sir mix-a-lot
03-28-2007, 08:03 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.
Rick Learns New Life Lessons Every Day
Ghost Machine (http://www.ghostmachine.net)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ghostmachine.jpg:
Hypersensitive
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/ghostmachine1)
I was probably one of the 7 people on this planet that actually listened to Motograter back in the early 00’s. For nu-metal, I thought they were decent. I was also a big fan of The Clay People, so when I heard that some members of The Clay People were teaming up with vocalist Ivan Moody and drummer Chris Binns of Motograter to form Ghost Machine, I was pretty interested. Hypersensitive at times lives up to what I had hoped for it, while other times it feels a little lame. The constant interludes and filler that are interspersed throughout the disc are really, really annoying… but I fixed that problem by deleting all of those tracks from my computer, which left me with 9 solid songs. They’re still nu-metal-ish, but in a good way, if you can believe that. For dreary days, like the rainy day we’re having here in Minnesota today, it’s a wonderfully dark and moody disc. It’s not going to change the world, but it is a pretty decent release. That counts for something, right?
Editor's Note: Rick, that counts for nothing.
Jeremy Counts For Something. He Adds Up To Awesome
Silverchair (http://www.chairpage.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/silverchair.jpg:
Young Modern
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/silverchair)
I had some pretty darn high expectations of Silverchair on this follow up to Diorama and I can proudly say with a smile on my face that every bit of them were met, if not surpassed. This album feels like one of those albums that you hear a couple times and pretty much come to the conclusion that it'll be a classic of its genre. What genre is this - I don't know. It's weird as hell! It's the classic songwriting skills of old Elton John with the quirkiness of (insert your favorite quirky indie artist here - there's too damn many of them for me to name one and it mean shit to more than 2 of you). My only complaint on this album so far is the omission of the b-side "Sleep All Day." I'm happy to have gotten a copy, but I love that song too and am sad it didn't see wider release. Daniel Johns and Co. have done amazing things in transcending all expectations of them from the days of Frogstomp to build a career that is truly their own.
Editor's Note: Today is officially Pick on Rick Day. I remember when I first started here and he was pimping his own site all the time. One day, I finally went to it, then decided never to return because he thought Diorama was garbage. What a fool Rick is! That album's awesome. Sure, it does take dozens of listens for it to click, but once it does…Hell yes.
Now, on with the write-up! As much as I like Mr. Deal's deals and spiels over music, I'd like to point out that Elton John doesn't even write his own songs. Daniel Johns does. I'm listening to this sucker stream on MySpace and I'm only one song in and I can already say that Johns needs to ditch Paul Mac as a collaborator. He's stifling the creative process. I'm afraid this is going to be another Dissociatives record, one with a few gems and tons of filler. But again, I'm only one song in. Silverchair is awesome, though. It's gonna be tough to top their last two albums.
Alex Is So Much The Anti-Rick That Their Differences Become Similarities. While Alex Loves Pop Music, Rick Can't Let Go Of Nu-Metal. Who Wins This Battle Of The Can't Move Ons? You Decide. See Our Voting Booth Below!
Anberlin (http://www.anberlin.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/anberlin.jpg:
Cities
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/anberlin)
It's been a mixed week for me. In some ways, it's been just amazing, and I'm really happy, but other things have had me down on myself a bit. And everything's linked. But, through past mistakes, I have realized that I should really just look to the positives, because quite frankly I REFUSE to mess things up with this person. Because they're pretty awesome. And so, Cities is an album that can suit both ends of my mood, with its lovely synth action on "Reclusion" and just general "balls to the wall"-ness of "Godspeed" suiting my happiness, and whenever I want to sit and dwell, I can sit, listening to "Inevitable" literally for hours on end. Because, to be honest, it's probably amongst the most beautiful songs ever written. Seriously though, "I want to be your last first kiss, that you'll ever have" is just textbook awesomeness. Man, I need to get a LiveJournal or something.
Editor's Note:I see Alex opted to use the pronoun "they" so as not to mention gender. Bum bum BAAAAAAAAA!!! It's a girl, for anyone who was wondering. But the important thing to note here is that I would have chosen "balls to the wall"-itude if I'd been the one to write this.
Without further ado, our Decoy Poll:
Who Wins The Battle Of The Can't Move Ons?
