Artist: MC Lars
Album: The Graduate
Release Date: 3/21/06 (Available now on iTunes)
Comments: Rather than trying to define himself, MC Lars decided it would be easier if he just up and created his own genre of music. And so, MC Lars's "The Graduate" is the first "post punk laptop hip hop" release in 2006, and to my knowledge, the first ever. True to his genre, MC Lars was in a few punk bands in the California area before moving to England where he decided to pursue a career in rap. As to how he made that transition, you're guess is a good as mine. But the combination is interesting to say the least.
Lyrically, MC Lars is unimpressive to say the least. But in this case that's ok, because these songs are more about what is being said than how they are being said. MC Lars takes on almost everything from writer's block (21 Concepts) to the commercialization of hip hop (Generic Crunck Rap) to the record industry (Download this song) to Hot Topic. (Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock) And while his raps are sophmoric and simple at their most complex, his ability to speak his mind with clarity and send a message makes up for it.
There is a problem though. MC Lars likes to joke around. Songs like "If I Had a Time Machine, That Would be Fresh" and "Space Game", while hilarious, detract from his overall message of DIY ethics and independent music and lifestyle. It's hard to take MC Lars seriously when he talks about the fallacy of the record industry on one track, and plays six degrees to Kurt Kobain on another track. It makes one wonder how MC Lars can preach with his tongue so firmly planted in his cheek.
One of the draws of MC Lars is that his live shows consist of anything from a full band to a single laptop, and that is reflected in the album. Many of the beats are simple and sound like a kid making his first beats on the families laptop. This simplicity is both a blessing and a curse, as it sometimes works (21 Concepts) and sometimes falls right on its face. (Roommate From Hell) Overall, the simple beats just furthers the DIY theme that covers the album. This point is further driven home by the guests that appear on the album. Both MC Chris and Ill Bill contribute lyrics to the album, giving MC Lars credibility and steps up the lackluster lyrics on the album.
The perfect combination of tongue in cheek humor and thought provoking message is found in the last track, "Singing Emo" which tells the story of the rise and fall of the fictional emo band "Hearts that Hate". This combination of commentary and comedy makes for the key track of the release, and shows that MC Lars has the potential to be a voice for a new generation of the technologically overfed youth, if he can just be taken seriously.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
TRACKS: "Download this Song" "Singing Emo" "iGeneration" "Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock"
WORTH THE MONEY: Fans of DIY punk, DIY hip hop, or fans of fun but poignant music should pick this one up ASAP.
Tuesday, February 28
Thursday, February 23
Ambitious EP From Upstate NY Beatmakers
Artist: Abbrev.
Album: Abbrev. EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/seanmoretti
Comments: Not much ever really comes out of Olean, New York, the upstate farming community that is home to the two drummers-turned-producers that make up Abbrev. (Which is an abbreviation for the word abbreviation) Chances are, the only thing you're going to find in Olean is cows, college students, and drugs, and I'm pretty sure two of the three were involved in the making of this EP. Whatever fuel this EP was recorded on, what has come out is a collections of songs showing ambition, promise, and youth.
The standout track in the collection is definitely "Death Toll Methane(Fetamine)." Solid drum rolls and fills rule this track, all while a horror movie like melody plays in the background, giving the song a haunting sense of urgency and importance, while never seeming desperate. This track would sound completely at home on an Aesop Rock album, or maybe Del tha FunkyHomosaipen. At the same time, the fact that it is able to stand on its own without and lyrics over it says a lot about the track.
The rest of the EP shows promise, but is flawed. For example, the interesting if not grating "inFLUxenza" uses a carnival like melody over solid beat making, but the big feature is the use of coughs and sneezes to enhance the song. This is impressive, simply in the fact that even in the hands of seasoned producers, this could sound more like a gimmick than an aid to the song, but Abbrev. avoids this completely. The only problem with the song is that it seems just too long, and the tempo changes are bound to give someone an epileptic seizure.
Overall, this collection of offbeat beats serves as a promissory note for good things to come. Whatever flaws the songs might suffer from (length is an issue, some songs seem too busy to be held together by the middle) in the end it is ambition youth that makes these tracks life. Keep an eye on Abbrev. because it won't be long before they get it perfect. And when they do, you're going to want to be there.
But bring some drugs. Lots of drugs.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 (EP ratings only go to 5)
Tracks: Death Toll Methane(Fetamine)
Sounds Like: A pinball machine making love to a synthesizer making love to a nintendo on speed.
