The annual debate

Nominations for this year's class of R&R Hall of fame are:

Madonna
John Cougar Melonhead
The Beastie Boys
Donna Summer
Chic
Afrika Bambaataa
Leonard Cohen
The Dave Clark 5
The Ventures

With the possible exception of the Ventures and the Beasties, I wouldn't let any of that bunch in...

YO! WE HAVE A DEADLINE!

Only have received 2 discs so far for our Oct 9th meeting.

Shame on you stragglers.

Last Month's Synopsis

We regret to say that last month's synopsis has been cancelled due to lateness in receiving reviews. It was expected to be the best ever synopsis but will now be shelved until our "Behind the Scenes" is filmed.

Stop your bitching...here it is.

Enough with the freaking harrassment. I was on vacation!!! I'm so sorry my life doesn't revolve around the music group and I didn't post in a timely fashion. Christ...you old people need lives. I kid, I kid.

Faith No More – Angel Dust:
I guess it doesn’t really matter what I say to review this one because (except for Greg) you all hate Mike Patton. At least I’m not to blame for submitting this one. But, this is one of my favorite albums from one of my favorite bands. Not a weak track on the album, but I’m not going to waste my time and yours by going any further than that. Score: 5 (Would be one of my desert island picks…and I also take great pleasure in hoping that the 5 will keep it from the bottom of the list.)

John Doe – A Year in the Wilderness:
I never really got much ‘X’ exposure so I cannot say that I know a lot about his body of work. This album grew on me. I loved the combination of the male and female vocalists. I had to look up who the females were because there was definite familiarity. It was a nice surprise to see Aimee Mann, Jill Sobule and Kathleen Edwards listed. Great lyrics and vocals. I was more partial to the songs with both male and female vocals. “Golden State” and “Meanest Man in the World” were definite favorites of mine. It didn’t quite make the I-Tunes rotation but I’m not tossing this one out. Score: 3

Buffalo Tom – Three Easy Pieces:
Buffalo Tom has always bored me and this album was no different. I always feel like I’m waiting for some big WOW factor considering how much praise they always get, but they just never did it for me. Every time I’ve attempted to give them a shot, they always end up background music and gets lost. Nothing has ever grabbed my attention. I was actually surprised to hear that this was new because it felt like I had heard it all before from previous Buffalo Tom listening attempts. Score: 1.5

Wire Train – No Soul, No Strain:
The first 3 or 4 tracks caught my attention and kept it, however everything after those tracks got lost. If this album kept its momentum it would have gotten a much higher score, but it seems like the songs were thrown together to make a complete album. Score: 2.5

Brendan Benson – Greatest Hits:
I hadn’t heard much of his solo stuff so it was nice to hear a variety of his material. I definitely like his work with Jack White better, but that’s not to say that his songs were bad…at all. I liked the majority of the disc and am happy to add him into my collection. I think lyrically he isn’t anything special but he does know how to write some great pop hooks. Though, I think I’m looking more forward to the next Raconteurs album and tour then to any new albums he puts out.

Topic:
Most Overrated Albums:
I wanted to try and mix the old with the new so I included newer and classic albums.


Coldplay – X&Y: Maybe it’s because they became overplayed, but I enjoyed their debut album a lot more. I cannot even listen to this album. Thank god I didn’t waste the money on it.

TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain: Or any album for that matter. I tried and tried to get into them seeing as they kind of fit into the genres I love, but damn…it was almost borderline uncomfortable listening to them.

U2 – Joshua Tree: Okay, maybe not very recent, but within my lifetime. I’m not saying it’s a bad album, but its not their best by far.

Anything by the Eagles – Every time I hear the Eagles, I cringe in disgust. I honestly don’t see how this band became the “legends” that they are. Why can’t this band be involved in a plane crash.

Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street: I am still a firm believer that the Rolling Stones are better as a compiled greatest hits. I have never enjoyed an entire Rolling Stones album from beginning to end. If its going to be rated as one of the best albums ever it better be tight from start to finish…and its not. Overrated.

