Music reviews

[Reply #120 on:]

yeah, i agree with melllvar there. friends sometimes come up to me, telling me "you gotta listen to this, you'll like it" and then it turns out to be growl-metal. i hate growl-metal. so my task usually is to tell them in a diplomatical way that this music sucks.

anyway, while i like metal i somehow can't really relate to it and i don't own a single metal record. somehow, metal just doesn't fit. if i want complex arrangements i'll listen to mars volta or similar stuff, if i want aggressive and brutal music i'll listen to hardcore(-ish) bands like at the drive-in or shikari (i'll review their album later on, maybe tonight if i can be bothered).
plus i like stuff that delivers a grade a mindfuck (and that some of my friends don't like. comments along the lines of "do they actually tune their guitars?" are normal...) and even though you often have complex metal songs, i find it rather easy to follow them.
but i'ld prefer good metal to any hip hop or pop any day.

[Reply #121 on:]

 

Originally posted by SpacemanSpiff:
yeah, i agree with melllvar there. friends sometimes come up to me, telling me "you gotta listen to this, you'll like it" and then it turns out to be growl-metal. i hate growl-metal. so my task usually is to tell them in a diplomatical way that this music sucks.

...and they look oh so incredulous when you tell them that, "but, this is your music!".  Typical reaction of a philistine ("all rock music is the same" ).

[Reply #122 on:]

 

Originally posted by Melllvar:
 ...and they look oh so incredulous when you tell them that, "but, this is your music!".  Typical reaction of a philistine ("all rock music is the same" ).

exactly. this is why subgenres were invented, i guess. my problem is: i think those subgenres are stupid. especially after i read that at the drive-in is post-hardcore. great name, really.
and how do you classify the mars volta anyway?

solution: don't talk to philistines. 

[Reply #123 on:]

 

Originally posted by SpacemanSpiff:
and how do you classify the mars volta anyway?

Post-post-quantumphysics-core?

[Reply #124 on:]

Neo-savant mathrock?  Dillenger Escape Plan lite?

Subgenres are frustrating, yet somewhat of a necessary pain in the ass.

[Reply #125 on:]

Cave-In - Antenna

Track Listing:
1. Stained Silver
2. Inspire
3. Joy Opposites
4. Anchor
5. Beautiful Son
6. Seafrost
7. Rubber and Glue
8. Youth Overrided
9. Breath of Water
10. Lost in the Air
11. Penny Racer
12. Woodwork

Antenna is, to my knowledge, the major label debut of nu-hardcore rockers Cave-In. Featured on this year's Lollapallooza, Cave-In is one of the classic "young bands to watch."

First off, this is not the band's first record. Antenna is very polished and its completely obvious that these are the 'best of the best' from their previous indie discs. While, naturally, this is a good thing, it also gives the C.D. a problem -- sometimes (espically in hardcore) -- polished isn't always the best.

Melodic hardcore.

The first highlight of the disc is track 2, "Inspire." Catchy, lyrically sound, and self-containing, "Inspire" could make a catchy single for modern-rock radio. Next of note is the back-to-back "Anchor" and "Beautiful Son." These two songs are perhaps the high-water point of Antenna. That's not to say it peters out after track 5, but these two are the songs that you should "check out" if you're interested in Cave-In.

To put it best, Antenna is like a bell curve. The high point is track 5, then there are a few good songs afterwards, and then it just gets "okay."

Still, I recommend checking it out if you're in the mood for something new. Plus, I found it pretty cheap at a major record store.

Total: B

[Reply #126 on:]

SpacemanSpif, you raise some good points. Personally, I don't like growl vocals either which is what puts me off nearly all death metal and black metal. I prefer thrash which has vocals which are more easier to understand. Apart from Death, the only death metal bands I listen to are Morbid Angel, Entombed and ( this really applies to their earlier material ) Fear Factory. The reason I listen to them is that, unlike most death metal, I feel that they have more to offer since I consider much of the sub-genre to be one-dimensional.

Not sure if I would call At The Drive-In hardcore. If you want hardcore, check out Biohazard or Agnostic Front. As for bands who just stand still the whole time, Anthrax and Iron Maiden are two examples of bands who aren't static throughout their whole performance.

[Reply #127 on:]

Just wanna post that I bought The Mars Volta's album (De-loused In The Comatorium) this week, so went back to read Spiff's review.  I've been unable to listen to the other album I bought (Jane's Addiction - "Strays" ) because this has hooked me so much.

I do a 30 mile drive through the country on my way to work, and this has provided the soundtrack to that journey.  I felt that the sound was harking back to Meddle-Era Pink Floyd (albeit, with a dark album reminiscant of The Wall), and late 60's Santana (not the current version) mixed with Cedric's falsetto vocals, made me think I was listening to Rush's 2112 - or other "concept" albums from the time.

