Song: "All That Remains"
Artist: 3
Album: The End Is Begun (2007)

Here's something I haven't done in a while! A song post! With its old format! Yeah, I fixed my fucking blog program. You should be proud I took that whole day of my life to re-install everything. And then even taking a whole 'nother day to change my layout. Oh Em Gee.

I'm still listening to the first half of this album regularly. Pretty drawn to "Been To The Future" lately, but this song has pretty catchy lines and a proper video to boot, so...

I looks like my old links to 3's myspace are broken. Here you go: 3's real myspace.

Dragontears. The first time I saw this band's name, I assumed they'd be some mediocre metal band, probably sounding like a whinier Opeth. Instead, upon pressing play, I heard psych rock in the vein of Hawkwind and Monster Magnet. Surprise surprise.

Most of 2000 Micrograms From Home sounds pretty mellow, but "Borderline" is upbeat and drives the revival 60s/70s psych rock sound home with that echoed synth. I'm thinking other songs on the album are better, but this is a fine place to start.

Check them out, maaaaan.

"RA" by Seven That Spells.
Black Om Rising (2007)

The first time I heard this song I was immediately reminded of the MYST soundtrack. It sounds like when you're "exploring" some creepy bedroom, particularly in the bit that doesn't contain any drums.

Short of my associations, this is really good. I wouldn't have been particularly receptive to it right when this album came out but it sounds great now. If only for this song, a hundred and one stars out of five.

When I did a quick search on Glazed Baby just then, I found this:

Whitey.

If you're familiar with Glazed Baby, Whitey sounds quite similar... More doomy and, I suppose, relaxed in sound. Give a couple of those tracks a sample... "Texxxass 69" is easy on the ears albeit probably a bit overwhelming for the average listener, "Resurrection Day" is bluesy, and even though I normally skip passed live tracks, I'm liking "A Sinking Ship"... The most of you will find it part of a well balanced musical diet.

Buy.

Song: "Gimme Back My Bullets"
Artist: Weedeater
Album: God Luck And Good Speed (2007)

This song is relaxed and good for relaxing.

I miss seeing these guys live... They don't seem like it by listening alone, particularly with a song like this that doesn't stand out above like most others they've done, but the two shows I've seen them do have been very nice. Warm and inclusive sound, and their stage presence is outstanding. I recall hearing/seeing this song and, despite being a bit underwhelmed by album listens, thinking it sounded great live.

See, in trying to find a link, I just found out it was a cover. I had no idea.... because I was born in the 80s.

Nevertheless, I've recently heard about them doing shows nowhere near here, and I'm jealous.

Song: "You Make Me Like Charity (live)"
Artist: The Knife
Album: Silent Shout (2007)

This is also on Deep Cuts, their 2003 album. The live version is a bit more compelling as its stretched out and more electronic/dance-y. A couple of the live videos they have are a little more interesting visually but this song is better in terms of a proper introduction.

This song makes me like prozac.

Song: "The Painted Desert"
Artist: Headdress
Album: Turquoise (2007)

I went through some old writings this morning and noticed (again) that I tend to go through phases of bands/types of bands. While I don't think the particular "psych" phase of this past winter has returned, it's strange that I keep listening to this. Why was this band's timing good for now? or, even, how can I consume this without a problem but bands of similar style I can't even spend a whole minute on before getting completely bored?

Anyhow... This is brilliant in its simplicity. There's not a whole lot going on here. Instrument, voice. It's pretty quiet. The vocals sound like they're recorded in a warehouse or bathroom with a very high ceiling, but I'm unclear on the instrumental echo. The mood is pretty compact... and the song sounds "fresh", like after rain sort of wet. Lyrics: "let me in"? Not sure what that has to do with painted deserts. The whole album has a hippie/indian theme so I suppose it's irrelevant.

Song: "Arizona"
Artist: Headdress
Album: Turquoise (2007)

My attention span has held out long enough to listen to this completely but not all at once. I may be deaf, but the album seems to repeat the opening song over and over throughout the album, but with different sort of mood. Overall, though, it's sad... and this song takes the cake on the sadness factor. Don't let it catch you in a bad mood or the birds and the emptiness at the end will eat your soul.

Amazing. Truly. Beautiful song.

Song: "Evil Eye"
Artist: Lions
Album: No Generation (2007)

Kind of like a more standard-rock version of Fu Manchu. Vocals a bit annoying to me, but they're not out of place. I just prefer a deeper, warmer voice. All the same, the song is good. I like it.

Oh yeah, and they're doing a show with Red Fang in August. The bands definitely blend together well.

Song: "Dunwich"
Artist: Electric Wizard
Album: Witchcult Today (2007)

This was my second post at this blog, ever. It bears repeating. Also, I haven't posted something from EW in 8-9 months. It's about time. Fuck something new, this is great.

Today I learned that Tweak Bird is opening for Tool at various shows in the US. It makes sense given that Tool toured with Melvins several times, who toured with Big Business, and Big Business toured with Tool a bit, and Big Business' newest member produced Tweak Bird's album... but in the same, fucking wow. That was unexpected and pretty cool news to hear. I wish they were coming here (to an indoor arena). I'm not very optimistic about summertime Tool-having over here, but all the same... I hope the duo of bands wanders this way.

And also it'd be nice to see Tweak Bird in a larger place. Not that I don't like being up front and able to see everything going on, but bigger places = bigger sound.

Totally related to EW, I know. But just think... "child of dunwich rise" = "nobody's favorite sun". ... And you know who should tour with Tool, don't you? It's just a sideways, slighty off-center jump from Tweak Bird to Electric Wizard... at least as far as Witchcult Today goes.

