Nevermind The Posers

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Top 5 Songs with Lyrics That Make No Sense August 16, 2010

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5 — NVMP @ 9:11 PM

TNT’s Top 5
5. “Eyeball” by Meat Puppets – “Since I hurt myself, I feel so much better/Suck my eyeball.”  What a chorus!  Seriously, no idea what this song means.
4. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits – Is the line “Money for nothing, chicks for free” referring to someone who works at MTV?  It sounds like a list of things to move and install, then goes into a random conversation with no one in particular.  If you want your MTV, do you really need to install microwave ovens and/or move refrigerators?  I can’t believe this song won a Grammy in 1985.
3. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba – This can barely qualify as a song, it sounds more like a drink order.  Do not think about picking this one to karaoke, it just repeats the lyric ‘I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never going to keep me down’.  In England, a tubthumper is a politician, so I’m going to assume it’s a protest song.  Any thoughts?
2. “Loser” by Beck – Everyone knows the chorus and some of the verse, but can anyone make sense of the song besides the obvious fact of being a loser and asking to be killed?  I love Beck because his lyrics don’t have to make sense.  This song is the result of not making sense…on purpose.  We’re listening now Beck, you have our attention.
1. “Lisztomania” by Phoenix – What?  Lisztomania, like when women went crazy for classical pianist Franz Liszt?  Or that movie by Ken Russel about Franz Liszt’s life, played by Rodger Daltrey?  If you try to look up the lyrics online, each site has something different.  Why is this love for gentlemen only?  Correction, the wealthiest gentlemen only.  I could go on and on, but why don’t you just read the lyrics and get back to me if you can make any sense out of them.

Hoverbee’s Top 5
5. “Modern Love” by David Bowie – There’s no sign of this song making sense.  I understand that Mr. Bowie is never going to fall for modern love, but what’s that have to do with the paper boy, standing in the wind, and never waving bye-bye?  I try to understand this song, I try.
4. “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” by The Police – It is true that every lyric in this song makes sense except for the chorus.  Still, the chorus is the most repeated line in the song!  I do love it, but feel especially strange when singing along.  All of a sudden, I’m a toddler and I want my binky.
3. “Shock the Monkey” by Peter Gabriel – According to Mr. Gabriel, this song is about the jealousy brought out by a lover in a relationship.  It took several readings of the lyrics for this explanation to make sense to me.  Still, a great tune!  Fox the fox. Rat on the rat.  You can ape the ape; I know about that.
2. “Levon” by Elton John – This song is about a guy named Levon who names his son Jesus and has a father named Alvin Tostig.  They count money, blow up balloons, and think about going to Venus.  Fantastic.
1. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield – It is true that I dislike this song and wish to never hear it again, but it got ridiculous play and so I was forced to listen.  I understand that the end is not yet written, but what’s that got to do with opening a dirty window and feeling the rain on your skin?  It seems that this song is a sad attempt to be deep or have some special message.  She really should have left this song unwritten.

Mark’s Top 5
5. “Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora– Probably one of the greatest 80s novelty songs, but to this day makes ZERO sense.  I know what the song is about and I can understand the lyrics, but it still confuses the hell out of me.  I guess the biggest question is why is Tarzan Boy so alone?  He’s friends with the animals for Christ’s sake.
4. “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads – Psycho Killer…Qu’est Que C’est…what?  It probably means “what are you trying to say”?  It seems to be about a killer, but why the french add-ons?  So David Byrne can sing nonsense in a different language, that’s why…he’s so worldly.
3. “Chop Suey” by System of a Down – Ahh, good ol’ Serj…such profound and hard-hitting lyrics, offering heavy-handed criticisms of the government and societal travesties and faux pas…if only you weren’t speaking complete fuck-tard.  Here’s what I hear: something about makeup, leaving keys on tables, suicides and angels.  You are supposed to sing into the microphone, not try to eat it mid-chorus.
2. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” by Busta Rhymes – Seriously, what the fuck is Busta Bust saying?  All I could ever make out is his repeating of the song title.  Thank god the video was cool.
1. “Even Flow” by Pearl Jam – Eddie Vedder + Lyrics – Message / Douche factor = Lost.  Resting your head on concrete?  Thoughts like butterflies?  He doesn’t know so he chases them away?  Fuck, I don’t know either, so I’m out.  But you have to admire Eddie’s persistence, as not many people have made a career out of singing with oatmeal constantly in their mouths.  It seems like such a high level of self-importance comes with a price…and a flannel shirt.

Stigz’s Top 5
I want to preface this list with the assertion that many songs are amazing, but many a time don’t make sense.  On this list are some of these- tracks that I love and understand on my own level, but lyrically at times make absolutely no sense.
5. “Gylcerine” by Bush – Like many songs you can groove to and like without knowing why, this song makes no sense if you read the lyrics.  But again, if you connect with it, you tend to ignore that.
4. “Voodoo Child” by Jimi Hendrix – One of my all time favorites, sometimes the lyrics take a foray into nonsense akin to the acid trip they were written on (fact…look it up).  And to quote White Men Can’t Jump “You might be listening, but you don’t hear Jimi.”  If you hear him, the song makes perfect sense.
3. “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)” by Outkast – The lyrics make sense if you read them, but if you listen to the words you can catch, they still don’t make any.  Da da da stop the train bum bum drop the brain.  You get it…
2. “By The Way” by Red Hot Chili Peppers – Specifically the part in the song when the lyrics are comprised of such random words as “Steak Knife /Caro Shark /Con Job /Boot Cut.”  All of the songs make sense if you know their music and their backgrounds, but if I heard this for the first time, I’d think it was the soundtrack for Tourette’s Syndrome.
1. Anything by Lady Gaga…Specifically “Pokerface.” I don’t think I need to justify this.

