sir mix-a-lot
05-09-2007, 09:28 PM
Hey, readers of Decoy, how's life? Yeah, I'm doing pretty good too. Enough of the chit-chat, though. Let's get down to business. I ain't got no time to play around. What is this?
Jeremy Deal Hails Unamerican!
Oi Va Voi (http://www.oi-va-voi.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/oivavoi.jpg:
Oi Va Voi
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/oivavoi)
Keeping in tune with my current trend of digging non-standard American sounding music (such as Beirut, DeVotchKa, Gogol Bordello, Golem, etc), Oi Va Voi has a little worldly flavor mixed in. They mix danceable rhythms with klezmer music and utilize a switch-up of male/female vocals to provide a pretty diverse album. I recently discovered that recent hit-maker K.T. Tunstall was a member of the band (which I'm sure won't hurt their finding success through name-dropping alone) when making their last effort. This effort sees the new line-up moving forward with style. I'm still fresh into the record, having only spun it a few times, but I've enjoyed it thus far and would recommend some of our other "worldly" music lovers give it a try.
Editor's Note: Jeremy is bringing the awesome this week. Devotcka tour dates. Tod Hagerman album. Reminding me that CDBaby exists. Yep. He earned this leadoff spot, even if all three items are interrelated and could easily be condensed into one case of awesomeness. But the more the merrier!.
Matt Hebert Throws Him The Wacky One
City And Colour (http://www.cityandcolour.ca)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cityandcolour.jpg:
Live (CD/DVD)
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/dallasgreen)
It's almost engaging to watch Alexisonfire's own Dallas Green take the world on by himself (Ed.: Almost engaging, as in still pretty boring?). He's gone from the limelight to the night to day success with his solo career under the moniker City and Colour (Ed.: What? No, seriously, first person who can tell me what this is supposed to say wins fifteen bucks). When he released his debut full-length to high acclaim, I don't think the Canada could have guessed the success Dallas would eventually find himself knee deep in (Ed.: THE Canada). Time has passed and the lone horseman is back with a live CD/DVD combo, offering up a few new tracks along with his highly loved songs off of Sometimes (Ed.: For instance…track, uh, two? At least use "Save Your Scissors" as an example, any example!). Much like most live releases, Dallas's performance is nothing short of astounding, as is the DVD showcasing his vivid live show (Ed.: Most live releases are everything short of astounding). If you're a fan of Dallas's, then this appealing package is well worth your coin.
Editor's Note: I spent five minutes trying to edit the first three sentences, then gave up. I did add the extra "s" after the apostrophe in "Dallas'," though. Additionally, I enjoy City and Colour, even though they're nothing mindblowing. On the lighter side of things, I've decided I'm going to start reviewing albums without listening to them. Daring!
Jordan Saves Me From Myself…And Ironically, I Am Listening To A Track Called "Failurology" At This Very Moment
The Veil (http://www.theveils.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theveils.jpg:
Nux Vomica
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/theveils)
My first exposure to The Veils was through their song "Jesus For The Jugular" - it calls to mind everything I love about Tom Waits, The White Stripes, and Firewater. Then I listened to the rest of the album and, while it's not entirely all like that one song, there's a lot of really, really great things about it, enough to keep me wanting more and to pick them as my listening station. They can switch from hard rock to ballads to pop to atmospheric journeys, all without ever feeling like a different band. I honestly know little about the band and the members - they're from the UK (New Zealand), there's a chick bass player, and they have another album released. I have it; it's equally as good as Nux Vomica. I also know they're playing in LA at the end of June and I will definitely be there. For now, take a listen and show them some lovin'.
Editor's Note: Jordan, New Zealand is not part of the UK. R-o-c-k in the A-U-S!
