Jay's April Flashback - abridged version

Never did find my complete set of notes - bit of a crazy month - so I'm taking this from the notes I scribbled down just before the meeting.

OK NO - Can't give it an OK Yes, more like an OK So So. Not completely awful and I actually liked it the first time I listened. Grew tired very quickly 2.5

Ray Davies - Like most Kinks stuff, this took a few listens to register. It's understated, but he knows how to write. Not all of the melodies were strong, but I still like this record enough to give it a 4.

Electric Mudd - Stunning guitar record. As a matter of fact it could have been recorded without any singing and it would have been just as good. And the lack of singing would have saved us from the mental pictures of big ol sweaty Muddy being a love machine. 4.5

Merillion - More forced musical drama from the kings of forced musical drama. A few good melodies saves the day for these proggers and it gets a 2.

Guided By Voices - Either you get em or you don't. Great thing about them is that my "hits" CD would be radically different than Mike's even though we are both big fans. Check out the DVD "Watch me Jumpstart" even if you don't love the band. You'll at least think they're cool after viewing it.

Music Videos - I can honestly say I've NEVER seen a music video that IMPROVES a song - unless it was a live performance video. So what's the fucking point. It's all a bunch of crap - posing as "art" - that only serves to drive a wedge between the artist and audience - that is when it doesn't expose the participants as completely vacuous morons. Music is meant to be felt and seen performed live. Not made into a little movie.

Dat Phat Month Called May

Well we had low attended, but spirited meeting. One of our more polarized gatherings. D'Arcy had a disc he loved humbled as did I as both received at least one beloved zero. Neither D'Arcy or I liked each other's disc very much which evened out the musical ionosphere. Donna did edge out Echo by .06 points and those in the Ken camp did much rejoicing.

Bigger news was that Mr. Mongillo is once again our club's bah humbugger liking only the disc he submitted (do I hear fix?). His submission, Okkervil River, was the highest rated disc of the month with a bullet to number 6. Artic Monkeys had believers and disbelievers. Some bought into the hype some didn't. More of the former than the latter.

We did a group nose blast in regards to Neil's question. No one felt anyone had bad musical taste but we did pick our aliances. Mike H amused us with his analytical renderings, Jay spat at all of us equally, Jen provided nice tidings to Byron and I, D'Arcy and Mike M took the philosophical high road and I delivered affectionate noogies to all.

Next month's pectacular;

NEW-Lacunal Coli- Karmacode (Byron)
NEW- Sufjan Stevens- Illinoise (Jay)
OLD- Professor Longhair- Rock n' Roll Gumbo (Mike H)
OLD- Bad Religion- Stranger than Fiction(Jen)

Ghits- Modeski, Martin and Wood (Ken as host)

Topic
We have all mentioned that music is an emotional to thing to us, that is why we are crazed music lunatics. With being serious for a moment provide the group 3 to 5 songs (max please) that can consistently do the following;

1- bring honest tears to your eyes
2- make you angry or upset about what is being sung about
3- cheer you up or make even more happy than you may already be
4- best describe who you are

I am hoping that the answers will be on the more serious side this time.

Next Meeting: June 6th

For July
Host- D'ARcy

New: Mike M, Mike H
Old: Byron, Neil

Yes I like Echo

Music group xxi

Artic Monkeys

Heard quite the bit of buzz on these guys. Especially in British press. Heard the dance floor number and could take it or leave. But was happy to find out that they do deserve the recognition they are getting. They seem to be developing a wall of sound approach based around some interesting guitar parts, strong rhythm section and lead voice. The lead vocals sometimes get on my nerves and at times they tend to wander from their strengths. Will be interesting if they manage to continue their growth with there next cd.
3

Donna and Some Buffalo People

I have a friend who has been trying to force feed me this band for years. To the point following the ever present you really need to see them live to appreciate comment I was going to attend a show this past winter at the Iron Horse. Thankfully it snowed that day. Try as I might to overcome this consistent barrage on how great these guys were I could not give these guys a fair uncorrupted listening and came to the same conclusion as I have in the past. Nothing great, she got a nice voice. I cringe whenever I hear the Jerry inspired guitar, and will not wait to be reminded by my friend how great these guys are live. 2 for her voice.

