Though they broke up in 1998, Neutral Milk Hotel is easily my favorite band so far this year. Much along the same vein as singer/songwriters that are just fed up with the world such as Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, and Jose Gonzales; frontman Jeff Mangum sings lyrics that describe his bittersweet perspective of reality. It is so easy to become immersed into the world that Neutral Milk Hotel portrays and listen to nothing but them for weeks on end, emerging from the binge hungover, somehow addicted to cigarettes, depressed, and wondering what happened in the past month.
For me, bands that can leave a lasting impression on you like this are ones that should be noticed. Though they never achieved 'mainstream success' (whatever that means these days) they've managed to sell over 300,000 copies of their album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" and critical acclaim as "one of the most influential bands of the past 25 years" by Rolling Stone. With that being said, check out their small but eclectic catalog featuring songs such as "Two Headed Boy", "Oh Comely", "In The Areoplane Over the Sea", amongst many others.
NMH are not a complicated band hear, but and increasingly complicated band to understand. Mangum's voice is not for the faint of heart, and his lyrics offer no suffice. They are often cryptic, but at the same time incredibly simple; offering such sexual innuendos as "semen stains the mountaintops".
All innuendos aside, what matters the most is I CANNOT stop listening to this band for all of the reasons above. It just sticks with you like your ex-girlfriend that won't stop texting you. Seriously check out these guys through whatever avenue you can. Here's some youtube links to some of my favorite songs:
In the Areoplane Over the Sea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6H8WcTPnWM
Two-Headed Boy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxEWPLDg5c&feature=related
Oh Comely:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipO9Tvk1EI&feature=related
Communist Daughter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKGN1EDei7w
Nighty night
-TJ
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
ALBATROSS&anchor EP release show
I'm not going to lie; the only reason I went to this show was to see our buddies Lucas Young & The Wilderness, and also I'm not gonna lie and say I stayed there to watch the headliner The Fronteirsmen.
I'm sorry to say that I'm part of the curse of the Reno music scene that has trouble getting stoked on the local bands; but as long as we're being honest here, seeing one that I'm really impressed with comes very few and far between.
One exception last night was the likes of locals "Lucas Young & The Wilderness"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/lucasyoungandthewilderness
Young's project, which features a rotating cast of musicians was one band that I was really impressed with; especially given the circumstances under which the group had to practice. They were able to rehearse twice before their debut show.
The band, which came fully equipped with 4 (yes four) guitars (Lucas Stephenson- Vocals/guitar, Sean Nelligan- guitar, Roger Brown- guitar/keyboards, and Timothy Weber - "Ole' Nashville" as his acoustic was so lovingly referred to as) only faced minor setbacks given the wall of sound 4 guitars can produce. Each guitarist had parts that complimented and without a doubt needed to be part of the song. (I realized this as Brown's guitar cut out mid-song; leaving a distinct hole where his part should be) Tim's acoustic was more seen than heard, however there would have undoubtedly been something missing if he had not been playing. Nelligan's leads were as buttery as a cold miller high life, Lucas held down the rhythm parts as the obvious leader of the band, and Roger complimented Lucas' parts seamlessly. Despite minor tuning issues, I was incredibly impressed how the 4 guitars worked together with ease to create the sound that they did.
Colin Christian, who owns and operates Stretchwire Sound, a recording studio in sparks; was recruited to play bass. Christian is a bass player that moves with ease and experience. Many people forget how important an actual bassist is to a band, and Colin proved this last night. His parts are featured when they need to be, but also simple and in the groove.
Darryl Mullikin splits his time between session drumming here in Reno and playing with the Portland band Icarus The Owl.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/Icarustheowl
Darryl's drumming is for lack of a better word, impressive. The guys got some serious chops. Like Christian though, he knows where and when to use them and where to be the time keeper. He played through every song without a hiccup, and it's always fun to see how he keeps himself interested both with stage presence and his ever-changing stage setup; which last night consisted of a floor-tom in place of the rack-tom and some impressively large cymbals to boot.
Lucas' vocals are sweet and sultry with a southern tinge that always seem to stick in your head, and he too failed to skip a beat by serenading the crowd with his catchy melodies throughout the set.
As a whole, the band played very well together throughout their set, each song was easily differentiated from one another and had it's own unique quality. My personal favorite was "This Lonely Ocean" which sets a laid-back 6/8 groove to an excellent melody line, culminating with a powerful chorus that eventually sweeps back into the intro riff and Lucas singing.
All in all, I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next, great band, great songs, great show.
The next band was an out-of-towner called "The Crosswalk". I was so excited as they entered their first song with a bluesy riff and lyric that was very reminiscent of a newer Kings of Leon song. However, then fun stopped when they launched their second song only to set themselves back with the ever-present "emo-scream" and post-punk breakdown that lumps so many bands together. This band has great potential, and some really good ideas, but I lost interest as soon as the second, third, and forth song started sounding exactly the same.
ALBATROSS&anchor (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ALBATROSSanchor/169915506367729?sk=info) is the folk-tinged side-project of Tim from alldaydrive. The show was their EP release show, and it was obvious that a large portion of the crowd was there to see them. The band consists Tim on Vocals/banjo/guitar, and (I'm sorry I don't know the names to place on the other musicians) a keyboard/harmony vocalist, electric guitar, bass, drums, and fiddle.
The first song was plagued by some technical difficulties, leaving the crowd with their hands on their ears. The band solidly moved through their set though, putting their folky vibe on foot-tapping pop-punk songs. Twas a good set to say the least.
