Here's some reviews of some of the more notable releases of the past month or so.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD-HAIL TO THE KING
I'm a little late to the party on this one, but here we go. I have never really bothered investigating Avenged but I have always meant to. This is one of those bands whose fan base really love them and insist that everyone else would too if they'd only listen. And then there are those who feel the band are just not metal enough and that their albums are poorly executed as well.
Judging from this disc I fall somewhere in the middle. I think the first half is pretty good (despite the obvious "Sad But True" rip off on "This Means War", though I like the song) but this CD kinda falls flat in places. Part of it is me, though. For example, I no longer find lyrics like "Darkest Lord, your favor shall I gain/Light the match/engulf the Earth in flames" scary, interesting or cool, but silly. However, the Viking-ish war epic "Hail To The King" is pretty cool, and so is the doomed though innocent character in "Heretic". So the lyrics are a wash, but what of the music? Well, at times these songs feel like an old school throwback, but there is some groove-metal, nu-metal and just plain hard rock thrown into the mix. The problem is that it's good, but not great and never truly exciting.
So I suppose this CD is worth a listen, and a few songs are iPod worthy, but it falls short of being an essential album.
3 out of 5 Daves.
SAMMY HAGAR & FRIENDS
You probably think you know what to expect here, and you're probably right. Fans will find something to like, non fans won't change their minds. What we have here is a mix of rock songs, laid back beach songs, and a whole mess o' covers. I will admit to being a bit disappointed at first but after watching the DVD on the deluxe edition I got into the spirit of the thing and I like it now. The trick is not to take this CD seriously and you'll have a good time. Which is what Sammy intended. And given how messed up this world can be that's not a bad thing.
3.5 out of 5 Daves
METALLICA-THROUGH THE NEVER
Essentially a live Metallica record, this CD actually serves as a soundtrack to the movie of the same name. And therein lies the problem. The song selection is pretty good and the band is on top of their game. But it seems as though certain concessions had to be made for the movie angle and the album suffers for it.
Part of the issue I have here is the overall sound. It's a bit too good. There are a few moments of rawness but the production is quite slick and lacks a bit of edge. But then a movie would require much more control over every bit of the sound production than a normal live record would. So this is forgivable to a point. However, there is a point during "Hit The Lights" where James either forgets the words or is having mic troubles. If it's the latter then this is probably reflected in the story, but on disc WE CAN'T SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING. So either way it comes off as lazy and/or disappointing, and it just doesn't work. They also include the live gimmick of the stage blowing up, a lighting tech catching on fire and everything breaking into chaos during "Enter Sandman". Again, doesn't work without the visual, and this is how they were ending concerts ten or so years ago. Reaching back into the old bag o' tricks is not too exciting! And besides, ZZ Top did the same gag back in '83.
So, this is an enjoyable disc, but a near miss overall.
4 out of 5 Daves
PEARL JAM-LIGHTNING BOLT
Sounds like Pearl Jam. Everything that I love about the band is on display here, and some of what I don't like is here as well. Lots of cool rock songs like "Mind Your Manners", "Let The Records Play" and "Lightning Bolt", and a few good slow burns, "Sirens" chief among them. But like many PJ records, there are a few of their more atmospheric songs at the end of the disc that just pretty much burn me out and get a touch boring. Although I think "Yellow Moon" could have benefited from a placement earlier in the disc.
In the end, it's a fairly solid Pearl Jam record. There are some better discs in the catalog, certainly, but there are some worse ones too. There's not much new ground broken here either but that's okay. It's Pearl Jam, it's new and it's good. And that's enough.
4 out of 5 Daves
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS (with Chester Bennington)-HIGH RISE
When a highly popular and influential rock band loses its singer there is always some nervousness among fans as to the quality and direction the band is going to take. In other words, will it suck? Well, in this case there is little need to worry. Musically, this has STP all over it. It mostly reminds me of the "Tiny Music" days, which is my favorite so that makes me happy. There's a nice little groove running through this EP, most notably in the kick off song "Out Of Time". "Same On The Inside" and "Cry Cry" are standouts as well.
But how does Chester sound? Well, a lot like Scott Weiland singing in his higher register. I'm not sure Bennington can do the lower end stuff, as there is none to be found here. But I am no fan of Linkin Park (Chester's other band) so my knowledge of his vocal ability is limited. If anything, Bennington sounds too much like Scott, but there is time to bring more of his own personality into it in future releases. No worries as of yet.
My only real complaint is the length of this CD. I know it's supposed to be an EP, but five songs is still a little low. In an age where albums are usually 12-14 songs long a six or seven song EP is not unreasonable. I know, I'm old school and want full length albums in a singles driven era, but even as a digital download another song or two would have been preferred. Still, if that's the biggest problem you have, everything is fine.
4 out of 5 Daves.
There may be a few more by year's end, time will tell. New Year's will find the 2013 Top 10 Coming your way and, hopefully, a little more regularity in the posts. See you soon.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Thank You Lou
Instead of my usual round up of stuff I bought over the last however long it's been I am going to talk about Lou Reed. It's been just over a week since he died, and all I've listened to for seven days has been Lou Reed records.