[ ] Rick
[ ] Alex
Chris Pandolfo Can Take Solace In The Fact That His Last Name Doesn't Contain Three Consonants In Row, Thus Making It Much More Awkward Than It Really Needs To Be
Ion Dissonance (http://www.id357.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/iondissonance.jpg:
Solace
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/iondissonance)
I've always enjoyed this album but I kept hearing that I should read the lyrics along with the music. Yesterday afternoon I finally got around to doing just that. After finishing the album I can honestly recommend it for other people to read. It's pretty twisted yet interesting. Curious? Here, I'll post a little snipped from "Play Dead And I'll Play Along" by Ion Dissonance:
"That's when he suddenly pulled this huge magnum from his jacket
And forced the wretched thing into my mouth, saying;
'I am giving you a choice: Kill yourself or someone you love...'"
If you know anything about Ion Dissonance, you'd recognize that last part because he actually speaks it aloud so you can hear it as the breakdown builds up....then screams it at the top of his smokey lungs. Just total penguin destruction and one of many many arctic animal demolishing breakdowns on this album. Breakdowns are just a small amount of what this band really brings forward though. See if you can actually follow along to the drums on this album. It's impossible because he is that technical and good. Ahh...I can't wait for the new Ion Dissonance in June.
Editor's Note: I just finished reading a collection of short stories by Stephen King and one of them was about this same basic option. The guy opts to have his mom die instead of him, then feels like a complete asshole. He was on his way to see his mom, who had just had a stroke and was in the hospital, when he gets picked up by a dead guy who makes him the offer. Anyway, the twist is the mom doesn't die right then and there and he's forced to live with the fact that he's so selfish he'd opt for his own mother to die before he does, waiting for it to finally happen. Shit's bananans(sp?). And what the fuck is "total penguin destruction?"
Jeremy Would Like You To Know That Burgs Come Areola-Free, Standard, No Extra Charge
The Berg Sans Nipple (http://www.bergsansnipple.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theberg.jpg:
Along The Quai
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thebergsansnipple)
I only discovered The Berg Sans Nipple recently, but they've easily become one of the most exciting bands I've heard in a while. They are not the typical Decoy fare. They sound like Postal Service and Dntel, but they have something totally their own. This album is excellent, interspersed with some brilliant instrumentals. Well worth buying if you find it, or just check out their MySpace and be their friends.
Editor's Note: There's a typical Decoy fare? I wasn't aware of this. I mean, it's typical that Rick will listen to an In Flames record, followed by a Spineshank album,then with the complete Sevendust discography through the course of any given day, but I don’t know of any other "typical" Decoy behaviors. I wonder if Rick has innies or outies...
Scott Finally Shuts Up For Once
Woods (http://www.fuckittapes.com/woods.htm)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/woods.jpg:
At Rear House
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/fuckittapes)
Man, this album is ... shit, I don't know. It's odd, experimental folk music with strong hooks and I like it a lot, but for some reason deeper explanation escapes me at the moment. Let's just say that I'm a man of few words and leave it at that.
Editor's Note: I'm going to avoid the obvious gay joke this album title lends itself to. That's not a very creative avenue, plus I've seen Rick's girlfriend. No explanation or conversation should even be needed on the subject.
Armand Is Late Again And My Dinner Is Getting Cold
Jatun (http://www.jatunmusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jatun.jpg:
Jatun
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jatun)
Over the past week I’ve mainly been listening to three albums. The first is 65daysofstatic’s new album The Destruction of Small Ideals. I noticed that it made Decoy’s top 5 on last.fm so I scrapped submitting it for the listening station because someone else likely would. The second was World’s End Girlfriend’s new album Hurtbreak Wonderland. But I didn’t have an album cover and didn’t feel like fishing one out or selfishly burdening Ben with looking for it.
So I chose my third option, Jatun, with their latest album (I have no idea if they’ve released anything before this) Jatun. The first track on the record, “Ghost and Grey,” is one of the best songs of the year with its sweet shoegazing ambience, electronic beats, synths, and catchy vocals. The rest of the album is pretty much in the same vein. So if you’d like to hear a 65daysofstatic/Hammock hybrid with My Bloody Valentine-esque vocals, then check out Jatun.
Editor's Note:It's spicy chicken stir fry, you little bastard! And it's getting cold! I'm so mad I can't even think of a way to bring Rick into this discussion. I mean, sure, I could just go eat and finish up later or I could make my Editor's Note just say "Rick, lol," but nooo, I'm stubborn. In conclusion, Rick is a goofy looking schmoe. Just look at this week's headlining photo! That's him! Every time!