Klone’s Top 5
It would be incredibly simple to just fill this list with Lady Gaga and Ke$ha, but at the same time that just seems too easy.  Songs with odd or awkward lyrics are nothing new, even though it seems to be the “hip” new thing to do.  I think for some of the more current acts, it’s a bit of a cop-out to quickly go to the gibberish lyrics.  Whatever happened to establishing song writer/lyricist as poet?  Guess that’s what happens when more artists than not are having their songs written for them…
5. “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots – So, I along with everyone else who was alive and into the newly growing ‘Alternative’ rock genre in the early 90s thought that the singer of this new band was actually Eddie Vedder sporting a new hair color and style.  Imagine our surprise to find out it was a new player on the scene, speaking in equally puzzling, riddle-like lyrics.  This isn’t a negative criticism, as I think STP has always been poetic with their lyrics, but these really don’t make much sense without some explanation by the song writers: “Where ya going for tomorrow?  Where ya going with the mask I found?  And I feel, and I feel…When the dogs begin to smell her…Will she smell alone?”
4. “Hey Soul Sister” by Train – Besides being poppy and fun, the song kinda sounds like a drunken, desperate guy trying to find romantic metaphors in a high school biology textbook.  “Your lipstick stains / on the front-lobe of my left-side brains / I knew I wouldn’t forget you / and so I went and let you blow my mind” then “Hey, Soul Sister / ain’t that Mister Mister / on the radio, stereo / the way you move ain’t fair you know”…so, I get that the left side of the brain is associated with memory, and suddenly the Soul Sister is the person to consult if you think you’re hearing Mister Mister on the radio and/or stereo, but I’m still somewhat lost as to whether these are real lyrics or mostly filler around the longing for the girl he’s watching dance?  Unless your band is called Tool, the song shouldn’t be this much work to comprehend.
3. “Alejandro” by Lady GaGa – So, from this one all I’m getting is that Lady GaGa is a huge ho-bag and her boyfriend’s like a dad (just like a dad).  The song begins with some spoken lyrics about knowing that “we are young and that he loves me” but that “I just can’t be with you like this anymore…Alejandro” all spoken with a faux-European accent that serves more as mockery than homage.  What follows is a mix between an Ace of Bass rip-off and Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach”, all directed at these supposed Latin lovers whose names all end in “o”.  So I guess Pablo, Angelo and Constantino are all next…yet the song will still be called “Alejandro”.
2. “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha – So, tell me, what the fuck does it mean to wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy?  Is there a Sean P. Diddy Combs manual for waking up and starting your day by brushing your teeth with Jack Daniels?  Didn’t see it on Barnes & Noble’s “New Release” shelf.  There’s more to clever lyrics than name dropping, both celebs and booze, like some semblance of an actual thought maybe?  A metaphor or two in order to demonstrate the depth of you as an artist?   We know she’s busy “occasionally” coking it up, just like our #3 artist, so I’m sure none of this makes any sense to her, the way her lyrics make no sense to us.
1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana – I know we all know the words, but I still defy anyone to tell us what the words have to do with what the song is supposed to be about.  I think this is the first song that I would say the video is a required part of the experience.  I feel like the video captured visually the type of feeling the song was meant to convey: the rebelliousness of youth clashing with the establishment.  It’s an old message, but done here in such a new way, that the lyrics almost become unimportant.  This is why “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was such a break-out hit.

Angela’s Top 5
5. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden – “Call my name/through the cream/And I’ll Hear you scream again.”  Listen, when this came out in 1994, I was 10.  Between the song and the video, I was very confused and a little bit traumatized (I still refuse to watch the video for it.)  No clue what the man is talking about…still don’t.
4. “Louie Louie” by Richard Berry – Because everyone still sort of mutters along under their breath and gives it their all on the one part we CAN understand.
3. “A Milli” by Lil Wayne –  Hey hi…umm…what?  Since Lil Wayne doesn’t pre-write any of his material, I’ve noticed it often lacks cohesion and direction.  This one just stuck out for me.
2. “Song 2” by Blur – Remember when all we knew was “Woohoo!!” and the rest was kind of unintelligible?  Yeah, well even when you get around to deciphering the lyrics they still don’t make sense.  Allow me to illustrate, “I got my head checked/by a jumbo jet” only to be followed by, “when I feel heavy metal/woohoo!/And I’m pins and I’m needles”.  No clue, but once I learned them I sang them faithfully…not having the slightest idea wtf I was singing along to.
1. “Informer” by Snow – Come the fuck on, how did no one else make this their number 1?  To this day it remains one of those songs that its like ‘WHAT THE FUCK IS HE SAYING?!’  Maybe it makes sense when ya slow it down…but I couldn’t tell you.  I still don’t know.  It’s something about a snitch or something in the hood.  Fuck if I know.  Either way, this kid wins for most difficult song to understand.

 

Reel Big Fish Interview, 7/17/10 Warped Tour @ Nassau Coliseum August 13, 2010

Filed under: Interviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 9:16 PM
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Interview by Angela Blasi

Angela Blasi: I’m here speaking with Reel Big Fish and for the record you are…
Reel Big Fish: Aaron Barrett and Dan Regan from the Reel Big Fish!

AB: It’s kind of late in the day, how’s Warped tour been so far for NY?
Barrett: So far so good, we haven’t played yet.
Regan: We have a lot of time to get pumped up…and eat live cobras…get ready.
Barrett: We’ve been going on first or last this tour.  I prefer last.

AB: You guys get to close the show pretty much?
Barrett: Yeah, at 11am I like to be sleeping.  That’s why I chose the rock n’ roll touring lifestyle, so I could be asleep at noon.

AB: What do you normally do to get ready for a show, before you hit the stage?  Any pre-show rituals?
Regan: We avoid each other so that when we get on stage, its magic.  It’s like were seeing each other for the first time, like a new-born fawn falling out of its mother.
Barrett: We all change our clothes at the same time on the bus…try not to look at each others balls.

AB: Hows that workin’ out?
Barrett: Awful.  We love balls.
Regan: It’s so hard not to look at the balls.