I think I relate to Lou's music a little differently than many of his fans do, and differently than most artists I am a fan of. The thing is, I don't really relate. Not on a personal level, at least not often or directly. I agree with many of the points he's tried to make, especially in his later work, and the studio version of "The Kids" cuts every time with the actual kids screaming for their mommy. Fuck, Lou, did you have to do that? Yeah, you did, I know. Because it makes people (me) uncomfortable and that's what makes it art.
And that's where I relate. The uncomfortableness of art. Art can be beautiful, heart warming and give a most pleasant feeling of joy, or at least contentment, to its audience. And Lou does that a bit more often than he's given credit for. And I lie that, but what gets me is the other stuff. I won't use the term "dark" because I am not sure that it was intended that way, and Lou himself didn't like the term either. I'll call it honesty. Lou was always honest.
This is not to say that every word he wrote was in some way autobiographical. I think the majority probably weren't. But even in fiction, Lou knew how to cut to the bare bones of any given emotion or situation. Sometimes brutally, and sometimes poetically in such a way that the listener may not even understand the meaning until going through multiple listens. There is a sharp wit, if you care to look for it, and a sense of hope in the darkne--- er, thick of things. There's also some real bad stuff going on. But that's life. Like the man himself said, it's Magic and Loss. There's a whole lotta good and then some bad to even things out. Sha la la man. You know, I always maintain that writing poetry and writing song lyrics are two different things. They may overlap but they are different. Lou Reed is the exception to that rule.
And then there was the music. Minimalist, but played with integrity. Individual musicians could have room to get a lick in, but everything served the song. And the song was three chords, pure and from the heart. Basic, straight rock and roll. Unless it wasn't. A little bit of classical got mixed in as well as funk, early rap, doo wop, smooth jazz, and avant-garde noise to name a few. When you put on a Lou Reed record you never were completely sure what it would sound like, but Lou would be there to get you through it, even if it wasn't pretty, he's the best guide you could have and that was reassuring.
I have tried to put together a list of my favorite Lou Reed songs, my play list if you will. Ten songs wouldn't scratch the surface so I'll double it. So here in no particular order are my favorite Lou Reed (and some Velvet Underground) songs, presented with a giant thank you to Mr. Lou Reed for the art and the heart, with all the respect you deserve.
1. Sweet Jane
2. White Light/White Heat
3.Vicious
4. Walk On The Wild Side (it's not poser to like this song-it's poser to pretend you don't!)
5.Caroline Says II
6.Waiting For The Man
7. Street Hassle
8. Sally Can't Dance
9. No Money Down
10. Dirty Blvd.
11.New Sensations
12.Magic And Loss-The Summation
13. Satellite Of Love
14. Perfect Day
15. Finish Line
16. Talking Book
17. Into The Divine
18. Hooky Wooky
19. Rock And Roll
20. Legendary Hearts
Alternate: LULU. It's not represented here because it only works as a piece, not song to song. Go ahead and laugh, but in 20 years you're going to agree with me.
I think I relate to Lou's music a little differently than many of his fans do, and differently than most artists I am a fan of. The thing is, I don't really relate. Not on a personal level, at least not often or directly. I agree with many of the points he's tried to make, especially in his later work, and the studio version of "The Kids" cuts every time with the actual kids screaming for their mommy. Fuck, Lou, did you have to do that? Yeah, you did, I know. Because it makes people (me) uncomfortable and that's what makes it art.
And that's where I relate. The uncomfortableness of art. Art can be beautiful, heart warming and give a most pleasant feeling of joy, or at least contentment, to its audience. And Lou does that a bit more often than he's given credit for. And I lie that, but what gets me is the other stuff. I won't use the term "dark" because I am not sure that it was intended that way, and Lou himself didn't like the term either. I'll call it honesty. Lou was always honest.
This is not to say that every word he wrote was in some way autobiographical. I think the majority probably weren't. But even in fiction, Lou knew how to cut to the bare bones of any given emotion or situation. Sometimes brutally, and sometimes poetically in such a way that the listener may not even understand the meaning until going through multiple listens. There is a sharp wit, if you care to look for it, and a sense of hope in the darkne--- er, thick of things. There's also some real bad stuff going on. But that's life. Like the man himself said, it's Magic and Loss. There's a whole lotta good and then some bad to even things out. Sha la la man. You know, I always maintain that writing poetry and writing song lyrics are two different things. They may overlap but they are different. Lou Reed is the exception to that rule.
And then there was the music. Minimalist, but played with integrity. Individual musicians could have room to get a lick in, but everything served the song. And the song was three chords, pure and from the heart. Basic, straight rock and roll. Unless it wasn't. A little bit of classical got mixed in as well as funk, early rap, doo wop, smooth jazz, and avant-garde noise to name a few. When you put on a Lou Reed record you never were completely sure what it would sound like, but Lou would be there to get you through it, even if it wasn't pretty, he's the best guide you could have and that was reassuring.
I have tried to put together a list of my favorite Lou Reed songs, my play list if you will. Ten songs wouldn't scratch the surface so I'll double it. So here in no particular order are my favorite Lou Reed (and some Velvet Underground) songs, presented with a giant thank you to Mr. Lou Reed for the art and the heart, with all the respect you deserve.
