg:
Around The Fur
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/deftones)
Sure, everyone was creaming over Saturday Night Wrist last year and I can understand why—it was a pretty good effort, but I think it was far from their best work. In my mind, the Deftones were at their best on their sophomore album, Around the Fur. It was a little less abrasive than their debut, which is a classic in its own right, but it was also just edgy enough to keep the record intense. Both of the singles on this effort, “My Own Summer” and “Be Quiet and Drive,” were phenomenal songs and if you took the chance to listen to the rest of the CD, you’d hear a great collaboration with Max Cavalera on “Headup,” as well as the scathing “Rickets” and the intense title track. Around the Fur was the height of the Deftones' career. They may have gotten a little more experimental in their old age, but that doesn’t make them better.
Editor's Note: Oh come on! Who doesn't like Around the Fur? Ridiculous.
Alex Once Watched High Fidelity
Bob Dylan (http://www.bobdylan.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bobdylan2.jpg:
Blonde On Blonde
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bobdylan)
I'll be honest; I haven't listened to this album this week. But nobody needed to read a write-up of either Anberlin's new one, Fall Out Boy (again), or how I can't stop listening to Ice Box by Omarion. So after a very quick scan of my CD (capitalized like woah) collection, this was the first I cast eyes on with any semblance of dignity and integrity. 17 albums away from Backstreet Boys - Incomplete and one shelf away from Cute Is What We Aim For, it shines as a sterling example of buying what you think you "ought" to buy. I've spun it a few times. Hell, I enjoyed a couple tracks. I've seen the man live. But to be completely honest, he has a fucking annoying voice. And I'd rather listen to Backstreet Boys - Incomplete ten times out of ten. Now there's a proper song. To conclude: never buy albums you think you should be buying. Always either buy an album you want or spend the money on alcohol.
Editor's Note: Alex has a point here. I try not to buy albums I think I have to own to be taken seriously. I don't own a single Bob Dylan record. Don't plan to, either. However, there is one thing he's horribly wrong on: If he's going to sort alphabetically, solo artists should go by last name first, putting this between Cute Is What We Aim For and Evergreen Terrace. Although I guess he wouldn't listen to Evergreen Terrace. Maybe Early November?. I can't think of any E bands.
Jeremy Deal Deals With His Significant Other In A Most Unsavory Way
The Dresden Dolls (http://www.dresdendolls.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dresdendolls.jpg:
Paradise
Listen (www.myspace.com/dresdendolls)
This is technically a cheat, because this is a DVD - but I have been listening to the ripped audio I got from a particular barnyard-related online downloading source. I've been on a Dresden Dolls kick lately. I profess my love for the band and their quirkiness, energy, and "whatever we fucking feel like" attitude. Their cover of "War Pigs" is a nice little touch too. I just wish it also featured their cover of NIN's "Right Where It Belongs" or Radiohead's "Exit Music: Song For A Film." I'd imagine if Chris Martin had gotten that Rage virus from 28 Days Later, this is what he'd be like. That really doesn't have anything to do with my selection... it just makes me laugh to picture it. Especially when he goes after his wife.
Editor's Note: I wish Arrested Development had the following 28 Days Later has. Bollocks.
Dant Continues His Kindly Infatuation With The Letter "K," By Which So Few Words Are Started
Kra (http://www.pscompany.co.jp/kra)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kra.jpg:
Kerabiannaito
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/kraofficial)
I like J-Rock. Feel free to make fun of me. Ben and I combined efforts to try and find the front cover of this album, but it didn't work. So enjoy the picture I have included. Also, this is a very addicting and diverse album.
Don't expect it to be poppy.
Editor's Note: I don't see why I’m getting roped into this. All I did was tell him to search the album name on Google images. Then he's all like, "What do you think of my album art?" before I even had a chance to look. And then he went offline. I am not responsible for the above photo in any way, shape, or form.
