867-5309's February '06 Review.

CD Reviews:

The Anniversary – Your Majesty:
When I was trying to decide on what to submit for my older selection I began scanning my CD collection for something I hadn’t listened to in awhile. My eyes didn’t get very far, for right there in the A’s was the Anniversary. I hadn’t listened to this disc in awhile and I remembered that when it first came out I couldn’t take it out of my CD player.

This was their sophomore release and it showed a lot of growth and change in the band, which also lead to their downfall (the two singers/guitarists wanted to get away from Vagrant Records and the “Emo” scene and the band eventually ended up breaking up). They began to experiment more with psychedelic rock versus their more emo-sounding 1st album. The 60’s guitar riffs, keyboards and mixed male/female vocals bring a great layered sound. “Sweet Marie” is an incredibly catchy song and the perfect choice for the first track to draw you in. “Husam Husam” is one of my favorites though it is much darker and has a bit of Pink Floyd sound musically. “The Siren Sings” and “Tu Whitt To Whoo” are poppier and reminiscent more of their earlier sound and also reminded me of the Rentals.

Upon taking it out again, I did listen to it non-stop for awhile, but it has lost a bit of its magic over time for me. The end of the CD gets a little boring for me now (after track 6 or 7). I still enjoy it though and wish they went on to make more albums, although now I am motivated to find out what the members of the band are doing now. *Postscript – the main singer/songwriter has formed a new band called The Only Children. I’ll be downloading some stuff to check it out.
Score: 3.5

The Darkness – One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back:
Coming from someone that LOVED their first album…this album sucked. The first song and single “One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back” is a great song. I loved that one; however it just went downhill from there for me. They seemed to have lost some of the humor that I was so fond of in the first one. In the first album I could get over the falsetto because the songs were more rocking and it fit the humorous nature of the album. However, on this album the singer’s voice grated on me so much. After many repeated listens, I did grow to like a few more tracks (I’m not sure which ones, most of the listening occurred in my car) but it still didn’t have the magic that the first one did for me.
Score: 1.5

Fischerspooner – Odyssey:
Had I heard this earlier, it might have made my Top 10 of last year. I loved it all the way through. They have a great electronic/new wave sound that made me think that this duo had been around a lot longer. They mix it up enough so it doesn’t sound as repetitive as a lot of other ElectroClash I’ve heard. It’s one of those rare discs that you can turn up really loud and it makes you want to move, or you can listen to softly and it is somewhat relaxing. This one hasn’t left my CD rotation since it was given to me. I loved it.
Score: 4

Neil Young – Tonight’s The Night:
Upon hearing this album I was reminded of something…two summers ago there was a neighborhood cat in heat that would sit outside of my window and make the most horrible noises. That’s what I think of Neil Young. I tried to go into this with an open mind. The music was good, but as soon as he starts singing I cringe and want to vomit.
Score: 1 (only because the music behind his voice was good)

Steely Dan – Pre-Suck Hits:
There were a lot of songs on here that I never knew were Steely Dan, but Steely Dan was always a bit too A.M. Radio for me. They never quite rocked out enough for me. Their sound was too clean, though I’m told they were perfectionists in the studio and wanted that clean sounds. To me, most of their stuff ended up sounding too overproduced. It’s not horrible, but it’s the kind of music I would only listen to when waiting for the dentist.
Score: 1.5

Topic

Top Guitar Albums – This was difficult for me, because unlike all of you, I didn’t grow up in a time where “Guitar Rock” was huge. I had new wave and hair bands. All the groundbreaking albums that I think a lot of you are going to list aren’t really my “cup o’ tea.” I couldn’t honestly put them down because I don’t listen to them and wouldn’t be able to have a conversation with a deaf mute about them. I wanted to put ones down that I can honestly speak about and ones that mean something to me. However, this also was a problem, because when looking through my CDs not many screamed out “I’m a fucking great guitar album.” If you were to ask about bass albums, I’d be all set, but I’ve never been one to sit and listen to the guitar work. I always tended to listen to everything going on around it. (Why the hell do you think I keep bringing in weird shit?)

Top Ten Guitar Albums (in no order):
Frank Zappa – Shut up & Play Your Guitar: Guitar solos and nothing but.
Rage Against the Machine – S/T: Tom Morello came out of nowhere and surprised everyone with his unique sounds.
Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation or Dirty
Guns n’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction
AC/DC – Back in Black
Queensryche – Operation Mindcrime
Tool – Undertow
Primus – Frizzle Fry: Larry Lamonde is a highly underrated guitar player because Les Claypool plays the main melodies. However if you listen to what he is doing, he is quite amazing.
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger

Synopsis of Our Beloved Meeting

This will be only a synopsis of thine meeting as we do not yet know what they hey we are listening to this month (except for noseforbeer who was expedient in sending his New selection).