Echo and The Bunnymen

Had loaned this disc to a friend and had it returned to me at the time to choose an old cd so decided this was to be it. One of my favorite bands and this disc is their best. Is a sometimes member of my desert island cd’s. I think it’s just a great pop album. Strong pop tunes surrounded by atmospheric ballads with a dash of Ian McCulloch’s psychedelic inspired past. Strong guitar with equally well placed strings help drive the songs. And My Kingdom has one of my all time favorite guitar parts in it. Yes Thorn of Crowns is too long and a bit silly but other than that there isn’t a week song on the disc. It is nice to see that even today with their new cd Siberia they manage to still put out quality relevant music. And they are playing at Toads on June 27. 4.5 because of cucumbers and cabbage otherwise a 5

Okkervil River

First I thought the bands name was Overkill River so I was a bit thrown by the first song. Was expecting a much heavier tune. So the I was scared I was going to be forced to listen to one of those look at me I am great depressed folk singer with a guitar type cds. Thankfully I was rewarded with For Real. A great song. And the rest that followed were pretty good tune. Nice use of Horns. Lyrics that actually say some things. Songs that actually build. There are a few songs that go onto long but I found myself not minding that too much and just enjoyed the cd as a whole. I have a feeling that this is a cd that will keep growing as I keep listening to it. 3

Police
When one listens to the police you are left with the impression on how irrelevant Sting has become musically. With each cd release there is always an article on how great it is to have such a musical genius offer us his views on the world. With that the cd sucks. (And he’s not the only one. See Sheryl Crow, McCartney, Tom Petty, possibly Springsteen (just seeing if Mike H is paying attention.)) Some one who once wrote songs so full of life can be so boring now. As for the collection. There is no need ever to hear any song off of Synchronicity again. It is there worst work and has been played to death. Maybe possibly Mother but that would be only interesting to see how many people get pissed off. To have only one song off Zenyatta is a crime. Missing were Voices in Side my Head, and Canary in a Coalmine. This cd is where you can find some of Mr. Summer’s best guitar part ever. Also Regatta de Blanc should have been included because it really shows how they were when they were at their early peak. But still it was fun to listen to as long as I skipped the synchronicity songs.

Question.

I think none of us are any better than each other when it comes to taste in music. We all have are strengths and prejudices. And are the cd’s we submit really a true representation of what we typically listen to. To quote some one No one can possibly have bad taste in music, unfortunately they do sometimes listen to bad music.

Sorry for the Delay Boys...

CD Reviews:

Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I Am Not:
This was one of those albums that kept being hyped and I picked it up on impulse when I saw it on sale for $6.99. That is the best seven dollars I have probably ever spent. They remind me a more raucous Kaiser Chiefs and have an undeniable energy that you know must translate over to their live shows. The first half of the album starts off great and then takes a relaxing intermission with “Riot Van” and then picks up where it left off to continue rocking. For a group of 19-20 year olds they have a great rhythm section. I think they’re worth the hype but often bands with that much hype end up crumbling on their sophomore effort. I’ll be waiting for it, but not with too much optimism. Score: 4

Donna the Buffalo – Positive Friction:
This embodies everything I hate…country music meets Jimmy Buffett. I couldn’t even stomach a second listen. Score: 0

Echo & the Bunnymen – Ocean Rain:
I’ve always been somewhat into Echo & the Bunnymen ever since I started getting into the Dark Wave music (i.e, The Cure, Joy Division, The Smiths, etc.) back in junior high, but I never really got around to buying many albums. I had one or two cassettes but mostly downloaded tons of songs years later. It was nice to hear that many of my favorite Echo & the Bunnymen songs were on this album, so I guess I can consider this one of their best albums. I can admit that they weren’t the greatest band to come out of that whole Dark Wave scene (The Cure, Joy Division, etc.) but there’s something about the sound and timbre of Ian McCullough’s voice and the haunting music that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Score: 3