1. Sweet Jane
2. White Light/White Heat
3.Vicious
4. Walk On The Wild Side (it's not poser to like this song-it's poser to pretend you don't!)
5.Caroline Says II
6.Waiting For The Man
7. Street Hassle
8. Sally Can't Dance
9. No Money Down
10. Dirty Blvd.
11.New Sensations
12.Magic And Loss-The Summation
13. Satellite Of Love
14. Perfect Day
15. Finish Line
16. Talking Book
17. Into The Divine
18. Hooky Wooky
19. Rock And Roll
20. Legendary Hearts
Alternate: LULU. It's not represented here because it only works as a piece, not song to song. Go ahead and laugh, but in 20 years you're going to agree with me.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Quick Reviews and some news
Been a while. Here we go.
Stuff I really liked (since the last post):
Iggy And The Stooges: Ready To Die
This is the Stooges album I have been waiting for. Mixes Raw Power and the first Stooges album together stylistically for one of the most fun records I have heard all year. Okay, there are a few quieter ones that don't quite work but the rest is strong enough to cover for it. And as for Iggy, well, he's still Iggy. His lyrics are defiant and juvenile in some places ("DDs" being the worst offender, which is a pity as the groove is awesome), and street wise veteran poet in others. So no real change, but who really wants one?
4 out of 5 Daves.
Jason Isbell: Southeastern
The ex-Drive By Trucker has come out with a very strong, very personal record. The arrangements are sparse, mostly, which can be a touch risky but here it highlights the quality of the song writing and lets the lyrics really come forward. "Traveling Alone", "Different Days" and "Songs She Sang In The Shower" are all fine examples, while the late album rave-up "Super 8" proves Isbell hasn't lost his rock edge entirely. There are a few near misses here but overall a very rewarding record.
41/2 out of 5 Daves
Queens Of The stone Age: ...Like Clockwork
Not the masterpiece some are claiming it to be, but a worthy addition to the band's catalogue. Much has been made of the guest stars on this record, but guest stars on QOTSA discs are hardly anything new. Look, if you like the band you will like this as well, my advice though is to either play it on loop for a few days until it soaks in, or start at track five so the more challenging material comes later. As with all their records it requires patience and commitment, and while the payoff isn't as great as with their first three records this is certainly the best CD the band has put out in a long time.
4 out of 5 Daves
VOLBEAT: Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies
Metal music with an early Metallica flair? Check. Wild West motif, including acoustic/slide guitar intros? Check. King Diamond? Check. Sing along choruses about dark stuff? Check. What's not to like?
4 out of 5 Daves.
Stuff I Kinda Liked:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Spectar At The Feast
Here's the deal: I never really like a BRMC record until I have owned it for at least a year. Then I pretty much love them. This CD seems to be following the same path. At this point it seems like there are too many spaced out long songs on this record, or maybe too many in a row, and none of them has really grabbed me yet. But I do like quite a few tracks, like "Hate The Taste", "Teenage Disease", and "Sell It" for bring quintessential BRMC rockers. and their cover of The Call's "Let The Day Begin" is an excellent tribute to Michael Been from his son Robert. The elder Been was in that band and was touring as an engineer with BRMC when he died. Considering the weight that was on the band's collective shoulders this record could have been a disaster, but it is strong and varied and worthy of respect for that alone.
31/2 out of 5 Daves
Black Star Riders: All Hell Breaks Loose
So basically it's the last touring version of Thin Lizzy making new music under a new name with a few new players. Given that background, this disc is better than it should be but not as good as it could have been. There is a bit of variety here, which is nice, and a few really cool songs, "Bound For Glory". "Kingdom Of The Lost", "Hey Judas", "Bloodshot" and "Someday Salvation" all stick out. But the rest just don't quite cut it, second rate riff rock with the frustrating potential to be much more. Not bad necessarily, but not great either.
3 out of 5 Daves
Newsted: Heavy Metal Music
Here's another highly anticipated record that comes so close but just misses the mark. I like Jason Newsted and want him to succeed but this is a little sludgy and slow for my tastes. There are some shining moments though. "Soldierhead" is one of my favorite metal songs in a long time. "As The Crow Flies", "Long Time Dead" King Of The Underdogs" and "Twisted Tail Of The Comet" I also enjoy. But the rest are just kind of there. Too much recycled riffing and not enough change in tempo or feel song to song. But again, most of the material is pretty good, and certainly better than a lot of what passes for metal today. this is an old school metal record, flawed to be sure, but it may be pointing the way to some great stuff in the future.
3 out of 5 Daves
Queensry..er..Geoff Tate's Queensryche-ish thing: Frequency Unknown
My curiosity got the best of me. I broke down and got it on sale as I just had to hear how bad it was. Well, much to my own chagrin, I kinda like it. Heavier and angrier than expected,but considering the circumstances you can't blame the guy. While it doesn't have the atmosphere and dynamics of a QR record, it is surprisingly focused for a project worked on by so many people in such a short amount of time. Sure, these songs could have been expanded a little for length and mood, and the lyrics are uncharacteristically simple and to the point but I sort of found that refreshing. Look, I haven't really followed QR for at least 12 years now, and from everything I read Geoff Tate is pretty much a douche bag, but that has little to do with the music. And I enjoyed it. "Cold", "Dare", "Slave", "In The Hands Of God", "Life Without You"and "Everything" are cool songs. But I;m going to pretend those re-recorded QR classics at the end of the disc just don't exist. And as for his former band's disc? Next time.