Song: "Cyclopian Scape"
Artist: High on Fire
Album: Death is this Communion (2007)

Dear High on Fire,

Have I told you lately that I love you? If not, take this as the sign.

Song: "We Ask You To Ride"
Artist: Wooden Shjips
Album: Wooden Shjips (2007)

You're at the mercy of random today, but I've been listening to this a lot in recent history. It sounds very much like teleporting back to 1970 or so, like a bar or party scene in an old movie. Otherwise, it's a very moody, relaxing song.

Song: "Dreamless Eye"
Artist: Middian
Album: Age Eternal (2007)

I was dreaming about watching a band end its set abruptly for another band to come out and play. I was confused as to why there were no instruments on stage in either case. I next remembered what venue I was in and my major and most recent thoughts about said venue. The detail of this thought woke me up just enough to find that inebriated sort of state of mind where many ideas are exciting but they're not exactly realistic. That place where people who are not appreciated in any real way are told that they are loved, the place where one reflects on in therapy but still comes up with a childlike "I 'unno", the place where one ends up having "polite conversation" with such nice police officers who are so kind to let this clear mismanagement of thought slide. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

I was about ready to get up and conquer life with renewed appreciation... And then I looked at the clock, felt hunger and yesterday's makeup built up in the corner of my eyes, and a slight headache trying to turn my brain into a dry sponge as a means of revolting from my lack of caffeine... and it was over.

I think if I spent nine minutes yelling and burning the upper layers of skin off my body with the tone of this song, I could soon afford some rest.

Song: "Drop The Phone"
Artist: Shy Child
Album: Noise Won't Stop (2007)

I didn't really listen to this band before I saw the live, opening for The Faint last year... and my only real impression of their set was that they were a pretty simple band (seeing as all they have is drums, keyboards, and vocals) and that the singer was grinning his head off. Positive enough, but not lasting.

I found them again on a mix later on... and learned that maybe I'd written them off as another member of the new cliche too early. I don't like this song as much as "Kick Drum", but this song has better press and might be a more accurate depiction of what they're like as a whole. In other words, if you like this, you'll like them.

Song: "Gallop Song"
Artist: ASG
Album: Win Us Over (2007)

At this point, I can remember next to nothing about seeing these guys live even though it's only been just over a year. I was probably more concentrated on the fact that I was standing next to some freak I'd just met (I kid, you're the best freak ever). Either way, I didn't care for what they did live and dropped them from my view.

I recently started listening to "Right Before Death" a lot, and this song crept in with it. It's good... a bit hard to describe, though. They come from the same sort of thing as Torche, where the genre is metal, sludge, stoner(?) but they feel much lighter. This song definitely is like that. I have to say I like its beat, too.

I remember the beginning of 2007, musically, in a vague and distorted sense. I was working on my list and trying to sample a lot of different artists. I'd also found a site that shared individual songs, mostly indie but I found some good dance/electronic stuff from it. I was using last.fm for searching similar artists quite a bit, too. In general, I wasn't thinking too hard about what I was taking in, just trying to be "open".

I noticed that my tastes had become rather diverse. I approached most music in a superficial way, but at the same time I was listening to "Jambi" and "Crystal Skull" all of the time, I was discovering Felix da Housecat and Peeping Tom and The Faint... or, mid-spectrum, Porcupine Tree and Kings of Leon and Muse... or even new-to-me stoner rock bands like Karma to Burn and Sleep and Slo Burn. I was very much diversifying going into this year...

Ironically, I was feeling frustrated at the same time. On one hand, my "friend" was still giving me shitty vibes. If I openly talked about music, there would be bitchiness and holier-than-thou comments. I knew I was bad about not being open, and I definitely get stuck on myself and my opinions and what is/isn't reality, but fuck... There was no way I was going to be able to explore music in my own backwards way with this asshole around. I would never 'ascend', would merely become a clone or antitheses of whatever the shit he was doing.

On the other hand, I was frustrated because I had been sampling a lot in recent months and nobody around me or online had nearly the mindset to appreciate that. If I could listen to Hot Chip at the same time as a bunch of stoner rock and appreciate them both in their own ways, why couldn't anyone else? Even in writing/talking regularly about music, even music specific people WOULD like FOR SURE, nobody seemed to be paying much attention and I didn't otherwise feel supported in the least. It was getting more and more frustrating...

So, Nine Inch Nails released Year Zero. The means of advertising this was next to brilliant, and I was caught up in it.

I saw a bunch of bands live. The third of the year, Peeping Tom, was great, much closer to where I "was" now and I preferred the more masculine energy by comparison of the first two.

On a whim, I bought a ticket to see Mastodon. I had the the time off and I needed to know whether or not they were any good. It was still possible that I was only feeding off my friend's energy, that my appreciation of the few songs I'd gotten into off Blood Mountain were merely representation of something else going on. The live setting would break me of that, if so.

This show was exactly what I needed at that moment. It was amazing. I was really, really glad I did it, glad I conquered the show, glad I did this unusual thing not only for myself but for people's perceptions of "me".

Meanwhile, because I instantly loved Peeping Tom, I checked out Tomahawk. They had been sitting on my hard drive a while before I actually gave them a proper shot. Even then, I was sitting on "Mayday" and "God Hates A Coward" for a while more.