Ben Is Bad With Money
Regina Spektor (http://www.reginaspektor.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reginaspektor.jpg:
Begin To Hope
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/reginaspektor)
You know, this week, and the last several weeks, really, have been huge tossups. I've bought dozens of albums, downloaded almost as many, and come across plenty of bands deserving of attention. In addition, there are plenty of albums in my ever-expanding collection deserving of attention. I could just as easily pick RZA, Dave Goss, John Butler Trio, Eustacia, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, The 88, and tons of other bands, both mildly popular and completely unheard of. Instead, I went with this because I almost didn't own it. In fact, I had it in my hand and my girlfriend slapped me and told me to put it back. Little did she know that while we were shopping, a song off that same album played on the overhead speaker system. She sang it all the way back home. I'll admit I couldn't place it definitively at first, but I was pretty damned convinced it was Regina Spektor. I pulled out the sampler disc I got several months back and put it in as soon as we got home. Long story short, we went back immediately and picked it up and it hasn't left my bedroom player since (well, except its short stay in our kitchen). If you like female pop singers, she deserves your attention. It's like Bjork meets Fiona Apple with a hefty Russian influence, people. Can you imagine? I can…and it's great. But not for small children. Lots of drug references.
Editor's Note: You should really listen to every person/band listed above. A quick rundown of each of them:
RZA - If you don't know by now, you don't deserve to know
Dave Goss - A few weeks ago, I picked West at Seven in this same space. He's the frontman for the now-defunct group. His first solo effort acts as a guide to what's hip in the underground indie scene without ever becoming boring or unoriginal. Truly promising.
John Butler Trio - Sunrise Over Sea is one of the finest albums of the last several years. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of ideas he threw into that record left his latest, Grand National, a bit lacking because he really left himself with nowhere else to go. It is nice that he somehow manages to go from one Bob to another (Dylan to Marley) within four tracks, while (ironically?) putting a track called "Used to Get High" between them.
Eustacia - If you're a fan of the new movement toward all-encompassing rock bands out of the UK like Biffy Clyro and Oceansize, it's time you heard about Eustacia. They've just finished their first demo and it is a fantastic start to what appears to be a vast future. It's damned good, start to finish.
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - I wrote an entire, in-depth article on these guys about a year ago. New album coming soon!
The 88 - My colleague Mark has a thing for modern bands that sound like pop/rock bands from the late 60s. He has been telling me to find this band for months now. I finally did…and it's phenomenal. I hear they're horrific live, though. Bummer.
Oh, and Rick is actually a really awesome guy.
Rick Learns New Life Lessons Every Day
Ghost Machine (http://www.ghostmachine.net)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ghostmachine.jpg:
Hypersensitive
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/ghostmachine1)
I was probably one of the 7 people on this planet that actually listened to Motograter back in the early 00’s. For nu-metal, I thought they were decent. I was also a big fan of The Clay People, so when I heard that some members of The Clay People were teaming up with vocalist Ivan Moody and drummer Chris Binns of Motograter to form Ghost Machine, I was pretty interested. Hypersensitive at times lives up to what I had hoped for it, while other times it feels a little lame. The constant interludes and filler that are interspersed throughout the disc are really, really annoying… but I fixed that problem by deleting all of those tracks from my computer, which left me with 9 solid songs. They’re still nu-metal-ish, but in a good way, if you can believe that. For dreary days, like the rainy day we’re having here in Minnesota today, it’s a wonderfully dark and moody disc. It’s not going to change the world, but it is a pretty decent release. That counts for something, right?
Editor's Note: Rick, that counts for nothing.
Jeremy Counts For Something. He Adds Up To Awesome
Silverchair (http://www.chairpage.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/silverchair.jpg:
Young Modern
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/silverchair)
I had some pretty darn high expectations of Silverchair on this follow up to Diorama and I can proudly say with a smile on my face that every bit of them were met, if not surpassed. This album feels like one of those albums that you hear a couple times and pretty much come to the conclusion that it'll be a classic of its genre. What genre is this - I don't know. It's weird as hell! It's the classic songwriting skills of old Elton John with the quirkiness of (insert your favorite quirky indie artist here - there's too damn many of them for me to name one and it mean shit to more than 2 of you). My only complaint on this album so far is the omission of the b-side "Sleep All Day." I'm happy to have gotten a copy, but I love that song too and am sad it didn't see wider release. Daniel Johns and Co. have done amazing things in transcending all expectations of them from the days of Frogstomp to build a career that is truly their own.
Editor's Note: Today is officially Pick on Rick Day. I remember when I first started here and he was pimping his own site all the time. One day, I finally went to it, then decided never to return because he thought Diorama was garbage. What a fool Rick is! That album's awesome. Sure, it does take dozens of listens for it to click, but once it does…Hell yes.
