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.