And then Anonymous came out. I was in the mood, so I just let it play from the beginning instead of my usual random picking. "War Song" isn't much for an actual "song", but it was a nice mood setter. The moment "Mescal Rite I" began = HOLY SHIT. And those vocals. I was instantly sold. This album was the weirdest fucking shit I'd ever heard. If you've never heard Tomahawk's Anonymous, seriously, go listen to it right now... It's an "experience".

I tried to talk about this... everywhere. I kept writing about it. More people needed to hear it - at least be AWARE of it. Two people who would have found the album anyway responded - otherwise, nothing. I know you can't make people like what they're not inclined towards to begin with, but... RGH.

Queens of the Stone Age's Era Vulgaris came out. It made par but I was not impressed to begin with. Nevertheless, at this point, I loved them enough to buy a ticket to go see them in another city since they weren't locally touring yet. It would be a nice opportunity to 'get away' and do something chancy.

Around this time, I finally got myself a portable mp3 player because I was doing a lot of walking and solo most of the time at work. At first I loaded up bands I already knew/loved, but I deleted the most of that and replaced it with new-to-me stuff so I'd be working on my musical endeavors at work.

I'd had Gojira thrown at me before, and I liked "Flying Whales" okay but the rest of From Mars to Sirius was way too far out for me. I decided it would have to reveal itself randomly, and threw it on my mp3 player.

Sure enough, "Backbone" caught me off guard one afternoon on the way into work. I was in a horrible mood, was not at all pleased to be working that day, and the song was making me... happy? Either way, it clicked with my mood. Oh,-I-get-it-now...

The week that I went to see Queens of the Stone Age, I finally gave Big Business a proper try - I think because I got "Another Fourth" stuck in my head. I knew they were touring or had just toured with Tool, and that was about enough for me to prove their worth. Anyhow, pretty much the entire time that I was gone, a couple of their songs were stuck in my head. This... needed to be explored.

The QOTSA show was followed by a few days of massive angst in addition to already hating everything by default, which collectively resulted in some soul-searching. I decided there needed to be some big changes to ultimately aid the lifestyle I wanted to be having. Musically alone, I knew I needed to get more involved, especially in metal.

The last week of suck, I was listening to a lot of The Atomic Bitchwax's self titled...

The following week, I discovered Boris' Pink album.

Then High on Fire's Death Is This Communion.

Then Battles' Mirrored.

Then, I heard "We Hate You" by Electric Wizard. I was talking to the ex who hated Ozzy at that exact moment, who now turned his nose on metal in general. Fucking beautiful synchronicity (and so incredibly backwards). This resulted in downloading Witchcult Today. Where have you been all my life?!

The week I heard Electric Wizard for the first time, I was thinking a lot about starting a new project. My first idea was to do some astrology videos or blogs, maybe some tutorials or something. Listening to Witchcult Today made me realize that this needed to be heard, and I should instead talk about that. I'd seen a few download blogs by now, and I'd seen plenty of review sites before which are always thoroughly fucking boring, but I nevertheless could write about and share these bands... The place I was already writing would not do, if only for the drastic change it would require for me to do it right.

So, I came up with a format, wrote up a layout in MT, and began the blog on my already existing domain.

At first I had a backlog/queue of plenty of amazing songs, so I wasn't having to work too hard on anything besides the writing. Still, I knew I'd lose inspiration soon, so I needed to go searching out new stuff to talk about. For now, I mostly just downloaded a lot and didn't do much actual listening outside of what I already had...

Song: "One Minute to Midnight"
Artist: Justice
Album: Cross (2007)

Is there some other Justice I don't know about? It's so strange to be on some stoner rock related site and discover they're pushing the Justice alongside the doom. EH? How does a band/duo become that diverse?

For the record, this song sounds best when you're in a low mood, played extremely loud. Think Electric Wizard, except... dance music. And don't forget about playing "Waters of Nazareth" first, either.

Song: "Easter Romantic (live London 5/02/2007)"
Artist: Big Business
Album: none, go here.

Someone clearly awesome posted this live recording of Porn/Big Business/the Melvins last year. I don't generally care for live stuff or b-sides or dvds because it all just seems like unnecessary teasing. This had to show up on its own time, and so it did.

Aside from the obnoxious clapping from a guy close to the recording source, this... is genius at work. especially 6:40 onwards...

For those unfamiliar with "Easter Romantic" in produced form, you are just the same missing out. Consider changing this.

Song: "Eternity"
Artist: White Hills
Album: Heads on Fire (2007)

More from White Hills. This is great. Would go even greater with a steady diet of Monster Magnet and Tweak Bird.

Song: "Sentimental"
Artist: Porcupine Tree
Album: Fear of a Blank Planet (2007)

The first few times I listened to this, I remember laughing at the first line. The whole album focuses on a teenager-ish approach and viewpoint on life, so it makes sense in context... but by itself it seems random.

All the same, it's a nice song. Great for bad moods.

Song: "Oceans of Sound"
Artist: White Hills
Album: Heads on Fire (2007)

...And I really, really like this. You'll probably really, really like it, too.

Song: "Radiate"
Artist: White Hills
Album: Heads on Fire (2007)

I was trying to find something good to listen to a few weeks ago, searched similar artists on Danava, and ended up liking this right off. Of course, then my friends at Sludge Swamp posted a couple of their albums what seemed to be ten minutes later... That happens a lot.

To sum them up... Hawkwind appreciation. Classic psychedelic rock minus the not-on-purpose fuzzy production. I need more time but they sound nice so far.

Edit: Heard the rest of this album later on this day... Holy shit. It's freakin' good.

