tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57395549774355619532024-03-18T20:04:00.493-07:00Albums & AlcoholAlbum reviews that are never wrong and rarely sober.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-78619050085866927522015-10-10T19:17:00.002-07:002015-10-10T19:17:56.202-07:00Pining for the Cities - Kick - Start AgainI believe I warned on the last entry that these would be more random and sporadic, and I like the thought of that. I will try to bump them on the social medias before writing and post completion, but schedules are hard (Or more accurately, sticking to schedules is hard). <div>
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So being that this is only my second entry since my hiatus and subsequent reboot, what better way to squeeze in a review on a Saturday night (though still a work night) then with a promising little EP titled <i>Start Again</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_uQtAXcM9JbQN85Cn6QrOfpWACM6olR6gmiaEuEj56D60fUnzpkRCuNIPUVL6F-g5jeS7tD6eTEaPUrwgFI8z_a45Oa39l0DXjnomYc0_dHbVIAd2HH3kPcGdS1f8eTcjbvD32dRZOc/s1600/Kick+SA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_uQtAXcM9JbQN85Cn6QrOfpWACM6olR6gmiaEuEj56D60fUnzpkRCuNIPUVL6F-g5jeS7tD6eTEaPUrwgFI8z_a45Oa39l0DXjnomYc0_dHbVIAd2HH3kPcGdS1f8eTcjbvD32dRZOc/s320/Kick+SA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">By the shagginess of their hair, I can tell this is going to be good!</span></div>
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So Kick is a band I've reviewed <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-modern-kick-double-review-modern.html" target="_blank">before</a> and hope to be able to review again. This EP mark the studio return of original drummer (and my adoptive son) Kyle Kennedy. If this group can't make legitimate noise in the music industry, they should just drop the first word from the phrase music industry.</div>
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So setting the bias aside, this entry is definitely about me pining for the Twin Cities. As I sit here in my Summit Brewing shirt drinking Hop Silo from a Summit glass listening to a local (To the Twin Cities) band, I'm not yet ready to say moving back home was a terrible decision, but I will readily admit it to not be my best one. So before I drown us all in nostalgia, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sja5lazPCfU" target="_blank">Kick - Start Again</a> (I have zero idea's on how to buy this, so I'm linking to YouTube, and you'll have to go see them live which is totally worth it!)</div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Summit Hop Silo Double IPA</div>
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(Very quickly before this starts, I have no track listing, so I will give the songs names as they go)</div>
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The opening track starts humbly enough. The guitar has a nice tone and the whole song feels nice, but a little restrained. I'm thinking this is the title track because I heard "Start again". Ooo. The solo bring in a less subdued feel. I can definitely get a Boston vibe out of this, and I'm totally cool with that. </div>
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The transition felt a little rough there... But I like this intro non-the-less. Subtle and a nice kick in brings us into... Slow Burn? It's what I will call it for now because it's definitely the vibe being set up... And builds nicely. These tracks definitely feel prettier or more rounded as apposed to the first EP's edgy and ballsy feel. I like this solo a LOT. Blues and in one sweet solo, there was a flash of that edge I was missing... IT's still there. And the full build of this song is nice. Nice kind of fake out ending into cool actual ending. Like this tune.</div>
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Next transition is better, and it comes in with an almost indie rock feel... OR maybe more accurately capturing a 70s rock vibe better than the indie rock tunes that try to do the same... And these guys really hit a modern Boston sound better than modern Boston (and I have a review to prove it!) This tune is a nice good feeling feel goody tune and it's making me feel good. Cool track.</div>
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OOO! I love the opening here. I've seen this one done live, and it translates well recorded. This captures a more Zeppelin-y side of Kick. Seriously, these guys are like taking everything good about the 70s and 80s, mixing in the attitude of the 90s, and recording with the tools of now... It's all good. And if this track is any indication, the song writing will only continue to grow. IT's incredible and makes me hate every song I've ever written. Kick is the best band you've never heard. Pretty guitar-ness takes us out, and judging by the timer on the youtube video, this is it.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Kick does less on this to live up to the high energy from the first EP, but launches ahead leaps and bounds in the arena of song writing. My only complaint is that the thing is a FUCKING EP. Seriously, give me full length! You mix the energy of the first release with the complexity of this, and you have a record worth the years wait... Unfortunately society is made up of impatient little bitches, so EP's it is... I'm off track... Find a way to buy this one. Kick needs the money and it's worth more than you can pay anyway. =P</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>!</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-70861325168686538402015-09-25T20:27:00.001-07:002015-09-25T20:27:57.403-07:00Live and Learn; Dodge and Burn - The Dead Weather - Dodge and BurnWhoa! This feels weird. Albums and Alcohol was something I conceived while living in Minneapolis in order to connect with a bustling music scene all around me; and now, as I sit back in small town Iowa, not 30 minutes from where I grew up, I have revived it as a way to keep a connection to music while being in an area without any significant scene to speak of.<br />
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I have my reasons for being where I'm at, and although I've found none of them to be distinctly significant, they combined to lead to this exact situation. That is, however, all I will dwell on me. Suffice to say, I've been anxious to do my finger-tapping, beer-swilling, ear-pleasing triple tasking for a LONG time, and I'm not what is important. What <i>is </i>important is the fact that the band that put out what is definitely in my top 5 albums (<i><a href="http://thirdmanstore.com/bands/the-dead-weather/music/the-dead-weather-horehound-12-vinyl" target="_blank">Horehound</a></i>) is back with new music!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looks like something distracted Jack White at the last moment.</span></div>
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The Dead Weather is a force. The jam/grunge/blues/industrial sound is like a sculpture made of rusty nails and broken glass; it has beauty in constructive chaos that is amazing, yet you can't put your finger on what makes it <i>so</i> amazing (The Dead Weather because there is too much amazing, and the sculpture because <a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2550/4183571815_27cf1cbd95.jpg" target="_blank">tetanus</a>).<br />
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I have such faith in this band that I pre-ordered the vinyl, and will be rocking it for the review. The stakes are high on this one, and I'm calling in Sierra Nevada's Hop Hunter to get me in a slur-type sort of mood. This is an amazing beer for those of you who love hops. It's made with distilled hop oil and has the attitude of a cat (It'll rough you up only cuddle and purr); seriously, try this beer!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ahh! There's what distracted him!</span></div>
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And seriously, I type too much in these intros, so as I haven't typed in far too long, on to the review!<br />
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<b>Album:</b><br />
<a href="http://thirdmanstore.com/featured/the-dead-weather-dodge-and-burn-12-vinyl-or-cd" target="_blank">The Dead Weather - Dodge and Burn</a><br />
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<b>Alcohol:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/year-round/hop-hunter-ipa" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter</a><br />
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Now, I cheated a little and listened to the opening track when they released the video, but that doesn't make the blaring guitar opening any less effective, and the snare lead to the groovy riff is nice. Dropping out the vocals. Little tags surround Alison Mosshart's beautiful voice. This song is definitely destined to be a single in terms of The Dead Weather. Certainly more accessible than most of their stuff. The slow down coming out of the second chorus is just sloppy awesomeness. The layered vocals that have become a trademark of TDW is endlessly awesome. The feels like a slight edge missing from Alison's voice, but I will forgive in in the presence of a song with "Love" in the title.<br />
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Buzzkill(er) comes in VERY groovy before coming into a riff very befitting of the title. The vocals here hover between a 50's jazz singer, and edgy indy. The rhythm section may be one of the best things--ohmygod, that stop was cooL! Very groovy through out. Cool tune.<br />
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Snare brings us into "Let Me Through". Farty bass drives in the verse. And there is a distict bounce. Drop to a single note on the party bass... And bring it back in. Adding in some party guitar now. I love the pretty ugly tones. Drop to cymbal and voice. Tension. And here comes all the fartiness. I want to point out that fattiness here is a VERY good thing. And that high crunch on the guitar! God the bounce just keeps going even on the drop outs... Holy shit! Kick in! Love it! And I LOVE her voice. Cool. drop off ending<br />
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That brings us to a slow lead in on "Three Dollar Hat". Jack white opens the vocals on this subtle grooving track with a high-but-gritty guitar/synth something. Really cool... And holly shit... Kick in like hell! The drums are cookin'! Holy shit! That was cool. And drop back to the groovin' bass. And Jack White's fast talking about Jackie Lee again. and is this the end? I hear...<br />
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"Lose the Right" apparently is what I hear now, and it comes in with a slow jam. There is that signature guitar/synthy organ sound. Alison is taking an almost conventional vocal approach.. There are definitely flashes of aggression, but she can sound oh so pretty when she wants to. This band has such crazy dynamics. And can take a slow grooving song and push it to an aggressive limit that makes you feel more worn out than a speed punk track. That's exactly what they do here.<br />
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Feeling like the mood is coming down a little, until it's not. It was a very short release that in now building. Alison and Jack tag teaming vocals, and we are band into a nice grooving-yet-driving tune. "Rough Detective" has some nice lyric and music interplay and some fun back and forth with instruments. It will forever make me smile how much they can do with a simple riff. It's a testament to the creativity of the band. And a sort of fall out brings us to the end of side one. And since there is a natural break. I will take a moment for my self. This Hop Hunter has filled my bladder...<br />
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Holy shit! A scream and hard hitting riff to open side B and shit. Drops out... If they wanted to make sure you were still with them, they achieved it. And this is so... Tensions. A low build and into fast but low key... This reads like an indy punk tune. And I'm good with that... There is a neat little sound in the verse... Drop down. These subtle changes are too fast for my fingers to keep up with... I will say now, this is my favorite track... Shit it's so cool! I don't even know the tile./. Open up" okay. She is NOT saying Puppy love... It's open up... I thought I was just drunk...<br />
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into the quiet openings of "Be Still". Vocal interplay with pfary bass tones. And it picks up with more groove. A back and forth of "Be Stills" and... PUNCH! back in and god... They do so much with so little. It's like being feed the same meal over and over but prepared buy a different master chef each time bringing new twist on it... That is every somng by tTDW<br />
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Cool riffs open "Mile Markers"! Almost rapping Mosshart is sexy and awesome! Again, the tones awesome... The chorus is badassily cute. And that is a thing that I just had to make up for TDW. Because thats what they do. It's not enough that they create brand new amazing sounds, they have to force listeners to create new concepts to accept and describe the beauty. And that little solo... so weird and awesome. Lyrical disregad of rhythm... Cool. And ending is, like, faux cheesy... And cool.<br />
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"Cop and Go" opens with interesting guitar.. and now an alarm sound... That carries on as the interesting comes buyck in. This is reading like a twistedly awesome version of a 80s tune... Maybe that is the booze talking--no she definitely just said Danger Zone... I've decided this is TDW's take on the 80s, and... We missed out... And by we, I mean those of you born before me (Feb 1990). Build... Love her vice building oh my god! Came. Awesome into a riff that just keeps going. and oh yeah... Wait... alarm nice... Creating tension... and I'm wanting...<br />
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Nice bring in of "Too Bad". Love the riff.. The weird noises... And we are back to straight forward groove... With an imitation theremen(Sp.?) noise. And this is VERY groovy... I love the guitar... It walks the line between almost corny and too badass to handle... I'm not blown away buy this track,b ut the noises are nice... it's a rotary sound or may high freqency tremolo? I dunno... it's fun. She's going back to bed, and I'm gonna follow.<br />
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Weird cross of, like, Adele and TDW happening on the closing track..> Like it is really what would happen if Adele... Whoa... Jazzy... This is cool. IT wants to be a pop song, but the tones and production are like scratching at the edges making is this beautiful grunge jazz pop... "Drag My Body through the sand" that's interesting... Because if you took a pop song and sand papered it down to its bones and re built it out of vinyl... You would get "The Impossible Winner". Beautiful inspite of spitting on conventional beauty. I love it.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
Just as I was feeling Side 1 was good, but not great, side two served at me and made me realize that the full albium of <i>Dodge and Burn</i> is incredible... Favorite track is Open up(not Puppy Love), but I will say there is not a bad tune on this record... Get the vinyl.. The crackles are so much better than silence between songs... And really. Vinyl is better and it comes with a digital coppy... All music should be sold as vinyl with digital download... Because fuck CDs... And tapes... And Not vinyl inclusive digital cpies. I've gotten off track... By Doge and brn. I love it, and so should you!<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-18808887218095911142014-08-05T17:33:00.002-07:002014-08-06T17:29:52.862-07:00Sinking the Monkey in Speckled Hen - Sunken Monkey - Party ScarsEurope is a wondrous land that I've never been to, and therefore, can only assume is completely mythical. And smack dab in the middle of this mythical land (Because fuck geography) is England. Birthplace of a beautiful language, and home of my future self. Incidentally, this is also the home of a lovely little punk band I know very little about, Sunken Monkey.<br />
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These guys seem fun enough, and I've got a lovely advanced digital copy of their upcoming album, Party Scars (Though I am upset they stole the title of my memoirs) because I've got (nonexistent) clout and shit. Now this isn't slated for release until October of this year (2014), so I will be here to let you know if you ought to save your pennies and plan around waiting in line at your local record shop (Or, you know, wait in your boxers while on iTunes) for this album.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not sure where they got this photo of me.</span></div>
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I'll be enjoying (again, hopefully) this brit album with a brit ale, Old Speckled Hen. I ran into my local liquor store screamed at the man that I needed an English Ale, and he showed me a whole shelf of options. Being the indecisive fuck that I am, I just grabbed what ever was closest. It's a nice beer, but I'm far from blown away. I'm hoping <i>Party Scars</i> is a little more wowing. So to find out, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.sunkenmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sunken Monkey - Party Scars</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/products.php?beer=old-speckled-hen" target="_blank">Old Speckled Hen Fine English Ale</a></div>
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We open the album on "This Town's Too Big". The guitar is pretty with a slight grit to it, and the song opens up with a driving pop punk sound. Gang vocals open the verse immediately. And the cool little guitar part toward the end of the verse is pretty cool. Ahh... It's so nice to hear solid pop punk with vocals that bring in just the right amount of shout. Punk shouldn't sound so pretty, and too many pop punk bands get a little too cute wight he vocals.</div>
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"That's What She Said" comes in with a nice heavy-yet-bounce riff that I love. Vocals killing it again here. And the timing is all weird, but the context make it awesome. I can't follow the tempo well, but there is an amount of charm in that. Nice slow into stop and kick in... Whoa! Double kick... Fuck yeah.</div>
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"Don't Dodge A Game Of Dares" opens on guitar and launches into a heavy sounding drive. There is a slight messiness about everything thus far, and I couldn't have it any other way. This is a sweet driving punk song. Nice aggression, and those background "Ohs" are lovely. There's an almost early AFI feel with more fun to this track. I love the little harmonizing tags here and there wight the guitars. Enough to stand out, but not overtaking everything. Punk requires no solos. It just needs awesome, and thus far this album has it in abundance.</div>
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Another fun punk track opens with a the sound of a beer cracking. "0 to Pissed" just keeps moving forcing my fingers to fly hopelessly along. I'm thinking "Pissed" here is the British equivalent to the US's "Trashed". That was fun little dancy jam. And back to the punk. Lovely.</div>
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The title track build in before opening up into a rock feeling punk tune. A stop and go riff takes us into the verse. Again, in love with these vocals. The riff intensifies. And into a straight-up punk rock chorus. And they are definitely singing about multiple nights of my life. I enjoy this. heading into anise little interlude. Droping out... And back into that killer chorus. Back into the slower jam... Stop and go, and... End. Nice.</div>
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"Too Old For This Shit" comes in nice and pop punky. The lyrics all over on this album have been wonderful. Filled with alcoholism and fun times. It's lovely and so is this tune.</div>
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Groovy guitar opens "More Beer Than Blood" And I like the small, subtle deviations from straight punk. It keeps the album from running together, but the punk theme continues to be ever present. This song definitely has a rock feel, but the attitude is all punk. It's like everything the 80s party rick bands tried to do with utter failure. Great track.</div>
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"Lookin' Ain't Fuckin'" comes in witha fun guitar line. The opening almost stays past it's welcome, but the song moves along and when we hit the verse, all is right again. Lyrics fun and playful here especially when the music has this hint of a more tender punk feel, but the words let you know (If the title didn't already) that this is no sweet and tender tune. It's those little things that leave a smile on my face... Which is also the only thing I'm wearing. (Incidentally, that's what she said). God, I'm hilarious. =P</div>
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"Raw Red Stump" is a nice punk track, and the drums make great use of the "taco taco" beat in the verse. I love the "taco taco" beat. There are some nice and pretty guitar parts in this tune, and it actually has a more legitimately "tender" feel to it lyrically, but it's done with balls and gang vocals... The way it should be.</div>
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A nice growth in guitar line builds into "After All". This song is another rock groove track with a distinct punk additude. I like it. I also am liking this Old Speckled Hen more and more. Whoa! Killer chugging interlude. And hey, little punk solo. Never necessary, but always fun to note. Right on.</div>
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"Pissing In The Wind" brings us a more bouncy feel with the guitar opening before launching us into a killer stop go riff with drums that cannot be tamed. Holy shit that was cool. I really appreciate how fun the guitars are... They are pretentiously wanking about looking for attention, but they are there, and they make sure they are noticed beyond just backing the vocals. It's a prefect presence. There is all in all very little to not like about this album.</div>
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Coming in with a bang, "Never Look Back" brings us into a nice pop punk riff before setting into a stop-go chugging chorus. Growing... Nice pre-chous. And better chorus. This album is everything I wan right now, and everything the early 2000's needed to solidify that pop punk movement. Nice punk ballad of sorts here, and done lovely with a beautifully timed short and sweet punk solo. </div>
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Final track coming in acoustically. Lyrics coming in with anthem feel that is everything I always need to here to make me feel right. Pretty guitar... And more singing of my life. Love it. </div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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This album is perhaps a decade too late, but right where it needs to be fore me. With luck and hope, Sunken Monkey can start a much needed punk revival, but if that doesn't happen, at least we have the masterpiece that is Sunken Monkey's <i>Party Scars</i>. I NEED this record, and so do you.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-52024110196085423482014-06-24T18:29:00.002-07:002014-06-24T18:29:32.480-07:00Too Much Connection - Cadaver Dogs - Too MuchLife is a fun and funny thing. Just last Friday, I watched my amazing friends in Kick open for the ever amazing Foxy Shazam. Both of whom have albums I reviewed right on this very site: <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-modern-kick-double-review-modern.html" target="_blank">Away From The World</a> and <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2014/04/new-fox-old-cock-foxy-shazam-gonzo.html" target="_blank">Gonzo</a> respectively.<div>
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While at this show, a fine gent next to me in the crowd happened to recognize Foxy Shazam's stage tech as a member of another band, Cadaver Dogs. Tonight, as I was sifting through band camp for a new album I knew nothing about, I came across the album Too Much by Cadaver Dogs. It took me a minute to connect why the name sounded so familiar, but once I did, I knew this was my album to listen to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillgI4kC0YQfwhZx7sVchvCkmF6VxLASY_vC2j0jcPvlstTTHyjIx0VPHhcjyKvDxQanJwnAXfwRW28qUKMcQQKUB15gyqowcTjKmuO646bIL8sKrgcbSYx69xCzOmtwM_dN1IZMO-Ve0/s1600/Too+Much.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillgI4kC0YQfwhZx7sVchvCkmF6VxLASY_vC2j0jcPvlstTTHyjIx0VPHhcjyKvDxQanJwnAXfwRW28qUKMcQQKUB15gyqowcTjKmuO646bIL8sKrgcbSYx69xCzOmtwM_dN1IZMO-Ve0/s1600/Too+Much.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not sure if this is an official cover, but it is officially badass.</span></div>
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So armed with Wild Onion Brewing's Hop Slayer (Two beers in, oh yeah!), I am diving head first into what can only be an album brought to me by fate. On to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://cadaverfuckingdogs.bandcamp.com/album/too-much" target="_blank">Cadaver Dogs - Too Much</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.onionbrewery.com/hop-slayer/" target="_blank">Wild Onion Brewing Company's Hop Slayer Double IPA</a></div>
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"Black Out Blues" opens us up with a pumping rock riff before dropping to drums and voice. There is something charmingly ugly to the vocals, and It's wonderful. The farty distortion alongside the bouncing keys is a beautiful contrast. Simple, and yet regal in such a gritty way. It's such a dirty groove and great opener. Even the higher end guitar parts are just fuzzy ugly awesome. Awesome.</div>
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Gunshot leads right into a nice grooving riff to open "Get Out!" and as the song drops into the verse. There is this cool tension built by the guitar and vocals, and the song grows throughout to the chorus. And the chorus is almost a pop rock feel, but retaining all the grit one could hope for. The guitar tones are the kind that make you feel like you need a shower yet never want to take one again. It's awesome. Ooo... Killer breakdown here... I'm not sure if that's fuzz bass, or guitar, but it's lovely for damn sure. Drops down after that, and kicks back into the chorus. Nice. And hitting hard heading to the end... Nope, back to that opening riff... End...</div>
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"Feel The Heat" comes in with a super fast groove, and settles into a funk feel in the verse. Moves into a nice rock chorus, and back into that killer opening riff. The vocal cadences are fun, and I love the subtle variations thus far... I mean, everything is dirty and groovy, but it's not all the same... If there ever was an album that needed a beer and a cigarette...</div>
