The Allman Brothers Band

After mentioning them so many times, I feel like I have to put them on here. I am also posting them because they are simply amazing. Lead guitarist Duane Allman is recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and that is saying something. Some say he is GREATER THAN ERIC CLAPTON :O
So anyway, they're from Macon, Georgia as opposed to some other place in Georgia like so many other great bands (like the ones I've mentioned and Widespread Panic). They are considered one of, if not THE most influential of all Southern rock bands that ever were. Not having heard their music should be a crime punishable by death. Although, so would dying without hearing their music...so you should probably be executed while the song Blue Sky is playing..
Basically, I couldn't think of what to put here. Pretty much everything they do is good. I just took 3 short songs that I have enjoyed in the past. I would also recommend listening to Blue Sky, Ramblin' Man, Southbound, Revival, Pegasus, and anything of theirs you can get your hands on.
Here's Midnight Rider, Ain't Wastin' Time No More, and Can't Take It With You

Mama's Love

Continuing the theme of Rock with a southern element (from Georgia), I'm bringing you Mama's Love. I recently found these guys off of a great site: http://www.indiesolo.com/. I hope that giving you the site doesn't take any hits away from this blog (especially 'cause the blog is far more useful since you don't have to sort through all the stuff you don't like :D). Anyway, these guys are probably my favorite find from that site so far. They call themselves rock, funk, and jam. The funk is clear as day in their amazing bass lines. The jam aspect is not so easy to find, but it becomes apparent once they get to their instrumental sections. They have a sorta jazzy improv thing going on. To put it simply, they are an amazingly talented unsigned band that plays awesome music. To complicate things a bit, in addition to their funky-as-hell bass, you have a guitar that switches off between Allman Bros. and a sorta cross between Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmy Page. I can't describe that any better than that : / Moving on..they write music so catchy you'll make yourself go deaf trying to get it out of your head. Their expert keyboard and generally clean (except for the hi-hat) and high energy drums make sure you got your feet tapping and your head nodding to the music. Everyone but the lead guitarist contributes to the vocals, and they sing together flawlessly (if you don't mind a southern accent..and honestly, why would you?). I just can't get over how well the elements come together to create such great music. Do yourself a favor and listen.
Catch A Feelin', Tinted Blue, and Lost For the Weekend

The Black Crowes

A blues-influenced rock band from Georgia? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! So anyway, these guys are awesome. If you're a fan of The Allman Brothers Band, you'll love them. But don't think they're exactly like the Allman Bros. just 'cause I said that. Their brand of rock is harder than the Allman Bros. in my opinion. Nonetheless, amazing guitar and solid bass make up the most memorable part of their music. The drums are nothing special to write about for the most part, but are definitely a key element in their music. The melodies go from lovely keyboard/piano parts (I can't tell which and I'm too lazy to do adequate research) to intense guitar solos. I can't think of a good way to describe the vocals...they're similar to Allman Bros. (both from Georgia; what do you expect?) only not quite as pronounced of an accent. There are also female back up vocals and/or harmonies in many of their songs.
To sum it all up and put a positive spin on it: you would be hard-pressed to find a band that combines hard rock guitar, piano, southern vocals, and great lyrics in a way that even comes close to Black Crowes. With that in mind, check out Remedy and Hard to Handle.

Atmosphere

Oh my god!! Could it be... the dreaded... TRUE HIP-HOP!?!? Well not quite true hip-hop. For being an underground hip-hop group. Slug writes "conscious rap" lyrics, kind of as far off as possible as you can get from the likes of Soulja Boy or Lil' John. The lyrics are at times brooding, and deal with self-destructive problems alongside the small annoyances and oddities of life. Atmosphere has some of my favorite beats. There is a definite rock influence in some of the songs, and it almost turns into a folk sound in songs such as Always Coming Back Home to You. The band gained some noteriety with the release of Tony Hawk's Ungerground 2 which included the song Trying To Find a Balance, resulting in some air time on KROQ and the like. Even if rap isn't really your thing, you might find this group surprisingly enjoyable.