Album: Abbrev. EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/seanmoretti
Comments: Not much ever really comes out of Olean, New York, the upstate farming community that is home to the two drummers-turned-producers that make up Abbrev. (Which is an abbreviation for the word abbreviation) Chances are, the only thing you're going to find in Olean is cows, college students, and drugs, and I'm pretty sure two of the three were involved in the making of this EP. Whatever fuel this EP was recorded on, what has come out is a collections of songs showing ambition, promise, and youth.
The standout track in the collection is definitely "Death Toll Methane(Fetamine)." Solid drum rolls and fills rule this track, all while a horror movie like melody plays in the background, giving the song a haunting sense of urgency and importance, while never seeming desperate. This track would sound completely at home on an Aesop Rock album, or maybe Del tha FunkyHomosaipen. At the same time, the fact that it is able to stand on its own without and lyrics over it says a lot about the track.
The rest of the EP shows promise, but is flawed. For example, the interesting if not grating "inFLUxenza" uses a carnival like melody over solid beat making, but the big feature is the use of coughs and sneezes to enhance the song. This is impressive, simply in the fact that even in the hands of seasoned producers, this could sound more like a gimmick than an aid to the song, but Abbrev. avoids this completely. The only problem with the song is that it seems just too long, and the tempo changes are bound to give someone an epileptic seizure.
Overall, this collection of offbeat beats serves as a promissory note for good things to come. Whatever flaws the songs might suffer from (length is an issue, some songs seem too busy to be held together by the middle) in the end it is ambition youth that makes these tracks life. Keep an eye on Abbrev. because it won't be long before they get it perfect. And when they do, you're going to want to be there.
But bring some drugs. Lots of drugs.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 (EP ratings only go to 5)
Tracks: Death Toll Methane(Fetamine)
Sounds Like: A pinball machine making love to a synthesizer making love to a nintendo on speed.
Wednesday, February 15
Mr. Dogg's Top Five
No album review yet. No concert review. (which was fun, thanks for asking) But still, I really want to put something up here, so I decided to do one of my world famous, rarely seen, always appreciated TOP FIVES!
OK, so all this really is, is a chance for me to list a bunch of songs that I enjoy like the pretentious assclown I am. But still, you guys read it, so I must be doing something right.
Anywho, this is Mr. DOGG'S TOP FIVE SINGLES OF THE LAST 20 YEARS
(Why the last 20 years you may ask? Well because the top five singles of all time requires alot more research than I am willing to put into this right now. Also because it covers the most important 20 years in music, the 20 years that I've been alive. Question answered? Good!)
5) Blind Melon - No Rain
Everyone knows about this song. Maybe you know about it from the bumblbee girl in the video, maybe you know about the lead singers struggle and eventual death from heroine, or maybe you're just a diehard Blind Melon fan. (all six of you out there) Regardless of who you are, when this song comes on, people sing along, people listen, people enjoy.
4) OutKast - Hey Ya!
Man alive, if you didn't like this song, chances are you don't have a pulse. Everyone has got an opinion about OutKast, but when this song came on, it didn't matter if you were a socer mom or a trap star, you were dancing to this catchy-as-all-hell song about shaking it like a polroid picture.
3) R.E.M - It's The End of The World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
This is the official challenge. If anyone out there (besides my friend Evan, who always impresses me) can sing to me in one try the correct lyrics to this entire song, I will crown he/she the official king of music. Faster than all hell, stream of counsiousness, and flat out fun. If the sky falls, I know I'll be playing that song on the stereo.
2) Weezer - Buddy Holly
Not only did this song launch a thousand black rimmed glasses, but it also made Happy Days cool again. You know, not to mention the fact that it helped to launch one of the best rock groups of the last 20 years, and is still played on alternative radio stations all over the county. HAPPY DAYS PEOPLE!
1) Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Cop out? Maybe. Is it the truth? Yes. I can't really say anything about this band, this album, and this song that hasn't allready been beaten into our heads by long haired flannel wearers and rock journalists for the last 15 years. It was important, really really important. But more than that, it was a good rock song that I can still listen to.
HONORABLE MENTIONS! (Either these are songs didn't fall in the 20 year category, or wern't very good singles, or just didnt make the top ten.)
Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
Blink 182 - Dammit
Pavement - Cut Your Hair
Unwritten Law - Seein' Red
Journy - Don't Stop Believeing
Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA
Problems with my list? I'd love to hear em. mrdogg45@yahoo.com
OK, so all this really is, is a chance for me to list a bunch of songs that I enjoy like the pretentious assclown I am. But still, you guys read it, so I must be doing something right.