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"It's A Hunger" opens hitting hard, and again drops into the verse, but builds and falls a couple of times before building into the chorus. Hard hitting here, and such awesome rawness, yet the production is right where it needs to be. Great builds all over. They definitely aren't doing anything awe inspiring, but they are doing so much that is over-the-top bad ass... Breaking down... Drums leading the build... And kicking in. Lovely. Such a growth into the ending. Killer.</div>
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Wood block to take us into "Buzzards" Clean guitar gives way to distorted guitar on a fun riff that leads us into a fast yet subtle verse that moves along nicely. And back to the anything but subtle opening riff for the chorus. Cool movement into a march feeling breakdown. Vocals touched falsetto there, and it was nice. Dropping down.. Stop... Kick into chorus... Nice. Drops out, and trumpet ends the tune... Awesome.</div>
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"Leaner, Meaner" opens slowly, and with a nice fuzzy groove. Vocie and vocals move the verse with guitar tags. Driving into a chorus? I think... Whatever it is, I'm loving the falsetto. Cool tune.</div>
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Fuzz y bass takes us into "Confessional" a slow groove here... And the vocals are coming through very clean and funk esque. And driving now... Smooth transition. Drop to voice and clean guitar... Build... And back to the verse jam... Okay... If you took a Black Keys record, put out a half dozen cigarettes on the vinyl, threw up on it after a night of consuming nothing but whiskey, and took the awesome level up by a factor of 13, you would have too much... Also, this song is skull fucking amazing.</div>
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"Don't Tell Me I can't" opens in a very bluesy feel. moving along very nicely, and growing after the first part of the verse... Stop go blues riffing. And opening up nicely. A killer take on a formula blues tune. When the band has a full feel, there is this haunting tone happening... I'm not sure if it's shore structuring, or the bells that just sound creepy, but whatever it it, it MAKES this tune. Strange guitar solo-ish thing, that is awesomely fitting. Bad. Ass. Tune. Except... Fade out ending... FAIL.</div>
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Acoustic opens "Exquiste Corpse" and I'm liking they have a tune sharing a name with a Hedwig Song. And the lyrical content here is making me smile. Chugging guitar comes in nicely... Nice and aggressively bluesl=y. Solo rips right in... Oh yes, you are welcome here guitar solo. Make yourself at home... Faking out the drop to acoustic and right back to the bad asserey. Love it. Oh, hey solo guitar, glad you're still hanging out in the background there... Amazing.</div>
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"Too Many People" begins our end with a weir dish pop fuck isn feel... Not bad. Cool things happening. Maybe less funk, and more reggae, but it's cool. Guitar cuts in... Grows... And jamming the fuck out. Nice. Ooo... Bouncy. "There Aint no changing who you is... And that's a good thing, Cadaver Dogs.... Don't change... Ever.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Too Much is just enough... And by that I mean... Give me more! Excess is the name of the game here at Albums and Alcohol, and I is drunk ladies and gents. Too Much is everything I needed, and I will be diving deeper into Cadaver Dogs' discography.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-51978423286417946982014-06-19T18:11:00.001-07:002014-06-19T18:11:34.351-07:00Give Me Cheap Beer (Again), Or Give Me Death (I mean Better Beer?) - Fartbarf - Dirty Power"Give us knobs, or give us death!"<br />
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This is the slogan of Fartbarf. A--and I'm not sure if this is the right adjective, but this is the first practical use I've found for it--retro-modern (Yay, oxymorons!) electronic three-piece out of somewhere in Cali (Four beers already makes me lax in my research).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7aq_5FwMYIts132Pz5Oe1SvBE3pVoDzpm5E2c8GXxVZG1nxL9gBFXdVztjF-m1fqBHabcbcaqtolM5gzvsGepamSODD8-SNqnlVGpmrhWkJNK2ttdSfpv84-zk5QfAoij-FU0DqK4Gw/s1600/Fartbarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7aq_5FwMYIts132Pz5Oe1SvBE3pVoDzpm5E2c8GXxVZG1nxL9gBFXdVztjF-m1fqBHabcbcaqtolM5gzvsGepamSODD8-SNqnlVGpmrhWkJNK2ttdSfpv84-zk5QfAoij-FU0DqK4Gw/s1600/Fartbarf.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I've heard knobs used as a euphemism for breasts, so this cover art is a wonderful clarification to the afore mentioned slogan.</span></div>
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I will be honest. I'm buzzing good because I bought too much cheap shitty beer (Yes, the same Miller High Life I was drinking last week), and I started an hour before starting this. I know very little about this band other than I like the name, and while I'm not really a fan of electronic music, something about a retro approach has me endlessly intrigued. Therefore, let's keep this intro short and sweet, so I can end my intrigue (And not get too drunk before the ablume starts). On to the review!<br />
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<b>Album:</b><br />
Fartbarf - Dirty Power<br />
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<b>Alcohol:</b><br />
Miller High Life (Again. The Champ-Agne... Of Motherfucking BEERS)<br />
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"Homeless In Heathrow" opens with a nice farty line, and a dancey beat. The vocals come in with heavy vocoding. I can dig it, but not understand it. That's probably okay. As the chorus opens up it's rather fun. Settles back into the verse... This has got a a feeling of an early 90s computer recreating Devo. And that's good for me. The bass synth line has an almost epic feel to it. And in the bridge the whirling sounding thing is really cool. Excellent break down. I think what may help this out most for me is the real drums, and the fact that they are played really well. As wee move into a musical break, I'm pretty sold on this... It's out there, but a lot of fun. But yeah, still not understanding any words...<br />
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Coming in with more epic feeling sythn is "Panopticon", and the first understandable words: Coors Light. And suddenly I'm feeling less guilty about droning cheap shitty beer. Again, the higher register synths creating some cool sounds and even fun melodies over nice bass lines. The 8 bit feel is just amazing here. Ooo... Break down... Like... In the style of metal core, but through a super nintendo filter. The only way metal core should be heard. The rhythms are super groovy, and I'm thinking I've found the electronic music for me. =)<br />
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Driving bass tones take us into "Your Sky is Falling". The tune opens into a very poppy feeling tune. It's cool how they are emulating different styles all in the same gritty electronic nature. And the melodies are great. I'm getting more used to the vocoder, but still having trouble hearing actual words. There is even nice growth and tension moving into the chorus... Like, this is better song writing than quite a few of the albums I've done on here... Kudos. Haha. Laser sounds.... Just realized that's only funny to me and any one else who had Radio I at Waldorf College with Professor Newcom... Well, yeah... Cool Tune.<br />
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8 bit studdering opens "Mission at Hand". Drums join in, and the bass fleshes us out into a heavy groove. This is like if Daft Punk was good. Great melodies... And the style changes are helping to make the sounds not feel overdone... At least thus far. Nice fall aport ending!<br />
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"Play The Game" opens in an almost dance ballad feel. Picking up a little when the vocals come in. The little tags and attention to composition are beyond anything I thought I'd be hearing on this, and I'm serious--oh shit... Little interlude part was fucking rad! This is cool.. I'm kind of speechless... Just vibing... Cool end.<br />
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"All Systems Go" comes in as a nice power anthem with vocals to match. Really cool feel. Slightly subtle in it's approach, but some nice subtle growth. I love the high end tags and how they match up with the vocals. I'm pretty sure this is the best thing I've heard with out some sort of stringed instrument. God, the movement from part to part is great... I'm loving the fact that the diction is terrible everywhere wight he vocoder, but "EverybuTy" comes through just as I typed it... Awesome.<br />
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Hi-hat takes us into "Serviece Merchandiser". And as the song moves... It gets weird... But in, like, and amazing way... It's got an almost eerie vibe... But... it's still fun... This is so far outside of my nomad realms of listening, but still everywhere I want to be... I'm catching some of the lyrics and they seem appropriately weird, but I will be honest, I almost prefer not understanding... There is so much vibe potential to this. Abrupt end... I dig.<br />
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"Hero of Time" comes in with an epic feel. Like the hero theme to an 80's video game with live drums. ten times the badassery of mega man. I love it. Great melodies... Although, this is the first point I'm feeling a sense of recycled song ideas... It's still good, but i don't know if it's the booze, or if some of these melodies appeared already... Whatev's It's still fun smexy awesome... Amazing breakdown thingy... The drums are melting the shit out of my ass... Hmm... That sounded considerably more diarrhea-y than I indented... it's probably ring...<br />
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"Warp Whistle" moves from epic theme tune to dancy dirty... And I welcome the return of the vocoder. I can't understand a word, but somehow it makes everything better... Great build into the chorus... Ooo... I love the low end vocals. By the way... My girlfriend is watching impractical jokers, and seeing the randomness there wight he music in my headphones is incredible... Just day in' Awesome overload wight hat whole breakdown interlude... God, this shit rocks my face clear into next Tuesday! Fading? Wait... FADING? Fade out ending?! Poor form!<br />
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Closing us out is "Electric Groove" and true to it's name... It's grooving... Electronically! =P A nice grooving tune... Can I say any form of Groove more? Probably. Becaouse this fucking album is GROOOVETASTIC! On the real... Letas talk about this break down... I was gonna say drums(they're amazing), but then there was the crazy high end sythn... Killer. There's some more of it... Bordering on annoying, but fitting wight he movement of the song, so I'll allow it. The shit has been blow out me ASS.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
Quick! Take all the music you own, throw it in a blender. Pour a bunch of liquor in, blend on high for two full days, take a heaping table spoon of FUCK YEAH, and shove it all in your NES. YES an original, not one of those fucking modern produced remake shits. And plug that shit into an 80's console TV hooked up to a tube amp running to two stereo speakers and push the volume as far as it will go... That's Fartbarf... Your welcome.<br />
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-Badhorse<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-45559102865593157292014-06-12T21:00:00.001-07:002014-06-12T21:00:27.898-07:00High Life, Low Budget - Harakiri - Harakiri (Self-Titled)Well, my friends, it is time for me to dust off my typing fingers (as opposed to my non-typing fingers?) and clean out the cob-webs between them. I've taken a few weeks off to visit family, and well, my liver was in protest a little as well, but now, it's back to music!<br />
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And tonight, I have yet another exciting local (to Minneapolis) release! Harakiri is a band I first saw at a Rawkzilla Battle of the Bands show. I had a few drinks, but I knew I liked what I heard. Initially, I miss heard the name of the group as Heart of Fury (this may have been a result of afore mentioned drinks), and I thought that was a rather lame-ish name, but after searching for their mercy booth, I discovered they were indeed Harakiri. Now, I don't know what the name is from or refers to, and quite frankly, I don't care (maybe I care a little, and I will probably ask them at their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/773602119336850/" target="_blank">CD release show</a>); I do know that these guys are a kick ass live group, and I'm hoping that translates to the album.<br />
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Now, there has been traveling to see family, and hosting family happening in the past couple of weeks, so as I am low on cash, I nabbed a twelve pack of Miller High Life from the liquor store down the street. I always hope for something better, but alas, money eludes me for now. I had a few with dinner already, and I'm feeling good and primed to kick back in from my hiatus. Thus, on with the review!<br />
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<b>Album:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/harakirimusic" target="_blank">Harakiri (Self-Titled)</a><br />
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<b>Alcohol:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.millerhighlife.com/" target="_blank">Miller High Life</a> (<a href="http://aleheads.com/2011/04/15/in-defense-of-miller-high-life/" target="_blank">The motherfucking Champagne of Beers bitches</a>!)<br />
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"C'est La Vie" opens the disc up with naked guitar before kicking into a nice groove compete with ooohs that give a very slow funk feel. As everything comes together into the verse, there is a nice tossing around of focus keeping everything drawing me in. The verse moves into a more unified feeling before picking up really nicely, and the drop back into guitar is nice. The movement throughouot the first half of this tune was killer, and it just keeps going. I'm loving the vocal interplay. The drop to a clean guitar after the second verse is nice, and the line feels like a spiral. If that make sense? I don't know. It's a really cool feel. And I really dig--oh, look there was a mention of a spiral. And the unison part is really cool there swell. Moving into a nice solo. I could almost use more musical intensity. Like a high dynamic? It's nice and intense, but I want more. Cool tune.<br />
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We move on to "Danger Will Robinson", and the tune opens slow, and ballady. I really like the voicing here as well,a nd those backing vocals are still ever present. And this is a tune I definitely recognize from the show as the chorus comes in. Simple, but catchy and nice. interesting interludy part here.The music really plays nicely with what the vocals are doing, and it gives this an almost musical theatre quality. Again here however, I want... More... More something... I think it may be a production fault, but it needs something.<br />
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"The Borgia" comes in as another ballad feeling song, and then launches into a killer, but not-too-long guitar solo. Drops down again, and god, I love all of the vocal and music interplay. It's a continuing theme, and it keeps you hanging on and waiting for the next twist. More music needs to have this feel. And may I say that the guitars, while very subtle are awesome, and beautifully tasteful. And the change up from pretty appeggios to punchy guitar? Awseome. And moving into a more flowing feel. So much happening and changing and moving right before me... My poor fingers are struggling to keep up.<br />
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"Through The Gates" comes in with a very similar feel to it's predecessors, but a neat feel in it's own right. Some of the melodies give this... I'm not sure... Hauntingly catchy? feel. And I like it. I also love how there are beautiful ins and outs of that and pure modern funky rock. This group may not be pushing the envelope on high energy, but they certainly keep you in it and engaged. Another solo in this tune. This one a little more lyrical, and longer too.Beautiful really. A nice way to close.<br />
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"Rumspringa" gives us our first taste of real aggression with a pushing guitar line that settles into a groove. Even if this doesn't take off, it certainly retains a sense of aggression. It's nice and well done with a lower dynamic. Again some beautiful music and vocal interplay capped off by a slow vocal part that builds through a flowing lyric line and some excellent guitar, and into a driving and awesome guitar line. Beautiful! The composition and flowing nature is almost too much for my buzzing brain to comprehend. I fear what happens if I reach "Shit-Faced bastard" status.<br />
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Opening quietly with mostly voice and low guitar, "To My Old Man" brings in a really cool stop and go groove in the verses and the vocals continue to show off a nice range and blend. And that musical theatre-esque vibe definitely carries on here. I haveint mentioned it yet, but the bass has been more than busy through this whole album as well. Really the rhythm selection moves beautifully along with everything and with all the changes and ins and outs, I can be nothing but impressed. I'm actually blown away by how catchy, and accessible this manages to be with all of its movement and intricacies. It's an excellent feat.<br />
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Coming in with a dancy feel, "Lorelei" borders on disco, but when it kicks in there is so much more there. Here, I'm getting that missing drive and heavier dynamic I was hoping for earlier. I le the vocals here too. Lovely falsetto! This tune is the closest to formulaic I've felt on the albums thus far, and it's hardly at that point. The bridge makes lovely use of guitar delay as it builds into a lovely vocal release and cool musical interlude. Back into the opening... And kick in to the chorus. Nice.<br />
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"I Love Lucy" comes in with an almost overly cliche ballad feel, but I can dig it... Ooo... Elevator style groove. I can respect. moves along nicely and very pretty. Nice build, and opens up nicely. Female vocals are nice and powerful here. I dig them a lot. The male vocals are up now, and I swear it's like listening to a musical soundtrack, and I do love musicals.<br />
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"Epilogue" comes in at a rather in appropriate time as there is one song after it, but it has a nice and pretty feel nevertheless. That guitar tone is lovely, and the growth happening is awesome. With what I've said before in regards to dynamics. Let that not be a shot at how they are used on this disc, because, they are used beautifully, believe me. This song has some lovely example of that. Ooo. Farty bass! I also love the emotion evoked even without lyrics with in the vocals. There are so many wordless tags and melodies that create beautiful depth with the mucis. Killer build! And nice nasty kick in. Love it! Lovwly.<br />
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"Apples From A Tree" starts the close of the disc with more groove. The whole disc does have a bit of a static feel in that... Every tune takes you all over the place... And here we go taking off again. It can be somewhat exhausting, but in an entirely awesome way. Again, there is a definite accessibility retained; however, it is a bit much listening front to back. But again, just when they have you lulled into that sense of slow and pretty they hint at growth, and then bitch slap you back into awesome. And oh, so aweomse. There is such a retro-modern (god, <i>that's</i> a cliche term) feel to it. It's a real--oh shit.. Is that... Sax? Yes, I think so. Hot. So goddamned hot. Just shat myself. figuratively. But on the real. Holy shit, this is a cool track. Or... You know... hot track? And nice flourish to close out the disc.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
I'm not quite going to call this mind blowing, because that's not the way Harakiri approaches it mental destruction on this album. It's much more a sense of mind melting until your brain leaks out your ears and pools around you leaving you in pure liquid-lobotomized bliss. Yeah... that's accurate.<br />
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-Badhorse<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-54694508515630056492014-05-15T17:50:00.003-07:002014-05-15T17:50:53.748-07:00RBR: The Iowan Redemption - Lipstick Homicide - Out UteroI've been loving digging into Minneapolis' local music scene, and believe me, there is more to come on that front. However, I must stress that local music support doesn't stop at local to me, and with that in mind, I'm checking out a band from my home state of Iowa.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pictured: The birth place of awesome! (Awesome is me!)</span></div>
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Lipstick Homicide hales from Iowa City, or since as a former Iowan I'm actually familiar with the greater Iowa City metro area (Hehe), Coralville. I know very little about them other than they are a female fronted punk band and come suggested by the coolest kid I know:</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">God, that's a sexy plume.</span></div>
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I trust his musical tastes, and judging from a quick glance at song titles and length, I'm confident <i>Out Utero </i>will be filled with plenty of punk gems. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not to mention this cover is simply beautiful.</span></div>
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I'm on a tight budget this week, so I'm rocking some Franzia. It pains me a little when I know there are some great Iowa vineyards, but when you're broke, you can't beat 5 liters for under $15 (God, I'm classy). With cheap ass wine and some Iowan punk music in hand, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://lipstickhomicide.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Lipstick Homicide - Out Utero</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.franzia.com/aboutthewines_housefavorites.shtml#2" target="_blank">Franzia Sunset Blush</a></div>
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"This Time For Real" opens us up with a bang and drive right in to a punk feel. Messy, but in an awesome way, and I like the guitar lead behind the vocals. Nice harmonies too. It has a this great pretty, pretty train wreck sound, and I can dig it. The little guitar lines are simple, but great. There is no slowing at all either. Love it. The little drop to guitar and voice at the end was really cool too.</div>
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"I Hope You Die" comes in with high energy and punk pacing, but feels a little more subtle than it's predecessor. I mean... It's not subtle at all, but it's less not subtle... Does that make sense? Doesn't matter. The song is cool, and already over.</div>
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"So Happy For You" gives a small pace break. They moved from high energy punk, to slightly less high energy punk in a slowing trend that is okay. This song really just feels more pop punk, but manages to retain better edge than most pop punk. The vocals get a little shaky here, but I won't ask for perfection considering the genre. Fun tune, but the first two were better.</div>
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Guitars bring us into"Rockerchick", another pop punk tune. This one reading a little cliched female punk song, but it's still fun and bouncy, and I find the cliche scores more believable here than in any Avril Lavinge(Sp?) tune. Solid track.</div>
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Guitars bring a more muted open to "What I'm Searching For". This tune is a little more of a pop punk stretch. As with the previous, it's bouncy, but not overly aggressive, but I really like the halfassed-ish finish to lines of vocals. It's so fitting. Cool little drop out there.. This whole album is moving much faster than my fingers... That's okay with me. =)</div>
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Guitar and voice bring us into "Say It To My Face". There are so many cool things happening here. Super high energy (Ofcourse) and The guitars open up here more. Kinda... In any event, I like it. The scream at the end could use some work, but I appreciate the effort.</div>
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Transistion into "Full Throttle" is nice, and the tune itself flows nicely. Shit. Poured some wine and half this song went by. Cool call and repeat vocals, I love the bass movement, and shit... Fun.</div>
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"I Don't Wanna Be Here Anymore" opens aggressively and doesn't slow. I really love the vocals. Like, they work on so many levels. And although the album feels textbook punky, it's excited amazingly. Dear god, I'm not sure how the bassist still has fingers or how the drummer has arms. Beautiful.</div>
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"Vampire Club, Pt. II" comes in breaking the pace down. Again, only slightly. I'm not sure if I'm missing anything from Pt. I (or if there is a Pt I), but I dig the tune. The vocals get shaky here again. I really think there is a fall off when she tries to go more "pretty" sounding. She needs the edge. I can relate. I sincerely hope this is an indication of the direction of the Iowa music scene.</div>
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"Declaration of Codependence" was good. And short.</div>
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And ramping up the energy is "Who Stole Molly's Bike". A very standard punk tune, but done great. My fingers are so lost... My mind keeps hearing things and they don't know what to type... I love that little near collapse instrumental part. God, this is so messy, and I love it!</div>
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"Rather Disappear" comes in as another pop punk tune. Vocals strong and fun here. This album would be a great road trip disc. So goddamn high energy and fun. Song is killer.</div>