Okkervil River – Black Sheep Boy:
I had been recommended this album after being a fan of the Arcade Fire and I can see why. They are part of a number of bands bringing in more orchestration to create deeper soundscapes and more interesting layers than most current music. Okkervil River not only manage to form a distinct sound (maybe described as somewhat folky, somewhat indie-rock, somewhat classical) but they also infuse it with great poetry. With each listen I hear more and more; and I have listened to this album easily over 100 times (my brother had previously burned it for me.)

Yet somehow this album managed to escape my Top Ten of 2005 and my only guess as to the reason would be that their earlier efforts flawed my initial experience with this album. Their earlier albums had more of a folky/alt-country vibe and I didn’t enjoy them quite as much. However, having started listening to Black Sheep Boy again, I can overlook their previous albums and would strongly reconsider putting them into my Top Ten of 2005. Score: 4.5

The Police – Greatest Hits:
You can’t really knock The Police. There were a couple songs I could have gone without on this collection but overall - great picks from a great band. It’s easy to see who the real brains behind the band were considering how much of Sting’s solo work is crap.

Topic:
I think asking who has the worst taste in music is too highly subjective and I could only assume that had this group been predominately female and not male…there would be blood. But, to be entirely honest (and I’m not wimping out here) I really couldn’t point someone out for having bad taste in music because it is, like I said, too subjective. To some of my friends…you ALL suck, considering you hated Mr. Bungle and they’ve had to hear some of your choices in my car. Everyone has a different aesthetic appeal. The same can be said for naming one who has the best taste in music…of course I would have to pick whoever agrees with my picks the most, but again…subjective.

Instead…I am going to name Ken and Byron as my choices, not for their tastes in music, but because to me, they are the most open-minded. They can listen to something outside of their “comfort-zone” and try to review the album with as much objectivity as possible.

Jay's May Stupidity

Donna The Buffalo – Starts out with a very good first song, a bit too close to Nashville to be considered great, but if the rest of the album lived up to this, I’d love it. Unfortunately the good stuff fades, however slowly, throughout the album, as the country gives way to softened zydeco and reggae beats. I love her voice, but it’s not there enough. Album rebounds with the last song, not surprisingly a more country sounding cut. Mostly enjoyable, I’ll still give it a 3 even though I wish it were more country

Okkervil River – Had always heard of this band and was excited to listen, probably too excited, because the first listen left me dismayed, his voice just too much of a distraction to hear the melodies. Subsequent listens, though, revealed that these guys can write melodies with such skill that they often disappear and reappear in different forms with in the same songs. Yeah, the guy has an annoying voice at times and it can be tough to overcome, but good writing is good writing, and this has it. I couldn’t always make out the lyrics, but he happens to be a fairly evocative singer and the emotion works well with the songs. 3.5

Arctic Monkeys – A nearly flawless pop album that actually lives up to the hype. Some bands just get it. And when one comes along that does, it almost defies explanation. But I'll try. Great music, fun, sometimes almost poignant, lyrics delivered with the kind of raw, amateurish enthusiasm that defines great pop and rock music. Some bands can sound like they’re trying too hard, but these guys have a natural feeling - like they are just letting it happen. Yeah, he writes about the travails of the club/love scene a bit too much, but when you can do it as directly and simply as they do without sounding like whiney wankers, then that’s only a minor complaint. 4.5 because nobody gets a 5 on the first try.

