Song: "Dulcinea" Artist: Isis Album: In The Absence Of Truth (2006)
Annual overdose-on-Isis time again. It must be because they were one of my first artists here. I've been listening to that song a lot. (It could also be because of all of the damn rain and gloominess lately.)
Looking for that post, I discovered that I haven't posted another Isis track since those first ones. What the shit? So here you go.
As much as I pick on Isis and Isis clones, this song is pretty fucking amazing. Definitely a grower, so if you're not a fan of sitting still and listening to a song that's the length of 2-3 average songs, give it some time. The early middle and very end bits will reach your brain at some point.
Give or take a day, October 18th this year is my 10,000th day.
I wrote this in 2006.
anyway, today... THIS april 20th? i get to remember this day as the first time i ever heard "10000 days".
I heard Opiate, Undertow, and Aenima around the same time in my life. I might have overheard a couple of their popular songs on the radio before this time, but 1997 (when I was 15) is when I was first exposed to the band. About a year later, I decided to actively take an interest in the band's music. I listened to Aenima pretty much every day for a year, and therefore songs like "Stinkfist" and "Pushit" are strongly attributed to my teenage angst.
I heard Salival as it came out. I heard "Schism" the day it was put on the airways, and Lateralus close to the day it was released. Lateralus came out in 2001, during a very positive time in my life when I felt "connected" and loved, and I got to share my opinions of the album very closely with my boyfriend at the time. Things with the boyfriend turned sour, and by the time I saw Tool live that November, I had had QUITE a relationship with the album. This only grew over the next year, to the point that I couldn't, in any way, tolerate hearing Tool.
The first song I could find myself relating to again was "The Patient". Eventually I came around and could hear Tool again, though I maintained some distance from Lateralus, and I became "in love" with Undertow in ways I hadn't discovered before. (I mean, I was in LOVE with this album before... but coming back to it was fucking amazing. If I was put on a desserted island with only one thing to listen to ever again, it would be Undertow. It's that kind of <3ing, yo.)
It's been nearly ten years since I discovered this band.
10,000 Days seemed like a joke, at first. The as-yet-known artwork of the album is too similar to previous artwork, the name comes across as cliche, and the song names are ridiculously pseudo-intellectual. I'm still not even sure it's real, and I have it.
I debated for a while about if I'd wait until I have a physical copy of the album versus mp3s in order to listen to it. I knew it would become available before it really was available. I knew I would buy it no matter what the case, because physical CDs have MUCH clearer, cleaner, comprehensive sound than mp3s. Every band I appreciate and respect, I buy from. This was more of an issue of patience. Could I wait?
It came down to the fact that other people had the album and I KNEW they were going to spoil my reactions to the album. I want purity in the way I digest things. Otherwise, I'm inclined to hate. So, when it was offered to me, I took it.
.
From listening to the album once, and not really that attentively, I gather that this album is going to take some getting used to. Vicarious was relatively easy to get into and enjoy, but it seems that the rest of the album is going to take time to sink in. I probably won't know if I like the album for a while. This, for me, is natural.
Vicarious
First Impression: Dream Theater. The intro also reminded me of "The Grudge". The song itself reminds me of some sort of reverse version of "Aenema".
I like it. A lot. It's the best new song I've heard in years, perhaps even since the first time I heard "Reflection".
I like the lyrics, too, although they initially came off as a little weird. Something about them reminds me of A Perfect Circle, but it might just be because of the last APC album being rather political, and this song is just that.
Jambi
First Impression: Is that Slipknot? But then he starts singing, followed by Tool's token bass sound, and... oh, okay. It's not Slipknot. or Mudvayne. or any other band.
It sounds pretty cool. I think I'll like this one a lot in the future. I can't quite intellectualize the lyrics yet, but they seem pretty nice, too.
This song is way harder and immediately striking than what Tool usually does (or, at least, have done for a while).
It's also a really long song.
Wings For Marie
First Impression: Are you sure this wasn't supposed to be called "Wings for Enya"? What a dumb name. I thought this song would be silly or something ridiculous with a name like that, and instead it's very quiet and slow and building.
It kind of reminds me of a serious version of Intermission, because it's essentially the "beginning" of the next song, like Intermission is the beginning of Jimmy.
It's quietly emotional, much like the last tracks of Lateralus. It's "sad".
Anyway, Marie "will be waiting".
10,000 Days
First impression: Not much different from the song before it in its initial quietness or building nature, but it doesn't come across as sad. "Angry" might better sum it up at first. It has more of an intellectual "point".
Good god, this song is long.
It reminds me of Pushit in the way it curves around several times before reaching a point. It's an "experience", I guess.
Pink Floyd-ish...
The Pot
First Impression: I'll take anything after that, but something positive or funny or upbeat would be nice. And delivery is had!
Okay, even though the vocals are fucking weird, I LOVE this. I will be quoting this song to my grave.
This song doesn't really sound like the Tool I know, but it doesn't sound like anything else either.
Lipan Conjuring
First Impression: Short song = segue.
I had a laugh attack the first time I heard it.