The meeting was help with little contention. It was noted that are 4 major Neil Young fans and 4 who would rather that his aneurysm was more successful. I, personally, am trying to figure our noseforbeer as I have had no success in attempting to understand his musical direction. Mike (Monsta) it was voted and enacted that he is our "High Blinder" as he will not venture outside his herb garden to enjoy roses in another's hotbed (i.e. read Fischerspooner review). Byron is solidifying himself in our cellar with his 3rd selection in the bottom 10 needing only one to take the coveted lead from Jen. Ken narrowly escaped the dungeon this month with his group polarizing selection. D'Arcy will forever be a Queen apologist and Jen handled the guitar ribbing from the group quite well. Neil and Mike M are battling for group curmudgeon being separated by only 4 ond-hundreths of a point. Jolly Good. Jay's Steely Dan Ghits was euthanized but we gave them kudos for their band name. Greg once again won member (or Steely Dan) of the month.

We were all virtually in agreement on what makes a great guitar album/disc. Few overlaps but decent selections all around including every guitar album Jen owns.

Those needing to supply music this month:

Neil- New (in compliance)- Ok Go-Ok No
D'Arcy- New (in compliance) - Ray Davies-Other People's Lives
Ken- Old (in compliance) - Muddy Waters- Electric Mud
Byron- Old (not in compliance)

Host- Mike M - Ghits - Guided By Voices and Topic to come

Schedule has been redone and posted with Greg's passing and the review spreadsheet is up as well.

Over and Out.

Mongillo Reviews Via Ken's

Michael Mongillo – Music Group Commentary, February 21, 2006

I devoted all my time to the topic this month so my “commentary” on this month selections is pretty thin. But, come to think of it, I like them short and sweet and may limit myself to no more than two sentences on each month’s selections from now on. I bet that would make some of you happy.

THE ANNIVERSARY – “YOUR MAJESTY” (Old Selection) = 3 STARS
A good mix of inviting hooks, eclectic instrumentations, and unusual song structure, The Anniversary’s “Your Majesty” is a good listen from start to finish; yet, it never quite achieves the scale of grandeur it seemed to be striving for and it is instantly forgettable.

THE DARKNESS – “ONE WAY TICKET TO HELL AND BACK” (New Selection) = 1 STAR
This was definitely a one-way ticket to Hell, but it took me taking it out of my CD player to get back. I know it does what it’s supposed to do, such as it is, so it makes me wonder if I take music too seriously but, then again, I can’t be convinced that these guys don’t take (or intend) it seriously.

FISCHERSPOONER – “ODYSSEY” (New Selection) = 4 STARS
Fun synth-pop tunes with equally fun lyrics that clock-in at radio-friendly play-lengths makes Fischerspooner’s “Odyseey” a genuine pleasure.

STEELY DAN – “BEST OF”
Puts me to sleep but I guess it’s pretty good.

NEIL YOUNG – “TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT” (Old Selection) = 5 STARS
‘Nuff said.

TOPIC
What constitutes a great guitar song or CD?
Guts and heart and, next, riffs and chord progressions. After that, sound and/or tone of said guitars is key, as in what it imparts sonically to make it distinct or original; and if not original, then memorable. If you’re over sixteen, it should be clear that the least important factor for great “guitar rock” is soloing ability, since precious few technically proficient players have any heart or soul. Perhaps a deeper analysis of my selections will reveal more...

TOP TEN GUITAR CDs/ALBUMS
This list is my favorite “guitar-rock” albums, not those that I believe are the most influential and/or important; however, some of these could arguably be on that list too. Whatever though, because, as this was a nearly impossible list to compile, I reserve the right to revise this list at any time.

1. TIE:
NIRVANA: NEVERMIND (1991) and
SONIC YOUTH: DIRTY (1992)
The walls of impenetrable sound have never been done better than with sonic guitars driving snotty, indignant punk/rock/pop. Producer Butch Vig is to guitar what chocolate is to milk.

2. RUSH: 2112 (1976)
The album is about a guy finding a guitar in the future, after all. Alex Lifeson is the unsung hero of this band, with the most distinct guitar sound, rhythm and soloing style since, perhaps, Hendrix. And with this album, at least we get the sounds of someone tuning a guitar under a minute-long sound effects bed of crickets, lovely crickets. Also has the added bonus of being one of the best drum albums of all time. I know, side two isn’t that great compared to the side-one rock opera, which is why this one clocks in at number two, not number one.