AB: We are a music blog called Nevermind the Posers, and we’re dedicated to keeping music real.  Now, you guys play a lot of colleges, which I love that you still do despite your fame.  What is it about playing colleges and that type of environment that keeps you coming back?
Barrett: We pretty much play anywhere we’re invited.  That’s why.  A lot of colleges ask us, so we go play for ‘em.
Regan: We would play the Playland at Mcdonalds if they wanted to have us.
Barrett: If someone said ‘hey come and set it up,’ we’d do it.  We definitely try to play a variety of gig.  Tours of the UK where we’re playing fairly small venues, sometimes we’re playing giant festivals like this, or sometimes colleges, even acoustic invite only things.  We really try to spread it out, it keeps it fresh.

AB: Do you find it keeps you on an even keel?
Regan: Definitely, and the unifying factor in all of this that the fans are always so awesome and they’ll come out and see whatever.

AB: Not gonna lie, the first time I ever saw you guys was at a college in Vermont in the middle of nowhere.
Regan: Vermont is the middle of nowhere though, so that’s kinda redundant.

AB: I admired that though.  It was great that you guys were still out there giving it your all.  I’ve noticed that your live show comes across with a lot of energy, a lot of fun.  Is that something you strive for or does it just come naturally?
Barrett and Regan: Oh yeah, definitely.
Regan: We’re pretty awkward people in regular life, so we get on stage and it’s like we can finally relax and be awkward…professionally.
Barrett: We like to play, so we have a lot of fun being up on stage.

AB: Is there something you guys like to do, a favorite song you like to play, a certain gimmick, something you love doing for the audience that they always react to?
Barrett: Any song that they go crazy for.  I like doing that.  It starts, they recognize it and they start screaming and going crazy.

AB: Any top songs?
Barrett:  The “Beer” song, “Take on Me,” and “She Has A Girlfriend Now.”

AB: Have you found any other bands on this tour that you’ve gotten into, discovered or become fans of?
Regan: Nothing has jumped out yet, there’s a band people keep telling us to check out that’s a blue grassy thing- The Reverend Payton and his Big Damn Band.  We’re kind of waiting to see a lot of our friends, like Streetlight [Manifesto] and Chase Long Beach, then there will be more horn players hanging out.
Barrett: I saw a cool reggae band today called Tomorrows Bad Seeds.  Kind of like the reggae rock thing.

AB: Ok, last question.  Being that we’re Nevermind the Posers, we like to ask people how they define a poser.  So in your own words, as bluntly and as vulgarly as you’d like, what’s your definition of a poser?
Regan: It’s hard, you know, our style of music definitely brings an eclectic group of people together.  You got a lot of people who only know about us from radio and Baseketball maybe, or a lot of little band geeks.  Which, that’s me.  We’re an all-encompassing group.  I’d say…how to recognize a poser…usually they’re wearing some kind of pro-sports team attire.  Because that’s like instant inclusion.  It’s like,  ‘hey we’re friends automatically because we shopped at the same mall shop.’
Barrett: Oh man, you just pissed off a whole lot of people just then…sports fans get angry.  A poser…someone who tries way too hard to have a certain look or certain uniform for a music style or something.  Gotta have the perfect mohawk, the tightest pants, sleeviest tattoo sleeve.
Regan: You can always spot the poser, they’re trying the hardest.  You should be practicing your instrument not doing your hair.
Barrett: You should enjoy the music and what you do, not if people can tell how punk rock or hardcore or how whatever you are.

AB: I feel like you guys definitely stay true to yourselves and do just that.
Barrett: I don’t care what anyone thinks or if anyone knows what kind of music I listen to or if I’m cool or not.
Regan: He can say that because he’s so damn cool.
Barrett: I know, I’m that cool and I don’t care.

AB: To wrap up, you’ve been interviewing all day, is there anything you want to share with us or your fans that you haven’t been asked.  Maybe something you’d like to promote, anything?
Regan: Just get out there and see the show.  We love to see everyone come out to shows and boogie.
Barrett: We love to play, so come watch us do it.  Because if you’re not there, it’s really awkward, just an empty room.

 

A Walk Through Warped Tour- 7/18/10 @ Monmouth Park Racetrack

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals,New Music — NVMP @ 3:51 AM
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Review by TNT

Bands I saw: AM Taxi, Face to Face, Left Alone, Anarbor, The Sparring, The Casualties, All American Rejects, Sum 41, The Mighty Regis, and Alkaline Trio
Bands I wish I saw: Reel Big Fish, Andrew W.K., The Flatliners, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Middle Finger Salute, and Riverboat Gamblers

It doesn’t feel like summer until the Vans Warped Tour rolls into town.  I’ve gone consecutively since 2003 and before I journey to the tour, I’m always convinced it’s Christmas morning.  Well, at least that’s what it feels like to me.  I describe it as one of the most exciting feelings in the world…knowing you’re going to see a festival that lasts all day with some of the greatest punk and rock n’ roll bands around (from legends to up and coming artists), knowing that you’re going to discover loads of new music, and meet some cool people who actually enjoy the same music as you.  Now, I know there has been an increase in posers at the Warped Tour, but if you think about it like that, you’re not going to experience the same overwhelming excitement-filled feeling.  There are posers everywhere, let’s face the fact that there isn’t much we can do about it other than try to set them on the right path (and perhaps introduce them to this website).

I’d also like to note that Kevin Lyman, creator of the Warped Tour, does not pick the bands based on what YOU listen to.  When you create your own US/Canada tour, you can choose whoever you want to play.  If the bands were the same every single year or there was a limited variety of genres or if unsigned bands weren’t given a chance, I think it would get pretty boring and repetitive.  I also understand that if he didn’t go somewhat of the corporate route (mainly finding such huge sponsors in addition to Vans), this tour would not be able to go so far.  If you have beef with the tour because you think it “went corporate” or “sold out” then you obviously don’t know how expensive it is to financially support a tour of this size.  I would also like to thank Lyman for keeping the price of a ticket as low as possible and getting the tour to think and act green.