Echo and the Bunnymen – I never really got these guys and I always considered them pussies, just like every other droning, wimpy post punk british keyboard/strings/acoustic guitar driven band not named Joy division. Maybe I was being too harsh. This is slightly more interesting than I thought it would be and a touch less poppy, although the songs are catchy to a degree. I can’t say that I get it – or particularly like it – it’s pretty lightweight – but it doesn’t offend me like other stuff I’ve heard or just imagined I’d heard by them. 2, but they get a half point off for their name so it goes to 1.5

The Police – This package can be broken up into three parts The hits, the early rock non hits and the slower non-hits that I have to assume are from albums after Regatta de Blanc. First – the hits. You gotta admit, they had great hits. Even after they stopped rocking and started sucking the hits were still great. The non hit rockers are good. Only a couple here, but they were pleasant surprises and sounded slightly familiar. The rest – only about 3 songs – sounded like a band trying to expand its horizons and not really having the talent. Or maybe it just got to the point where they were no longer a band, just Sting and a couple of guys who hated his guts. Those three segments of songs pretty much define the Police in my mind. 10-12 great songs, some exuberant rockers and the kind of boring drivel that Sting now turns out in bunches.





Comments

Let’s be clear about where I stand. I have flawless taste in rock music and you guys don’t. I mean, you all get it right more than occasionally, but some of your opinions are just impossible to defend without using phrases like “temporary insanity,” “just coming off the meds” or “I thought the phenobarbitol would stop the voices in my head, how did I know it know it would make want to listen to Echo and the Bunnymen.” You all have issues and the following only scratches the surface, but let's get to it. Jenn – What’s with all this crazy new music you like? In ten years, you’ll look back at it in embarrassment the way I did ten year after my Elvin Bishop/ Barefoot Jerry phase. And Ken – 5 for Tonight’s the Night - OK; 5 for Let it Bleed – OK. But the same score for a J Giels band live album that isn’t named Full House?! And Byron – well what can I say. Two words – the Plague. Two more - Spock’s Beard. And D’Arcy – Enough already with the britrock! And I understand that you don’t like Sonic Youth, I forgive you, but a 5 for U Fuckin O and ditto for the Waterboys. And Mike, what’s the deal with your unhealthy fascination with late 70’s punk. How the fuck can you like that, which is admirable, and still like a half assed Irish band like the Saw Doctors or , even worse, Steely Dan – oh wait that’s not Mike, that's me. Never mind. Memo to Mike M – You can’t complain about the production values of a great guitar record like Electric Mudd and then wax eloquent about Guided by Voices in the next breath. And I wont’ even bring up the who NY Dolls thing other than to say you’re just plain wrong. And speaking of Mikes…Hey it’s easy to hand out zeros when you’re 1,500 miles away, but you can't hand out zeroes and be taken seriously when you also think an overrated record like Seconds of Pleasure is a half a point away from Let it Bleed. Shit, I can name two Nick Lowe Records and 3 Dave Edmunds records better than Seconds of Pleasure. And finally there his beer-spewing Midwestern partner in crime, the guy who thinks there is more value to a Marillion record than Neil Young’s best album. Might be too early to tell where your tastes fall, but that’s a bad first step and it was Neil - after all - who decided to introduce this dopey, decidedly non-musical, question. But hey.... thanks for the kind words about me!

Bottom line is that, when all is said and done, we all have warts. Although - let's be honest - some of your warts are bigger and more unsightly than others! Anyway, that's what mkes the group so enjoyable and unpredictable.

Phones Are Open....

Just need one more TOKEN review and we can get on with the eagerly awaited synopsis.

Mike M Regains the Curmudgeon Title with this month's Reviews!!

Michael Mongillo – Music Group Commentary, May 9, 2006

ARTIC MONKEYS – WHATEVER...WHAT I AM NOT = 1 STAR
Although I suspect that these guys would put on a killer live show, this CD is just way too one-speed. The music reminds me a lot of what the Hives openly lift, but without the ironic self-awareness, heart-stopping power, or raw talent; hence, the Artic Monkeys’ one-speed trip is not worth taking more than once (which, unfortunately, I did to confirm my opinion).

