sir mix-a-lot
04-26-2007, 07:38 PM
Sorry I'm late. What'd I miss?
Matt Hebert Reps The Locals
The Saint Alvia Cartel (http://www.unionlabelgroup.com/bandsview.php?id=55)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tsac.jpg:
Don't Wanna Wait Forever / Blonde Kryptonite
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thesaintalviacartel)
I’m asking myself, "Really, a six piece band?" Well, yeah, it is true, and that six-piece happens to be the latest incarnation from former and current projects that reach out from the blossoming young Burlington, Ontario music scene. While members have or are enjoying stints in Boys Night Out, Jersey, and The Video Dead, as well as the legendary Grade, these Burlington natives kick it with their firmly planted punk-rock roots as they draw inspiration from countless genres. It’s only been a year since The Saint Alvia Cartel came together, but for myself and countless others, their contagious melody reeks all too much of forthcoming success. Studio time with Justin Koop, who’s done work with Grade, Silverstein, and even The Reason, is now underway as the band ready itself for a late 2007 full-length via Stomp Records. Is it just me or is the wait surely going to be worth it?
Editor's Note: This thing's late as is. No need for notes. But how can anyone look at that promo shot and take this band seriously?
Jeremy Does Laundry At Two In The Morning
The Wet Secrets (http://www.thewetsecrets.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wetsecrets.jpg:
Rock Fantasy
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/wetsecrets)
I found this band while simply perusing new files on a particular website that features files that are sometimes legally free and sometimes not. This one intrigued me, so I bit. I love the album. They actually have the album for free download at www.thewetsecrets.com and even have a little instruction kit on how to assemble your own album.
This band encompasses all the fun things in music that I've previously enjoyed in such bands as Queens of the Stone Age, Hot Hot Heat, The Lovely Feathers, Death From Above 1979, and even some Local H thrown in there. (This is the second time they've come up from my station pick without being picked themselves... c'mon H - put out a new CD so I can pick you already!) The synth parts are executed with fervor while the bass lines slam out to a funk groove that rattles even the crappiest factory speakers into a dance-worthy hum. You have to give this band at least one listen on the fact they sing "Grow Your Own Fucking Moustache, Asshole." That's classic etched in gold, dammit! Seriously, this is an un-serious band with plenty of talent and know-how.
Editor's Note: Band name is awesome. No denying.
Armand Babian Is All Intellectual On That Ass
Joy Wants Eternity (http://www.joywantseternity.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/joywantseternity.jpg:
Must You Smash Your Ears Before You Learn To Listen With Your Eyes
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/joywantseternity)
I heard about Joy Wants Eternity a while ago and listened to their album around ten times prior to this month. I enjoyed the record but it never really hit me as being more than just a few pretty moments. I listened to this album again the other day and it hit me… hard. I listened to it four times in a row and loved every second of it. Since then I’ve listened to this album at least once a day for the past two weeks.
If you are a fan of heartfelt instrumental music, then Joy Wants Eternity is the band for you! Also, keep your eyes peeled because JWE has a new album coming out soon and they’re going to be making lots of noise this year.
Editor's Note: Wow, from casual fan to used car salesman. Weird.
Rick, I'm All Out Of Funny. Sorry
Neuroticfish (http://www.neuroticfish.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/neuroticfish.jpg:
Gelb
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/neuroticfish)
Futurepop… what the hell kind of genre is that? It’s almost as ridiculous as all the post-whatever tags being labeled onto bands. Why don’t we just call futurepop what it really is — synthpop. Just because it’s been a couple of decades since Depeche Mode kickstarted the genre alongside The Cure doesn’t mean we need to change the name of the genre because of a new generation of bands practicing it. Neuroticfish, which is the one man project from Sascha Mario Klein, relies heavily on channeling classic synthpop elements but also manages to toss in a club beat here and there as well as create some tracks with a heavy pop focus. Having a relatively robust discography, Gelb comes off as one of Neuroticfish’s more accessible efforts. It’s a perfect hour-long block of dance synth that’ll keep you in a near-sedated state, believe it or not.
Editor's Note: I got nothing. I tried. I sat and thought. I can't get it going this week. My apologies.