The Music

Hooray for the UK! I'm giving you another English rock band.
So I just recently discovered these guys for myself because of Last.FM's recommendations. This find has made me incredibly grateful for using Last.FM. So anyway, The Music are just plain awesome. The songs always start out with a solid beat that continues and evolves throughout the song. I personally just can't get enough of their guitar. It's got distortion similar to American Classic Rock (remember my George Thorogood post earlier?). However, that doesn't mean all their songs are heavy, violent rock. What they do with the rock guitar and their drum beats may surprise you; in one of the songs I'm posting they use the vocals and other sounds to create a slightly more upbeat (mellow in a way? maybe??) tune reminiscent, somehow, of both Jane's Addiction and U2. Frankly, after hearing 2 of their songs, I was hooked. These aren't the same two songs that hooked me (one is), but I hope you feel the same way after listening. Until next time.
Freedom Fighters - the one that got me hooked
Breakin' - reminds me of Jane's Addiction and U2

Harlem Shakes

Well, its kind of hard to go to write about a band that has been noticed by pitchfork and The Village Voice, but here goes. Harlem Shakes is an indie rock band from Brooklyn. Their music can be described in short as good, but it would be lazy of me to leave it off there. The band has a sound which is reminicent of the Velvet Underground. The songs have an ability to gain at the very least a toe tap or two from listeners and sport catchy lyrics that will leave you talking about how mellow west coast kids are for a day or two. I would have their CD Burning Birthdays if it weren't for technical difficulties, but I have a live recording of their song Carpetbaggers. Check out their website http://www.harlemshakes.com/ or their myspace.

Traffic

I was saving this band for a special occasion. In this case, that occasion is poster's block. Before I begin, I would like to thank my Physics teacher for introducing me to these guys (as well as many other bands). But I've wasted enough of my own time for now. On to the review.
Traffic is an attestant to how versatile Classic Rock, or Rock 'n Roll in general, can be. They got started in 1967 by front man Steve Winwood in Birmingham, England. They are considered Psychedelic and/or Progressive Rock, so the tend to not be as heavy as other bands; however, they definitely have their fair share of heavy stuff. One interesting aspect of Traffic is their use of a flute sorta like Jethro Tull. I suppose the main difference is that Jethro Tull focused a lot more on the flute than Traffic does. The songs range from wonderful melodies with great lyrics to strange meshes of psychedelic sounds with instruments played quasi-normally in the background (listen to Giving To You and you'll know what I mean). At times I just can't get over how well these songs are written; when they're meant to go together, they do it amazingly well. Sections that ordinarily wouldn't fit with the song they're in will be integrated seamlessly, and these seemingly random pieces join together like a jigsaw puzzle to create an image and experience that is unforgettable. Without a doubt, Traffic is one of my favorite bands. And right now I'm afraid if I say more I'll either over-hype them or give a description that doesn't fit. Some songs to show versatility and awesomeness: Coloured Rain, Heaven Is In Your Mind, Hidden Treasure, and Rock n Roll Stew.

Atom and His Package

I return triumphantly from the Valley of Death. Today I am here to speak to you all about Atom and His Package. Synth Punk. Just think about that for a second. Adam Goren, front (only) man of Atom and His Package writes simple humorous songs about various things, such as: what the jews do on christmas, how much one can destroy with just a hammer, a punk rock academy, the metric system, and black metal. If you are looking for a musical odessy and would like to expand your views of what new and inventive can be done with sound, then you should probably stay away from this. That said, if you just want a fun little song, then this is perfect for you. Unfortunately, in 2003 due to personal issues, Atom and His Package stopped touring. Adam currently plays with the band Armalite while teaching physics and chemistry (school of rock anyone?).

All of his CDs are worth checking out, but I personally love Hair: Debatable, because through the sound, you can hear the fun he is having in his last performance, also the introductions to the songs are way good, and wait theres more: it comes with a DVD of the performance.