3. NEIL YOUNG: HARVEST (1972)
There’s something supernatural about the guitar tones and styles on this album.

4. TIE:
DINOSAUR JR.: WHERE YOU BEEN (1993) and
BUILT TO SPILL: KEEP IT LIKE A SECRET (1999)
A winning formula: riff, sing, guitar solo; riff, sing, guitar solo; riff, sing, big guitar solo; and repeat.

5. BLACK SABBATH: MASTERS OF REALITY (1971)
“Paranoid” might be the popular choice but this is the album where dense guitar fuzz was truly perfected. Tony Iommi’s Guitar licks, riffs, and hypnotic melodies are even more catchy than Ozzy’s trademark wailing. “Sweet Leaf” and “Lord of the Void“” alone put this one on the list.

6. HELMET: MEAN TIME (1992)
Everything must service the mathematical guitar riffs, and it’s still one great tune after another. Like nothing before it, even Helmet never came close to surpassing their major label debut. The driving, dense, distorted guitar will make even the most peaceful among us feel homicidal. I would have “Mean Time” on my headphones as I marched into battle.

7. GRIFTERS: CRAPPIN’ YOU NEGATIVE (1994)
“Crappin’ You Negative” is low-fi, shambling, drunken yet massive “guitar rock” that will amaze and consume you.

8. MATTHEW SWEET: DINOSAUR ACT (1993)
The anime boy makes good with a perfect album that also happens to be a perfect “guitar rock” album. Finding and gathering much of the influences owed to the aforementioned “Harvest,” “Dinosaur Act” squeezes in a frenzied, inspired guitar solos wherever it possibly can. Nice.

9. TIE:
THE WHO: WHO’S NEXT (1971) and
GREEN DAY: AMERICAN IDIOT (2004) and
Fist-pumping “guitar rock” anthems with a sneering mod/punk up-yours attitude.

10. ROBERT POLLARD WITH DOUG GILLARD: SPEAK KINDLY OF YOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT (1999)
“Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department” is the “guitar rock” album that the Beatles inspired but were never capable of recording. I mean that as a compliment to both bands, even though that statement may come across as an insult.

THE FINAL ANALYSIS: I guess this list proves, insofar as my taste goes, the 70s and the 90s are the best “guitar rock” decades. Also, some association with the word “Dinosaur” couldn’t hurt.

Sid’s February Reviews

The Anniversary – An odd record in that no song really starts out strong, but they eventually have great hooks and often times rock. Usually I can tell whether I like songs by listening to the first 20 seconds. Not so here. Great guitar work in that it comes in surprising places. Consistently interesting without being annoying, clever without being forced. 3.5

Fisherspooner – I kept listening and wondering – what the fuck’s wrong with me? Why don’t I hate this record? Any synth beat driven record usually merits a 1 to start and then goes south from there. I think it must be the songs, most of which are good and sometimes great – We Need a War fits that category as does the 9th cut. I mean, it would have been much better with guitars, but for this kind of stuff, it’s OK. 2

Tonight’s the Night – Any objectivity I might have had for this record disappeared some time in 1975 when I heard it for the first time. This is possibly my most listened to record of all time. I have to admit that I’m not sure you can fairly judge it without knowing the circumstances surrounding its recording and if you’re not a Neil fan, this surely won’t turn you around. What it is to me, though, is one of the most personal records of all time. His friends are dead and he doesn’t know what else to do except stay up all night drinking tequila, smoking dope, snorting coke and singing about their death and various subjects that embody their lives and deaths. It is a complex, beautiful record that showcases an artist stripped of everything but his feelings. On a less heavy note, Robert Christgau said it best in his initial review in 1973 – “In Boulder, it reportedly gets angry phone calls every time it’s played it on the radio. What better recommendation could you ask for?” 5

Darkness – Here’s the exchange that did not take place at the meeting of record executives that did not take place –
Record executive one – “I think we should take the vice grips off that guy’s balls.”
Record executive two – “Yeah, that high pitched shit is really fucking annoying.”
And it’s too bad that exchange didn’t take place because this could have been a good record. Sure, they might still waste the first minute of each song and they might still try their hand at disco (what a disaster!), but they clearly know how to write rock riffs, a skill that metal band after metal band clearly don’t possess. Some great stuff here, but eventually Mr. Vice Grips feels compelled to sing. 2

Steely Dan Pre-Suck Hits – Say what you want about Steely Dan’s smugness, but Fagen and Becker knew how to write pop songs and, for the most part, through the first five records, they also understood that there needed to be electric guitar solos to go along with their elegantly crafted songs. When they forgot that, they began to suck. They reached their zenith with the middle record of those five – Pretzel Logic – but it is almost unfair to pick out one of the five as truly superior to the rest. They all contain the requisite number of classic songs and obscure minor classics that make these albums listenable from start to finish in a way most of today’s records are not.