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And another super transition into "Doin Nothin". This tune is were I'm getting a little worn. Maybe it's because I like the--wait, that little hardish part brought me back. Yes, I'm still good.</div>
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Closing the disc is "Like This Forever" and it's so slow and dry... Not really, another nice punk track. I could say how they strike me as a one trick pony, but when that one trick is so awesome, it would hardly be a complaint. And a solo? Yes. And with great punk taste. I can, and do, dig. A lot. Great close!</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Phew! I'm exhausted, and just made it through a 14 track album with only a buzz. I'd complain, but I'm satisfied. Oh, so satisfied. Thank you, Lipstick Homicide, for redeeming Iowa. Never stop doing what you do.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-13660471334189684592014-05-07T16:48:00.002-07:002014-05-07T16:48:44.998-07:00A First Listen Before First Ave! Vaudeville - The Masquerade: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QyD3FsNRi-wOfdpgtpLsPHVDwTZPVrP-Q3oUvQaMa45FZRysYc8z0UFE7q991kR1H9AwN3nAwX8xLrODdSV5gceipm-m8IZPgPcQ-L3igljba_r6r8xw4gLCEnFhZYBfNGqrIKbvaQE/s1600/Vv+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QyD3FsNRi-wOfdpgtpLsPHVDwTZPVrP-Q3oUvQaMa45FZRysYc8z0UFE7q991kR1H9AwN3nAwX8xLrODdSV5gceipm-m8IZPgPcQ-L3igljba_r6r8xw4gLCEnFhZYBfNGqrIKbvaQE/s1600/Vv+pic.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Take a long, hard look at these lovable, talented FUCKS! (<a href="http://www.whitetsubakiphotography.com/" target="_blank">Credit</a>)</span></div>
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These guys are some of my best friends. They were my doorway into the Minneapolis music scene when I first moved here, and that goofy looking guy in the suspenders? That is my best friend. I mentioned before how awesome local music can be; these guys are the reason for me. </div>
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Their first album, which was out before I met them, has it's ups and downs, and while very average in production, 2009's <i>Dismantle The Sky</i> had more than enough solid tracks to get me hooked. Then came <i>Vendetta </i>(2012). I was present for some of the writing of this disc and was super stoked for it's release. The release show is, to this day, the best local show I've ever witnessed. Now, we are on the verge of another release from this Minneapolis quintet, and with it, what promises to be a most epic show. The release show is to be held at the historic <a href="http://first-avenue.com/event/2014/05/vaudeville" target="_blank">First Avenue</a>. I've not known of a local show there since my moving here, and the venue itself is amazing. I've heard only one track off of this new album, and I'm so goddamn anxious to hear the rest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV21dT4G0xGZDzRNXlfXBi6-F7A9hacH0Dl5XwpTe2HKXqcaDbdFNonneholpumf-QCpViJsXx-pK0ccZmtda3W41tjxknerjpHGr19rhtczgQWCuot3PjQIoTv8tDAnhzJce9rVT58-8/s1600/The+Masquerade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV21dT4G0xGZDzRNXlfXBi6-F7A9hacH0Dl5XwpTe2HKXqcaDbdFNonneholpumf-QCpViJsXx-pK0ccZmtda3W41tjxknerjpHGr19rhtczgQWCuot3PjQIoTv8tDAnhzJce9rVT58-8/s1600/The+Masquerade.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">With all the lace on that mask, this disc HAS to be badass!</span></div>
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Now, before you assume that I'm some blind fan boy that will rave just to rave, it should be noted that as with all my reviews, honesty will prevail. I will set forth <i>Vendetta</i>'s "Treason" as a track that I have found, and will always fine, blah. Good music is good music, and while there is a precedent with these guys to impress, I will ultimately be judging the album and not the band itself.</div>
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Since they are sponsoring the show, I've got some Summit EPA to accompany the disc, and because I'm shaking with anticipation (And quite possibly an addict's need for more booze), let me blab no more! On to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://vaudevillemusic.com/" target="_blank">Vaudeville - The Masquerade: Part 1</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.summitbrewing.com/brews/extra-pale-ale" target="_blank">Summit EPA</a></div>
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"Masquerade Intro", while lazily named, opens us up with an erie aesthetic of carnival-ish music, thunder, and marching cadence. Bells toll and a final rumble of thunder takes us into the disc.</div>
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Vocals open on "With Loaded Guns" kicking into a super badass blues rock riff before backing into a groove-esque lower feeling verse. The vocals have and interesting chorus affect, but I'm intrigued to hear minimal delay. The riff opens us back up into the chorus, and you can hear some tell tale Schara-esque guitar effects in the back ground. Second verse lower feeling again, but with a little growth. Nice. Definitely on the groovy side over all on this track, and this is the side of Vaudeville I can't get enough of. While it doesn't sound the SAME, it definitely captures tones of <i>Vendetta</i>'s "Hideaway". God, that chorus riff is just badass as all hell. Great first (real) track!</div>
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"I'll Follow You" opens with a nice acoustic guitar. A little clean solo... The song is interesting, but definitely is giving an almost pop feel. Not that that's terrible, but it provides a very interestedly harsh contrast to it's predecessor. The chorus is an interesting low key-yet-aggressive-ish sound. It's pretty cool, but over all I'm a little blah on this track.I think the layered vocals in the chorus were a good idea, but the mixing gives them a feel that's a little... Weird? I don't know... I'm definitely not sold on this one...</div>
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Here we are at the one track I've heard: "Through Bright Red Skies". Guitar effects open, and a sexy bass groove brings us in. There is this little guitar line that gives such a sexy tag on that bass line. The vocals are soft-ish with a hidden aggression, and the whole track lets you know it's about to unleash hell. And here it comes! Such a great aggressive stop dn start chorus. And back into the pure sex that is that verse. This song deserves a cigarette. Mmm... music smoke. Ooh. Transistion into a VERY Schara solo. Perfectly fitting to the song. Aggressive pounding to finish it off... Hot.</div>
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Slowing it sown out of that is "Into The Blue". Opens on acoustic and voice. This song, again, has a slight pop-esque feel, but the production is a little nice on this one.Cool stop there. This is scores ahead of "I'll Follow You". Simple, but elegant. Dropping... Into a build? Maybe, but regardless, I love the vocal melodies here. Ooo. Nice growth... Guitars making a push... so subtle, but sooo there! Into a nice payoff. Driving us onward. Adding a nice bite to the beautiful vocals... And drop off... Awesome. some nice bass licks from Mr. Kosel. Cool.</div>
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Guitar and drums open our closer, "Where Darkness Lies". Vocals add to this sexy darkness. Again, such a quiet anticipation is created, and when it opens up, the pay off is awesome. Chorus brings us back around to that killer verse... Builds nicely back into the second chorus. I really love the lyrics in the chorus. The guitar interplay is awesome. builds.. Drops... Bass... And heres the guitar... Way cool feel here... Reminicent of the 28 Weeks Later theme. Sooo cool. Building. Those guitars are just icing to open up... Building awesomely! Mr's Vaudeville, I'm ready for my cumshot... =P Still building. So much whoa... Drops on voice and... Oh shit. Nothing... But, like... And amazing nothing... Like, I was all ready, and then they disappeared and I'm left. Covered in rock splooge, and feeling... Satisfied. Oh, so satisfied.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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So, as with <i>Vendetta</i>, there is a single track, that is glaringly not great for me, but the placement is great, because it's sandwiched between a killer opener, and a powerful middle track, I can practically forget it as soon as it ends. That being said, killer effort from what is, in my opinion, THE premier Minneapolis band. From the eerie intro taking us into "With Loaded Guns" to the powerful vanishing act of the close of "Where Darkness Lies", <i>The Masquerade</i> is a ride everyone needs to take themselves on.</div>
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It should be noted, I will soon be doing a more "official" write up of this disc on EMURG (Link below), and I will be present at the May 17th Release Show at First Ave. Find me, say "Hi... You're blog is the single best authority on music I've ever read." Seriously say all of that. I might buy you a drink (Not happening, I'm poor).</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-14484111532107416212014-05-01T17:35:00.001-07:002014-05-01T17:35:15.772-07:00The Modern Kick! - Double Review: The Modern Era - Holiday EP & Kick - Away From The WorldI'm so excited for MAY! Yeah, there's Spring (which is taking way to long to fully arrive), the NFL Draft (Go Chiefs!), and the continuing forth season of Game of Thrones(Is anyone else happy about what happened to Joffery?); but what has me beyond fucking pumped is the local music coming out this month!<br />
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Local music is such a beautiful thing too many fail to cherish until it has withered into shitty bar cover bands and overly heavy high school metal bands. I've seen it happen (I used to live in Iowa). This is why everyone should support local music! Find a band that you enjoy. MEET them! Hang with them! That's the beauty of it all. You can enjoy not only the sounds they produce, but the people behind the music. You can experience shows <i>with </i>the bands. Experience their rises and falls. All of this with people creating amazing things right in your own city. Local music is a beautiful privilege, but as will all privileges, it can be taken away. Cherish it NOW! (End lecture)<br />
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The point of that lecture is that there are two amazing bands that I am reviewing tonight that I have been around for a while. With each one, I saw them. Loved the music, and later met the members of the respective groups, and now have a connection to them. The first, The Modern Era, I first saw as Machine 22 while playing a show with them in my old-shitty punk band. Since that time, they've sort of rebranded themselves, but are still cranking out killer tunes and shows. The second, Kick, I saw after a friend told me about them. It was a show in the back room of a coffee shop, and I will never forget it. The energy alone was electric, and although front man, Jake Kemble, has promised a more varied showing on <i>Away From The World</i>, I'm sure I will love it. (It should also be known that Kick abandoned Iowa for a more lively music scene in MPLS. Let that in itself be a lesson to all on supporting your local bands!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What a fine group of young gents!</span></div>
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I am beyond excited for this; I even went out and got a Sierra Nevada IPA sampler because if I'm doing multiple bands, why not have multiple beers? (I mean multiple <i>kinds. </i>I ALWAYS have multiple beers.) </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What <i>are </i>they looking at?</span></div>
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Now, let it be known that just because I love these bands and the people in them doesn't mean I'm going easy on them. If there are things I don't enjoy, they will be known (The beer will see to that); however, I have a feeling they won't disappoint. Now that I've tried a few of my IPA options, I do believe I'm ready to quit yapping and start rocking (But you know, while still yapping), so on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album (#1):</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.themoderneramusic.com/" target="_blank">The Modern Era - Holiday EP</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/specialty/ipa-variety-pack" target="_blank">An assortment of Sierra Nevada IPAs</a></div>
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<i>Holiday</i> opens up with "Like A Hot Knife". Guitars come in nice and bouncy before the drums push us into a nice little guitar solo. As the song settles into the verse, I hear Mr. Jack Swaggers smexy voice. The song definitely has a garage-y punk sound, and the little guitar solos are nice. The song as a whole is nice and bouncy, and oh, I loved that little stop and shout thing. Nothing earth shaking about what's happening, but what is happening is awesome. Fun tune.</div>
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The disc pushes right into"Everyone We Know Is A Ghost". This track has a little darker feel even though the intro still retains a bit of bouncy. Okay, here we are settling in the verse. As the song moves on it is a slightly slower tune. The guitar moving in the background of the chorus is a nice touch. I love the movement of the tune. And the stripped down verses growing through out and into the chorus. Well done. I love the use of gang vocals here and there. It really speaks to my inner punk kid. Really cool driving finish.</div>
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Thaaaat sets us right into "Are You Sure?" a killer punk tune. The guitars keep moving with a cool little duel line. The chorus is short and sweet, but nice. Second verse drops to fuzz bass with guitar accents. I like the change up. Sweet.</div>
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Slower to open the closer and title track: "Holiday". Nice movement from bouncy verse into slower pre chorus. This tune has a definite retro feel. I dig it a lot. Some nice "Do-Whaaas" I like. Cool track.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Although it's a small showing, The Modern Era definitely gives a sense of diversity on <i>Holiday. </i>The disc is nice and fun without coming across as fluffy. My only reservation is that it was hardly long enough for this beer to really take hold. I'm hoping for a full length effort sometime soon. Please?</div>
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<b>Album (#2):</b></div>
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<a href="http://officialkick.com/" target="_blank">Kick - Away From The World</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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"Electric Love" opens us up with a sound of... A record? Moves nicely into a drumbeat, and the guitars fly in before dropping into the verse. Supre high energy here. Nice movement right into the fun chorus. Killer solo to fill in there. The vocals are nice and fun. Hooks are abound. And I love the little tags here and there like the scream before the second chorus. Drop to bass... Ooo.. Gimme that guitar. Building.... Scream, and a nice open up. Beatiful. Killeer.<br />
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Moving right along, the guitar opens up "Sick Religion". The song has anise funk rock feel. The vocals stay nice and hooky--holy shit that was the coolest interlude thingy EVER! Weird little speaky thingy, and back into that funk rock verse. And giving me that badass driving interlude. Sick. Dropping to drums and guitar ringing out. And now, guitar and voice... Building... Ooooooooo. Scream! And halftime interlude... Cool. Love it.<br />
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"Miricles" slows us down a bit in the open, but then, the electric guitar coms in giving us a little bit of bit. Drops to voice and bass. Growing as the guitar comes in. Beautiful movement and composition there. The song has so many rises and falls, but it doesn't feel jerky in them. Lyrically, it flirts with cheesiness with out ever really getting there, and in fact, hits nicely because of it. Nice drop to acoustic with and electric solo. Growing back into the Oooo-Ooo. Part. Nice pause in the final chorus really pushing things bigger. Nice.<br />
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"don't Let it bee" comes in with guitar,a nd bass. And takes off as the drums come in. Dropping down for the verse. The bass keeping things moving though. The vocals by contrast drawing out. And then moving a bit faster.. Build... Drop to guitar and voice..... And bam! Super hooky, and fun. Back into the verse. Very similar here. Voice a little shaky there, and felt rushed, but thoughts of that are washed away by the chorus. Very nice. Nice pouch into the final chorus. Love it.<br />
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Another final/title track, "Away From The World" opens with voice and guitar. there is a really cool delay effect happening. The song settles into a nice but VERY slow groove. The guitar showing very different colors here And really, this track drops the enter--nevermind, the bass is coming in. Driving... Awesome pick up there! Still slower, but bigger here. and dirty. Sexy dirty... A second open up... Bigger. Awesome!<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
Amazing. The first few track fill you with this electrifying energy, and leave you completely unprepared for the epicness of "Away From The World". It's like the whole album is a set up for the most amazing unfunny joke in the world, meant to be enjoyed by all. Am I making sense? No? You're right, I had better drink more.<br />
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I should mention, both of these albums will be available for your buying pleasure on May 9th. This is also coinciding with what promises to be a most epic release show featuring both bands. And for all of you close enough to go, tickets can be purchased <a href="http://www.ticketfly.com/event/516957-modern-era-album-release-minneapolis/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Go to this show! Support local bands in whatever city you are in. Remember, every band out there that is huge got it's start playing to crowds of 10 at a shitty little bar in their home town. Be one of those ten!<br />
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-Badhorse<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency? I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-11615279458454660422014-04-17T20:28:00.001-07:002014-04-17T20:28:12.498-07:00Re-Used - The Used - Imaginary EnemyHey, all! It's been nine whole months of this blog, and I've finally reached a repeat artist. For those of you who aren't avid readers (become one!) or those who simply haven't looked into my back catalog of entries (Do it, and post LOTS of comments!), I reviewed The Used's 2013 effort, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ocean_of_the_Sky" target="_blank">Ocean of the Sky</a></i>, in the first month of this blog's existence. In fact, it was my very first <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2013/08/ocean-of-alcohol-i-mean-sky-used.html" target="_blank">negative review</a>, and to this day, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth (or maybe that was the cheap whiskey?)<div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Is it weird that I'm more creeped out by the censored faces than the heart on a noose? Nah.</span></div>
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Now, let it not be said that I am not a fan of The Used. Seriously, who said that? I'll cut you! I actually love them, and most of their over arching work. No, <i>Ocean of the Sky</i> was the sole effort that I despised. "Tethys" alone was 20 minutes robbed of my life. Ugh. But enough about that. We have a shiny new album for consideration, and I am excited (with certain reservations) that this will be considerably better than its predecessor.</div>
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My lovely girlfriend has been so kind as to whip up a lovely concoction that essentially amounts to a wine smoothie (so good, but so sweet), and I'm ready for another look at a new The Used album, so as I always say, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/imaginary-enemy/id804990197" target="_blank">The Used - Imaginary Enemy</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Wine Smoothie</div>
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The album opens on "Revolution". Lovely little sample. Classic The Used. Takes off right away settling into a quick-but-low-key verse. Opens up into the chorus and the song is setting up nicely to be a nice industrial punk track. I'm feeling good. LOVE the start of the second verse. Drop out of the second chorus into bass synth swells. Neat vocal affect, and the song starts to grow again mostly using drums. And kick to the mouth. Nice. Druma nd voice chorus. Drop out. And final chorus. Sample bump. Lovely.</div>
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Moving on, we have "Cry" opening fast, and dropping into a partially electronic verse. Nice low but heavy pre chorus, and heavy-yet-poppy chorus. I like it. Second time around, still nice. I really like that pre chorus part. I also really dig the held out phrasing on the chorus vocal melody. Holy shit, that bridge is fucking righteous. And slides right back in the chorus seamlessly. Okay, The Used, you found yourselves again. Thank you. =)</div>
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"El-Oh-Vee-Ee" opens with an electro poppy feel. The synths have this little dark feeling tag on the end of each phrase, and I love it. This song definitely has a more pop feel across the board, but damn that chorus is catchy. Seriously, that little end to the phrase in the verse... It's... Amazing. There's a similar call to that in the chorus as well. Oohh. Here comes something a little more aggressive.... Love it. Grows out of everything organically as well. And back in. This song is actually a perfect example of why I love The Used. They can toss back and forth from more bubbly pop to screaming punk, and connect the two with no ugliness.</div>
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"A Song To Stifle Imperial Progression" opens with an appropriate industrial beat before launching into a super aggressive rock tune. And as it moves on we drop into a pinky dance track, and back into that pure aggression. My mind is spinning and there is a smile on my face. The whole song, when you consider all of its parts should be disjointed and falling apart, but it's somehow beautifully cohesive. I love it.</div>
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Coming out of the sample ending the previous track is "Generation Throwaway". This song has a very modern pop feel to it. I can hear The Used in the tune, but I'm getting a feel as if this is their take on a FUN song. It's good. Just... A low point thus far. Lyrically nice at least. </div>
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"Make Believe" opens with a synth sound, and kicks in with voice. a subtly fast moving verse, and opening up in the chorus. Fairly straight forward pop punk track thus far. Not bad. Not great, but at least its quick enough and interesting enough to keep things from dragging... Oohh. Drop down with a vocoder vocal line. Growing... And into the chorus. Legit.</div>
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Onward to "Evolution" that opens with a synth line, and shows itself to be a slower ballad-y tune. Very pretty, and I like the movement the bass is providing. It definitely stands out here. Neat heavy-ish breakdown. And back into the ballad. Keeping it interesting, The Used. I can dig. Getting aggressive here at the end. And trailing off with synth.</div>
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The title track comes out of that with a nice bass lick and moving into a nice little groovy jam. synth adding tension along wight he vocals. And the kick in to the chorus. this tune is fun and a great blend of subtlety abad fastness. Nothing super flashy, but good tune nonetheless. Drop into a nice slow bridge. And builds back into a killer riff interlude. The whole song growing here. And drop... And kick back in. Fun tune.</div>
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"Kenna Song" slows us down a bit again. Opens with clean guitar, and synth comes in wight he drums. Sounds like an electronic beat. Vocals come in bringing bass and real drums with it. Nice slow tune,a nd the bass carries the tune just as the previous slower track. Not a lot interesting happening lyrically or really vocally at all. It's pretty, but not super interesting. Meh...</div>
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Synth swell brings us into "Force Without Violence" and drums add some aggression to the intro. Cool guitar effect. This sets up to be a nice verse. slow and simple, but really cool and effective. picking up the pace into the chorus. not a lot. but enough. Back into the cool verse. Growing here again. And a little faster in the second chorus. I really like the growth in this tune. Drop down. tension. Vocals come in and we start building back up. and opens up into the final chorus. nice. Trail off into a crazy sample. And into an electronic rap? thing. Lovely wording. but rather abrupt and random. I'll allow it.</div>
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That brings us to synthy sounds opening "Overdose". Vocals come in very pretty. A quick glance at the time of this track clocking in at 14:41, and I'm having "Tethys" flashbacks, but there is already more songness to this than in any part of that track. And this is very pretty. Another rather poppy feeling tune but well done. Lyrically nice as well. The bridge part is weird but in a really cool way. The song ends... I think? Yeah, that's the end. I think my glance at the time has spoiled the surprise of a "Hidden track". Hmm... I haven't encountered a hidden track done like this in awhile, and to be quite frank, I've never thought about how to handle this in blog form. I must debate. Let me smoke and I'll get back to you... OH! sound! Drums... Like. Hand drums... And sand paper? Or many dragging a hand across the skins.... Yeah, probably that... Still.. Just that... Continuing... Yeah, about a solid minute of just that... Yep... Just that... Two minutes... Of... that...New Sound! Sounds like... Static? Growing! And now... A forecast? Pretty synthy background. Can't quite understand the voice, but we've moved on front he forecast for sure... Voice stopped and now we have pretty choral things... Voice back and fun music... I'm utterly lost, but not altogether disappointed. This is incredibly odd,b ut not bad. </div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Ughh... So not entirely sure what happened at the end there... I'm a little lost, but no matter, The album was solid. Nothing amazing for me, but it certainly redeems the previous The Used album. I liked parts of it, but it lacked a certain "wham" factor The Used usually packs. Particularly the second half of the disc was a little... Meh. Again. solid, but not quite the album I would hope for. Meh.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Facebook</i></span></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>chat</i></span></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency? I also write for </i><a href="http://emurg.com/"><span style="color: #042eee;"><i>EMURG.com</i></span></a><i>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-60862857125072323462014-04-10T18:38:00.001-07:002014-04-10T18:38:05.753-07:00Local Beer, Local Band - Semeron - Breathing ScarletSo, I was in the liquor store to day (Like I do), and after a moment of contemplation, I decide I really wanted a local beer. Not that this is unusual for me, but I mention it for this reason:<br />