Heh, I guess it kind of stands out on its own as a "song", but yeah.. heh. You can't really take it seriously.
Lost Keys
First Impression: Um, is there a point to this? I mean it sounds really cool and all, but does it really have to be so long? It sounds like it came out of a movie.
Rosetta Stoned
First Impression: Another epic drug song? Aren't there enough of-WOAH, WHAT THE FUCK?
I don't get it...
Someone's been hanging out with Jon Davis...
But then it changes, sort of. I don't know. This one is really hard to swallow. It's very different.
It kinds of reminds me of Aenema when all is said and done.
The later half of the song is less "difficult", but it's still really fucking intense. It never "lets up".
Intension
First Impression: Reminds me of a soundtrack, again. It sounds like this album is really experimental with the different styles Tool has previously used plus various new ones that have a sort of "industrial" relation, as far as that type of experimental shit goes. They've obviously grown as a band and as individuals, but still... the song comes across as vain (doing whatever just to make noise) and even infantile. I don't know if it's because of the previous song that it sounds like that, or what.
It sounds somewhat like Reflection does. It also reminds me of The Fragile-era Nine Inch Nails.
Right In Two
First Impression: This one sounds more welcoming than the previous few right from the start. Here is where Maynard uses some of the softer vocals he's been using with APC (especially on Thirteenth Step), with Tool.
I can't really understand the lyrics but they sound significant.
It's really calm and emotionally quieting for the most part, something you'd listen to while attempting to concentrate on a new idea. It's very, very "focused".
It's clear that a lot of people are going to like this song.
Viginti Tres
First Impression: Not a song?
I REALLY like the way the first few noises relate to each other. It reminds me of sparked flame, ovens, fire, breathing dragons, footsteps, hot electric fences, Myst, "the hum" that we all hear but don't realize it until it's so fucking quiet that it's ALL you hear, and it gets so loud that you can't hear anything BUT and your head feels like it's going to implode with this new information...
I wonder what this sounds like backwards? or sped up?
... And the album as a whole?
I was expecting more apparent or clear lyrics, and I didn't get that.
I was also expecting it to be heavier in a different way than it is, but it's still pretty fucking heavy in places.
I wasn't expecting it to relate so much to previous songs they've done.
It's different. I don't know how I'm going to relate to this album over time. Right now, I'm.. amazed but turned off and yet really drawn to it. I want more. It feels like merely a taste, yet a really fucking all-consuming taste. It's going to take me a lot of time to "hear" this entire thing, piece by piece.
I don't think this album is going to gain the same kind of fan base that Lateralus or Aenima drew in, since it's so beyond that of existing social tastes. You can't just put one of these songs on and listen to it as you do anything else you might listen to and simply move on from there. Well, I suppose you could try, but then you'd miss the point.
but yeah.
I'm in a daze. I don't even know what to think.
It's, in a word, amazing.
Over the next few days I kept writing about the album, and my mind changed on a few things. Especially "Jambi".
I don't know exactly what "hardcore" is, but this might qualify. I'm seeing more sludge/doom than anything, but there's some "hardcore" or maybe punk-ish element to it as well. Nice, warm sound.
These guys are doing some shows soon with Kylesa and Bison BC and I believe Red Fang as well, so... you know... if you like any of those bands, you'll like this one guaranteed.
Also, be sure to give this myspace track (and more) a listen because this band is criminally low on plays.
This song is great. great great great. Overused word, so strange in its ways, but still... great.
Brainstorming something to say, I remembered this:
When I was 12, I was invited with a couple of other family members my age to spend the night over at someone's ranch(?) off a river. They had a full-on all-day camp thing going on for a bunch of the boys and this was either the first or last day of the whole thing, so a lot of others were invited to camp for the afternoon/evening. I'd never been there before.
All in all, it was cool. But my niece and I get bored so we had to go get in some trouble. We left the campsite to go hang out at the actual house on the property hoping to find something interesting. There was about a mile long windy road through the forest to get there, so we caught a ride from someone who was going back there anyway.
Unfortunately, the crowd was pretty thin at the house and though we went through the people's house and went to the river and hung out for a bit with some people sitting in a hot tub that was way too damn hot, it was pretty boring.
We were sitting inside for a while trying to decide what to do with ourselves, when we noticed... Hey, where did everybody go? All of the cars were gone from the driveway. We were the only ones there. They'd fuckin' left us. And it had gotten dark...
If I had been alone or with someone I didn't know well, I probably would have stayed at the house. There would have been something interesting in there to do, and then there's that warm bed thing that's so great. but yeah. I was with my niece, who is crazy and flipped out and said we HAD to make it back to camp. We'll have to walk.
At first this didn't seem like a horrible idea. It wasn't too long of a car ride. It was all paved road, and all we'd have to do is follow the road. The camp was right off the road...