DONNA THE BUFFALO – POSITIVE FRICTION = 2 STARS
A little too crunchy granola, but pretty harmless even though most of the songs were at least a minute too long. Much more country than rock & roll, and rooted a bit too much in twangy-land, it's not really good enough to transcend the taste of those not inclined to go to a Ho’ Down. But still, I can't dismiss the occasional Carter Family-ish harmonies, pretty ditties, and generally likable feel of the whole thing.

ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN – OCEAN RAIN = 0 STARS
I went to art school and still managed to avoid falling in with the Echo & the Bunnymen crowd. I guess I understand why this wuss-rock, in the context of College Rock, was popular for a period, and I can almost understand why people still bestow relevance on this pouty dreck, but I didn't like it then and like it drastically less now.

OKKERVIL RIVER – BLACK SHEEP BOY = 4.5 STARS
There are so many self-important elements within the execution and soundscape of “Black Sheep Boy” that it really has no business being one of my favorite CDs of 2005. Yet it somehow overcomes its own melancholy drama through sheer sincerity. The interconnectedness of the haunting lyrics and the rise and fall of the dense musical movements suggests a rock opera starring several incarnations of the Black Sheep Boy and his Queen that, intentional or not, imparts universal truths of sorrow and beauty.

THE POLICE – “BEST OF”
Hands down, the Police are one of the best bands of the 80s. The inclusion of “Nothing Achieving” (that I haven’t heard since losing some random IRS sampler cassette, way back when) was sweet, but not including “Roxanne” is as obstinately retarded as when Jen didn’t include “Undone – The Sweater Song” on the Weezer “best of.”

TOPIC

Who has the worst and/or best musical taste in the group? I hate to be such a pussoholic about this, but pointing fingers would only hurt people’s feelings so I’d rather not go there. And, honestly, I think we all have valid opinions, even if those opinions are more often based on taste over historical significance or music appreciation. We all lean towards some people’s taste over others and that taste, naturally, reflects our own.

NOSEFORBEER Addendum

I could certainly see someone picking me as having the worst taste in music.
My taste in music often seems to have no direction, and I sometimes dislike bands in genres that I actually like, for no good reason other than it just doesn't sound right to me. I do like a very wide variety of music, but I think there has to be some kind of emotional connection for me, either in the music or the lyrics.

PS First blog was mine, forgot to add title.

Mike's generally positive (for a change) reviews - May

Arctic Monkeys – Oh those wacky Brits. Every year or so its another band that’s going to be the second coming. Oasis, Blur, Teenage Fanclub, etc have all worn the crown for a year and fallen by the wayside. This year’s model is Arctic Monkeys, a one trick pony relying on a formula of spunky punk and reggae tinged songs of bravado. Sometimes the formula works really well, particularly on “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor” and “A Certain Romance”. Other times the formula sounds, well, like formula, noticeably on 3-4 tracks cushioned in the middle of the disc. The disc feels awfully long for 40 minutes, a result of the lack of variety. Singer sounds uncannily like early David Bowie. The high points are good, but there are not enough of them. I suspect the rest of the group will be falling over themselves praising this one, but I’m not quite buying into the hype. 2 ½ stars

Okkervil River – I listened to this one once or twice when it came out last year and it didn’t do much for me. However, it has grown on me significantly since I started listening to it again. Vocalist reminds me of Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes in how at times he sacrifices vocal perfection for getting across the emotion of the song. Also pulls off the neat trick of tying the sunniest melodies to the darkest lyrics, notably on “Black”, which turns a childhood abduction tale into a statement of faithfulness. Nice mix of musical styles from the shuffling two-step of “For Real” to the funeral dirge of “So Come Back, I Am Waiting”. Can’t tell if this is a concept album, but there is certainly a unifying feel to the disc, both musically and lyrically. 4 stars