They shouldn't be making albums like this any more, but they are, and that's good.

[Reply #128 on:]

Robbie Williams - Sing When You're Winning
2000

1. Let Love Be You Energy
2. Better Man
3. Rock DJ
4. Supreme
5. Kids
6. If It's Hurting You
7. Singing For The Lonely
8. Love Calling Earth
9. Knutsford City Limits
10. Forever Texas
11. By All Means Necessary
12. The Road To Mandalay

Let me start by saying this album, just like any other Robbie Williams album, is utter shit. Luckily I haven't heard the whole thing, and to be honest I hope I never do. But the tracks I've been forced to listen to, through spoon fed society totally suck. Tracks like 'Rock DJ', he even admitted it himself that the lyrics don't even make any sense. But it doesn't matter how good, piss-poor (in Robbies case) the song is, I'll always hate it if it's got Blobbies.. ooops, I mean Robbies voice tarnished on it.

Also, I mean, look how self indulgant the cover for this album is, does he love himself or what? It's like a mini horror picture, 5 Robbies, AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!  Also, he seems to put a whole album of crap out every year. I don't keep track, but how many albums does this guy crap out? And it shows in the music. It should be called, 'Sing for the Money'. And also, did  mention how crap this album is?

0.5/10 ,because it makes a nice coaster 
 

[Reply #129 on:]

I don't think I've ever heard a Robbie Williams song.  After reading the review, I'm glad.

[Reply #130 on:]

Oh, to live in a society untouched by Robbie Williams.  It'd be like, some kind of Utopia.

My wife, is a huge fan (reason to hate, No.1) and says that he's such a funny guy, who has this brilliant self-deprocating wit and simply loves to take the piss out of himself.  What utter crap, he's a pompous, self-important scumsucking worm, obviously quite rightly given 80 million dollars to suck satan's cock, so we see his smug, pseudo-cheeky chappy face everywhere I lay my eyes (reasons to hate, No's 2 thru 200).

Coming soon, the Robbie voodoo doll (pins sold seperately).

Oh, his music sucks too.

[Reply #131 on:]

He was given 80 million dollars? 

[Reply #132 on:]

The renewal of his EMI contract was 80 million dollars (or pounds, which is even more), with the main objective being: To crack America.

I don't see him being the global superstar that that kind of figure deserves, so I guess they'll probably "renegotiate".

[Reply #133 on:]

Haven't heard hide nor hair of him here, yet.  Yes, he'd better renegotiate.  Buy a baseball cap, wear it backwards and hope, hope, hope.

[Reply #134 on:]

Don't get too excited. I wrote this review of 'Fallen' for a publication a few weeks back, and it reminded me of you guys. I trust you're all well. Bye...

---------------------------------

The genesis of Evanescence

*Deep within the bowels of Sony Music's secret underground lair*

Steve: "Gee Bob, we really need to come up with something to boost our flagging profits...”

Bob: "Steve, we made over 6 billion dollars off the back of our signed artists last year alone, I mean, we're only paying these guys 2 cents in a dollar for their work. Do you think maybe there's such thing as too much profit..?"

*Steve stares blankly at Bob*

Steve: "...I'm not sure I'm following you..."

Steve: "Anyway... what's our biggest market? The baby-boomers, right? Why don't we get Bruce Springsteen and Jim Morrison in to do a whole heap of Hendrix covers with some non-offensive singer-songwriter? Say, see what Nora Jones is up to...”

Bob: "Morrison has been dead for 30 years...”

Steve: "Really? I thought that was Dylan? He's dead too, right..?"

Bob: "No...”

Steve: "Don't look at me like that. I'm a record executive, Bob, there's nothing in my job description about having to know anything about music.. Now, do you like my idea or not?"

Bob: "Actually, according to my statistics, our biggest market right now is..."

Steve: "..Gen-Xers..? Cos' we can get Evan Dando in here anytime, I know his dealer.."

Bob: "...12 year-olds."

Steve: "12 year-olds..? I don't remember having that much disposable income when I was 12..."

Bob: "That's the thing; it's not actually their money. They mooch off their guilt-tripped parents, who are too busy working 14-hour-a-day executive jobs to actually spend time with their kids. The kids are basically raised by MTV and Nintendo to be perfect consumers. It's a beautiful thing, it really is...”

Steve: "Kind of like how we use FOX News and Reality TV to turn adults into mindless republicans..?"

Bob: "Exactly."

Steve: "Well that's great and all, but won't these kids just grow up into P2P-using university students? I mean, those bastards cost me a fifth yacht last year through their outright theft of our property."

Bob: "Well, actually the truth is, the downturn in profits we experienced last year was more likely caused by a number of factors, including the slowing of the economy, the over-pricing of CDs and competition from DVDs. We just towed the illegal file-sharing line in order to get that old red-neck senator to draft legislation allowing us to arrest school kids... "

Steve: "I love my job..."