Song: "Tweak"
Artist: Felix da Housecat
Album: Virgo Blaktro and the Movie Disco (2007)

The actual song part of this starts about a minute in. I've been listening to this song since the summer... having not really gone away despite my annoyance with repetitive/dance music since then. It must be good, then.

Also, I was reminded of this artist recently because I overheard some interesting characters talking about this guy on the bus. I thought I was the only one who'd heard of him within my realm of existence, but I guess not.

Song: "Ramesses Part I"
Artist: Ramesses
Album: Misanthropic Alchemy (2007)

It's taken me a while to get around to this one... If only I had a song blog to feed off to tell me these things so I'd know where to go in otherwise "been there done that" sort of genres.

Hopefully this song makes up for the cowbell in the previous one.

Song: "Little Bag of Gloom"
Artist: Monster Magnet
Album: 4-Way Diablo (2007)

Take your pills, take your pets, and go rolling down the road
I got a nasty little bruise thanks to your last episode
Well you're so cold and I'm so gray, and I can hardly save the day
Think we're falling into darkness, running blind
You got troubles, yes it's true, and they all begin with you
If you don't let somebody in, you're gonna die in liar's gin
But you never wanna row towards the origin of stones
And you locked away your heart one more time

So take your books, take your broom, take your little bag of gloom
And I'm lost, and I'm through, and I'm crying out for truth
Maybe when you're all alone, you'll realize where love comes from
But until you take that time, you're just blind

Song: "Witching Hour"
Artist: Old One
Album: Stonerrock comp 8 (2008), Droning Earth 16 (2008), Old One demo (2007)

I said something a while back about Electric Wizard being good concentration music.

Ditto about this song. I'm completely aware of its existence as it begins, but by two minutes in it's like another part of my brain.

Song: "Start Your Digging"
Artist: Big Business
Album: Here Come The Waterworks (2007)

My humor seems to come out of (possible) misery. I had a LOL moment tonight. My computer monitor committed suicide. I can't avoid the smell of burnt rubber. I had pretty much no warning, so I didn't have any time to transfer data, burn anything, etc... and all of my new music I was going to listen to is on that now monitorless computer. God damn. Oh well, I'll get a new one soon enough.

It's funny because of astrology, naturally. I thought today went so well, considering my transits, but then that happened... So beautiful in its purity of expression. The Sun and Mars are currently both in Sagittarius, very close together, and both very close to exactly opposite my Sun. FIRE BAD. Sagittarius can be a real bitch for those of us with LifeADD. But... Opportunity! Hope! Change is coming! In mere days, my websites will be actually viewable to me and maybe I can play with photos and templates again! OMG OGM GMO!

PS. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE NEEDED TO TURN ON THESE LIGHTS?
PPS. Yes, I know it's wrong.
PPPS. One hundred and fifty.
PPPPS. Will do you no wrong.
PPPPPS. It's a PP pyramid.
PPPPPPS. Look at 'em go.

Song: "My Hands Are Turning to Bricks"
Artist: Kowloon Walled City
Album: Turk Street (2007)

Slowly these guys' material is wearing off on me... but it's a pretty natural sort of thing, considering that they assume a "sounds like" of Black Cobra, Akimbo... er, Does it matter who else?

Doing a waltz might be a little difficult with brick limbs.

Song: "I Don't Need This Shit, I Played Budokan"
Artist: Hackman
Album: The New Normal (2007)

You don't need a sample, really. Just get it.

On their myspace, listen to "Chin Music", "The Anthem", or "Fuck You, I Played Altamont" for the idea, as they're all on this album.

Song: "Witchcult Today"
Artist: Electric Wizard
Album: Witchcult Today (2007)

Witchcult ThisTimeLastYear was an instant favorite for me. I only had to hear those first opening moments to know I'd be playing this band and album for years to come. Maybe the instant inclination was all of those horror movies and books growing up as a kid/teenager, as it certainly wasn't the pot. Druggies are silly little creatures we shall mock like berated housepets, but in the meantime, OMG GOOD SONG.

I need to write new lyrics to this song. Something about how "saturnine" needs more fans. But then I would be living up to some sort of astrological darkside, and people would point their backwards fingers and scream "SCORPIO!" at anything that moved, at which point the world would self destruct in realization of itself even though it kind of always knew and after-the-fact conscious existence doesn't understand why one can't figure something out without yelling about it and pointing in fear, and that would be that. So maybe I won't.

If I lost you with that paragraph, then you have probably been listening to too much Electric Wizard... or not enough?

Song: "I'll Give You Something To Cry About"
Artist: Big Business
Album: Here Come The Waterworks (2007)

Did you know that it's not like it used to be?

This song is strangely powerful in delivery despite being half as loud as others on the same album. All in all, this album works well for this time of year, what with it being wet and muddy and dark and cold out, but this song and "Another Beautiful Day in the Pacific Northwest" really achieve that particular mindset.

Song: "Lungless"
Artist: Akimbo
Album: Navigating the Bronze (2007)

Memorable song opening located here.

Song: "Weed Monkey"
Artist: Weedeater
Album: God Luck and Good Speed (2007)

I saw these guys live a few months ago. I hadn't listened to most of their discography beforehand because I was feeling lazy, nevermind I wasn't attending the show for them.

They began this song partway through their setlist. I hadn't entirely heard it before, so I didn't know what was coming. The singer went to the mic and sung "I breathe", just like on album... but instead of like on album, he followed up that thought by breathing hard into the microphone, an audible "HAH".