With all that being said, I did have a couple of gripes with the tour this year.  First of all, the NJ/NY dates were gypped out of seeing practically all the worth-while headliners: Anti-Flag, Big D and the Kid’s Table, The Dickies, Dropkick Murphys, Everclear, Street Sweeper Social Club, Streetlight Manifesto (they’re from NJ!) and The Bouncing Souls (also from the NJ/NYC area) were NOT in attendance.  What the fuck?  Without these acts, I feel like our ticket prices should have been cut in half.  Big freakin’ whoop; All American Rejects and Sum 41 don’t even compare to the bands I just listed.  I’m hoping some of them have upcoming concerts in the area, at least that would justify why they skipped NJ.  Secondly, due to an immense amount of traffic (half was from tour congestion and the other half was shore traffic), I was unable to see two of the greatest acts to play the NJ date.  Andrew W.K. and Reel Big Fish were the first acts to play.  I know I’m the only one to blame for this, since the acts are randomly picked for time slots on said day throughout the tour, but it still grinds my gears.  At least we snagged an interview with Andrew W.K. (will be posted soon).

Trying not to let the NJ line up bother me, my hungry ears and I were on the hunt for some new music.  The first band I stumbled upon was AM Taxi, a punk rock band from Chicago.  Let me explain filing AM Taxi under the punk rock category…they have both elements, in their natural form.  Punk lyrics are noted with simple chords and the guitar riffs are pure rock n’ roll, with driving drums beats that bring it all together.  There is also somewhat of a modern pop hook here, an edge that pulls you in.  I was impressed, especially with their lyrics and energy.  “The Mistake” is extremely well written with lyrics that stun you, (much like Brand New did for me back in the day) and the keys really bring this song together.  It’s hard to say punk music has a heart, but AM Taxi does, their music just hits home.  Right after their set, I made a personal note to pick up their latest album We Don’t Stand A Chance.

Coming back from an ever-changing line up and a long hiatus, Face to Face was the next band I sought out.  What a performance!  It’s been way too long and I was so excited to see them play.  I file Face to Face as one of the original Warped Tour bands, also included are Bad Religion, Anti-Flag, NOFX, and The Casualties.  Face to Face is fucking back and they’re releasing a new album this fall entitled Laugh Now, Laugh Later.  It was great to hear them play again and I pray they’re on the tour in 2011.  SoCal punk rock (F2F since 1991) will never die.

Left Alone was up next.  They remind me of Rancid so much; people look at me like I’m crazy when I say this, but that’s what I hear!  I guess Tim Armstrong and I have similar ears because after hearing Lonely Starts and Broken Hearts in 2004, he signed this band to his label, Hellcat Records.  Straight up, Left Alone is fast punk music with three chords and ska influences.  “Out of Tune Melody” made for a perfect circle pit.  I think I relate with Left Alone so well because they are a true DIY band.  Frontman Elvis Cortez started off as a roadie on the 2003 Warped Tour and when Lyman heard some music from the band, he appointed the band as the official Warped Tour BBQ band in 2004 and 2005.  I’m happy to see their hard work has paid off, as they officially played the tour this year.  See?  Sometimes all you need is good music and the rest will follow.

After Left Alone, I decided to check out what the hype was about with the band Anarbor.  Until today, I never gave the band a fair chance, but I’m glad I caught some songs.  I loved “You and I”; I feel that majority of pop rock bands would make this way more whiny and annoying.  Kudos.  I loved the lyrics in “Always Dirty, Never Clean” – ‘I’ve got bruises on my hands and knees/And a list of failures in between/Always dirty, I am never clean/Music is what you hear, and not what you see.’  When I get older and start doing needle-points and other old lady shit, I’m going to stitch this on a pillow.  “Gypsy Woman” has a great beat that makes it hard to stand still, but its not my favorite song.  I just hear Cage the Elephant and nothing else.  Anarbor released their first full length album on Hopeless records, 4/20/2010.

As I was getting read for Warped Tour this year, pre-listening to the bands, I came across The Sparring (Old Shoe Records) and knew they could not be missed.  Lead singer Joel Bourne cleared a space for himself to perform in front of the stage, stopping festival goers to stay for some music and pouring Monster Energy Drink on fans waiting in line for some meet n’ greet.  He stated that you can’t enjoy live music if you’re waiting in line for an autograph.  I say right on brother!  Borne had much to say, screaming his sarcastic punk lyrics.  This trio is powerful and I predict a solid future for them in the DIY punk rock community.  I recommend catching a live show soon.  Fair warning, the pit will be dangerous so be sure to bring it!

Being crunched for time, I was only able to catch one song from The Casualties.  Watching from the side of the stage, I felt like I was experiencing The Casualties (and the tour) for the first time all over again.

All American Rejects and Sum 41 performances left me with one question: Why?  I love the singles by All American Rejects, but never listened to the rest of their music.  Their big hits were of course covered; “Dirty Little Secrets,” “Swing, Swing,” and “Gives You Hell” were all played.  It was a good performance, but I felt like the members were distant, didn’t feel a connection.  It wasn’t an absent of energy, that was there, it just felt a little forced.  Perhaps the weight of touring has gotten the best of them on this particular date.  Lead Singer Tyson Ritter was promoting the campaign “Don’t Hate on Haiti”, spray painted on his white suit, with a clear mission statement being that if you forget about this disaster, its hatred.  He stated that he was touring to help raise money to build clean water wells for the people of Haiti.  Very noble.

With Sum 41, it felt like they were trying to relive their glory days with hits like “Fat Lip,” “All To Blame” and “The Hell Song”.  Their latest album, All the Good Shit: 14 Solid Gold Hits 2000-2008, was released in November 2008 and rumors of a new album in 2011 are buzzing around too.  Honestly, I miss Dave Baksh.  He brought a heavier punk sound to the group with his guitar style and it is missed.  I was less than thrilled with Sum 41.  I do wish Deryck Whibley a speedy recover though.  In Japan, where the band was set to play the Summer Sonic Rock Festival, Whibley was attacked on 8/6/10 in a bar by three men (and police) and aggravated a slipped disk injury in his back from 2007.