Sloan

I know what you're thinking. "A band that's not from LA or in a video game??? What's going on?!" Well, I don't know. But I do know that Sloan is awesome. The Roman may recognize the song Who Taught You To Live Like That from hearing it in the car. A thousand times. If anyone else knows Sloan, they either live in Canada, live near Canada, bought the same magazine featuring a CD that I did, or need to be worshiped.
Basically, Sloan is from Canada. They're kinda pop, kinda rock, and really fun to listen to. I really can't pin down their style; the bands they've reminded me of so far: the Offspring (mostly vocals), Echo and the Bunnymen, David Bowie, Apples in Stereo, Pixies, and...They Might be Giants. O_o
So they're different. And indie. The instruments are solid, the melodies are catchy, and then there are the lyrics. OH the lyrics. The lyrics in a couple of the songs are the reason they've reminded me of the They Might Be Giants. Each of the four members songs (at least two per album!!), and the band switches instruments at live shows based on what song they're playing. Songs are usually happy upbeat, sometimes kinda silly (lyrics...). All I know is i really enjoy listening to 'em, so I hope you do too.
Two more songs: Underwhelmed and I've Gotta Try

Deep Purple

I have never seen such a large gap between two of my posts...
On a relevant note, one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to music is when everyone knows a song, but nobody knows who it's by or where they've heard it. Everyone knows the song Smoke on the Water, perhaps not by name, but they'd recognize the guitar intro anywhere. People familiar with Rock Band may know the song Highway Star as well. I am trying to spread awareness about one of the greatest Classic Rock bands of all time. The guitar can be described as amazing, innovative, masterful, etc. Bottom line: it will blow your mind. The bass is as prominent and skillfully played as the bass in Cream, and perhaps a bit funky at times. I...can't really think of anything more to write. My descriptions simply can't do justice to the vocals and the drums, not to mention how well the music comes together. I can only say one more word. Listen:
Maybe I'm A Leo, Lazy, and Pictures Of Home

Kings of Convenience

Well, this Norwegian pair is very very highly recommended. They are both singers and guitar players and amazing. The best part about the duo is the blend of voices and guitars as they play together. Their use of delicate tunes, calming voices, and intricately subtle guitar melodies is inspired. They have four cd's out, and not every band can say that one of their cd's became a motto for an entire underground music movement. Quiet is the New Loud is a very good album and it also has my favourite song (which i'm linking to) Winning a Battle Losing the War.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBJnUT3XZTE

Apollo 13

Apollo 13 brings to mind my earlier post of The Ringers. They bring to the table some hard rock. Its more of my favorite kind of knock-you-off-your-feet-and-get-you-moving-but-in-a-good-way music. Oh, but if I were to say that I would only really be describing their song "The Bomb". Their music moves back and forth A LOT and i'm really not sure how to judge it, or for that matter even attempt to cover it in a short concise review that anyone would raelly bother to read, but i like it. While it definately took some time to get used to, there is probably somthing for everyone in their music, so go and check it out. www.myspace.com/apollo13

Sinti

the group is called Sinti but the main guy is Jimmy Rosenberg. they put out a CD around 1994 and nobody's heard of them since.Take a listen to some of amazon's sample recordings and you'll get to know that i mean. The speed and fretwork of these acoustic guitarists is just astounding. Here's the link for amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Sinti-Featuring-Jimmy-Rosenberg/dp/B000002BB7

and the link for Jimmy Rosenberg (but it's in some other language):http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://www.jimmyrosenberg.nl/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djimmy%2Brosenberg%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DLpE

-Sam Farmer

Brand New

Brand New is the ultimate drunk band. I don’t mean this in that they are bawdy, or slovenly in a way that appeals to drunks. I mean to say that Brand New has the ability to jack into you heart, and then strum it a few times like a guitar, and this is easiest, and generally happens most, when you (and by you I mean me, and everyone I know) are drunk.

