sir mix-a-lot
12-07-2005, 09:02 PM
So you wanna know what each Decoy contributor is jamming this week? Take a long gander at this week's list and feel free to add what you guys are spinning too.
Brent Steven White Is Building a Shrine to Omnibus Records While Absorbing: Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/imogenheap.jpg
Website: (http://www.imogenheap.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/imogenheap)
I was introduced to Imogen Heap indirectly by a friend of mine whom I usually never trust when it comes to music. Heap is very Euro; later Bjork meets early Eurythmics, but a little more accessible. You might recognize her from her work with Frou Frou.
Johnny L Is Searching Out 2004 Hipsterville While Exploring: Shawn Pander - Being Here
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shawnpander.jpg
Website: (http://www.shawnpander.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace/com/shawnpander)
Shawn Pander plays folk rock. Yes, folk. If you listen carefully you will hear some hints of alt country and blues as well. He recently put out his second independent album called Being Here and has started to garner national attention. Dr. Phil liked him so much that he had him play his single “Simplicity” on his show last summer. I kid you not. Dr. Phil. If you like artists like John Mayer, Ron Sexsmith, or James Taylor, or even if you don’t and are looking for something different, Shawn Pander is your man.
Jordan Is Giving Up the Ghost While Being Haunted By: Subtract by Two - Agoniser Ecrire
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/subtractbytwo.jpg
Website: (http://www.subtractbytwo.com) :: Listen: ( www.myspace.com/subtractbytwo
)
Subtract by Two is the collaborative brainchild of James W. Hill and Kyle Bobby Dunn. The duo's debut EP, Agoniser Ecrire, focuses their talent into a classical frame of mind as they rely almost entirely on classical instrumentation (piano, violin) while only dipping slightly into more rock-oriented instrumentation. This could make them either an experimental rock group or just two composers with more of a vibrant soul than the rest of the bunch, but, in either case, Agoniser Ecrire is a haunting portrait of lost souls --eerie sounds fill the landscape and meander hopelessly until exhaustion. The complete beauty of Subtract by Two can be found in the placating effects of "A Transgression Suite" and "Les Miserere," which simultaneously create a soothing effect and also disturb the senses enough to disorient the most patient listeners. Fans of Godspeed You! Black Emporer, A Silver Mount Zion, and The Album Leaf should enjoy the cerebral experience of this EP, but even the casual listener will appreciate the finer moments contained therein.
Adam Is Getting Way Too Excited, Considering He's Listening to a Band Called: Mellowdrone - Box
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mellowdrone.jpg
Website: (http://www.mellowdrone.com) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/mellowdrone)
Mellowdrone has been a personal fav of mine since 2002. He's the kind of artist (now full band) that has the ability to amaze and irritate at the same time. Before, it was the fact that he had released a string of amazing EPs. But for 4 years now, that's all we've had from him (them), EPs. No albums, just EPs. It's very hard to swallow when one of your favorite artist only puts out 5 songs a year, one of which is usually an intro track. So after finally signing to Columbia/3 Records earlier in the year, Mellowdrone decided to record a full length. It is nothing short of wonderful. That said, they still managed to tweak my nerves by re-recording many songs from their previous EPs to fill out the album. So after all this waiting, I still only got 4 new songs. Lucky for them, they are freaking good, even the second time around.
Kazy Is Playing It Cool and Staying In School While Absorbing: Built to Spill - There's Nothing Wrong With Love
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/builttospill.jpg
Website: ( http://www.builttospill.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.builttospill.com/)
Ever since Boise, Idaho, trio Built to Spill emerged on the national radar with its major label release Perfect from Now On (Warner Bros.), its earlier recordings have been infused with a certain pre-discovery mystique. On 1994's There's Nothing Wrong with Love, the roots of Built to Spill's shimmering orchestral arrangements are present, but with a distinctly tattered edge. Frontman Doug Martsch bounds from moody balladry to primal screams, often in the same songs. Add the crunch of Brett Nelson's guitar and you wipe the sheen off 12 songs that would be just plain pretty, if not for their garage rock soul.