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A while back, I attended a local show. I was there to see some friends in the band, Vaudeville (I believe I've mentioned them before on here), but another band caught my ear. Now, I didn't have a lot of money to throw around at the time, but I had a five dollar-bill in my pocket, and to my fortune, the band had provided a coupon of sorts to purchase one of their albums for exactly that price. Well, I took them up on the offer, and briefly mentioned to the gentleman from the band who sold the disc to me that I did this blog, and they may appear on an upcoming entry.<br />
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Wow... Looking back, that was a really long winded way to say this: I got a local beer, so I decided I would review a local band. Sorry... Sometimes my fingers get away from me.<br />
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Anywho, what I know about Semeron:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RO3nz068cEz40AmrDGEEQ6KuAp4e59Ecx948IttIFlkbvTxjgR6GJY_znxGbuAwp5ff-5qvJBVxC5myOMQnRTQ_WnKNeoGtVCD7MMBuMH1nUZ3EE3esW53U1Kzkk2i3zVAMolWC3LfU/s1600/semeron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RO3nz068cEz40AmrDGEEQ6KuAp4e59Ecx948IttIFlkbvTxjgR6GJY_znxGbuAwp5ff-5qvJBVxC5myOMQnRTQ_WnKNeoGtVCD7MMBuMH1nUZ3EE3esW53U1Kzkk2i3zVAMolWC3LfU/s1600/semeron2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">They released this album.</span></div>
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So I know nothing. I know they once played with my friends' band, and (through my "vigorous" research) I know they have a neat <a href="http://www.semeronmusic.com/bio/" target="_blank">story-esque bio</a> that I skimmed because I are journalism good.</div>
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As for that local beer? I went with Summit's Saga IPA because one I haven't had yet. Two beers in, I'm not blown away, but I must say that it goes down smooth. So before I pour too many down my mouth hole, on to the review!<br />
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<b>Album:</b><br />
Semeron - Breathing Scarlet<br />
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<b>Alcohol:</b><br />
Summit Saga IPA<br />
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"Afro Blue" starts us out slow and prettily with an acoustic guitar before an electric cuts through urging us into a heavy driving tune. The riffs are nice and rock-y. A neat little opening solo line moves the song along. Dropping now, and that solo appears, at least for now, to be the focal melody. A lot of cool things happening. Really cool chord structuring and movement in the rhythm section, and the melody continues to draw you in. In the ways of instrumentals, I can dig it. It even has the courtesy not to last for days.<br />
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"Can't Take Me Alive" ramps up the energy in the opening before settling into a driving rock tune. Vocals are nice, and harmonies are solid here. A lot of really cool guitar things are happening behind the vocals, and kudos to whoever mixed this as they aren't buried nor do they distract from the vocals. Nice solo work there, and again great rhythmic compliments. The tempos changes keep this tune exciting, and give it a better-than-radio-rock sound even though there are a lot of radio rock elements to it. Nice little interlude-y part into... Oh... The end. Legit.<br />
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Punchy open to "Cherry Blossoms". The song has a nice slow rock feel to it. The vocals give a really nice feel. The harmonies are great. And the vocals flirt with pretty, but embrace gritty. I like it. This song features beautiful progression from verse to chorus, but fails to conitue the growth when the it refrains. Drop out to acoustic... Very pretty. Here the vocals do a lot of that "Flirting with pretty" I mentioned before. And even when we kick back in. The shout of sorts is done prettier. Soloing here again, and I LOVE the rhythm section. The soloing is great, but the rhythm section is what sells it. Cool.<br />
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"Trees" comes in slow, but rather epic feeling. vocals add tension. Growing sat the guitar comes in. The build into that chorus and the chorus itself are killer. Again, making that mistake of a simple rehashing of the first round of verse-chorus. But moves into a slow-but driving bridge that picks up. Seriously, the tempo transitions are smooth and beautiful. Just like a curvy woman. Still loving the solos. And yeah, that chorus is cool.<br />
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Guitars bring us into "Honalee". Nice punchy intro drops into a low verse, but the guitars bring back tension and growth. They keep building and dropping deepening the tension and drawing me in. Now full drop to voice and acoustic guitar... And here is our legitimate kick in. Riffs are killer, and the vocals really shine over them. And into a nice solo before dropping back to the tension feel of the last half of the first verse. This is how you build through out a tune. Getting better guys. And you weren't at all bad to begin with. I really dig this tune. It's like a really grab you by the balls ballad. Seriously, if all long winded solos had as much interesting rhythm changes underneath of them, I don't think I'd hate so much contemporary metal. Love it. Weird ending, but cool tune.<br />
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"Ship Of Fools" opens with very pretty guitar, and grows with equally pretty vocals. I really thought early on, while I like the vocals, they feel limited. These last few tracks gave me an abrupt slap to the face. There is some nice--oh shit! This... Like... Quick buts low-key part. Cool as hell! And back into slow and pretty. Cool. Drop out here. Weird reverb on the vocals <i>almost</i> took me out of the whole feel, but it's cool. the kick in snapped me back. It's so cool to hear music in a style you aren't typically fond of done in a way you can't possibly hate. That being said. If the next song completes a trio of ballads, I'm not going to be happy... Give me some energy..<br />
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Building bass give me hope. Guitars provide more hope, and "Crusher" settles into an angry feeling ball of tension. Opening up with nice guitar. Ahh.. Here we are back to straight up hard rock. Granted. Whoa... Guitar interlude is killer.a nd they keep it going under a killer solo. Yeah... I dig. Drop out to vocals and drums... And into driving guitars. You are really growing in your song writing over just one album aren't you Semeron. =P Seriously, though, this is a killer hard rock tune, and I'm not even heavy into hard rock... Does that mean it's actually a bad hard rock tune? Nah.<br />
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Slowing us back down is "Rain". while I have not complaints about the song, I really wanted continued energy from--oh never mind. Thatkick in will do... Drops out again, but it's enough. I mean... It <i>is</i> another ballad, but it makes sense as a setup to close the disc. I should also mention that it is a solid track. I have no problems with the song, but so many ballads--shit... That driving guitar is giving me all kinds of tension... Holy shit.. The mother of all pay offs that was cool. I'll just stop complaining now.<br />
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"Prelude In Em" opens pretty and acoustically. and I'm going to assume that it is going to say wight hat. I love the string noise... It's always a touch more intimate when that can be heard. very pretty.<br />
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And nice transistioning right into "Our Sky" although I could have seen the titels and placement and assumed that was the intention and what would happen. Anywho. Our sky is... SURPRISE! Another ballad. Pretty, but--Oh, here we go. Picking up. Give me something a little more. Where is my pay off? Not bad, but yeah... It's a ballad. At this point, I won't be a dick; this disc may be half ballads, but at least they all have their own unique touch to them, and all done well. I suppose ballads are just what they do. I'll accept it. And incidentally, enjoy it.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
Killer disc. Truly. But as a some of the songs. Not necessarily as a straight listen. They do so much so well, but no matter how good you are, put that many ballad-esque songs before me, and I'm going to start feeling like I have lead boots. Worth the listen especially for those rock fans out there who need to get away from the Five Finger Death Punches (Shutters) of the rock world. I give you a great local act that doesn't suck and is, in fact, really fucking awesome. I said it, so obviously, it's true.<br />
<br />
-Badhorse<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><i>Facebook</i></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><i>Twitter</i></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><i>chat</i></a><i>! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency? I also write for <a href="http://emurg.com/">EMURG.com</a>.</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-5724576430567321672014-04-04T18:35:00.002-07:002014-04-04T18:35:49.165-07:00New Fox, Old Cock - Foxy Shazam - GonzoIt's been a hell of a week, my friends. I traversed back to civilization from a weekend in the far and distant mythical land of Iowa. It was a safe trip. I then decided exactly 4 hours before it's start that I was going to the <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-week-late-and-mimosa-short-against-me.html" target="_blank">Against Me!</a> show at First Ave, and that was one of the best decisions I've ever made (Even though I blew roughly $200 and had to work on only four hours of drunken sleep). Now, I am in the lovely position of listening to an album I'm extremely excited about: <i>Gonzo</i>, by Foxy Shazam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pxYsXpTO49T5CtOdkHr3Eq-P9wK_ckFgwLyCW_Ns0NpoyZGDp4sTh4icOJbHY9GHBP7QUr9nxXaTotL6tGiaeptry6o4ZU_TYWwwqEOa62JIYH34ca48j_z75hpQGYmRS2CmvfYNu_E/s1600/foxy-shazam-gonzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pxYsXpTO49T5CtOdkHr3Eq-P9wK_ckFgwLyCW_Ns0NpoyZGDp4sTh4icOJbHY9GHBP7QUr9nxXaTotL6tGiaeptry6o4ZU_TYWwwqEOa62JIYH34ca48j_z75hpQGYmRS2CmvfYNu_E/s1600/foxy-shazam-gonzo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Are those...? My god, I think those are ball sacks!</span></div>
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I first heard Foxy Shazam when I went to see The Darkness (also at First Ave), and they were supporting. I immediately fell in love with Eric Nally (I mean really. I thought he was a girl wearing a glue on mustache), and the band as a whole blew me away as no other live act has to date. <i>Church of Rock and Roll </i>(2012) is one of my favorite shower albums, and shower music for me is, like, sacred.</div>
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Also, near and dear to my hear is that 47 pound cock, His Royal Majesty: Rex Goliath. I drank the Moscato for my blog on <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2013/11/with-all-class-of-47-pound-cock-less.html" target="_blank">Less Than Jake's <i>See The Light</i></a>, and to prove I'm a manly man, I'm drinking the <i>Pink</i> Moscato tonight. And as I am anxious to get this 47 pound cock into my mouth (Oh yeah, I'm <i>that</i> manly!), on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://fs-gonzo.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Foxy Shazam - Gonzo</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.rexgoliath.com/pink-moscato.php#.Uz9SM17VwRU" target="_blank">H.R.M. Rex Goliath Pink Moscato</a></div>
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The album opens with it's title track on a fun and very distorted guitar line. Trumpet comes in, and after a bit, the song settles into a slow groove. The production thus far feels rough, but not in a bad way. The song grooves on in a nice way. Swtiching to more of a drive here with the keys going in the background. LOVE that organ. And the groove comes back with the trumpet and vocals. Drop out and feedback. Kicking back into the groovy chorus. Cool open.</div>
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The groove continues on "Poem Pathetic". I really like the jazzy feel here. The vocals are actually mixed low which is alright. Growth here. And it opens us a little and then snaps back... Tossing back and forth from give to slow and pretty... Now back to the groove. Love a lot of what the trumpet is doing here. Drop down to synth and vocals... Now trumpet... Now kick in. I can dig. </div>
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"Brutal Truth" Comes in with some sweet fuzz bass. Kicks in hard, and settles into a nice driving groove. This tune is grungy sexiness and thus far my favorite I think. The trumpet continues to be a highlight for me... The little licks are just fun as hell. So dirty. Naughty and dirty and awesome. </div>
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Moving on, "Tragic Thrill" opens with keys and drums. Vocals come in softly, and I'm somewhat missing the force and power usually present in Nally's vocals... Like, he still is giving a great showing, but I'm missing that umpiness, and I think it's a product of the lowly mixed vocals... Ooo. Nice dynamic growth there... This is a really pretty tune. Not blown away here, but it's good. </div>
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"Have The Fun" opens with guitar, and settles into this rove of sorts. I love that farty guitar. This song has this quiet power, and i like it a lot. A lot of gritty nastiness here as well. I really dig this tune actually... Like, I've been lulled into a trance by it... And oh, now its over...</div>
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"Shoe Box" a little more like what I'm used to with Foxy, and its good. Such a cool feel to it. The whole album is somewhere between 90s grunge and barroom jazz fusion. I can't knock on that. Its definitely a cool sound albeit not what i'm used to with Foxy. Still love their composition and arrangement... Lovely build there, and final chorus filled with energy. Cool ending.</div>
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Poppy groove opens "Don't Give In". feeling good here again, but still wanting more volume from the vocals. Such a pretty performance, and while the rest of the band is giving me a lot as well, if those vocals just popped a bit more... Ooo... I like that driving part. Liking the lyrics too... Just need to hear them... Whoa! This little heavy part is cool as hell! Fun Tune.</div>
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Bass takes us into "In This Life" giving a nice subtle groove. I love he set up happening here... Settles into a ballad chorus. Pretty 70s sitcom esque trumpet. I'm okay with that. The whole song really has a modernized 70s ballad vibe.... Nice build there... Very ballad, like, not in a typical ballad way though. You know? No? Just have to hear it, I guess.</div>
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"Story Told" begins the end of this album in a slow fashion. picking up from the 70s ballad vibe of its predecessor, and expanding on the jazzy tones. Ooo... Nice. groove and ugly ugly guitars ripping in in the sexiest of ways... And back down... Bringing back the trumpet--wait... Recapping the album in lyrics? Eric, be my wife? Killer... And getting nasty again. I dig this a lot. Lowfi-esque aggression... Beautiful.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Alright, not what I was expecting from my beloved Foxy Shazam, but I won't lie (unless the authorities are involved). When I saw Steve Albini pro ducted, I knew this album was going to be out there, and out there, it was, but in that sexy out there kinda way that only Albini can make happen. I liked the disc, but I had to fight every fiber of my being against the desire for sexy soaring solos and straight up rock and roll. We've been taken to "Church" by Foxy, now we find ourselves in the sexy dive bars of the damned. Dark, dirty and sexy. Like the back seat of a high schoolers car after drinking stolen liquor at the debutant's ball. "I'm going gonzo." And indeed you have, Foxy Shazam. Indeed, you have.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><i>Facebook</i></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><i>Twitter</i></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><i>chat</i></a><i>!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-40326484504010919832014-03-26T16:48:00.000-07:002014-03-26T16:48:01.773-07:00A B-Day RBR - In This Moment - BloodWe all have friends (I hope, or else I just made someone really depressed). Some of them are borderline acquaintances, some are long time buddies you met on a sloppy drunken night and never fell out of contact. Then, there are those friends that have been with you longer than you have memories. Those friends that you have pictures of you as infants, and in those pictures, your eyes manage to be giving that same look to one another that you did as teenagers right before you decided to drunkenly throw that couch into the bonfire; that telepathic smirk of shared mischief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0v0ALTI1xHUNf7zK6Q4UIudJaQ6hei28BCoLO4SFthvTGQn8osk6VTmQseE4dgADFfAu6AQsIBU_a1pkcwKZZQxDTN-VG6HEz2iOZSAiRhyphenhyphensekOVA6DTXV7_a5T_yFBeXUmFZoklcdo/s1600/Nick+J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0v0ALTI1xHUNf7zK6Q4UIudJaQ6hei28BCoLO4SFthvTGQn8osk6VTmQseE4dgADFfAu6AQsIBU_a1pkcwKZZQxDTN-VG6HEz2iOZSAiRhyphenhyphensekOVA6DTXV7_a5T_yFBeXUmFZoklcdo/s1600/Nick+J.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Friendship is smacking each others asses in public.</span></div>
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Well, my friend, Nick, is that final friend. We've been jamming together since we were in diapers, and even though we now live hours apart from each other, we still share a tight bond and friendship. It's as if we are truly blood. And although that may be a cheesy attempt to tie in the album title, it doesn't make it any less true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhU4aRVghEcVTb2YSbi5KBKxvrIWgOu8BXcNYJShb2WWeD0ggGOu4_DViXQVoD2pvW3YKowY_pFaE1mmgVOxuwSNl7URfTC1sZ_8l3_UkkvhMhPCC3FuTQzQstRpcT3MuCrj8LobRky8/s1600/In+This+Moment+-+Blood+(2012).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhU4aRVghEcVTb2YSbi5KBKxvrIWgOu8BXcNYJShb2WWeD0ggGOu4_DViXQVoD2pvW3YKowY_pFaE1mmgVOxuwSNl7URfTC1sZ_8l3_UkkvhMhPCC3FuTQzQstRpcT3MuCrj8LobRky8/s1600/In+This+Moment+-+Blood+(2012).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">By the cover, I can obviously tell this albums about friendship... Aaaaaand naked porcelain women?</span></div>
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So when my good friend told me I should do <i>Blood</i> by In This Moment for my blog, naturally I... Put it off until I realized it was the week of his birthday. And so, as a birthday gift of sorts, I'm presenting this RBR. Not only that, but Nick suggested I drink Sweet Revenge. It is a "Wild Strawberry 'Sour Mash'" and apparently, delicious (I'm on drink number 3), so to find out if the album matches up to the drink, on to the review!<br />
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<b>Album:</b><br />
<a href="http://inthismomentofficial.com/wordpress/discography/" target="_blank">In This Moment - Blood</a><br />
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<b>Alcohol:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.sweet-revenge.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Revenge</a><br />
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Synth chimes open us up on "Rise With Me". Some tribal drums come in to add a subtle build. More sythns grow in. Female vocals are heard distantly. There is a pretty cool aesthetic set up here. I'm waiting for a kick in, but I think this is just an intro, and I'm cool with that.<br />
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"Guitar and synth lead us into the title track. There is a distinct groove in the shout vocals. And as everything kicks in, there is a neat stop and go thing. I like it, but it is staying a little past its welcome. settling back into the vocal groove with guitars adding aggression nicely. Drop out thing... And back into that once cool chorus thing. Yeah, I'm lost on these choruses. It's cool if they were to do it, like, half as long. Going into a really cool flowing solo over a stuttery rhythm riff. And theres that stupid chorus again... This song is like half good. Let's hope they didn't intend the title track to be the stand out.<br />
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Synth sweeps into a barrage of punches that is the opening to "Adrenalize". Driving riffs opens up into a really cool verse. Opens up is the wrong term. The driving riff continues, but the the vocals add a lovely flowing layer. The chorus is likewise a duality of aggressive guitars and less aggressive vocals. Not done as well as the verses, but cool in it's own right. Second verse continues much liekt he first, but I still like it. And the second chorus is much the same, but maybe sounding a little more aggressive. And the riff comes back into a build. Cool slide. And screaming bridge thats not too bad. Call and answer bridge now, not bad. And the final chorus is cool. It opens up into a bounce almost. Nice.<br />
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Picking up off the bounce is "Whore". The music is reminiscent of that 8 Mile Eminem song, but the vocals are cool flowing over it. And as it moves into the chorus, oh not the chorus, but cool part. The ACTUAL chorus is cool. VERY accible... In good and bad ways. Going back through the refrain. This is a very poppy metal tune. It's catchy and listenable, but not necessarily standout-ish. Drop out to synth and voice... Guitar building... And another chorus? Yep. As I said, not bad, just predictable and blah.<br />
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"Your Gonna' Listen" has a really cool driving guitar intro with the vocals coming in soft-ish and slow... And kicks in nicely. A very Otep-eque feel here. I REALLY like that guitar line in the chorus? I'm gonna call it a chorus. I can dig this tune. It takes a lot of the things I liked in the previous tracks and does them better. Bridge that is essentially an alternate chorus is nice, and cool little solo. Drops out into a rotary sounding guitar/synth thing. Swelling... Chorus. Not a bad pay off. It definitely feels a little more intense here. I can dig.<br />
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"It is Written" provides a nice sample transition.<br />
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But the anticipation is killed a little moving into a piano open to "Burn". Not to take away from the piano set up into that kick in. That was cool. And dropping back down to piano for tha verse. And crazy dynamic rise into the chorus. And the chorus actually shows off the blend of screams and singing that this vocalist has. The second time through, I'm a little less impressed as nothing really changes, but the song is still good. Really cool rhythmic things happening in the bridge part, and going into a breakdown of sorts. Kinda cool albeit simple. Dropping back to piano. Im calling .. Never mind straight to the kick in. I'm okay with that. They definitely build up to their final choruses giving them a little more umph. Respect.<br />
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"Scarlet" opens out of feedback with synths. Guitar builds us in slowly. Voices comes in soft and purdy. Nice movement in the vocal melody. Faux kick in. I can dig. Promising thus far. Nice movement into edgier vocals. And kick in really opens up and there is a beautiful sing screaming going on. Dynamics are really nice on this. And cool solo. I dig this. Less punch my mouth and more aggressive flow. They are definitely getting better as the album goes on. (Maybe it's the booze?)<br />
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"Aries" provides another cool sample interlude.<br />
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"From The Ashes" has a nice flourish intro before bringing us back to a punchy metal feel. and I can dig that transition, and I actually REALLY like the vocals here... Ooo. Picking up pacing. and drop off... Kick in, but in that flourish fashion again. I can dig that. Maybe my favorite track to this point. And back to the musically punchy yet vocally flowing verse. And getting fast again. I really like this chorus though. The vocals and--whoa! That transition into punchy bridge was cool. Kinda leaves me hanging into a vocal/guitar guid, but the payoff is coo and better than I expected. Back to punhy to copse.<br />
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"Beast Within" opens subtly, and grows in the same matter. screams lead us to another faux kick in, but after a moment the chorus comes in all the same. And it's okay... Yeah... Just... Okay... I much perfer the lower key groove of the verses. Meh, on the chorus... But ohh, th move into the bridge and the bridge itself is cool. Drop out... aaaand build back into this blah chorus... Meh. Drops out into the finish.<br />
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"Comanche" opens withDrums and muted bass. I am definitely drawing in, and continuing with guitar and grown vocals... And into a blindingly fast chorus? Verse? I don't know but it was cool. Second verse pushing a little more aggressive. And opening up... These that fast part again. Well done. here. Oh, I like that movement of the guitar in the bridge. Killer. The Ooo's add more depth to the third verse and it builds again... into... Yeah... That sexy chorus... So angry, but so good. Cool tune.<br />
