As come April...

The Answer

This was a band that I kept reading about in almost every English music magazine. You either loved them or hated them, but man they were everywhere. They toured constantly and opened for everyone so I bought the import. Love the first track, it just rocks. Great guitar, awesome bass lines, really good drum parts. Then it flows into Never Too Late. Again another great riff. Yes the band owes it sound to seventies guitar rock but so what. If you’re going to steal, steal from the best decade of music ever. And besides Come Follow Me just rocks. Yes they lose a little when they must find their obligatory blues song with Memphis Water. But it picks right back up and end with a strong 1-2 of Preacher and Always. (Some nice slide work on preacher). 4.0

Black Mountain

I was sitting by the pool in Vegas, and I put on Black Mountain, and all I could think was man I wish I had a joint. There is just some music that really describes that feeling. Organ, strings, guitar riffs dual lead vocals, heavy bass, its got everything. Yes it’s the first song, but remember I’m a smoking and my short-term memory is shot. Yes the steal heavily from everyone. Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Dream Syndicate, and X they are all there, and they blend them well. Unfortunately they also need to stop smoking a bit themselves otherwise Bright Lights would never have existed. And that is some of the problem with Black Mountain. They tend to wander off into themselves and it does not always work. Night work being another example. And what’s the deal with Bonus tracks. Do I get it cheaper without them, no. So just either includes them as part of the disc or save them for later. Overall more highs than lows 3.0

Greenhornes

Just a really good record. Loves the riffs. The songs are great. Short to the point and they grab you immediately. A cool garage feel to them. And it is a true sound, not the garage label placed on so many bands today. It’s a bob your head and enjoy the riffs listen 3.5

Nick Lowe

It’s a Nick Lowe album. Some good songs, some just okay, but none that are bad either. Unfortunately there are no great songs here. Yes the lyrics are good. Nick Lowe was always able to write great lyrics. There just doesn’t seem to be any songs that truly stand out in a memorable way. 2.5

Tool

I remember hearing tool for the first time. I was watching MTV with my brother and their video for Sober came on. Both of us were just mesmerized. We didn’t say a word until the song was over then we both said who was that. That is the good of Tool. They can be brilliant, a sound that is all there own. When they are being played they are made to be noticed. However, only in small doses. After a while you start to feel that their sound, like being hit over the head with a hammer, is just continually pummeling you. So yes Tool is a great band, but I can only take small amounts.

Favorite Song

I Don’t Wanna, The Call

Guilty Pleasure

Windy, The Association. (Love Grows was second)

Rock Song

Misty Mountain Hop Great riff, great organ part, bass line thumping. Plant at his best. And the only truly great song that the drums are the lead. (second was Iron Fist, Motorhead)