But yeah, we didn't take into account that the house lights were lighting the road where we stood and there were no more lights after that... and the road was entirely covered on both sides and above by forest... when it was dark. We walked about a half of that road in complete pitch darkness, NO light WHATSOEVER, holding onto each other and dragging our feet to make sure we were still on the road. We were both yelling about not wanting to be attacked by mountain lions. I kept thinking we were walking off the skinny road, freaking out and stopping. I think she cried, and if not she certainly sounded like it.
Nobody gave a flying fuck when we got to the camp.
If I had any sort of fear of the dark then, it certainly isn't around anymore.
Song: "Grim Reaper Blues" Artist: Entrance Album: Prayer of Death (2006)
No idea how I missed this before tonight. I was doing my rounds and finally someone updated Nebula's tour page with a Portland date. It seemed logical but I couldn't be sure til I saw that. This band opens, and I went looking for a sample.
I found this.
I knew Paz was still around making music but I never followed her. That's too bad, because this hardly ruins the image in my head of what APC was when it was great... what with being a completely different genre and all.
Stoner rock and assorted 60s/70s-inspired creepy nonsense:
I downloaded a 2006 SXSW comp sometime last year and didn't get around to skimming through it until last night... and only then because I noticed it was eating up 2.5GBs of needed space. So, I went through it and gave every song on it 1-2 seconds to impress me.
Naturally, it was soaking in sappy garbage. Even bands I knew seemed weak by association. There were a few interesting ones, though. I'd obviously heard of Minsk and Nadja, Baroness and Akimbo, but there were a few bands on it that were familiar in feeling yet I'd never even heard of them. God's Temple was one of them.
From what you can download at Sludge Swamp or hear on last.fm, this band sounds fantastic. I'm having a tough time trying to pinpoint why they're familiar exactly, but they have a fairly universal sludge/doom sound. They're more upbeat and "lively" than what you'd expect from a band with 10+ minute songs, though, so those of you with my sort of ADD won't have a problem. Of what I've listened to, this is their slowest and most tense song.
If you've not heard this band before and you're coming from a musical background similar to my own or my blog friend associations... you will like this band. Guaranteed.
Song: "Wish" Artist: Dillinger Escape Plan Album: Plagiarism (2006)
DEP covers Nine Inch Nails' "Wish" from the Broken album. That song cannot be topped from its original format, especially not when played live, but this is a fair cover.
The first band I discovered going in to 2006 was The Gossip. I read about them on some obscure music website and listened to the only songs of theirs I could find, which was a grand total of two songs. I couldn't find SHIT on them. About two months after hearing them for the first time, they had a concert nearby and I finally found That's Not What I Heard. I asked a friend if they wanted to go because they'd bitched about me going to Fiona Apple by myself without telling anyone I was doing it. They said no. The place was too far out for me to get to and from entirely on my own, so I skipped it slightly pissed off about my daft friends.
Standing In The Way Of Control came out. I liked it okay but not in the way I liked the more raw sound from the other stuff. Somehow, from it, they became insta-popular. I have to say I'm still a little annoyed that I never made that show, their "last" as a semi-obscure band where their fanbase wasn't yet made up of socially climbing fucking idiots.
It took me a really long time to find the album Superjudge by Monster Magnet for some reason. I didn't actually get a copy until 2005. Initially, besides the more acoustic tracks, it sounded like shit to me. Just pointless noise. I knew it would just take time (even though no Magnet record had ever taken me long to get into). I tried to come back to it, but didn't really succeed in any breakthroughs.
I was about to write it off, when suddenly I had "Evil" stuck in my head. YER A LONG WAY FROM HOME... It wasn't the noisiest track, but it was more on that spectrum. Interesting. I started coming back more often... Slowly, each song was sticking. It'd been at least a year since I fell in love with "Third Alternative" (going by the evidence that I named a website "third alternative" in 2004), and I was appreciating similar lyrics... but I hadn't listened to any new/relevant metal after Tool turned on me, and this was a little surprising.
I had a crush on a guy who listened to the worst music in the world short of country, hardcore rap. I'm also pretty sure he had no idea who the fuck Nirvana was. My thought was, well, at least no music's going to get raped. Nevertheless, I had to turn the Monster Magnet off for a while because... Monster Magnet is greater than boys.... human beings in general. I tried to listen to entirely new shit, things "normal" people listened to that would go away in a month when it got tiring to the masses, when I got tired of blatant musical idiocy.
And then I found youtube. People had songs in their videos. Because I was listening to crap, I discovered Scissor Sisters and Lily Allen and loved the fuck out of them both.
Tool's 10,000 Days came out. I tried my best to wait for it to actually be physically released, and I was doing really good. I avoided every website that might talk about it. But, one of my friends who I could not avoid and knew would talk about it (probably purposely just to piss me off) downloaded it... It was, do I let him ruin it for me or do I just download it now?
It was fucking great... Especially "Jambi". Most of my associates at this time went nutty over "Rosetta Stoned", but I feel Jambi's the true winner. I listened to it every... single... day. I couldn't leave the house without some Jambi.