What makes a great guitar record.

The given is that most great rock records would be incomplete without the electric guitar. But what makes a great rock record. Virtuosity? Sound? I don’t know, but I know it when I hear it which isn’t much of an answer for the guy who came up with the topic. I have both virtuosity and raw guitar sound in my list Rock is always about feeling to me and either I feel it or I don’t. Therefore, that’s the definition for me.

Top 10 favorite guitar records

Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore East
Dual lead guitar sound reaches for perfection and often gets there.
Television - Marquee Moon
Verlaine and Lloyd redefine the dual lead guitar record.
Matthew Sweet - Live in Chicago
Lloyd again, relentlessly making great songs smoke like they’ve never smoked before.
Rory Gallager - Live
Great Irish guitarist – I picked the live record, but all of his work is great on every one of his records.
Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bullocks
Simplistic for sure, but this record’s power really comes from Jones, not Rotten.
Rolling Stones Live in Brussels – 1972
The greatest rock and roll band in the world – their best line-up in superb form. What the fuck was Mick Taylor thinking?
Neil – Everybody Knows this is Nowhere
How can a three note solo sound great? Listen and learn.
Grateful Dead - Live Dead
Fans might want you to believe that it was always all about the group, but in reality Garcia was the group and he’s at his best on this 1969 live album.
Derek and the Dominos – Layla
Clapton and Allman proving heroin and music can work together.
Sonic Youth – Dirty
A clinic in hard rock guitar and avante garde guitar work, at once basic and experimental within the same songs.

Midwest Tea Bagger's Reviews

Midwest Mike’s Mid-winter’s Musings


The Darkness – This is a joke, right?? Spinal Tap-ish cover and song titles, Queen’s producer and Byron submitted it??? I dreaded the thought of listening to it. However, (and there’s always a however in life), I accidentally got sucked in by “Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time”. It’s an absolutely ridiculous song, a power-pop ballad with every damn 80’s cliché from the acoustic beginning, to the cheesy strings, to the big guitar solo. And forgive me Joe Strummer, I love it. There are a couple of other goodies as well., “English Country Garden” is a hoot, with the Brian May solo and whatnot. “Is It Just Me” is a nifty, efficient little rocker. On the other hand, “Hazel Eyes” is just brutally bad, as are 1-2 others. I still can’t figure out whether these guys are serious, and perhaps therein lies this disc’s charm. The thing is so over the top about its influences, I can’t help but nod and wink right along with them through ½ of the songs. It clocks in under 40 minutes, which is exactly where an album from the late 70’s would. I couldn’t take a steady diet of this, but once in a while, it plays. 2.5 exceptionally embarrassed and guilt ridden stars.

Fischerspooner – I wasn’t aware that anyone was clamoring for a Human League reunion, but apparently I was uninformed. At least the Human League had some decent hooks and two semi-hot babes who had that whole are-they-or-aren’t-they vibe going. None of that can be found anywhere on this disc. 51 minutes of computer beats and bleats and burps supporting monotone vocals doesn’t do a whole lot for me. The untitled track at the end should have been titled “Listen to Us Rip Off Some Pre-‘Dark Side of the Moon’ Era Pink Floyd”. If you enjoyed this one, I highly recommend the soundtracks to “Pac Man” and “Ms. Pac Man”, both of which have the same artistic range and emotional depth. I wasn’t going to give it any stars until I noticed that Ken submitted this. That caused me to have the (unfortunate) mental image of him getting down with his bad self on the dance floor while this blasted in the background. The good laugh I got from that mental image is worth a 1/2 star. Domo aragato, Mr. Roboto ½ star

The Anniversary – Pretty good, if somewhat paint-by-numbers Brit-pop. “Crooked Crown” is the highlight for me, nice catchy tune, good beat. The band goes astray on the longer cuts like “The Death of the King”, they just don’t have the inventiveness or the musical chops to hold my interest for 6+ minutes. Less is definitely more with this disc. Songs like “The Siren Sings” are nicely Beatles-esque with the simple guitars, faux orchestra and layered vocals. Nothing here to really differentiates them from 50 other English bands, but a pleasant enough listening experience overall. 2.5 stars

Neil Young – There are a lot of things I love about the music of Neil Young. His utter unpredictability is among the things I love best. When you think you have him pegged, he doubles back and changes course. His music is all over the board in terms of genre, and he never does anything half hearted. This CD is a perfect example of Neil’s artistry. The disc is a freaking train wreck. What a concept, lets get shit-faced and record a disc about the dangers of getting high! Neil and the band sound completely wasted and many of the songs don’t come to an ending so much as they are left for dead. No one in their right mind releases a record with a vocal track like the one on “Mellow My Mind”. But it is those moments that make this disc so endearing. Neil’s out on a ledge, and takes us out there with him. The songs themselves are great, particularly “Borrowed Tune” and “Roll Another Number”, but the key to the disc is “Come on Baby, Let’s Go Downtown”.

