Me Right, You Wrong

MT St Helens Vietnam Band- Tried to like it, but it came off as whiney and over wrought. 2

Wire - This got off to a very slow start that made me wonder why they are even recording music 30 years after they were relevant, but it picks up with some more interesting tracks starting with Two Minutes, Clay and Bad Worn Thing. Still 3.5

Amos Lee - You have to be in the mood, but this is very well done, if not just a little too slick for my tastes. The country stuff works better than the more bluesy, R & B stuff. Still high quality is high quality and this gets a 4.

Todd Rundgren - Always a favorite of mine, but after hearing it for the first time in ages, I have to admit that about a third of it just isn’t very good. This is one of those albums that could have been edited down into a classic, but Rundgren wanted to stretch out and have some fun and that led to mixed results Pop masterpices like Black Mariah, I saw the Light, One More Day, It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference, Couldn’t I Just Tell You, Dust in the Wind and Hello It’s Me combined with funny/catchy songs like Piss Aaron and Slut are enough to make this a classic, but it ultimately is marred by his penchant for over indulgence. Still, based o the quality of the great songs, it still gets a 4.5

Riot - The musical part of metal – crunchy guitars, simple arrangements, high flying solos is fairly easy to pull off. Where this type of music can fail – and often does – is in the vocals and the words. Screetchy yellers have ruined more metal records than I can shake a clenched fist at. The other pitfall is that the lyrics are either mindlessly mysoginistic, gingoistic or any other istic that calls to mind the kind of illiteracy that plagues many heavy metal bands. Or the lyrics are of the mystical type – another largely illiterate form of writing in which nonsense is disguised as mysticism. That’s why these guys are so refreshing. Just straight ahead rock and roll that doesn’t try to hard to be more than what it is. 4

Accordian - Nicely conceived idea. Clearly the work of a deranged man with too little to think about and too much time on his hands. Bunch of really good songs, though, that would not otherwise end up on the same piece of plastic.

Records that everyone would give 4 stars to: Forgot which ones I wrote down, but I had at least one. Mostly foiled by D'Arcy's penchant for thinking every acknowleged classic is a piece of shit or Greg's overall inconsistency and his never having listened to 60% of the records that everyone else agred with.

Douche-Move

DOUCHE-MOVE being...
Putting a repeat (cut & pate) of my comment here regarding the "4-Star Challenge":
------------------
No, in a total douche-move to parallel D'Arcy's douche-move, I am retracting my vote of 4 stars for Pearl Jam's "Ten" to spite him for refusing to give Nirvana's "Nevermind" 4 stars. I mean, honestly...so Mr. Cobain killed himself before he could start to suck as bad as Pearl Jam does now. I'm sorry, that's not a reason not to give what is universally considered the best album of the '90s less than it DESERVES.
------------------
P.S. Not mad about it; I'm just feeling spiteful.

Anyway, here's...

The Mong / Music Group Commentary / March 2011

Amos Lee – “Mission Bell” = 3.5 Stars
A pleasing soft rock meditation.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – “Where the Messengers Meet” = 4 Stars
An amazing dark and swirling epic.

Riot – “Fire Down Under” = 4 Stars
Okay, yeah, so … this pretty much rules.

Todd Rundgren – “Anything?/Something?” = 2.5 Stars
Some standout standards but its mostly hokey fare is only worth revisiting as a time-capsule.

Wire – “Red Barked Tree” = 2.5 Stars
If they put these tracks in a different order (4, 5, 8, 1, 3, 6, 7. 10, 11, 2, 9), this could have been a solid three-star record, despite its general derivativeness.

G’hits -The Accordian
Yup, nontraditional instruments really do work in Rock songs when it works. Great mix.

Monsta’s Topic:
Most likely to get at least a four-star rating from all members...