Next Meeting Info - Oct 9th - Courtesy of The Mong (and Ken)

Cut and pasted from Ken’s recent e-mail:

OLD: Jay/Monsta
NEW: Greg/Jen
Host: Mike M.

Meeting is supposed to be the 9th of Oct.

I am sending everyone a Poster Children G’hits before I leave.

Topic:
Five part question: If you formed a tribute band, what band/artist would you pay tribute to? Why? Would you play their music to perfection (meaning, to sound just like them) or would you make it your own? What would you name the band? What would be your final encore song?

Opinions of record for August/September

Faith No More – Some bands just annoy me. This is one. Hard to pick out a specific reason, but here’s my biggest gripe. It seems as though about halfway through most of the songs Patton either gets bored or decides that his original musical idea just wasn’t very strong and then off he goes in some other direction for awhile. And I also get the idea he sort of thinks he’s Frank Zappa. And he’s not. Some will call it complex and praise his genius, but I think it’s a mess and I say the emperor has no clothes. This gets an annoying 1.5

John Doe – I probably never gave his solo stuff a chance because it wasn’t X, a band I would probably put in my top 10 bands all time. This, though feels different. Don’t know if it’s the guests or he’s just writing better songs, but this is a great record that starts off with a bang and never lets up, even when it slows down. And it doesn’t appear to be as quiet an album as he’s put out in the past. 4 stars

Wire Train – Don’t know anything about these guys and this didn’t suck, but again, I just don’t see anything overly interesting here. 2

Buffalo Tom – a fifty fifty disc for me. I really liked half the songs and the other half I was just indifferent about. They sound better on the faster, shorter songs and there weren’t enough of those. 2.5

Brendan Benson – Obviously, I like him. His strength is his ability to combine multiple hooks within a song and every song is catchy. You have to overlook some dopey lyrics and I really wish more girls liked him, but he is a five star artist and Lopalco, his second record is a pop classic.

Most overrated album – It would be easy to pick just about anything by the Doors, the most overrated of all rock bands, but I think I’ll go in another direction. There seems to be this feeling among critics and many fans that Exile on Main Street is the Stones Best album. I can name four legitimate releases – Sticky Fingers, Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed and Get Your Ya Yas Out – and the Live in Brussells Bootleg that I’d rather be stuck on a desert Island with. Exile just has too much junk and the one song that everyone points to as a classic – Tumblin' Dice – is about their 25th best song of all time.

Also getting votes - Every Beatle album after Revolver, Aja by Steely Dan and any REM album that anyone thinks is any good except Murmer.

One less prog to swallow

Demon, who have been together for 30 years it seems, have announced that their show on oct 26th shall be their last. They may not score high on our chart but 30 years is pretty impressive.

THE BATTLE ROYALE: MIKE PATTON vs SONIC YOUTH

Buffalo Tom

A good return from a much under appreciated act. Solid songs based around good vocals and strong guitar leads. Curious to hear the bass player sing on so many songs when in the past he maxed out at two. One thing was missing however. On all past cds they always had one tune that knocked you backwards in a good way. Be it Mineral, I’m Allowed, Soda Jerk, or Tree House. Here just some good tunes but no tracks that stick with you indefinitely. 3

Faith No More

Because of this group I have come into contact with more thing Mike Patton than I though possible. I have seen Faith No More live. I have had a ship and receiving manager, plus two members of this group explain to me why he is so great. Well I am beginning to believe that I am just not that big of a Mike Patton fan. True Midlife Crisis is a strong track but the others left me wanting more. Plus I was surprised at just how bass heavy their sound is. People will keep on telling me how great this man I am sure, but to me its average music that sometimes gets lost in its own way. 1.5