If the music and tone of the first ½ of the disc doesn’t express a clear picture of the wreckage and decay caused by substance abuse, that song, astutely placed in the middle of the disc does. The energy and life blowing through that song show Neil and Danny Whitten in top form, and it sticks out like Ted Nugent at a PETA rally. In those three and a half minutes, we get to glimpse just what was lost when Whitten stuck that needle in his arm for the last time. Then, it’s back to dealing with the wreckage left behind.

Ben Keith’s keyboard work and Nils Lofgren’s guitar carry the disc musically. There are more enjoyable Neil Young records to be sure, but I don’t think there’s a more honest one. 5 stars


Steely Dan – I hope it was intentional irony that caused Jay to submit a best of Steely Dan at the same time he opens discussion about “great guitar records”, because this band sure never made one. Steely Dan as I see it, is everything that rock music shouldn’t be. Most of what they recorded is sterile, precise, emotionless music played by musicians who shoot for perfect notes rather than the perfect groove. That said, they made some great pop/jazz recordings. “Pretzel Logic” once had a home in the lower rungs of my top 100 albums of all time, and tunes like “My Old School”, “Doctor Wu” and “Any Major Dude” are stone classics, despite the presence of several of the dreaded Doobie Brothers. I think the band hit the skids with “Aja”, which I am assuming is the “pre-suck” cutoff referred to in the title of this CD. What surprised me about the collection Jay put together is when I was done listening, I thought of about 5-6 more songs that “should” have been on there (“Showbiz Kids”, “Haitian Divorce”, “Here at the Western World” etc), which to me is indicative of the strength of the first 10 years of this band’s career. A nice change of pace disc, a once-a-yearer to be sure, but one that I would classify as essential.

Discussion Question:

What makes a great guitar record?

It’s all about the riff. I find that I enjoy a great riff, ala the opening chords of “You Really Got Me” far more than I enjoy the latest 90 mile an hour guitar slinger showing his wares off (see: prog rock, heavy metal). A good guitar record should have lots of memorable riffs and make you want to play air guitar. A great solo in a song is appreciated, but to me it is all about the rhythm guitar parts and the interaction between the players. It was tough to come up with a list of just ten favorites, and my list has “old fart” written all over it but anyway, here it is (in no order, except #1). Note that these are personal favorites, not what I would consider to necessarily be “influential”….

1. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Weld. My absolute favorite. Neil + Crazy Horse + Gulf War + Great Setlist = guitar heaven. I kept “Ragged Glory” off the list to avoid repitition.
2. The Clash – The Clash – A collection of fierce, purposeful, power chorded bliss.
3. The Who – Live at Leeds – Perhaps the loudest record ever made, Townshend & Entwistle at their best.
4. Stevie Ray Vaughn – Texas Flood – Sadly, the pinnacle of his career was his debut, but brilliant nonetheless.
5. The Ramones – Rocket to Russia – “Cretin Hop”, “Sheena is a Punk Rocker”, “Do You Wanna Dance?” ‘nuff said.
6. Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street – The amazing combination of Mick Taylor + Keith Richards. The Holy Grail of riffs.
7. Two Cow Garage – The Wall Against Our Back – The great white hope for guitar rock in the 2000’s.
8. Drive By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera – Any of their last 3 discs could have made this list…
9. The Allman Brothers – Live at the Fillmore East – Duane Allman is a sorely forgotten guitar great, and Dickey Betts was no slouch back in the day.
10. The Kinks – One For the Road – Their studio material morphed into fuzzbox brilliance on this live album.

Kenny B's Delightful February Reviews

Monsignor Boucher
Reviews February 06

(note: guest reviewer this month is my 6 year old son Evan- in quotes)

The Darkness- One Way Ticket to Hell
I had to do everything in my being not to grimace when this disc was handed out having disliked their first outing so much, mostly due to Justin’s vocals. I will admit that I was beyond shocked after the first three songs. Straight forward rock on the opener with good, poppy guitar licks, “Knockers” nice piano part and guitar fill. Then came “Dinner Lady Arms” which started leaning toward gay and wussy and it all went to hell with a one way ticket.

