sir mix-a-lot
04-11-2007, 09:58 PM
A week off has given those of us at Decoy a bit of time to recenter what it is we love about life, love, entertainment, and our careers. After all that recentering, we found that we still are pretentious pricks to the nines.
Scott Says Hello To All The Apples On The Ground. They Were Once In His Eyes, But He Sneezed Them Out While Sleeping
Nurses (http://www.nursesmusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nurses.jpg:
Hangin' Nothin' But Our Hands Down
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/nurses)
Given this band's listless moniker, I wasn't expecting a whole lot on first listen. Fortunately, the creative energy not expended in creating a memorable name seems to have been applied directly to songwriting, which melds Blood Brothers-esque experimental spaz with the catchy, keyboard-heavy indie hooks of oldschool Hot Hot Heat. I'm convinced that in a parallel universe occupied by humans that don't suck at liking music, any number of songs on this album could because instant singles, especially "Wait for Safe Sign," an incredibly engaging track that could be one of my favorite songs of the year.
Editor's Note: I am emotionally drained tonight. Do not expect a lot of upbeat merriment in these comments. I had to struggle to remember the lyrics to an awesome Failure song. Not a good sign.
Jordan Is A Baldheaded Lawyer…Err, Baldfaced Liar
Dodo Bird (The Dodos) (http://www.mericlong.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dodobird.jpg:
Beware Of The Maniacs
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mericlong)
This guy Meric Long must be a freakin' genius, because this album is nothing short of incredible. I saw him live last Friday opening for Adem and Bedroom Walls and it blew my mind. This was the first CD I've purchased at a show... ever. I never do that - I never buy merch. But this was so amazing and so inspiring that I had to. Here's what you need to know: Meric plays guitar, finger picking style; it's amazing. His drummer, Logan Kroeber, plays 4 toms all tuned super deep, one cymbal, and a tambourine attached to his foot. Everything he does, he does with his hands. And it's flat out amazing. I can't say enough about the album. It's not hard rock, but it rocks. It's not country, but it's got twang. Let's just say, I haven't heard an album this good all year.
Editor's Note: How can a guy have a tambourine attached to his foot, but only play with his hands? Does he reach down and smack the tambourine? How is it possible to go to so many shows and not once pay for a CD after seeing a band you'd never heard? I'd say one in five shows, I buy an album from a band I've never heard until that night. How is it possible Jordan has gone this far without doing that? The only answer is that Jordan is full of it.
Dant Collects One Hundred Gold Coins!
Bright Eyes (http://www.thisisbrighteyes.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brighteyes.jpg:
Cassadaga
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/brighteyes)
I’ve been listening to Cassadaga. A lot. Bright Eyes has always amazed me, but this is a huge step up. A certain Benjamin Rice thinks that Bright Eyes is boring, but he’s wrong. Our tastes differ; therefore his statement is incorrect. Such is life.
If you enjoy beautiful music, then Cassadaga is for you. Conor Oberst has once again 1-upped himself, but it leaves me wondering if he will be able to do such a thing again.
Editor's Note:I couldn't think of a single decent headline to this. Super Mario Brothers jokes for the one-up comment? Talladega Nights joke for the album title? Something about eyes? Nothing really seemed worthwhile. Since I almost watched Super Mario Bros. yesterday and the album art reminds me of Desert World from SMB3, I went that route to less-than-endearing results.
Jeremy Takes Advantage Of Two-Fer Wednesdays, Promoting Recycling And Local H, All At The Same Time
3 (http://thefamily3.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/3.jpg:
Half-Life
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/3)
I only somewhat recommend 3, as I know they are quite the acquired taste in a few respects. I really enjoyed their album Wake Pig and was going to use that as my selection until my curiosity led me to check this album out. I still recommend Wake Pig for fans of Coheed & Cambria. They have that prog-rock feel, but it almost sounds like Dave Mustaine singing at times. Very different, but again – it worked for me. They’re not a favorite artist, but a good one. Back to this album, however, as it sounds like a different band altogether. This album shows they have their prog-rock chops still, but apparently they used to have a sound relatable to the Fungus Amungus-era Incubus. There’s funk all over this thing, with the vocals going between the stylings I had come to know from Wake Pig, but sometimes even sounding a little Justin Timberlake. This is a different little diversion for those who dare check it out.
Editor's Note: Not a fan. I don't think they can write a full album. Just my thought, though. Also, for those who didn't get my headline: "Half-Life" is an awesome Local H track and is also a scientific term that describes how long it is until something is halfway to complete dissolution, leaving no trace behind. Plastic's half-life is thousands of years. Recycle it when you can.