Daniel Alcinii Is About Ready To Bash Some Skulls…And What Better Band To Listen To For Such An Occasion?
Bad Brains (http://www.badbrains.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/badbrains.jpg:
Bad Brains
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/badbrainsdc)
Job-hunting is so insanely annoying. Fuck you, HMV. Listening to anything by Bad Brains seems to make this a far more fun and easier process.
Editor's Note: Get a real job, Grouch.
Dave Spak! Woohoo!
Blur (http://www.blur.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/blur.jpg:
Blur
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/blurtheband)
Most people are familiar with “Song 2” from Blur’s 1997 self-titled album but they haven’t heard much else. That is definitely a shame, because the song is neither the best on the record nor is it representative of the rest of the album. I’ve been listening to Blur quite a bit over the last week and each time, I find a new favorite song. This is an album that needs to be listened to from the first track to the last. It is impressive to hear a band that can utilize such diverse songwriting throughout a record and still remain consistent. “Beetlebum,” the album opener, is one of my favorite BritPop songs and contains an appealing mixture of psychedelia and crunchy guitars. Another must-hear is the beautiful yet haunting “Death of a Party.” This album is extremely rewarding to those willing to get past “Song 2.”
Editor's Note: Plus dude's in Gorillaz.
Scott Was Promoting His Upcoming Acoustic Set The Time I Missed This Band Live
Grayceon (http://www.grayceont.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/grayceon.jpg:
Grayceon
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/grayceon)
What do you get when you combine epic progressive metal with intricate cello harmonies? Grayceon, apparently. This talented San Franciscan trio, after signing with the exceptional and eccentric Vendlus Records and touring with wonderful bands like Giant Squid, has produced an album dripping with raw energy and talent. This LP is only four tracks long, but each is a massive, sprawling testament to finely honed musicality derived from a variety of influences. Keep your eye on Grayceon; their new album shows a level of potential absent in most debut efforts.
Editor's Note: The cellist is also in Giant Squid now.
Alex Takes Back His Love Of Fall Out Boy
Taking Back Sunday (http://www.takingbacksunday.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tbs3.jpg:
Tell All Your Friends
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/takingbacksunday)
I'm just going to come out and say it. I think this is probably the best album ever. Whilst The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most was the album that saved me from nu-metal and played a huge role in high school girl drama, as well as the subsequent sleepless nights obsessing over things that were retrospectively embarrassingly small time, it was Tell All Your Friends that truly struck a chord with me and, laugh it up, probably changed my outlook on music. While the sound has regrettably become cliché, through countless recycles and plagiarism, when I actually LISTEN to the tracks on this album, I remember how much the lyrics mean to me, and more importantly how they talk to me. I care little for e-types who poke fun at lines such as "the truth is you could slit my throat, and with my one last dying breath, I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt;" at the end of the day, my life is completely and utterly about feeling that strongly about another person. Regardless of what mass opinion of this disc is, it truly hold a huge place in my heart, and there are lyrics here that express things I could never hope to commit to words justifiably. Oh, and Adam Lazarra's cute.
Editor's Note: Ladies and gentlemen, Alex Davies!
Jordan Gets Verbose And Flighty, Like A Little Girly-Man Would
Message To Bears (http://www.myspace.com/messagetobears)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/messagetobears.jpg:
EP 1
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/messagetobears)
From what I've read, and to the best of my knowledge, Message to Bears is only one person, a man from the UK named Jerome Alexander. He seems to be a natural-born instrumentalist, gifted at creating some very emotional, delicate music. The music he's recorded is subtle and beautiful, rich is tone and texture. It's soothing in the purest sense. When I listen, I imagine wide-open landscapes that haven't yet been touched by modern civilization. I suppose that kind of thing only exists in movies, which is rather fitting, because this album could very well be the score to a film. The music itself falls somewhere between EITS and Eluvium. Very guitar based, acoustic finger picking that definitely has its scopes set pretty high.
Luckily, it never fails in its attempt.
Editor's Note: I am a bear. Message received.