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Guitar/sythn bring us into "The Blood Legion" haunting vocals set up anticipation. Drop out thing... And keys bring us back in softly. The haunting vocals resume. Very pretty vocal movement... And into rises into a cool little groove. I can dig. Drop to vocal and guitar... Waiting sythn sweep... and kicking of the subtle variety. Nice. into a chorus again given a little more umph. Nice. Really like the chorus oos dropping into... a sample?<br />
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"11:11" starts the closing of this disc with more choral oohs. Really pretty here. Almost soulful vocals growing now. I'm good with this. More depth and more soul. nice. A lot of cool things, but I'm rely getting anticipatory of a kick in... Like, At this point, Im blown away wight he soul so if it doesn't happen, I'm okay, but I'd like one last punch to the face... God. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful when she want's it to be. That's it. And I have some chills.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b><br />
Okay, this album wasn't my usual cup of tea, then again sweet revenge isn't my usually cup of alcohol and it still got me drunk. There were moments I really enjoyed on this album. Enough to buy it? A resounding no; however, it was enough to desire listening to again. Sometimes you'll have that. Leave it to a good friend to find a band outside of your genres of interest that still sparks enjoyment. Thanks, Nick. Happy Birthday.<br />
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-Badhorse<br />
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><i>Facebook</i></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><i>Twitter</i></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><i>chat</i></a><i>!</i></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-20358192572360260372014-03-18T17:53:00.001-07:002014-03-18T17:53:08.021-07:00Homework on a High School (Aged) Band - The Strypes - SnapshotI am going to open this by giving you my current setting: I've just bought my girlfriend the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, so I don't have the use of my TV and sound bar. Therefore, I am holding up in the corner buried in my laptop, and it is giving me flashbacks to studying in high school /college. I'd say the only difference is the booze, but who am I kidding? I started young.<div>
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I mention this because tonights album is being done as a sort of homework for a band that I was recently turned on to. I say homework because I'm being taken to a show they are playing here in a week, and I'm only somewhat aware of, like, two tunes. Also, the band is comprised of members in their teens who should either fresh out of, or should still be in, high school. Ugh... I should've done more than drink as a teen.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">So young. So innocent. So... Irish?</span></div>
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Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they are from Ireland. Which is cool with St. Patty's Day being yesterday, right? Maybe. In any event, I'm excited to hear a group of kids that <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy46t2_dave-grohl-interviews-elton-john-2-6-2013-chelsea-lately_music" target="_blank">impressed Elton John</a> while having beverages they can't legally consume here in the U.S. (And they call this the home of the free! Psshhh!) Speaking of those sorts of beverages, I'm trying the new Sam Adam's Rebel IPA. Never had it before, so it will be subjected to review as well.</div>
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Well, I have nothing more to spew and drank a left over beer to prime myself, so with a six pack and album ready, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/the-strypes/albums/icat/thestrypesalbums" target="_blank">The Strypes - Snapshot</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.samueladams.com/craft-beers/rebel-ipa" target="_blank">Samuel Adams Rebel (West Coast Style) IPA</a></div>
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<i>Snapshot</i> opens with "Mystery Man", coming in with feedback and guitar sounds before exploding into an excellent blues rock riff. Settling in would be the wrong word, but more accelerating into the verse, and so much energy and drive with definite blues tones all over. The song finally slows into the second verse, but only for a short time. Harmonica solo. Killer. Holy. Shit.</div>
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Killer tune ends and another takes off. Killer blues riffing opens "Blue Collar Jane". Such a swingtastic tune. So refined in sound, yet high energy, and fun and all over the place. The vocals give the slightest hint of youth, but not due to performance, but rather tone. Fade out ending, though. Poor form.</div>
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"Im a Hog for you Baby" opens with a killer guitar flourish before dropping into a nice heavy-yet-fast-paced groove.Launching into a nice solo after the chorus. The lyrics here are slightly ridiculous, but fun. Everything I've heard has been fun so far. I love punk blues feel. Nice chugging harmonica solo. This tune actually borders on honky tonk, and I'm totally cool with that. Really fun track.</div>
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"What The People Don't See" opens with a honky tnk feel again, but as it continues, the disc finds it's first more "Modern" feel. Albeit in a retro-modern sort of way. The blues is definitely present, but there is an over arcing garage rock feel. Not a bad thing in the slightest, and this is certainly more entertaining than most garage rock. Love it.</div>
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Harmonica explodes into "She's So Fine". Keeping that high energy blues going, and I'm overjoyed at how much excellent groove they retain while pressing the tempo so much. Ahhh! Even the messiness is bluesy. Because bluesiness is messy. Beautiful.</div>
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Alright, still quick, but definitely a little more settled is "I Can Tell", and it definitely sounds like the vocalist hit puberty right after the last track. Which is possible, but I'm guessing he just has a nicely versatile voice. And the overall sound is like if the 60s did all of the coke. I mean that in the best way possible. Killer track.</div>
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"Angel Eyes" breaks down the pacing a lot. Giving us our first real slow point. Executed beautifully. Slow jamming, and keeping perfect blues form. Vocals continue to surprise me throughout this disc. That guitar tone is incredible as well. God, something this amazing, I'm not even going to assume they made a pact with the devil, no they kicked him in the testicles, and handed over their demands. I wonder if God would approve of that more than making a deal? Either way, I am falling for angel eyes, and by that I mean The Strypes.</div>
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And bringing the energy right back is "Perfect Storm". And here we return to the garage rock feel. Definitely hearing some Jet comparisons here, but given everything to this point, these guys are blowing Jet out of the water (The sky?). This track may not be my favorite, but for those not acclimated to the blues, it may be a good starting point. Very accessible.</div>
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The famous Bo Diddley cover "You can't judge a book by looking at The Cover". Killer. Can't say much more. Soo much energy while keeping true to everything blues. I'm wowed, floored, and above all else, excited for next week!</div>
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"I Don't Want To Know" another killer blues song on speed. Everything so fun and aggressive, and I don't think I've mention the dynamics suet, but they are done phenomenally as well. And that's saying something for a young band. Granted, I've moved on from my thought on devils and deals... I'm going with straight up possession. Obviously, the blues gods have entered the souls of these young RIshmen and are unleashing what will become the best case senario apocalypse ever.</div>
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"What A Shame" takes the tempo down just a scosch. Andother fun garage rock track. Maybe a low point for me. Not bad, but certainly not quite at the astronomically high bar set thus far on the disc. But that messy feedback solo? And the crazy speed part after? Redeeming. They obviously heard my thoughts. Cool.</div>
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"Hometown Girls" have such a cool intro, and launches into such a cool track. Might be one of my favs. Could be the growth out of the previous track, but it's killer either way. still loving... Shit... Eerything. The guitar tones, the cleanness. The messiness. The vocals. The solos. The fact that the bassist finger are still intact is simply impossible. I'm borderline pissed that this is so good. I know that sounds absurd, but so is how good this disc is~!</div>
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Drums kick us into "Heart of The City". And by kick, I mean pummel us into the best asswhooping we could ever hope to have. Shuch a groovy drive. By the way, the beer is incredible as well. I'm incredibly please wight his night all around! </div>
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Sadly, we've reach the final track. Not so sadly, the opening has just grabbed me by my eardrums and made sweet, sweet love to them, followed by a good hard fucking. Holy shit. Killer close thus far. Capturing so much blues, but with so much aggressing and energy. Can it be a week from now? Nice quiet to loud call and repeat. And slowing... Bass... And... Solo! And holy fuck-my-ass! Growning and soloing and growing... And smacking my face! And... Stop. Drum... Kick in. Shit... Just... Shit.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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There is shit in my drawers, cream in my jeans, and a smile on my face. I think my ears just said their lives have reached completion. Yeah, I liked this one. If you don't, you're wrong. So wrong, in fact, you can never in your life be right again. The end.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol"><i>Facebook</i></a><i>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my </i><a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA"><i>Twitter</i></a><i>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's </i><a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com"><i>chat</i></a><i>!</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-36669302219288063832014-03-11T17:28:00.001-07:002014-03-11T17:28:50.038-07:00What's in a Date? 311 - StereolithicI love the 90s. If you read this blog at all, this should come as no surprise; however, admittedly, I was born right at the beginning of this wonderful decade. This means I was young for so much of the things I look back on so fondly today, and in fact, there are several things I discovered only years after they were pertinent. As a result, there are large chunks of things I, perhaps, should know of that I just don't.<div>
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That long winded explanation of my past leads to this point: I really only know, like, 3(?) 311 tunes. It's a band I'm told I would enjoy or should check out a lot, but I've never really taken the time. Well, tonight, that changes... Sort of.</div>
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I won't be delving deep into the 311 archives, but rather checking out their latest offering, <i>Stereolithic</i>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I am sensing some sort of numeric pattern with this band...</span></div>
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And as my ears will be treading on somewhat unfamiliar ground, so will my taste buds. I have a beer I've never tried before: Ruthless Rye IPA. I hope I like it (Already one in... I do!). So before I get too many beers down, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stereolithic-311/dp/B00HZMS1F2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394577389&sr=8-1&keywords=311+stereolithic" target="_blank">311 - Stereolithic</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/ruthless-rye" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA</a></div>
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"Ebb and Flow" opens the disc with a fun and bouncy guitar line. Vocals are nice. A little drone-esque, but it's fitting. I dig the slow groove in when the change up comes. The chorus is alright, but better is the outro of the chorus. The vocals change up a little in the second verse. Really cool groovy break down. Super trippy. And the subtle kick in is nice. It's so heavy but... Not. </div>
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Pick up with with same slow groove is "Five of Everything". Picks up a little with the vocals, and again such a cool heavy-but-not-really feel. The song is moving part to part and they are all pretty cool. Slight vocal change up again in the second verse. I still dig it. The bass lines are super fun as well, although, from what I know of the band, that has been a staple. Neat little rapish part. Cool fake out ending going into a really pretty guitar line and vocal interplay. End... Cool.</div>
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Pace picks up instantaneously as guitar opens "Showdown". The song settles into a nice little dub verse. Nice pick up back into a heavier chorus. Cool little interlude back into the dub verse. I actually really like the choral-esque vocals happening. Nice build again. Rap part again. Not bad, but feels a little afterthought. But the grow and kick back in wipe it from my memory.</div>
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A ringing tone ends the previous track and leads us into the crazy awesome guitar open to "Revelation of the Year". The guitar and bass interplay is awesome. And throwing in the plain-ish vocals is perfect for creating another layer without taking away from the awesomeness of the music. And this is the first natural feeling rap part. Transition out of it is clean too. I can dig it. That guitar is SOOO fun! It so cool how the vocals add on to the music rather than laying on top of burying it. Rap part again, liked it less this time around, but still seemed to fit. Nice little riff coming out of the second chorus. Really cool ending. </div>
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Brownout sound takes us into the slower feeling "Sand Dollars". This song is very pretty and groovy. Ooo. I like that pre chorus a lot. And the chorus keeps the pretty sound. And the settle back into the groove is nice. Nice almost epic feel into the bridge part. Love it actually. Diging the solo as well. And that'll take us to the end.</div>
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And taking off out of that is "Boom Shanka" and the guitar line is beautiful. Again the vocals just adding a complimentary layer. This song is really cool as well. There is a groove, but its... I can't really describe it. Edgy, like, almost punk, but more groovy... I don't know. I like it. </div>
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"Make It Rough" opens with a nice little riff before settling into a nice groove. Like, a really nice groove. Picking up again with that heavy-but-not sound. Ooo. I like that guitar solo thing. Really cool vocal flow in there. The vocals through the whole album have been spot on. They aren't flashy, but they aren't meant to be. They fit in with the music perfectly. I like.</div>
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"The Great Divide" opens with a cool little sample, and an neat guitar groove before settling into a really cool rap. Into a nice chorus. I dig this as a alt rap tune. Done really well. Don't know what more to say. The song isn't terribly intricate, but it's good. The guitars are cool, but it's really the flow of the raps and the general feel. This bridge is awesome too.. Building.... Opening up. More... Nice kick in of guitar keeping the voice pretty. And picking up pace into the end. Nice.</div>
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And slowing things down with the opening of "Friday Afternoon". I am continuing to be impressed by my auto correct on my new OS because shit... I am not typing as well as it would appear. That being said, this is nice... Slight groove triply.. Heavy-but=not again. Nice. And the drop out here is really cool. Keeping that slow groove going. Build.. And awesome guitar dive here. into a nice solo. Nice touch and go pacing in the rhythm section. End. Nice.</div>
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"Simple True" is a totally fuck fusion... Oh.. FUNK fusion song. Really cool feel. Love everything the guitar is doing, and the bass continues to be fun. Even when it picks up, the song still just has this groovy bob. Like this a lot. Neat little solo. I dig. Cool ending as the feedback swells and fades.</div>
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"First Dimension" punches out of that with an awesome riff. And the choral-esgue vocals come back in. Nice bouncy feel int he chorus>? I think?> And cool guitar and vocal interplay again coming out of that. Second vocals there. I really dig the change ups they have here. And that little guitar solo.. Oh, full solo. The rhythm section nd guitar interplay is aweomse. Nice "oooo" grow... And dorp. Cool simple.</div>
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Leads us into a bass synth swell on "Made in the Shade". And another sweet groove here that slows the pace. Really nice ups and downs on this disc. Holding the groove. And again, i ding. A lot of little fake outs litke it's going to kick in, but ends leaving us with a fart synth bass souch and a sample.</div>
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and a vocal sample starts "Existential Hero". The guitar comes in and the song sets itself ups to be another nice alt rap tune. Again simple, but well executed. It's so hard for me to really describe these sort of tunes. but... I like it. Nice little riffy interlude. Cool tune.</div>
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"The Call" bring up the pace on what is an almost pop punk tune with awesome groove. Really cool. There is this ouching drive with out loosing the drive. The pace switches back and forth really nicely. I like it. Drop out to voice and guitar. And immediate pick back up. Nice. </div>
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"Tranquility" closes the disck opening with a nice guitar and some samples. Settling into a nice slow pace. Pretty feel. Transistion ing in and out of that ooo part nicely. I'm a little eh about what feels like an almost auto tune vocals. but... The song isn't bad. Just really hate the robotty sound. Maybe I'm imagining that with the booze? Doesn't matter, cool guitar solo. Takes us to the end... Mmmm. Feedback. Good way to end a disc.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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One 311 song I've heard before tonight, "All Mixed Up". Is and accurate description of how I feel. I like a lot of this disc, but I have a few reservations. Some of the disc didn't gel, and I'm so much feels... The same? Kind of. There was a nice variety, but take this sampling over several albums, and I'm not feeling it as much. That being said, <i>Stereolithic</i> is a cool disc that I shall be shoving in my earholes again.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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<i>Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/albumsandalcohol" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my <a href="https://twitter.com/FastEddyAoA" target="_blank">Twitter</a>! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's <a href="mailto:bahorse218@gmail.com" target="_blank">chat</a>!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-2230283162882590852014-03-06T18:14:00.003-08:002014-03-06T18:14:59.673-08:00Keeping Promises and Loosing Whiskey - RBR: Ra - Critical MassTwo weeks in a row I'm throwing down a blog? Hells-to-the-yeah! However, all I have to drink is what's left of my Jim Beam Black. Don't worry, though, it's enough.<br />
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Today, I will be checking out a band I haven't heard since I saw them in my youth. A decent radio rock-ish band, Ra. Apparently, they released new music since I was in junior high... Who knew? Well, a good friend of mine, Chris Schara, for one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIBY5aEH21l0A0rRF_G6teFzooOgWNsxQLPaezvZlrbAYsm-pnygywD_FuTZWcaKLpe-SLKT6fegwa6uqB7Zo6oh8Vb6ggwkNnJzhoH-SBaKUD7hU44JouP9h4UPEeBkDz5Zokg5ZKuA/s1600/Schara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIBY5aEH21l0A0rRF_G6teFzooOgWNsxQLPaezvZlrbAYsm-pnygywD_FuTZWcaKLpe-SLKT6fegwa6uqB7Zo6oh8Vb6ggwkNnJzhoH-SBaKUD7hU44JouP9h4UPEeBkDz5Zokg5ZKuA/s1600/Schara.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is actually a picture of Schara taken by another <a href="http://www.appljaxphotography.com/" target="_blank">Schara</a>. Schara Schuared?</span></div>
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Now, there are a few Ra tunes I recall and enjoy, but I'm not the biggest fan of that general radio rock sound. That being said, I do fully trust Schara's musical tastes. After all, he is the one who suggested I review <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2013/08/albumsalcohol-on-majorminor-thrice.html" target="_blank">Thrice's Major/Minor</a>. Also, he is part of a music making machine that I enjoy, <a href="http://vaudevillemusic.com/" target="_blank">Vaudeville</a> (I also look forward to reviewing the album they are currently working on).</div>
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So here I am, doing the proper critic thing and keeping an open (albeit inebriated) mind heading into <i>Critical Mass</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxslLmByLRcmv0bCzEIXEZeNqx0KGTz6KxzoDJtXWBokf3fNi3OBytLTYGSm4ba62JmLvCuOsWtmRfVNZYXGB8eXm-y3NYU-ZGK34-j8DH0xXMQ9HmJqWZM_7qJAKhhywjXLG-jlBqw8o/s1600/Ra-Critical-Mass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxslLmByLRcmv0bCzEIXEZeNqx0KGTz6KxzoDJtXWBokf3fNi3OBytLTYGSm4ba62JmLvCuOsWtmRfVNZYXGB8eXm-y3NYU-ZGK34-j8DH0xXMQ9HmJqWZM_7qJAKhhywjXLG-jlBqw8o/s1600/Ra-Critical-Mass.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This <i>is</i> a pretty badass cover.</span></div>
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And with drink in hand (Figuratively, of course. I don't want to spill on my laptop), on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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Ra - Critical Mass</div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Jim Beam Black</div>
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Critical Mass opens with "Brutiful". I'm not sure if that's an actual word, but the actual song has an interesting intro... Dropping out... Gritty guitar... And there is a kick in after the voice, but not what I expected. There is a definite heavy, yet low-key drive. And opening up... Cool voice effect. And into an almost power metal feel... And back into that driving grit. Sooo much bass tone. Had to turn down my sub. Following a formulaic refrain, but good tune. Really cool guitar work going into the bridge. Drops out... Nice growth... And kick into chorus. I do like this chorus. Rather static, but good. And into a driving outro, I think outro? Neat solo thing, I guess. It's cool, but again a little too heavy on that double kick drum and guitar chugging. Ew... Fade out.</div>
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Cadence and kick in open "Awake". Into a punchy transition to a slow-ish verse. And opening up into a generic chorus. Not bad, but not significant either... This track is painfully cookie cutter radio rock at this point. Even this bridge feels overly recycled. Into drop out. Slow build. Stop. Yep, called it. And another chorus. Should be in the final thirty seconds now? Called it again. Just enough time for two more choruses, and a finish. There it is.</div>
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"Supermegadubstep" has me intrigued on title alone. After a really cool intro, it settles into a fast paced rock tune. And I'm okay with this. Whoa. Little bouncy part. And opening up again. That was pretty cool. And cool second verse. Nice little dynamic change while keeping up the pace. And into that cool bouncy part. Better build this time. Nice. This track may just redeem the previous. Whoa. That bridge part. Really cool guitar work. Like... They are mimicking dub step but with out all of the stupid. Beautiful. Transition back into the chorus is a little harsh, but I will hardly complain, because that last part was killer.</div>
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"It's All Over Now" opens with strings and drums, guitar builds in and opens up. Simple but good riff. Dropping into a more subtle verse. Neat little pre-chorus. The chorus is cool, but just a little weird. Like, I don't know if its a mixing thing, or timing maybe? It just felt off; which is unfortunate because everything else in this song is pretty cool. Yeah, it's not getting better the second time around, so I'm not thinking it's the booze. Something is just... Off... Cool string break down here. Getting a little long... Oh, that's the end.</div>
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"Anything U Want" ignores proper grammar, and not in the same excusable drunken way I do. And the song it self has awkward feeling rap parts, and reads like it just doesn't know what it want's to do. And quite frankly, I don't know what to make of it. Not good, but... No, just not good. As it goes on, I dislike it more. Bad song. Straight up. Nothing redeeming this. Fade out ending? Fitting.</div>
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A weird sample opens "Won't Be Home Tonight". Nice guitars... Aaaaand, there's the radio rock... Oh, neat little transition riff. Nice low-key verse.... Build... And just a driving chorus. Kinda meh... This song keeps tricking me into thinking it's going to get cool. It's always just on the brink with a build or a stop, and it just... Doesn't.</div>
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"Running Blind" opens with voice, guitar, and strings. And jumps into a bouncy thing that I'm pretty sure is a rip off of the open to "Do You Call My Name". Good to see they keep using it in the verse. Another painfully cookie cutter radio rock tune here. Nothing is jumping out at me. Maybe I'm not drunk enough? Yeah, that's probably the problem... *Drinks*</div>
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Didn't help. "A Hollow Glow" opens with a low-key guitar, and brings in a nice little lead melody. This was cool, but they are slowly making it boring... Fade out? Really? That wasn't even a song, and you are fading it out? Lame.</div>
