Album review of the week?

I'm into it, sounds like fun, but I probably can't put the real work in until tomorrow. If you wrap it up before then that's cool. As of now I'm just sort of bookmarking the question.

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Thanks Hedzy. I'm looking forward to doing it.

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My nature is to be incredibly long winded, but this is a big project so I'm going to try to be brief (famous last words).

The Pixies have been brought up a bit more here lately, but with the number of Pixies folks around here, Frank Black on his own doesn't seem to get much love. After going solo he has released some simply amazing records, one of which in my opinion was potentially as influential as his work with the Pixies in the context of the times:

Frank Black (self titled, 1993)

-not to be confused with the equally amazing, but less dynamic self titled Fank Black and the Catholics record of 1998.

There is a feeling that radiates out of the album that Frank Black, as much as I love the Pixies, was kind of let out of his box and was having fun again. It's rare to find an album that is so representative of the artist, where you can actually get a feeling that at that point in his life this album was Frank Black. A sort of quality that Paul Simon has always been a master of. The first album that comes to mind in describing the quality would be Graceland, but that's Paul Simon, this is Frank Black (both records are amazing).

It's loud at parts, it's nostalgic at parts, it's quirky and at points straight ahead. It's incredibly thoughtful, and it gets a bit silly. Powerful melodies and some sing song-y points. It runs the gammut and weaves all of these things together. Something that has always made Frank Black special. It may not be his BEST record, but it's the best display I can think of to show off what makes Frank Black such a unique and amazing artist.

Tracks (briefly)

1. Los Angeles - Amazing way to kick off the record (and the solo career). It's a Frank Black classic for a reason. (note: I found out from asking a question here that if you want to live in Los Angeles, but not the one in Los Angeles... The one they got in South Patagonia. You desire to find a life in Chile.)

2. I Heard Ramona Sing - From what I have heard, though I don't research these things, it's a tribute to the Ramones. Good song, catchy and fun.

3. Hang Onto Your Ego - Successful Beach Boys cover

4. Fu Manchu - A head bopping track. Really great melody. Unexpected and pretty amazing.

5. Places NAmed After Numbers - One of my favorites on the record. Really great riff, and I just love the keyboard voice. Great thoughtful classic melody. Love it.

6. Czar - Good point to rock it back up a bit, and this song is pretty bad (in a good way). Good anthem-y tune.

7. Old Black Dawning - Classic Frank Black, or I suppose a good picture of what would become classic Frank Black, though it will be familiar to Pixies fans also.

8. Ten Percenter - Another one in strong contention to be my favorite on the record. I know no one will really get me calling this track "tough" but that's what comes to mind for me. Another one that makes me feel like new (in 93) classic Frank Black, but a different classic Frank Black. I figure his fans will understand that.

9. Brackish Boy - (gotta slim these down a bit) Short, sweet, fun tune. "It's a dangerous road"

10. Two Spaces - Sounds like the one that would be "the single." I THINK it was one too. Pretty cool, not my favorite, but cool song. I think maybe it's just that it's just a little bit dated. Not a bad song though by any stretch.

11. Tossed - Very cool instrumental. The toe taps, the head rocks (not bangs, but bounces from side to side), kind of makes you wish there were words to sing along.

12. Parry the Wind High, Low - There had to be a song about aliens. There just had to. This song is totally bad (as in bad a*s, not as in not good). Totally good. Man, I'm listening to the song as I write this and I'm thinking that I forgot just how much I liked it.

13. Adda Lee - Cool song, pleasant. Love what I picture as the hook melody, even though the song is a single cycle. It's a very simple detail, but I absolutely love the really quick, but interesting outro. A neat idea, and it fits the song perfectly. The part right before the tag too. A really wonderful way to spend two minutes, even.

14. Every Time I Go Around Here - Great, mellow track. Really reflective (and effective) melody. Really, just nice song. Kind of somber, but nice.

15. Don't You Rile Em - The other song that is quite possibly my favorite on the record. Just a great way to close it out. Don't really know a lot to say about it except it's a great song. Great lyrics, great melody, great sort of dynamic arc to it. Great song.