Chris Pandolfo Missed This Band's..Band…Wagon (Fuck!). It Passed Him Around The Time The Falcons Were In The Super Bowl And Jamal Anderson Was The World's Best Running Back. Or Maybe It Was When Kurt Warner Was A Pro Bowler. Look, My Point Is That This Band's Prime Came And Went A While Ago And Now They Have To Latch Onto Coattails. I Don't Even Care That They Might Do It Fairly Well, Because "Cocaine" Is One Of The Twenty Worst Songs Ever Written
Strata (http://www.stratadirect.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/strata.jpg:
Strata Presents: The End Of The World
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/strata)
I never liked these guys until now. Now, with their latest album, Strata Presents the End of the World, they blatantly rip off
Dredg (not that this is a bad thing).
The song "Hot/Cold" may end up being in my top 10 songs of the year list, as its chorus almost gives me the goose bumps and it's so beautifully written.
Oh, and is that Mark Engles from Dredg in the bridge of this song? Believe it or not, it isn't. Again...I still don't think it's a bad thing that Strata has stolen Dredg's tone, atmosphere, and exact guitar playing style and thrown them into their songs, because if it weren't for that, I'd probably still not like these guys.
This is an overall great album though. I do recommend it.
Editor's Note: I used to like these guys. I don't hate them now or anything, but I tried to spin this record and couldn't get very far into it. It could have been the late hour; it could have been the overwhelming slog of my day job, it could have been one of many things. But I think it was the fact that Eric's voice doesn't fit with Dredg-like material. And because "Cocaine" is the worst thing I've heard in a while. Oh, also: http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=reviews&reviewid=1121&oldreview=1
Dave Was Like Any Little Boy. He Absolutely Could Not Get Enough Of
Dinosaur Jr. (http://www.dinosaurjr.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dinosaurjrjr.jpg:
Beyond
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurjr)
There have been a lot of reunions announced this year, but nothing was as exciting to me as the idea of Dinosaur Jr. releasing a new album with their original line-up. I had seen them in 2005 when they first started playing together again and they put on an amazing performance. It was apparent that the J./Lou/Murph line-up still had plenty of spark left. However, I was still skeptical since it is rare that an aging rock group could successfully write a noteworthy album. Well, there was no need to worry because Beyond is undoubtedly an incredible album. It easily ranks with their already certified classics, such as You’re Living All Over Me.
Fans of J. Mascis’s extraordinary solos will enjoy “Pick Me Up,” which puts to shame almost any guitar rock currently being released. With both J. Mascis and Lou Barlow writing this time around, there is a wide array of clever songwriting. “We’re Not Alone” is a standout track that is a catchy indie rock song reminiscent of their albums from the early 90s. There are also personal songs which are not to be missed, such as the stunning acoustic ballad, “I Got Lost.” I have a feeling that this will remain my favorite rock album this year. They are also streaming the entire album on MySpace, so make sure to check it out.
Editor's Note: I have never heard Dinosaur Jr., but I have noticed that bands with members whose name is one letter, then a last name tend to have a rabid fanbase. D. Sardy, J. Mascis, J. Robbins. You do the math(rock). Hum.
Ben Calls This Thing A Gob, Guy. Because He Just Rode In On A Segway
Far (http://www.thebandfar.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/far.jpg:
Tin Cans With Strings To You
Listen (http://www.therevolutionsmile.com)
In the world of Far, before there was D. Sardy (see above), there was Brad Wood. Before there was the universally-acclaimed Water and Solutions, there was the nearly-forgotten, slighted Tin Cans with Strings to You. Yes, before Far became FAR, there was this (along with a handful of indie records). Before they were quiet and beautiful, they were discordantly beautiful, churning out hard rocking numbers like "Love American Style", "In the Aisle, Yelling," and "Cut Out." It was the fact that these tracks stood up against the falsetto-driven "Girl," the somber "Job's Eyes," and the soul-wrenching "Joining the Circus" that makes Tin Cans… a fuller, more enriched listen than W & S. Not knocking that fine gem of a disc, but Tin Cans… has more to offer the listener. If you don't believe me, you've never heard this record. Do so.
Editor's Note: There are no bad songs on this album. It's weird to realize that The Revolution Smile sounds more like this record than any other Far disc, yet The Revolution Smile kinda isn't phenomenal, yet this is a top-tier album. Just goes to show you how far Jonah Matranga's vocals can take a band.