Their most recent release is The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, but I most recently got their 2003 release Deja Entadu. To put it short, this album is already on my top 10 of all time. Brand new is generally categorized as ‘emo rock’, but this is not accurate. I think of them as Post Rock, if you make the distinction. This means blistering, melodic, and most of all beautiful and creative guitar work, and incredible drumming. Vocaly is where this band truly shines for me though. Fans of screaming (and I mean the emo screaming, not the metal kind, so angst filled howl, not hairless bear growl) will not be disappointed, and when that’s not happening, the singer lays down a blissful soundtrack filled with lyrics that are, admittedly angst filled, but pleasantly creative and specific.

Really this band takes a while to grow on you. Their songs are beautiful, but it’s not until your driving home at 1 in the morning, howling along at the top of your lungs, less sober then you really should be, and pouring out not just the sorrow, but the happiness, that lays in your soul, that you really get them. Then your hooked, and then you really understand. Or, maybe it’s just me.

-Sigmund Amadeus Werndorf

Side note, thought I'd throw out their songs "Play Crack the Sky" and "The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows".

RX Bandits

First off i'd like to say that i feel very lazy right now. Today brings in another third wave ska band from sunny (or windy as the case may be) Southern California. RX Bandits is a five piece Progressive/ Ska band. At times there music has brought to my mind bands the likes of The Hippos and Catch 22, to Rise Against, to The Grateful Dead (specifically Blues for Allag (mainly the breakdown of In Her Drawer availible on their myspace for free)). I guess you could say their music is kind of versatile, and it isn't really surprising that it says on their myspace under influences, "repetition is the death of art". Their songs sometimes contain heavy horns, and singing that combine for a reggae effect, like in their song Taking Chase as the Serpent Slithers which is availible for free on their myspace. At others, if the brass was removed, their music could easily be confused for any hard rock band, such as in Decrescendo. They match their ska harmonies with hard power cords and I'm loving it. http://www.myspace.com/rxbandits

OrtoPilot

This is an underground band from Britain. They're really indie and chill. They're still relatively unknown, but I think that they're quality. They have a very laid back style which emphasizes their amazing singer (check him out on youtube, there's a link on the site that I'll post at the end of this spiel). Anyways, just check them and enjoy the cool indie jazz tones of ortoPilot.
http://www.ortopilot.com/

Freezepop

There's more to synthpop than pretending it's guitar and sticking it in a video game. If you don't believe me, here's Freezepop to back me up. They are, in fact, named after the frozen treat we all knew and loved when we ate anything that contained sugar. The reason is that the band considers their music "sweet and cold and fruity and plastic-y" just like those tasty popsicles. You might think I'm just being lazy, but I won't write anything else about them because the music speaks for itself. Just listen to them. I couldn't figure out how much to give you...so you get four whole songs :O
Enjoy Parlez-vous Freezepop, Frontload, Emotions & Photons, and Freezepop Forever.
And as an added bonus!! an imeem player :D

The Fratellis

It would be horribly wrong of me to say I discovered them for myself. Or to say I knew about them before person X. Basically, I only learned about the Fratellis' existence since the time the movie Hot Fuzz came out. After hearing them in the soundtrack, I immediately figured out who they were and obtained several songs - they're just that good. The bottom line is the fact that I have heard of them means I'm allowed to tell you people about them and sound knowledgeable. And the good news is I'm finally putting up a band that's NOT from L.A. The Fratellis are from Glasgow, Scotland, and all three members share the same last name: Fratelli. Now. They are classified as being Indie Rock and Post-Punk Revival. A more accurate description is "music that makes you happy when you listen to it" (courtesy of Ryan Martin-Patterson) because of the quick, happy music and the light-hearted lyrics. Most of the songs are about picking up girls or in general trying to have a good time. The subject matter is funny. The music is upbeat. The instruments are great. The Fratellis are just plain amazing. Listen to Flathead and Chelsea Dagger.