Jayme Is Practicing Spinkicks on His Girlfriend While Blaring: And Down Goes Frazier - Number One Contender
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/adgf.JPG
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/anddowngoesfrazier) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/anddowngoesfrazier)
Lately I’ve really been listening to a lot of simple, straight-ahead hardcore; however, there is a real overabundance of new bands in this genre, so finding one that has that certain “something” can be a bit difficult. After bouncing around Myspace pages for about half an hour earlier this week, I came across And Down Goes Frazier. And Down Goes Frazier is a straight-forward hardcore band from Portsmouth, Virginia, that has that “something.” These guys come out playing your typical fast-paced and high energy hardcore in the same vein as Floorpunch, American Nightmare, The Suicide File, Champion, and Miles Away. Unfortunately, And Down Goes Frazier only have a 5-song 7” out that was released on Last Anthem Records, but the guys hope to get back into the studio sometime this winter to start recording their next record. If you are into no-bullshit hardcore, then you’ll understand why And Down Goes Frazier has what it takes to please new and old-school fans of the genre.
Jared Is Meekly Whispering the Shout-Along Choruses Of: Bleeding Through - The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bleedingthrough.jpg
Website: (http://www.bleedingthrough.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bleedingthrough)
Straight-edgers Bleeding Through have been out of sight for a couple of years now. Their second album on Trustkill is titled The Truth, not to be confused with the unpromoted Limp Bizkit album. The material is very similar to This is Love…. I was surprised to hear a ballad on this album since this band is usually balls to the wall. Even more shocking is that “Line in the Sand” makes a great ballad. On the whole, it’s more of the same from a band that knows what it's doing.
Rick Is Keepin' It Slick While Trickin' Out: Beyond All Reason - Words of Betrayal
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beyondallreason.jpg
Website: (http://www.beyondallreason.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/beyondallreason)
You ever wonder what Story of the Year would sound like if you crossed them with Cinderella or Winger or 80’s hair metal in general? Yeah, me neither, but, oddly enough, I can’t get enough of Beyond All Reason’s latest disc Words of Betrayal. Take a modern hard rock/metal musical style and toss in some soaring vocals a la Coheed and Cambria, along with a few high pitched glam metal screeches and you have a recipe for audible crack — you know it’s bad for you but you just can’t stop mainlining the shit.
Brandon Is Making It Impossible Not to Make a Second Religion Reference by Listening To: Reverend Glasseye - Our Lady of the Broken Spine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reverendglasseye.jpg
Website: (http://www.reverendglasseye.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/reverendglasseye)
Some of you may recall that this band was featured as one of our Diamonds In The Rough a few weeks back. Well, don't avoid them any longer. Reverend Glasseye has often been labeled dark salvation music: cautionary tales filled with American superstition and human frailty, following a tradition of storytelling left by Flannery O' Connor and Edgar Lee Masters. The music itself sounds like some sort of unclean orchestra reminiscent of Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Van Dyke Parks, or Ennio Morricone. Live, the Reverend croons like a broken Tom Jones with the sincerity and fervor of a Southern Evangelist. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the curious world of Reverend Glasseye.
Ben Is Phoning This One In While Obsessing Over: Bridges - The Underscore
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bridges.jpg
Website: (http://www.bridgestheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bridged)
Rising from the ashes of Sacramento indie-prog-pop group Mister Metaphor, then coupled with the well-aged ashes of Quitter, is a band that goes by the simple name of Bridges. Originally a solo project by Metaphor vocalist/guitarist Mike Sparks, his work, as would seem obvious, sparked the interest of other local musicians, such as former Mr. Metaphor bassist Ryan Rake and former Quitter guitarist Robert "Floss" Cheek, who originally signed on merely as a producer. What came out of this is one of the most unexplainable indie sounds of the year. At times full of effects-heavy guitar noodling, while at others being stripped almost to the bare bones, The Underscore is a heart-breaking record of unfathomable levels, with the musicianship to match.
Dara Is Realizing Arriving Late Is Better Than Never Showing Up At All While Casually Enjoying: The Drones - Wait Long By The River & The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thedrones.jpg
Website: (http://www.thedrones.com.au/) :: Listen: (http://www.smh.com.au/news/Music/Acca-Dacca-yakka/2005/05/05/1115092601433.html)
Pitchfork just offered up a glowing review of this album, but whether or not you err on the side of the oft-opinionated zine giant, don't pass up The Drones' second full-length, Wait Long By The River & The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By. It's an incendiary cocktail of bruising, bluesy rock n' roll that cleans house with guitars that can only be described as "scrawking," culling influences from decades past but rarely flagging for energy like so many 'throwback' bands. For my money, "Shark Fin Blues" is the rock song of the year.