Jeremy Also Likes These Guys, But Who Doesn't Nowadays?
Silversun Pickups (http://www.silversunpickups.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/silversunpickups.jpg:
Carnavas
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/silversunpickups)
I actually just gave this CD its first listen today. Referring back to a Decoy forum topic from earlier in the week – this band actually requested me as a friend on MySpace a long time ago and I dug what I heard. I had meant to check out more of them and just never did, despite the number of times I was reminded of them. I heard them on the local rock station the other day while switching out CDs in my player and decided I needed to actually give their albums a listen. This is the first one I hit, as my expectations of it are lower since it made it on the local rock station (I’m not one of those “if you’re on the radio, you’re a sellout” kind of people, but man… our local rock station is for shit, so making it on there during normal broadcast hours isn’t a bragging right for quality). The album is actually fairly good. Not great, but pretty good. It’s very reminiscent of the 90’s “fuzz” sound such as Smashing Pumpkins. The vocals have some pretty soulful screams considering the genre too. For anyone missing the bands of that era, it’s a nice twist on the nostalgia without necessarily being only a novel throwback.
Editor's Note: Dude, they totally sold out. And yes, I am talking out my ass. What makes you think that?
Chris Conlan Reads The Articles
Sigur Ros (http://www.sigurros.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sigurros3.jpg:
Takk
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/sigurros)
A while back a friend suggested I check out this new video from a band called Sigur Ros. The video was for the song "Glosoli." Not even 10 seconds into the video, I was hooked. The video was a jaw dropping experience and is probably to this day one of the best videos I've seen in my lifetime. If you haven't seen the video I highly suggest you check it out (http://www.emichrysalis.co.uk/quicktime/sigur_ros/glosoli/index.php).
Ever since then I find myself constantly going back to this album. Although this style of music isn't something I listen to a lot, if I found more bands like them, you'd definitely be seeing me listening to this style a lot more. Hopefully they start to tour here soon in 2007, because it would be a mind-blowing experience seeing them live.
Editor's Note: Syyyyyruuuuupp.
Daniel Alcinii May Be Facing Hard Times, But He Doesn't Have To
Go It Alone (http://legitimatebros.com/main.php?pg=go_it_alone)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/goitalone.jpg:
The Only Blood Between Us
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/goitalone)
I can't explain how stoked I am for Go It Alone to drop their sophomore full length Histories on May 15th, and to get myself "prepared" for the ear orgasm, I've busted out The Only Blood Between Us. This album gets me stoked on life. Also getting me stoked on life is NHL Playoff hockey - the Leafs missing the playoffs because the Devils lost to the worst team in the NHL (the Islanders) - not so much. So with that, I've jumped ship to the closest cities to Toronto who are still in the hunt. GO SABRES / SENS!
Side note: I fucking hate Alex Davies and Manchester United for that 7-1 romping they put on my favourite team, AS Roma, knocking them out of UEFA Champions League contention. At least Chelsea FC and AC Milan are going through. I also hope Cristiano Ronaldo is shot in the face at point blank range. I hate Man. United, however, more so than Mr. Davies, who still has a place in my heart.
Editor's Note:I like sports, but not those sports. I wish I had time to pay more attention to them, though.
Alex Is Right. This Album Is Really Good. And Who Doesn't Love An R2D2 Drum Machine? No One, That's Who
onelinedrawing (http://www.jonahmatranga.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/old.jpg:
Visitor
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jonahmatranga)
Jonah Matranga might not be my favourite singer/songwriter but damn it, you can't help but love the guy. His morals, his treatment of fans, just everything about him is totally awesome. And seriously, Visitor is a really lovely CD. I had to dig it out after using the line "I just love to see you smile" in a text. It's like the audio version of a hug. And come on, "Its time for a bit of in the bed disco" might be the best pick up line I've never used. Hell, I'm totally using it tomorrow night. Everybody go buy something from his webstore. So he can like, eat. And tour more.
Editor's Note: This writeup is dead on. This is, though, the only onelinedrawing album I can listen to start to finish without becoming desperate to hit stop/eject. But it's so damned good. And his solo sets are some of the best live music I've ever seen.
Chris Pandolfo Sends Dead Links
Wanderlust (http://www.scotsax.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wanderlust.jpg:
Prize
Listen (http://scotsax.com/soundclips1.html)
This was THE band that got me into music when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Just last week I found it in my house. I was sitting there in amazement that I had forgotten about all of these songs. It has been around 11 years since I had listened to this album. The songs would come back to me as they were being played. Then track 9 came on. This was my favorite song when I was young. It's called "Brand New Plan" and I swear to this day I still love this track. I apologize for not being able to provide a link for this band but they are just so underground that I could not find any mp3s anywhere on the internet. But if you can use whatever you may use to download music, you should try to download their song "Brand New Plan," because as pop rock and corny as this band may be...this song was just...different.