Bob: "As do I, Steve, as do I."

Steve: "So, these 12 year-olds, we can just grab some half-naked, blonde teenagers, teach 'em to dance and slap some pre-written lyrics candied up in Pro-Tools over the top and sell it to them, right..? That last bit even worked for Courtney Love.."

Bob: "I'm afraid not, Steve. That old cash-cow just doesn't cut it anymore. It seems they want something 'edgier'. We've already had to get Christina Aguilera to pose nude in People, but even that only half worked. We've found that it works better to still make use of some easily-manufactured, radio-friendly pop group, but to disguise them as somehow being underground and alternative at the same time. It works a treat. You just have to get them to keep up the charade around inquisitive music journalists though.."

Steve: "So, kind of like how we got Avril Lavigne to hold that guitar in her video clip and tell people she wrote her own music..?"

Bob: "That's exactly what I'm talking about."

Steve: "Wow. So, what works on these kids? I really need that yacht.."

Bob: "Well, according to our sales charts, our biggest success in this market has been Linkin Park.."

Steve: "I see. What do they do..?"

Bob: "Well, it's simple, really. You have this effeminate guy with multiple piercings screaming out angsty lyrics over grossly over-driven guitar noise (digitally cleaned up to make it pop-friendly), combined with a spiky-haired, ethnic-looking guy rapping over the top. Oh, and there are also some DJs."

Steve: "So what you're saying is, you have rap, angsty vocals, really loud guitars and DJs combined into one, easily marketable, MTV-friendly package..?"

Bob: "Yep."

Steve: "I.. think.. I may.. need a change of underwear..."

Bob: "You disgust me.."

*10 minutes later*

Steve: "So, this Linkin Park idea is great, lets do more of those, quick."

Bob: "The exact same thing..? Are you sure?"

Steve: "It worked with Bush and the Stone Temple Pilots, didn't it..?"

Bob: "Yeah, kind of, but..."

Steve: "What?"

Bob: "Well, it's just that Gavin Rossdale commandeered my guest-house and I can't get him to leave.."

Steve: "Oh. Well.. why don't we take the Linkin Park idea, but make it better.."

Bob: "How can we do that? It already contains statistically everything our lab-bred 12 year-olds find appealing in a band?"

Steve: "Wait!"

Bob: "What is it? What?!"

Steve: "What is the one thing that Viacom has pushed more than anything else, the one thing that young, American teenagers are taught by pop-culture to want more than anything else! The one thing Linkin Park doesn't have...?!"

Bob: "Oh my god.. boobies.."

Steve: "Yes!"

Bob: "I get it now! Linkin Park... with a GIRL!"

Steve: "We could rule the planet!"

Bob: "Steve, you're a genius.."

Steve: "Of course. Why else would they pay me $800,000 a year...?”

[Reply #135 on:]

 

Originally posted by Melllvar:

Like Ozzy's "Suicide Solution", songs about suicide, depression, don't make you want to kill yourself.  You would have to want to do that before you listen to the song. 

...

One would have to be in that frame of mind to begin with to do it, not the song on it's own would make anyone commit suicide.

Like have you ever walked up to a cliff, and for the smallest fraction of a second, thought about just throwing yourself off? But if something comes along like an emotional song (and why would you sing about suicide in a positive way). Maybe you really didn't mean to. Plenty of times emotions make you do stuff you regret. Especially since in her case it seems like a slightly spontaneous occurance. I'd say blame goes 1) Friends who did nothing 2)Parents who found out too late 3)Band who wrote that song that pushed her over the edge. And #3 still gets plenty of blame. I mean, if it weren't for that song(s), would she still be alive today?

-------


A Perfect Circle - Mer de Noms

1.    The Hollow
2.    Magdalena
3.    Rose
4.    Judith
5.    Orestes
6.    3 Libras
7.    Sleeping Beauty
8.    Thomas
9.    Renholdër
10.    Thinking of You
11.    Breña
12.    Over

This is Alternative Rock/Metal for the intelligent man. Individual songs don't sound like a desperate search for catchy guitar hooks, rather, the band knows they've got it, with ease, and they make you wait for it. It makes for suspenful music. Their sound I've heard compared to a mix of Nirvana and Tool.

Lyrically, singer Maynard James Keenan (hes finally joined that elite group of singers who sound the same in concert as they do on CD) sings mostly about philosophical/religious topics, on the liberal side. Ex, from Judith - "Fuck your god, your lord, your christ, he did this, took all you had and, left you this way, still you pray, never stray, never thought to question 'why'". The great thing about his lyrics is that they can be interpreted in so many ways, on so many levels.

All this combines to an album that grows on you with each listen, and music, which is not all about the catchy guitar riffs, that doens't get old any time soon.