At this time, I met a new guy. He seemed interesting, and knew plenty about music, and seemed to have diverse tastes despite being a bit stuck on metal-isms and extremely strong opinions. I think we had one good month of contact before we got into a huge fight, obviously about music, to the point that it was fucking impossible to talk to him after that even though we never talked about the reason for the fight again. He kept saying other shit, random things that seemed like he was trying to control what/how I thought... which was ultimately incredibly inspiring (resulting in Sounds of Sagittarius) but at the time I was frustrated as fuck by it.
He threw Meshuggah at me, some songs from Catch 33. Yeah, that's where a beginner on Meshuggah who hasn't listened to much actual metal in their life wants to start. Great job. I obviously didn't like it.
He talked about a bunch of other bands. Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan, Mindless Self Indulgence, Mastodon... I knew Mastodon was touring with Tool, so I gave them a listen. Nope, still too "out there". I needed a bridge to cross this river...
I kept coming back to "Iron Tusk". I kept confusing it with "Iron Swan" by The Sword, a band who I'd downloaded the year beforehand who was also a little over my perspective at the moment, so I kept coming back to The Sword as well... Hm, "Freya"...
My friend had whined about Isis being great, so I was expecting them to actually be great. I saw them open for Tool. At this point I was completely jaded on anything my friend was telling me or saying in general... Isis sucked live.
To go with my Scissor Sisters and Lily Allen, I bought She Wants Revenge. This was a little bit of compact brilliance for a while.
My life changed a bit about this time, and I had more actual free time. I tried to put together a list of all of the bands I'd listened to, ever. I didn't complete it by any means, but I asked people to help me fill in the blanks. A couple sent a bunch of bands my way, most of which I knew by name but had never actually listened to...
The first one was Ministry. I swore I'd heard Ministry before because I knew their name and had an idea of what they were like... but damn, I hadn't actually listened to them. This took up some time...
The other major band was the Melvins. I knew them, I'd seen them on tv at some point in my youth, I knew who Buzzo was... but god damnit, I hadn't actually ever listened to them. Why not?! I went about randomly getting the albums that contain "With Teeth" and "June Bug" for reasons that should be obvious... sat on those a bit... needed to get more... and they released A Senile Animal. I'd jumped on this train right on time - this album is fucking amazing. Awesome? One of those words.
At this point I was pissed that these bands had existed my entire life (literally), I had had opportunities to see them as a living band, but nobody around me then knew music or cared about music. I was discovering them very late in the game. While it would be understandable that I'd discover a band like Led Zeppelin or The Doors "late in the game" due to their lack of relevance to the music I grew up on and me being younger than their albums, the Melvins was inexcusable. Why had NOBODY, EVER told me how good this was? Why did nobody I ever knew talk about them? Did anyone I knew even know them? Why was everyone jerking off about Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains back in the day... when two steps to the left there was this GREATER band?
Meanwhile, Blood Mountain came out and I finally downloaded it around December. It might have taken ten minutes total for me to lose my fucking mind. Well, twelve and a half minutes is the length between "The Wolf is Loose" and "Sleeping Giant". I was immediately sold on "Sleeping Giant".
Song: "IronSwan" Artist: The Sword Album: Age of Winters (2006)
This song has infected my brain since I last saw them. Time to post it, eh?
Wildly assuming you've yet to hear or get to know this song: precious wittle fwuffy bunny intro meets an almost thrash metal drop off point + typical stoner mood-swings galore. The first vocals aren't found until two minutes in, which is an asset. There is variety, which you all know I love because I have the aesthetic ADD. Listen.
Song: "Jambi" Artist: Tool Album: 10,000 Days (2006)
This has been deemed the greatest song to visit mankind in all its history, and it is yours for the listening now that you've put up with a bunch of stupid song posts. Be gentle with it, it's still just a baby song yet to grow into its awesomeness. Also be careful to pay attention in particular to 3:20 onwards.
I'm not sure what else to say about it, at this moment, but I'm sure someday I'll edit this entry with something thoughtful.
I wonder what the second best song ever is. Perhaps... SATAN?! Not to detract from Tool or anything, but... god. Black Cobra = amazing.
Song: "Tear You Apart" Artist: She Wants Revenge Album: She Wants Revenge (2006)
heh! Yeah. How about this one?
I saw this band live the year this album came out. It was a fucked up day/night as a whole, something I hope remains unique. It might just be because I was into this kind of sound then and the timing was right, but I liked the show itself - their performance and energy. I don't clearly remember much about it now other than the negativity from the night, but... I still have fond thoughts of the band. Which is something considering my non-liking their latest album.
Song: "Bad Bhang Recipe" Artist: Grails Album: Black Tar Prophecies Vol's 1, 2, & 3 (2006)
This is approximately how I feel today. It was more likely the trek than the experience itself, but thanks Black Elk and Red Fang! I always wanted to have a hangover without drinking!
I haven't posted this yet? Well shit, here you go. Too bad the sound on this video isn't better, because if you haven't heard the song before you may be dissuaded. I, however, encourage you to check this band out through another means. It's worth it.
PS. Sludge.