Echo & The Bunnymen – A hit and miss collection of Brit-dream orchestral pop. “Silver” and “The Killing Moon” are examples where the heavily layered orchestration works really well. “Nocturnal Me and “Ocean Rain” are examples where the strings feel like overkill. I liked the two simplest songs “Crystal Days” and “Seven Seas” better than the rest of the disc, straightforward 80s new wave pop without the fru-fru string sound. Vocalist (Echo?) uses too much echo and has the prog “everything I sing is seriously important” thing going on. A couple of keepers, but overall an average disc. 2 ½ stars

Donna the Buffalo – Its been a while since we had any twang in this group, so this is a welcome submission. Tight band, great vocals, hint of reggae here and there. A good Friday night, firing up the grill with a cold one kind of disc. A lot like Alison Krauss & Union Station in that when Tara sings, the results are good, when the fellas carry the lead vocals, the results are not so good. The re-do of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is the only really bum note. Not remarkable, but steady and enjoyable throughout. 3 stars.

Police – Well its an old cliché about “the whole is better than the sum of its parts”, but the Police were exactly that, as evidenced by this collection. This band never made a bad record in its existence, and walked away at the top of its game. Damn few bands can make those claims. Amazing to me the levels of suckiness Sting sunk to in the last 20 years given what a brilliant writer, musician, and singer he was in the 80’s. Stewart Copeland would be in my list of the top 5 drummers of all time, and although I know Neil will vehemently disagree with me, I think Andy Summers was a great guitarist within the confines of the band. The disc itself is a little too heavy on the Synchronicity stuff at the expense of the first two records, but that is really splitting hairs. I think it warrants mentioning that the band has never stooped to a cash-in reunion tour, which surely would have brought them all gobs of $$$.

Discussion Question

Hate to pick on my fellow Midwesterner, but I’m throwing a penalty flag on this one. The very premise of the question is bogus. Taste by definition is subjective. Is my taste better than my wife’s who likes Styx, Journey and Stevie Nicks? No, my taste is more educated and certainly more adventurous, but saying it is better implies a baseline of taste that doesn’t exist. I doubt any of us would state that our taste in music is bad (guilty pleasures notwithstanding); and Neil wants us to use our own preferences to assign value to someone else’s. I believe that the root of Neil’s question really is “whose taste is most like mine or least like mine”, which is an answerable question.

I guessed that Jay’s taste was closest to mine and Byron’s was least like mine. However, when using measurable data to answer this question (Ken’s spreadsheet with everyone’s scores) my anticipated results did not happen.

According to the hard data, Ken’s taste is most like mine. 26% of our review scores have been identical, and 72% of our scores have been within the range of +/- 1 star. I’m a little surprised at this. I perceive Ken as giving significantly higher scores than I do in general, particularly on new music. Jay wasn’t far behind, we matched on 24% of our reviews, and 70% were within +/- 1 star.

I was surprised that Mike had the taste least similar to mine. Only 10 percent of our review scores were identical, and over 51 percent were outside of the +/- 1 star range. Byron was not far behind, though I found it amusing that we had exact matches on 16% of our reviews, a higher percentage than I have with Neil and D’Arcy, who have tastes I consider closer to mine than Byron’s. However, Byron and I had a 50% total on reviews that were outside the +/- 1 star range.

Again, I think the premise of the question was faulty to start with. Taste is subjective, and I don’t think it can be measured on a good/bad/better/worse scale. I really think that everyone in the group brings something a little unique to the table, and that is what makes it work as well as it does. Of course it would work even better for we outsiders if certain people would post their freaking reviews to the blog….

Ken Addendum Question

Self-Analysis:

The foundation for my taste is the singer-songwriter genre, Cash, Bob, Neil, Bruce, Petty, etc. My taste is twangy, I think I have a stronger appreciation of traditional country music than most. Generally don’t care for really loud bands, unless they write good songs. I have no tolerance for electronic music, with the exception of Beck. Generally, the simpler the style, the more I like it. The high-blinder label tag you’ve given me has just a hint of truth to it, as I am less open-minded than I’d like to think I am. I have a terrible weakness for girly pop (Bangles, Go-Gos, Ronettes, Sheryl Crow) and easily lose objectivity as it pertains to my favorite artists (Ken will explain mini-tweedys here). I would rate my taste as no better or no worse than anyone else’s in the group.