I spent about an hour on this, carefully considering the leanings and prejudices of others, myself included (note the exclusion of even the most likely “no-brainers,” the Beatles and the Rolling Stones), and only five is the best I could predict. They are:
1) Pink Floyd – “Dark Side of the Moon”
2) Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (debut)
3) The Cars – “The Cars” (debut)
4) Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Bayou Country”
5) Pixies – “Doolittle”

Great Quarterly Meeting Look Forward to June's

Amos Lee

Just not a big fan of someone who I think is a combination of Norah Jones and James Taylor. These cds always seem to leave me wondering where is the urgency, and does everything have to have the same beat? Far too often it is a slow song with a slow build at the end to show emotion. If there were more songs like Windows are Rolled Down we might be on to something but unfortunately we get Willie Nelson instead. 2.0

Riot

Before hard rock became a fashion plate there were a bunch a bands that started in the late 70’s early 80’s who laid down the foundation for the others that followed. Some like Priest and maiden thrived. Others caught lightning in a bottle then tried to repeat it with little success, falling victim to trends, bad ideas or just bad music. Fire Down Under was one of the great cds to come out of this era. From the opening chords of the first single/song Swords and tequila till the end they don’t let up. They pay homage to their heroes along the way but lean to the inspired by rather than blatantly copying. You can hear their influences throughout, but you can also hear who they influenced too. This was their best as the group had a revolving door of members that never seemed to be as focused as they were here. Feel the same and Outlaw should have been rock classics, unfortunately like this cd they are lost amongst the weaker sludge that followed. 4.0

Todd Rundgren

What makes Todd Rundgren a great producer is his ability to act like a chameleon and blend into whoever he is working with? Unfortunately for two thirds of this cd he chose to sound like the cross of carol king and Neil Sedaka. Yes two of his biggest singles are on here but until what would have been side 4 the rest of the cd just plunks along with no real changes. The final side does give the cd some life but by then it’s too late. And did we really need to know that he was all alone in the studio with his witty observations before the song begins 2.0

Accordion

Not sure what this collection was trying to accomplish. If it was to show how great accordion playing can be found in songs it misses badly. Because most of the songs here are slow to mid tempo with the accordion basically there to add atmosphere. In some cases it was just there briefly and could be missed. If it was a way that some artists have used the accordion in their music then that’s a little closer. But if that what you were trying to prove then there should have been at least Weird Al song, as he was always proud of playing the accordion.

Wire

A band that I have always heard of but have never heard. Just a really good record. Right from the start there with please take the band settles into a nice groove and carries it through the whole cd. Not a bad song on the cd 3.5

Mt St Helen’s

As the band we had the longest to listen to it also had the most listens. Just never seemed to really get into it and I can’t tell you why. Songs singular were good but together it tended to fade. Not that it was bad, just never really grabbed me as a listener. 2.0

4 star cds

Kiss Destroyer

Kinks Low Budget

Queen Night At The opera , Jazz

Pete Townshend Empty Glass, White City

Who Who Are You Who’s Next

REM Murmur

Beatles Everything after rubber soul inclusive minus yellow submarine and white album

Mathew Sweet Girlfriend

The Unified 4+

After a few of you left, we had an addition to the list (Pearl Jam);

List as of today.

AC/DC - Back in Black
The Who- Who's Next
Sex Pistols- Never Mind the Bullocks
Ramones- Rocket to Russia
Beatles- Abbey Road
Led Zeppelin - I
Pearl Jam- Ten

This was difficult as Greg once again only knew of 6 discs. Alan challenged us saying the topic was to limit us to only recordings that we would give exactly a 4 to. No 4.5s or 5s.

Neil Sedaka is Suing us for libel.....

March 2011
Reviews


Riot-Fire Down Under

If Ted Nugent joined Iron Maiden to be a Scorpions cover band- that's Riot. Some downright awesome guitar solos within pretty good representative songs of the 80s metal scene. I wish my hair was the length it was back in 1981 for optimal neck bobbing. Worst part of this album is the cover. WTF? Unless it was an actual nod to what the Nuge was hunting at the time. Funny thing  is I thought this was Ra Ra Riot's latest.... 3.0

Wire-Red Barked Trees

Unremarkable though palatable aged-alt-rock. RBT is a definite shift from their "Pink Flag" debut 30 years ago where frenetic 30 sec to 2 minute songs are replaced with deliberate bass droned faire. Wire can still rock out ("Mover", "Smack") but they seem to need to slow it down a little in between to catch their breath. While still a decent release a little 5 hour energy would have gone a long way.. 3.0

T.R- Anyting/Something?