Gotta say 4.5 of 5. The record isn't perfect, but for someone who is into what Frank Black is about it's pretty darn close. I really don't think that this album gets the love it deserves in the sort of pantheon of great records from the 90s (particularly for being one of the true great college rock (I miss that "genre") records period). Teenager of the Year is a monster too, as is the self titled Frank Black and the Catholics record, just to throw that in.

Blind Melon - Blind Melon

Well I'm not a reveiwer by any means so I imagine this will be very subjective and unprofessional.

I loved this album back when I was 12 and I still love it now. The first half is definitely better than the second half though.

1. Soak The Sin - Kicks off the album, pretty bad ***.

2. Tones Of Home - Another rockin' song with fun guitars and bass.

3. I Wonder - I like this one.

4. Paper Scratcher - And I like this one too.

Man, I suck at this, I really don't have great and varied opinions on this, I just like it.

5. Dear Ol' Dad - Yeah!!!

6. Change - Word.

7. No Rain - Clearly the huge hit off this album. And with good reason.

8. Deserted - Another dope rocker.

9. Sleepyhouse - Okay the sitar (maybe?) that starts this song off begins the decline of this album for me.

10. Holyman - Meh.

11. Seed To A Tree - So-so, best of the last five songs.

12. Drive - REM had a song called Drive out at about the same time. It was better.

13. Time -

Overall, I thought this was a cool album. After the 8th track it stops rockin' as much and gets more mellow.

Then the dude died and the second album wasn't that great. Either they had limited material to work with since the holmes died, or he was too far gone into drugs, or they were just a one album band. I wonder what happened to the rest of the band, maybe I'll look into it.

As you can see, I have no future as a reviewer.

4/5 Stars.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd personally I think this is Pink Floyd's best album so thats why i picked it. also i know how to play every song on it, unlike all their other CDs. plus, its less songs to review... Shine On you Crazy Diamond (part 1) all i can say is - EPIC. i think this song makes the CD. its an amazing intro to an amazing cd, and even before he starts singing it tells a story Welcome to the Machione This song is amazing. It is incredibly haunting and at the same time shows the harsh reality of our world. Have a Cigar this song is pretty much the opposite of Welcome to the Machine. it tells of someone actually being successful. Don't get me wrong though, this is one of my favorite Floyd songs. I love the synth part in it, as well as the slap bass in the beginning. Wish You Were Here This is actually my least favorite song on the CD. it is good, but i think the other songs are better. I do like the use o fthe acoustic guitar in it, its a very good part. I think this song has an essential place in the CD though, its like the "character" we are following is realizing the successful life he leads isnt anything without love. Shine on You Crazy Diamond (part 2) this song is basically the same as part 1, but it is mixed around a little. so read the review for the first one. overall I give this CD a 10/10. its good, do i need a reason?

I'll do:

Adore- Smashing Pumpkins

1. To Sheila

- I was quickly taken over by this song. I remember listening to them before and not really liking them for some reason, once I heard this song it changed everything. I love the guitar at the beginning and how they present the vocals, especially Corgan's.

2. Ava Adore

- A good catchy song. i can't help to dance and sing once it comes on. One of the more upbeat of the songs on the album. Even with that said it does have a sort of creepy aspect to it as well.

3. Perfect

- Another happier song. I love the music video for it. Basically it's a decent single, but theirs not much to it then that. One of the "weaker" songs on the album.

4. Daphne Descends

- Progressing into the true depth of the album, I'd consider this a transition song in the album. The first three were more signle-ish then the rest.

5. Once Upon A Time

- Simple and beautiful. An escape from the constant love songs.

6. Tear

- The real feel of the albums starts to be exposed, as it starts to get more cynical. Towards the end, the electronic inspiration starts to show more face embracing the whole "gothic" feel of the album.

7. Crestfallen

- One of my favorite songs by them of all time. Sincerely beauitful from the start. You can really feel the emotion that is expressed through his vocals in this song.

8. Appels + Oranjes

- The vocals feel attached here and there's more of an emphasis instruments and a complete electronic feel.

9. Pug

- Strong opening, constrasted greatly with the chorus. Also the guitar riffs are fully developed here. Probably in a musical aspect, one of the better songs on the albums. Instead of following a set pattern, the song is composed of multiple sections working together.

10. The Tale of Dusty & Pistol Pete

- Another favorite song off the album. Lyrically I love it. The story that is developed is extremely narrative and visual. Set against quiet guitar part and driven vocals, it's a great song in my opinion.