John Doe

A nice cd with some interesting songs. Not sure why the music interlude that starts the cd was included but the cd gets off to a good rocking start. And as usual he shares his pension with sharing vocals with a female lead throughout the cd. Some nice guitar work and some good songs, but I get the feeling this cd will play far better live than it does recorded. In many songs it sounds as if the production brings the sound down. 2.5

Wire Train

I chose this cd because I was looking for an old one on short notice. I started with the z’s and worked backwards. Had not listened to this band in quite a while. Again I listened to this and I did the old why don’t I listen to this more. Wire Train had a bit of a personality problem. They started off as a very good pop band. Then they seemed to want to be the next Alarm. Then they got completely off track with one cd that the band themselves no longer acknowledge. This their last I think was their strongest cd. Consistently good from beginning to end, with standout tracks like Stone Me, Open Sky, Hey Jordan, and the closer Spooks are among some very well written songs. This was a new sound for Wire Train and unfortunately no one was willing to hear. That is until they joined Sheryl Crows band and helped her write her first few cds. 4

Brendan Benson

I think Lapalco is a great pop record. Unfortunately the follow up was not as strong, although Spit it Out is a great rocking tune. The problem I have with Benson is that as a whole not all of the songs measure up and tend to blend together. When he is on the tracks are great pop tunes, which makes the others frustrating. Hopefully the next disc will continue with his strengths.

Overrated CD’s

Hotel California

Can anyone actually think of another song that is actually on this album? Okay some might get Life in the Fast Lane. But what else? Then again why would you want to?

After all to know them would mean you want to hear them and this like all Eagles cd’s are just slow and whiny.

Paul Simon Graceland

So I am a caring artist who goes to South Africa so I can work with other local artists and bring it to the world outside the apartheid. But lets take credit for their music by putting simple and at time stupid lyrics of my own over the local’s music. Then I will take them on tour with me to show the world what a great guy I am. The songs here take interesting ideas and drive them straight into the ground. Simon is out of his class with these better singers and musicians and instead of him going along for the ride; he brings it down to his level. Besides Peter Gabriel did it first and a whole lot better.

Sonic Youth Day Dream Nation

I think I’ve said enough about this already

Bruce Springsteen Born In the USA

The album that Springsteen sold out. Draped around the American Flag. Image makeover so he is clean cut enough to dance with Courtney Cox. But D’Arcy you don’t understand you have to listen to the lyrics he is anti American establishment. No he’s not. I’m on Fire, Dancing in the Dark My hometown are just mediocre at best songs. For a man who thrived on being one of the people this cd showed even the Boss could be bought at the right price.

Anything ever written by the doors

Just think if Jim Morrison had not died people actually might of listened to the music instead of being wrapped up in his mystique.

The Most Brilliant Synopsis Ever on Hold until Greg and Jen post their Reviews

Music Club
August 2007

Faith No More- Angel Dust
I am going on record that I refuse to listen to another Mike Patton recording. (0)

Buffalo Tom- three easy pieces
Nine years in the making and it sounds like they never left. Buffalo Tom is straight ahead Boston power pop and three easy pieces is exactly that. This is good and bad. Good in that they still have a big guitar sound for a trio with hook latent songs, and bad that there has been no growth or newness to make the recording fresh. (3)

John Doe-A Year in the Wilderness
My fave of the month. Once again an old, grizzled veteran puts out a smart, introspective disc that rocks as hard as it sways gently. Stark one moment then full at the next with lyrics drenched with experience. It’s all good (4).

Wire Train- No Soul, No Strain
Nice to get reacquainted with this one after so much time. No Soul, No Strain is safe pop, but not so safe that its sugary boredom. The first 4 tracks make the disc as it sputters a little after that with songs that just blend into the scenery. Fifteen years ago this one would have gotten a solid 4 from me but today it’s a little lite and gets a (3)

Brendan Benson- GHITS
Good mix of Benson with the majority coming from LaPalco, his best in my opinion. Benson is capable of writing unique pop/rock songs that are not totally conventional. That’s his appeal, except to the masses…. Great to have so I no longer need to buy up his catagogue.