Allen Is Grace Under Pressure, Starring Brett Butler, As Performed By Elbow
The Polyphonic Spree (http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/polyphonic.jpg:
Together We're Heavy
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/polyphonicspree)
You cant get much more posi than a gospel-like full pop orchestra. Or at least I doubt it. Plus, in the twenty-some musicians that form the band, there are some fairly awesomely random instruments to keep you guessing (i.e. french horn, harp, etc.). If you want to listen to some good happy music, besides going right to some third wave ska or Beatles emulators like Of Montreal, just check out The Polyphonic Spree. You can't listen to a song without smiling a little, even if you did just mosh to Bring Me the Horizon beforehand.
Editor's Note: These dudes and dudettes had a guest spot on Scrubs once.
Chris Pandolfo Probably Wanted To Pick This Four Months Ago
Hopesfall (http://www.hopesfall.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/hopesfall2.jpg:
Magnetic North
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/hopesfall)
This has been what I've been listening to nonstop for about...a week. So therefore I have submitted it as my listening station. Make sense? Good.
Oh yeah, and this album is awesome.
Editor's Note: I don't even understand what's great about The Satellite Years. I wish I were more into melodic hardcore, but not really at all.
Ben Couldn't Decide What To Use So He Chose Something He Actually Hasn't Listened To In A Long While
Belles Of Skin City (http://www.bellesofskincity.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bellesofskincity.jpg:
You Do The Company Proud
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bellesofskincity)
This band is so awesome that I continuously fail to review them. Just like every other totally awesome band I know of. Anyway, if you like any off-the-wall shit, you're gonna dig Belles of Skin City. Percussion heavy and melody light, it's almost as if Blood Brothers got into a horrific accident with Frank Zappa's zombie corpse. Except just as everyone's sure everyone else is okay, fuckin' Devo slams into em, sending everyone to eternal damnation. And the coroners are Cerberus Shoal. Oh, and Satan is played by Luc Longley. Did that just blow your mind? I'd better have. I'd like to add another band, but apparently, Belles of Skin City is not down with that band, so I won't mention them. Oh, and I call their genre Industrial Punk. Get into it!
Editor's Note: We're done here. I’m hungry.
Matt Hebert Reps The Locals
The Saint Alvia Cartel (http://www.unionlabelgroup.com/bandsview.php?id=55)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tsac.jpg:
Don't Wanna Wait Forever / Blonde Kryptonite
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thesaintalviacartel)
I’m asking myself, "Really, a six piece band?" Well, yeah, it is true, and that six-piece happens to be the latest incarnation from former and current projects that reach out from the blossoming young Burlington, Ontario music scene. While members have or are enjoying stints in Boys Night Out, Jersey, and The Video Dead, as well as the legendary Grade, these Burlington natives kick it with their firmly planted punk-rock roots as they draw inspiration from countless genres. It’s only been a year since The Saint Alvia Cartel came together, but for myself and countless others, their contagious melody reeks all too much of forthcoming success. Studio time with Justin Koop, who’s done work with Grade, Silverstein, and even The Reason, is now underway as the band ready itself for a late 2007 full-length via Stomp Records. Is it just me or is the wait surely going to be worth it?
Editor's Note: This thing's late as is. No need for notes. But how can anyone look at that promo shot and take this band seriously?
Jeremy Does Laundry At Two In The Morning
The Wet Secrets (http://www.thewetsecrets.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/wetsecrets.jpg:
Rock Fantasy
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/wetsecrets)
I found this band while simply perusing new files on a particular website that features files that are sometimes legally free and sometimes not. This one intrigued me, so I bit. I love the album. They actually have the album for free download at www.thewetsecrets.com and even have a little instruction kit on how to assemble your own album.
This band encompasses all the fun things in music that I've previously enjoyed in such bands as Queens of the Stone Age, Hot Hot Heat, The Lovely Feathers, Death From Above 1979, and even some Local H thrown in there. (This is the second time they've come up from my station pick without being picked themselves... c'mon H - put out a new CD so I can pick you already!) The synth parts are executed with fervor while the bass lines slam out to a funk groove that rattles even the crappiest factory speakers into a dance-worthy hum. You have to give this band at least one listen on the fact they sing "Grow Your Own Fucking Moustache, Asshole." That's classic etched in gold, dammit! Seriously, this is an un-serious band with plenty of talent and know-how.
