Alright already!!

Van Halen - I made fun of Hopkins for this pick, proudly stating that I owned no Van Halen records. They are just one of those bands I don’t ever have to hear again in my life. Don’t hate ‘em, just tired of the stuff I hear on the radio. And listening to this I realize the stuff that didn’t make the radio isn’t better than the stuff that did, so I guess I’m not really missing anything by not owning any of their records. But this isn’t a bad listen at all. The radio hits deserved their status and the other songs, while lyrically as stupid as you can ever find, are instantly recognizable as Van Halen. And there’s something to be said for style. I doubt I’ll ever feel like pulling this out again, but I get why people like it. There’s something quintessentially “Rock” about this which makes it endearing on a certain level. The banality of the lyrics pushes it dangerously close to self-parody, though. When Spinal Tap (or even the Dictators for that matter) lampoon and celebrate rock simultaneously, they know they are doing so because they are smart writers. Sometimes this sounds like Roth and friends are doing the same, but unintentionally. 3

Thermals - Solid rock album by a band that should be much bigger than they are now and this CD is one of the reasons. Hooks and guitars and some smart writing. No particular standouts because it is so solid top to bottom. I feel as though i should like it more, though. Still it's a 4

Green Day – I’m sure this is good, but I never got the chance to listen to it even though I have two copies. Guess I’m over Green Day. Sorry Mong. Anyway, I’ll get around to it some day and let you know.

Trail of the Dead - Half good and half bad. And you knew that was going to be the case right away. A time wasting intro followed by the best song on the album. But of course halfway through that great song, they choose to waste about a minute for no good reason. There seems to be such talent here, but there is so much wasted shit. They need to be better at self –editing. This could have been a great EP. The first song brings it from a 2.5 to a 3. That’ll be on my year end compilation.

Genesis - Of course I went into this with bad intentions. Surprisingly, I didn’t think this was awful, but what struck me was how relentlessly mediocre and boring they are. How did they ever sell any records? I could go on and maybe even be funny, but it’s too boring to even ridicule.

Great Lines

Cars, girls, surfing, beer- nothing else matters here (Dictators)

You don’t need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows (Dylan)

There’s only two things in life but I forget what they are (Hiatt)

I believe this and it’s been tested by research,
He who fucks nuns will later joins the church (Clash)

Favorite Songs That Received No Airplay

I would guess that only 10 of my favorite 100 songs received any airplay, so the question is – What are my five favorite songs. Too hard to say as it changes every day.