PPS. I just noticed I posted the previous Rebreather song during Sun in Leo, Moon in Libra. Sun's in Aquarius now, Moon in Aries. Exact opposite Sun and Moon signs. COINCIDENCE?! Perhaps.
PPPS. Fucked up, I posted about the same Kyuss song at the Moon sign beforehand both times, too! "100 Degrees": Sun in Leo, Moon in Virgo. Mention of "100 Degrees": Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Pisces.
Since I've got nothing for you, I'll have to describe them. The Faint +/- one or two drinks and a slightly more masculine singer, Goldfrapp on crack instead of heroin, Le Tigre minus feminist angst, and !!! without pretentiousness. So very not for the metal types that visit here most, but it's good for what it is: bassy, dancable electronic rock. If you haven't heard Ghostland Observatory before, get this album.
This song is more laid back than the rest of this album which makes it stand out quiet a bit. It's nice in its calmness...
Well guess what. I've got nothing for you on this one. You can't even look it up. I have found no confirmation on the fact that this even exists. But I have it, and it certainly sounds like Tweak Bird, and they reference each other in the songs... so I'm going to make a judgment call on this one and say it does, in fact, exist.
That said, this song has been stuck in my head for a few days now. It's contagious, like the herpes, except you probably won't get it because google failed today.
I forgot about posting this approximately a year ago and it just came up on random. So, here it is.
This song is kind of boring, being that it emulates Sleep in the fact that the song is the same crap over and over. You have to be in the mindset for it. However, if you are, it's nice and warm.
This song is one of a few that revived/refreshed present-day music for me and sent me on my current path. It is, naturally, a wonderful song. Internet-based listens are not doing this song justice, however, so get the album.
Song: "Assassin" Artist: Muse Album: Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
It took me a long time to actually get into Muse, and I'm still not over the feminine vocals or the fact that they're, well, radio garbage... but they nevertheless put out some really good songs, both on this album and otherwise.
I'm not sure how to describe this song at the moment, but if you haven't heard it before methinks you should give it a listen. Just the opening little piece is worth it.
Yep. I'm in a bit of a musical/expressive rut, likely due and advanced by the fact that nothing is happening. It snowed five or six days ago and has yet to go the fuck away, and we here in Lots Of Hills are practically trapped until the thermometer rises and stays above 32 degrees. Strangely, I am not bored. Yesterday I discovered I was a direct descendant of William the Conqueror. This may or may not explain everything.
I dedicate this song to my cat, Jack. He's the cutest little fucking bastard I'd like to kick for my own amusement, ever.
Don't worry, PETA! I only kick HACKS when he's sleeping! When he dies, inevitably for being a lazy sleepyhead, I'll sew his CUTE!! fuzzy carcass to the other dead cats waiting in my freezer so I have a nice sweater to wear on chilly days such as today. I can't wait!
You know... when this came out, I really did not think I'd still be listening to it a few years later. I assumed, like most trendy bullshit bands, I'd like it for a month or two and then it would go away. It did go away, yes, but eventually it came back.
Song: "Eyes in Disguise" Artist: Danava Album: Danava (2006)
I was thinking about annoying vocals and this band came to mind of many, especially with this song. If you're not paying attention when this song shifts from instrumental to having lyrics, you might not notice the voice... but give it a couple of minutes, and it becomes progressively harder to ignore. Thankfully, just when the vocals become irritating, the song shifts again. The music itself makes "Eyes"... which is a massive understatement. This song is sooo good. Just, that building couple of minutes of singing is... wow. Really? Are you sure about that?
Song: "The Wolf Is Loose" Artist: Mastodon Album: Blood Mountain (2006)
Today the song stuck in my head is ...
Thanks, annoying video I watched this morning to find out if Mastodon's next album was coming out soon..!
And you know what else is loose? That girl you just impregnated. I mean, if you're going to hang out with morons, the least you could do is take preventative measures against showcasing your own stupidity. But thanks, now we all know.
After I got over the initial "moment" of this album, this song only fits certain moods for me. I recognize it as nice, but it really only seems to get through during quiet times when I've got nothing left to spend on heavier, louder, faster, or more complex songs.
I do still remember laughing seeing this song live, though. During the "time and space" lyrical parts, he paused to pose between lines, like he was waiting for a train for just an instant.
I think we've gone over the stupid shit I laugh at in this blog before... but I have one more.
Song: "Beneath" Artist: Black Cobra Album: Bestial (2006)
Finally, some post-Sunn emotional/physical relief. I haven't been listening to BC much in recent weeks, obviously because I have overdone it. But ah... Hearing this song today made me feel 100x better. Especially in knowledge that, in just minutes, "Omniscient" was coming up.
I'm pretty sure these guys have become my favorite band of the past year.
Alright, back to the scheduled program. This was too hard to find when I was first looking, so I didn't give this a chance until recently. It's a bit unassuming with its intro, as may be a universal "issue" with this band, but it gets pretty good about a minute in.
Song: "Black Liner Run" Artist: She Wants Revenge Album: These Things EP (2006)
I haven't done She Wants Revenge yet. Granted, they took a turn that doesn't sound so nice to me, but their first album is pretty good.