P.S. Otis, this Bullet for Cinderella band definitley sounds intersting, but I can't seem to find their stuff anywhere. Any tips?

[Reply #136 on:]

Ben, you've become long winded and sarcastic. 

Are you ok?   

[Reply #137 on:]

Ben, don't be a stranger.  Believe it or not, you're missed around here.

 

Originally posted by phat_slug:
 Like have you ever walked up to a cliff, and for the smallest fraction of a second, thought about just throwing yourself off?

No, never.

 

But if something comes along like an emotional song (and why would you sing about suicide in a positive way). Maybe you really didn't mean to. Plenty of times emotions make you do stuff you regret. Especially since in her case it seems like a slightly spontaneous occurance. I'd say blame goes 1) Friends who did nothing 2)Parents who found out too late 3)Band who wrote that song that pushed her over the edge. And #3 still gets plenty of blame. I mean, if it weren't for that song(s), would she still be alive today?

Who knows?

What I object to, it that however far down the blame-list the music is (and I put it waaaaaaay down), it get's pushed to #1, usually by the parents who are too damn oblivious to see what the real problem inherant was (be it lack of parental attention, or peer pressure/bullying).

In other news: I agree with the Perfect Cirle review, it gets better with each listen, and Judith is a fantastic song.

[Reply #138 on:]

 

Originally posted by phat_slug:
P.S. Otis, this Bullet for Cinderella band definitley sounds intersting, but I can't seem to find their stuff anywhere. Any tips?

Since writing that review, GM saw it, and has kindly managed to find it for me. She found it in a specialist alternative record store. There was only 1 copy left though. Big stores like Virgin and HMV are unlikely to have it I'm affraid. But if you know of any specialist alternative record stores near you, you might be lucky 

Also, here's a link to their record labels website, if you're interested. It's got a mini-bio on them, and I think you can order it off there if you to to the shop part at the top    http://www.noiserecords.com/mindset/bio.html

[Reply #139 on:]

I wished you'd come here more often, Ben.  I like what you said, except linkin park is good...yeah.

I dunno, shall I review for fallen? maybe, if i do i'll wait a while.

[Reply #140 on:]

 

Originally posted by Metdude:
Not sure if I would call At The Drive-In hardcore. If you want hardcore, check out Biohazard or Agnostic Front.

someone say hardcore?




shikari - robot wars

released: 2000
label: deadlock records
total playtime: 13:44

track list:
1. post student syndrome
2. copycat
3. robot wars
4. ...and just when i thought i had it all figured out
5. written in some depressive mood
6. encounters
7. you know so well
8. fuel

when a hardcore band manages to record their song in the kuschelrock studios in bremen, one should be careful. if that band also sells t-shirts saying "death to false hardcore" one should be really careful. if the band is called shikari (which is japanese for corpse-hunter, btw) you better run.
this is true hardcore, stuff that'll send home most hatebreed, sick of it all, (late) biohazard or the "oh-god-we-are-so-hard" slipknot-fans crying. imagine an incredibly loud and aggressive sound-wall of metal-riffs turned to hardcore, a bass and a double-bassdrum playing at machine gun speed and a singer trying to scream against this noise.
if you ever happen to be in a pissy mood, this is the music to listen to. if you ever happen to be on a search for a soundtrack for a shooting, this is the music.
this record is short but more musicial brutalitiy would probably not bearable anyway. the only negative points about the record i have is the lack diversity, especially compared to later releases like the self-titled 4-song ep on level plane records (with the genius dead men, which i really recommend you to download) or the split with seein red. also the songs aren't as complex as they could be (see later releases again).

the definition of brutal hardcore. 7.5/10

related links: shikari - official website, download of dead men at level plane records, this dutch fansite offers all releases apart from the level-plane one as mp3s (mp3 section).

[Reply #141 on:]

:: runs up and hugs Ben ::

Yay! Someone else who disliked Evanesence and Linkin Park! Oh, and it's good that you're back, too.

I just heard on the radio that A Perfect Circle should have their second album out sometime in the fall, possibly September. Check it out.

[Reply #142 on:]

Lenny Kravitz - Greatest Hits
2000

1. Are you gonna go my way
2. Fly away
3. Rock 'n' roll is dead
4. Again
5. It ain't over 'til it's over
6. Can't get you off my mind
7. Mr cab driver
8. American woman
9. Stand by my woman
10. Always on the run
11. Heaven help
12. I belong to you
13. Believe
14. Let love rule
15. Black velveteen

I love this CD, it's just so awesome. I always loved 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' ever since it was released in 1993, and it opens up this greatest hits comp with a blast. Then follows the number 1 hit 'Fly Away', proving that great songs can make number 1. I've liked a lot of Lenny Kravitz's stuff over the years, but I've only really liked his hits, and found a lot of the other stuff on his albums weaker, and filler. This album takes the best stuff from all his albums, released last millenium. It's an awesome compilation, and it flows amazingly well too. Despite different productions, and a wide experimental range of instruments on different songs, this whole CD fits together and flows perfectly. Also, I particularly love 'It Aint Over Till It's Over', and 'Rock n' Roll Is Dead'. A new track was recorded for this comp too, called 'Again'. It's a really good rock song, nice change fill in the middle too, it's a welcome addition, as is this CD to anyomes collection, clool funky stuff! 