3 out of 5 Daves
Meh:
Deep Purple: Now What?!
Not a bad album by any means, but not a Deep Purple album either. Lots of long, jazzy, soft prog pieces and not enough out and out rock. Great musicianship, but the songs don't quite have enough of that classic Purple flare. Actually, I think that's it, theses songs will probably be great live but on the disc there's no real fire. DP can't make a record without some gems though. "Hell To Pay", "Vincent Price", and "Uncommon Man" belong in any Purple fan's play list. The rest...well...
A BIT OF NEWS:
I will be focusing more on this blog in the future. I believe I may discuss some of my favorite records here as well as new stuff. Also I am probably going to start up a vinyl only discussion. Probably going to be a new blog, but maybe just a page here. I will decide soon and let you know. Excited!
Stuff I really liked (since the last post):
Iggy And The Stooges: Ready To Die
This is the Stooges album I have been waiting for. Mixes Raw Power and the first Stooges album together stylistically for one of the most fun records I have heard all year. Okay, there are a few quieter ones that don't quite work but the rest is strong enough to cover for it. And as for Iggy, well, he's still Iggy. His lyrics are defiant and juvenile in some places ("DDs" being the worst offender, which is a pity as the groove is awesome), and street wise veteran poet in others. So no real change, but who really wants one?
4 out of 5 Daves.
Jason Isbell: Southeastern
The ex-Drive By Trucker has come out with a very strong, very personal record. The arrangements are sparse, mostly, which can be a touch risky but here it highlights the quality of the song writing and lets the lyrics really come forward. "Traveling Alone", "Different Days" and "Songs She Sang In The Shower" are all fine examples, while the late album rave-up "Super 8" proves Isbell hasn't lost his rock edge entirely. There are a few near misses here but overall a very rewarding record.
41/2 out of 5 Daves
Queens Of The stone Age: ...Like Clockwork
Not the masterpiece some are claiming it to be, but a worthy addition to the band's catalogue. Much has been made of the guest stars on this record, but guest stars on QOTSA discs are hardly anything new. Look, if you like the band you will like this as well, my advice though is to either play it on loop for a few days until it soaks in, or start at track five so the more challenging material comes later. As with all their records it requires patience and commitment, and while the payoff isn't as great as with their first three records this is certainly the best CD the band has put out in a long time.
4 out of 5 Daves
VOLBEAT: Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies
Metal music with an early Metallica flair? Check. Wild West motif, including acoustic/slide guitar intros? Check. King Diamond? Check. Sing along choruses about dark stuff? Check. What's not to like?
4 out of 5 Daves.
Stuff I Kinda Liked:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Spectar At The Feast
Here's the deal: I never really like a BRMC record until I have owned it for at least a year. Then I pretty much love them. This CD seems to be following the same path. At this point it seems like there are too many spaced out long songs on this record, or maybe too many in a row, and none of them has really grabbed me yet. But I do like quite a few tracks, like "Hate The Taste", "Teenage Disease", and "Sell It" for bring quintessential BRMC rockers. and their cover of The Call's "Let The Day Begin" is an excellent tribute to Michael Been from his son Robert. The elder Been was in that band and was touring as an engineer with BRMC when he died. Considering the weight that was on the band's collective shoulders this record could have been a disaster, but it is strong and varied and worthy of respect for that alone.
31/2 out of 5 Daves
Black Star Riders: All Hell Breaks Loose
So basically it's the last touring version of Thin Lizzy making new music under a new name with a few new players. Given that background, this disc is better than it should be but not as good as it could have been. There is a bit of variety here, which is nice, and a few really cool songs, "Bound For Glory". "Kingdom Of The Lost", "Hey Judas", "Bloodshot" and "Someday Salvation" all stick out. But the rest just don't quite cut it, second rate riff rock with the frustrating potential to be much more. Not bad necessarily, but not great either.
3 out of 5 Daves
Newsted: Heavy Metal Music
Here's another highly anticipated record that comes so close but just misses the mark. I like Jason Newsted and want him to succeed but this is a little sludgy and slow for my tastes. There are some shining moments though. "Soldierhead" is one of my favorite metal songs in a long time. "As The Crow Flies", "Long Time Dead" King Of The Underdogs" and "Twisted Tail Of The Comet" I also enjoy. But the rest are just kind of there. Too much recycled riffing and not enough change in tempo or feel song to song. But again, most of the material is pretty good, and certainly better than a lot of what passes for metal today. this is an old school metal record, flawed to be sure, but it may be pointing the way to some great stuff in the future.
3 out of 5 Daves
Queensry..er..Geoff Tate's Queensryche-ish thing: Frequency Unknown
My curiosity got the best of me. I broke down and got it on sale as I just had to hear how bad it was. Well, much to my own chagrin, I kinda like it. Heavier and angrier than expected,but considering the circumstances you can't blame the guy. While it doesn't have the atmosphere and dynamics of a QR record, it is surprisingly focused for a project worked on by so many people in such a short amount of time. Sure, these songs could have been expanded a little for length and mood, and the lyrics are uncharacteristically simple and to the point but I sort of found that refreshing. Look, I haven't really followed QR for at least 12 years now, and from everything I read Geoff Tate is pretty much a douche bag, but that has little to do with the music. And I enjoyed it. "Cold", "Dare", "Slave", "In The Hands Of God", "Life Without You"and "Everything" are cool songs. But I;m going to pretend those re-recorded QR classics at the end of the disc just don't exist. And as for his former band's disc? Next time.
