September Words to Live By

Gang of Four – I chose it because it is one of those records that, from a historical perspective, I feel everyone should own. It rocks out and funks out with such originality – especially for the time it was released – that it is a top fifty all time (if not higher) CD. Musically, it holds up and although the lyrics could be described as quaintly naïve in 2006, there is still an earnestness to them that makes it work even for a hardened conservative like me. Tons of highlights, but the beginning of I Found That Essence Rare and the point when the drums kick in on Anthrax are personal faves. 5 stars

Tilly and the Wall - I found this alternately quirky enjoyable and quirky annoying depending on….well I’m not sure. Couldn’t figure out a pattern. Some listens, it seemed interminably cute for the sake of being cute and other times I heard the melodies and didn’t mind the annoying nature of the sound. It may need more listens, but for now it is a middle of the road 2.5

Mike Ness – This may seem sacrilegious in some corners, but I always considered Social Distortion a good band that could have been great if it had a lead singer who could sing. Unfortunately, Mike gets to sing what Mike writes, but no matter how good the writing and music were, there was always Mike singing. Tolerable, though frustrating, with Social D because the volume covered it up and made it blend. Not so here. This is a great tribute to the kind of influences that should make me wax poetic, but the plain truth is that he can’t sing and here it is a distraction. And it’s never been so apparent as when he takes on great songs by great singers. There’s a difference between gritty and shitty and he crosses the line.
2 because at least he picked great songs

Hellacopters - Fuckin A! – What a beginning. The opening Chuck Berry licks and unrelenting rock of Before the Fall are just too much to live up to…unless you’re the Hellacopters. Although they never touch that zenith again, they get close and it’s such a high point that even getting close to it is better than most bands will ever do. One thing this band never does is wear out its welcome. I can’t think of a song that goes on too long. The slower ones, while a bit goofy and steeped in a ‘hybrid ‘70s sound, are good to great and the uptempo stuff just kicks ass, like some mutant child of X and the Damned. 4.5

Ultravox – You know me well enough by now to know that this essentially guitarless, synth-driven brit-pop is, to be polite, not my cup of tea.

My Space question – Never got there. Sorry. Cool idea, but I just pain forgot.