For whatever reason, this was the funniest thing I'd heard in days. It's, like, okay? So? You breathe? Duh? Do we really need to be shown you do it? Me too?? Anyway, I was snickering to myself through the rest of the song. Who needs a demonstration on breathing?

This song is also heavy, hitting in the chest area ironically making it difficult to breathe. Halfway through the song changes in speed/style that most of you will really (really, really) enjoy.

Song: "It Is What It Is"
Artist: Weedeater
Album: God Luck and Good Speed (2007)

Oy vey. Today I directly remembered why I was listening to so much Superjudge circa 2007 - exorcising those demons. This particular brand of fuzzy heaviness will do for today, though.

Song: "That Kind of Man"
Artist: The Heavy
Album: Great Vengeance & Furious Fire (2007)

Here's something (sort of) new for you. This sounds like it came out of another decade, the usual one that the kiddies are obsessed with these days.

It also sounds like it belongs on the Grindhouse soundtrack.

Song: "Fuck That Shit"
Artist: Combichrist
Album: What The Fuck Is Wrong With You People? (2007)

Overdue.

I suppose it would be backwards to call it "nice", but nevertheless... Nice message going on, here.

Song: "The Bones"
Artist: Tweak Bird
Album: BigBoneSnakeBite (2007)

Dearest Sounds of Sagittarius,

I am cheating on you with 900 other blogs. You may have AIDS. Get yourself checked.

Love,
-j.flood

PS. The Bones. Don't Break That Ea-Zay.

Song: "Yadnus"
Artist: !!!
Album: Myth Takes (2007)

At least for a while last summer, I really liked this song. I played this band (and/or this song) a lot while I was working, as they aren't demanding but still have enough interesting going on for me to bother at all. The style has worn a bit thin on me, but I think to newcomers it'll make sense. If you like dance-rock, it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll like this, but I think they're just good enough to transcend the boundaries of what all the little children are expected to like. If you haven't already, give them a listen.

Song: "Swords for Teeth"
Artist: Black Cobra
Album: Feather And Stone (2007)

This was coming from the far off distance. Do a search for the song name on my blog. Can't believe I didn't post this individually before, but I must have been subconsciously saving it for today. Either way, I'm going to run out of Black Cobra songs to post. I've posted half of their non-EP discography already. Do you think, just maybe, I like them? You think, maybe, you should, too?

This song is only two minutes. In two minutes it manages to impress the shit out of me. It's heavy and crazy and just two straight minutes of build and intensity. It's fabulous, in the non-lispy sense.

In any case, tonight I finally saw the band. They did not lose my respect or admiration in the least (side note: they began their set mere minutes after the moon entered virgo!). However, the next drunk fucker that hits on me at one of these next-to-no women shows is getting knocked out. Perhaps preceded by a severe talking-to if I'm feeling generous. I hate drunk people.

So where was I. Ah, yes. Black Cobra = massive yay.

Song: "Rays On Pinion"
Artist: Baroness
Album: Red Album (2007)

I'm about a year late on this. And this state will likely continue, unsupported by a change in musical mood. This is the first Baroness song I've actually liked. I'm as surprised as you are.

The beginning of this song sort of reminds me of Russian Circles (and 80 other post-whatever bands) but the vocals are familiar to hardcore/metal, albeit more drawn out. Something about this song is fucking depressing as fuck. If I were 16 and hadn't heard this sort of style before, I'd probably think Baroness were amazing... but, alas.

Anyway, I'm being negative. This isn't bad.

Song: "My Divided Falling"
Artist: 3
Album: The End Is Begun (2007)

It's taken and taking a long time to get into this band as a whole, as my mindset is somewhere entirely different of late. But the vocals on this are so odd to me, and that guitar is pretty nice. It stands out.

"I never know what you're gonna do"

I would upload this or something, but muxtape is apparently dead. Thanks, The Man!

Song: "Roman Coins"
Artist: Akimbo
Album: Navigating the Bronze (2007)

This is not quite a "song" song. As I've said about other posts like this, it's more of a track. If you're musically interested, especially in/of drums, you're going to enjoy it despite.

Song: "We're Doomed We're Cursed"
Artist: Iota
Album: Frankenstein Earphone Radio God (2007)

This is around on the internet, but a really tough find outside of its album. It's worth the waiting and finding, though. Iota is under-rated but plenty good. And they should tour nationally, too.

This song is upbeat/hyper but nonetheless sounds like its title. To get an idea of what they're like as a band, check out one of my previous Iota posts - especially "Shit Luck" for this song's closest comparison.

Song: "Brazen Bull"
Artist: Zoroaster
Album: Dog Magic (2007)

I hate when I find a song I want to post but then I can't find even a sample of it anywhere online. Internet, sometimes you fail at your job. Fix this.

In any case, this band here, particularly with this song, has a heavy doom metal sound and throaty, combined death metal vocals. My first reaction was to vomit at the cliches and continue on, but the "groovy" level of this song was enough to make me stick around. I keep playing it this week, so... here you go. Maybe you can find it somewhere.

Song: "Burn My Shadow"
Artist: Unkle
Album: War Stories (2007)

Technically I've already posted this, but I'm doing it again regardless...

It's funny watching adults become psychologically unglued when they lose a love (and/or their human personal validator machine). Extremes in personality come into the light, formerly shadowed by the forced niceties of modern social exchange. In short, the masks come off. People you'd imagine having intelligence because they seem put together and mentally systematical any other time become needy, screaming, crying infants. ... If you ever want to know the truth to someone's personality, just watch them break up with someone, especially someone with who they profess strong feelings.