Utter disappointment. I was expecting more, but not more of the same song over and over. Besides the decent studio production there is little from this disc is that I can classify as interesting. It's one Broadway musical show filler after another. It's all in the same key, tempo and the melodies just float within the major chord being played. Todd stretches a little on Little Red Lights and Black Maria but that's it. I know I'll be tsked by the elders of the group but this is really a boring listen - IMHO of course... 1.0

MT St Helen's Vietnam Band- Where the Messengers meet

In my internal music categories this falls into prog rock. I hear early Genesis and when they turn it up a notch I hear Porcupine Tree. This band is chock full of good musicians who can change a time signature on a wink. Problem is, there is nothing emotional that compels me to care. Of course I am probably wrong. The band is probably very emotionally vested and in-tune with what they are playing, but nonetheless, I don't feel it... 2.0

Amos Lee-Mission Bell

I expected to dispel this in one listen. But after the first listen, much to my chagrin, I felt it needed another listen. I found myself liking the stripped down songs because with a full band and production Amos does dive deep into the American Idol pool. His songs with his guitar and voice as the focal have more empathy and interest. His voice is quite good, but it is almost too pristine and needs a few more frogs or gnarls. Good tunes, so-so lyrics, good voice at times too slickly produces... 2.5

Accordian

I'm a sucker for cajun and bluegrass as well as bastard child instruments in rock songs. The accordian performs one or more of three functions when added to a song; 1) creates a sense of humor and/or whimsy, 2) gives a down home happy  air, or 3) saddens a song and pulls on the heartstrings. It's best used in limited quantities in rock so not to "Hooterize" a song and it has to be played well. I say thank you Monsta for bringing on the Accordian

Topic

5-10 albums we think would get 4s all around. In the spirit of the question I did not use any music we have already officially DownYourNosed and have done my best to de-D'Arcy-ize it while selecting recordings I believe everyone knows.

·         Beatles- Revolver

·         Led Zeppelin- Houses of the Holy

·         Matthew Sweet- Girlfriend

·         AC/DC- Highway to Hell

·         Cracker- Cracker

·         Guns and Roses- Appetite for Destruction

·         Lemonheads- It's a Shame about Ray

·         Fountains of Wayne- Welcome Interstate Managers

·         Queen- News to the World

·         Sex Pistols- Never Mind the Bollocks

March of the Lukewarm Reviews

Amos Lee –  The sound,  musicianship and vocals are technically superb, but there isn’t much soul.  The disc gets repetitive after 4 songs, and even Lucinda and Willie don’t help.  An electric guitar or tempo change once in a while would have gone miles.  Mellow is cool, but when something mellows too long it rots.  2.5 stars

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – Reminded me a lot of Modest Mouse, whom I don’t care for.  I liked the atmospherics on “Leaving Trails” and “The Roof”.  A couple of other songs were ok, but stylistically, most of it didn’t trip my trigger. 2.5 stars

Wire –  It’s competent in just about every way, but I didn’t connect with it.  The guitar work is fine, lyrics have a punk snotiness to them, but there just wasn’t a lot that grabbed me.   Hated the drum sound.  2.5 stars

Riot – Not a style I can render an intelligent opinion about. Indistinguishable from almost any other ‘80’s metal band to my ears. Nothing good enough on it to stand out, nothing bad enough to get my panties in a twist about, either. 2.5 stars

Todd Rundgren – The dreaded double album problem.  “I Saw the Light”, “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” and “Hello Its Me” are as good as pop singles get. But there’s far too much self-indulgent nonsense, particularly on the second half of the first disc, and the attempts at Zappa-esque humor fall flat.  There’s a 10 song 4 star disc in there somewhere, but as a whole, it’s way too bloated.  2 stars.