3 out of 5 Daves
Meh:
Deep Purple: Now What?!
Not a bad album by any means, but not a Deep Purple album either. Lots of long, jazzy, soft prog pieces and not enough out and out rock. Great musicianship, but the songs don't quite have enough of that classic Purple flare. Actually, I think that's it, theses songs will probably be great live but on the disc there's no real fire. DP can't make a record without some gems though. "Hell To Pay", "Vincent Price", and "Uncommon Man" belong in any Purple fan's play list. The rest...well...
A BIT OF NEWS:
I will be focusing more on this blog in the future. I believe I may discuss some of my favorite records here as well as new stuff. Also I am probably going to start up a vinyl only discussion. Probably going to be a new blog, but maybe just a page here. I will decide soon and let you know. Excited!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
TOTAL Blam-Blam, Rising Sons, Caught In A Not!...and, um,...Son Volt
I had intended to write a review of David Bowie's new CD a few weeks ago but I needed time to absorb the disc and then I bought a few new ones and started in with them and then the next thing ya know the whole dang month has gone by. So here are some capsule reviews of what I've been listening to recently.
ANTHRAX-ANTHEMS
It's not as horrible as you've heard or as great as you've heard. People unfamiliar with the band are praising it, long time fans are mostly dismissing it. I stand in the middle. If you take it as face value this is an entertaining EP of cover tunes, if you are looking for more it is hollow and lacking in personality. Both are correct (at least change the Oi! chant in AC/DC's "TNT" to a NOT! chant. Come on guys!). While the songs are played with reverence to the original material, and clearly show off the band as a unit, the trademark humor is gone and there's nary a thrash riff to be found. "Anthems" is being marketed as a thank you to fans and fun project for the band, but what it really is is an attempt to keep the name out there and alive until the next new release, a way to plug the current tour and a cash grab by the label.
2 1/2 out of 5 Daves
DAVID BOWIE-THE NEXT DAY
This is far beyond the comeback album Bowie fans have been waiting for, it is the culmination of his career. It's almost too much Bowie for one person to handle at one time. Every era seems to be represented here, from the "Ziggy" and "Diamond Dogs" to "Earthling", "Hours", "Let's Dance" and "Heroes" all shoved into a blender and poured out as the rich creamy nectar of Bowie. Okay, that was weird but you get the idea. D.B. has been away for ten years and this sounds like the best of all the albums he would have made in that time. On a record this eclectic it's hard to pick a favorite or a misfire. It's just a good compelling listen all the way through. The year's first "Top Ten" contender.
5 out of 5 Daves
RIVAL SONS-HEAD DOWN
Rival Sons are a relatively new band from California (their first self financed digital only release came in 2009) that have had quite a bit of success in Europe but are just now making waves here in the U.S. Their sound is classic, mixing elements of Free, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Uriah Heep and early Who to form a fresh yet familiar sound. But these guys are no nostalgia act or mere tribute to a bygone era. This is a living, breathing rock and roll entity deserving our attention. It's not perfect, mind you. The vocals have a tendency to go a bit high for no reason, and some of the songs go on a bit too long with no real ending or resolution. But these complaints are minor. It's big, pure, heartfelt rock and roll music in the truest sense of the term. Give 'em a listen or three. And turn it up LOUD for maximum effect.
4 out of 5 Daves
SON VOLT-HONKY TONK
Have you ever wondered what Jay Farrar would sound like leading a western swing band? Me neither, but that's the question "Honky Tonk" attempts to answer. Overall, this record is a near miss. There are some good songs, no doubt, but it doesn't quite live up to its own potential. The instrumentation and arrangements are all there but these songs fall flat. Even in the slowest traditional honky tonk ballad there is a swing, a groove, an electricity to the song that is just missing here. I can't tell if the band is trying too hard or not trying hard enough. Again, not a total failure but probably more for hardcore fans than the rest of us.
3 out of 5 Daves
And that's the new stuff for now. Happy listening!
*****BONUS REVIEW*****
IRON MAIDEN-MAIDEN ENGLAND '88
This is exactly what it says it is. A DVD and CD of the band's 1988 "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" tour. The audio portion is previously unreleased so it's nice to have that gap filled in for us completists. It's also interesting to note how fast these songs were being played at the time and how much the band TORE IT UP on stage during the height of the Maiden's most popular line up. A great listen. As for the DVD we get the full concert (originally released in '89) with the previously unavailable encore section, the original documentary "12 Wasted Years" (I wore out my copy as a lad), some promo videos and part 3 of the ongoing "History Of Iron Maiden" documentary. Essential package for fans of one of the top metal bands in history. Up, as always, The Irons!