9/10

[Reply #143 on:]

 

Originally posted by evan:
Yay! Someone else who disliked Evanesence and Linkin Park!

Damn money grubbin' bastards...

[Reply #144 on:]

I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

[Reply #145 on:]

U2 - 7

According to a sticker on the shrink wrap, "A Target Exclusive."  It features 7 songs for $7.  Hmm.

Anyway:

1) Summer Rain: Fun, good acoustic guitars (yeah, I like acoustic anything, basically.  Real men play real instruments).

2) Always:  Good stuff.  Certainly more electronic noises.

3) Big Girls are Best: I think the name says it all.  Kinda weird, not a sound I'd normally associate with U2

4) Beautiful Day (Quincey & Sonace Remix): I used to think that the DMB "When the World Ends" remix from the Matrix Reloaded soundtrack was the worst remix known to man.  Boy, was I wrong.  Excerpt: "boom chicka chicka boom It's a beautiful day boom chicka."  Seriously, it didn't sound like anything a 12-year-old with a $15 synth couldn't do.  7:56 too long.

5) Elevation (Influx Remix): A much, much better remix than the previous track.  Not as good as the original, but still enjoyable.  I still don't think the remixer did enough - he could have done so much more with it.

6) Walk On (Single version): Eh, I liked the CD version better

7) Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of (Acoustic): The reason I bought this cd, since I'm a sucker for acoustic versions, and it didn't disappoint.

[Reply #146 on:]

here's another one of my reviews nobody ever reads or comments on.



north of america - brothers, sisters

released: 2003
label: level plane records (usa) / rewika records (europe)
total playtime: 45:27

tracklist:
1. keep it on the download
2. wet to dance
3. let's get sick to our stomachs
4. you want to join my cult
5. all actors are liars
6. oh my god, oh my god, everybody, oh my god
7. the fix is in
8. voting "no" on the warming of antarctica
9. yes to yes, cursed to the cursed
10. don't ask me how i did it (i'm a young turk)
11. let's get tight

don't you just love it when bands improve? and isn't it great when a band you've known for quite some time releases, after a while, their best album ever? i certainly think so and this is probably why i live brothers, sisters as much. while their previous releases were pretty good they weren't exactly balanced. while these songs are cursed and the sepultura were on the poppy side, this is dancefloor numerology was just violent, nervous math/noise/whatever-core.
with brothers, sisters, the norts combine both styles into a great mixture. i could try to come up with musicial references now ("think shellac, at the drive-in, trail of dead, pavement, etc." ) but actually, that's just dumb for a band that has released 5 albums already. this album sounds like the norts having a lot fun and recording a cd without any pressure.
but that doesn't mean the music isn't complicated or deep. actually, the album never gets boring, every song offers lots of twists and when you listen to it at first, you can bet your butt the song isn't going to do what you expect it to do even within the next 10 seconds. add to that more melodious vocals, a nice mixture of pop (alternative pop though) and noise/math-rock and you're there.
the highlights of this album are, in my opinion, wet to dance which, despite having some great lyrics, directly goes to your feet and makes you wanna dance (dance-able math-rock - ever heard of that?), the calmer oh my god, oh my god, everybody, oh my godand finally my favorite, voting "no" on the warming of antarctica which combines a great noise-intro with a chorus you have to sing along to. other great songs are the opener keep it on the download and their ode to halifax (their hometown) the fix is in.

now with fugazi, jawbox, at the drive-in and shellac pretty much out of business, this is the band all of you have been looking for (if you liked these bands, that is). brothers, sisters offers great rock by band which takes the music but not their attitude all too serious (just have a look at song titles like "oh my god, oh my god, everybody, oh my god" ). in short: north of america fucking rule (musicially and personally - they're nice guys).
i say: hell yeah, we want to join your cult. 9.5 / 10 buy this record.

related links: rewika records, level plane records. songs that can be downloaded as mp3s are linked above in the tracklist.

[Reply #147 on:]

Prodigy - Music For the Jilted Generation
1994

1. Intro
2. Break & Enter
3. Their Law (Featuring Pop Will Eat Itself)
4. Full Throttle
5. Voodoo People
6. Speedway (Theme from Fastlane)
7. The Heat (The Energy)
8. Poison
9. No Good (Start the Dance)
10. One Love (Edit)
The Narcotic Suite
11. 3 Kilos
12. Skylined
13. Claustrophobic Sting

Moving on from the rave scene with their first album 'The Prodigy Experience', here Liam Howlett totally redifines the Prodigy sound, while still giving it his unique touch. As the vocal sample in the intro says, he's taking it back underground. This is where the new journey starts, and as well as being underground, from the very first second you can sense a darker sound and force coming into play too, with more atmosphere.