West Indian Girl

Here's where the fun starts. Another LA band because I love LA bands, they are named after a kind of acid that was popular in the 60's. They DO in fact have a slightly psychedelic sound, but primarily they're just Indie with amazing harmonies from their two lead singers. It's hard to actually put them into a category given the strange sounds they make with two keyboards. The songs generally revolve around a steady back beat which breaks intermittently for quicker, more intense choruses. They never seem to give any instrument more credit than another; it's always about one big sound/picture/melody. Whatever you want to call it, it's awesome. Proving that they are indeed from southern California are To Die In L.A. and Up The Coast.

Suburban Legends

This next review is dedicated to Tim Maurer (lead singer of Suburban Legends), who is, to quote Aaron Barrett (lead singer of Reel Big Fish) 1000 % gay (my apologies to those who did not have the good sense to go to the Reel Big Fish/ Goldfinger show, where Suburban Legends Opened, at the Avalon last year). The band’s music is a sugary Pop/ Ska blend which is, as is coincidently their last album name, infectious. This band has a great live performance which works a crowd thoroughly (although those sensitive to crotch shots take precautions). The band has abandoned the Reggae roots of Ska, and opts for more of a marching band turned rockers sound. Their song “High Fives”, sports a bitchin’ guitar solo, numerous harmonies, and a brass section which can’t decide whether it belongs south of the border, or on an Astroturf football field for that half-time show you probably talked through. For any Ska fan this band is a must hear, and maybe you should check it out even if you don’t always enjoy that persuasion of music. http://www.myspace.com/suburbanlegendsfansite

Steppenwolf

Okay. I am appalled by the amount of times these guys' songs are used compared to the amount of people that know who they are. If you do know Steppenwolf, congratulations and I hope I haven't offended you by assuming you didn't. If you don't, you're a liar and you actually do, only you may not realize it. But more about that later. Steppenwolf IS classic rock; the electric guitar, the music you unconsciously end up bopping your head to, and the good old rock mentality. Oh lord the menality...let's face it: rock and roll is about sex. It's about sex and music and sex and rebellion and sex and freedom. And sex. While the sex is not so blatant in Steppenwolf songs, trust me - it's there. A bit about the band itself: it's from Los Angeles (goddamn I love local bands). It sorta bloomed out of the remains of The Sparrows, a blues-influenced rock band started in 1964. Now, the music itself is classified as heavy metal of the time period. Therefore it can't hold a candle to modern metal in terms of the volume and distortion of the guitar. However, what it lacks in amplitude it makes up for in quality of the music. The bass is a big part of the music as well, providing a solid backbone for the guitar to lean on. The drums are usually pretty simple beats and may be a bit repetitive at times, but they are a big part of the sound. And to wrap it all up in a not-so-neat package, the vocals are rough and the lyrics full of messages of rebellion and escape from society's restrictions. So here are two songs you definitely know (as I said you would): Born to Be Wild and Magic Carpet Ride

George Winston

One of the best pianists of this century, George Winston made his appearance in the 1980's. He has two albums that went platinum and another that won a grammy for the best new age album. He is said to use music as an artist uses paint. His pieces are often introspective, thoughtful, and tranquilizing. He plays with a mastery of piano composition that is unmatched today. His new age style is great for background music and reading music. If you're into that sort of thing.

The Ringers

The Ringers are not lying when they say that they are “Keeping alive the tradition of what rock 'n roll music should be -- sleazy, sexual and dangerous.” Their music calls to mind the instrumentals of the Ramones, which might not be such a bad thing for them, considering they performed “Blitzkrieg Bop” for the movie Accepted (in which lead singer Joe Hursley played a rocking ex-soldier), while lead actor Justin Long sings. Their most recent single “Apocalypto” definitely touches on the dangerous aspect of their sound. The bass starts off heavy and doesn’t ease up. The guitar and drums work together giving the music a truly jarring effect. Hursley’s voice comes through in the single moment of relief from the onslaught, in the breakdown, with passion. Overall their music is something that can get you moshing (sloppily as it may be…) with your friends in a living room for a kick-ass good time. Also, they’re from Los Angeles, so what is not to like. Check out their CD Tokyo Massage.