Now, on with the write-up! As much as I like Mr. Deal's deals and spiels over music, I'd like to point out that Elton John doesn't even write his own songs. Daniel Johns does. I'm listening to this sucker stream on MySpace and I'm only one song in and I can already say that Johns needs to ditch Paul Mac as a collaborator. He's stifling the creative process. I'm afraid this is going to be another Dissociatives record, one with a few gems and tons of filler. But again, I'm only one song in. Silverchair is awesome, though. It's gonna be tough to top their last two albums.
Alex Is So Much The Anti-Rick That Their Differences Become Similarities. While Alex Loves Pop Music, Rick Can't Let Go Of Nu-Metal. Who Wins This Battle Of The Can't Move Ons? You Decide. See Our Voting Booth Below!
Anberlin (http://www.anberlin.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/anberlin.jpg:
Cities
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/anberlin)
It's been a mixed week for me. In some ways, it's been just amazing, and I'm really happy, but other things have had me down on myself a bit. And everything's linked. But, through past mistakes, I have realized that I should really just look to the positives, because quite frankly I REFUSE to mess things up with this person. Because they're pretty awesome. And so, Cities is an album that can suit both ends of my mood, with its lovely synth action on "Reclusion" and just general "balls to the wall"-ness of "Godspeed" suiting my happiness, and whenever I want to sit and dwell, I can sit, listening to "Inevitable" literally for hours on end. Because, to be honest, it's probably amongst the most beautiful songs ever written. Seriously though, "I want to be your last first kiss, that you'll ever have" is just textbook awesomeness. Man, I need to get a LiveJournal or something.
Editor's Note:I see Alex opted to use the pronoun "they" so as not to mention gender. Bum bum BAAAAAAAAA!!! It's a girl, for anyone who was wondering. But the important thing to note here is that I would have chosen "balls to the wall"-itude if I'd been the one to write this.
Without further ado, our Decoy Poll:
Who Wins The Battle Of The Can't Move Ons?
[ ] Rick
[ ] Alex
Chris Pandolfo Can Take Solace In The Fact That His Last Name Doesn't Contain Three Consonants In Row, Thus Making It Much More Awkward Than It Really Needs To Be
Ion Dissonance (http://www.id357.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/iondissonance.jpg:
Solace
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/iondissonance)
I've always enjoyed this album but I kept hearing that I should read the lyrics along with the music. Yesterday afternoon I finally got around to doing just that. After finishing the album I can honestly recommend it for other people to read. It's pretty twisted yet interesting. Curious? Here, I'll post a little snipped from "Play Dead And I'll Play Along" by Ion Dissonance:
"That's when he suddenly pulled this huge magnum from his jacket
And forced the wretched thing into my mouth, saying;
'I am giving you a choice: Kill yourself or someone you love...'"
If you know anything about Ion Dissonance, you'd recognize that last part because he actually speaks it aloud so you can hear it as the breakdown builds up....then screams it at the top of his smokey lungs. Just total penguin destruction and one of many many arctic animal demolishing breakdowns on this album. Breakdowns are just a small amount of what this band really brings forward though. See if you can actually follow along to the drums on this album. It's impossible because he is that technical and good. Ahh...I can't wait for the new Ion Dissonance in June.
Editor's Note: I just finished reading a collection of short stories by Stephen King and one of them was about this same basic option. The guy opts to have his mom die instead of him, then feels like a complete asshole. He was on his way to see his mom, who had just had a stroke and was in the hospital, when he gets picked up by a dead guy who makes him the offer. Anyway, the twist is the mom doesn't die right then and there and he's forced to live with the fact that he's so selfish he'd opt for his own mother to die before he does, waiting for it to finally happen. Shit's bananans(sp?). And what the fuck is "total penguin destruction?"
Jeremy Would Like You To Know That Burgs Come Areola-Free, Standard, No Extra Charge
The Berg Sans Nipple (http://www.bergsansnipple.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theberg.jpg:
Along The Quai
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thebergsansnipple)
I only discovered The Berg Sans Nipple recently, but they've easily become one of the most exciting bands I've heard in a while. They are not the typical Decoy fare. They sound like Postal Service and Dntel, but they have something totally their own. This album is excellent, interspersed with some brilliant instrumentals. Well worth buying if you find it, or just check out their MySpace and be their friends.
Editor's Note: There's a typical Decoy fare? I wasn't aware of this. I mean, it's typical that Rick will listen to an In Flames record, followed by a Spineshank album,then with the complete Sevendust discography through the course of any given day, but I don’t know of any other "typical" Decoy behaviors. I wonder if Rick has innies or outies...