Accordion – The old schedule showed a Dec meeting, so I rushed this to get it in hand for Nov meeting.  If I’d known I had 5 more months to do it, it would have been better. I missed a couple of good ones, notably Slobberbone and the Decemberists. The mental exercise was fun, and I thought it held together pretty well.

My Optimistic 4 star minimum Submissions

AC/DC – Back In Black
Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy
Beatles – Rubber Soul/Revolver
Clash – London Calling
Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Matthew Sweet – Girlfriend
Fountains of Wayne – Welcome Interstate Managers
Queen – News of the World
The Who – Whos Next
Prince – Purple Rain
Van Halen - I

First again, damn I'm good

Amos Lee – Mission Bell – 2.5

I saw Amos Lee open for Norah Jones. He might as well be a male Norah Jones. Unfortunately, after the first disk I lost interest. He’s a talented guy, but to me he has nothing that really stands out for me. He goes to the pile of things that my wife likes to listen to on a Sunday morning or by herself. In a word, “boring”.

Mt St Helen’s Vietnam Band – Where the messengers meet – 3.5

It seems like it’s dreamy music month. I’m not sure where the name of this band originated from, but it’s weird, a lot like the band’s music. I’m not known for liking weird music, but I did like this band.

Todd Rundgren – Something Anything – 2.5

What male artist is mistaken for a female artist more than any other (not including Neil Sedaka) , oh ya, Todd Rundgren. As much as I like the songs that got airplay, I can’t say as much for the songs that didn’t. Some songs were cool and one or two were strange, Saving Grace for instance. All in all Todd’s songs all sound alike. His piano/keyboard is unmistakable though and most people could pick out a Rundgren song easily. I’m not sure who’s idea it was to release a double album, but the good songs could have easily filled one disc and the other could have been release as the best of Todd’s B-Sides.

Riot – Fire Down Under - 3

For me not to know of a band is not a big surprise, but I didn’t recognize one single song by Riot. They sound like any of a hundred bands from that timeframe. I did some research and still didn’t recognize one band member. I liked the music and can’t believe that these guys weren’t huge (or maybe they were) in the late 80’s when Ratt was at their peak. I’ll stick with Ratt, but I will give them a 3 because guys with seal heads are cool.

Accordion – Greatest Hits

Coolest idea for a greatest hits collection since the greatest non-hits of Genesis. I had no idea that o many cool songs utilized the accordion. Even scarier is how anyone could possibly remember which songs they like have the accordion in them. I couldn’t even do a Google search to find a list. Nice job Monsta, you are either a musical genius or an idiot savant.

Wire – Red Barked Tree - 4

Pick of the month for me. Eerie and unique. Just different enough to be interesting. Hard to say what it was about this band that I liked, but it’s cd that I found myself looking forward to listening to the most.

According to the DYN website, this group has reviewed 264 discs. Out of those, exactly 1 has gotten at least 4 stars from all reviewers, and that was while the group was only 5 people. The question is whether or not there is/are a universally accepted disc(s) that we all would give at least 4 stars to. Come armed with a list of 5-10 discs that you believe would get at least 4 stars from every single member in the group. Obviously, it will have to be something you think everyone has heard, and you will have to know your fellow DYN'ers tastes (D'Arcy's presence means that no Dylan, Springsteen or Neil Young discs need apply, and I will veto anything Brian Wilson ever touched).

I might be the sole reason that no disk could get 4 stars as long as I’m in the group. My taste is clearly far superior to the rest of the group, otherwise great bands like Pygmy Love Circus and Faith No More would be at the top of the list. These are albums, which I call the gimme list, would never be submitted due to the fact that I’d be accused of Mongilloing, but they might actually get a 4 from everyone, including me.

Beatles – Sgt. Pepper

AC/DC - Back in Black

Stones – Exile on Main Street

Who – Who’s Next