A Bit Early, But Figured You Needed My Genius

Music Club
May 2006

Artic Monkeys- What People Say I Am, That is What I Am Not
It’s nice to hear the hype on an album then have it actually live up to it. I got this a few months back from our friend in St. Louis and I’ve been listening to it regularly ever since. Had no problem with having to listen to it more this month.

The Artic Monkeys are not great instrumentalists but they sure indeed know how to get the most out of their implements. This disc is full of inventive, energetic songs. Each song brings something new to the listener. The music is accessible, thus marking why it was so hot in England and is reminiscent of Nirvana, B-52s tempos and mid-career Blur. A Franz Ferdinand with much bigger balls. The drumming and rhythm guitar work drives the album.

A band that sounds like they could recreate their music live. They sound wise beyond their years.(4)

Okkervil River- Black Sheep Boy
All I have to say is HOLY SHIT! I love this disc. Concept is well crafted and realistic to emotions dealing with unrequited love. Melodies and riffs are superb as is the emotional groove he creates on “For Real” and “Black”. I won’t ramble. I’m sure others may disagree with me but this disc was a pure pleasure to me. (5)

Echo and the Bunnymen- Ocean Rain
I must feel compassionate this month but I feel bad. I feel I should like this disc, as D’Arcy has raved about it and the EB’s for some time now. I just can’t though. I like the single (“Killing Moon”) but that is about it. The disc sounds dated, like real early Cure or Joy Division. I thought that maybe I was in a pisser of a mood the first time I listened to it, but it never grabbed me in subsequent listens. I’m not trashing the album or the band it’s just not for moi. (1.5 for Killing Moon)

Donna the Buffalo- Positive Friction
This is a little earth crunchy-love your neighbor, which is usually not my gig, but this disc has been on my play list for 5 years now. I through it into the mix because it is a little different from what I have thrown-in in the past. I can’t get enough of the grooves (and yes even the positive messages) of their songs. There is no way to listen to this without cheering up even more than you already are. It’s music that the old and young can listen to. It has a rock foundation with some island hints, with just enough twang to make it homey.

Not a weak song on this disc. My feel good pick of the 2000’s. (4.5 I dock myself .5 for being touchy feely)

Police Ghits
This Ghits reminded me how good the Police could be and how dull they could be. All of Outlandos D’Amour is great as is Ghost in the Machine. The two in between were a crap shoot and with Synchronicity I think they lost their sizzle (though the critics loved it- should tell us something). At times their music sounds as if they were more concerned about artsy sound they were creating than the gut emotion that should drive music. Sting has become the poster boy for talented, edgy rock god turned Mr. Flaccid. There is no doubting The Police’s musicianship as Stewart is one of the best drummers ever and Sting was no slouch at bass (I was never a fan of his brother’s guitar work). They probably deserve their enshrinement in Cleveland but this Ghits makes it clear to me that for every good recording they did they did one that was equally uninspired.

Music Tastes
In the spirit of fairness, I decided to give everyone the business- including myself.

Jay:
Definition: Punk, raw cacophony, alt country, true blue country and pop rock
Summary: Likes short, succinct guitar based music with a hook. Edgy noise preferred. Corporate rock disdained, even if good. Tends to believe that only the first recordings of a band are worthwhile. Likes black ink and not providing song lists at all.
Ken’s Reliability Score (KRS): 75%

MikeM:
Definition: Left of center, quirky with pop melody, no-slick mixes. Feminists need not apply
Summary: Diverse from punk to metal provided it isn’t glossy. Actually listens to lyrics until he finds them “fucking” [sic] ingratiating. Sometimes hard to pin-down by bashing selection thought to be in his wheel-house. More passionate on the music he hates than the music he loves.
KRS: 85%

