noseforbeer jan. 06 reviews

Mars Volta, Francine The Mute “1”
One good song does not make an entirely good LP! Having only ever heard “The Widow” (which is the one good song), I was looking forward to listening to this CD. Boy, what a let-down. The over-exaggerated '70's power rock' meets 'big hair band' meets 'progressive rock' thing is too much! I thought it was funny when Jack Black and Tenacious D poked fun at this concept but there is nothing fun about this CD. Track 5 (Cassandra Gemini)--it's worse than anything even Iron Butterfly could have done.

Joybang, 1000 mg. “4”
Thank you for submitting this, I can't seem to take this out of my cd player. The whole
EP is good, and I really liked track 6 (1000 milligrams). This song has a lot of power and the chorus is stuck in my head... “I am one thousand milligrams, I am vitamin C, I'm impressed by the Branch Davidians”... Yes, I am impressed.

Cursive, The Ugly Organ “3”
This CD has moments were it is really good with a great beat, some cool guitar work,and strong lyrics. I was not real impressed with the vocals, they often didn't go with the music or lyrics. Screamed too much in songs that didn't need it.

The Waterboys, A Pagan Place “3”
I am familiar with this band and I like a lot of NEW WAVE . The Waterboys are good background music, it has a good feel to it. But they lack power and edge to pull me in. Lead man Mike Scott has a lot of talent but not enough creativeness to take HIS band to the next level.

The Fugs“2”
The Fugs are like a horrible car crash, ever bit of morality I have tells me to look away but my morbid curiosity wins over to keep my attention. I don't know if they are a bunch brain-dead hippies or the godfathers of political and social punk rock. What ever they were, it was original. I don't think I will keep this in any kind of rotation but I'm glad to have heard it, at least from a historical point. Best song: “Kill For Peace” !
If any one likes The Fugs check out the late 70's early 80's British punk band Crass. They were more political, with less humor, but I think just as surprising.


2005 TOP TEN (no honorable mentions)

1. SON VOLT – Okemah And The Melody Of Riot (I have been waiting for this since the break up of UNCLE TUPELO. I was not disappointed!) Also best live act this year; I saw them twice.

2. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - Plans (This disc contains #1 song of the year Soul Meets Body.)

3.NICKEL CREEK – Why Should The Fire Die (Very close behind #2!)



4.WHITE STRIPES – Get Behind Me Satan

5.OK GO – Oh No (My top five were easy. The last five would not have even been on 04's top 25, since 04 was such a great year for new music.)

6. FRUIT BATS – Spelled In Bones

7.WILCO – Kicking Television (live in Chicago)

8.JAMES McMURTRY - Childish Things

9.RAVEONETTES – Pretty In Black

10.MY MOURNING JACKET – Z


1)a) How do you feel about musicians selling their songs for commercial
purposes? Does it bother you to hear a song you like being used in an
advertisement? Does it change how you feel about the song/artist?

I have mixed feelings. When it is an already commercial band it really doesn't bother me at all. But when it is a band or artist that tries to come across as being independent, anti-establishment, or humanitarian I usually see it as SELLING OUT! When Steve Earl's “The Revolution Starts Now” line was used by Chevy trucks it was annoying and disappointing. When U2 licks the corporate ass of anyone who will throw a buck their way it makes me want to puke! Maybe I'm just a simple man and I can't comprehend the Zoo TV tour and it's anti-commercial, over commercial, post modern, larger than life, art saga LIE. Because that's what they are; a lie. Oh yea, and their music sucks!

I can't help to wonder if Midwest Mike knew he might strike a nerve in me with this question.

2)Fill in the blank. The best band in the last ten years is. DRIVE BY TRUCKERS You have only 10 words to defend your choice.
Two things make this band great , lyrics and smoking guitars!



I am sorry but I will be late with my best of '05 CD. Songs are on my hard drive but my re writable CD drive is down. Here is the list:



1.SOUL MEETS BODY - Death Cab For Cutie
2.WHEN IN ROME - Nickel Creek
3.THE DENIAL TWIST - White Stripes
4.JET PILOT- Son Volt
5.HERE IT GOES AGAIN - Ok Go
6.GALAXIES - Laura Veirs
7.ANYTIME - My Morning Jacket
8.LITTLE GHOST - White Stripes
9.MEDICATION - Son Volt
10.I WILL FOLLOW YOU INTO THE DARK - Death Cab For Cutie
11.SILENT LIFE - Fruit Bats
12.BEST OF LUCK - Nickel Creek
13.FEEL GOOD INC. - Gorillaz
14.KICKING TELEVISION – Wilco
15.TELEVISION TELEVISION – Ok Go