I wanted to like The Mighty Regis, but I just couldn’t.  They had a great performance, but for me it felt too much like they were impersonating Flogging Molly.  Both bands have seven members (6 male, 1 female), play the same instruments, and are both Celtic punk rock bands from Los Angeles.  It’s similar to the great debate of The Grateful Dead vs. Phish.  I was never able to get into Phish because I’m a deadhead and never saw (or heard) the point of getting into practically the same band.

Finally!  It was time to check out Alkaline Trio!  What a stellar performance, as usual!  I was happy to hear “Armageddon” and “Private Eye”, as From Here to Infirmary is an all-time favorite album of mine.  Personally, I haven’t seen Alkaline Trio live in some time, so every song was amazing to me; tons of energy, guts and love.  Also, the crowd was huge.  On their speakers, they stenciled on “Free the WM3” and “WM3.org”.  I am so touched that bands today are still supporting the West Memphis Three but furious that they’re still in jail.  Please visit WM3.org to find out what you can do to support and free the WM3.

In final summation, here are my thoughts on the tour this year:  Although I missed the majority of the bands I was excited to see, I made the most of the day.  I understand that set times are randomly selected every day of the tour, but it still stinks that I missed out on a few great acts.  Oh well, there’s always next year.  I discovered a lot of new music and look forward to checking out more music by said bands.  Nevermind the Posers has attended Vans Warped Tour since 2003 and we’re looking forward to the lineup in 2011.

Don’t forget, to check out the bands mentioned in this review simply click on their names; they are linked to their MySpace pages.

 

Music grows from its roots: Social Distortion, Dan Sartain, and The Action Design at Starland Ballroom. August 12, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,New Music — NVMP @ 7:37 PM
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Review by Angela Blasi
August 1, 2010-

Picture it – Starland Ballroom is packed for a sold out show.  The room is a buzz with a mature crowd, filled to capacity, truly embodying the notion of standing room only.  The newly renovated space is home for the night to a congregation of faces, many of them creased deeply in the smile lines.  Yet, still the air is rife with the same energy one would have found back in 1988.  Yes, this is Social Distortions crowd.  Playing with openers The Action Design and Dan Sartain, I knew this was going to be one hell of a concert.
First to take the stage was the four piece rock group The Action Design.  Having risen from the ashes of former punk band Tsunami Bomb, this latest outfit proved to encapsulate the older punk rock roots while allowing the music to evolve further.  Driven by the eclectic mix of sounds, often fusing punk with rock and dance grooves, The Action Design graced the stage with an attitude of laid back professionals.  Happily grooving along to their own music with the audience, one could sense the groups chemistry as they interacted well with one another, feeding a vibe that only enhanced their performance.  Musically solid, Emily Whitehurst sang each note with grace and style, even seamlessly taking her place behind the keyboard, complimenting each bass groove and guitar riff to create a driving force.  Songs “Desperation” and “Still Standing” are available via 7″ vinyl release also titled Desperation, courtesy of Pandacide Creative Lending.  All in all, definitely a band I could see myself rocking out to driving down a long stretch of open road, just singing along, feeling the music.  I dig it.

Dan Sartain was next on stage.  A tall, lanky figure with slicked jet black hair and guitar strapped to his back, Dan stood center stage crooning rockabilly blues tunes to the audience, looking like the movies Crybaby and The Outsiders had a baby, complete with an old school microphone.  A simple set up consisting of a drummer and bassist to back him, he quickly stood out as a person of interest.  His voice, steady and sincere yet rich with the tones of musical forefathers like Johnny Cash, delivered something refreshing- rockabilly and blues- pure, simple and most of all genuine.  A fitting description, considering he hails from Birmingham, Alabama.  Now, I’m no die-hard rockabilly fan, it’s not something I listen to often but I do appreciate good music when I hear it.  Mr. Dan Sartain definitely is an up and coming artist in his genre.  With songs like “Ruby Carol” and “Atheist Funeral,” he has that punk rock devil-may-care attitude coupled with a quiet confidence that shines through effortlessly.  He’s been dubbed the “post-punk Johnny Cash” and I can see why.  His guitar riffs coupled with that voice, which is almost too perfectly rockabilly to be believed, make the moniker not only fitting, but something to be worn like a badge of honor.  I definitely recommend giving him a listen.

Now on to the main event!As soon as the Social Distortion banner took its rightful place in the air and the opening music sounded, the entire crowd came to unified attention and began to cheer; the show was about to begin.  One by one, the band members took their places on stage and in one second, tore right into “Road Zombie”.  One second more, the great Mike Ness geared up and completed the line up, being welcomed with even more cheers from the eager fans.  The music kept on coming and without missing a beat, the band began playing “Bye Bye Baby.”  Social D is one of those bands I’ve been listening to for years, sometimes without even realizing it, but never had the chance to see live.  As soon as Mike opened his mouth and that voice, that unmistakable instrument that’s defined the bands’ sound just as much as the music itself rang in my ears, a smile spread across my face.  All those years of listening and here it was, live and in the flesh before me sounding just as raw, perfect, and distinct as I’ve always heard it.  As the set continued on I could not help but notice the amazing atmosphere of the room.  In the pit, a myriad of converse plunged toward the ceiling as the younger fans faithfully breathed the words to every song while being passed along a sea of hands as if it was the last concert of their lives.  The rest of the crowd, almost all which were much older than myself, (some even bringing their own kids to share in the musical legacy) was completely drenched in positive vibes.  Throughout the entire show there was no division of band and crowd; it felt like a family had come together in the same place to share in something amazing and greater than themselves.  Ness spoke to the crowd casually but it never felt lengthy or put on, more like a friend you haven’t seen in a while, busting your balls and having a beer with you.  Despite playing since the 80’s and facing a host of trials and tribulations as a band, Social Distortion has not lost steam.  Giving it their all, the show was high energy from start to finish.  Time was of no concern that night, an hour and a half flew by like nothing, yet the group never once slowed down or compromised their sound, even playing four encore songs, ending the night with a great cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”  Every thing about this show was amazing – the band, their music, their live performance, skill, charisma and most of all the passion brought to the table that made this one of the best shows I’ve been to in a while.