If you don't know this duo yet, you'll like them best if you have some kind of electronic background, whether that's 80s dance or industrial - they're heavily influenced by bands like Depeche Mode. The vocalist can be a little annoying in that he tries to get too many words in a single song and sometimes isn't really singing, but it nevertheless adds character to an overdone genre.
As for this song... if you've ever been a fan of the internet, as in the thing you're using right now, you're going to like it for its lyrical beauty.
Song: "Sombra de Bestia" Artist: Black Cobra Album: Bestial (2006)
It's hard not to repeatedly and/or constantly post songs from this band lately. Have I lost my mind, or are these guys just really fucking good? I can't figure it out. I suppose my infatuation will pass, like all others, eventually. Seeing them live might do the trick. Or, even, make it worse. Then again, if I overdose, I avoid bands for months afterwards...
The song starts off lonely, sick, kind of creepy but sad, and builds into a weird sideways octopus march. I don't know what's going on lyrically (seriously, who does?), but the title is fairly accurate, musically. It's beautiful in its embrace of soul-weighted darkness, but still keeping it short and simple.
Song: "Global Warming" Artist: Gojira Album: From Mars to Sirius (2006)
It's been hot. Way too fucking hot. This should have been posted earlier since it seems the heat seems to be going slowly away, maybe, we can hope... but all the same, this song doesn't have much to do with temperature.
Hm. I put this song's epicness up there with something particular pretentious prog metal bands might do, but more straightforward and.. metal. And relevant.
Song: "I Can't Decide" Artist: Scissor Sisters Album: Ta-Dah (2006)
The videos I found suck, and a preview isn't right. Most of you won't like the Scissor Sisters because they're very "crack baby meets disco", so I suppose it doesn't matter.
Anyway, the singer is a double Libra. "It's not easy having yourself a good time" and "It's a bitch convincing people to like you" are lyrics that come out of this song. Gee, that's like me writing a song about screwing two young foreigners on a cloud made of giant Qs. Dude. Dude. Seriously? Seriously. And I wrote it with my twin brother-sister. But I have no twin. I'm a liar. Just kidding, I always tell the truth. That totally happened.
The singer also has a bit of Scorpio/Pluto going on, so... this is not the nicest song, lyrically. Musically, it's sure to annoy many because it has a twangy sound combined with dancey, repetitive rock. Still... still. If you can tolerate this, get their self-titled album. Genius.
I'm too tired to come up with anything but the genre "doom" for this song. Jucifer doesn't really fit in any particular genre. They're heavy and/or loud for the most part, but with female vocals and an experimental overall sound, it's... not easy. I get the feeling of an art project gone awry with this group, but I'm still new. This song is fairly concise, and I like it, so here you go.
Song: "The Cry of Melora" Artist: Black Cobra Album: Bestial (2006)
My love for Black Cobra... still so vast... origin still unknown, unclear... Why? Don't I wear too much pink for this?
Now that this band has been around my listening perspective a while, I can turn them on and go about doing things, unsurprised and unweathered, not really listening. This is fine, but certain subtleties are being lost in time.
This song starts out very heavy, just tense sound. At first it was boring to me, but then it stops and opens up into ridiculous noise (ridiculous in that there are only two instruments here!), getting louder and faster, and stopping on a turn at Mister Goldfish Killer's favorite mode of expression and what might seem more song-y to some, trailing off...
For some reason, all that noise and shifting is incredibly relaxing.
This song is not a good place to start if you've never heard this band before. On its album, though, sandwiched between "Omniscient" and contrasting "Broken On The Wheel", it's perfect.
I don't have any links for you just now, but you may know this song from Devo... since it's a cover of Devo's song of the same name. Naturally, it's better simply for the fact that Big Business is doing it.
In any case, it's stuck in my head. Both versions, now, since I had to listen to them both repeatedly to know I really wanted to post this song without a freakin' link. But soon, soon there will be one because I will make one.
All that aside, EE!
Update: I added a download link so you can hear the whole EP.
Song: "El Doce de Octubre" Artist: Black Cobra Album: Bestial (2006)
You can find this album online in various place if you're inclined to look. As may be clear from my previous Black Cobra posts, it's worth it. This band/duo is amazing.
Apparently "the 12th of October" the Sun is at 19 degrees Libra. If you're 26-31 years old, this song is conjunct your Pluto. If you previously didn't know that, you now do. Congratulations. Take your new-found intellectual herpes and spread away.
I was rather pleased when, after several months building up a fandom for this band, I found out that they are going to be doing yet another national tour and hitting my nearest big city. My summer is packed full of amazing shows, but I'm really looking forward to seeing this band.
You can listen to "Omniscient" on both their myspace and through the live video - the sound of the myspace track is close to what's on-album. If you haven't heard Black Cobra before, the song might be a bit too heavy on first listen, so I encourage you to check out other songs first and come back to this one when you're ready.
Otherwise, get your latent angst prepared and have at it.
