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%