Jeremy Deal Hails Unamerican!
Oi Va Voi (http://www.oi-va-voi.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/oivavoi.jpg:
Oi Va Voi
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/oivavoi)
Keeping in tune with my current trend of digging non-standard American sounding music (such as Beirut, DeVotchKa, Gogol Bordello, Golem, etc), Oi Va Voi has a little worldly flavor mixed in. They mix danceable rhythms with klezmer music and utilize a switch-up of male/female vocals to provide a pretty diverse album. I recently discovered that recent hit-maker K.T. Tunstall was a member of the band (which I'm sure won't hurt their finding success through name-dropping alone) when making their last effort. This effort sees the new line-up moving forward with style. I'm still fresh into the record, having only spun it a few times, but I've enjoyed it thus far and would recommend some of our other "worldly" music lovers give it a try.
Editor's Note: Jeremy is bringing the awesome this week. Devotcka tour dates. Tod Hagerman album. Reminding me that CDBaby exists. Yep. He earned this leadoff spot, even if all three items are interrelated and could easily be condensed into one case of awesomeness. But the more the merrier!.
Matt Hebert Throws Him The Wacky One
City And Colour (http://www.cityandcolour.ca)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cityandcolour.jpg:
Live (CD/DVD)
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/dallasgreen)
It's almost engaging to watch Alexisonfire's own Dallas Green take the world on by himself (Ed.: Almost engaging, as in still pretty boring?). He's gone from the limelight to the night to day success with his solo career under the moniker City and Colour (Ed.: What? No, seriously, first person who can tell me what this is supposed to say wins fifteen bucks). When he released his debut full-length to high acclaim, I don't think the Canada could have guessed the success Dallas would eventually find himself knee deep in (Ed.: THE Canada). Time has passed and the lone horseman is back with a live CD/DVD combo, offering up a few new tracks along with his highly loved songs off of Sometimes (Ed.: For instance…track, uh, two? At least use "Save Your Scissors" as an example, any example!). Much like most live releases, Dallas's performance is nothing short of astounding, as is the DVD showcasing his vivid live show (Ed.: Most live releases are everything short of astounding). If you're a fan of Dallas's, then this appealing package is well worth your coin.
Editor's Note: I spent five minutes trying to edit the first three sentences, then gave up. I did add the extra "s" after the apostrophe in "Dallas'," though. Additionally, I enjoy City and Colour, even though they're nothing mindblowing. On the lighter side of things, I've decided I'm going to start reviewing albums without listening to them. Daring!
Jordan Saves Me From Myself…And Ironically, I Am Listening To A Track Called "Failurology" At This Very Moment
The Veil (http://www.theveils.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theveils.jpg:
Nux Vomica
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/theveils)
My first exposure to The Veils was through their song "Jesus For The Jugular" - it calls to mind everything I love about Tom Waits, The White Stripes, and Firewater. Then I listened to the rest of the album and, while it's not entirely all like that one song, there's a lot of really, really great things about it, enough to keep me wanting more and to pick them as my listening station. They can switch from hard rock to ballads to pop to atmospheric journeys, all without ever feeling like a different band. I honestly know little about the band and the members - they're from the UK (New Zealand), there's a chick bass player, and they have another album released. I have it; it's equally as good as Nux Vomica. I also know they're playing in LA at the end of June and I will definitely be there. For now, take a listen and show them some lovin'.
Editor's Note: Jordan, New Zealand is not part of the UK. R-o-c-k in the A-U-S!
Chris Pandolfo Missed This Band's..Band…Wagon (Fuck!). It Passed Him Around The Time The Falcons Were In The Super Bowl And Jamal Anderson Was The World's Best Running Back. Or Maybe It Was When Kurt Warner Was A Pro Bowler. Look, My Point Is That This Band's Prime Came And Went A While Ago And Now They Have To Latch Onto Coattails. I Don't Even Care That They Might Do It Fairly Well, Because "Cocaine" Is One Of The Twenty Worst Songs Ever Written
Strata (http://www.stratadirect.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/strata.jpg:
Strata Presents: The End Of The World
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/strata)
I never liked these guys until now. Now, with their latest album, Strata Presents the End of the World, they blatantly rip off
Dredg (not that this is a bad thing).