After the short, yet atmospheric intro, 'Break & Enter' quickly follows on, carrying on the dark underground vibe, but taking it further as it builds up. I love every track on this album, but this is my absolute favourite, and not just on this album, but ever! It immediately kicks in with it's underground beat, very hard, and fast. Then it gradually builds up, but this is nothing like a typical dance song or hard house song, this is in a world of it's own. And soon the sound of smashing pottery gets added to the drums, along with other high pitch synth sounds. Then after all that enery, the beat is then pushed into the background on it's own, and some heavy breathing layers over it, making it tenser. It's gets you on edge, and it's a total contrast, then suddenly it stops, and then the beat and pottery comes smashing back in. Only this time, an amazing and almost haunting bassline is layered with it and the track continues to build up. Also some beautiful strings are layers into the mix adding even more atmosphere and giving it more depth and contrast.

The bassline itself is very unusual, and changes from high to low in an almost random pattern, yet still sounds so whole and fits seamlessly to the rest of the track driving it along. Only a genious could create such an amazing piece of music. But the best is still yet to come. Next is the amazing synth line. This part is my favourite part of the song, and of any song. It's so beautiful and captivating, with so much atmosphere and depth. It's heaven for my ears, and then the rest of the track comes smashing back in, and the synth and basslines are played together as if they're long lost brothers. Throughout this a small vocal sample is also played, from Baby D. It's been changed a bit, and also fits with the song perfectly giving it another dimension, yet still letting the music itself breathe.

The song continues, on it's increadible strength and power until a new synth line is added. It's extremely high pitch, just like much of the song, and kinda acidy. Although this is even higher, taking the music to even further extremes. It's also contrasting to the main synth line, and plays it's own seperate part in the song. And then coms the breakdown. I kinda swurly going down effect, with the strings layered over it, and then the second synth line being broken down and half played over it.

Then the song carrys back on, transending between different layers, and at one point near the end simply having everything taken out and just left with the drums and smashing pottery effects. And then it finishes like it started, hard and fast. Holy Moly I can't believe I wrote all that just about one song! You can tell I really like it      If I carry on like this though it's gonna be more like an essay than a review...

Carying on is 'Their Law'. This is a slower song, but just as hard. Here Liam breaks all previous rules of dance music, and mixes guitars into it, which play a big part of the song. This song is a total rebellion to the law, and authority. Liam was really pissed off with all the authoritys killing the rave scene with their anti-noise pollution measures, and this is what fuelled the song.

'Full Throttle' is an amazing dance song, very complicated with loads of different segments and build ups. Also, it has a lot of atmosphere. Then comes 'Voodoo People', one of the singles from the album. An amazing synth line and hard beats. 'Speedway' follows, it's a totally different type track in structure. Very intense, and I used to feel it wasn't as strong, but I've grown to love it. Just like every track, it's essential to the album, and makes it more cohorently whole. At the end of this track, we get a chilled out vibey fill, before building into the next track 'The Heat (the energy)' Interesting structure, hard and unusual. The perfect preperation for 'Poison', which is probabaly my second favourite on the album. It was the last track to be completed for the album, and it shows because it captivates a different end on the jilted spectrum. A very complicated track, in which Maxim take the mic for the first time, and to great effect. Also, this track uses real drums in the second part, another raraity in dance music of the time which Liam explores. It just shows how creative he is, and how he doesn't limit himslef in any way, and this is shown again even further in the last 3 tracks.

Then 'No Good (start the dance)' follows, a perfect contrast to the dark brooding Poison. After going to one side of the Jilted spectrum, were plunged straight back to the other. Awesome track, very energising. And after that, 'One Love', the fisrt single from the album thunders is with it's tribal drums.

And finally the last 3 songs are called 'Narcotic Suite'. This is the most experimental part of the album, and Liams creativity and talent continues to shine, in a new light. A lot of natural instruments are used like flute and didgeridoo. All three songs are amazing, blending digital and natural instruments togather. And we climax with the increadibly dark 'Claustrophobic Sting'. This is the most electronic of the 3 final tracks, wrapping the album up in a dark atmospheric hard beats.

I just love this album, just like all Prodigy albums, so much! But this is my favourite. It's amazing to think Liam didn't even use a computer on this album either. He blended all different types of music together, from rock, to natural stuff and mixed it into his own hard, creative dance mix. I don't like most dance music, I find a lot of it too mechanical for my tastes. But Liam somehow managed to give Prodigy's music a human touch, it comes from within him, not the machines, they're just the tools to make it. And he has a really great ear for sounds too. Also, I think he's the best producer ever, and he produces all of Prodigy's music, and all of Prodigy's songs have amazing production. His songs have such a diversity in structure as well, and they're all very different to each other.