5 out of 5 Daves
ANTHRAX-ANTHEMS
It's not as horrible as you've heard or as great as you've heard. People unfamiliar with the band are praising it, long time fans are mostly dismissing it. I stand in the middle. If you take it as face value this is an entertaining EP of cover tunes, if you are looking for more it is hollow and lacking in personality. Both are correct (at least change the Oi! chant in AC/DC's "TNT" to a NOT! chant. Come on guys!). While the songs are played with reverence to the original material, and clearly show off the band as a unit, the trademark humor is gone and there's nary a thrash riff to be found. "Anthems" is being marketed as a thank you to fans and fun project for the band, but what it really is is an attempt to keep the name out there and alive until the next new release, a way to plug the current tour and a cash grab by the label.
2 1/2 out of 5 Daves
DAVID BOWIE-THE NEXT DAY
This is far beyond the comeback album Bowie fans have been waiting for, it is the culmination of his career. It's almost too much Bowie for one person to handle at one time. Every era seems to be represented here, from the "Ziggy" and "Diamond Dogs" to "Earthling", "Hours", "Let's Dance" and "Heroes" all shoved into a blender and poured out as the rich creamy nectar of Bowie. Okay, that was weird but you get the idea. D.B. has been away for ten years and this sounds like the best of all the albums he would have made in that time. On a record this eclectic it's hard to pick a favorite or a misfire. It's just a good compelling listen all the way through. The year's first "Top Ten" contender.
5 out of 5 Daves
RIVAL SONS-HEAD DOWN
Rival Sons are a relatively new band from California (their first self financed digital only release came in 2009) that have had quite a bit of success in Europe but are just now making waves here in the U.S. Their sound is classic, mixing elements of Free, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Uriah Heep and early Who to form a fresh yet familiar sound. But these guys are no nostalgia act or mere tribute to a bygone era. This is a living, breathing rock and roll entity deserving our attention. It's not perfect, mind you. The vocals have a tendency to go a bit high for no reason, and some of the songs go on a bit too long with no real ending or resolution. But these complaints are minor. It's big, pure, heartfelt rock and roll music in the truest sense of the term. Give 'em a listen or three. And turn it up LOUD for maximum effect.
4 out of 5 Daves
SON VOLT-HONKY TONK
Have you ever wondered what Jay Farrar would sound like leading a western swing band? Me neither, but that's the question "Honky Tonk" attempts to answer. Overall, this record is a near miss. There are some good songs, no doubt, but it doesn't quite live up to its own potential. The instrumentation and arrangements are all there but these songs fall flat. Even in the slowest traditional honky tonk ballad there is a swing, a groove, an electricity to the song that is just missing here. I can't tell if the band is trying too hard or not trying hard enough. Again, not a total failure but probably more for hardcore fans than the rest of us.
3 out of 5 Daves
And that's the new stuff for now. Happy listening!
*****BONUS REVIEW*****
IRON MAIDEN-MAIDEN ENGLAND '88
This is exactly what it says it is. A DVD and CD of the band's 1988 "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" tour. The audio portion is previously unreleased so it's nice to have that gap filled in for us completists. It's also interesting to note how fast these songs were being played at the time and how much the band TORE IT UP on stage during the height of the Maiden's most popular line up. A great listen. As for the DVD we get the full concert (originally released in '89) with the previously unavailable encore section, the original documentary "12 Wasted Years" (I wore out my copy as a lad), some promo videos and part 3 of the ongoing "History Of Iron Maiden" documentary. Essential package for fans of one of the top metal bands in history. Up, as always, The Irons!
5 out of 5 Daves
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Recent Release...Dropkick Murphys
CD Reviews 3/13/13
DROPKICK MURPHYS-SIGNED AND SEALED IN BLOOD
Honestly, what's left to say about Dropkick Murphys that hasn't been said many times before-even on this blog? They are a band from Bahstan who proudly wear their influences on their collective sleeve, be it the punk rock(by way of the Clash and Stiff Little Fingers) or the Irish folk songs (by way of the Pogues) and their particular affinity for bagpipes (by way of AC/DC). It all meshes together for a Celtic punk sound that one either likes or doesn't. It is not a sound that people can "get in to", I believe you almost are pre-disposed to liking it. That's why the band is still around when they could have been written off years ago as a one note outfit, which in some ways they are. But us fans are loyal and we love 'em.
So if we take the position that we like the band, and there's not much change to the sound overall, then the question is as follows: Is the new record worth buying?
The answer here would be a yes. While it is not quite as good as some of their previous records, it is still strong and better than some. DKM know what they are doing by now and can pull it off darn near every time and not have too many missteps. Highlights on "Signed And Sealed In Blood" are "Rose Tattoo" (where the title comes from), a true raise your glass and sing number that will stick in your head. "Prisoner's Song" is a bit of a back door cousin to "Shipping Off To Boston" but just as enjoyable. "Burn" and "Out On The Town" should keep the old school fans happy. The whole disc is overflowing with the Irish influences, and a big rock sound that is a winner.
But it ain't perfect. Lead off song and single "The Boys Are Back" is about as generic a song as the band has ever done. "Jimmy Collins' Wake" is entertaining if you happen to be a fan of Boston baseball which, let's face it, most people outside of the city aren't. Punk is known for its regional pride and references, no matter where the band is from, but it can get a little wearing at times. And besides, didn't they already do this with "Tessie" a while back? We also get the Dropkicks' first Christmas song. It's not bad and it is a little funny but it seems they are trying to put themselves into contention with the Pogues' brilliant "Fairytale Of New York". Sorry guys, but not quite.