Complete Set List:

    1. “Road Zombie” / “Bye Bye Baby”
    2. “Under My Thumb”
    3. “Bad Luck”
    4. “Don’t Drag Me Down”
    5. “The Creeps”
    6. “Another State Of Mind”
    7. “Mommy’s Little Monster”
    8. “Sick Boys”
    9. “Reach For The Sky”
    10. “Ball and Chain”
    11. “Highway 101”
    12. “Sometimes I Do”
    13. “Still Alive”

Encore:

    1. “Prison Bound”
    2. “Nickels and Dimes”
    3. “Making Believe” (Jimmy Work cover)
    4. “Ring Of Fire” (Johnny Cash cover)
 

Tomorrows Bad Seeds August 10, 2010

Filed under: Interviews,Music Festivals,New Music — NVMP @ 12:56 AM
Tags: , , , , , ,

The 2010 Warped Tour held a lot of promise this year with another amazing lineup and packed draw.  The first band I was able to speak with was Tomorrows Bad Seeds, a rock reggae group from Hermosa Beach, California whose name was abuzz all over the tour this year.  I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to Matt McEwan and Sean Chapman, both guitarists and vocalists for the group.

Angela Blasi: I was doing my homework on you guys and I had read that you fused many different styles together, I got a little bit of a sublime feel at first listen…in terms of influences, what is your main goal with what you are trying to do with that?
Tomorrows Bad Seeds: There is no real aim…we kind of just take of all the influences we have and try to mend them with the talent that we have.  There are some bands that we like and we draw from their influences without copying.  Absolutely Sublime is a big influence and being from Hermosa beach area, them being right next door,  it’s an obvious influence…but we’ve also been influenced by bands like Pennywise, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, all those LA bands that have influenced us to create an edgier sound as well.  We kinda just do whatever comes to us.  There’s no one thing that we try to do.

AB: As far as Warped Tour goes, how’s it been treating you?
TBS: It’s been great.  Really, really good.

AB: What are some of the highlights?
TBS: Being a part of it and meeting the other bands and all those bands coming to check out our sets and everybody being really humble.  Everyone is really equal, it’s all about the tour, not just one band, one headliner.  Everyone has to work and put in their time, from doing press to waiting in line for lunch.  Our set times are randomly picked every morning, everyone is all the same.

AB: Your tag line – Conscious music for your mind – how could you define that for me and tell me how you embody that running motto?
TBS: That’s exactly what our music is- music that stops and makes you think about everyday life.  We write about our life experiences and we try to bring that out, maybe other people can relate to it.  There are a lot of  things in the music industry and the entertainment industry that go on that are really desensitized and are really shallow; we try to dig deeper with our music and really affect (people).  We want someone to listen to one of our songs and not only let it dig deep so that it sticks with them, but also make what they want out of it as well.  We write pretty broadly where it’s like: ok, you can listen to a song and imagine it how you want it.  It doesn’t necessarily mean one thing or tell a certain story, it’s more like: here’s a song, how does it fit into your life?  But at the same time we want to spread a message with our lyrics of positivity and consciousness.

AB: As far as the creative process goes, do you write collectively as a group?
TBS: Yea, for the most part.  If one of us gets an idea we’ll bring it to the table and work it out; whatever works best for the song is what happens.  There is always the obvious, one guy may write the song but it gets finished and arranged by the whole band to make it what it is.

AB: Are there any bands that you as fans are excited to be sharing the same venue with?
TBS: All of them.  Reel Big Fish, All American Rejects, Sum 41, Fight Fair, Suicide Silence…especially the bands we don’t even know.  We get to hang out with them and then we become instant fans.  Everyone is really, really cool.

AB: What are your plans post Warped Tour as you gain momentum and things happen for you?  What are you plans from this point forward?
TBS: Touring and touring and touring.  We love playing live, it’s what we love to do.  We’re also involved with this film, Lions Gates “The Expendables”.  We do a signing with them every day.  That’s another huge highlight coming up.  And we’re also getting ready to hit the road with a band from New Zealand call Katchafire, a great roots reggae band.  We’re gonna headline a tour end of September into October.  We also just came out with our second album Sacred for Sale and have been touring for that since it came out.

AB: What could someone whose new to your music, and has never seen you before, expect to see standing in the crowd at your live show?
TBS: Feel good music that you just want to groove to and dance, hang out and try to relate to it; not just go out there and slam your head against the floor.  A high energy performance, for being a mellow band, we do mix it up.  Our set goes up and down; we bring a lot of energy to the stage but we also bring a groove.  We don’t just come and blow your head off, . . . it’s like reggae up your ass.

AB: For my last question, and being that we are Nevermind the Posers, what’s your definition of a poser?
TBS: Someone that switches their style up every couple of weeks, whether it’s listening to a different type of music or the way you dress, the lifestyle you lead…someone that isn’t true to themselves.  Someone who basically will change everything about themselves to what they watch on TV or the music they listen to instead of just being themselves or genuinely liking the music or maybe something they saw.