“Daddy what’s the name of this cd?” The Darkness. “His voice sounds weird.” It’s a falsetto, only men can do it. “Is he saying a bad word Dad?” Yes he is. “Can you play number one again?” Sure, Evan. “Can you burn this for me.” Ok bud.

The problem I had with their first disc re-appeared. This band wants to be Queen. The harmonies are Queen. The layered guitar is straight Brian May and Justin sings like Freddie Mercury trying to sing like the Scissor Sisters. That or like a school girl. Much of their sound is dated and not in my opinion a hip way. “Dad can you play number 1 again”. I think four times in a row is enough Ev. “Will you burn this for me when we get home”. I told you I would.

While it didn’t suck as much as I expected, my biggest issue is that they are a cover band that could be a good rock band if they sacked their singer. “Dad, how does he do that with his voice?” I have no idea Evan. “It hurts when I try to do it.” Then don’t do it. I don’t Justin nor do I like his singing. There were 4 songs I liked, but not enough to save the disc. “Dad, did you burn the Darkness for me yet”. Here take my copy. I have no use for it. (1.5). Evan (3.5) on the continuous play of the first song while playing EA Sports MVP Baseball.

The Anniversary-Your Majesty
Surprisingly this disc has a Murder By Death feel, sans cello. Actually not a surprise being it’s a Token Female selection. The Anniversary is an enjoyable album. The musicians aren’t fantastic but together they create a solid sound around solid songs, and to me that is more important than virtuosity. Vocals were good, better than most bands, though the phrasings tend to be analogous. Some fellow downyournosers may question my equating The Anniversary to Murder by Death, but listen to the song structure and add a dose of the Alarm and Jayhawks and voila, it appears. I found myself wanting to have this one in my car and readily available, which must count for something. (3.5)


Neil Young- Tonight’s the Night
I think it was Mike M who mentioned that maybe we should leave the classics out of our reviewing contentions. This is one of those for me. I didn’t even have to listen to for this month because it is in my permanent rotation. “Is this Neil Young? The boy you were playing when you were doing chores?” Yes it is Evan. “Is that a piano that starts the song dad” Yes Evan. “Who’s the boy Bruce he is singing about”. He was a roadie for Neil Young. “What’s a roadie? Is that a working man” A guy who moves the guitars and amps for the musicians. “You mean the diddleys? Yes, the diddleys . “Can you put that song ‘Downtown’ on again?” Of course.

I am phenomenally biased as Neil is one of my gods. But this album has such a soulful, ominous sound. It’s a collection of songs that are from the gut as it is Neil dealing with the death of Danny Whitten (original Crazy Horse singer/guitar) and Bruce Barry (the roadie noted earlier). The album’s creation is interesting as the songs were recorded all in the wee hours of the morning in a tequila hazed fog in a make shift studio (I won’t bore you with the details). None of the musicians were given rehearsal time and most of the ragged sound and errors kept in- which gives it the soul…. “let’s go let’s go let’s go downtown……” What’s more interesting is that is was recorded 2 years before it was released, the release being delayed because it would have followed Harvest and the record company felt their fans wouldn’t understand the abrupt contrast from pop country to the dark “Tonight”. It’s one of those albums that can be analyzed until Armageddon, and some have over done it already. A classic if there ever was one. (5) Evan (4- can’t be a 5 at his age and being clueless on the meaning, but he has played this umpteeth times in the last few months while playing Xbox)

Fischerspooner- Odyssey
I picked up this disc from hearing the song “Never Win” (on my 2005). I took the chance because this is not my usual. With a great big PHEW, I happened to like it. I’ve always been a sucker for European-gay-dance-pop (Eraser, Depeche Mode, Electronic etc) and this falls into that category in a way. It’s like the Pet Shop boys with a little more edge. I like electronica that doesn’t delve into creative noise-scapes. Driving beat with interesting use of “electronic” instrument and lyrics that are understandable, At least I think they are singing about gals (“Happy”) when they are not being political (“We Need a War”). The first part of the disc is stronger than the end but all in all a decent disc. The biggest pisser is that it is one of those ‘protected’ discs and play is spotty depending on what I am listening it on. (3)

Pre-Suck Steely Dan
I’ve forgotten how much I like some Steely Dan and how much I feel some of it is too over thought. Early Steely Dan, with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Rick Derringer and the Brecker brothers, were some of the best crafted songs of the 70’s. While they are denigrated as over produced rock, some of their songs showcase great musicianship, corporate groove and melody. The early Dan relied more on guitar with interspersing of keyboard than the later incarnation that inverted this. I do admit that I like “Aja” though I know that Jay abhors this album. I would have liked to seen “Showbiz Kids”- as this is my favorite Steely Dan song- and I could have lived without “ Bad Sneakers“ and “Doctor Wu”. Nice disc since it saved me from having to digitize some of my analog recordings.