All in all though, a strong effort from Ken Casey and crew. I would like the production to be a bit more raw like on their earlier records, but that is a minor complaint. It's still a fun disc with more than a hand full of songs to drink Guinness to, and that's not a bad thing. Huh, turns out there was more to say than I thought.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
visit http://www.dropkickmurphys.com
NEXT TIME: David Bowie: The Next Day. Still wrapping my brain around it. Review this weekend.
DROPKICK MURPHYS-SIGNED AND SEALED IN BLOOD
Honestly, what's left to say about Dropkick Murphys that hasn't been said many times before-even on this blog? They are a band from Bahstan who proudly wear their influences on their collective sleeve, be it the punk rock(by way of the Clash and Stiff Little Fingers) or the Irish folk songs (by way of the Pogues) and their particular affinity for bagpipes (by way of AC/DC). It all meshes together for a Celtic punk sound that one either likes or doesn't. It is not a sound that people can "get in to", I believe you almost are pre-disposed to liking it. That's why the band is still around when they could have been written off years ago as a one note outfit, which in some ways they are. But us fans are loyal and we love 'em.
So if we take the position that we like the band, and there's not much change to the sound overall, then the question is as follows: Is the new record worth buying?
The answer here would be a yes. While it is not quite as good as some of their previous records, it is still strong and better than some. DKM know what they are doing by now and can pull it off darn near every time and not have too many missteps. Highlights on "Signed And Sealed In Blood" are "Rose Tattoo" (where the title comes from), a true raise your glass and sing number that will stick in your head. "Prisoner's Song" is a bit of a back door cousin to "Shipping Off To Boston" but just as enjoyable. "Burn" and "Out On The Town" should keep the old school fans happy. The whole disc is overflowing with the Irish influences, and a big rock sound that is a winner.
But it ain't perfect. Lead off song and single "The Boys Are Back" is about as generic a song as the band has ever done. "Jimmy Collins' Wake" is entertaining if you happen to be a fan of Boston baseball which, let's face it, most people outside of the city aren't. Punk is known for its regional pride and references, no matter where the band is from, but it can get a little wearing at times. And besides, didn't they already do this with "Tessie" a while back? We also get the Dropkicks' first Christmas song. It's not bad and it is a little funny but it seems they are trying to put themselves into contention with the Pogues' brilliant "Fairytale Of New York". Sorry guys, but not quite.
All in all though, a strong effort from Ken Casey and crew. I would like the production to be a bit more raw like on their earlier records, but that is a minor complaint. It's still a fun disc with more than a hand full of songs to drink Guinness to, and that's not a bad thing. Huh, turns out there was more to say than I thought.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
visit http://www.dropkickmurphys.com
NEXT TIME: David Bowie: The Next Day. Still wrapping my brain around it. Review this weekend.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Back In The Game 2013!
As Soundgarden recently sang, I have "Been Away Too Long", partly due to server troubles, mixed with trying a different blog-site (fail) and general business on my part. Well, it's time to fix that. Let's start by counting down the best of last year's releases. Ready?...Okay!
TOP TEN OF 2012
1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-WRECKING BALL
This one came out early in the year and is still in rotation. Nobody else said what needed to be said this year with the thoughtfulness and class that Bruce did. A portrait of our times with rock, gospel and Celtic flourishes that makes this a winner all round.
2. FOXY SHAZAM-WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF ROCK AND ROLL
Big, ridiculously catchy rock and roll that can't help but get stuck in your head. Recalls Queen, Slade, and about a billion other bands all while being over the top crazy. Rocking one minute, anthems the next and a hint of soul thrown in too. Lyrically silly, musically huge. Every home should have a copy and every song should be a hit. Awesome.
3. SOUL ASYLUM-DELAYED REACTION
A nice return for Dave Pirner and co. Quality songs all the way through, be it the introspective stuff or the rockers. It's not quite as angry or depressed as the old stuff but it is one of the more varied albums of the band's career and a great listen time and time again. Even when Dave flips out and thinks he's Frank Sinatra.
4. GRACE POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS-THE LION THE BEAST THE BEAT
Such a good record. Mostly known for a big rock sound with a groove, Potter and her group have given us a much more varied disc and it delivers. Ranging from funky, sweaty rock and roll to big bombastic ballads and some funky 80s throwbacks, there's a lot to love. From the first listen it feels new, yet familiar and only gets better. Ms. Potter's rough and tumble voice is strong, timid and sexy all at once and mixed in with ace material and production like this makes for a record I'll be listening to for a long time to come.
5. ZZ TOP-LA FUTURA
Finally!!! The ZZ top record that all long time fans have been waiting for finally is here. Up to date production meets nasty, funky guitars and a hell of a groove and the standard naughty good time attitude one would expect from a classic ZZ Top record. And that's what this is: a classic, pre Mtv ZZ Top record. Taste, tone and tenacity drips off this thing like Barbecue sauce. And a good time shall be had by all.