It was a good night of good music. Once again, I'm sorry to say that I missed The Frontiersmen (I hear they play a great live set) but the idea of sleep got the best of me.
It looks like the local scene is once again in a revival stage, and I hope this time it sticks around a little bit longer. There's a lot of good things up and coming, and all of the locals that I saw proved that last night. So if you're thinking about a good time to connect yourself, it is now because it may all be dead again in a matter of months. Check out any of these bands via the links I posted or just search on facebook to see their schedule for shows coming up.
Thank you and goodnight,
TJ
The Queens do it right!
Queens of the Stone Age are currently touring in support of the reissue of their self titled 1998 debut release that without a doubt put the genre of "stoner rock" into the ears of mainstream listeners.
I'm so glad that they are reissuing this album because their first two efforts "Queens of the Stone Age" (1998) and "Rated R" (2000) (reissued in summer of last year) are severely underrated records that deserve notoriety as foundations for more current rock music. Both of these albums set the stage for the riff rock and/or indie band revival that has only recently hit the mainstream i.e. Kings of Leon, Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant.
It's such a shame that so many albums and bands go by the wayside just because they hit the scene at the wrong place or time, and I think that the Queens' debut was one of those. It's great that they have the opportunity; much less the balls to tour in support of an album that's almost 13 years old.
If you haven't listened to it, hit up your friends for a copy, or go grab the reissue at your local record store (Go to Discology if you live in Reno) for a lush remastered and expanded version of the album featuring b-sides from the original sessions, or you can stream the entire album on their website here:
http://qotsa.heroku.com/
The band also performed "If Only" recently on Conan:
http://www.totallyfuzzy.net/ourtube/queens-of-the-stone-age/if-only-live-conan-video_871e4c437.html
I'm so glad that they are reissuing this album because their first two efforts "Queens of the Stone Age" (1998) and "Rated R" (2000) (reissued in summer of last year) are severely underrated records that deserve notoriety as foundations for more current rock music. Both of these albums set the stage for the riff rock and/or indie band revival that has only recently hit the mainstream i.e. Kings of Leon, Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant.
It's such a shame that so many albums and bands go by the wayside just because they hit the scene at the wrong place or time, and I think that the Queens' debut was one of those. It's great that they have the opportunity; much less the balls to tour in support of an album that's almost 13 years old.
If you haven't listened to it, hit up your friends for a copy, or go grab the reissue at your local record store (Go to Discology if you live in Reno) for a lush remastered and expanded version of the album featuring b-sides from the original sessions, or you can stream the entire album on their website here:
http://qotsa.heroku.com/
The band also performed "If Only" recently on Conan:
http://www.totallyfuzzy.net/ourtube/queens-of-the-stone-age/if-only-live-conan-video_871e4c437.html
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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
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
Here we go
Through this experience that we call life, I've realized that I like doing one thing the most; and that's listening to music and talking about how it was listening to it. If there's one thing I have an endless opinion about, it's music. Whether it's a new album, live concert, or just what I'm listening too lately, it seems like a productive idea to post some reviews and playlists spotlighting what I've been interested in and what I think about it.
I'll post reviews on both new albums (there's A LOT of good ones coming out this summer) or albums that I've just discovered or find interesting. So... on that note, here's some of the albums and/or songs that I've been frequenting lately:
(The list consists of albums unless otherwise noted)
1. Foo Fighters- Wasting Light (review coming in my next post)
2. The Temper Trap- Conditions
3. Thrice- Beggars
4. Ugly Cassanova- Sharpen Your Teeth
5. +44- When Your Heart Stops Beating
6. Mute Math- Mute Math
7. Neutral Milk Hotel- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
8. Elliot Smith- Figure 8
9. U2- Greatest Hits
10. Silversun Pickups- Swoon
These have mainly been my "on the way to work" or "on my way home from work" staples that are either to wake me up, ease me into/out of the day; but they're mostly just plain cool albums and songs that I find myself listening too until I go to sleep.
On a closing note, I'm thinking the point of this blog is to get music that should be heard out there. There's so much amazing music that the masses (including myself) don't get to hear, and all I want to do is turn a few people on to some crunchy tunes. If anybody has suggestions, please email me and I'll be happy to listen to it and let you know what I think!
I'll post reviews on both new albums (there's A LOT of good ones coming out this summer) or albums that I've just discovered or find interesting. So... on that note, here's some of the albums and/or songs that I've been frequenting lately:
(The list consists of albums unless otherwise noted)
1. Foo Fighters- Wasting Light (review coming in my next post)
2. The Temper Trap- Conditions
3. Thrice- Beggars
4. Ugly Cassanova- Sharpen Your Teeth
5. +44- When Your Heart Stops Beating
6. Mute Math- Mute Math
7. Neutral Milk Hotel- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
8. Elliot Smith- Figure 8
9. U2- Greatest Hits
10. Silversun Pickups- Swoon
These have mainly been my "on the way to work" or "on my way home from work" staples that are either to wake me up, ease me into/out of the day; but they're mostly just plain cool albums and songs that I find myself listening too until I go to sleep.
On a closing note, I'm thinking the point of this blog is to get music that should be heard out there. There's so much amazing music that the masses (including myself) don't get to hear, and all I want to do is turn a few people on to some crunchy tunes. If anybody has suggestions, please email me and I'll be happy to listen to it and let you know what I think!
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