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.