Anywho, this is Mr. DOGG'S TOP FIVE SINGLES OF THE LAST 20 YEARS
(Why the last 20 years you may ask? Well because the top five singles of all time requires alot more research than I am willing to put into this right now. Also because it covers the most important 20 years in music, the 20 years that I've been alive. Question answered? Good!)
5) Blind Melon - No Rain
Everyone knows about this song. Maybe you know about it from the bumblbee girl in the video, maybe you know about the lead singers struggle and eventual death from heroine, or maybe you're just a diehard Blind Melon fan. (all six of you out there) Regardless of who you are, when this song comes on, people sing along, people listen, people enjoy.
4) OutKast - Hey Ya!
Man alive, if you didn't like this song, chances are you don't have a pulse. Everyone has got an opinion about OutKast, but when this song came on, it didn't matter if you were a socer mom or a trap star, you were dancing to this catchy-as-all-hell song about shaking it like a polroid picture.
3) R.E.M - It's The End of The World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
This is the official challenge. If anyone out there (besides my friend Evan, who always impresses me) can sing to me in one try the correct lyrics to this entire song, I will crown he/she the official king of music. Faster than all hell, stream of counsiousness, and flat out fun. If the sky falls, I know I'll be playing that song on the stereo.
2) Weezer - Buddy Holly
Not only did this song launch a thousand black rimmed glasses, but it also made Happy Days cool again. You know, not to mention the fact that it helped to launch one of the best rock groups of the last 20 years, and is still played on alternative radio stations all over the county. HAPPY DAYS PEOPLE!
1) Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Cop out? Maybe. Is it the truth? Yes. I can't really say anything about this band, this album, and this song that hasn't allready been beaten into our heads by long haired flannel wearers and rock journalists for the last 15 years. It was important, really really important. But more than that, it was a good rock song that I can still listen to.
HONORABLE MENTIONS! (Either these are songs didn't fall in the 20 year category, or wern't very good singles, or just didnt make the top ten.)
Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
Blink 182 - Dammit
Pavement - Cut Your Hair
Unwritten Law - Seein' Red
Journy - Don't Stop Believeing
Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA
Problems with my list? I'd love to hear em. mrdogg45@yahoo.com
Tuesday, February 14
Whoops!
Happy V day all you musical nuts!
Well, it looks like i haven't revied a CD in quite some time. My bad. I'd like to say I've been busy, but i haven't. Truth be told, I've been a little low on cash this month, but I swear I'll try to get a review up this week.
In the mean time, I'll be at the Flogging Molly show tonight, so stop by and say hello. Maybe I'll review the show.
As it is V day, I reccomend you send it listening to "She Is Beautiful" by Andrew WK. Or, if you're alone today, put on some terrible victory records album and argue with your friends about who is more depressed
Love!
Mr. Dogg
Well, it looks like i haven't revied a CD in quite some time. My bad. I'd like to say I've been busy, but i haven't. Truth be told, I've been a little low on cash this month, but I swear I'll try to get a review up this week.
In the mean time, I'll be at the Flogging Molly show tonight, so stop by and say hello. Maybe I'll review the show.
As it is V day, I reccomend you send it listening to "She Is Beautiful" by Andrew WK. Or, if you're alone today, put on some terrible victory records album and argue with your friends about who is more depressed
Love!
Mr. Dogg
Thursday, February 2
More Scene Than Science
Artist: We Are Scientists
Album: With Love And Squalor
Comments: Its got that sound. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that The Strokes made mainstream. Thats same sound that made The Killers the breakout group of last summer. That sound that the Bloc Party used oh so well in their debute. That sound, my friends, is the sound of simplistic, 80's influenced rock. The kind of "Let's-make-the-guitar-sound-like-a-keyboard-unless-we're-actually-using-a-keyboard" sound. Repetative and simple drums that keep the songs focused. Basslines that occasionaly drift off, but for the most part anchor the guitar. We all know the drill by now.
We Are Scientitst have that sound all over, which makes them really easy to write off as another knockoff band. Right off the bat, the album opens with "Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt" which plays more like a Bloc Party C side or Killers B side than anything else. Later on, "Inaction" sounds almost exaclty like a Hot Hot Heat song, or at least a song that they would play. This formula of sound almost exactly like other bands follows throughout the entire album, which not only gets old fast, but also reminds you of the other bands who did it better to begin with.
