sir mix-a-lot
03-22-2006, 08:05 PM
You've stumbled upon the wonderful world of Decoy Music's weekly Listening Station. So plug in your iPods or whatever you use and get ready to fill it with items selected by staff, readers, and bands you know and love.
Sam Does Not Believe In Arming The Homeless, But Does Believe In: Armalite - Armalite
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/armalite.jpg
Website: ( http://www.myspace.com/armalite) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/armalite)
Atom is back with a new band called Armalite that also features ex-members of Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, and Paint It Black. The self-titled record dropped February 14th on No Idea Records and is one of the best super groups I've heard in a long time. Unfortunately, this is just a side project and not the main focus of these brilliant dudes. The entire CD doesn't stray from the typical punk formula, but it just rocks.
Marc Had His Heart Broken (By A Freight Train), So He Called For An: Ambulette - The Lottery EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ambulette.jpg
Website: (http://www.ambulettemusic.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ambulette)
I was originally going to choose Bayside's self-titled album for my pick of the week, but I ended up buying Ambulette's Lottery EP Tuesday. I really had no desire to go out and look for this album today, but since I went to go pick up Denali's Pinnacle DVD I decided to browse for some albums and eventually noticed the Ambulette EP. I was kind of shocked seeing it, so I quickly grabbed it. For those who don't know, Ambulette (once dubbed Bella Lea) features Maura Davis (Denali).
This moody EP brings together the start of a relationship that later crumbles. The first track is very similar to that of theSTART with how cocky Maura comes off. "Do you like what you see?" From there, the rest of the tracks are stages in a relationship which leads to the Jacques Brel cover of "If You Go Away." This is no Denali, but it is great to hear Maura's voice again.
Aaron Has Overstepped Boundaries In Order To Bring You: Underminded - New Album Demos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/underminded.jpg
Website: (http://www.underminded) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/underminded)
So I've had these new Underminded demos, 5 in all, for a while now. Sure, they don't have vocals, but they definitely portray a solid idea of the direction in which the band is heading on their sophomore album. Since their first release, 2004's Hail! Unamerican, the band has gone through many things, they have been on endless tours, have added a third guitarist to the mix, and, finally and most recently, just added Wade Youman (ex-Unwritten Law) to the mix. The new demos take the songwriting and musicianship skills up a notch. Where their first release was more or less thrown together in a month, the band has now been able to write for the past year or so and that really shines through on these demos. Beginning with "Animale," which sounds like tamale, the band make things short and sweet. Having played this song on their last couple tours, this is the one that always seems to get the crowd moving, especially by the time the ending buildup into the breakdown come forth; live, you'll see bodies flying everywhere. Sure there's the heavy songs but they are not to be outdone by the more melodic songs. The sing-alongs are back now, with all four frontmen screaming their hearts out and really portraying a new side to Underminded. All in all, the melodies come more often, the blazing riffs come out firing, and the drumming is second to none. This should be a very exciting release, be prepared for something amazing.
Dave Prefers The Soundtrack To The Film: The Replacements - Let It Be
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thereplacements.jpg
Website: (http://www.twintone.com/mats) :: Listen: ( http://www.twintone.com/projects/8441.html)
Originally released in 1984, Let It Be was The Replacements' artistic breakthrough. The band's style had grown immensely and Paul Westerberg’s songwriting had improved exponentially. Dodging between pop songs, ballads, and full-on punk assaults, the band had created one of the most interesting and captivating punk rock records of all time. It’s a shame that many people are not familiar with the band, since they influenced countless rock and punk bands which followed. The diverse song selection is one of the key features of Let It Be. The songs never sound the same and there is not a bad track on the album. Coming-of-age anthems such as “Sixteen Blue” can contend with and surpass anything on Green Day’s American Idiot. Once acquainted with The Replacements' catalog, you can then have the entertaining and often heated debate on which is better: Let It Be or Tim. My vote definitely goes to Let It Be.