Scott Wants To Know If You're Listening. He Would Also Like To Let You Know That He's Hungry, He's Dirty, He's Losing His Mind, Everything's Fine, That He's Freezing, He's Starving, He's Bleeding To Death, Everything's Fine
Mother Mother (http://www.mothermothersite.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mothermother.jpg
Touch Up
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mothermotherspace)
Sounding like the indie-folk bastard of Cocorosie and, uh...some indie-folk guy, Mother Mother starts its new album, Touch Up, with a serious bang in the form of one of the best songs I've heard in a long time, called "Dirty Town." After this point, the album steadily declines into a somewhat forgettable second half, but there are a few songs in here that'll blow your head off if you're a fan of eclectic folk rock. Plus, there's a drawing of a head-banging zombie-rooster on the front and if that isn't sufficient cause to check it out, your heart must be a frozen block of moonshine whiskey.
Editor's Note: Fuck yeah, Tracy Bonham. Girl rage. Mid-nineties. Who didn't eat it up? That song will now be stuck in your head for the next three weeks. You have Scott to thank for this.
Chris Pandolfo Digs Up His Roots, Discovers He Is A Natural Redhead
In Pieces (http://www.inpieces.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inpieces.jpg:
Learning To Accept Silence
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/inpieces)
This is one of the first albums that got me into hardcore and it's still a great spin after all this time. Some of the greatest lyrics are on this album. They don't play this type of music anymore, but they still play amazing music. If you are a fan of melodic hardcore and you haven't heard this album yet, I suggest you do so.
"I'd rather die in your arms than alone on my bedroom floor."
Editor's Note: I almost forgot to leave an editor's note on this one. Short, sweet, not loaded with poor phrasings. This is the Chris that I like.
Ben Blames MJ For His Current Financial Woes
West At Seven (http://www.myspace.com/davegoss)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/westatseven.jpg:
West At Seven
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/westatseven)
MJ told me he finally picked up this album that I reviewed pretty much fresh out of the box as one of my first reviews for Decoy. At least, it was very early into my stead here. I'd seen them live, wasn't overly impressed, then Adam sent me their album over AIM and I was like, "Holy damn, I've actually seen these guys!" The album was much better than I had been led to believe by the live show. Anyway, MJ reminded me of them two weeks ago, thereabouts, so I went to CDBaby.com and bought this…along with some other things. And then I got to wondering what these guys are up to now, as they were just beginning to break up when I reviewed this album back in the day. It seems the only one really, really trying his hand at music still is Dave Goss. The track "DHM" on his MySpace page is incredibly promising, while the others show some promise, but could also use some work. Regardless, I'm buying his EP with my next paycheck. You should too.
Editor's Note: If this is my last week after my umpteenth tirade against Chris Conlan, I'd like to say it's been great, but I can't. It hasn't been great. I've been slacking, been assholing it up, been pretty embittered with the way the site has been going, but I'm trying to get back on the horse. I wrote as many reviews last weekend as I had the entire year thus far. In 2005, I wrote over one hundred reviews. I don't know if I've even written fifty since. If this isn't my last week, expect even more kickass listening station comments, more incredibly poorly-conceived reviews, and maybe some witty, though spotty, commentaries in our articles section. And Kaddisfly isn't anything special.
MJ Invites You To Shake Hands With
Chief Beef (http://www.chiefbeefband.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chiefbeef.jpg:
Something About Rock
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/chiefbeef)
With an idiotic name like Chief Beef coupled with the equally lame album art that comes with their LP, one would think they were “trying” not get noticed. It’s that, or maybe they just don’t care about producing spectacles -- since that’s what casual music listeners buy rather than quality music.
If the latter is true, then Chief Beef is undoubtedly one of the many unsung messiahs of indie music. The band’s reclusive album rocks competently with a sound akin to the likes of Jawbox, Traindodge, Riddle of Steel, Hum, Shiner, Failure, heck, just about any meaningful band that embodies post-hardcore, math-rock or whatever title one chooses to label it. Do yourself a favor and track Something About Rock down or at least check out the tune “Quitting.”
Editor's Note: Man, this sounds badass. It's too bad I'm so deeply absorbed in my own pick to give them a listen at the moment. Should bear noting that my pick was also inspired by MJ reminding me the band in question once existed, which later prompted me to buy their album off CDBaby, which prompted me to buy other bands that have CDs available through there. I hate MJ. He's a fucker.