The album is not without its own merit though. Every now and again, you get the feeling that these guys just want to return to their garage roots and just rock out. And it is at these moments when the band sounds strongest, because they are not copying a style of music, but building on their own. Songs like "Callbacks" and "It's a Hit" play more like early 90's grunge with a bit of 80's postureing thrown in. It is at those times, when the band is pushing past their own scene, that they sound most relaxed, most focused.
I can see this album getting some radio play and selling a few singles, but not much more than that. At its best, its a group of kids trying to bring a touch of rock into a scene based on the effeminate 80's. At the worst, it sounds like a collection of other bands's demos and B sides. We Are Scientists have some potential, but choose to bury it in scarves and eyeliner.
Tracks: "Callbacks" "It's a Hit"
RATING: 5 out of 10
WORTH THE MONEY: Only if you can't wait for the next Killers album.
Album: With Love And Squalor
Comments: Its got that sound. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that The Strokes made mainstream. Thats same sound that made The Killers the breakout group of last summer. That sound that the Bloc Party used oh so well in their debute. That sound, my friends, is the sound of simplistic, 80's influenced rock. The kind of "Let's-make-the-guitar-sound-like-a-keyboard-unless-we're-actually-using-a-keyboard" sound. Repetative and simple drums that keep the songs focused. Basslines that occasionaly drift off, but for the most part anchor the guitar. We all know the drill by now.
We Are Scientitst have that sound all over, which makes them really easy to write off as another knockoff band. Right off the bat, the album opens with "Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt" which plays more like a Bloc Party C side or Killers B side than anything else. Later on, "Inaction" sounds almost exaclty like a Hot Hot Heat song, or at least a song that they would play. This formula of sound almost exactly like other bands follows throughout the entire album, which not only gets old fast, but also reminds you of the other bands who did it better to begin with.
The album is not without its own merit though. Every now and again, you get the feeling that these guys just want to return to their garage roots and just rock out. And it is at these moments when the band sounds strongest, because they are not copying a style of music, but building on their own. Songs like "Callbacks" and "It's a Hit" play more like early 90's grunge with a bit of 80's postureing thrown in. It is at those times, when the band is pushing past their own scene, that they sound most relaxed, most focused.
I can see this album getting some radio play and selling a few singles, but not much more than that. At its best, its a group of kids trying to bring a touch of rock into a scene based on the effeminate 80's. At the worst, it sounds like a collection of other bands's demos and B sides. We Are Scientists have some potential, but choose to bury it in scarves and eyeliner.
Tracks: "Callbacks" "It's a Hit"
RATING: 5 out of 10
WORTH THE MONEY: Only if you can't wait for the next Killers album.
Tuesday, January 31
Mr. Dogg's Classics - Fuel For The Hate Game
I was going to write a review about the new "We Are Scientists" album, but I don't think i would be able to do a fair review of it right now. So rather than trash an potentally good album, I'm going to sing the praises of an album I allready love from a band that rarely lets me down.
Artists: Hot Water Music
Album: Fuel For The Hate Game
Year: 1997
Comments: I hate victory records. Hate it with the fire of a thousand suns, which is also proably one of the names of the bands on that suckass lable. I used to love victorty records, back before Snapcase turned into computers and broke up, and before Streetlight Manifesto got jack for all their equipemnt. These days, Victory seems to carry every single pop screamo band in the world; its a lable consiting of Taking Back Sunday and their respective clones. Its this kind of mindless repetition of style with no creativity that is killing music these days.
So you might be asking yourself, what does all of this have to do with Hot Water Music? The answer is that this album "Fuel For The Hate Game" is, in my opinion, a blueprint for all of these Victory record bands; a guide to how to make a style of music creativly without repetiton and mindlessness. "Fuel For The Hate Game" gets its strenth by playing off of its influences. In "Backjaw" and "Turnstyle", one can't help but hear a Sunny Day Real Estate style of emo, but fused with some more hardcore guitar work and furious drums. At the same time, its melodic enough not to turn off the casual listner. The vocals are raw and snarrling, with lyrics that pull at the heartstrings, all as the dueling guitars swirl around each other.