Song: "Five Seconds" Artist: Peeping Tom Album: Peeping Tom (2006)
I heard about Peeping Tom and decided to check them out. I downloaded their recently released album, and started from the beginning.
I have issues with liking new music. Most music, at first, sounds like nothing more than noise. I usually have to come back to artists and albums several times over a long period before I really "get" it or even want to listen.
"Five Seconds" began, and I braced myself for the usual amount of disgust and disappointment - moreso because I hadn't researched the "band". Instead, I was instantly impressed. There aren't many artists who can do that.
"Toss You To The Wolves" is the song directly after "My Lil" on its album. I've never done this before... posted two songs from the same artist in the same day. So excuse me if this irritates your need for random.
What can I say about it, other than the vocals are, in short, memorable. The title of the song is a major lyric in the beginning of the track, and it is put in such a way that will make the darkly humorous part of you, assuming you have a dark side, smile with utter glee.
Somehow the worst singing ability ever makes this track really work.
I've been to quite a few live shows where the sound people have trouble accurately representing the main microphone in comparison to the rest of the instruments on stage. For bands whose lyrics or vocals are important to the overall sound of a song, this is extremely irritating.
This band, however, might benefit from muddled vocals. The music is pretty good, but... those vocals. Jesus, man. Take a breath.
This particular song is an extreme example of someone with built up tension. Those of you who don't find any humor in other people's angst will prefer "Who Knew", also available to listen at the link above.
Update: I finally saw this band live and, of course, the main vocals were muddled. I learned that I had grown to love those crazy vocals. PAAAAH!
Song: "Red Glow" Artist: Astrosoniq Album: Speeder People (2006)
And now for some friendly stoner rock. This particular song is familiar to Monster Magnet-Hawkwind for obvious reasons. Overall, this album (band?) leans towards a low, depressing sort of sound, which is apparent from this song.
I may or may not be in love with this song. I also may or may not know why this could possibly be. Who could have this much rage and still exist? I mean... the lyrics? Are those even lyrics? Is "BLEYH!" a word? but yeah, it's just this constant I AM GOING TO KILL MY GOLDFISH WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORK TODAY! PAIN AND TORTURE! RARGH!
And yet... it is good.
Anyway, the video doesn't do the song much justice. The subtle shifts in the song are important, which the video's sound doesn't pick up at all.
Song: "Soul of Fire" Artist: Witch Album: Witch (2006)
You will like this song if you like Black Sabbath and familiar 70s metal. Think along the lines of "Symptom of the Universe", although obviously not the same. Good song, very energetic while still staying within the lines of stoner rock.
I need a "watch for clones" street sign for my site.
If you have never heard The Mars Volta, consider yourself lucky and I encourage you to avoid them in the future. There is no hope for the rest of us.
This album sucks. It's, just, bad. TMV falls into the category of artists who put out an album and only two songs on it are worth repeat listens. This album is particularly struck by this - the rest of the songs aren't even worthwhile filler. Between this and their stream-of-consciousness lyrics & crazy sound, this band appeals most to kids who entirely believe that anything they do is cool if it's unusual. There should be a flyer in albums like this reading "Welcome To The New Cliche".
All annoyance aside, this band does seem to appeal in a strange, disconnected fashion. They do have tracks that are very striking. This is one of them.
Doom and electronica go together wonderfully, despite being in stark contrast of each other and 45:33 being largely commercial.
This song is 45 minutes and 33 seconds long. The first half is the best half. This is sort of like disco minus the HIV with one piece that's been redone as a single track called "Someone Great".
Song: "You Will Be Reincarnated As An Imperial Attack Spaceturtle" Artist: Behold...The Arctopus Album: Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning (2006)
If you ever want to feel like an impatient moron, bands like this will aid you on your emotional ADD adventure.
I love how this song starts... and then I get distracted. I repeatedly come back to the track thinking I can get through it this time, and if I have accomplished this I soon forgot.
This endeavor is not like with Sleep, where one wants to sleep, but more akin to a clusterfuck Dream Theater. Behold sounds like they spend their downtime snorting lines. Nevertheless, these guys sound like they're having a lot of fun.
I heard this song for the first time live, and it has become one of the better moments of live music for me. You may find this band or song somewhat obnoxious in their silliness, which is understandable, but I find this band to be exactly what heavy rock and "metal" is lacking: a sense of humor.
This is posted today because it looks like these guys are finally going to start touring again soon, starting with some European summer festivals. Historically speaking, I'm thinking that means they've got a new album coming out soon. Can't wait...
This is a building, initially quiet electronic(a) song, so you will need to be in the mood for this gentle, introverted style in order to get through it. You will like this most if you don't need introduction to the genre, but it's a fairly simple, easy to like kind of song regardless.
I heard The Knife first via songs like "Is It Medicine" and "Listen Now", which are pretty hyper songs. Hearing "Silent Shout" was very surprising. Bands tend to stick with what they're good at (in the former case, being obnoxious), not jump off into another genre. Even the vocals are toned down with Silent Shout.
If you have stereo headphones and this song makes you want to punch a raver in the face, give "Like A Pen" a listen. Fucked up. Reminds me of Bjork.