Mikey [Escapist Records/Scene Point Blank] Is No Nihilist; He Is Deeply Passionate About Living To See: Human Demise - Whitechapel Demise
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/humandemise.jpg
Website: (http://www.humandemise.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/humandemise)
Dearest hardcore bands from the United States, consider yourselves called out. The best new hardcore band does not come to from the land of the free; instead, Human Demise calls the Netherlands home. But these are not the quaint Dutch folk you see portrayed in cartoons. These guys are pissed off, full of rage, and ready to lay every villa to waste. On their new EP, White Chapel Demise, these Dutchmen serve up seven tracks of unrelenting hardcore in the vein of Sworn Enemy and Integrity - which is no surprise as they will be covering "Psychological Warfare" for the upcoming tribute on Escapist Records. Most people probably won't even hear of Human Demise this year, but, then again, there wasn't much talk of Rise and Fall last year, and look at them. Jump aboard before this wagon rolls on without you.
Johnny Enjoys The Best Of The Best With: Further Seems Forever - Hope This Finds You Well
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/fsfhope.jpg
Website: (http://www.furtherseemsforever.com) :: Listen: (http://g.msn.com/ONL33964/9144)
Further Seems Forever is my all-time favorite band. The Moon Is Down is the first album that I passionately loved. I listened to it over and over, trying to figure out why this album moved me so much. By the time How To Start A Fire was released, I had worn out my Moon is Down CD. HTSAF is my favorite album of all time. Period. Hands down. Gleason's voice is powerful, beautiful, and haunting and when he left the band I was crushed. It felt like my parents were getting a divorce or something. I couldn't really get past not having his voice on Hide Nothing, so last year, when they announced their breakup, I wasn't too upset.
Listening to this greatest hits album is like a trip down memory lane. Listening to the early songs brings me back in time. It helps me remember what was happening in my life at that time. Each song is tied to a specific memory and it's comforting to be able to listen to these songs and reminisce. Rest In Peace, Further Seems Forever.
Rick Permanently Kills My Hopes That He'll Ever Have Extraordinary Taste In Music By Selecting: If Hope Dies - Life In Ruin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ifhopedies.jpg
Website: (http://www.ifhopedies.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/ifhopedies)
So far this year, no release has been any heavier than Life in Ruin, and so far this year, I can't get this damn CD to leave my stereo. Imagine Unearth if they had more outright yelling, less soloing, and more breakdowns. Seriously, if this band can't get a pit brewing, metal truly is dead. This disc kicks my ass so bad, but I won't complain.
Chris Will Use Either Option If You Ignore This Album: The Spectacle - Rope Or Guillotine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thespectacle.jpg
Website: (http://www.the-spectacle.com) :: Listen: (http://www.hardcoreklubb.com/mp3/Snut.mp3)
If you are searching for some unique tunes with lots of diversity, look no further then Norway’s The Spectacle. As you make you way through their albums, you will encounter fast punk beats, hair-raising build-ups, throaty screamo-like cries, and rock n’ roll guitar riffs. At times, the music will totally change into deep-toned, slugging metal with demonic growls. Their unique recording sound and weird effects on the drums can be quite cool to listen to, but I have always been a sucker for foreign production. Give The Spectacle a good listen; you won’t be disappointed.
Jayme Is Only In It For The "Freedoms": The New Amsterdams - Story Like A Scar
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thenewamsterdams.jpg
Website: (http://www.newams.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thenewamsterdams)
Let's face it; anything that Matt Pryor touches is gold in my opinion. I truly believe that The Get Up Kids are what "emo" and "pop-punk" should sound like; however, seems like we've all opted for Pete Wentz and Hawthorne Heights. Despite our choices, Matt Pryor continues to dazzle in his now full-time, once side project band, The New Amsterdams. On their latest offering, Story Like A Scar, the listener gets 10 solid tracks of small-town, country-tinged, subdued rock. Whether it be the acoustic-minded sound and home-yearning lyrics of "Turn Out the Light" and "Past the Pines" or the more TGUK-sounding tracks such as "Intelligent Design" and "Bad Liar" (which is actually about saying farewell to TGUK), everything about the album is a sheer delight for the ears. If you want a great soundtrack to a night on the road or a night just hanging out with your girlfriend, then pick up Story Like A Scar. The New Amsterdams' latest offering once again proves that Matt Pryor is brilliant, no matter what sound he is tackling.
