Lame month reviews

Hoodoo Gurus Greatest Hits
Lou Reed only better

Okervil River – I am Very Far 3.5
I don’t know why I like these guys because they sound just like Notes and Scratches. You guys talk about these guys a lot. I now understand the interest a little better. Very cool album art.

Bad Brains – Rock for Light 2.5
I have to admit that I bought and this cd sight unheard. I was reading an article on a flight about Dave Grohl and he listed this as one of his top 10 of his most influential albums. Considering that these guys have been around since 1980 and were still recording as of 2007 they must be doing something right. The dude singing is a lot like a Rasta Mike Patton, too much energy for his own good. They are nothing if not original. Listening to them at 6:00 AM was a bit of a challenge. I could have done without the occasional awkward girl screams, but otherwise these guys grew on me. They probably could have gotten by with 6 – 8 songs as opposed to 20.

Notes and Scratches – 2.5
Gritty and raw. Good ballads and melodies, a little Connor Oberst, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits. Few bands can make the transition that is required over musical trends, U2, AC/DC, I think these guys have the potential, or at least I hope they have it to continue because they are good. The singer probably wouldn’t have made it very far on American Idol, but fortunately not everyone uses Idol as a talent gauge. I mean dude, if you struggle that bad to get a note out you might want to reconsider your profession and see a doctor.

10cc – Deceptive Bends – 3.5
There’s something about that “70’s sound” that I really love. Even the stupid lyrics and the corny disco sounding guitar is acceptable for some reason. Godley and Crème were just hit making machines back in the day. Really easy cd to listen to. Pick of the month.

The Black Angels – Phosgene Nightmare 2 – 3
Only one listen but this might be the second cd that Mike submitted that I actually like. I think he’s finally coming around.

With a decade of reflection and perhaps now accounting for your changes/evolutions in taste, what is your current top-ten of the ‘90s? How different is this than what it would have been then? So basically make your then list and now list.

Alice in Chains – higher on the list then in the 90’s
Sound Garden – Higher
Pearl Jam – Lower