Click here for Tomorrows Bad Seeds website
Click here for more pictures of Tomorrows Bad Seeds

 

Top 5 Songs I Never Want To Hear Again August 9, 2010

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5 — NVMP @ 7:39 PM

TNT’s Top 5
I think it was too obvious to include her in my list, but Ke$ha definitely takes the cake.
5. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas – Pass!  We all know it’s played 24/7, but it doesn’t mean you have to listen.  I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this song all the way through.  I’d rather listen to nothing, which is uncharacteristic.
4. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum – I have never liked this song but seem to hear it constantly.  Don’t you have any other songs Lady?
3. “In the End” by Linkin Park – Really, any Linkin Park song makes this list.  They’re over played on the air waves because they can be played on almost any radio station.  I don’t own a Linkin Park CD because I know I can turn the radio on and hear their music.  This is also the reason I have never seen them live.
2. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who – I love this song, but if I have to hear it one more time I will scream.  I hear it every time I put the radio on.  Just once, I’d like to actually play the song from my iTunes because I miss hearing it…here’s hoping.
1. “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry – God, even having to type her name makes me squirm.  I really loathe Katy Perry and her music.  In my opinion, she is one of the biggest posers of our time.  I challenge someone to tell me that they’re her biggest fan.  I will bring you down, verbally speaking of course.
***Editors Note*** I just grabbed my mail and guess what I read on the cover of this week’s Rolling Stone?  Sex, God & Katy Perry- The Hard Road & Hot Times of a Fallen Angel.  I’m too shocked to even comment.  Ugh.

Hoverbee’s Top 5
I admit there are many songs that have been over-played and I still love them like the first time I heard them.  These five are not in that category.  Please, don’t get me wrong.  I loved each and every one of these songs when they first came out, but to everything there is a season and it is time to let these songs go.
5. “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by Smashing Pumpkins – This song is a vampire set to drain.  Even after all these years, you’re still a rat in a cage.
4. “Under the Bridge” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers – Sometimes I feel like I don’t have the patience to listen to this song ever again.  It was once both beautiful and sad.  Now, it’s just sad.
3. “Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots – Listening is the hardest thing to do.  This song is dead for me; how about you?
2. “Possum Kingdom” by The Toadies – Do you want to die?  Why, yes I do!  I wish for a swift death every single time I hear this song.
1. “No Rain” by Blind Melon – All I can say is that this song is pretty lame.  At one time, with its video starring the pudgy little bee girl, this song was an anthem for those ridiculed and abused.  I don’t know what it is now except a bummer.

Angela’s Top 5
5. “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz – Did anyone else notice that he repeats everything three times in this song?  Legit, three times each line.  I feel like I have a stutter.  Definitely can’t stand this one anymore.
4. “California Girls” by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg – I’m from the East Coast, so go fuck your Golden Coast Katy Perry.  This song annoys the crap out of me.  Do not tell me your coast is better, we skank harder, we mosh better and we birthed punk rock.  And by the way, I will not fall in love once I party with you.  Stop telling me what I’m going to do.
3.  “I’m Not Afraid” by Eminem – The radio loves this one, and so, now I do not.  Good for you Em, but release another single already.
2. “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha – I get it.  You like to party.  Thank you for giving my country the newest in trend slogans, “before I leave/brush my teeth with a bottle of jack.”  Great.  I’m sure lots of ‘Jersey Shore’ guidettes got themselves in prime fist pumping gear to this one all summer long.
1. “Love the Way you Lie” by Eminem ft. Rhianna – I thought this was a great song when I first heard it.  I usually love his music, but enough already.  At any given time I can be flipping through radio stations and at least THREE of them will be playing the song simultaneously.  I’ve reached a point now where I’m just disgusted with the song; I change it instantly and yell back at the radio- telling it to either man up and set her the fuck on fire or break up already, it’s unhealthy.

Klone’s Top 5
5. “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull – Oh, you’re talkin’ hotel, motel, Holiday Inn?  So, you’re a sellout to the lowest bidder?  Do they really have room service at the Holiday Inn?  Do they really?  And, this makes you cool, fly, or ghetto fabulous?  Ok…well, you keep chillin’ at the hotel, motel, and Holiday Inn…I’ll avoid all three of those locations like the bubonic plague.  But you keep rockin, or chillin, or whatever the hell it is you’re talking about.  Idiots.
4. “2am” by Slightly Stoopid – Seriously, I like good reggae, but not this lame, imitation, we’re white guys who smoke herb, so we’re reggae business.  There’s more to reggae than a repetative riff or horn progression.  This song is SUPER LAME, BORING, and needs to die.
3. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas – As is typical with this commercial, almost bubble-gum pop hip-hop band, this song is kinda okay the first time you hear it.  Maybe it makes you move, start groovin a little…but by the 3rd, 4th, or 15 billionth time you hear it, you just want to kill someone…like the entire cast of Jersey Shore.  Fist pumpers…beware!
2. “Blah Blah Blah” by Ke$ha ft. 3OH!3 – I think Jay and Silent Bob summed it up best in their diner scene in Chasing Amy:
Jay: “What the hell is it he always has us sayin’?”
Silent Bob: “Oh, uh…Snoochie Boochies.”
Jay: “Snoochie Boochies?  Who the hell talks like that?  That is fuckin’ baby talk!”
If only that movie was 10 – 15 years younger, they would totally be talking about this bleached blonde bonehead who spells her name with a friggin’ dollar sign ($).  She must be stopped…
1.“Kids” by MGMT – I used to love it…but I had to kill it…I used to love it, but I had to kill it…I knew I’d miss it, so I had to keep it…it’s buried in my iTunes library…and we’re both happier that way.

Mark’s Top 5
5. Ke$ha – What do you get when you cross a skank with nonsensical lyrics and beats ripped off from any current top 40 “artist”?  The same shit in similar packaging.
4. Anything by Lady Gaga – “Alejandro,” “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi”…so many supposed hits…yet the four songs that are played the most…I’m not sure whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.  Over-hyped, overrated and now eclipsed by her inescapable jackass antics (just ask her how to make a Mets game suck more).  A performance artist that has hijacked the airwaves.
3. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry– A song about girls from California?  Wow…I wonder why the Beach Boys and David Lee Roth and Doctor Dre and Tupac and Incubus (etc. and so on) never did that.  Extra props go to already questionably revered Snoop Dogg, for officially selling out and making an awful song that is much worse.
2. “Rude boy” by Rihanna – Proof that there is somebody actually ripping off Beyonce.  The first song that actually make my ears black and blue from the audio thrashing (XM just doesn’t start quick enough).  How is that song on at the same time every morning?
1. “Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rihanna – Did you ever notice that the only people who encourage you to not worry about money, and to be happy with what you already have are the same scumbags who have more of it than you do?  How would you like this preachy and faux-philosophical dreck to be told to you every hour on the hour, on at least five radio stations at any point all day long?