6. PATTERSON HOOD- HEAT LIGHTNING RUMBLES IN THE DISTANCE
Every time I listen to this I think "Wow, I forgot how good this is". Which says a lot about how it sneaks up on you. Mr. Hood is known as the leader of Southern rock.alt country band Drive-By Truckers. That band is loud and brash, but here he is much more reserved. It is a treat to hear Patterson tell these stories while backed up by acoustic instruments and hear how that affects his vocal choices. Perhaps not a perfect record but a confessional one and a disc that requires the listener to engage and actually listen, a quality all too rare these days.
7. OFF!-OFF!
You didn't think I'd finish this list without a punk record, did you? Off is a bit of a punk rock supergroup, if such a thing can exist, with members of The Circle Jerks, Redd Cross, Rocket From The Crypt and Burning Brides. It sounds exactly like it's supposed to, the SST records sound of a band playing inside a cardboard box. Sixteen songs in seventeen minutes, all of them pissed off, some of them even mildly catchy and others with a tad bit of an off kilter structure that hints at some interesting experimentation. Pretty much a perfect old school American punk record made for the punks of today. Loved it.
8. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY-CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
You didn't think I'd finish this list without a metal record, did you? C.O.C. was a hardcore band many moons ago but have travelled a path that has seen everything from redneck rock to thrash metal and anything in between. Currently they are focused on a kind of gloomy sludge with thrash breaks that makes the songs twist and turn to surprise and delight the discerning listener. Also it's heavy and it rocks like Sabbath with a deep groove. Very metal.
9. THE CULT-WEAPON OF CHOICE
No other record has grown on me more this year. at first I thought it was an average at best Cult record but now I believe it may be one of their best. Billy Duffy is as great a guitarist as he ever was, and seems more focused on melody and atmosphere this time out, while Ian Astbury's voice has all the goth/shaman/metal dude qualities we've come to expect without suffering a bit over the years. This is a more mature Cult than we've seen before, one that rocks just as hard but embraces its early goth self as well and fuses the two together with a big broad brush that paints the way to an interesting future. Sometimes it's nice to be wrong.
10. JAY GONZALES-MESS OF HAPPINESS
Another solo venture by a Drive-By Truckers member, this one sounding nothing at all like DBT. This is pure pop rock perfection. Beatles (okay, Paul McCartney) meets Todd Rundgren meets AM Gold. Reminds me of being a little kid in the seventies, before Disco ruined them. An unexpected joy of a disc for me and a great way to top off this year's list.
Here's some other stuff:
ALMOST MADE THE LIST:
Soundgarden-King Animal (surprisingly good from a band I only kind of like)
Tenacious D-Rize Of The Fenix (not quite as good as the first but I did enjoy it)
Waylon Jennings-Goin' Down Rockin' (posthumous record that is truly a Waylon record, defiantly so)
Shooter Jennings-Family Man ( a welcome return to country, though a flawed one. Still really good)
LIKED IT, DIDN'T LOVE IT:
The Gaslight Anthem-Handwritten
Bob Mould-The Silver Age
Lucero-Women And Work
GUILTY PLEASURE OF THE YEAR:
Jack Blades-Rock 'N Roll Life (very guilty..but the guy can write a chorus. What can I say the '80s die hard)
WANTED TO LIKE IT BUT JUST DIDN'T:
Alabama Shakes-Boys And Girls (lots of promise, great sound and vocals but left me flat)
Best Coast-The Only Place (meh)
RIP OFF OF THE YEAR:
Joey Ramone...Ya Know? (some good riffs and some decent songs but it sounds like a total cash grab by Joey's estate. Lots of people contributed to finishing this material but it doesn't work, and some of it is really bad. joey deserved, no, deserves better)
DISSAPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR:
Rush-Clockwork Angels
I know, everyone raves about it and it's borderline sacrilege for a Rush fan to pan a Rush album but I really dislike this record. Where to start on this hot mess of a disc? How about the concept? For a concept album this one is as thin as Alex's hair. It is a stretched out retelling of 2112 and a feeble one at that. Both pretentious and boring. It's not that I disagree with the central themes and ideas (I do in part) but that the execution of these ideas is so poor. And the songs are weak as well. Musically , yes, the band is playing better than ever but then the lyrics come in and it all goes to pot. The barely there concept makes some songs almost nonsensical outside of the piece, and the number of songs that are enjoyable on their own are few and not quite worthy of inclusion with the classics. I still love Rush and will welcome future releases with open arms but this record makes me mad that the first full concept record by the band is so inept and useless.
LIVE RECORD OF THE YEAR:
Led Zeppelin-Celebration Day
So much better than it has any right to be. I didn't want to like it as much as I did but this was a concert that actually lived up to its hype. Okay, so Robert Plant's voice isn't what it once was and Jason Bonham plays with a little bit more of a modern rock flair than his father (but is technically better), and the bass is a little low in the mix. But these issues are minor as it's just nice to hear these songs come back to life on the concert stage once again. And what's more, the guys sound great-like a living, breathing, on fire rock and roll band who have been playing together nightly, not one who hasn't seen the light of day for over 20 years. A welcome surprise and a worthy addition for the Zeppelin fan.
Awright, that's it, and that's enough! Back soon.
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