Brent Steven White Is Building a Shrine to Omnibus Records While Absorbing: Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/imogenheap.jpg
Website: (http://www.imogenheap.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/imogenheap)
I was introduced to Imogen Heap indirectly by a friend of mine whom I usually never trust when it comes to music. Heap is very Euro; later Bjork meets early Eurythmics, but a little more accessible. You might recognize her from her work with Frou Frou.
Johnny L Is Searching Out 2004 Hipsterville While Exploring: Shawn Pander - Being Here
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/shawnpander.jpg
Website: (http://www.shawnpander.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace/com/shawnpander)
Shawn Pander plays folk rock. Yes, folk. If you listen carefully you will hear some hints of alt country and blues as well. He recently put out his second independent album called Being Here and has started to garner national attention. Dr. Phil liked him so much that he had him play his single “Simplicity” on his show last summer. I kid you not. Dr. Phil. If you like artists like John Mayer, Ron Sexsmith, or James Taylor, or even if you don’t and are looking for something different, Shawn Pander is your man.
Jordan Is Giving Up the Ghost While Being Haunted By: Subtract by Two - Agoniser Ecrire
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/subtractbytwo.jpg
Website: (http://www.subtractbytwo.com) :: Listen: ( www.myspace.com/subtractbytwo
)
Subtract by Two is the collaborative brainchild of James W. Hill and Kyle Bobby Dunn. The duo's debut EP, Agoniser Ecrire, focuses their talent into a classical frame of mind as they rely almost entirely on classical instrumentation (piano, violin) while only dipping slightly into more rock-oriented instrumentation. This could make them either an experimental rock group or just two composers with more of a vibrant soul than the rest of the bunch, but, in either case, Agoniser Ecrire is a haunting portrait of lost souls --eerie sounds fill the landscape and meander hopelessly until exhaustion. The complete beauty of Subtract by Two can be found in the placating effects of "A Transgression Suite" and "Les Miserere," which simultaneously create a soothing effect and also disturb the senses enough to disorient the most patient listeners. Fans of Godspeed You! Black Emporer, A Silver Mount Zion, and The Album Leaf should enjoy the cerebral experience of this EP, but even the casual listener will appreciate the finer moments contained therein.
Adam Is Getting Way Too Excited, Considering He's Listening to a Band Called: Mellowdrone - Box
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mellowdrone.jpg
Website: (http://www.mellowdrone.com) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/mellowdrone)
Mellowdrone has been a personal fav of mine since 2002. He's the kind of artist (now full band) that has the ability to amaze and irritate at the same time. Before, it was the fact that he had released a string of amazing EPs. But for 4 years now, that's all we've had from him (them), EPs. No albums, just EPs. It's very hard to swallow when one of your favorite artist only puts out 5 songs a year, one of which is usually an intro track. So after finally signing to Columbia/3 Records earlier in the year, Mellowdrone decided to record a full length. It is nothing short of wonderful. That said, they still managed to tweak my nerves by re-recording many songs from their previous EPs to fill out the album. So after all this waiting, I still only got 4 new songs. Lucky for them, they are freaking good, even the second time around.
Kazy Is Playing It Cool and Staying In School While Absorbing: Built to Spill - There's Nothing Wrong With Love
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/builttospill.jpg
Website: ( http://www.builttospill.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.builttospill.com/)
Ever since Boise, Idaho, trio Built to Spill emerged on the national radar with its major label release Perfect from Now On (Warner Bros.), its earlier recordings have been infused with a certain pre-discovery mystique. On 1994's There's Nothing Wrong with Love, the roots of Built to Spill's shimmering orchestral arrangements are present, but with a distinctly tattered edge. Frontman Doug Martsch bounds from moody balladry to primal screams, often in the same songs. Add the crunch of Brett Nelson's guitar and you wipe the sheen off 12 songs that would be just plain pretty, if not for their garage rock soul.