Guitar Albums
A good guitar album to me is either riff heavy and hard driving, melodic and feeling or full of inventive, kick-ass solos. Any combination will do, but the special sauce is if there is “gut” in the music. Pathos. Emotion. A great solo can be one note played just right (Neil Young, Edge), not necessarily 45 octets played in 3 seconds (Joe Satriani). The riffs need to accompany and cushion the melody while being inventive and memorable. You have to be able to hum it on queue. Tone is can be important as well, but that one is open to subjective listening. If my head starts to bob or I can not hold back the air guitar- it’s a good guitar album.

Top Guitar Albums:
Cult- Electric: Almost every song has a memorable Billy Duffy riff that rattles your skull and cradles Ian Astbury’s BABY BABY.
Chicago IV: Not for everyone, but I love Terry Kath’s creative, extended solos.
Led Zeppelin IV (Zoso): Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop and even over played Stairway.
Jimmy Cobb- Only For the Pure at Heart: Soft groove that will get you rocking oh so gently.
The Who- Who’s Next: Pure unadulterated power.
Audioslave- Audioslave: Tom Morello does unnatural things to create fantastic aural soundscapes with Chris Connell.
TSAR- Band-Girls-Money: Every song is a power melody.
Any AC/DC album up to 1980
Ragged Glory-Neil Young: Raw, pure energy without perfection.
Aerosmith-Rocks: “Nobody’s Fault” alone makes this album a guitar selection for me. The rest ain’t too shabby either.

noseforbeer feb. 06 reviews

The Darkness, One Way Ticket....... “1”
Every thing I dislike about big hair stadium rock bands on one convenient CD. It's E.L.O. meets Spinal Tap, and it doesn't work for me. Pure Crap!

Fisherspooner, Odyssey “1”
Synthesizer hell! Mama always said if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.

Neil Young, Tonight's the Night “1”
Neil Young' songs are like Bob Dylan's, Eric Clapton's, and Bruce Springsteen's, I either love them or hate them. I did not care for this LP at all.

The Anniversary, Your Majesty “3”
This is the best submission of the month, but that's like being valedictorian at summer school. All of the rest was not to my liking. The more I listened to this CD, the more it grew on me. Good harmonies and catchy melodies I found myself trying to sing along with it even before I was familiar with the songs. I would like to see these guys and girl live to see if they're as energetic and tight as their recording. Very good use of synthesizers, unlike Fisherspooner.

Steely Dan “1”
When I read on the blog that I was going to hear Pre-Suck Steely Dan, I was hopeful that there actually was such a thing. Well there's not. It all sucks. I know there's some real talent in the band, but I don't like the modern jazz / rock / New York fusion thing. A few of the songs do have some guitar leads I like; “Black Friday”& “Don't Take Me Alive”.They are the only two Steely Dan songs that I know of, that I'll give any kind of props to. Some of the lyrics were as cheesy as The Darkness's, such as “Rose Darling”, “Doctor Wu”, and “Bad Sneakers”. What a bunch of drool.

ASSIGNMENT:
For me the guitar is only one part of the musical experience. All great guitar bands or individuals also had other elements to be great: lyrics, other talented musicians, great producers, and so on. It seems to me the ones who became legends did so with songs- not just music- whether they sang it themselves or let someone more capable.

My list of ten great guitar LPs in particular order.

1.Van Halen - Van Halen (This was the band's only good album, but it's a rock'n roll masterpiece.)
2.Husker Du – Zen Arcade ( Bob Mould's fuzzy sound had a big influence on Alt. Country, and I think Uncle Tupelo specifically.)
3.Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood ( This man could just flat out play.)
4.Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced? (If it wasn't for Jimi, who would have influenced Stevie?)
5.Ted Nugent – Ted Nugent (Ted's rich hallow body sound was superb on this album, and he wasn't yet completely fixated on himself.)
6.Who – Quadrophinia (Pete went all out on this album.)
7.The Cult – Electric (I think this album was as influential as Nirvana's
Nevermind.)
8.Bad brains – I Against I (One of, if not the most intense sounding hardcore albums ever.)
9.Slayer - Reign In Blood ( If you can ignore the brutal lyrics the guitar leads sound unbelievable, they must have sold their souls to make that album.)
10.Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day, & Dirty South ( I couldn't pick just one. The combination of Hood, Cooley, & Isbell may some day be as great as John, Paul, George, & Ringo. Well, for me anyway.)