Dan Alcinii Say This Album And Immediately Went Straightedge
You Say Party! We Say Die! (http://www.yousaypartywesaydie.ca)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/partydie.jpg:
Lose All Time
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie)
These Vancouver, BC natives evidently really enjoy exclamation marks. Seriously, there are two in the name, and that's just pure insanity. Anyways, the sophomore full length from these Canadian dudes is just as fantastic as its predecessor, only with the enjoyment factor cranked through the roof. This is probably the lamest attempt at getting anyone interested in a record, but seriously, it's good dance stuff. Get into it because I'm getting some sleep.
Editor's Note: For the second consecutive week, this thing was postponed because of an issue with entrances to my home. Do I live in the ghetto? Just kidding, my lock just sucks. In further news, notice the album title listed here and the album title listed on the artwork don't match. I smell conspiracy! Daniel tried to send me new artwork, but couldn't find any. Likely story, I know. That's why it's stuck as is. He just can't admit he doesn't know this album's title.
Rick Thinks This Pick Will Rile Everyone Up, But He's Really No Firestarter, He Is No Keen Instigator
Deftones (http://www.deftones.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deftones2.jpg:
Around The Fur
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/deftones)
Sure, everyone was creaming over Saturday Night Wrist last year and I can understand why—it was a pretty good effort, but I think it was far from their best work. In my mind, the Deftones were at their best on their sophomore album, Around the Fur. It was a little less abrasive than their debut, which is a classic in its own right, but it was also just edgy enough to keep the record intense. Both of the singles on this effort, “My Own Summer” and “Be Quiet and Drive,” were phenomenal songs and if you took the chance to listen to the rest of the CD, you’d hear a great collaboration with Max Cavalera on “Headup,” as well as the scathing “Rickets” and the intense title track. Around the Fur was the height of the Deftones' career. They may have gotten a little more experimental in their old age, but that doesn’t make them better.
Editor's Note: Oh come on! Who doesn't like Around the Fur? Ridiculous.
Alex Once Watched High Fidelity
Bob Dylan (http://www.bobdylan.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bobdylan2.jpg:
Blonde On Blonde
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bobdylan)
I'll be honest; I haven't listened to this album this week. But nobody needed to read a write-up of either Anberlin's new one, Fall Out Boy (again), or how I can't stop listening to Ice Box by Omarion. So after a very quick scan of my CD (capitalized like woah) collection, this was the first I cast eyes on with any semblance of dignity and integrity. 17 albums away from Backstreet Boys - Incomplete and one shelf away from Cute Is What We Aim For, it shines as a sterling example of buying what you think you "ought" to buy. I've spun it a few times. Hell, I enjoyed a couple tracks. I've seen the man live. But to be completely honest, he has a fucking annoying voice. And I'd rather listen to Backstreet Boys - Incomplete ten times out of ten. Now there's a proper song. To conclude: never buy albums you think you should be buying. Always either buy an album you want or spend the money on alcohol.
Editor's Note: Alex has a point here. I try not to buy albums I think I have to own to be taken seriously. I don't own a single Bob Dylan record. Don't plan to, either. However, there is one thing he's horribly wrong on: If he's going to sort alphabetically, solo artists should go by last name first, putting this between Cute Is What We Aim For and Evergreen Terrace. Although I guess he wouldn't listen to Evergreen Terrace. Maybe Early November?. I can't think of any E bands.
Jeremy Deal Deals With His Significant Other In A Most Unsavory Way
The Dresden Dolls (http://www.dresdendolls.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dresdendolls.jpg:
Paradise
Listen (www.myspace.com/dresdendolls)
This is technically a cheat, because this is a DVD - but I have been listening to the ripped audio I got from a particular barnyard-related online downloading source. I've been on a Dresden Dolls kick lately. I profess my love for the band and their quirkiness, energy, and "whatever we fucking feel like" attitude. Their cover of "War Pigs" is a nice little touch too. I just wish it also featured their cover of NIN's "Right Where It Belongs" or Radiohead's "Exit Music: Song For A Film." I'd imagine if Chris Martin had gotten that Rage virus from 28 Days Later, this is what he'd be like. That really doesn't have anything to do with my selection... it just makes me laugh to picture it. Especially when he goes after his wife.