Editor's Note: Band name is awesome. No denying.
Armand Babian Is All Intellectual On That Ass
Joy Wants Eternity (http://www.joywantseternity.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/joywantseternity.jpg:
Must You Smash Your Ears Before You Learn To Listen With Your Eyes
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/joywantseternity)
I heard about Joy Wants Eternity a while ago and listened to their album around ten times prior to this month. I enjoyed the record but it never really hit me as being more than just a few pretty moments. I listened to this album again the other day and it hit me… hard. I listened to it four times in a row and loved every second of it. Since then I’ve listened to this album at least once a day for the past two weeks.
If you are a fan of heartfelt instrumental music, then Joy Wants Eternity is the band for you! Also, keep your eyes peeled because JWE has a new album coming out soon and they’re going to be making lots of noise this year.
Editor's Note: Wow, from casual fan to used car salesman. Weird.
Rick, I'm All Out Of Funny. Sorry
Neuroticfish (http://www.neuroticfish.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/neuroticfish.jpg:
Gelb
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/neuroticfish)
Futurepop… what the hell kind of genre is that? It’s almost as ridiculous as all the post-whatever tags being labeled onto bands. Why don’t we just call futurepop what it really is — synthpop. Just because it’s been a couple of decades since Depeche Mode kickstarted the genre alongside The Cure doesn’t mean we need to change the name of the genre because of a new generation of bands practicing it. Neuroticfish, which is the one man project from Sascha Mario Klein, relies heavily on channeling classic synthpop elements but also manages to toss in a club beat here and there as well as create some tracks with a heavy pop focus. Having a relatively robust discography, Gelb comes off as one of Neuroticfish’s more accessible efforts. It’s a perfect hour-long block of dance synth that’ll keep you in a near-sedated state, believe it or not.
Editor's Note: I got nothing. I tried. I sat and thought. I can't get it going this week. My apologies.
Daniel Alcinii Is About Ready To Bash Some Skulls…And What Better Band To Listen To For Such An Occasion?
Bad Brains (http://www.badbrains.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/badbrains.jpg:
Bad Brains
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/badbrainsdc)
Job-hunting is so insanely annoying. Fuck you, HMV. Listening to anything by Bad Brains seems to make this a far more fun and easier process.
Editor's Note: Get a real job, Grouch.
Dave Spak! Woohoo!
Blur (http://www.blur.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/blur.jpg:
Blur
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/blurtheband)
Most people are familiar with “Song 2” from Blur’s 1997 self-titled album but they haven’t heard much else. That is definitely a shame, because the song is neither the best on the record nor is it representative of the rest of the album. I’ve been listening to Blur quite a bit over the last week and each time, I find a new favorite song. This is an album that needs to be listened to from the first track to the last. It is impressive to hear a band that can utilize such diverse songwriting throughout a record and still remain consistent. “Beetlebum,” the album opener, is one of my favorite BritPop songs and contains an appealing mixture of psychedelia and crunchy guitars. Another must-hear is the beautiful yet haunting “Death of a Party.” This album is extremely rewarding to those willing to get past “Song 2.”
Editor's Note: Plus dude's in Gorillaz.
Scott Was Promoting His Upcoming Acoustic Set The Time I Missed This Band Live
Grayceon (http://www.grayceont.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/grayceon.jpg:
Grayceon
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/grayceon)
What do you get when you combine epic progressive metal with intricate cello harmonies? Grayceon, apparently. This talented San Franciscan trio, after signing with the exceptional and eccentric Vendlus Records and touring with wonderful bands like Giant Squid, has produced an album dripping with raw energy and talent. This LP is only four tracks long, but each is a massive, sprawling testament to finely honed musicality derived from a variety of influences. Keep your eye on Grayceon; their new album shows a level of potential absent in most debut efforts.
Editor's Note: The cellist is also in Giant Squid now.