11. Annie-Dog

- Not a fan of the vocals on this one. Too nasaly. However it does fit the song. Dreary piano part. However that's made up for the lyrics.

12. Shame

- Great melancholy feel and very flowing, everything fits together.

13. Behold! The Night Mare

- Lyrically very strong and emotional. Great chorus. The guitar part in the middle of the song adds differing aspect. Sort of like a break from the song itself.

14. For Martha

- Great piano piece (I believe they should have ultilized this instrument more effectively throughout the album). One of those songs I have to put on repeat for its full efect to sink on. In my opinion, this is the most developed song on the album. Absolutely perfect.

15. Blank Page

- My favorite song off of it. The piano part is very stricking and distinct. Extremely emotional and rememberal, at least for me. Different from all the other songs and great ending "song".

16. 17

- 17 seconds is all you really need to sum up the album.

Overall I'd give it 4 stars out of personal preference. Obviously not as popular as their other albums however it was the first Smashing Pumpkins album I listened to and I've fell in love with every song individually. I actually prefer this side to them. Not their best, but it is my favorite.

Nevermind

1.Smells Like Teen Spirit - easily the most famous song on the album but not my favorite

2. In Bloom - Its reputation has been ruined by Rockband

3. Come As You Are - A good, simple, relaxing song

4. Breed - Nice and fast (that's what she said)

5. Lithium - my favorite on the album

6. Polly - easy to follow

7. Territorial Pissings - my second favorite on the album

8. Drain You - I think this got on Rockband 2, so if it did its reputation is ruined

9. Lounge Act - never really listen to this one

10. Stay Away - never really listen to this one either

11. On A Plain - very underrated

12. Something In The Way - very depressing

I honestly think this is the best album of all time, Kurt Cobain did a great job as well as Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic. Nirvana is my favorite band of all time and always will be.

Number of stars out of 5: ***** (woooo! 5 out of 5)

Silverchair - Neon Ballroom

Most of Silverchair's finest work in this album. It may not be to everyone's taste, but this album reflects the depression, sickness and black, dark days of Daniel Johns' life. This CD truly touches your emotions, letting you know you're not the only one out there with those feelings. The first track "Emotion Sickness" is one of Silverchair's most powerful songs, using orchestral instruments to paint the images of the song in your head. Neon Ballroom offers both hard rock/punk style songs in this album as well as the slower, mood thinking tracks in which Daniel's vocals are haunting.

The growth of these boys, musically and personally, is very obvious in this album and is probably one of my favourite 90s albums.

Mother Love Bone, great heartfelt band that coins themself on their philosophy of the comon denominator"Love Rock". This band truely delivers in their sophmore debut of Apple and even with the loss of their front man Andrew Wood and tour dates, the band continues to sell millions since the release of this epic debut from Polydor Records. With Jeff aments smooth bass riffs and Andrew Woods golden words spoken from a broken voice, this is a true must have to the true music connoisseur. This CD earns a truly honest Five Stars.

Primus - Sailing the Seas of Cheese

Fishing on acid with a side of bacon and a grilled cheese sandwich.

5 stars, but I still miss Possessed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V1Dnjvhed4

Melvins - Stag (1996)

I might be stretching your 90s alternative definition a bit here. Melvins inspired the grunge movement out of Seattle, but never reached the success of the band whose frontman worshiped the ground they walked on - Nirvana. They were signed to a major-label, Atlantic, after Nirvana hit it big, and Cobain "produced" their major label debut Houdini.

They were also pioneers in the drone metal genre - but had largely abandoned that sound by the time they made it to Atlantic - experimenting with their sound, time signatures, and ambient noise. They were at their most straight-forward on most of Stoner Witch.... and then Stag hit.

It's my favorite from the Atlantic years - and maybe my favorite Melvins album overall - it has an adventurous and experimental quality to it, and yet also displays Buzz Osbourne's affinity for catchy pop hooks.

1. The Bit - 9/10

The album opens with a sitar - and its a clear indication that this album is going to be a little different. A growing electric guitar hum that slowly overtakes the sitar and Dale Crover's punishing drums

The lyrics are still gibberish - but Buzzo growls and sneers them out with such meaning.