Scott Finally Shuts Up For Once
Woods (http://www.fuckittapes.com/woods.htm)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/woods.jpg:
At Rear House
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/fuckittapes)
Man, this album is ... shit, I don't know. It's odd, experimental folk music with strong hooks and I like it a lot, but for some reason deeper explanation escapes me at the moment. Let's just say that I'm a man of few words and leave it at that.
Editor's Note: I'm going to avoid the obvious gay joke this album title lends itself to. That's not a very creative avenue, plus I've seen Rick's girlfriend. No explanation or conversation should even be needed on the subject.
Armand Is Late Again And My Dinner Is Getting Cold
Jatun (http://www.jatunmusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jatun.jpg:
Jatun
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jatun)
Over the past week I’ve mainly been listening to three albums. The first is 65daysofstatic’s new album The Destruction of Small Ideals. I noticed that it made Decoy’s top 5 on last.fm so I scrapped submitting it for the listening station because someone else likely would. The second was World’s End Girlfriend’s new album Hurtbreak Wonderland. But I didn’t have an album cover and didn’t feel like fishing one out or selfishly burdening Ben with looking for it.
So I chose my third option, Jatun, with their latest album (I have no idea if they’ve released anything before this) Jatun. The first track on the record, “Ghost and Grey,” is one of the best songs of the year with its sweet shoegazing ambience, electronic beats, synths, and catchy vocals. The rest of the album is pretty much in the same vein. So if you’d like to hear a 65daysofstatic/Hammock hybrid with My Bloody Valentine-esque vocals, then check out Jatun.
Editor's Note:It's spicy chicken stir fry, you little bastard! And it's getting cold! I'm so mad I can't even think of a way to bring Rick into this discussion. I mean, sure, I could just go eat and finish up later or I could make my Editor's Note just say "Rick, lol," but nooo, I'm stubborn. In conclusion, Rick is a goofy looking schmoe. Just look at this week's headlining photo! That's him! Every time!
Ben Is Bad With Money
Regina Spektor (http://www.reginaspektor.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reginaspektor.jpg:
Begin To Hope
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/reginaspektor)
You know, this week, and the last several weeks, really, have been huge tossups. I've bought dozens of albums, downloaded almost as many, and come across plenty of bands deserving of attention. In addition, there are plenty of albums in my ever-expanding collection deserving of attention. I could just as easily pick RZA, Dave Goss, John Butler Trio, Eustacia, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, The 88, and tons of other bands, both mildly popular and completely unheard of. Instead, I went with this because I almost didn't own it. In fact, I had it in my hand and my girlfriend slapped me and told me to put it back. Little did she know that while we were shopping, a song off that same album played on the overhead speaker system. She sang it all the way back home. I'll admit I couldn't place it definitively at first, but I was pretty damned convinced it was Regina Spektor. I pulled out the sampler disc I got several months back and put it in as soon as we got home. Long story short, we went back immediately and picked it up and it hasn't left my bedroom player since (well, except its short stay in our kitchen). If you like female pop singers, she deserves your attention. It's like Bjork meets Fiona Apple with a hefty Russian influence, people. Can you imagine? I can…and it's great. But not for small children. Lots of drug references.
Editor's Note: You should really listen to every person/band listed above. A quick rundown of each of them:
RZA - If you don't know by now, you don't deserve to know
Dave Goss - A few weeks ago, I picked West at Seven in this same space. He's the frontman for the now-defunct group. His first solo effort acts as a guide to what's hip in the underground indie scene without ever becoming boring or unoriginal. Truly promising.
John Butler Trio - Sunrise Over Sea is one of the finest albums of the last several years. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of ideas he threw into that record left his latest, Grand National, a bit lacking because he really left himself with nowhere else to go. It is nice that he somehow manages to go from one Bob to another (Dylan to Marley) within four tracks, while (ironically?) putting a track called "Used to Get High" between them.
Eustacia - If you're a fan of the new movement toward all-encompassing rock bands out of the UK like Biffy Clyro and Oceansize, it's time you heard about Eustacia. They've just finished their first demo and it is a fantastic start to what appears to be a vast future. It's damned good, start to finish.
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - I wrote an entire, in-depth article on these guys about a year ago. New album coming soon!
The 88 - My colleague Mark has a thing for modern bands that sound like pop/rock bands from the late 60s. He has been telling me to find this band for months now. I finally did…and it's phenomenal. I hear they're horrific live, though. Bummer.
Oh, and Rick is actually a really awesome guy.