The true triumph in this album is how it sounds like a step forward. When this album was released, screamo wasn't even on the radar in mainstreem music. Hot Water Music was able to fuse their emo roots with their hardocre tendencies, and make something beautiful and strong. This album in my mind is the first real hardcore/emo/screamo album of its kind, able to appeal to casual listner and still make the snobs happy. Listening to this album makes me both happy and sad. Sad because a genre of music has been reduced to stupid haircuts and bad metaphors, but happy because it reminds me that all it takes is a little hardwork and a little creativity to breath new life into a genre.
Rating: 8.5-10
Key Tracks : "Backjaw" "Trademark" "220 Years"
Worth The Money: Yes, especially fans of At The Drive In, Sunny Day Real Estate, hardcore bands
Artists: Hot Water Music
Album: Fuel For The Hate Game
Year: 1997
Comments: I hate victory records. Hate it with the fire of a thousand suns, which is also proably one of the names of the bands on that suckass lable. I used to love victorty records, back before Snapcase turned into computers and broke up, and before Streetlight Manifesto got jack for all their equipemnt. These days, Victory seems to carry every single pop screamo band in the world; its a lable consiting of Taking Back Sunday and their respective clones. Its this kind of mindless repetition of style with no creativity that is killing music these days.
So you might be asking yourself, what does all of this have to do with Hot Water Music? The answer is that this album "Fuel For The Hate Game" is, in my opinion, a blueprint for all of these Victory record bands; a guide to how to make a style of music creativly without repetiton and mindlessness. "Fuel For The Hate Game" gets its strenth by playing off of its influences. In "Backjaw" and "Turnstyle", one can't help but hear a Sunny Day Real Estate style of emo, but fused with some more hardcore guitar work and furious drums. At the same time, its melodic enough not to turn off the casual listner. The vocals are raw and snarrling, with lyrics that pull at the heartstrings, all as the dueling guitars swirl around each other.
The true triumph in this album is how it sounds like a step forward. When this album was released, screamo wasn't even on the radar in mainstreem music. Hot Water Music was able to fuse their emo roots with their hardocre tendencies, and make something beautiful and strong. This album in my mind is the first real hardcore/emo/screamo album of its kind, able to appeal to casual listner and still make the snobs happy. Listening to this album makes me both happy and sad. Sad because a genre of music has been reduced to stupid haircuts and bad metaphors, but happy because it reminds me that all it takes is a little hardwork and a little creativity to breath new life into a genre.
Rating: 8.5-10
Key Tracks : "Backjaw" "Trademark" "220 Years"
Worth The Money: Yes, especially fans of At The Drive In, Sunny Day Real Estate, hardcore bands
Tuesday, January 24
Quick Note
1) Spelling Errors - I know, my posts are full of them. I would tell you all to fuck the hell off, but luckily The James has offered to help me fix errors. So WOO for The James
2) Another review should be going up Thursday
3) Fall Out Boy pisses me off, but their song titles make me giggle.
check back thursday, that it all.
Mr. Dogg Out!
2) Another review should be going up Thursday
3) Fall Out Boy pisses me off, but their song titles make me giggle.
check back thursday, that it all.
Mr. Dogg Out!
Thursday, January 19
Change is Good For Former Heroes of Rock
Artist: The Strokes
Album: First Impressions of Earth
Comments: Back in 2001 when The Strokes released their first album ("Is This It?") and spearheaded a new wave and 80's influenced dance rock, they were hearled as the kings of rock and roll the band that was forever going to save and change rock and roll for all time ever and ever forever. Whether or not they did that is irrelivent, what's important is to relaize that any band that gets that kind of press over their first relases is most likly going to make one, maybe two albums and break up. But lo and behold, five years have passed since rock and roll was supposably saved, and the strokes release their third album. And I say, good for them.
The two preceding albums sound almost exactly the same, like a double disc that was just relased two years apart. But on "First Impressions of Earth" The Strokes start to show signs of change and growth in their music. Granted, alot of the songs still have the same basic sound of the last two albums; "You Only Live Once" would sound right at home on either "Is This It?" or "Room On Fire". However, "Juicebox" the first single off the album shows some balls out rock that The Strokes have not deliveder up to this point. With the driving bass and desperate guitar solos paired with Julian Casablancas's howls and growls, the Strokes show that they're more than just hipsters from New York City.
The big changes on this album seem to be the in the rythm section and in Casablancas's singing. On previous albums, the bass and drums were almost mailed in while the guitars danced around each other with a Casablancas's voice distortion leading it all. On this album, however, drummer Fabrizio Moretti sounds like he discovered that his drum set has more than just a high hat, snare, and bass drum on it. Kudos for bass player Nikolai Fraiture, who must have taken lessons over the break period between albums, because the presnece of a rythm section is much more defined on this album. And as far as Casablancas's voice goes, he dropped the distortion all together. He's not a great singer, but he's good, and it's nice to hear his voice without anything to hide behind.