Jayme Is Practicing Spinkicks on His Girlfriend While Blaring: And Down Goes Frazier - Number One Contender
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/adgf.JPG
Website: (http://www.myspace.com/anddowngoesfrazier) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/anddowngoesfrazier)
Lately I’ve really been listening to a lot of simple, straight-ahead hardcore; however, there is a real overabundance of new bands in this genre, so finding one that has that certain “something” can be a bit difficult. After bouncing around Myspace pages for about half an hour earlier this week, I came across And Down Goes Frazier. And Down Goes Frazier is a straight-forward hardcore band from Portsmouth, Virginia, that has that “something.” These guys come out playing your typical fast-paced and high energy hardcore in the same vein as Floorpunch, American Nightmare, The Suicide File, Champion, and Miles Away. Unfortunately, And Down Goes Frazier only have a 5-song 7” out that was released on Last Anthem Records, but the guys hope to get back into the studio sometime this winter to start recording their next record. If you are into no-bullshit hardcore, then you’ll understand why And Down Goes Frazier has what it takes to please new and old-school fans of the genre.
Jared Is Meekly Whispering the Shout-Along Choruses Of: Bleeding Through - The Truth
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bleedingthrough.jpg
Website: (http://www.bleedingthrough.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bleedingthrough)
Straight-edgers Bleeding Through have been out of sight for a couple of years now. Their second album on Trustkill is titled The Truth, not to be confused with the unpromoted Limp Bizkit album. The material is very similar to This is Love…. I was surprised to hear a ballad on this album since this band is usually balls to the wall. Even more shocking is that “Line in the Sand” makes a great ballad. On the whole, it’s more of the same from a band that knows what it's doing.
Rick Is Keepin' It Slick While Trickin' Out: Beyond All Reason - Words of Betrayal
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/beyondallreason.jpg
Website: (http://www.beyondallreason.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/beyondallreason)
You ever wonder what Story of the Year would sound like if you crossed them with Cinderella or Winger or 80’s hair metal in general? Yeah, me neither, but, oddly enough, I can’t get enough of Beyond All Reason’s latest disc Words of Betrayal. Take a modern hard rock/metal musical style and toss in some soaring vocals a la Coheed and Cambria, along with a few high pitched glam metal screeches and you have a recipe for audible crack — you know it’s bad for you but you just can’t stop mainlining the shit.
Brandon Is Making It Impossible Not to Make a Second Religion Reference by Listening To: Reverend Glasseye - Our Lady of the Broken Spine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reverendglasseye.jpg
Website: (http://www.reverendglasseye.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/reverendglasseye)
Some of you may recall that this band was featured as one of our Diamonds In The Rough a few weeks back. Well, don't avoid them any longer. Reverend Glasseye has often been labeled dark salvation music: cautionary tales filled with American superstition and human frailty, following a tradition of storytelling left by Flannery O' Connor and Edgar Lee Masters. The music itself sounds like some sort of unclean orchestra reminiscent of Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Van Dyke Parks, or Ennio Morricone. Live, the Reverend croons like a broken Tom Jones with the sincerity and fervor of a Southern Evangelist. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the curious world of Reverend Glasseye.
Ben Is Phoning This One In While Obsessing Over: Bridges - The Underscore
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bridges.jpg
Website: (http://www.bridgestheband.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/bridged)
Rising from the ashes of Sacramento indie-prog-pop group Mister Metaphor, then coupled with the well-aged ashes of Quitter, is a band that goes by the simple name of Bridges. Originally a solo project by Metaphor vocalist/guitarist Mike Sparks, his work, as would seem obvious, sparked the interest of other local musicians, such as former Mr. Metaphor bassist Ryan Rake and former Quitter guitarist Robert "Floss" Cheek, who originally signed on merely as a producer. What came out of this is one of the most unexplainable indie sounds of the year. At times full of effects-heavy guitar noodling, while at others being stripped almost to the bare bones, The Underscore is a heart-breaking record of unfathomable levels, with the musicianship to match.
Dara Is Realizing Arriving Late Is Better Than Never Showing Up At All While Casually Enjoying: The Drones - Wait Long By The River & The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thedrones.jpg
Website: (http://www.thedrones.com.au/) :: Listen: (http://www.smh.com.au/news/Music/Acca-Dacca-yakka/2005/05/05/1115092601433.html)
Pitchfork just offered up a glowing review of this album, but whether or not you err on the side of the oft-opinionated zine giant, don't pass up The Drones' second full-length, Wait Long By The River & The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By. It's an incendiary cocktail of bruising, bluesy rock n' roll that cleans house with guitars that can only be described as "scrawking," culling influences from decades past but rarely flagging for energy like so many 'throwback' bands. For my money, "Shark Fin Blues" is the rock song of the year.