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Weird intro to "Ecstacy " And this is a pretty cool and groovy tune. Nice little kick into a punchy chorus. Not great, but a definite welcome change to the lame that has become the standard of this disc thus far. Again, taking something cool, and really just repeating until I don't care anymore... Nice growth into the bridge though. I could do without the voice though... It's just... Odd... Drop out... Waiting for the. Yep, naked voice into kick in... Not bad, but not good. That ought to be the tagline for this one.</div>
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Guitar opens "Tragic Empire" and it is a cool riff. Drop into a cool feeling verse-ish thing. Digging this on actually. Nice open into a dynamic drop. And jumping into a fast chorus. Pretty cool thus far. Dropping down again. Not bad, but nothing on this disc is pulling apart from anything else. Supermega dub step is the only really cool track thus far...</div>
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Neat tribal-ish beat opens"The voice inside my head" and cool guitar sond. Drop out... And subtle comeback legit. And it looses me with the chorus... Feels forced? OR just over done? Not good... That's how it feels. Giving up on this one... We will see if the fortunes change on the next (Betting they wont!0</div>
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"Through The Valley" opens with driving guitars. Cool opening that settles into a really cool driving verse. Nice pre chorus. And slowing into the chorus... Nice actually And back into that driving verse. pre chorus again... Yeah... Rehashing again... And it gets less cool. I think I'm actually almost nodding off.. Dropping into a bridge... Build... And settle... predicting a drop and kick in at the end of this... Yeah, definitely drop ... No build into a solo. Ahh... Solo builds into pre chorus sans vocals. Which would be cool if the pay off wasn't this lame ass chorus again... Blech.</div>
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"Crawling Into The Sky" is the last chance to wow me more than track two, and it opens with guitar before kicking in with drums. and some ="whoa ohs". slow driving verse. Cool things happening, but not impressing overall. This song could be cool, but I'm too jaded and drunk from everything that preceded. Meh.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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The album has its points, but overall I was more impressed by the way my new OS (Upgraded muthafuckas!) was able to make sense of my typing. In closing... Meh. Just... Meh.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-87298958730743215482014-02-26T15:24:00.000-08:002014-02-26T15:24:04.292-08:00Return of 'Murica! PUSA - Kudos To You!'Murica is back! I am completely unable to contain my excitement! Also, I'm back! And I can see you are barely able to contain yours (through my tap into the NSA surveillance cameras in all of your homes). The Presidents of the United States of America have always had a special place in my heart. I remember rocking out to their debut album on cassette, and again, cranking them up when I rediscovered the album on CD on a Goodwill shelf (seriously, you can find amazing music for cheap with a little thrift store digging.<br />
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All that being said, I must explain away yet another hiatus. A combination of my girlfriend getting surgery (she's doing well, thanks for asking) and my birthday (it was lovely, thanks for asking) prevented me from having the time to sit down in front of a screen getting drunk. Man, times are hard, eh?<br />
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Anywho, I have a lovely bottle of birthday Jim Beam Black, time on my hands, and new music I can't wait to shove into my ear holes, so it is time for yet another triumphant return of Albums & Alcohol!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh362C-ek8PvWMuUDZqknrS0bbV3Eb3pzfV2JxPQ8KhnbCei7dyZzVHWovRUV6NSck0FhcBH6OAsT6W98-utW6SiTRyepv5m3CitveWcfUwdkdyI7I5rrZnv9A2AKZB2F4Y1Uy5tTNcWqA/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh362C-ek8PvWMuUDZqknrS0bbV3Eb3pzfV2JxPQ8KhnbCei7dyZzVHWovRUV6NSck0FhcBH6OAsT6W98-utW6SiTRyepv5m3CitveWcfUwdkdyI7I5rrZnv9A2AKZB2F4Y1Uy5tTNcWqA/s1600/photo-1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Jim Beam in a Jim Beam glass because I'm a classy whore.</span></div>
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Another side note, I took a birthday trip to my local Cheapo and got some new CD's, and since a couple were from previous blog posts, I thought I'd share my birthday haul:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzg7rwlEu4WjeKxrk2Ru-ZN5yZp00uum61dc0XxeemDcfNAh7Y5M_UphCzx4tYWbsBGlEXzvNrXFYFRndtDKkNcBHMAXKlk_VwuTLdlmSWlB_9AOV6sR2PppDj4IBj0LhxdEvwGIB8-w/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzg7rwlEu4WjeKxrk2Ru-ZN5yZp00uum61dc0XxeemDcfNAh7Y5M_UphCzx4tYWbsBGlEXzvNrXFYFRndtDKkNcBHMAXKlk_VwuTLdlmSWlB_9AOV6sR2PppDj4IBj0LhxdEvwGIB8-w/s1600/photo.JPG" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Mmm. Good music.</span></div>
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This new PUSA album may be in the company of those discs soon; however, first, it must be placed under the ever scrutinizing ear of my drunken, idiot self.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCRl9k8j9gajC5ka9z_nXwYTd1HNRQdKhfZqPsGsGtezw_FYrDRQkaooItgWSJIlH9Y6y8rjt7LTx3dSEZKk_Xd8lxBe4KSrsp6BRyu8hkHZMWq3A9dBb4pUDTFRC6BtLwLNW0RY7Vk/s1600/The_Presidents_Of_The_USA_Kudos_to_You_album_cover_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCRl9k8j9gajC5ka9z_nXwYTd1HNRQdKhfZqPsGsGtezw_FYrDRQkaooItgWSJIlH9Y6y8rjt7LTx3dSEZKk_Xd8lxBe4KSrsp6BRyu8hkHZMWq3A9dBb4pUDTFRC6BtLwLNW0RY7Vk/s1600/The_Presidents_Of_The_USA_Kudos_to_You_album_cover_art.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Off to a good start with the creepy cover. I've learned that to be a <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2013/10/cage-furious-elephant-cage-elephant.html" target="_blank">good</a> <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/2013/12/two-gingers-two-albums-too-drunk-double.html" target="_blank">sign</a>. =)</span></div>
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So let's cut these sweet nothings and get right down to doing it... The blog that is. On to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kudos-Presidents-United-States-America/dp/B00HX0TFQ0" target="_blank">Presidents of the United States of America</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.jimbeam.com/black" target="_blank">Jim Beam Black</a></div>
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"Slow Slow Fly" opens us up on a drum beat before bringing in a fun bassline. The guitar joins the groove, and we are off. Slow... But oh, how I do love a good song about a bug. Lyrical genius as always, and the groove is great. I also appreciate the jump in production value combined with the simple awesome of early stuff. Digging this a lot so far. </div>
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"Crappy Ghost" picks up the pace. There is no other band that can do what PUSA can. It's amazing and sad. There needs to be more music akin to this. Showcasing their incredibly underratted composition skills here. Great tune.</div>
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Building out of that is "Good Morning Tycoon". A feel goodish song that I'm enjoying. Ooveing the vocals, and that little solo was lovely. Excellent kick in. Driving us straight into the finish. Lovely.</div>
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Bass drum gives way to a snare fill and on into a fun little rockabilly tune on "Poor Little Me". Lyrical genius continues. Slide solo! Beautiful. Beautiful stop. And another into a slow part.... Kick in! Awesome. Fanfare us into... Killer ending. </div>
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"Roof Tops in Spain" kicks in bringing the energy even higher. There is a definite rise feel thus far on the disc, and I'm totally good with that.Lovely solo there too. Jim just found his way to the party, and I'm okay with that. I love the refrain. Cool and fun track. </div>
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Weirdish intro opens up to kick you in the face awesome on "Stay With Me". This track is awesome in your face punk done as only PUSA can. Love it! God, what they do with guitar... So amazing. Build... And excellent pay off. Buutiful fall apart ending.</div>
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That gives way to a naked voice opening "Crown Victoria" giving us our first pace break, anda definite cool feel. Lyrical amazingness is off the chart here. There is no end to my love for this band. And it only grows with this killer solo. As the Crown Victoria does to you, you are making me smile, PUSA. Beautiful groove break. Sad that you have the fade out ending there...</div>
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But the punch of that guitar opening of "Electric Spider" helps ease the pain there. And how can I be upset when I have another PUSA song about a bug. Awesome. Definitely a cool track. Cool stop part, and build back in... Growing with such a cool play witht the guitar and bass. And awsome kick into a final chorus. </div>
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Finer Monster" opens with bass, and opens up with guitar to an awesome feel goody tune. Cool change up! This song is so goddamn cool! Words are awesome. And they are using all the right ones. So fun! So drunk... But yes, I love it. </div>
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"Flea vs. Mite" opens with an awesome driving guitar and bass. And as if they could here my call for more bug songs. Theis is an epic tune chronicaling abattle between a flea and mite (as if I had to clarifuy that). Excellent solo. This may be my favourite thing... Ever. Awesome.</div>
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"Innocent Bird" follows that by giving anohter little pace break. Lovely little tune thus far. Okay again, for anyone not familiar with PUSA, they are silly and a little "out there", but listen to a song and realy get a feel for whats going on musically, because what seems so simple and silly on the surface can have soooo much awesome depth and cool shit with just an attentative lisen. And this disc shows exactly that. </div>
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Whistles start "Ohio". And the song takes of into a more agressive rockabilly track. These guys do this so well. excellent solo. If there's one thing to rival a PUSA song about a bug, it's a geographical PUSA song. Ohio is great, but I still am endlessly inlove with the song "Fuck California". Good tune here though. </div>
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"She's a nurse" is another great track. Bouncy and fun. Hard to see my laptop screen, so I'm typing with my face in the key board. Hope it's coming out alright, but this song is cool and fun... Not super special, but I'm holding on to hope that they are setting me up for an amazing.. wait, that ending... Awesome.</div>
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Slow grove brings us into the closeing track: "Truck Stop on the Moon". Slow, tender, and lyrically amazing again. I love you PUSA, I really do. Perfect. The song is everything. Gonna smoke and enjoy, I suggest the same for you. =)</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Oft i've thought while listening to PUSA: Why can't there be music like this coming out today? Well, now I have it. Well, not yet, but I promise you, I will own <i>Kudos To You!</i> It is a killer album, and if you are one woucce familiar with the mband, you should won it too. Love it.</div>
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Okay, I have a string of RBR's that will come in the following weeks,a nd as always I'll be on the look out for new music I think might appeal to me/you. Definitely making a Facebook page soon to keep you up to date on my stupid hiatuses and general day to day shizz for A&A. So until next time. Keep rocking!</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-23969046757331556982014-02-09T18:20:00.001-08:002014-02-09T18:20:11.454-08:00Cleaning Up After The Disco - Broken Bells - After The DiscoI am really contemplating dropping off dates. I suck so hard at punctuality. That being said, I've had a busy week and am faced with another before me. I know, I know; that's no excuse to deprive the world of my impeccable, intoxicated opinions, but there it is.<div>
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Today, Broken Bells is the band, and <i>After The Disco</i> is the album. I know nothing of either other than the disc was announced along side some short films of some sort with the same name.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Pictured: A naked woman and a lack of research.</span></div>
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I've started my night with a glass of Jim Beam on the rocks, but for the blog, I will be cleaning out my fridge:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the arsenal of a poor man.</span></div>
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So with left over alcohol at my side, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://brokenbells.sandbaghq.com/home/after-the-disco-cd.html" target="_blank">Broken Bells - After The Disco</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholism" target="_blank">Leftover Night!</a></div>
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"A Perfect World" brings us into the album with some lowkey electronics. Nintendo sounding synth provide some movement before the drums kick in. Another synth plays a nice melody setting up the verse. The song while not too powerful as an opener has nice movement. Not bad. Pleasant is a word I might use. Solid chorus hooks. The song itself is a little... Dry? Good, just somewhat uninteresting. If it weren't for the chorus parts, I may be falling asleep as I write this. Decent tune, just... Kinda blah. Oh, there is a neat little guitar solo there. Toward the back a little, but I like the arrangement of it... As the song fades... Nope. Keys bring us into another part of the song... Oh, that was cool. Alright redemption. It took awhile to get there, but the song did well, and didn't manage to <i>actually</i> loose me in the process. </div>
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The title track comes in keeping the slow disco feel. Like the previous track it is blah but saved by the chorus. Hooky, and I really like the falsetto in there. The music is kind of losing me. The vocals are the only thing really striving to hold my attention. The bassline is cool, but dear god, can it play--oh, the song is over.</div>
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Acoustic guitar and a really interesting kazoo sound bring us into "Leave It Alone". This song really slows things down, but in a nice and groovy way. I like that choral refrain. The music here has some cool movement, and I like the little guitar solo, but groove needs a rhythm section that can change up, and I'm just not feeling a lot of that right now. This song is cool, but missing a lot.</div>
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Moving on, "The Changing Lights" opens with a driving-ish synth that moves along as the drums comes in and drops off rather abruptly to give way to vocals. Other than the drop off. This song has a rather promising start. I really like the vocal melody and growth. Keys sweel as the chorus comes in. Dropping back down. Wow. The switch from beer to cider was interesting. Meh... I'm getting bored here. The song is cool, but it's, like, an better extention of everything that was alreaddy happening on this disc, and now it's over.</div>
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"Control" is another groovy track, and again, it's the vocals that shine. Everythingelse is just there... Groovin'... In a rather dry way. Cool farty guitar(or maybe synth) solo. I'm gonna call this the Valium spiked version of Night At The Roxbury... Nice horns... Ew... Fade out endigg.</div>
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Coming in like an indie lullaby is "Lazy Wondergul". This would bee a good title track. The songs thus far haven't necessarily been <i>bad</i>, but I wouldn't say good either. Lazy wonderfuyl sounds like a good discription of the disc as a whole to this point. The band does it's bestwork in melody and movement, but there are glaring underutilization of the rhythm section and overall compositon.</div>
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"Medicine" comes in with complete uncertainty if the previous track has eneded. More of the same. I'me losing faith in this disc fast than sobriety... Think of any popular 80s flick. You know the pop track from it? Yeah, that one. Well, make it a little more bland, and you have any song on this disc. Cool ending to this one, but thats about all that sets it apart.</div>
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And staying painfully with in the formula is "No Matter What You're told". Read above for a discription of this track.</div>
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"The Angel And The Fool" comes in deceptively awesomely. Another really cool groove and crazy reverb on a cool vocal line. At the risk of putting them to shame, the open reminds me of what would happen if "When The Levee Breaks" was boring...</div>
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Finally, the closing track, "The Remains of Rock & Roll". And I hope this song is no indication of what the remain of rock and rool are too be..It's like rock and rool with none of the authentic groove or umphy fun. Sad. TRhats what this song is. The whole albusm really. Thus far, I've counted none high points and all of the low points... That being said... Any of these tracks could shine on a good album as a pace slower, but put together, it's like trudging through pretended soul and feeling. Oh... Thats the end...</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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First bad disc of 2014! Seriously, every attempt on this disc is just that, an attempt. Devoid of the necessary feeling of the grooves they set up. Suffice to say, you will not find this ever in my collection, and I'm sad to hav ever stumbled on to this band (Glad I didn't waste my good Jim Beam on them).</div>
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Toying with the idea of A&A getting it's own facebook page, but I'm thinking it may be dumb and pointless? Let me know.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-26085759736977920212014-01-31T20:01:00.002-08:002014-01-31T20:01:20.623-08:00Too Tired Attempt a Title - The Lawrence ArmsHere again! Keeping my promise (Kind of) to attempt to catch up on my reviews. I've been dead all week, and while today is no exception, I cannot put this off any longer. I promise eventually I will return to prompt punctuality; however, you may have to bear with me while I adjust to my new schedule (Let's face it, no one looks forward to these anyway).<br />
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Alright, with that vote of self confidence, let's move on to the docket for tonight. The Lawrence Arms is a band with a recently released album called <i>Metropole</i>. That is where my knowledge of the group runs dry. Tonight, that will end. One of the reasons I put this off was my lack of ambition to do any sort of research, and while that has not changed, I'm moving ahead anyway. Going in blind. Feels right. (There may have been a sex joke in there? Not sure. Too Tired.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I like the cover. What else do I need to know?</span></div>
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So with a mixed bag of Angry Orchard and two other bags sagging underneath my eyes, let's hop to it! On with the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://kingsroadmerch.com/epitaph-records/?id=1521" target="_blank">The Lawrence Arms - Metropole</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://angryorchard.com/#!/variety-pack/" target="_blank">Angry Orchard Hard Cider</a></div>
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The disc opens with "Chilean District". A sample of applause bings us into a driving drum beat before opening up into a solid punk track. Killer transition from more aggressive feel to an awesome pop punk feel. Short. Awesome.</div>
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With a sweet riff, "You Are Here" punches in before settling. The chorus vocal hook is nice. The layered guitars are nice as well. Jumping back and forth from calm to driving. I like it. The bridge is really nice and hooky as it builds. Dropping into the close. Nice.</div>
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"Hickey Avenue" open low and driving. I love the sound of the vocals. Sounds like duel vocals a bit. Into another beautiful chorus. Aggressive pop punk at it's best here. Yes, definitely duel vocals. And they rock. My face. Drop into an acoustic. Bringing everything back. Cool ending. Into an accordion .</div>
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Chords and vocals open "Seventeener". The song settles into a solid pop punk track. Not bad. All the cool elements of the previous tracks, but lacking an umph. Lyrics definitely carry this track. Low point for me thus far though.</div>
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"Beautiful Things" comes in on guitars. And settles into another slowish pop punk track. Digging this a little more than the previous, but still suffering from the lack of pizzaz (whatever that is). Good track; just not as gripping as the first three tracks. Again a very lyrically driven track. The music does have a lot of nice play around the vocals though. </div>
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A horn brings us into "Acheron River" along with guitar accompanied vocals. And nice launch into another high energy punk tune. There is the sweet vocal hook. Classic punk guitar riffs. The second verse has awesome background guitar play. And nice drop before kicking it up a bit. And oh, that sweet chorus! Nice solo setting up the drop out. I'm also really digging the bass tone. Really cool kick in. Amazing by the book punk tune with out being cliche. Great track to bring the energy back into the disc.</div>
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The title track comes in with crowd samples and acoustic guitar. Not sure how I feel about these sample bumps. They are kind of cool, but they seem abrupt and unconnected. That being said. This is nice. Drop out... Swell... Nice into a low key driving tune. Adding aggression in the chorus, but keeping the song with a subtle feeling. I dig this track a lot. Build... Bigger feel. Nice track!</div>
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"Drunk Tweets" build off of the energy from it's predecessor and launches it to it's highest point yet. Which is saying something. Lyrically, from what I can make out. the track is a social commentary of sorts, and spot on at that. Beautiful.</div>
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This track has a long title that I'm not going to type, but it is a stripped down driving tune. Great lyrically. Cool in ways I'm not even sure how to describe. This is one you really just have to hear. I... Don't have words. Okay, that switch up was cool as hell. Seriously, check this tune out now! This song is all over, and it is SO incredible... Yeah... Favorite track thus far.</div>
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On to "Never Fade Away", a track with a fake out open. Guitars open as if they are going into another soft track before jumping into a punk progression. Nothing special here, but nothing special needed. Straight up pop punk done awesomely. Cool ending.</div>
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"Paradise Shitty" opens with a slow build. The vocals come in to drive it along. I'm feeling sick weak and old as well. Preaching to the choir and whatnot. Nice open up into the chorus. Relatable here.SOme nice musical shit going on. Also, the drums have been getting in some really nice fills; not to mention the face that these beat have to be causing some strain. Oh, good, an acoustic break so he can rest. Also, nice placement. I think that will end the track as well. Yep. Sample bump.</div>
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Closing the disc is "October Blood". I think the trasistion would have been better with out the sample in there, but the track is good. I like it as a closer actually. It is a sort of culmination of everything good on this disc. Vocally driven, but great dynamics, fun guitar play, and high energy. Abrupt to end. Ooo. Piano comes in with wave sapmpes. Now. Leaving us with just the waves. Another set of applauce. End. Nice.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Great punk album. Even in it's structuring. Ups and downs, but giving us the best punches before settling into some awesome closing tracks. What I know now? The Lawrence Arms' <i>Metropole</i> was a great find, and I need to hear more. While I go do that, leave me some damned comments!</div>
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Seriously though, I'm gonna get better with getting these out on time.</div>
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Until Tuesday,</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-52986196215513709012014-01-28T17:23:00.003-08:002014-01-28T17:23:38.966-08:00A Week Late and A Mimosa Short - Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria BluesI may be the worlds shittiest blogger, or maybe just the least punctual one. I spend all this time updating the <a href="http://albumsandalcohol.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-reviews.html" target="_blank">Upcoming Reviews</a> section, and yet consistently miss the planned dates; however, have no fear because all of the albums on the list will get their chance!<br />
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I recently switched to days at my too-boring-too-talk-about-on-here job. It's been nice, afternoons off, and a real person schedule, but I'm quickly finding out that real people have a harder time squeezing a few hours of binge drinking into their schedule. Well, I refuse to let "The Man" hold me down! Thus, Against Me! will be tonight, and The Lawrence Arms will be tomorrow. I may drag ass at work, but that's what they get for frowning on hair of the dog hangover cures (stupid corporate alcohol policies anyway).</div>