Topics

Overrated Discs

Beach Boys – Pet Sounds- Okay, I guess the same argument can go for Sgt Pepper, but this is just an overproduced studio bore. No edge and gone is the beach rock n’ roll that actually made the Beach Boys the Beach Boys in the first place. It’s on such a pedestal more for its lore than anything else. I also don’t see the “concept”.
Police- Synchronicity- Critically acclaimed and considered their best by most writers, I think it is their least interesting and dull. This was the beginning of the downward spiral that was Sting’s vitality.
John Coltrane- Love Supreme- This one will fall on deaf ears, but this Coltrane release was considered ‘groundbreaking’ but every time I listen to it I fall into Mongillo’s camp of “excessive noodling”. There are great recorded Coltrane moments but I do not consider this one of them.
Cream- Disreli Gears- 5 stars around from every publication in the world. But has anyone actually listened to this in its entirety? Yikes! Talk about dated and talk about some very unrock godlike moments. Bleeeech.
Joni Mitchell-Blue- If I could stay awake to hear the entire recording there are probably some very good parts.

Oh Mama, can this really be the end? To be stuck inside St Louis with the Bratwurst Blues Again....

Sincere apologies for my no-show. I was really hoping to meet you all (and have some "quality time" w/Ken)...

John Doe – Gotta say, I’ve never been a big X fan. I was in a record store, heard “Golden State” and decided I need to have that song even if the rest of the disc sucked. Fortunately, it’s pretty good. The duets are the tracks that work the best, particularly the aforementioned duet with Kathleen Edwards and “Unforgiven” with Aimee Mann. It starts strong, finishes weak, and at 38 minutes is a little lean. All in all, not a bad disc, but nothing to get your panties in a twist about either. 3 stars

Buffalo Tom – The first song sounds like My Morning Jacket. The second song sounds like the Gin Blossoms. The third song sounds like Crowded House. Track 4 sounds just like Radio Nationals. And on it goes. However, what these guys may lack in originality, they make up in chops and mastery of the 3-4 minute power pop song. “Good Girl” is the highlight, had it pegged for my best of 2007 disc until someone submitted the album. Like a good cheeseburger, it isn’t the most original item on the menu, but it’s done right, and leaves me satisfied. 3.5 stars

Faith No More – If memory serves me correctly, this is the third incarnation of Mike Patton I’ve been forced to endure through our little group. That Mr. Patton has no other groups will be one of my prayers at church Sunday. Near as I can tell, the man has nary a single talent, with the possible exception of marketing. Amazing how one good song (“Epic”) can sustain a lifetime of crappy work.
.5 stars for the instrumental cover at the end.

Wire Train – Another entry in the don’t judge a cd by the cover. Pretty interesting mix of folk, rock and a hint of ska/funk. Several really good songs in there, with “Hey Jordan” and “17 Spooks” being the strongest. A couple of ho-hummers as well, but a fairly strong CD in all. 3 stars

Brendan Benson – This CD makes me give even more props to Jack White. He leads a two man band where the other member is useless. Then he does a successful side project with Brendan Benson, who based on this disc is not much more than a lightweight pop singer. Other than a few tracks, nothing here to get excited about. Sounds like about 100 other interchangable singer/songwriters.

Discussion Question


Honorable mention: “Murmur”, “Hotel California”, “Never Mind the Bollocks”, “Rumours”

1) Sgt. Pepper – I’ve never understood the ass-kissing. I’m not a Beatles basher by any means, but this one contains more crap than crème. I’ll take “Revolver”, “Rubber Soul” and even “Abbey Road” any day of the week.

2) Exile On Main Street – Sorry Ken, but put this one up against “Let it Bleed”, “Beggar’s Banquet”, “Sticky Fingers” or even “Some Girls” and it doesn’t hold up. Lots of filler to go along with the great tracks. A good album, not a classic.

