Foo Fighters- Wasting Light

To start this off, I have been an avid Foo Fighters fan ever since two of my best friends Chris & Cameron introduced me to them sophomore year of high school. Ever since then they have had a special place in my heart (thanks C&C) for so many reasons.

Foo Fighters have a way of making music sound so emotional, from the heart, and REAL without being whiny. Their songwriting, with lack of a better phrase, always sends chills down my spine; and "Wasting Light" is no exception.

The album careens like an out of control freight train into your head with a first line that no one will ever forget "These are my famous last wooorrrddss!!"

Like almost every other first song on a Foos record, "Bridge Burning" immediately sets the tone for the album; and in this case it is a fast, raw, yet extremely catchy set of songs that just will not stay out of your head.

Without a second to waste, the flagship single "rope" plows forward with an eclectic sound that combines drummer Taylor Hawkins' relaxed style and insane rudiments with Grohl's incessantly catchy chord structures to create a song that has the sheen of a seasoned alternative rock band with the rawness of a group of 15 year olds playing punk rock for the first time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbpqZT_56Ns

"Dear Rosemary" features Bob Mould of Husker Du (sorry I don't know how to type an umlat) fame on guitar and vocals. Like any of the other songs it fails to disappoint by laying out an excellent canvas for Mould to paint his unique take on music with.

If you haven't seen the video for "White Limo" check it out, then read the rest of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebJ2brErERQ

The song has a definite Motorhead tinge to it (Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead stars in the video as the limo driver), with its raspy, but at most times screaming vocals that once again give the album it's refreshing dichotomy of seasoned professionals v. punk rock kids amalgamated into one helplessly catchy mix.

"Alandria" proves to be the first in a rather short series of songs that could've fit on another Foo record besides "Wasting Light"; yet still seems to stay completely unique from other songs in their catalouge. It resounds with the heaviness of the other songs; however it can't help but create a more melodic, sullen mood in contrast with the first four songs. Grohl seems to reminisce about his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia by creating a female persona for the town so the listener to identify with it more easily. It seems like an exceptionally personal piece regarding where and how Grohl grew up and how he seems feels about it.

"These Days" echoes songs and sounds off of the initial Foos record "Foo Fighters" (1994) by following the 'loud-soft-loud' formula that helped make Nirvana famous. It is the most personal song on the record for me, as it reflects issues and crystal clear references in my personal life; so it's easy to say it is my favorite song on the record for me at the time of this posting. Besides that fact, it is a great window that Grohl created to show where the Foo Fighters came; from and how they got there.

"Back and Forth" easily gets the award for catchiest chorus on the album with both its melody line and lyrics such as "show a little back bone why don't you/I'm lookin' for some back and forth with you, are you feelin the same as I do/ now and then" Without doubt, the most straightforward and easily accessible lyrics on the album.

In what my opinion starts the second side of the album (for all you vinyl junkees out there) "Matter of Time" sets the mood for the tail end of the record by creating a more melodic 'deep cuts' vibe that was touched on by "Alandria".

The title "Miss the Misery" oddly reminds me of A.F.I or Misfits tracks of similar names. However it's bluesy tone and lyric 'You're wasting Light' that titles the the album easily sets it in the same realm as a Pearl Jam meets Tom Petty meets Nirvana track with Grohl's tinge that makes it a shining light as a later album track.

In mentioning Nirvana, "I Should Have Known" features Krist Novaselick on Bass. With Butch Vig (Garbage, produced Nirvana's 'Nevermind') producing the entire record; as well as Pat Smear (The Germs, touring guitarist for late Nirvana) playing guitar, it is the closest thing to a Nirvana reunion we can get; and it does not disappoint. It opens with an Erie guitar riff and string part that is unlike any other song on the album, and progresses to become an incredibly heartfelt song that can strike a chord with any listener.

The Last song on the album "Walk" is much like the last song most other Foo record. It proves to go out on a strong and resolving note, while still leaving us asking "When can we hear more?!" It reminds me a lot of "MIA" off of "The Colour and the Shape" (1996) with it's simple, palm muted eighth note verse followed by a powerful chorus.

If you're skipping to the last paragraph, take one thing from this review. This Foo Fighters record is probably the best that's come out since "There's Nothing Left To Lose" (1998). Not to say that the interim records weren't amazing, but as an album this is the most solid I've heard from the group since then. In my opinion, this is exactly what a band of this caliber shoud be doing right now, which is exploring their creative boundaries while still staying incredibly true to their roots. Dave Grohl and his band (Taylor Hawkins-Drums, Chris Shiflett-Guitar, Nate Mendel-Bass, Pat Smear-Guitar) are one of the most talented group of musicians I can think of, and this most recent effort without a doubt showcases these talents.

To many more great albums for the Foo Fighters- I bid you goodnight.

-TJ