The funny part comes in where the righteousness of supposed growth begins to apply to the situation. Anything from "I'm above this pettiness" to "I've learned my lesson" to "I'm free". Mm... nope. Once a moronic screaming fetus, always a moronic screaming fetus. It's simply a matter of degree of expression and who's going to put up with it today.

Sorry, Unkle. It's still a pretty song.

Song: "23"
Artist: Blonde Redhead
Album: 23 (2007)

I looked up this album when it came out over a year ago. It was lost on me. I haven't tried to come back to it since it just sounds so far away from any place I've been visiting, musically, since even before that time. Regardless, this individual song came on random earlier, and I was reminded of the place I was "in" when and just before I heard it for the first time.

I don't mind the haunting melancholy present here. I'm no longer in this mood, but it's interesting to look back on.

(Not-interesting side note: just reached 2323 hits today.)

Song: "72 Virgins"
Artist: Shitdisco
Album: Kingdom Of Fear (2007)

I'm going to do a little bit of astrolo-geekin' for ya, here, but: I have Venus in Taurus in my 8th house opposite Jupiter in Scorpio. This is the planet of so-called abundance aligning with a planet about so-called love and taste and social choices, in a sea of Scorpionic type of energy. In short, it's okay that you're a whore, dear. We all are. It's just a matter of the subject.

Songs like this remind me of my friends over the years.

Songs like this also remind me that it sucks getting songs like this stuck in your head.

Song: "The Word is Born of Flame"
Artist: 3
Album: The End Is Begun (2007)

I'm surprised at how this song has stuck despite my resistance. I think seeing this band live was very solidifying, but you can hear about that elsewhere. "The Word is Born of Flame" is a really good, building start to this album, and apparently since it feels incomplete by itself, it's the first half of the video song link above.

Song: "Wizard Van Wizard"
Artist: Akimbo
Album: Navigating The Bronze (2007)

What if Fu Manchu's drug of choice was steroids? Or various other trite comparisons...

I didn't care for this song much at first, but it grew on me fast.

Song: "Triceratops"
Song: "Triceratops (remix A by Acid Girls)"
Artist: HEALTH
Album: HEALTH (2007) / DISCO (2008)

Both versions of this song are decent. If you prefer experimental and noise rock, chose the original. If you prefer electronic and dance, chose the remix. Open minds will give both a listen.

Song: "Sonic Prayer"
Artist: Earthless
Album: Rhythms from a Cosmic Sky (2007)

Earthless, indeed.

The only thing this song is missing is your adoration. Or is it?

Song: "Caged Mearachells"
Artist: White Mice
Album: Blassstphlegmeice (2007)

Here's a nice band to introduce to young children.

You can listen to the song at the link above - the player is the middle of the page. These guys sound like a more thematic and musically heavier version of Wolf Eyes.

Song: "Illuminairus"
Artist: Mendozza
Album: White Rhino (2007)

Drums. All of the instruments coming together is also pretty nice.

This song is familiar to High on Fire with a bit more overt stoner/doom-isms in comparison. You can listen to it at their myspace above.

Song: "My Moon My Man (remix)"
Artist: Boys Noize (& Feist)
Album: Oi Oi Oi (2007)

I've posted this song before - as the original. While that song is just fine as-is, it has managed to be improved upon by Boys Noize.

Those of you who hate Feist (for good reason) will enjoy a bit of humor from this track. Destruction is wonderful.

Song: "Cocotte"
Artist: Teenage Bad Girl
Album: Cocotte (2007)

Well... This song deserves to be here. The album it's on hasn't been given much of a chance yet, kind of reminds me of a non-goth Combichrist in places, so we'll see about that. But this song... It's pretty nice.

If you buy and buy online, don't bother with Amazon. It's listed as an import, so the price is jacked up to an unreasonable amount. If you're in the Americas, try an auction site; if you're overseas or digital-friendly, check their myspace.

Song: "Must Be The Moon"
Artist: !!! (chk chk chk)
Album: Myth Takes (2007)

This guy sounds like an asshole to me, but at least he has a fucked up sense of humor about it. And the song itself is great.

This band/outfit's going on a bit of States and Canadian touring during the present festivals they're signed up for, so if you like what you hear, you know what to do.

Song: "Satanic Rites of Drugula"
Artist: Electric Wizard
Album: Witchcult Today (2007)

Here's another one from Witchcult Today. It's a pretty great album; what can I say. As usual, youtube kills the overall sound... but by now you should have bought the album, anyway.

That paragraph rhymed.

Very calming track, here. Stick through til the end, as it's the best part.

Song: "Stripped Away"
Artist: Ashes Divide
Album: Keep Telling Myself It's Alright (2007)

This song starts off Billy Howerdel's solo album after the apparent break-up of A Perfect Circle. Naturally, this song sounds very familiar to APC. This album as a whole comes across as mediocre, run-of-the-mill progressive radio rock, however, so I don't recommend it to actual fans of A Perfect Circle or their member-related bands.

I've been cynical of Howerdel for years, but after the disappointing release of eMotive - an album containing no real structure outside of the theme, merely a mix of covers, and containing too much of Billy's shitty Maynard impressions - and then hearing this? I believe I was correct in not caring for him to begin with.

In any case, "Stripped Away" is an okay song, if merely for its familiarity.

Song: "Stress"
Artist: Justice
Album: Cross (2007)

I heard of Justice a while back, but my one sampling of them was with the song "DANCE", which sucks by default of popularity. They were compared to MSTRKRFT and Daft Punk. I didn't "get" it, and after "DANCE" decided not to bother further.