Editor's Note: Old news. I talked with Chris about this, like, days and days ago. First about how he couldn't find it, then about how his dad said he'd lost it so long ago, and then about how he found it. Big whoop. You don't see me talking about how I misplaced Cooleyhighharmony. But that's probably because I never lost it, because it was mine, not my dad's.
Brandon Returns, Bearing The Bare Essentials
Chuck Ragan (http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chuckragan.jpg:
Los Feliz
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan)
Pretty much anything to do with Hot Water Music is ok by me. And in this solo album by Chuck Ragan, it is your chance to hear the raw scratchy voice that shouts and wails over acoustic guitar. Throw in some harmonica, some other various and sundry string instruments, and you have yourself a fantastic album. It is as though Hot Water Music has been stripped down to vocals and for your enjoyment this one is well worth a few good listens!
Editor's Note: Would have been better if it were Brian Regan Live!, but beggars can't be choosers.
Ben Doesn't Really Remember Anything He's Listened To Lately, There's Been So Much
Fair To Midland (http://www.ftmband.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ftm.jpg:
Fables Of A Mayfly: What I Tell You 3 Times Is True
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/fairtomidland)
I'm a big fan of Fair to Midland's last independent offering, Inter.Funda.Stifle. Despite its terrible name, the album itself is a remarkable hard rock hybrid. Precocious vocals, intelligently self-indulgent lyrics, driving rhythms, head-bashing guitars. It really had everything. Now, signed to Serjical Strike records, FTM is ready to take the world by storm. Produced by David Bottrill (Tool, King Crimson), Fables of a Mayfly may have a retread or two or six, but the songs are more well-developed, the guitars given the old Bottrill crunch which made Tool a household name and relinquished King Crimson to a shadow of their former selves. It appears that age is a factor for this sound. Since Fair to Midland is still quite young, the board work is stellar. Their revisited tracks sound better than before and their new tracks show a growth of songwriting that, even as a fan of long-standing, I didn't see coming. This is a band to watch (or hear).
Editor's Note: For one week only, I've decided an Editor's Note on the editor's selection is way too self-absorbed. Mostly because I'm tired.
Scott Says Hello To All The Apples On The Ground. They Were Once In His Eyes, But He Sneezed Them Out While Sleeping
Nurses (http://www.nursesmusic.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nurses.jpg:
Hangin' Nothin' But Our Hands Down
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/nurses)
Given this band's listless moniker, I wasn't expecting a whole lot on first listen. Fortunately, the creative energy not expended in creating a memorable name seems to have been applied directly to songwriting, which melds Blood Brothers-esque experimental spaz with the catchy, keyboard-heavy indie hooks of oldschool Hot Hot Heat. I'm convinced that in a parallel universe occupied by humans that don't suck at liking music, any number of songs on this album could because instant singles, especially "Wait for Safe Sign," an incredibly engaging track that could be one of my favorite songs of the year.
Editor's Note: I am emotionally drained tonight. Do not expect a lot of upbeat merriment in these comments. I had to struggle to remember the lyrics to an awesome Failure song. Not a good sign.
Jordan Is A Baldheaded Lawyer…Err, Baldfaced Liar
Dodo Bird (The Dodos) (http://www.mericlong.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dodobird.jpg:
Beware Of The Maniacs
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mericlong)
This guy Meric Long must be a freakin' genius, because this album is nothing short of incredible. I saw him live last Friday opening for Adem and Bedroom Walls and it blew my mind. This was the first CD I've purchased at a show... ever. I never do that - I never buy merch. But this was so amazing and so inspiring that I had to. Here's what you need to know: Meric plays guitar, finger picking style; it's amazing. His drummer, Logan Kroeber, plays 4 toms all tuned super deep, one cymbal, and a tambourine attached to his foot. Everything he does, he does with his hands. And it's flat out amazing. I can't say enough about the album. It's not hard rock, but it rocks. It's not country, but it's got twang. Let's just say, I haven't heard an album this good all year.
Editor's Note: How can a guy have a tambourine attached to his foot, but only play with his hands? Does he reach down and smack the tambourine? How is it possible to go to so many shows and not once pay for a CD after seeing a band you'd never heard? I'd say one in five shows, I buy an album from a band I've never heard until that night. How is it possible Jordan has gone this far without doing that? The only answer is that Jordan is full of it.