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Alright, now that I've gotten my bitching and excuse making out of the way, let's talk about Against Me! As with several other bands I've reviewed on here, I have spotty familiarity with their work, but have been wanting to check them out in depth for a long time. I particularly love this video done by the amazing <a href="http://www.justinstaggs.com/" target="_blank">Justin Staggs</a>:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">So incredibly simple, yet so incredibly beautiful.</span></div>
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One of the things I love about that video is that you could replace the turntable with my laptop and that is more or less my blog set up (Of course, listening each album as an actual, you know, album would be amazing; albeit completely outside of my abilities and budget. However, if bands were to send me copies in advance... Just saying). Anyway, I'm rather excited from the little bit of research I did on this album. Yes, I know about Laura Jane Grace's transformation (and that is amazing for her), but what really makes me excited is this is the first concept album I've done, and it is also self produced (self produced albums always tend to be very raw and beautiful discs).</div>
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Well, my mimosa is ready, the album is queued, and I have nothing more to babble about. Let's get on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://totaltreble.bigcartel.com/products" target="_blank">Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Mimosas (No link because no link can contain the amazingness that is mimosas!)</div>
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The album opens on the title track. A drum roll of sorts gives way to guitar and grows. Really cool rock feel happening here. Laura's vocals are very powerful. The whole song has an awesome forward push. Pretty and awesomely aggressive at the same time. Nice drum break in to the chorus. Really cool opener.</div>
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Into "True Trans Soul Rebel". This song is another power rock tune. I love the production and tones thus far. The vocals are continuing to crush it. I love the power and soul in her voice. The chord progressions aren't hiding anything. Simple and straightforward, but immensely powerful. Loving the beautiful blending of clean and distorted guitars. Makes a beautiful feel musiclly. The lyrics are really cool, or at least what I'm catching in this first listen. I'm realizing this may not be the best format to review a concept album.</div>
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Energy stays high, and perhaps raises even a little on "Unconditional Love". It may be no sort of coincidence, but so much of this just reminds me of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in all the best ways. The driving rock tunes can keep coming, they are blowing me away.</div>
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"Drinking With the Jocks" pushes the energy even more. Launching into an amazing punk feel. The guitar interlude is haunting and beautiful. I think that's a chorus affect? The vocals and solo clashing is excellent. This song is unapologetically punk, and I love it.</div>
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Building opening on "Osama Bin Laden as the Crucified Christ". And the beautiful composition of this tune promises not to be overshadowed by what could be an extremely controversial title. That aside, this tune fucking owns. Punchy and eerie at the same time. It feels like two great tunes combining to create the megazord of punk tracks. Beautiful.</div>
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"Fuckymylife666" breaks the punchy and returns us to driving rock. Vocals definitely carrying this one as the guitars are mostly driving choruds, but the movement and vocals are enough to keep me in this one. Not to mention its nice to step away from hard hitting sounds if only for a moment. Cool track.</div>
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Guitar brings us into "Dear Friend". Keeping with the smoothing of the pacing. Giving us a nice break without losing energy. The tempo is still very much up beat. I love the chorus in this tune. And the launch into the bridge is beautiful. And another beautiful transistion into the final chorus.</div>
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And finally a full slowing of pace on "Two Coffins". Really cool almost folk feel. Still diging the vocals. and The guitar is proof that there is truth to the addage less is more. Great moments lyrically here. Short and sweet.</div>
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Building us out of that is "Paraytic States". Beautifully growing into a great rock tuune. I love the duel guitars in this. And the mimnimal drums int hte verses. Cool chorus change ups into the bridge. This has been a near flawless disc thus far. I love the style the vocals the pacing... Everything!</div>
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"Black me Out" starts our ending with a slowish guitarline. Vocals come ine. And the bareness of the voice is amazing. So much depth to her voice! Straight up rock tune. Beautiful lyical moments here as weel. Nice tune to finish. Beautiful.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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My only possible complaint? Too short! Which I can oonly push so much given the entire album had a short and too thepoint feel to it. There isn't more because ther doesn't need to be. I'm simply left to sip my remaining mimosas and relisten. Sometimes life is great like that.</div>
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I'd love to hear feedback, not just on the blog, but on this or any other album as well. Hit me up in the comments!</div>
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Until, well, tomorrow, enjoy life! (This album can help!)</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-36860625937508906592014-01-15T17:57:00.001-08:002014-01-15T17:57:09.676-08:00Build Your Own Mustard Plug - Mustard Plug - Can't Contain ItEvening, ladies and gents. I've recently changed hours at work, so please, excuse this coming a day late; I'm still adjusting to my new schedule.<br />
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With my apology out of the way, it's time for some sweet ska!<br />
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Mustard Plug is a band that I missed in their "prime" so-to-speak. I have heard bits here and there, but never checked out a full album. This will change tonight.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Something tells me I will enjoy this despite having a complete distaste for mustard...</span></div>
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While I love ska staples, it always makes me excited to see new material coming out because I believe there is a resurgence coming... And I am so... fucking... READY!</div>
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Speaking of ready, I have a lovely Build-Your-Own Six-Pack sitting beside me with beers from Hop City, Leinenkugel's, Schell, Bass, Magic Hat, and Badger Hill. I'd give you the names, but my fingers hardly have that sort of ambition, so before they get anymore lazy, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://store.noidearecords.com/products/mustard-plug-can-t-contain-it" target="_blank">Mustard Plug - Can't Contain It</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Build-Your-Own Six-Pack</div>
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The disc opens on "We Came to Party," crowd noise then a nice punchy intro. Well, polished horns, and beautifully unpretty vocals. Disorderly refrain of gang vocals. This song is fun with out even being super catchy. There is really no vocal hook to speak of, and I think that makes it even more special. Really cool... Dance break? Of sorts. Builds nicely into the gang refrain again. Great opener that sets up the disc to not take itself too seriously. Good sign. =)</div>
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Moving forward, "The All-Nighter" opens a little less punchy, and a little more bouncy. None of the fun is lost. The vocals find a little more of a melody here, and it's good. Gang chorus again. I love that. It makes everyone feel like not only can they sing along, but indeed, they SHOULD. I really love the tone on the horns. very bright, but not piercing. Some great ska tunes--Oh, shit! Organ! Excellent!</div>
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Comming out of a swell on the organ is a drum roll into "Aye Aye Aye". Another bouncy ska tune. The vocals here are simple, but fun. The guitar work here is great. Not over bearing but there right when it needs to be to compliment the horns. Trumpet solo. I think... Yeah, that's a trumpet. Nice tune. Nothing blowing me away, but I dig it.</div>
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"White Noise" is a sweet power ska tune. Hard hitting and fast paced. I love the gang vocals here aswell. the guitar gets more emphasis, but the style of the tune calls for it. THe little breakdown is cool. Great track.</div>
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Keeping the pace up is "Bang!' It settles into a lower key feel, but the pace is still racing. This song is super fun, and I love the vocal melody. The organ is great in the verses as well. On a side note, Magic Hat's Not Quite Pale Ale is amazing! oo. Pretty harmony to end it.</div>
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Pacing takes a very subtle dip into "Burn It Down". I love the upstrokes with the organ. Why is this not done more? I Love tension through out culminating in a stop into a horn break. And the count down into the final part of the tune? Awesome.</div>
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"Shakin' It Up" grabs you by the left testicle out of the pervious trck and doesn't let go. The guitar line is very simple, but SO fun. Another power ska track, and thus far, there are some great rises and falls in a short span with out being super abrupt and weird. You know, like me. </div>
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"Blame Yourself" comes in with no drop in pace. And a fun horn line. The vocals have a fun feel. This song has a stong chorus that explodes nicely out of the build in the verse. Nothing special about what it is the guitars are doing, but it adds so much badassery. Not quite as much as that sexy organ. </div>
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"Gone and Faded" opens with a strike of the guitar and vocals over a driving bass. A nice settling without settling. This song definitely having a less playful aproach, but keeping things fun musically. Nice use of keys in the verse, and the song follows a more punk-with-horns feel that typical ska, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Love it actually.</div>
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Badada's open "What Does She Know?". Bringing full back into the ska feel. nice way to come out of it's punky predecessor. A very fun and bouncy tune. I love how the vocals tread this line between pop-punk and crust punk. It brings out the bst of both.</div>
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"Twist The Knife" starts another rise while keeping ska form. The horns are awesome in this one. And oh! Our first guitar solo. Good one too. Nothing uber flashy, but awesome and fitting. Mixed a little low for my taste, but good. And good tune.</div>
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"It's You" give us some more punch. I almost got beer all over my keyboard. Burped while drinking. Good tune. Dear god, this beer is WAY too corbonated..</div>
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"The Perfect Plan" slows down a bit. Good ska tune. Sorry. Can't stop burping from this beer. I feel bad, this is a good track. Not high energy, but a nice tnder ska tune.</div>
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Closing the Disc is "Running Out of Time". Appropriate. Driving and punchy opening. THis song actually is blending ska and punk nicely. Whoa, that transition was AWESOME. This song has great movemnet. It's, like, linear in a way. I lke it. Good.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Typing while violently burping is difficult. That noted, <i>Cant' Contain It</i> is a GRET disc. ska elements are great. There is a nice variety and I can't stop gushing (The last one, that's how you know it's good). I am about to own this, and I cannot think of one reason why you shouldn't follow suit. Unless you are being a nonconformist... Ofcourse, sadly, I think the greater majority will not own this disc, so you know, even then you should get it... Just sayin'.</div>
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Ska is amazing. And so am I. Thoughts? I'd love to hear from you below... Like the blog? Tell your friends. Until next week. Stay thirsty, my friends.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-7433223714307831482014-01-07T23:13:00.001-08:002014-01-07T23:13:32.339-08:00A Box of Wine and New Beginnings - Lorde - Pure HeroineUm... Hi. As I begin to type this, I am getting that feeling of that guy who was on a bender with his friends all weekend and forgot to call his wife...<br />
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I'd like to start off by apologizing my absence in the blog world for the past couple of weeks. My holidays, though exciting, were rather hectic. I, sadly, had little time to blog between travel, friends, and my apartment building catching fire (But that's a story for another day).<br />
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Anywho, the important thing to note is that I'm back! And I have box of Franzia Chardonnay because fuck you, I'm not made of money. While driving to see family, I heard this song on the radio:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">The song is stupid catch (Um... That's a compliment, I promise).</span></div>
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The song jumped at me right away mostly because the area where I heard it had roughly 13 country, 6 classic rock, and 3 conservative talk radio stations available. It's extremely rare that I hear something new <i>and</i> interesting on my drive to Iowa (And often everything I hear is neither).</div>
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That made me decide to look into the song, and I discovered Lorde is gaining ground in the states quite quickly. Normally, I'm not big on bandwagons, but since I was away for the holidays, I thought I'd share a piece of them with all of you!</div>
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Now, before this gets anymore sappy, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pure-heroine-extended/id773618496" target="_blank">Lorde - Pure Heroine</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.franzia.com/aboutthewines_vintner.shtml#3" target="_blank">Franzia Chardonnay</a> (5L box because FUCK YEAH!)</div>
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Pure Heroine opens on "Tennis Court", a subtle intro track. I love the sound of her voice. The synth is nice and ethreal. The song picks up into the chorus. A nice burst without exploding. Dropping back into a verse. The chorus come back in very similarly. Musically, the track is very lowkey, and has a really cool feel. Drop to electronic snare and voice quickly before jumping back into the chorus. Lyrically, it's back and forth between, really cool, and oh yeah, she's 16.</div>
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400 Lux comes in with a synth drone and another relaxed beat. I really like the beats thus far. They are simple and subtle, yet they retain an interest. Lyrics follow suit here again, but there is just such a nice groove here. Niut here again. That voice is soooo cool sounding. Drop out to drones... And back into the chorus. There is something to what Lorde is doing. So hook oriented, but not mindlessly so.</div>
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"Royals" comes in with a nice bass drum and snap beat. And I LOVE the voice and lyrics. Even those little harmonies are soo cool. That chorus has gotta be one of the coolest things ever written. The second verse brings in this wobbly synth that add so much. The wobbly continues and grows throughout the song. The little bridge part is a nice break with out straying too far from the feel of the rest of the tune. Into the final chorus and end. Great tune.</div>
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Synths hold to open "Ribs". A groups of synth voices come in. It swells before dropping into a nice driving groove. This is a pleasant swing. There is, like, a tremolo or rotary effect on the synth, and that is really cool. The chorus has the building feeling that drops back into the intro. The second verse is slightly stripped back. This song really breaks from a R&B/almost rap feel into an electronic indie rock feel, and I can dig it. Voice trails off nicely to end the track.</div>
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A beat and piano of sorts opens "Buzzcut Season". This song isn't quite as gripping as it's predecessors, but still has it's merits. And as long as that voice keeps singing, I will keep listening. Really have to keep reminding myself that this girl is only 16. Both because the songs have such a mature feel to them, and I am trying not to come off creepy in any thing I say. =P Good track here.</div>
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"Team" opens with a group of voices, and in REALLY cool fashion. Into a brown out of sorts. Subtle synths pushing this track allong with a cool driving bass drum. Opening up a little into the chorus. I dig this track. I'm kinda over getting told to throw my hands up in the air aswell. Thank you, Lorde. You are wise beyond your years. Seriously? 16? What did I do with my life? Oh, repeated the cool lyric. A little less affect the secondtime around, but still a really cool track.</div>
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Voice carries out of a sudden end to leads us into "Glory and Gore". This song heads back into the slow groove of the opening tracks, but has a bit of an edge. I like it. The synths she uses. They are almost, like, 90s euro-pop sounds used differently. I like it a lot. I've also notices she uses modulated voices better than any top 40 artist out there. Cool drp out and kick in. Great tune.</div>
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"Still Sane" opens with a voice saying something about birthday, and I'm just thinking aobut age again. What is legal drinking age in NZ? Hang on, gonna google this... 18. Damn it. I feel weird again.... Better have more wine...his was a really cool minimalist feeling track.</div>
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"White Teath Teens"... Oh god, now the album is just torturing me with age. Oh, shit. That beat is sweet with that snare roll thing. The synth on the up beats makes the song nice and bouncy. Whoa, nice change of pays aobut two mins in. A modulated chorus of voices carries the song along. Allll the way to the end Cool track.</div>
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The end of the original release is "A World Alone". It opens with what I <i>think </i>is guitar? Mayve? It's giving a cool feeling whatever it is. The song continues to grow. Nice linear movement. The Lyrics I'm catching are nice, and the song continues with ups and downs, but there is definitely a building feeling continuing throughout. THe oooo's are making me ready for... Well, that was a let down. Cool, but I was hoping for BIG. Decent end to the disc.</div>
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On to the "Bonus tracks?" "Bravado" opens with vioce. And oh, that ssweet voice. Holy shit. Modulatd harmonies. HOW id this not make the final cut of the original release? This song is boss! This song is cool as hell. Here are the modulated harmonies again. OH! And shee switched it up just slightly juest for me! Cool, cool track.</div>
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"Million Dollar Bills" is the most bubble gummy track on the album so far. The beat starts as a synthed voice and it has a better-than-kesha-yet-still-kesha-y feel too it. It's not bad... But... Not good, either. Also, I purposfully used an "S" instead of a dollar sign because sometimes even celebraties need to be protcted from their own stupidity.</div>
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"The Love Club" feels like Lorde's take on the 60's almost. And I like it. The fadding in and out chorual voices are nice. And there is a nice bouncy to the tune. I can dig this. Not amazing, but yeah, alriht.</div>
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"Biting Down" pens with a cool wobbly high dron and voice, and I have mad a nice dent in this wine at this pint. This song has a really cool feel.THus far, I'd say the extented ersion is a good chioce. I like the tribal feel to the electronic beat. Cool lyrics here too. I think the is the furthest out side of my comfort zong I've been and still enjoyed. Kudos.</div>
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The next song is titled... Sigh.. "Swingin Party". No apostrophe even. Poor form. Anywho, the song is cool. Swelling synth organ. and at tick-tocky beat. And I am STILL in lvoe with her voice. Cool yet short tune.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Excellent disc for what it is. You can tell shes a young artist, but for what you'd think was a twenty-something intellectual being a teenage girl, this album will leave you wowed. I definitely need to own this one, and I look forward to what she puts out int th efuture.</div>
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On that note, it's good to be back. I hope all of you are as excited for a whole new year of music as I am. As always, I encoufag commenst, and check out "Upcoming Reviews " To see what lies ahead. I promis futue hiatuses will come with actual notices. Until next time, drink/rock one!</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-52308308320952785322013-12-21T00:50:00.001-08:002013-12-21T00:50:58.750-08:00Two Gingers, Two albums, Too Drunk - Double Header RBR - Floater and Queens of the Stone AgeHello, all, and welcome to one of the worst ideas I've ever had. No, not this blog in general (though, believe me, it's up there), but a review double header. Really, it's nights like these I'm reminded of why my liver hates me.<div>
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Any who, the first disc I will be doing is a band named Floater. This was requested by my lovely girlfriend, Brigitte.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAHiPwp43WEfQb7KsAz6RhIgbLEga8GZg3Lcon_z-FizepG3tJ49zz_k6wn-0lPQnB6-1rNVw1MK9OcmKXSJVjhIL3xiepMr6IiHjFsQN_dtyptB1pkv0knnFdte1AG7XI2VQR0U1kFo/s1600/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAHiPwp43WEfQb7KsAz6RhIgbLEga8GZg3Lcon_z-FizepG3tJ49zz_k6wn-0lPQnB6-1rNVw1MK9OcmKXSJVjhIL3xiepMr6IiHjFsQN_dtyptB1pkv0knnFdte1AG7XI2VQR0U1kFo/s320/Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Here we are with our "special" kitty.</span></div>
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The album I will be reviewing by Floater is 1995's <i>Glyph</i>. I've heard one song, and I'm pretty pumped about what else could be on this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjvFhAppPRVVo8ITPd9JHHcFy6KQziQMRvd0gFVTOAczwhz65xe7n6nJzmH8Sg4hqxgiqeYL3vi6uRJhI1trTkxqX7VBkvruS35SE26Y3wjFAYc09O689_PZD2ZAbF-sEwdY9MoVcFvw/s1600/Floater_-_Glyph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjvFhAppPRVVo8ITPd9JHHcFy6KQziQMRvd0gFVTOAczwhz65xe7n6nJzmH8Sg4hqxgiqeYL3vi6uRJhI1trTkxqX7VBkvruS35SE26Y3wjFAYc09O689_PZD2ZAbF-sEwdY9MoVcFvw/s320/Floater_-_Glyph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I am also wonderfully terrified of this cover.</span></div>
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The second disc will be the latest from Queens of the Stone Age (Henceforth known as "Queens"), <i>...Like Clockwork</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62SJSRMhzF5lXczQxy47kfwKI3f2JQnZVmXPhnw8BgA0njC-Fw4R4OgEUGHSRD51POM6qoTi-71HorOpK9oXbMsA4-5GKRQ01F0RsV3UzyZ1rBnIX94SjZ-ruBtk0ThyphenhyphenqsW3SJO_siM/s1600/qotsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62SJSRMhzF5lXczQxy47kfwKI3f2JQnZVmXPhnw8BgA0njC-Fw4R4OgEUGHSRD51POM6qoTi-71HorOpK9oXbMsA4-5GKRQ01F0RsV3UzyZ1rBnIX94SjZ-ruBtk0ThyphenhyphenqsW3SJO_siM/s320/qotsa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Yet another pleasantly haunting album cover.</span></div>
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This request comes from a good friend, Jonny, and incidentally, is the request I missed in November, so sorry, dude, I owe you a drink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtTkqn2Znl8Zpm4I4hLApAWwdf8D6hfLhK9CpJIt5_ErPttZ3ntvXtTbGcpJGLGpIUWXhKLT7l77CKsUADschM1sfTjy9YA9nOrVc3fB3sn47YGNkFjw2998Wy803z2KFodIzYYyboKA/s1600/Jonny+N-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtTkqn2Znl8Zpm4I4hLApAWwdf8D6hfLhK9CpJIt5_ErPttZ3ntvXtTbGcpJGLGpIUWXhKLT7l77CKsUADschM1sfTjy9YA9nOrVc3fB3sn47YGNkFjw2998Wy803z2KFodIzYYyboKA/s320/Jonny+N-C.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">And if you give me that cute cigarette face, maybe two. *Wink*</span></div>
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Alright, kids, now that you know the important stuff, I have a lot of music to cover and too much booze to get me there, so I say, on to the review! ...s, I mean reviewsssssss. </div>
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<b>Album 1:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glyph-Floater/dp/B000001HL2" target="_blank">Floater - Glyph</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.2gingerswhiskey.com/" target="_blank">2 Gingers Irish Whiskey</a></div>
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"The Knowing Dirge" kicks off this ill advised drinking excursion with a creepy-esque sample. Subtle strumming thing building with a drum. Drop out. Stick clicks, and back into a driving bass with chords. Tremming vocals create a very cool and haunting feel. Hard to understand, but the atmosphere created provides more than enough understanding. A really cool mellow burst. A slow and eerie tune, but really cool feel. God, I miss the 90s. Granted, I was, you know, five when this came out. Such a cool lowkey tension. EXCELLENT drop out. The vocals coming more clear. Such a big sound yet a subtle song. Very modern Floyd-esque. I dig the very tribal drum soundGreat opener to set up a dark tone. </div>
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"...but Rain Never Came" carries on the very tribal feel, and proves to be transitional track into...</div>
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"Cinema". Opens heavy and driving with a sample and into distorted vocals. Moving into a cool sounding low vocals. I love the push and simplistic drive. The subtle dynamics keep your attention well while the song scoots right along with a single riff. Into a more open up part. That moves into a nice riff break. I can hear the frethand movement on the strings. God, I love that sound. Breaking it down. The structuring of the songs thus far are amazing. So linear, yet all tied together. Finally a refrain of sorts. Cool ending.</div>