Jen:
Definition: Post 1990 rock, Nu Metal, gloomy atmospheric, the classics-no leans toward EMO screaming
Summary: Extremely well versed in modern bands and tries her darnedest to make us believers. Has seen every band recorded since 1997 live. Considers and old disc one release last week. Listens to every instrument and has comparisons for every disc. Gave us Mr. Bungle but we still like her anyway.
KRS: 50%

MikeH:
Definition: Who-Kinks-like rock, twang, pop, brooding singing, metal and prog-rock not within his box
Summary: It don’t mean a thang if it ain’t got that twang. Not too adventurous and prone to pre-determinations, with the occasional surprise. Once an artist hits his “god” rating, hard for him to break free. Needs guitar and abhors non-traditional rock instruments (i.e. the flute and synthesizer). The classics are king in his book. Great gay lover.
KRS: 90%

Byron:
Definition: Prog-Rock, 8 minute songs, Classic metal, absolutely no country
Summary: Very much a one lane highway but willing to expand his horizons. Tough skinned. Determined to get us to see the light. Likes concepts and songs that evolve does not like musical all that much.
KRS: 40%

D’Arcy:
Definition: Brit pop or for that matter any pop with jangly guitar, 70’s Metal, Queen, Queen and more Queen.
Summary: Can appreciate music even if not up his alley. British always is higher on the pedestal than US. Normally likes to select a favorite disc of a band that is different from everyone else. Not much for classic rock unless it is from 1973. Has no use for those who were “first”. Good dance partner.
KRS: 75%

Neil:
Definition: Alt Country, early metal, no likey sell-outs, willing to try
Summary: Still being developed, but he appears to run the gamut. Will listen to all styles but rarely raves about anything. More curmudgeonly than Mike M., how we don’t truly know. Leans to rawer, punker sounds in rock (and twang). More fond of blowing liquid out instead of snorting into his nose.
KRS: 65%

Ken:
Definition: Edge over gloss, gut over perfection, likes a good beat, hates soppy, eclectic but diverse.
Summary: Needs to know the history of an artist and where they fall in the history of music. Can be an opinionated prick. Classics are king and is resolute in getting others to believe the same. Listens to all music and can back that up in his collection. Flatulent and prone to saying wise-ass, sometimes stupid things.
KRS: 100%

Down Our Nose

Hello north easterners I hope you are enjoying spring. I have been very busy camping, fishing, turkey hunting, and doing yard and garden work , so my reviews will be short.
I found this month's submissions to be a variety of good music.
OKKERVIL RIVER,Black Sheep Boy “3.5”
I did not know what to expect with this one, so I was pleased. The dark brooding songs went well with the under-produced music and vocals, and they have a spontaneous and emotional feel.

ARCTIC MONKEYS, Whatever People Say I am... “4”
WOW, these guys come out of the gate screaming. Tracks one, two and three are all great songs. If they could have kept up that intensity I would have given this CD a five. The big disappointment is track seven; Riot Van , this song does not belong on the CD. The rest were all pretty good.

DONNA THE BUFFALO, Positive Friction “3”
I never thought Country and Caribbean could go together so good. Great driving music when the kids are in the car.

ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, Ocean Rain “3”
I haven't heard this LP in years. The highlight of it is The Killing Moon ; what an incredible song.

THE POLICE “mix”
When I hear The Police, I think of Stewart Copeland, the backbone of the band. Copeland gave popular rock a new sound when it needed it most. Many bands tried to copy The Police in the eighties but most failed miserably.

Topic- Who in the group has the best or worst taste in music? You may choose to take the low road, the high road or answer both questions.


I asked this completely objective and opinionated question to try and learn more about the people in the group that I don't get to visit with every month. I hope this doesn't stir up too much shit!

I'm not going to pick on Hopkins, that would be too easy. I am taking the high road and choosing someone I have never met, Jay. He seems very knowledgeable, diverse, and open minded to music. I find insight in his reviews even if I don't agree.