Editor's Note: I wish Arrested Development had the following 28 Days Later has. Bollocks.
Dant Continues His Kindly Infatuation With The Letter "K," By Which So Few Words Are Started
Kra (http://www.pscompany.co.jp/kra)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/kra.jpg:
Kerabiannaito
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/kraofficial)
I like J-Rock. Feel free to make fun of me. Ben and I combined efforts to try and find the front cover of this album, but it didn't work. So enjoy the picture I have included. Also, this is a very addicting and diverse album.
Don't expect it to be poppy.
Editor's Note: I don't see why I’m getting roped into this. All I did was tell him to search the album name on Google images. Then he's all like, "What do you think of my album art?" before I even had a chance to look. And then he went offline. I am not responsible for the above photo in any way, shape, or form.
Scott Wants To Know If You're Listening. He Would Also Like To Let You Know That He's Hungry, He's Dirty, He's Losing His Mind, Everything's Fine, That He's Freezing, He's Starving, He's Bleeding To Death, Everything's Fine
Mother Mother (http://www.mothermothersite.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mothermother.jpg
Touch Up
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mothermotherspace)
Sounding like the indie-folk bastard of Cocorosie and, uh...some indie-folk guy, Mother Mother starts its new album, Touch Up, with a serious bang in the form of one of the best songs I've heard in a long time, called "Dirty Town." After this point, the album steadily declines into a somewhat forgettable second half, but there are a few songs in here that'll blow your head off if you're a fan of eclectic folk rock. Plus, there's a drawing of a head-banging zombie-rooster on the front and if that isn't sufficient cause to check it out, your heart must be a frozen block of moonshine whiskey.
Editor's Note: Fuck yeah, Tracy Bonham. Girl rage. Mid-nineties. Who didn't eat it up? That song will now be stuck in your head for the next three weeks. You have Scott to thank for this.
Chris Pandolfo Digs Up His Roots, Discovers He Is A Natural Redhead
In Pieces (http://www.inpieces.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/inpieces.jpg:
Learning To Accept Silence
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/inpieces)
This is one of the first albums that got me into hardcore and it's still a great spin after all this time. Some of the greatest lyrics are on this album. They don't play this type of music anymore, but they still play amazing music. If you are a fan of melodic hardcore and you haven't heard this album yet, I suggest you do so.
"I'd rather die in your arms than alone on my bedroom floor."
Editor's Note: I almost forgot to leave an editor's note on this one. Short, sweet, not loaded with poor phrasings. This is the Chris that I like.
Ben Blames MJ For His Current Financial Woes
West At Seven (http://www.myspace.com/davegoss)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/westatseven.jpg:
West At Seven
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/westatseven)
MJ told me he finally picked up this album that I reviewed pretty much fresh out of the box as one of my first reviews for Decoy. At least, it was very early into my stead here. I'd seen them live, wasn't overly impressed, then Adam sent me their album over AIM and I was like, "Holy damn, I've actually seen these guys!" The album was much better than I had been led to believe by the live show. Anyway, MJ reminded me of them two weeks ago, thereabouts, so I went to CDBaby.com and bought this…along with some other things. And then I got to wondering what these guys are up to now, as they were just beginning to break up when I reviewed this album back in the day. It seems the only one really, really trying his hand at music still is Dave Goss. The track "DHM" on his MySpace page is incredibly promising, while the others show some promise, but could also use some work. Regardless, I'm buying his EP with my next paycheck. You should too.
Editor's Note: If this is my last week after my umpteenth tirade against Chris Conlan, I'd like to say it's been great, but I can't. It hasn't been great. I've been slacking, been assholing it up, been pretty embittered with the way the site has been going, but I'm trying to get back on the horse. I wrote as many reviews last weekend as I had the entire year thus far. In 2005, I wrote over one hundred reviews. I don't know if I've even written fifty since. If this isn't my last week, expect even more kickass listening station comments, more incredibly poorly-conceived reviews, and maybe some witty, though spotty, commentaries in our articles section. And Kaddisfly isn't anything special.