http://www.myspace.com/theringersband

Living Colour

Living Colour was started in New York by British-born guitarist Vernon Reid. Apart from in the well-known song Cult of Personality, a lot of the time they sound uncannily like Rush with extra distortion (only the singing sounds COMPLETELY different). Influenced by metal, funk (yay bass), hip hop, and free jazz, they have a truly unique style. The skill put into the guitar and bass is simply amazing, as anyone who's played Cult of Personality in guitar hero will tell you. While the drums aren't anything to worship, they definitely add to the pace and sound of the music. Vocals are exceptional and the lyrics generally inspired, provocative, or otherwise just fun to listen to. In the end, a lot of fast guitar shredding and funky bass lines make listening to Living Colour an enjoyable experience. Here's Funny Vibe and Middle Man.

Upstanding Youth

Blah, sorry I have been relatively inactive recently (I.E. i didn't post for three whole days), thus i bring you Upstanding Youth. Upstanding Youth’s Ska/ Punk music is what got me through finals junior year. The Band hails from North Shore/ Kailua, Hawii. Their song “451”, has the Reggae and Ska elements to get you off of your feet and skanking. The song opens with dangerous sounding saxophones, almost mimicking the distorted punk guitars, but the brass and reeds move quickly to a reggae sound. The bass line walks up and down all over the song. Vocalist Marc Allred a similar voice to many a ska singer, and the harmonies are nothing new, but it all sounds good. The song goes lighter on the punk elements than some of their other tracks off of the CD “Still”. The solos are taken nice and easy, and complement the rest of the song rather than dominate it. Their heavy influence from Reel Big Fish and Sublime is clearly evident in their music. Dear friend, please visit http://www.myspace.com/upstandingyouth

Russian Circles

To preface this, I don't really listen to much metal. Modern metal has always kind of alienated me with my love of melody and dislike of mullets. However, when I stumbled allong Russian Circles and their 2006 release Enter, I was really impressed. Aparently they're "Math Metal". Really, that means nothing to me. Basicly, imagine if the Smashing Pumpkin's started doing instrumental metal and you have a small idea of what Russian Circles sounds like. With it's six songs, this Album feels more like an EP, until you realize that the shortest song on it is around six minutes, with most of the others leveling out at about eight.

I'll be blunt. These guys kick ass so hard, their boots are coming out of your mouth. Or are they wearing Converse? It's kind of hard to tell from the music, because really, they are an indi-rocker's approach to metal. Each song is a rollicking adventure of blistering guitar work that not only blows your mind, but actually SOUNDS good as well, backed up by solid bass work and equally impressive drum-work. They tend to start slow and rise to a crescendo, doing it so subtly that you start the song, and then before you understand what's happening your shredding air guitar and you have the uncontrollable urge to slaughter a goat. Despite this though, there are only a few true 'metal' moments in the whole album (you know the ones, blinding noodly guitar notes over a chugging bass and a drummer having a seizure), something I count as a plus.

To summarize, Russian Circles is hard bliss. I've no idea what real metal-heads would think of them, and truthfully I don't care. All this indie kid can say is that after a long session of acoustic Decemberists-esque indie rock, I'm looking for something that can fucking rock me like a vestal virgin being mounted by black beauty, and Russian Circles delivers (without all the burst hymen's and bestiality).

-Sigmund Amadeus Werndorf

X

X is without a doubt one of my favorite Punk bands (and quite infulential). They're from Los Angeles, wrote a song about Los Angeles, and received an Official Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles in acknowledgment of their important contributions to Los Angeles music and culture. That was quite a mouthful so I think that covers the description of the band. Now on to the music: generally fast-paced with a lot of energy behind the drums, guitar, and bass; the semi-abrasive singing and the fake harmonies may take some getting used to, but they are characteristic of X's music and to a lesser extent punk music. But they were also kinda Folk - as Jordan put it, "music for the people by the people." All members except vocalist Exene had years of musical experience and were quite knowledgeable on the subject of music theory. I hope you enjoy the music.
Los Angeles - it's why they received the certificate
The Unheard Music - slower, but dark; also the title of a documentary about the band

Shaimus

Just as a warning: I don't actually have files for you guys cuz this band isn't licensed and the music is ONLY available through iTunes. Because of that (and 'cause they're awesome), I'm gonna put two songs up in the lovely little imeem player. Shaimus is a Los Angeles local alternative rock band with piano in pretty much all they're songs - kinda different, but def awesome. At times they're kinda like lounge music or something. It's hard to describe. Like I said, they're kinda different. Generally, it is nice, upbeat music. Without further ado, from their album Paper Sun, here is Shaimus.