3) “Led Zeppelin IV” – Maybe it’s the over-played factor, maybe it hasn’t aged well, but except for “Misty Mountain Top”, there’s nothing on this album I ever want to hear again. The production is absolute sludge.

4) “Paranoid” – You can insert any Black Sabbath album here, but since this is their alleged masterpiece, I’ll go with this one. Ozzy as a vocalist is intolerable, the guitar work is average at best and don’t even get me started on the lyrics. Always mentioned reverently, the album and the band both define the term overrated.

5) “Back in Black” – As long as we’re on the subject, here’s another metal album vastly over-rated. The clichéd lyrics, the same tired riffs track after track and unbearable vocals shouldn’t appeal to anyone over 16. The two good songs have been played into the ground, and the rest is paint-by-numbers.

Where's Mike? The other Mike?

“The Mong” – Music Group Commentary: August, 2007

Way too busy this month so my commentary is short. Rejoice!

BUFFALO TOM – THREE EASY PIECES = 2 STARS
Perfectly enjoyable and listenable but not all that thrilling, pretty much like everything else from Buffalo Tom.

JOHN DOE – A YEAR IN THE WILDERNESS = 3 STARS
John Doe: punker, country-rock singer/songwriter, actor, etc. ...pretty good at all of ‘em but great at none. Sorry, as much as I’m rooting for John, his post-X stuff never quite does it for me, although this is by far the best I’ve heard yet.

FAITH NO MORE – ANGEL DUST = 1.5 STARS
It’s tough to get past how dated this sounds. My problem with it now is the same as it was when it came out: It didn’t seem to be trying to expand upon the somewhat groundbreaking sound of “The Real Thing.” In fact, it almost sounds like a parody of it, which might have been the point, but even if it was, the joke’s not funny.

WIRE TRAIN – NO SOUL, NO STRAIN = 2.5 STARS
From what I read, it was bashed in its day but, I’d like to suggest that it was, perhaps, unfairly bashed. By today’s standards, or mine anyway, there’s more here to praise than bash.

BRENDAN BENSON – G’HITS
Really, really good power pop. The low-fi stuff was the real standout material.

TOPIC
What are the most overrated albums of all time? List five and explain. These should be albums that are considered classics on some level.

1) The Velvet Underground, “The Velvet Underground and Nico”
Yeah, I know it’s important and influential and won’t even try to dispute any of that; it’s just not that good a listen, period. Seriously, when’s the last time you were like, Oh, I gotta hear that album? Answer (unless you’re a liar): never.

2) Radiohead: “Kid A”
Subverting expectations by delivering an “intelligent techno” album as a follow-up to “OK Computer” doesn’t make it great just because Radiohead did it. It’s not seminal or challenging and I do, in fact, get it. So don’t tell me that I have to listen to “at least fifty times to fully appreciate it” because anything I have to listen to that many times to appreciate isn’t a good record, it’s a homework assignment in self-induced brainwashing.

3) Nick Drake: Everything
Aren’t all three of his albums in the ROLLING STONE’s Top 500 of All Time!?! I don’t think I’m the one that need’s to explain myself here, ROLLING STONE does. “Pink Moon” is a good song, fine, but let’s not get carried away just because the guy offed himself.

4) Pink Floyd: “The Wall”
Okay, I even like Pink Floyd, but, take your pick: the singing choir of British kids, the orchestration, the fact that it’s a double album, or that it’s really pretentious, pedantic, quixotic, and a few other fifty dollar words that boil down to it being way too self-absorbed and self-important. Give me “Animals” or “Wish You Were Here,” any day over “The Wall.”

5) The Who: “Tommy”
Now, I love The Who, but I’m willing to admit, “Tommy” is just plain silly. Not just the premise of the story but the lyrics and music itself all just sounds so … so … well, silly. Yes, I know it’s a pioneering “Rock Opera” and all that, but, really, there are only like, what, two or three good songs on it, tops.