Tim Makes A Strong Case For "Decoy Staff Member Most Likely To Turn Into Johny Wayne Gacy" With: Pawa Up First - The Scenario
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/pawaupfirst.jpg
Website: (http://www.pawaupfirst.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/pawaupfirst)
Okay, here's the scenario this album title refers to: you're driving down a long, desolate highway and all you see are cacti and tumbleweeds. What are you listening to? This fucking CD. Specifically, track 4 ("We Swear It Was Self-Defense"). Not to say this album is boring, like driving through the middle of nowhere, but it's so chill and relaxed and it just has that desert soundtrack feel to it. Imagine the kind of music you'd find in the beginning of a movie like U-Turn when Sean Penn is driving to that town where he gets his hand chopped off and watches Jennifer Lopez have sex with her dad. Yeah, before all that. This is the good shit. Recommended for anyone who likes awesome instrumental rock.
Ben Loves Ham, So He's All In Favor Of: Pig Destroyer - Prowler In The Yard
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/pigdestroyer.jpg
Website: (http://www.pigdestroyer.net) :: Listen: (http://www.agoraphobicnosebleed.com/STUFF/P_Angel_medium.wmv)
I don't care if the lyrics are disgusting and unintelligible. I don't care that blastbeats aren't typically my cup of tea, glass of milk, or beaker of hydrochloric acid. Fact of the matter is, Pig Destroyer is great whatever-genre-you-stick-them-in. My first experience with Pig Destroyer was with their latest album, Terrifyer. I heard it for the first time ever at three in the morning. It came up on my playlist while I slept. I am a very heavy sleeper, but this album scared the living bejesus out of me. The other night, I put on Prowler in the Yard while I was driving to nowhere in particular and I discovered that this is probably one of the best bands for late night driving ever. It'll keep you awake because it'll keep you scared. And its riffs are often so brutal that they'll give you whiplash just thinking about headbanging to them. Creepy all around. Great stuff.
Sam Does Not Believe In Arming The Homeless, But Does Believe In: Armalite - Armalite
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/armalite.jpg
Website: ( http://www.myspace.com/armalite) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/armalite)
Atom is back with a new band called Armalite that also features ex-members of Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, and Paint It Black. The self-titled record dropped February 14th on No Idea Records and is one of the best super groups I've heard in a long time. Unfortunately, this is just a side project and not the main focus of these brilliant dudes. The entire CD doesn't stray from the typical punk formula, but it just rocks.
Marc Had His Heart Broken (By A Freight Train), So He Called For An: Ambulette - The Lottery EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ambulette.jpg
Website: (http://www.ambulettemusic.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ambulette)
I was originally going to choose Bayside's self-titled album for my pick of the week, but I ended up buying Ambulette's Lottery EP Tuesday. I really had no desire to go out and look for this album today, but since I went to go pick up Denali's Pinnacle DVD I decided to browse for some albums and eventually noticed the Ambulette EP. I was kind of shocked seeing it, so I quickly grabbed it. For those who don't know, Ambulette (once dubbed Bella Lea) features Maura Davis (Denali).
This moody EP brings together the start of a relationship that later crumbles. The first track is very similar to that of theSTART with how cocky Maura comes off. "Do you like what you see?" From there, the rest of the tracks are stages in a relationship which leads to the Jacques Brel cover of "If You Go Away." This is no Denali, but it is great to hear Maura's voice again.