Alex Takes Back His Love Of Fall Out Boy
Taking Back Sunday (http://www.takingbacksunday.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tbs3.jpg:
Tell All Your Friends
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/takingbacksunday)
I'm just going to come out and say it. I think this is probably the best album ever. Whilst The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most was the album that saved me from nu-metal and played a huge role in high school girl drama, as well as the subsequent sleepless nights obsessing over things that were retrospectively embarrassingly small time, it was Tell All Your Friends that truly struck a chord with me and, laugh it up, probably changed my outlook on music. While the sound has regrettably become cliché, through countless recycles and plagiarism, when I actually LISTEN to the tracks on this album, I remember how much the lyrics mean to me, and more importantly how they talk to me. I care little for e-types who poke fun at lines such as "the truth is you could slit my throat, and with my one last dying breath, I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt;" at the end of the day, my life is completely and utterly about feeling that strongly about another person. Regardless of what mass opinion of this disc is, it truly hold a huge place in my heart, and there are lyrics here that express things I could never hope to commit to words justifiably. Oh, and Adam Lazarra's cute.
Editor's Note: Ladies and gentlemen, Alex Davies!
Jordan Gets Verbose And Flighty, Like A Little Girly-Man Would
Message To Bears (http://www.myspace.com/messagetobears)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/messagetobears.jpg:
EP 1
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/messagetobears)
From what I've read, and to the best of my knowledge, Message to Bears is only one person, a man from the UK named Jerome Alexander. He seems to be a natural-born instrumentalist, gifted at creating some very emotional, delicate music. The music he's recorded is subtle and beautiful, rich is tone and texture. It's soothing in the purest sense. When I listen, I imagine wide-open landscapes that haven't yet been touched by modern civilization. I suppose that kind of thing only exists in movies, which is rather fitting, because this album could very well be the score to a film. The music itself falls somewhere between EITS and Eluvium. Very guitar based, acoustic finger picking that definitely has its scopes set pretty high.
Luckily, it never fails in its attempt.
Editor's Note: I am a bear. Message received.
Allen Is Grace Under Pressure, Starring Brett Butler, As Performed By Elbow
The Polyphonic Spree (http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/polyphonic.jpg:
Together We're Heavy
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/polyphonicspree)
You cant get much more posi than a gospel-like full pop orchestra. Or at least I doubt it. Plus, in the twenty-some musicians that form the band, there are some fairly awesomely random instruments to keep you guessing (i.e. french horn, harp, etc.). If you want to listen to some good happy music, besides going right to some third wave ska or Beatles emulators like Of Montreal, just check out The Polyphonic Spree. You can't listen to a song without smiling a little, even if you did just mosh to Bring Me the Horizon beforehand.
Editor's Note: These dudes and dudettes had a guest spot on Scrubs once.
Chris Pandolfo Probably Wanted To Pick This Four Months Ago
Hopesfall (http://www.hopesfall.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/hopesfall2.jpg:
Magnetic North
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/hopesfall)
This has been what I've been listening to nonstop for about...a week. So therefore I have submitted it as my listening station. Make sense? Good.
Oh yeah, and this album is awesome.
Editor's Note: I don't even understand what's great about The Satellite Years. I wish I were more into melodic hardcore, but not really at all.
Ben Couldn't Decide What To Use So He Chose Something He Actually Hasn't Listened To In A Long While
Belles Of Skin City (http://www.bellesofskincity.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bellesofskincity.jpg:
You Do The Company Proud
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bellesofskincity)
This band is so awesome that I continuously fail to review them. Just like every other totally awesome band I know of. Anyway, if you like any off-the-wall shit, you're gonna dig Belles of Skin City. Percussion heavy and melody light, it's almost as if Blood Brothers got into a horrific accident with Frank Zappa's zombie corpse. Except just as everyone's sure everyone else is okay, fuckin' Devo slams into em, sending everyone to eternal damnation. And the coroners are Cerberus Shoal. Oh, and Satan is played by Luc Longley. Did that just blow your mind? I'd better have. I'd like to add another band, but apparently, Belles of Skin City is not down with that band, so I won't mention them. Oh, and I call their genre Industrial Punk. Get into it!
Editor's Note: We're done here. I’m hungry.