George Thorogood & the Destroyers

You may recognize the songs"Bad to the Bone" and/or "Who Do You Love?" (aka that song in the Samuel Adams commercials) by George Thorogood & the Destroyers. They are characterized by a crazy blues guitar style with HEAVY distortion. George Thorogood has a unique voice and uses it well. If you're a fan of this kinda rock, these guys will be your new favorite band. If not, who knows - you may find yourself enjoying it for the first time.

Amazing Acoustic RHCP

Deviating from alt, I present RHCP. But just this awesome acoustic version by John and Anthony. See the youtube version because it rocks your socks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKOc2S1AkjE
Do it.

Bloc Party

Breakin out of my normal style of posts to bring you a new favorite of mine. Bloc Party is a British Indie rock band with a great sound. The vocals and music remind me a little bit of Blur while the instruments are kinda like a combination of Pixies and...uh..the efforts of someone who writes music to have a good melody. The drums are always fast, powerful, and very well done. If you know Bloc Party, you probably either know the song Banquet (I know I heard it on the radio or in a commercial or something..) or Helicopter which was featured in guitar hero 3. However, the whole album Silent Alarm is a great collection of songs. Keeping that in mind, here are TWO songs from Bloc Party's Silent Alarm: Plans and Helicopter

Dave Matthews Band

Lately, as many of you know, I got a guitar. And one of the main things to do with a guitar is play it. So I've been poking around the net for many an odd song to learn, and I've been reintroduced to Dave Matthews Band. Their jazzy yet upbeat feel makes them an alternative rock standard. And on Dave's solo album, Some Devil, he has one particular song which is not only touching, but really freakin' awesome. Gravedigger has been around a lot and has even been covered by Willie Nelson, but Dave is still the man to beat. This song is sad, but without the melodrama that you normally see in emo songs. Anyways, check it out!

MC Lars

I feel that I much too often overlook the work of MC Lars, so I decided that a post about him was very necessary. Unfortunately, when I started writing a post about MC Lars, self-proclaimed originator of post-punk laptop rap, I was completely stumped as to which song to focus on. The name might sound familiar to you from his low on the radar semi-hit “Hot Topic is not Punk Rock”, but after going through his music, I was pretty certain that it was not his best work. I searched through his social commentaries, and geek shout-outs finally landing on his song Ahab. It’s based on Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. The beat is euphoric and contrasted against the not-so-fun story of Captain Ahab. The song comes off of his overall good CD “The Graduate”. If you’re feeling like some nerd core rap is what you need, I highly recommend it. Also worth checking out from Lars is “Space Game”, because the last verse is way too good, and “Mr. Raven”, based on Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”.

Brian Kahanek

Anyone who's played Guitar Hero 2 would recognize Gemini as one of the best bonus songs on the list. But Brian Kahanek is responsible for more than just Gemini. He's put out two albums - Real Life and Suicide King, plays a Les Paul (among countless other guitars), and seems to have an almost experimental approach to blues-rock. In my opinion the song I am posting today, Deliverance, showcases his best abilities as both a guitarist and a composer.