Aaron Has Overstepped Boundaries In Order To Bring You: Underminded - New Album Demos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/underminded.jpg
Website: (http://www.underminded) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/underminded)
So I've had these new Underminded demos, 5 in all, for a while now. Sure, they don't have vocals, but they definitely portray a solid idea of the direction in which the band is heading on their sophomore album. Since their first release, 2004's Hail! Unamerican, the band has gone through many things, they have been on endless tours, have added a third guitarist to the mix, and, finally and most recently, just added Wade Youman (ex-Unwritten Law) to the mix. The new demos take the songwriting and musicianship skills up a notch. Where their first release was more or less thrown together in a month, the band has now been able to write for the past year or so and that really shines through on these demos. Beginning with "Animale," which sounds like tamale, the band make things short and sweet. Having played this song on their last couple tours, this is the one that always seems to get the crowd moving, especially by the time the ending buildup into the breakdown come forth; live, you'll see bodies flying everywhere. Sure there's the heavy songs but they are not to be outdone by the more melodic songs. The sing-alongs are back now, with all four frontmen screaming their hearts out and really portraying a new side to Underminded. All in all, the melodies come more often, the blazing riffs come out firing, and the drumming is second to none. This should be a very exciting release, be prepared for something amazing.
Dave Prefers The Soundtrack To The Film: The Replacements - Let It Be
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thereplacements.jpg
Website: (http://www.twintone.com/mats) :: Listen: ( http://www.twintone.com/projects/8441.html)
Originally released in 1984, Let It Be was The Replacements' artistic breakthrough. The band's style had grown immensely and Paul Westerberg’s songwriting had improved exponentially. Dodging between pop songs, ballads, and full-on punk assaults, the band had created one of the most interesting and captivating punk rock records of all time. It’s a shame that many people are not familiar with the band, since they influenced countless rock and punk bands which followed. The diverse song selection is one of the key features of Let It Be. The songs never sound the same and there is not a bad track on the album. Coming-of-age anthems such as “Sixteen Blue” can contend with and surpass anything on Green Day’s American Idiot. Once acquainted with The Replacements' catalog, you can then have the entertaining and often heated debate on which is better: Let It Be or Tim. My vote definitely goes to Let It Be.
Mikey [Escapist Records/Scene Point Blank] Is No Nihilist; He Is Deeply Passionate About Living To See: Human Demise - Whitechapel Demise
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/humandemise.jpg
Website: (http://www.humandemise.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/humandemise)
Dearest hardcore bands from the United States, consider yourselves called out. The best new hardcore band does not come to from the land of the free; instead, Human Demise calls the Netherlands home. But these are not the quaint Dutch folk you see portrayed in cartoons. These guys are pissed off, full of rage, and ready to lay every villa to waste. On their new EP, White Chapel Demise, these Dutchmen serve up seven tracks of unrelenting hardcore in the vein of Sworn Enemy and Integrity - which is no surprise as they will be covering "Psychological Warfare" for the upcoming tribute on Escapist Records. Most people probably won't even hear of Human Demise this year, but, then again, there wasn't much talk of Rise and Fall last year, and look at them. Jump aboard before this wagon rolls on without you.
Johnny Enjoys The Best Of The Best With: Further Seems Forever - Hope This Finds You Well
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/fsfhope.jpg
Website: (http://www.furtherseemsforever.com) :: Listen: (http://g.msn.com/ONL33964/9144)
Further Seems Forever is my all-time favorite band. The Moon Is Down is the first album that I passionately loved. I listened to it over and over, trying to figure out why this album moved me so much. By the time How To Start A Fire was released, I had worn out my Moon is Down CD. HTSAF is my favorite album of all time. Period. Hands down. Gleason's voice is powerful, beautiful, and haunting and when he left the band I was crushed. It felt like my parents were getting a divorce or something. I couldn't really get past not having his voice on Hide Nothing, so last year, when they announced their breakup, I wasn't too upset.
Listening to this greatest hits album is like a trip down memory lane. Listening to the early songs brings me back in time. It helps me remember what was happening in my life at that time. Each song is tied to a specific memory and it's comforting to be able to listen to these songs and reminisce. Rest In Peace, Further Seems Forever.
Rick Permanently Kills My Hopes That He'll Ever Have Extraordinary Taste In Music By Selecting: If Hope Dies - Life In Ruin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ifhopedies.jpg
Website: (http://www.ifhopedies.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/ifhopedies)
So far this year, no release has been any heavier than Life in Ruin, and so far this year, I can't get this damn CD to leave my stereo. Imagine Unearth if they had more outright yelling, less soloing, and more breakdowns. Seriously, if this band can't get a pit brewing, metal truly is dead. This disc kicks my ass so bad, but I won't complain.