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Into samples to open "MIdnight Ride". Wait... This may be all samples. No. Here comes the music. With really cool guitar harmonics (I think) happening in the foreground with the bass and drums slowly building behind. Tribal beat here as well. Nice subtle build. into a haze of samples.</div>
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This leads us right into "All the Stories but One". The song opens with a beat and groooooovy guitar. The feel of this song is sooooo cool. And here cuts in distorted guitar slowing everything down. Dragging it really. Such a cool feel created by the music. slowly returning to the groove. I like this tune. A LOT. Back into the sludge. Now growing into a fast pace. Awesome guitar line. Beautiful bass licks. This is easily one of the coolest things I've ever heard. And into heavy, fast awesome. Breaking down now. Fast again. Holy shit. And now completely breaking down. Were has this band been all my life?I think that's the only type of fade out ending I've ever been okay with...</div>
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Little slow guitar lick gives way to a scream and the heavy pushing guitars of "Dead". This tune has an excellent bouncy while staying super heavy. Breakdown to bass. And back into the heavy, bouncy guitar. I'm in love with all of the riffs on this disc. Nice pounding interlude. All of the awesomeness happening is not being done justice by my words... I'd better get a little more drunk...Sweet ending.</div>
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"Intermezzo" has some wind sounds and a guitar as it opens. This may be another transistional instrumental track. It works great to settle out the upbeat pacing created by its former tracks. What's will it lead to?</div>
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"Isolation" comes in with some samples of sorts, and a nice bass line and drums. Guitar comes in wet and slow. The flow of the albums is amzing and they are using trasistional tracks exactly as they should be. Holy shit! Fucking the growth here into an almost blues feel with the organ?! I'm in love. Dropping back. Moving back into that blues feel. Great bidge here. Guitars solo so nasty in an amazing way. Beautiful.</div>
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"Clean Plastic Baby" grows out of that with a heart beat sample. Heart montior beep. Into choral. Into heavy groove. I want the fingers of this bass player. Slow grungy jam here. The pace changing. It's beautiful in the song and is the perfect placement on the disc to keep from staying in a lull from the previous track with out abrasively changing pace. Soo much amazing. Faster and driving here. Drop. and into a more heavy bouncy again. This song is ALL over the place. I LOVE it. Dropping here and continuing to move linearly with the music. Slow groove... Driving. Building. So much build. Dear god. Still... Building. Getting heavy here.... And down again... Soo much tension right now... Heavy again.Cool slow heavy pay off. I will take it. Creepy deep distorted voice. Amazing.</div>
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Samples come out of that to open "The Face of Order", and the song opens in a bouncy heavy fashion. Setting in with the bass before bringing the guitar back in with the voice. I haven't talked much about the voice at this point, but it's, like, ugly. Good ugly. I mean, he sings well in terms of being decently on pitch, etc. But its so shouty and nasty, but in all the best ways. I love it. So fitting to the music. The transitions in and out of slow fast lowkey, and in your face are seemless. The song structuring is incredible, the riffs are amazing, the flow is beautiful. This albums is, at this point, flawless. Awesome speed up here. Into the end. Amazing.</div>
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"Pet" opens with acoustic gutar. Breaking up the pace of the heaviness of the preceding track to provide a much needed breather of intensity. Perfectly timed, but then, I would expect no less at this point. I'm on only my fifth drink at this point as I'm trying to pace myself a bit. I've never had alcohol poisoning before, and I'd like to keep that streak going. This song is super pretty. </div>
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Samples open "PErsecutor" and into bassline. This song is bouncy, but like, bouncy happy. It's really cool, and really cool. It threw me for a loop a bit after the--oh, here's some heavy guitars. The song stays almost cheery though... In htat darkish, not-cheery sort of way. You know? No? Well, give it a listen. Cool guitar solo. Okay, the musicianship on this album is making me hate my hands and fingers for never achieving that sort of control, and my brain for not putting together amazing songs like this. But that a good thing. It's good when an album makes me hate myself. I am convinced that this band is capable of anyting at this point. </div>
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Whoah... Acoustic guitar opens "Bottle", and the voice feels completely different... The flow into this song was seemless, but the voice has me lost... Jsut a second... Yep, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyph_(album)" target="_blank">different vocalist</a>. Google, you rule.</div>
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And now the only song I've heard, "The Sad Ballad of Danny Boy". Fun and bouncy drinky tune. Into heavy jam. Love it, and it has not lead me into a bad spot, as this album is simple amazing. Bringing back the fun bounce. Great tune. Into that awesome riff in the bridge. Excellent. A little weird placement, but it amazzingly flows beautifully into...</div>
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...The final track, "Crawl Into You". Slow tune. Samples coming in and out. very pretty. The whiskey is just now making its presents known. Pacing is hard, and I'm slightly worried about making it through the next disc. Not to get ahead of myself this is a nice ballad. And there comes the heavy as the guitars come in distorted with a nice solo line. This is like Soundgarden and Pnk Floyd making swet love while Primus sits in the corner creepily stroking itself. So sexy. Incredibly sexy. Awwww! Fade out ending! Really! You gave me perfection and thats how you end it?! Fuck you! No, seriously, I love you. Please, come back to me? Yes? Yay!</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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Flawless until the final ten seconds. And those are in no way enough to spoil it. Liste to Floater. NOW!</div>
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Oh god... Here we go...</div>
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<b>Album 2:</b></div>
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<a href="http://store.matadorrecords.com/like-clockwork" target="_blank">Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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Still sucking down that bottle of 2Gingers.</div>
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"Keep Your Eyes Peeled" opens our second album with smples of crashes before moving into a really cool bass line and drums. That tone is... electronical awesomeness. The song itself is a nice slow jam plodding along. A flash of aggression. Really cool. Not far from the Floater sound actually. And I dig it. Ooo. Break into a distorted drum with pretty vocals. Theres the aggression again. Nice. Into a beautifull driving bridge. The guitar and vocal interplay is awesome. Drop into drum fill befoer moving bace to the slow jam. Drop out-ish. Bowed strings to end it.</div>
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Into "I Sat By The Ocean" which comes in much more standard rock and rool. Will a cool little guitar solo. I love the use of weird tones and affect thus far. This song is rather straight forward. But really fun. The use of the synth there is awesome. Nice building chorus dropping back into the opening lick. I dig. Shit. Sleepiness is combining ith alcohol. This means drink more, right? I will say that Queens is a group that I've always enjoyed, but never checked out. I'm, thus far, glad thatthis is the disc I'm diging in on. The first two track are cool, and that was an amazing ending.</div>
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Carrying into "The Vamp of time and memmory" yep. Song titles are getting short handd-ish right now. I'm doing well on tying for the amount of alcohol in my system and I'm not gonna mess it up (Watch me mess it up). By the way. This song is INCREDIBE. Sweet slow groove with some great sunds and cool things happening. I love the subtle harmonis. The lyrics are coming a cross a bit corny, bt the song is awesome. Another really cool solo. and again the guitar interplays with teh vocals. Cool track.</div>
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"If I Hd A Tail" comse in slow, and the drums kick in a nother grover track. Bowie-esque vocals and the whole song really feels like 80s Bowie, and I LOVE 80s bowie, so this is nid.e. IT's cool to listen to exactly how---cool guitars solo AGAIN! Exactly how little instrumentation there is yet the song writing creates so much depth. I love it. I can't read what I"m typing very weell, so I'm gonna got a head and wing it... I'm sorry for any lack of coherency. Weird ending thing...</div>
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Leads into "My God Is TTe sun". Driving. This woke me up, and that driving bass is keppker... KeikkFuck. Killer! Killer. keiller. Shit. :This song is cool. Driving,a nd yets still has that cool groover. Rally cool writing here. I dif this song a lot . that fall apart part is brilliatn! Holy shit. And drive int tohe hend.</div>
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"Kalopsie" I have no I dea if i yped that right.. This song is aweosme snyway. Slow into pounding. Rally cool. The tones ad sounds here are awesome. Theyve been making nice use of keys too. I keep hereing a bowie vibe. Guitar = AMAZING. holy shit. That kick in! Fvorite track thus far on the disc. Right here.</div>
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Group of voices open "Fairweather FriendS". Into a really nice set of guitar lines. Dynamics abound o theis sisc. The guitar work is so cool as well. God, the keys and gtar interplay is awsoe! Badass guitar. So badass. Cool abrub end int...</div>
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"SmoothSailing" now this is fucking groove. Holshit. This is playing with evey drunk bone in my body... Which is all of them. I love the vocals so much. It's all good. And the little guitar runs are so cool as well. This is the sort of song I want to have sex to and follow the rhythms witht eh thrusting until my girlfriend looks at me, like, why, I am not enjoyin gthis as much as you, just do me right... May have shared a little too much there... Still. Sexy tune. Whoah... That part moving towar the end... So weird and cool. POW!</div>
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"I Appear Missing" oves along opening with a very slow groove feel. I dig it. Opens up nicely. Nothing uer special, it's really cool, but just a refrained section thus far... Lest see whre it heads.cooll tesion building. Drop out... Back in and... Drop... Back in... Repeating.. Nope heres. Shit it is repeating. Kind of. Really cool. I like all of the movement here. Cool guitar work again... No shredding. Just... Feeling int. Cool driving moving toward the ending... Another acceptable fade out as the musc fades to naked voice.</div>
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The title track, also the closer, "...Like clockwork" openss with ckeys. Slow and pretty. Keys and voice is all thus far.Really nice falsetto. I really love the voice. Hvae I said that? I think mayve?</div>
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Really cool grotwth as everyting kicks in. And yet agian some awesome guitarwork. Strings are cool too. Drop to piano. An bas and drums kink in. Nice push into the ending.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts (Again):</b></div>
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Really cool disc. Too drunk to say more. Check it out. I have to whn I'm less... thins....</div>
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Gotta rest... Comment. And... autsad.sf;hsadfjl;ksadf. Fuck typen.</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-63855328803532850682013-12-17T23:47:00.000-08:002013-12-17T23:47:08.576-08:00Celebration of Distractions - Panic! At The Disco - Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!Hello, all. I would like to start this off by informing you that while I usually wait until I start typing out this blog to drink, tonight, I broke in to my beer early, and thus, I have a solid buzz going at this point. I am continuing my look back at albums I was not able to review over this year.<div>
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Tonight, I will be doing Panic! At The Disco's latest effort, Too Long to type out. Here is everything I know about P!AtD (Not sure if that's the appropriate abbriviation, but it's what I'm going with): They are signed to Fueled By Ramen (Go Vinnie!), <i>A Fever You Can't Sweat Out</i> is a beautiful work of art, I've heard absolutely nothing other than that album. Yep, that sums it up.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">'I also know that they have a thing with long titles that may be butchered by my increasingly drunk self.,,</span></div>
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So before I get more drunk... On. To. The. REVIEEEEEEEEEW!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/too-weird-to-live-too-rare/id684954402?ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">Panic! At The Disco - It's typed in the title..</a>.</div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/celebration-ale" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale</a></div>
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"This is Gospel" opens us up with a heartbeat... well.. beat. Going into electronic vocals. Building nicely. Excellent electronic explosion. Probably one of the best I've heard. It's weird being this okay with the electronic feel, but this is really good. God, that push into the chorus is incredible. Well, done. Strong opener here.</div>
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Heartbeat outro slows before "Miss Jackson" opens with female vocals. The tune move into a cool beat, and the verses have a nice groove. This is way too poppy for my tastes, yet somehow, I'm digging this hardcore. The drive and dynamics are nice. The groove is beautiful. It's definitely NOT anywhere near their debut album, but still excellent.Really cool bridge. Still gratingly popppy, but.... I like it.</div>
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Woah... Transistion threw me... Any how. Cool little thing, then we are into "Vegas Lights". This tune settles into a cool electro punk feel. Not quite as in-your-face as it's predecessors, but not bad either. Very reminicient of the Killers. I wish I were a little more sober to pick out more lyrics, but I dig this in a weird who-am-I? sort of way.</div>
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Moving into a REALLY cool electronicy "Girl That You Love". THis is how, like, ALL electronica should be made. Like, I'm not sure what I was expecting with this album, but I know this is not it, and I'm okay with that. Really okay with that. It's a pleasant surprise. Like aa Christmas gift you really needed but forgot you needed in the suffle of all the things you want. You know the feeling? No? Well fuck you then, just listen to the album. This track is super melow, but really cool.</div>
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"Nicotine" Comes in super cool wth some keys before a killer synth cts through everything. A very primal beat. And drp out. Cool tune. Like REALLY cool tune. Favorite thus far. Lyrically beautiful. Holy shit. Awesome tune.Gonna smoke a cig to this one. God. If you hear one song off of this album, make it this one! Amazing!</div>
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Girls/Girls?Boys is a cool groovy song, and P!AtD is hitting their stride a little bit. Or... Wait. this song is slightly less inspiring. Cool, but knidof meh... nt track. Cool parst, but I'm getting a vaugely filler feel. Goodish tune.</div>
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Cool electronic intro to "Casual Affair". Nice groove here. Why isn't every electronic song like this? P!Atd is selling me on electronic music right now, and I'm impressed. This tune has such n amzing feel ike. Ethreal and groove at the ame time. Cool brakdown-ish thing. I LOVE that chorus. Drop out. Beat comes back. Excellent break into keys to end the track.</div>
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And sythn coms out of that to start "Far Too Young To Die". Cool electronic beat here again... Nice growth into the chorus. Standard popish tune. I can dig it, bt not anythin astounding. Ooo. Cool heavy push coming out of the second chorus. Into heavy chorus. Nice end.</div>
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"Collar Full" opens with a nice synth line before kicking into a nice driving ellectro-punk track. Cool tune, but the album fells as though it's tappering off. This song is cool, but they are really going to have to give a nice end. That being said, I'm still sold on this disc. Whoah. Really cool shitty guitar line there. I dig it. Cool growth into the final chorus here aswell. </div>
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"The End Of All Things" starts the end of the disc with a nice piano line. Starting a very ballad feel as stings come in. The vocals mirroring that of the opening track. I like that. Tension created here... Waiting to see where it goes. Fades... Piano saves it. Nice. Still ballady. Really cool play with the vocals and piano. Pretty. I can dig pretty.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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I could blame it on being drunk, but the fact of the mater is... (Gulp) Panic's Too drunk to type it is a great electronic disc.... Yes. An electronic album that I like. It happens. Sometimes. I love it. If you dig electronics, or apparently, even if that's not your thing, you'll probablly find something you like on this disc. And that will probably be track 5... Nicotine. I'm going to listen to that again. </div>
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-Badhorse</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739554977435561953.post-50816658208451227322013-12-10T23:09:00.000-08:002013-12-10T23:09:58.063-08:00Two Hearts and a look back - Dott - SwoonHello, friends, readers, people who find themselves here completely by mistake (I'm sorry), it is time again for me to make a mockery of both myself and as we progress, the english language as I provide you with my terrible-yet-always-accurate opinions on music I've never heard.<div>
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It has become apparent to me that we have reached an end of relevant albums being released for the year (at least so far as my lackadaisical internet research is concerned). Thus, I will be turning my attention to albums I have missed this year due to various reasons.</div>
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Starting out this few week run is a band by the name of Dott. I found them randomly, and aside from the name and solid recommendation from a random website I've never heard of and couldn't find again if I tried, I know absolutely nothing about this group.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATqngOGvi_SfC31XQYk0RLaoYsVdu9-q2IIqK0RCFGF3NOmlf4Q4PyJONO74tkPSUWbipeq1P1cbPPKS3i9F7J862blZ-44AdoxW2bkvuWtXG8dPCH_t10c6vzH_crtGYZ1C5ttNlcG8/s1600/DottSwoon300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATqngOGvi_SfC31XQYk0RLaoYsVdu9-q2IIqK0RCFGF3NOmlf4Q4PyJONO74tkPSUWbipeq1P1cbPPKS3i9F7J862blZ-44AdoxW2bkvuWtXG8dPCH_t10c6vzH_crtGYZ1C5ttNlcG8/s1600/DottSwoon300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">However, if<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDHy-jJK6kQ" target="_blank"> animal masks</a> are any indication of music, I may like this one.</span></div>
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I made sure to fight through the snow to get myself some Bell's Two Hearted Ale for this because it sounded like a good beer to have. And since thats all I have to say about that, on to the review!</div>
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<b>Album:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.graveface.com/graveface-catalog.html" target="_blank">Dott - Swoon</a></div>
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<b>Alcohol:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/info/2" target="_blank">Bell's Two Hearted Ale</a></div>
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"Small Pony" brings us in with drums and feedback before kicking in nicely to a lo-fi feel that is nice. There is a lead instrument I can't quite make out. I think it's just guitar distorted awesomely. The farty bass is love ly. That drop out bofore the final chorus was nice. The kick in was subtle, but the drum fill was cool as hell. The oo's to finish are a nice touch.</div>
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And keeping with that heavy-yet-low-key feel is "Day That I Found You". It has a cool punk ballad feel. That farty bass continuing to drive the album. The songs are simple, but well done. And the trasition to the bridge was awesome. I really love the vocals as well.</div>
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"Rain Day" opens with naked voice before the drums come in with more beautiful bass, this time they dropped the fuzz, but the tone is still incredible. I really like the bouncy feel, and really cool explosion there. It's hard to read any formulaic structure here, and that's a good thing. Build. No big reveal, but well done nevertheless. I dig it. A lot.</div>
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Voice and claps open "Tefl". The track settles into an almost 60's ballad feel. Pleasant. Well done with the harmonies. This is a style that's easy to do, but not so much if you want to stand out while doing it, and this song is standing out to me. Even the cliche "Do-Wap's" aren't enough to bury this song into "overdone." it's a pleasant song. And executed well.</div>
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"Leave Tonight" opens with guitar and voice. I love the vocals here. Drop out. Excellent kick in. Subtle, keeping the pace down, but effective. Second drop out comes back bigger into the chorus. And nicely catchy with the oo-OO-oo's. Driving low again. a little more tension here. Beautiful cymbal build. Drop out. Chorus again, and I'm in love with the basslines. This may be my favorite moment on the disc so far. </div>
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Coming in to slow the pace is "Talk toYou". Ballady fel here, but there is a nice slow build being felt with the drums. Growing into a really cool lo-fi epic feel. Parts of this give me a what-if-the-Deftones-went-lo-fi-indy feel. I dig. Very much.</div>
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"Love You Too" opens with big-ish guitars before settling into a nice bouncy tune. I really dig these vocals. They are... I don't know... Subtly powerful? They fit the music in that way. This band could have gone straight pop-punk with better production, but they recognized that the feel of restrained power can speak volumes more. It also allows more depth without just turning into a wall of sound. Fun tune.</div>
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Driving bass carries on the uptempo feel set up by the last track on "Start All Over". This song is fun and bouncy, and I dig the chorus. Seriously compositionally, I'm loving the structures. It's, like, all over the place, but not enough to lose you. This drummer is fun to listen to as well. Lowkey chorus. Into big chorus. Excellent.</div>
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"Love You Forever" comes in with drums and cool vocals. I really dig her voice and the ways she uses it. This song is badass. Much more badass than I was expecting for a song with this title. Excellent building bridge. Cool explosion. New favorite track. Cool drop out ending.</div>
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"Last Summer" comes in as another sort of ballad. Thus far, the pacing has been a really cool blend of ups and downs. Nothing abrupt or off putting, but flowing in and out. It's really well done. This song builds and gains pace through out and sets up to perhaps even not slowdown at all. It's so cool to have nice pacing while still not being able to predict the disc. My only complaint that I could even find at this point is a lack of complete climax. This, however, could be a product of the lo-fi feeling production.</div>
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"Cherry Blossom" comes in with guitar, and vocals soon come in and the song starts driving. Building into a second refrain of "Cherry Blossoms" Building still. This time with harmonies. I love this. Bass is amazing here as well. Vocal build here. God, that drum fill was killer! Okay... Album climax. We are talking spooge in the face with this track. I dig it. I dig it. Oh, and that bass to end it. On to the epilogue?</div>
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"Another Summer" opens as another pretty ballad. Cool bass lines abound, build into... Fake out. Build again... Subtle pop... Cool as it moves. Building again. Drops down. Really cool power moving into the end captuing every bit of lo-fi awesomeness here. Drop out ending, and I'm sold.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts:</b></div>
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If you want a really cool listen with ups and downs and beautiful lo-fi presence, this is your disc. If you don't, you're probably reading the wrong blog. I really dig this disc. It's all there, the only concern one may have is the vocals. Personally, I love them, but they are a bit static throughout, so if you don't like them with the first track you hear, this is probably not your band, but if you fall in love as I did, get this one. It's good.</div>
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As always, leave your praise and worships below (also your hate and condemnations).</div>
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-Badhorse</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04075480687040016896noreply@blogger.com0