The weakest points of the album are the parts that sound the same as everything else The Strokes have done. While they do show some marked growth and development, too much of this album is repetition of old material. At certin points in the album, it sounds to me like The Strokes are just covering their own songs. (See "You Only Live Once") Also, it sounds like there is no fun in this album. One of the things I really liked about the other two albums is how much fun they sounded like they were having, and how the songs seemed to be played on emotion and feeling rather than skill. Some of that youthfull feel is lost on this album.
But still, the overall growth on the ablum out weighs the loss of inocennsse. All in all, "First Impressions of Earth" is a step forward for The Strokes, who sound like they are done trying to save rock and roll, and are just ready to be a part of it.
Key Tracks - "Juicebox" "Vision of Divison" "Ask Me Anything"
OVERALL RATING - 7 out of 10
WORHT THE MONEY - Yes, if you are already a fan of The Strokes
Album: First Impressions of Earth
Comments: Back in 2001 when The Strokes released their first album ("Is This It?") and spearheaded a new wave and 80's influenced dance rock, they were hearled as the kings of rock and roll the band that was forever going to save and change rock and roll for all time ever and ever forever. Whether or not they did that is irrelivent, what's important is to relaize that any band that gets that kind of press over their first relases is most likly going to make one, maybe two albums and break up. But lo and behold, five years have passed since rock and roll was supposably saved, and the strokes release their third album. And I say, good for them.
The two preceding albums sound almost exactly the same, like a double disc that was just relased two years apart. But on "First Impressions of Earth" The Strokes start to show signs of change and growth in their music. Granted, alot of the songs still have the same basic sound of the last two albums; "You Only Live Once" would sound right at home on either "Is This It?" or "Room On Fire". However, "Juicebox" the first single off the album shows some balls out rock that The Strokes have not deliveder up to this point. With the driving bass and desperate guitar solos paired with Julian Casablancas's howls and growls, the Strokes show that they're more than just hipsters from New York City.
The big changes on this album seem to be the in the rythm section and in Casablancas's singing. On previous albums, the bass and drums were almost mailed in while the guitars danced around each other with a Casablancas's voice distortion leading it all. On this album, however, drummer Fabrizio Moretti sounds like he discovered that his drum set has more than just a high hat, snare, and bass drum on it. Kudos for bass player Nikolai Fraiture, who must have taken lessons over the break period between albums, because the presnece of a rythm section is much more defined on this album. And as far as Casablancas's voice goes, he dropped the distortion all together. He's not a great singer, but he's good, and it's nice to hear his voice without anything to hide behind.
The weakest points of the album are the parts that sound the same as everything else The Strokes have done. While they do show some marked growth and development, too much of this album is repetition of old material. At certin points in the album, it sounds to me like The Strokes are just covering their own songs. (See "You Only Live Once") Also, it sounds like there is no fun in this album. One of the things I really liked about the other two albums is how much fun they sounded like they were having, and how the songs seemed to be played on emotion and feeling rather than skill. Some of that youthfull feel is lost on this album.
But still, the overall growth on the ablum out weighs the loss of inocennsse. All in all, "First Impressions of Earth" is a step forward for The Strokes, who sound like they are done trying to save rock and roll, and are just ready to be a part of it.
Key Tracks - "Juicebox" "Vision of Divison" "Ask Me Anything"
OVERALL RATING - 7 out of 10
WORHT THE MONEY - Yes, if you are already a fan of The Strokes
Just A Quick Note
Hey there all you musical nuts.
I'm in the middle of an album right now, you can expect the review to be up sometime tonight or early tomorrow. My goal for this is to review a new album ever week, with a review of a "classic" album, which is more or less an album that I like that was released before this year. The point is that if you know of any new albums you would like to see reviewed, or if you want to make a sugesstion or a complaint, feel free to post on the message board or to email me at mrdogg45@yahoo.com. Also, be sure to listen to my radio show "Get Awesome" every thursday night at www.wexpradio.com It's a streaming webcast, so you should be able to hear it no problem.