Chris Will Use Either Option If You Ignore This Album: The Spectacle - Rope Or Guillotine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thespectacle.jpg
Website: (http://www.the-spectacle.com) :: Listen: (http://www.hardcoreklubb.com/mp3/Snut.mp3)
If you are searching for some unique tunes with lots of diversity, look no further then Norway’s The Spectacle. As you make you way through their albums, you will encounter fast punk beats, hair-raising build-ups, throaty screamo-like cries, and rock n’ roll guitar riffs. At times, the music will totally change into deep-toned, slugging metal with demonic growls. Their unique recording sound and weird effects on the drums can be quite cool to listen to, but I have always been a sucker for foreign production. Give The Spectacle a good listen; you won’t be disappointed.
Jayme Is Only In It For The "Freedoms": The New Amsterdams - Story Like A Scar
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thenewamsterdams.jpg
Website: (http://www.newams.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/thenewamsterdams)
Let's face it; anything that Matt Pryor touches is gold in my opinion. I truly believe that The Get Up Kids are what "emo" and "pop-punk" should sound like; however, seems like we've all opted for Pete Wentz and Hawthorne Heights. Despite our choices, Matt Pryor continues to dazzle in his now full-time, once side project band, The New Amsterdams. On their latest offering, Story Like A Scar, the listener gets 10 solid tracks of small-town, country-tinged, subdued rock. Whether it be the acoustic-minded sound and home-yearning lyrics of "Turn Out the Light" and "Past the Pines" or the more TGUK-sounding tracks such as "Intelligent Design" and "Bad Liar" (which is actually about saying farewell to TGUK), everything about the album is a sheer delight for the ears. If you want a great soundtrack to a night on the road or a night just hanging out with your girlfriend, then pick up Story Like A Scar. The New Amsterdams' latest offering once again proves that Matt Pryor is brilliant, no matter what sound he is tackling.
Tim Makes A Strong Case For "Decoy Staff Member Most Likely To Turn Into Johny Wayne Gacy" With: Pawa Up First - The Scenario
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/pawaupfirst.jpg
Website: (http://www.pawaupfirst.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/pawaupfirst)
Okay, here's the scenario this album title refers to: you're driving down a long, desolate highway and all you see are cacti and tumbleweeds. What are you listening to? This fucking CD. Specifically, track 4 ("We Swear It Was Self-Defense"). Not to say this album is boring, like driving through the middle of nowhere, but it's so chill and relaxed and it just has that desert soundtrack feel to it. Imagine the kind of music you'd find in the beginning of a movie like U-Turn when Sean Penn is driving to that town where he gets his hand chopped off and watches Jennifer Lopez have sex with her dad. Yeah, before all that. This is the good shit. Recommended for anyone who likes awesome instrumental rock.
Ben Loves Ham, So He's All In Favor Of: Pig Destroyer - Prowler In The Yard
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/pigdestroyer.jpg
Website: (http://www.pigdestroyer.net) :: Listen: (http://www.agoraphobicnosebleed.com/STUFF/P_Angel_medium.wmv)
I don't care if the lyrics are disgusting and unintelligible. I don't care that blastbeats aren't typically my cup of tea, glass of milk, or beaker of hydrochloric acid. Fact of the matter is, Pig Destroyer is great whatever-genre-you-stick-them-in. My first experience with Pig Destroyer was with their latest album, Terrifyer. I heard it for the first time ever at three in the morning. It came up on my playlist while I slept. I am a very heavy sleeper, but this album scared the living bejesus out of me. The other night, I put on Prowler in the Yard while I was driving to nowhere in particular and I discovered that this is probably one of the best bands for late night driving ever. It'll keep you awake because it'll keep you scared. And its riffs are often so brutal that they'll give you whiplash just thinking about headbanging to them. Creepy all around. Great stuff.