Recently I sampled more of their Cross album, and I was surprised by this track. It has a creepy element of suspense. Like all dance music, it's an aesthetic jack-off session, but the dark intensity makes it far more tolerable.

Because some people prefer visual representation, video format of "Stress" is here.

Song: "Saturnine"
Artist: Electric Wizard
Album: Witchcult Today (2007)

It was bound to happen eventually.

I've been using the name saturnine for myself for several years - hell, it's in my astrology. I have Saturn rising. The strange part is that my actual name is a synonym for one of the gods... making me my own dad when I apply such a nickname to myself. Oh well, at least I'm at the top of the food chain.

Perhaps not one of their most striking, influential songs... but still very good.

Lyrics:
A black sun rises every day
Shadows cross my path as if to say
"Change your life, change your ways, look up to the sky"
Tomorrow'll soon be here, then time to die

I hear a death bell tolling out my life
Every strike another plunging of the knife
Mistakes I've made lead me to an early grave
I know it's too late, I can't be saved
I can't be saved

Saturnine for all time, the only way I've ever been
Saturnine in my mind, high I sail the astral sea
Saturnine for all time, I'll never find a way to be free
Saturnine in my mind, load another hit of weed

As I invoke these words from blackened page
Through the black arts I will find a way
To bring you back through space and time to me
My priestess of Mars, set me free

Saturnine for all time, the only way I've ever been
Saturnine in my mind, high I sail the astral sea
Saturnine for all time, I'll never find a way to be free
Saturnine in my mind, load another hit of weed

Saturnine, in my mind...
Saturnine, for all time...
Saturnine...

Song: "Indomitable Wall"
Artist: Stinking Lizaveta
Album: Scream of the Iron Iconoclast (2007)

Nice song. Their "related" artists according to listening habits are: Om, Electric Wizard, High on Fire, Ufommamut, Weedeater, Big Business, and Sleep. Not to put down any of these artists, but Stinking Lizaveta has a more 'full', comprehensive sound than these artists would suggest. They're kind of a doom-stoner-ish progressive metal as a whole, but they're also familiar to various prog and post-whatever acts out there. They're instrumental, so if you're annoyed with metal bands whose vocals are screamed but nevertheless enjoy the music, this may be what you've been looking for.

Song: "Sea of Spears"
Artist: The Sword
Album: The Sword/Witchcraft Split (2007)

Great track. It's just the right amount of metal and catchy, rolling stoner feeling that makes bands like this "names" in music. Those of you who appreciate Led Zeppelin will also enjoy the other The Sword track on this album, "Immigrant Song".

Song: "Suicide"
Artist: Red Fang
Album: Tour EP (2007)

Another Red Fang post. This one's a little bit different than the other two. It's more relaxed, more subdued than catchy. And apparently it's a cover. Naturally, I can find neither song in the usual places online, so both of these are things you'll need to download.

Song: "Good Deeds"
Artist: Adult.
Album: Why Bother? (2007)

If the player doesn't work, scroll down to the third video (from fabchannel) on the left side of their myspace profile.

Interesting little hyper electronic song, here. Familiar to Le Tigre and a hundred other electronic bands with a darker style.

Edit: Embedded video more! Here's the link. It's in the concert video player.

Song: "Radiance of Shadows"
Artist: Nadja
Album: Radiance of Shadows (2007)

I heard "Radiance of Shadows" for the first time recently, and was giggling most of that time. This is a serious, atmospheric song, but the direct contrast in how the song builds and what happens elsewhere in the song comes across as creepy and therefore hilarious. Clearly I have a fucked up sense of humor if I can find this dark and practically wordless track funny, so don't take my word on this. Give the first 5-8 minutes a listen instead.

Song: "Below The Cusp"
Artist: Black Cobra
Album: Feather and Stone (2007)

Just, holy shit. I've been listening to this for hours, when it's only a 25 minute record. Definite worthwhile purchase.

Song: "Red Fox"
Artist: Tomahawk
Album: Anonymous (2007)

I grew up and became a Tool geek. It was just a natural progression, but I nevertheless felt that Tool was the greatest band of all fucking time, and anyone who disagreed was a default moron. Don't get me wrong, they're my favorite band, but... I grew up a little more. I started to see that maybe, just maybe, there were bands that did things better than Tool. At least some of the time.

This album is so fucking cool. It was, after all, my first post. It's difficult to explain what is actually happening with this album outside from the native american theme. The fact is that it's ridiculously creative and eccentric. The best way I can put it is that you're either ready for Anonymous or you aren't. If you don't get it, you simply don't. It is, however, an album for everybody, regardless of musical background. True genius is for all.

"Red Fox" is an alternative, progressive, experimental hard rock or metal style song. It's heavy and creepy yet has a sense of humor. I have yet to figure out the lyrics, but they're almost irrelevant; the vocals are another instrument rather than a means of definitive, logical statement. The music mostly speaks for itself. That being said, due to the lack of classic form and lyrical directives, you will either LOVE it or HATE it.

I love this album, and I'm waiting very patiently for this band to tour.

Song: "Informal Gluttony"
Artist: Between The Buried And Me
Album: Colors (2007)

This band is touring with Dream Theater right now. Because all bands secretly hate my state of residence and only the biggest can actually act on it, I learned that I would not be seeing Dream Theater. :(

However, the opening bands on the same tour have decided to grace one's presence. Those from the younger generation have told me Opeth is a great band. I have yet to understand this, although I've barely tried. In any case, I know Opeth and 3. I do not know BTB&M... so I decided to find some of their stuff and see if they had anything for me to get a base of what they were like as a whole.