Doing a quick scan of their online discography, this band is not really SOS material as a whole. While it's an all-girl band and has some musical similarities to gods Le Tigre or lyrical similarities to Peaches, they somehow miss the mark.
This song, though, is simple and nice. Clearly I'm a fan of bass, especially when combined with lighter sounds (in this case, her voice).
Song: "Freya" Artist: The Sword Album: Age of Winters (2006)
Apparently this song is more popular than I thought. Since I rarely play video games anymore, I did not know this song was a track on Guitar Hero II. I suppose to make myself feel somewhat better about my ignorance, I discovered the band before the game came out. Lucky me...
In any case, this song is better than the video game would suggest. You will like it if you're a fan of any classic form of metal, with a leaning towards stoner metal. The vocals aren't the usual amount of screaming this genre entails, but they are nevertheless muddled and second to the music. I'm going to have to agree with last.fm saying that this band is closely related to Saviours, although it's more likely that you'll have heard The Sword before Saviours.
In any case, story time! Occasionally, I find interesting social situations for knowing things I'm not supposed to know because I'm "just a girl" or "seem too young". A few months after discovering this band, I went music-shopping to cater to my physical music collection which had been lacking (especially in comparison to how much I download). I took several albums under the overall genre of metal up to the counter, and though it was nothing too extreme, this inspired conversation with the cashier.
He asked me if I had heard the new Queens material yet. The two singles had just been released into the internet wilds two days beforehand so I wasn't 100% clear on the song names, but I had heard them.
Then he asked me if I had ever heard Witchcraft. Yeah, I said. I think they were here a few months ago, and I recall they had to re-schedule. His reaction to this was a silent "OMGZ!" He told me how much he liked seeing them.
He finished scanning the CDs, and apparently deciding he needed to sell me something, he asked me about The Sword. Heard them, too! I smiled.
I thought it was funny. Nothing like an educated consumer...
This song starts off like a Monster Magnet track and builds into something like High On Fire making out with the Melvins. I don't like to see names all over the Floor, but what I'm trying to say is that this is a good song and you should consume.
I see a tinge of Big Business comparison, here, too, since there are only two members of this band. I would say that their sounds are quite different, but then how different can bands who play the same instruments under the same overall genre (metal) be?
If you like this, check out "Omniscient" from the same album. It's on their myspace.
I think this is the loudest song I own. I own a lot of heavier songs, and a lot of other things that could out-do this song in many ways, but this is.. a very, very loud song. Especially that first bit. I am wondering if it has something to do with the production rather than the actual music. But, it is still quite loud...
It seems that these guys might be releasing a new album soon.
Damnit, Sounds. I had "Take Me To The Hospital" stuck in my head all day because of that. This is your fault. Also, why do I post more when I think I won't post at all, and vice versa?
Song: "Street Justice" Artist: MSTRKRFT Album: The Looks (2006)
This band is out of my comfort zone, and yet for a while I really liked them. I can't recall why or what this connection was. I am fearful of the end results of the act of hearing this band for the first time. Hopefully whatever it is will pass quickly and without memory.
Nevertheless, if you like electronic(a), you'll undoubtedly appreciate this group. If you haven't been introduced to them before and would like to be, the best place to start is with the song "Paris". It is muy bein, and it's a great introduction to their style (which goes off into WTFland with particular tracks... what's this shaking it to numbers business? I don't get it and I hope she dies in a fire, the annoying bitch).
Song: "Boys Wanna Be Her" Artist: Peaches Album: Impeach My Bush (2006)
You haven't lived until you've shown up for something wearing a shirt with a big gold rooster on it, and the nearest extremely animated gay guy tells you he lovesssssss your shirt. Gosh, now I know why I purchased such an article. Clothes like that deliver results.
This song will probably annoy most of you for reasons that will be obvious almost instantly. The first time I heard this, my reaction was sort of like "... wha..t the fuck?" followed by a giggle fit. For as annoying as it is, it earns its spot here for making me laugh.
Okay, first, the full name of the song is "Like The Howling Glory Of The Darkest Winds, This Voice Was Thunderous, And The Words Holy, Tangling Their Way Around Our Hearts And Clutching Our Innocent Awe".
Secondly, the track isn't as pretentious as the name may illustrate. It is, however, an epic song, not unlike the title. It's good, reminiscent of Isis but probably better.
Finally, this band is doing a small bit of touring soon on the east and west coasts with another band I've mentioned. You know you want to go see them.
This song is hard rock with hyper drums pieces that could qualify as metal, but it has a strangely feminine "indie" feel. The way the song moves is pretty cool, and therefore I have to recommend it.
I saw this song performed live, in person, and the singer's voice broke at the part where the vocals are supposed to get gradually and then suddenly very high (about 1:50 minutes in), which I thought was hilarious. I'm a jerk.
Happy Hollow is the 2006 album by the band Cursive. You can also download this song on their site.
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About this Archive
This page is an archive of recent entries in the 2006 category.
is the 2006 album by the band 