Tripwires

Todays song reaches you from the far away land of England. The song, Kings and Queens, comes from the indie band formerly known as The Enigma Project, but now Tripwires. The song has a solid pace, and is a piece of energetic uplifting music. Ben White and Sam Pilsbury, bassist and drummer respectively, keep the song strong throughout. If you're looking for Slash style riffs and solos, this is certianly not the song for you. The biggest downside to this song is, that if you actually do enjoy it, there is no way that I have found to get it, likely due to the fact that the band is unsigned. It was released as a single, but I've had no luck finding it (like seriously, if anyone can get this song for me, that would be pretty sick). The song was a first time favorite for me, and so I feel I must pass it on. Anyway, check out their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/tripwires.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

And now for some good ol' American classic/blues rock. Stevie Ray Vaughan (and sometimes Double Trouble) have an easily recognizable and unmistakable style, especially when you hear Stevie sing. I can't describe it any way except classic/blues rock. It's got everything rock & roll needs with a heavy blues influence. And the guitar is impossible to describe; it rivals the likes of Jimmi Hendrix and Clapton. In fact, I believe there was a quote where Eric Clapton said Stevie Ray Vaughan channeled God through his hands (going off what my dad told me, so I'm not sure how accurate it is). I digress. Stevie Ray Vaughan's Say What! (no singing in this one).

The Yardbirds

If you didn't already know I'm obsessed with Eric Clapton's music, you know now. I am bringing up another group not well known within our generation. However, Clapton was not the only famous guitarist who played for them; the Yardbirds also featured Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Of course, not all three played for them at the same time (Beck and Page did for a while). The band has gone through a lot of lineup changes since its beginning in '63. This may have resulted in the variety of styles of music, from blues to a sort of pop-rock of the time. Basically, they have something for everyone. For a taste of The Yardbirds, here's Heart Full of Soul.

Primus

Allot of you have probably already heard of Primus. They've been around forever, way back in the dark ages since 1984. As such they have a spectrum of music, from they're early work to today. Most recently though, I just got around to picking up they're 1990 release Frizzle Fry. Now, this album is a to taste thing. Some people are going to love it. Others hate it. But whether or not you appreciate the irreverent humor, or 'unique' singing style of Les Claypool, you have to respect the skill that the three musicians have in their instruments. Primus has always struck me as some kind of sick Bollywood love child of Red Hot Chile Peppers and Rage Against the Machine, if Flea happened to mate with Satan rather then Tim Commerford (perhaps tim was the fluffer or something).

The first song on the Album, To Defy The Laws Of Tradition, sets the feel for the rest of the CD. It's a rollicking quirky tune that rocks your socks with a bass line that sprints, not walks. I swear, I've heard machine guns shoot slower then Mr. Claypool's bass lines. Meanwhile the guitar seems to have a epileptic fit of static (but still sounds good) and Les howl's in a 'thank you come again' nasal drone, completing what is pretty much an awesome track. The rest of the album follows rather closely, with their sense of humor coming more and more into the for front. I mean really, you kind of have to admire a band that has the pure balls to sing, 'They call me Mr. Knowitall / I am so eloquent / Perfection is my middle name / And whatever... rhymes with eloquent', and do it with a strait face.

The album does have it's downsides though. The whole thing is undeniably harsh. Even the slower songs on album such as the title track, Frizzle Fry, are raw and rollicking. If it was a piece of furniture it would be a incredibly comfy couch, covered in burlap. Also, those of you who like your singers generic and pretty might not enjoy the experience that is Frizzle Fry (I didn't have trouble with it myself, but as a fan of Tom Waits, Clap Your Hand Say Yeah, and Sigur Ros, I cant complain). His nasal yowling can be a bit much at times, and after an hour of listening it does grate on the nerves a tad.

So is Frizzle Fry a good album? Really, only god knows. All I can say is that if you want to throw down something hard and funky, in a time when beauty really doesn't matter, you cant go wrong with Primus.

--Sigmund Amadeus Werndorf

Derek & the Dominos

Despite performing the song Layla, which almost everyone who calls themselves a fan of rock & roll knows, I find not many people appreciate Derek & the Dominos. I mean come on - songs played by Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, two of the greatest guitarists of all time? What's not to love. While some may not like the style of the song I'm going to post, I'm going to post it anyway. Tell the Truth by Derek & the Dominos.