Thats all for right now, see you crazy kids later
-Mr. Dogg
I'm in the middle of an album right now, you can expect the review to be up sometime tonight or early tomorrow. My goal for this is to review a new album ever week, with a review of a "classic" album, which is more or less an album that I like that was released before this year. The point is that if you know of any new albums you would like to see reviewed, or if you want to make a sugesstion or a complaint, feel free to post on the message board or to email me at mrdogg45@yahoo.com. Also, be sure to listen to my radio show "Get Awesome" every thursday night at www.wexpradio.com It's a streaming webcast, so you should be able to hear it no problem.
Thats all for right now, see you crazy kids later
-Mr. Dogg
Monday, January 16
Best of 05
Happy new year all you musical nuts.
Because the New Year is still relatively new, and because I haven’t gotten a chance to go to the record store yet this year, I'm going to kick things off by going over some of my recommendations for the best albums of 2005. But rather than just throw a bunch of albums out there, or do a top ten list, I'd rather break them up into genre. This way, it can serve as a polite suggestions as to what album is the best for each kind of music.
As always, these are based entirely on my opinions, and if you don't like it, you can sit on it and spin.
Now on to MR.DOGG'S BEST OF 2005
PUNK
Artist: Smoke or Fire
Album: Above the City
Comments: Smoke or Fire don't sound much different than your modern day punk band, and the fact that their on Fat Wreck Chords doesn't help to break them away from the pack any. But there is something about their first CD that pushes it above the pack. It might be the tight rhythm section, or the snarling vocals that are a throwback to the early 80's style of singer. In the end, I think it's just drive, ambition, and the fact that it sounds like these guys are having fun doing what they are doing. And in a time where emotion is bought and sold like appliances, any music with true emotion behind it is worth a listen.
Tracks: "Culture as Given" "Cops and Drugs"
ROCK
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: In Your Honor
Comments: Before this album was released, a lot of people thought that Dave Grohl had lost his steam. Their previous album (One by One) had sounded flat and rehashed, like the Foo Fighters were covering their own songs, and people began to speculate that Grohl was spending so much time with his other side projects (Protbot, Queens of the Stone Age) that the Foo Fighters were done. With the release of this album, the Foos get their focus back, regain their swagger, and step once and for all out of the giant nirvana sized shadow they've been living in. "In Your Honor" if full of the kind of songs you always knew the Foo Fighters could make, the kind of songs that grab you by the short hairs and don't let go. Listen to "Deepest Blues" for the best rock song they've written since "Everlong".
Tracks: "In Your Honor" "Hell" "The Deepest Blues Are Black"
HIP - HOP
Artist: Common / Young Jeezy
Album: Be / Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Comments: I decided to pick tow artists because of all the modern popular genres of music, no one genre is as split as hip - hop. (Besides indie music, which can fall into any genre as long as the word indie is slapped to the front of it) On the one had, hip-hop seems to be all about the hustle. Songs that make you think of street life and doing what it takes to get by. (Whether or not the artist had to live the life and get by) For the more hard aspect of hip-hop, look no further than Young Jeezy. However, hip-hop is also about poetry and history, about pain and soul. If you're looking for a more introspective and substantial brand, then Common's "Be" is the best album for it, hands down.
Tracks: "Be" "The Food" "Chi City" / "Standing Ovation" "Go Crazy" "Get Ya Mind Right"
INDIE
Artist: Bloc Party
Album: Silent Alarm
Comments: The 80's are back baby! Let the bad hair, stupid keytars, and lame synth riffs reign supreme! 80's revival has been big these last few years, and lot of bands are cashing in on sounds that were recorded over 20 years ago without expanding on them or changing them in any noticeable way. The big exception in my mind being Bloc Party. I'll admit that at first listen it sounded like a band riding the wave of success created by Franz Ferdinan and the Killers. However, those willing to give it a second listen will find a group with big ideas and the courage to just rock. But overall, it will sound like a step forward, using the past as a stepping stone, rather than a throwback with no originality.
Tracks: "Blue Light" "This Modern Love" "Luno"
MR. DOGG'S FAVORITE ALBUM
Artist: Sufjan Stevens
Album: Illinoise
Comments: Make no mistake, this is folk music. But it is also so much more than that. It is a well written and engaging story about the history and life of the state of Illinois. It is a cracked genius at work; with Sufjan Stevens waving his baton with a mad grin on his face, conduction everyone to play at the same time while marinating a sense order. It is an octopus, playing his banjo, guitar, piano, organ, glockenspiel, trumped, keyboard, drums, and bass; making full songs by itself. It is a choir, vaguely singing to god, but more to joy. But overall, it is an album of loss, love, regret, hope, and brilliance. My favorite album of the last five years, and the most beautiful one I have ever heard.