I could probabaly write an essay on every single track, but in short the Jilted Generation is my favorite album ever! And it definately has a retro sound too it, you can tell it's from the mid 90's. But that's not a bad thing, I actually think it's a good thing. A lot of music can sound dated when it sounds like it came from a certain era, but I feel this somehow enhances the Jilted eneration, because although it sounds like a mid 90's album, it hasn't dated one bit, never will. It captures the time, but preserves the freshness. It's timeless! This is the uniqueness and genious of Liam Howlett of The Prodigy.

10/10

[Reply #148 on:]

SpacemanSpiff what are you talking about? several people commented on your post of the Mars volta. I havent liked rock music in a few years but this album has turned me back onto it. I also heard North of America's new album which i didnt like as much, but maybe that attitude will change after a few more listens.

[Reply #149 on:]

 

Originally posted by SpacemanSpiff:
here's another one of my reviews nobody ever reads or comments on.

yay finally album that i have   

 

north of america - brothers, sisters

released: 2003
label: level plane records (usa) / rewika records (europe)
total playtime: 45:27

tracklist:
1. keep it on the download
2. wet to dance
3. let's get sick to our stomachs
4. you want to join my cult
5. all actors are liars
6. oh my god, oh my god, everybody, oh my god
7. the fix is in
8. voting "no" on the warming of antarctica
9. yes to yes, cursed to the cursed
10. don't ask me how i did it (i'm a young turk)
11. let's get tight

don't you just love it when bands improve? and isn't it great when a band you've known for quite some time releases, after a while, their best album ever?

i have only 2 albums so i cant really say if it's the best one...

 

the highlights of this album are, in my opinion, wet to dance which, despite having some great lyrics, directly goes to your feet and makes you wanna dance (dance-able math-rock - ever heard of that?)

oh my, yes!!

 

and finally my favorite, voting "no" on the warming of antarctica which combines a great noise-intro with a chorus you have to sing along to.

it's my favorite song too!   
"Ship and captain" is great too.

 

now with fugazi, jawbox, at the drive-in and shellac pretty much out of business, this is the band all of you have been looking for (if you liked these bands, that is). brothers, sisters offers great rock by band which takes the music but not their attitude all too serious (just have a look at song titles like "oh my god, oh my god, everybody, oh my god" ). in short: north of america fucking rule (musicially and personally - they're nice guys).
i say: hell yeah, we want to join your cult. 9.5 / 10 buy this record.

related links: rewika records, level plane records. songs that can be downloaded as mp3s are linked above in the tracklist.

well i have to agree   . North Of America is very interesting band... i dont think it looks like ATDI or other bands, i think it's rather unique. The lyrics are quite interesting and music is not simple, it's just so different and amazing. what else to say, you said it all.   

---
i'm gonna write a review on Nine Inch Nails when i'll have a free time.

[Reply #150 on:]

Violent J-Wizard of the Hood - 2003

1.Intro
2.Let it Rain
3.Yellow Brick Alleyway
4.Homies to smoke with
5.Thug Whilin'
6.Horribly Horrifying
7.What you thinkin about?
8.Shiny Diamonds
9.Wizard's Palace
10.Axes Swingin'
11.Multiple myselves
12.Bloody dead bitch(bonus)
13.Wizard of the hood(bonus)

I bought this CD a few days ago. DAMN I thought. With the 6th Joker card (Wraith) ICP promised a new Juggalo world and maybe this is it. This isn't typical ICP, in fact, its better. I like the upbeat rap style of this CD. Now, don't get me wrong, ICP hasn't forgotten thier horror fans but this CD was just alot of fun. Violent J, with guest appearences by Shaggy 2 Dope, Blaze ya dead homie and Twiztid retells the story of Wizard of Oz Juggalo style.

I've been a Juggalo for some time now and this wasn't anything I was expecting but maybe thats a good thing. I hope that ICP will stick to thier horror stuff but I also hope J does a few more solos like this.

This CD is the bomb: 8/10

[Reply #151 on:]

Ahem. Thanks to you, Spiff, I "found" some North of America songs just the other day, as well as some by my brother's favorite, Jedi Mind Tricks.

And, if I ever get around to it, I could review The Soundtrack of Our Lives, The Cure's Greatest Hits, or something else that I bought and needs reviewing.