So far they are failing every test of individual compatibility. Their sound seems lost behind a funneled, spoon-fed world, one in which the bored housewives have taken over and are parading us all to soccer practice. In other words, this isn't challenging or particularly artistic. I see some musical layers loosely comparable to Dream Theater, especially with this song, but... eh. Whatever people are seeing out of this band or its related genres (technical/progressive death metal?), I obviously do not have default equipped.

I've heard worse, much worse. This song certainly has its moments, but it's an accessible track as a whole.

Song: "Dragon & Phoenix"
Artist: Black Cobra
Album: Feather and Stone (2007)

Upon further examination, I learned that Black Cobra has won my heart. For a moment there I was thinking the excessive listening of heavier albums in recent years was a practice of vanity. Training my ears for what? Apparently this.

He doesn't really need to scream like that, like a vicious toddler who's just had their favorite stuffed animal torn from hand; I think the music speaks for itself. But this is still great. Some of these songs are fucking gorgeous.

Besides what they have available to listen on myspace and a few assorted things to be searched elsewhere, you're probably going to have to download this album via a p2p program to sample it. If you're into really heavy and dark stuff, it's totally worth the trouble.

In the meantime, you get: "Red Tide" (straightforward song that comes before "Dragon & Phoenix") and another drink of "Sugar Water". Gotta love how the camera shakes in that video...

Updated: Found a sample track of D&Ph.

Song: "Mammoth"
Artist: Billy Crystal Meth
Album: The Buzzard of Doom Will Peck Your Eyes Out / Doktor Bitch split 2007

"Mammoth" is a Pelican cover. While I'm only vaguely familiar with Pelican, this track has most certainly piqued my interest in either band. Listen if you like instrumentals, heavy metal, doom, the Melvins, movie samples, and bands who are just getting started.

Song: "Reverse Thunder"
Artist: Red Fang
Album: Tour EP (2007)

I've posted about these guys once before; my first post on blogspot. I saw them "recently" and decided that they needed another post. It just makes sense. Hopefully they do some shows again soon so you, too, can enjoy them. And then wonder why nobody's compared some of their not-as-popular songs to a shorter version of Electric Wizard... til now.

Until that time, they have three of their songs on myspace and a few on last.fm as full tracks. Holy shit, and a CD that's only $6 (scroll 3/4 down the page).

Update #1: For those of you looking for proper downloads, I'll have something for you soon.

Update #2: I've uploaded a single song, "Prehistoric Dog" in 160k mp3 format.

Song: "I'm The Drug"
Artist: The Young Gods
Album: Super ready/Fragmenté (2007)

No you're not, but thanks for playing What Inanimate Object Are You.

You're best off finding this as a download...

Song: "I'm Slowly Turning Into You"
Artist: The White Stripes
Album: Icky Thump (2007)

Not the greatest start, but this song is fine once it gets going. I'm not slowly turning into anyone, but I like the idea here.

...

CAH-AHH-ON-QWEST!

Yes, I know that was an entirely different song.

Song: "Suture Up Your Future"
Artist: Queens of the Stone Age
Album: Era Vulgaris (2007)

You can also see an acoustic version, although the song isn't quite as effective without drums.

Nice song. Gentler than most of the songs I post. I've had a prolonged phase of listening to this album a lot since I got into it. EV is a refreshing shift in direction for this band, as this album is more eccentric and varied than their others which, despite growth, still seemed to hang onto the "stoner rock" title. This song is anything but.

If you like this, you should also try "Running Joke".

Song: "Hands Up"
Artist: Big Business
Album: Here Come The Waterworks (2007)

This. Album. Is. Amazing. You will like this particular song especially if you're a fan of metal-style drum & bass. It's a very hyperactive song.

There are a lot of videos of Big Business playing live on youtube if you care enough to search them out, but unfortunately not many of them have very good sound.

Song: "My Moon My Man"
Artist: Feist
Album: The Reminder (2007)

You also have certain iPod commercials stuck in your head due to the brainwashing endless repetition. This, however, is better. It's a smooth sort of piano-rock song. Though she probably needs to work on her lyrics, her voice is quite nice, too.

And thus concludes today's theme. Check back soon for the usual amount of drugs, sex, and rock&roll, 'kay?

Song: "The Great Destroyer"
Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Album: Year Zero (2007)

First you must watch this video and become acquainted with the song in it, because without seeing it you're not going to understand anything present in this cartoon. Don't watch them out of sequence. Pure genius.

This song is a tad obnoxious in proving its point, particularly at 1:40-1:45. However, it works in context of its thematic album. This is not the best Nine Inch Nails there is, but it's definitely an interesting song and album which I, of course, recommend.

Today Monster Magnet's new album 4-Way Diablo comes out in the US. You can listen to the first five tracks of the album on Monster Magnet's myspace. I can't recommend this band enough, so just do it so I don't have to repeatedly post about them the way I already have of other bands.

If you've never heard Monster Magnet before, I recommend the song "Cyclone", and then going over to "Wall of Fire". Both songs are familiar to their current (last nine years) sound while showing some elements of what they were like on older albums. The title song "4-Way Diablo" has a more catchy, bouncy style than you'd expect from the band, but nevertheless is pretty good as well. They are not on their myspace, but I really like "2000 Light Years From Home" (Rolling Stones cover) and "Freeze and Pixelate" as well.

In short, buy it. Even if it's not what you expect, you'll grow to love it.