The metal riffs on this song - Metallica can only dream of making something close. If you love metal - you owe yourself to check this song out.

2. Hide - 7/10

45-second guitar interlude that is actually surprisingly gentle, especially from the Melvins and especially between these two songs... a nice piece of atmospheric experimentation - but maybe a bit too short

3. Bar-X-the Rocking M - 9/10

Sme nice experimentation - but another rocking Metal tune... not as heavy as the Bit.

Some horns blare - there's an organ, and some weird turn table bits. One of my favorites.

4. Yacobs Lab - 7.5/10

ambient experimentation from the Melvins - noise.... beautiful beautiful noise

5. The Bloat - 7/10

Crover hits those drums hard - and Buzzo gets a good riff going as the song crawls along... then the bass and percussion are left alone to die.

and Buzzo sneers out some beat poetry.

belt strip telephone... well give me forty-six - give me forty-five

6. Tipping the Lion - 9/10

All of these song intros are awesome - just wanted to add that.

Another great intro here. Buzzo shows that he can do the softer vocals too over some twangy guitar and bass and Dale Crover showing a little subtlety on the drums - who knew he had it in him.

Softer than what you might be expecting from the Mevlins - but its not going to be top 40 either. Listen especially with head phones - some nice left to right play with the guitars in this one.

love the distorted drums at the end of this

The song ends with a distorted radio report on a shoot out which then leads to deliberately poppy --

7. Black Book - 8/10

This song - if not for the tragic and still absolutely nonsensical lyrics is upbeat pop/rock. The most straight forward pop song the Melvins ever did - and because of that, it ends up being one of their strangest....... weird how that happens.... its almost eerie and disconcerting.... But Buzzo again shows off his songwriting prowess

8. Goggles - 8.5/10

Noise, drone, ambient sound. Some really great percussion on Crover's part. Some creepy whispering from Buzzo, that is meant to be listened to with headphones..... and then the screech.... Not for everyone - but one of my favorites on the album.

9. Soup - 6/10

A kind of creepy haunted house-esque track that would work great at halloween parties. Keyboards and bubbling percussion noises over a synth howl. Atmospheric - but ultimately uninspired.

10. Buck Owens - 7.5/10

An explosion of percussion and heavy guitar riffs reminds you that the Melvins make heavy metal. Some of Crover's best drumming. Some great technical skill is shown off here by the Melvins as they fly through this 3-minute jam - stopping along the way for a nice melodic soft interlude around the 2-minute mark and then picking it back up briefly to close out.

11. Sterilized - 7/10

Another more ambient song - except with some actual structure and some echoey guitar playing and some nice Crover drumming.

12. Lacrimosa - 7/10

Another explosion of drums as Crover periodical slaps a tom or hits a snare....

The guitar and bass hum along

Buzzo moans and whipsers and his vocals sort of mix with everything else.

13. Skin Horse - 8/10

The Mevlins take a second foray into pop music... on the same album.... wth... Its essentially a light grunge tune with loud soft loud dynamics... showing that... The Melvins could have done the typical grunge thing if they had wanted too... and kicked everyone else's a**

and then after a brief interlude - the Melvins show that its even more of a joke to them with some sped-up chipmunk style vocals

14. Captain Pungent - 8/10

Some good head-banging metal. Buzzo growls away accompanied with some blues-rock guitar. I don't know what it is but around the 1:20 mark - I love the guitar.

15. Berthas - 8/10

The garage-rock continues on through Berthas. Buzzo shows off his softer vocal style again. I saw someone comment this somewhere but I thought it was incredibly apt - The Melvins doing the White Stripes before there even was a White Stripes.....

16. Cottonmouth - 7.5/10

Unlike most Melvins albums this one doesn't close out with some crazy 12-minute drone song - instead we get Dale Crover lightly tapping out some percussion, some blues slide guitar riffs and vocals coming from - I believe Dale.... sounding literally like his mouth is full of cotton...

a train whistle howls and the album fades to black.

Overall - 8.6/10 (not an average)

A fun record from one of my very favorite bands.... their sound has been all over the place but almost always experimental, and this record was them mixing it up in the studio and making some really interesting sounds, while also adding some flare for metal, rock, and pop.

A great record. With only a few missteps.... but its hard to experiment on that kind of scale without a few. It doesn't get much better.

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