Dant Collects One Hundred Gold Coins!
Bright Eyes (http://www.thisisbrighteyes.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/brighteyes.jpg:
Cassadaga
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/brighteyes)
I’ve been listening to Cassadaga. A lot. Bright Eyes has always amazed me, but this is a huge step up. A certain Benjamin Rice thinks that Bright Eyes is boring, but he’s wrong. Our tastes differ; therefore his statement is incorrect. Such is life.
If you enjoy beautiful music, then Cassadaga is for you. Conor Oberst has once again 1-upped himself, but it leaves me wondering if he will be able to do such a thing again.
Editor's Note:I couldn't think of a single decent headline to this. Super Mario Brothers jokes for the one-up comment? Talladega Nights joke for the album title? Something about eyes? Nothing really seemed worthwhile. Since I almost watched Super Mario Bros. yesterday and the album art reminds me of Desert World from SMB3, I went that route to less-than-endearing results.
Jeremy Takes Advantage Of Two-Fer Wednesdays, Promoting Recycling And Local H, All At The Same Time
3 (http://thefamily3.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/3.jpg:
Half-Life
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/3)
I only somewhat recommend 3, as I know they are quite the acquired taste in a few respects. I really enjoyed their album Wake Pig and was going to use that as my selection until my curiosity led me to check this album out. I still recommend Wake Pig for fans of Coheed & Cambria. They have that prog-rock feel, but it almost sounds like Dave Mustaine singing at times. Very different, but again – it worked for me. They’re not a favorite artist, but a good one. Back to this album, however, as it sounds like a different band altogether. This album shows they have their prog-rock chops still, but apparently they used to have a sound relatable to the Fungus Amungus-era Incubus. There’s funk all over this thing, with the vocals going between the stylings I had come to know from Wake Pig, but sometimes even sounding a little Justin Timberlake. This is a different little diversion for those who dare check it out.
Editor's Note: Not a fan. I don't think they can write a full album. Just my thought, though. Also, for those who didn't get my headline: "Half-Life" is an awesome Local H track and is also a scientific term that describes how long it is until something is halfway to complete dissolution, leaving no trace behind. Plastic's half-life is thousands of years. Recycle it when you can.
Jeremy Also Likes These Guys, But Who Doesn't Nowadays?
Silversun Pickups (http://www.silversunpickups.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/silversunpickups.jpg:
Carnavas
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/silversunpickups)
I actually just gave this CD its first listen today. Referring back to a Decoy forum topic from earlier in the week – this band actually requested me as a friend on MySpace a long time ago and I dug what I heard. I had meant to check out more of them and just never did, despite the number of times I was reminded of them. I heard them on the local rock station the other day while switching out CDs in my player and decided I needed to actually give their albums a listen. This is the first one I hit, as my expectations of it are lower since it made it on the local rock station (I’m not one of those “if you’re on the radio, you’re a sellout” kind of people, but man… our local rock station is for shit, so making it on there during normal broadcast hours isn’t a bragging right for quality). The album is actually fairly good. Not great, but pretty good. It’s very reminiscent of the 90’s “fuzz” sound such as Smashing Pumpkins. The vocals have some pretty soulful screams considering the genre too. For anyone missing the bands of that era, it’s a nice twist on the nostalgia without necessarily being only a novel throwback.
Editor's Note: Dude, they totally sold out. And yes, I am talking out my ass. What makes you think that?
Chris Conlan Reads The Articles
Sigur Ros (http://www.sigurros.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sigurros3.jpg:
Takk
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/sigurros)
A while back a friend suggested I check out this new video from a band called Sigur Ros. The video was for the song "Glosoli." Not even 10 seconds into the video, I was hooked. The video was a jaw dropping experience and is probably to this day one of the best videos I've seen in my lifetime. If you haven't seen the video I highly suggest you check it out (http://www.emichrysalis.co.uk/quicktime/sigur_ros/glosoli/index.php).
Ever since then I find myself constantly going back to this album. Although this style of music isn't something I listen to a lot, if I found more bands like them, you'd definitely be seeing me listening to this style a lot more. Hopefully they start to tour here soon in 2007, because it would be a mind-blowing experience seeing them live.
Editor's Note: Syyyyyruuuuupp.