The song "Hot/Cold" may end up being in my top 10 songs of the year list, as its chorus almost gives me the goose bumps and it's so beautifully written.
Oh, and is that Mark Engles from Dredg in the bridge of this song? Believe it or not, it isn't. Again...I still don't think it's a bad thing that Strata has stolen Dredg's tone, atmosphere, and exact guitar playing style and thrown them into their songs, because if it weren't for that, I'd probably still not like these guys.
This is an overall great album though. I do recommend it.
Editor's Note: I used to like these guys. I don't hate them now or anything, but I tried to spin this record and couldn't get very far into it. It could have been the late hour; it could have been the overwhelming slog of my day job, it could have been one of many things. But I think it was the fact that Eric's voice doesn't fit with Dredg-like material. And because "Cocaine" is the worst thing I've heard in a while. Oh, also: http://www.decoymusic.com/index.php?content=reviews&reviewid=1121&oldreview=1
Dave Was Like Any Little Boy. He Absolutely Could Not Get Enough Of
Dinosaur Jr. (http://www.dinosaurjr.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dinosaurjrjr.jpg:
Beyond
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurjr)
There have been a lot of reunions announced this year, but nothing was as exciting to me as the idea of Dinosaur Jr. releasing a new album with their original line-up. I had seen them in 2005 when they first started playing together again and they put on an amazing performance. It was apparent that the J./Lou/Murph line-up still had plenty of spark left. However, I was still skeptical since it is rare that an aging rock group could successfully write a noteworthy album. Well, there was no need to worry because Beyond is undoubtedly an incredible album. It easily ranks with their already certified classics, such as You’re Living All Over Me.
Fans of J. Mascis’s extraordinary solos will enjoy “Pick Me Up,” which puts to shame almost any guitar rock currently being released. With both J. Mascis and Lou Barlow writing this time around, there is a wide array of clever songwriting. “We’re Not Alone” is a standout track that is a catchy indie rock song reminiscent of their albums from the early 90s. There are also personal songs which are not to be missed, such as the stunning acoustic ballad, “I Got Lost.” I have a feeling that this will remain my favorite rock album this year. They are also streaming the entire album on MySpace, so make sure to check it out.
Editor's Note: I have never heard Dinosaur Jr., but I have noticed that bands with members whose name is one letter, then a last name tend to have a rabid fanbase. D. Sardy, J. Mascis, J. Robbins. You do the math(rock). Hum.
Ben Calls This Thing A Gob, Guy. Because He Just Rode In On A Segway
Far (http://www.thebandfar.com)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/far.jpg:
Tin Cans With Strings To You
Listen (http://www.therevolutionsmile.com)
In the world of Far, before there was D. Sardy (see above), there was Brad Wood. Before there was the universally-acclaimed Water and Solutions, there was the nearly-forgotten, slighted Tin Cans with Strings to You. Yes, before Far became FAR, there was this (along with a handful of indie records). Before they were quiet and beautiful, they were discordantly beautiful, churning out hard rocking numbers like "Love American Style", "In the Aisle, Yelling," and "Cut Out." It was the fact that these tracks stood up against the falsetto-driven "Girl," the somber "Job's Eyes," and the soul-wrenching "Joining the Circus" that makes Tin Cans… a fuller, more enriched listen than W & S. Not knocking that fine gem of a disc, but Tin Cans… has more to offer the listener. If you don't believe me, you've never heard this record. Do so.
Editor's Note: There are no bad songs on this album. It's weird to realize that The Revolution Smile sounds more like this record than any other Far disc, yet The Revolution Smile kinda isn't phenomenal, yet this is a top-tier album. Just goes to show you how far Jonah Matranga's vocals can take a band.