Tracks: "Chicago" "The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades is Out to Get Us" "John Wayne Gacy Jr." "Decatur"
Because the New Year is still relatively new, and because I haven’t gotten a chance to go to the record store yet this year, I'm going to kick things off by going over some of my recommendations for the best albums of 2005. But rather than just throw a bunch of albums out there, or do a top ten list, I'd rather break them up into genre. This way, it can serve as a polite suggestions as to what album is the best for each kind of music.
As always, these are based entirely on my opinions, and if you don't like it, you can sit on it and spin.
Now on to MR.DOGG'S BEST OF 2005
PUNK
Artist: Smoke or Fire
Album: Above the City
Comments: Smoke or Fire don't sound much different than your modern day punk band, and the fact that their on Fat Wreck Chords doesn't help to break them away from the pack any. But there is something about their first CD that pushes it above the pack. It might be the tight rhythm section, or the snarling vocals that are a throwback to the early 80's style of singer. In the end, I think it's just drive, ambition, and the fact that it sounds like these guys are having fun doing what they are doing. And in a time where emotion is bought and sold like appliances, any music with true emotion behind it is worth a listen.
Tracks: "Culture as Given" "Cops and Drugs"
ROCK
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: In Your Honor
Comments: Before this album was released, a lot of people thought that Dave Grohl had lost his steam. Their previous album (One by One) had sounded flat and rehashed, like the Foo Fighters were covering their own songs, and people began to speculate that Grohl was spending so much time with his other side projects (Protbot, Queens of the Stone Age) that the Foo Fighters were done. With the release of this album, the Foos get their focus back, regain their swagger, and step once and for all out of the giant nirvana sized shadow they've been living in. "In Your Honor" if full of the kind of songs you always knew the Foo Fighters could make, the kind of songs that grab you by the short hairs and don't let go. Listen to "Deepest Blues" for the best rock song they've written since "Everlong".
Tracks: "In Your Honor" "Hell" "The Deepest Blues Are Black"
HIP - HOP
Artist: Common / Young Jeezy
Album: Be / Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Comments: I decided to pick tow artists because of all the modern popular genres of music, no one genre is as split as hip - hop. (Besides indie music, which can fall into any genre as long as the word indie is slapped to the front of it) On the one had, hip-hop seems to be all about the hustle. Songs that make you think of street life and doing what it takes to get by. (Whether or not the artist had to live the life and get by) For the more hard aspect of hip-hop, look no further than Young Jeezy. However, hip-hop is also about poetry and history, about pain and soul. If you're looking for a more introspective and substantial brand, then Common's "Be" is the best album for it, hands down.
Tracks: "Be" "The Food" "Chi City" / "Standing Ovation" "Go Crazy" "Get Ya Mind Right"
INDIE
Artist: Bloc Party
Album: Silent Alarm
Comments: The 80's are back baby! Let the bad hair, stupid keytars, and lame synth riffs reign supreme! 80's revival has been big these last few years, and lot of bands are cashing in on sounds that were recorded over 20 years ago without expanding on them or changing them in any noticeable way. The big exception in my mind being Bloc Party. I'll admit that at first listen it sounded like a band riding the wave of success created by Franz Ferdinan and the Killers. However, those willing to give it a second listen will find a group with big ideas and the courage to just rock. But overall, it will sound like a step forward, using the past as a stepping stone, rather than a throwback with no originality.
Tracks: "Blue Light" "This Modern Love" "Luno"
MR. DOGG'S FAVORITE ALBUM
Artist: Sufjan Stevens
Album: Illinoise
Comments: Make no mistake, this is folk music. But it is also so much more than that. It is a well written and engaging story about the history and life of the state of Illinois. It is a cracked genius at work; with Sufjan Stevens waving his baton with a mad grin on his face, conduction everyone to play at the same time while marinating a sense order. It is an octopus, playing his banjo, guitar, piano, organ, glockenspiel, trumped, keyboard, drums, and bass; making full songs by itself. It is a choir, vaguely singing to god, but more to joy. But overall, it is an album of loss, love, regret, hope, and brilliance. My favorite album of the last five years, and the most beautiful one I have ever heard.
Tracks: "Chicago" "The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades is Out to Get Us" "John Wayne Gacy Jr." "Decatur"
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