Tally Ho

Never did see a 2005 top 10 from Greg or Byron. Based on the ones that were submitted, there were 51 different CDs mentioned, so there wasn't a whole lot of overlap given that there were 70 possible spots. Here are the discs that received more than 1 mention. If anyone wants the whole list, let me know and I'll e-mail it.

4 Mentions:
James McMurtry - Childish Things

3 Mentions:
Deathray Davies - Kick and the Snare
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Son Volt - Okemah and the Melody of Riot
Spoon - Gimmie Fiction
White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan

2 Mentions:
BRMC - Howl
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
My Morning Jacket - Z
Nada Surf - The Weight is a Gift
TSAR - Band, Girls, Money

Sid's January Musings

Jay/Sid’s January Musings

The Mars Volta – Oh, I get it….it’s what Zappa would sound like without humor of melody, right? Some interesting parts, but just SO MUCH pointlessness. I kept asking myself….why, why, why? The un-listenable parts far outweigh the listenable parts. You can analyze this forever, because it is so complex (or maybe it’s just a bunch of shit, who knows), but music for me is not an intellectual exercise and, like I said, the un-listenable outweighs the listenable, so this gets a 2 for effort and originality. And that’s a stretch!

Joybang - Pretty standard 90’s rock. Liked it at first, but it seemed to get more standard as I listened more. 50 Feet Tall was better. 2.5, cuz at least it doesn’t have strings. Hey, I had to come up with something.

WaterBoys - This certainly sounds like it influences a whole host of bands that I can’t stand, but I find this only occasionally annoying and I have found myself humming the tunes 20 minutes after getting out of the car, so it must be serving it’s purpose, because it is, after all, pop music and it is supposed to be tuneful and memorable. What a great run on sentence that was! Memorable might be a stretch, cuz I don’t recall any of the songs as I write this, but they have a short term affect that works. 3

Cursive. Lost it. It has a bad name, though, and I understand it has cello. I’ll give it a shot, but I bet it won’t get past a 2.5.

The Fugs – It’s easy to both dismiss and over-analyze the Fugs. I’ve actually heard people refer to them as the musical equivalent of Lenny Bruce, which is ridiculous because the only “band” I can see they paved a path for was John Valby, but you can’t just dismiss the Fugs either. Basically, they were a bunch of fairly bright, well read left wing derilects who, in the great Mickey Rooney tradition all of a sudden said (after ingesting controlled substances and alcohol) –“Hey, let’s get everyone together and put on a show!” But it wasn’t 1940 anymore, so instead of a play, they picked up some instruments and –presto, they had a band. Doesn’t mean they can all of a sudden write, play and sing – and modern standards, they can’t – but it doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun either. And fun they had. Some great, biting political satire and some laugh out loud toilet humor punctuated by long stretches of pointless stupidity. And I mean that in a good way.

Topic
Can’t think of a reason to dislike the Buzzcocks or the Ramones just because they sold a song to Toyota or Sony. It’s obviously ironic that those two bands, who achieved very modest commercial success due to restrictive and moronic radio programmers would end up on mainstream car and stereo ads, but so be it. And how about Brendan Benson being on a car ad? Fuck art, I think I like it.

Top 10 for 2005 (No Honorable Mention Version)

Graham Parker – Songs of no Consequence His best in ages

James McMurtry – Childish Things An underappreciated songwriter – this is great stuff. Bumped Bright Eyes at the last minute

Gang of Four – Return the Gift Is it really new? Well, the songs aren’t, but the recording is and it underscores how great they were for a very short time

Son Volt - Okemah and the Melody of Riot Finally a CD that harkens back to UT

Ryan Adams – Jacksonville City Nights Easily the best of his 3 (!) 2005 releases. It’s the Gram Parsons record we all knew he had in him.

Dictators – Live This recording is not up to the standards of their live shows, but it IS the Dictators, so it is on the list

Kaiser Chiefs – Employment Best of the fun pop records I heard this year

Heap – On the Cheap Little known band that sounds enough like the Replacements to get my vote

White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan Great beginning song and then it shifts gears and remains compelling, proving just how talented he/they are.

TSAR – Band Girls Money Best release of the year! Would have made the list if the record included the title song and 40 minutes of white noise, but it (almost) sustains the electrifying start. Simply one of my favorite records of the last 10 years.

Best Box Set Release - The Band

Best Concert DVDs – Live at Hammersmith Odeon by Bruce Springsteen, The Electrifying Conclusion by Guided By Voices and Live in Los Angeles by X

Pretty Funny

Someone's obviously been listening in on your meetings and is now teaching others how to cut corners to get the "street cred" you've all worked so hard for....

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/indierock/indierockFULL.html