Daniel Alcinii May Be Facing Hard Times, But He Doesn't Have To
Go It Alone (http://legitimatebros.com/main.php?pg=go_it_alone)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/goitalone.jpg:
The Only Blood Between Us
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/goitalone)
I can't explain how stoked I am for Go It Alone to drop their sophomore full length Histories on May 15th, and to get myself "prepared" for the ear orgasm, I've busted out The Only Blood Between Us. This album gets me stoked on life. Also getting me stoked on life is NHL Playoff hockey - the Leafs missing the playoffs because the Devils lost to the worst team in the NHL (the Islanders) - not so much. So with that, I've jumped ship to the closest cities to Toronto who are still in the hunt. GO SABRES / SENS!
Side note: I fucking hate Alex Davies and Manchester United for that 7-1 romping they put on my favourite team, AS Roma, knocking them out of UEFA Champions League contention. At least Chelsea FC and AC Milan are going through. I also hope Cristiano Ronaldo is shot in the face at point blank range. I hate Man. United, however, more so than Mr. Davies, who still has a place in my heart.
Editor's Note:I like sports, but not those sports. I wish I had time to pay more attention to them, though.
Alex Is Right. This Album Is Really Good. And Who Doesn't Love An R2D2 Drum Machine? No One, That's Who
onelinedrawing (http://www.jonahmatranga.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/old.jpg:
Visitor
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jonahmatranga)
Jonah Matranga might not be my favourite singer/songwriter but damn it, you can't help but love the guy. His morals, his treatment of fans, just everything about him is totally awesome. And seriously, Visitor is a really lovely CD. I had to dig it out after using the line "I just love to see you smile" in a text. It's like the audio version of a hug. And come on, "Its time for a bit of in the bed disco" might be the best pick up line I've never used. Hell, I'm totally using it tomorrow night. Everybody go buy something from his webstore. So he can like, eat. And tour more.
Editor's Note: This writeup is dead on. This is, though, the only onelinedrawing album I can listen to start to finish without becoming desperate to hit stop/eject. But it's so damned good. And his solo sets are some of the best live music I've ever seen.
Chris Pandolfo Sends Dead Links
Wanderlust (http://www.scotsax.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wanderlust.jpg:
Prize
Listen (http://scotsax.com/soundclips1.html)
This was THE band that got me into music when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Just last week I found it in my house. I was sitting there in amazement that I had forgotten about all of these songs. It has been around 11 years since I had listened to this album. The songs would come back to me as they were being played. Then track 9 came on. This was my favorite song when I was young. It's called "Brand New Plan" and I swear to this day I still love this track. I apologize for not being able to provide a link for this band but they are just so underground that I could not find any mp3s anywhere on the internet. But if you can use whatever you may use to download music, you should try to download their song "Brand New Plan," because as pop rock and corny as this band may be...this song was just...different.
Editor's Note: Old news. I talked with Chris about this, like, days and days ago. First about how he couldn't find it, then about how his dad said he'd lost it so long ago, and then about how he found it. Big whoop. You don't see me talking about how I misplaced Cooleyhighharmony. But that's probably because I never lost it, because it was mine, not my dad's.
Brandon Returns, Bearing The Bare Essentials
Chuck Ragan (http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chuckragan.jpg:
Los Feliz
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan)
Pretty much anything to do with Hot Water Music is ok by me. And in this solo album by Chuck Ragan, it is your chance to hear the raw scratchy voice that shouts and wails over acoustic guitar. Throw in some harmonica, some other various and sundry string instruments, and you have yourself a fantastic album. It is as though Hot Water Music has been stripped down to vocals and for your enjoyment this one is well worth a few good listens!
Editor's Note: Would have been better if it were Brian Regan Live!, but beggars can't be choosers.
Ben Doesn't Really Remember Anything He's Listened To Lately, There's Been So Much
Fair To Midland (http://www.ftmband.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ftm.jpg:
Fables Of A Mayfly: What I Tell You 3 Times Is True
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/fairtomidland)
I'm a big fan of Fair to Midland's last independent offering, Inter.Funda.Stifle. Despite its terrible name, the album itself is a remarkable hard rock hybrid. Precocious vocals, intelligently self-indulgent lyrics, driving rhythms, head-bashing guitars. It really had everything. Now, signed to Serjical Strike records, FTM is ready to take the world by storm. Produced by David Bottrill (Tool, King Crimson), Fables of a Mayfly may have a retread or two or six, but the songs are more well-developed, the guitars given the old Bottrill crunch which made Tool a household name and relinquished King Crimson to a shadow of their former selves. It appears that age is a factor for this sound. Since Fair to Midland is still quite young, the board work is stellar. Their revisited tracks sound better than before and their new tracks show a growth of songwriting that, even as a fan of long-standing, I didn't see coming. This is a band to watch (or hear).
Editor's Note: For one week only, I've decided an Editor's Note on the editor's selection is way too self-absorbed. Mostly because I'm tired.