[Reply #152 on:]

I was gonna comment on how cool your brother is, but then I realized you were talking about me.(anyway, he's very cool)
Uh, which songs? "Violent By Design" is a kickass album. ("The Deer Hunter," "Heavenly Divine," "Death March" and "Exertions" are my faves. All the interludes are radical too.)Their new one, "Visions Of Gandhi," is a little disappointing. (but it's still lovely)

[Reply #153 on:]

 

Originally posted by evan:
I just heard on the radio that A Perfect Circle should have their second album out sometime in the fall, possibly September. Check it out.

The new stuff is awesome. Thumbs up to them.

I got the new Chevelle album a while ago,but I've been putting it off. I just listened to it today, an it is very unique an compelling, i must say. I won't do a full review, because I don't have time and I don't know the songs well enough. But I will say that you need to be patient with this band. They will grow on you, at least that's how it was with me. That's why I waited so long to listen to it.  They're a combination of whispering, screaming and short singing. They have some great guitar styles, excellent. 

Since the whole LP/Evanescence was brought up the other day on the radio, it reminded me of this thread. Actually, LP an Ev are increibly different. In fact, the only thing they really have in common is rock. First of all, the guitar styles are very, very different. Very little mixing of rap is in Ev's music, just for effect at times. Chester does not scream all the time, either does Amy. Therefore you cannot say she is a female Chester. And another excellent point, since when has LP used the combination of piano and violins in their music? Violins, piano and rock are an awesome combo, if you listened to the Fallen album maybe you'd see(Whisper actually caused me to like violins! Wow!).

[Reply #154 on:]

 

Originally posted by SpacemanSpiff:
 someone say hardcore?

Excellent informative review.  I like the download selection because this is an awesome album that I can't find anywhere because I'm in the US.  I've been looking for it for a long time.  So I'm downloading a little of it, and I like it more and more the more of it I steal.  Almost as intimidating as Dillinger Escape Plan.  Maybe I can get it on Amazon or something.

[Reply #155 on:]

Here's one I've been promising for a while, but unfortunately couldn't get out of listening to The Mars Volta's album enough to listen to this.

Jane's Addiction - Strays



1.    True Nature
2.    Strays
3.    Just Because
4.    Price I Pay
5.    The Riches
6.    SuperHero
7.    Wrong Girl
8.    Everybody's Friend
9.    Suffer Some
10.    Hypersonic
11.    To Match The Sun

With former alternative heroes such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers currently ruling the mainstream, it was only a matter of time before the other major influence on the American alternative rock scene came back to show the young whipper-snappers how it's supposed to be done.

Well, they have, and then some.

"Strays" is an awesome album, chock-full of killer riffs which showcases Dave Navarro's soaring guitar work.  Not only that, they're damn good songs too, from amazing opener "True Nature" to killer single "Just Because" and "The Price To Pay" which starts as a ballad then kicks in to play out as a stomper.

Godfather of Lollapalooza, Perry Farrel's falsetto vocals are in good form too (from the first "Here we go", you know you're in for a ride.)

In the long-run, this'll match (or even surpass) seminal albums "Ritual De Lo Habitual" and "Nothing's Shocking", and their uber-single "Been Caught Stealing".

On the production side, Bob Ezrin's work is slick, bringing out all of the players, while also keeping it relatively light, rhythm section-wise.

Highly recommended. 8/10.

[Reply #156 on:]

Ah, I was thinking of buying Strays (along with Hoobastank's newest and the Foo Fighter's newest). You highly reccomend it, I'll guess I'll go for it.

[Reply #157 on:]

Betchadupa – The 3D EP (2001)

1. I Want It
2. Awake
3. Spill The Light
4. Man On My Left
5. Brighter Sound

New Zealand band, Betchadupa, are an alternative-rock group. They have a sound with harsh guitar and a lot of bass, with unique sounding vocals. Headed by Liam Finn, who is both the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band, Betchadupa are an exciting young band, with sounds similar to Blur, and have also been compared with Radiohead.

I Want It is a pulsating track, with a great guitar riff, and a strong bass line. This song really defines the band’s sound. Awake sounds similar to the first track, but also has an acoustic guitar added which you can really hear. Spill The Light is a slower, acoustic track, and shows that the band can play slower songs, as this song is certainly up there with the other tracks. The fast pace of Man On My Left is certainly a change from the previous track and it gets the heart pumping. The EP is finished off with another slower track, Brighter Sound, which although slow like Spill The Light, has a completely different sound, and it wraps up the EP very well.

This CD is a great to listen to, and the band is really another example of the new rock scene sweeping the world, with bands like The Hives and The Vines becoming popular, although the sound that Betchadupa make can hardly be likened to them. The EP is made up well with three exciting, pulsating songs, and two slower songs.

8/10

[Reply #158 on:]

Is liam Finn Neil Finn's Son or something?

[Reply #159 on:]

Quicky Review:

The White Stripes

Live on SNL.

This is my first exposure to this supergroup's live sound and stage presence.

Wow...they suck.

I liked 'em better when they were called The Stooges.