 

NVMP Top 10 Albums of All Time August 6, 2010

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5,Too Cool for a Category — NVMP @ 4:46 PM

TNT’s Top 10 Albums of All Time
10. Page Avenue by Story of the Year
9. Affirmation by Savage Garden
8. …And Out Come the Wolves by Rancid
7. Metallica (The Black Album) by Metallica
6. Tie- Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell and  Welcome to the Neighborhood by Meat Loaf
5. From Here to Infirmary by Alkaline Trio
4. The Living End by The Living End
3. The Very Best of Skeletons From the Closet by The Grateful Dead
2. OkGo by OkGo
1. Something to Write Home About by The Get Up Kids

Mark’s Top 10 Albums of All Time
10. Exile by Gary Numan
9. Community Music by Asian Dub Foundation
8. Stromata by Charlotte Martin
7. Love and Rockets by Love and Rockets
6. Violator by Depeche Mode
5. Dead Can Dance by Dead Can Dance
4. Shifting Skin by On
3. Boston by Boston
2. Greatest Hits by The Police
1. ESCM by BT

Angela’s Top 10 Albums of All Time
10. Answer That and Stay Fashionable by AFI
9. From Here to Infirmary by Alkaline Trio
8. Destruction by Definition by Suicide Machines
7. Keasbey Nights by Catch 22
6. Pinkerton by Weezer
5. Just The Best Party by World/Inferno Friendship Society
4. Thriller by Michael Jackson
3. Greatest Hits: The Platinum Collection by Queen
2. The Wall by Pink Floyd
1. Dookie by Green Day

Stigz’s Top 10 Albums of All Time
10. The Battle of Los Angeles by Rage Against the Machine
9. The Sufferer and the Witness by Rise Against
8. Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails
7. Appetite For Destruction by Guns ‘N Roses
6. Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf
5. Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4.  From Here to Infirmary by Alkaline Trio
3. They Make Beer Commercials Like This by Minus the Bear
2. S.C.I.E.N.C.E. by Incubus
1. Dookie by Green Day

Klone’s Top 10 Albums of All Time
10. Ten by Pearl Jam
9. Core by Stone Temple Pilots
8. Tie: Permanent Vacation and Pump by Aerosmith
7. Facelift by Alice in Chains
6. The Real Thing by Faith No More
5. Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
4. Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf
3. Use Your Illusion II by Guns N’ Roses
2. Tie Dookie by Green Day and Weezer (aka the Blue album) by Weezer
1. Master of Puppets by Metallica

 

#6…Top 10 Albums of All Time…because 5 just wasn’t enough!

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5 — NVMP @ 1:37 PM
Tags: , , , , ,

TNT’s #6
6. TIE! Bat out of Hell II: Back into Hell and Welcome to the Neighborhood by Meat Loaf – There’s no way to choose between the two, both albums defined my early years of discovering my taste of music.  Looking back, it was clear I had no idea what the songs meant on Bat out of Hell II: Back into Hell, since I was rocking out to this in second grade.  I can remember jumping off my bed and doing sick air guitar solos to “Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back” and being amazed that “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer than They Are” was quite true, as I read the lyrics on the real rear view mirror on my mom’s Oldsmobile Delta ’88.  I warped out the cassette tape of Welcome to the Neighborhood due to repetitive play.  If I listed my favorite tracks off of this one, it would all of them.  I saw the ‘Born to Rock’ tour at PNC Bank Art Center when I was in 4th grade, a few days after seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd for the umpteenth time.  Meat blew my mind; it was definitely one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.

Mark’s #6
6. Violator by Depeche Mode – The album that helped me get over “Just Can’t Get Enough” and allowed me to experience DM for their deep, gloomy selves and highly rhythmic selves.  I don’t know how you do it Mr. Gore, but sometimes you so get me.

Angela’s #6
6. Pinkerton by Weezer – Now, Pinkerton wasn’t initially well received upon its release back in the day, but it has come to stand on its own as a definitive album as well as helping to broaden the genre of emo as a whole.  I do love the album, but it’s because my college room-mate was and still is a die-hard Weezer fan and introduced me to more than just “The sweater song”.  Consequently, I found a greater appreciation for the band and quickly sought this one out as my favorite album.  They’re also fantastic live.

Stigz’s #6
6. Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf – One of my mother’s favorite albums and one of the very few that I can listen to over and over, on repeat.  Any band named after a dinner plate kicks major ass.

Klone’s #6
6. The Real Thing by Faith No More (1989) – One of the most amazing and seemingly forgotten about bands of ALL TIME in my opinion, Faith No More was one of those bands that created and defined cool at a time when the world was moving away from the big hair, pastel spandex, cocaine days of the 1980s and (unbeknownst to anyone at the time) preparing for the grunge explosion from Seattle that was shortly to come.  I fully admit to being fascinated by their videos for “Epic” and “Falling to Pieces” (back in the days when MTV still played music videos, hence the “M” in the networks moniker), but still being a timid boy, barely beginning to tread into the world of music and discovering my own tastes.  It wasn’t until High School when a friend lent me his copy of “The Real Thing” that I understood what a brilliant gem Faith No More was.  With the first paycheck I ever earned, I ran out and picked up my copy, and have never let go of my total obsession with all things Faith No More.  The world of rock needs more bands like this, and sadly, they seem to be extinct these days.  Luckily, Faith No More front-man Mike Patton’s original project Mr. Bungle continues to release new music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Thing_%28Faith_No_More_album%29

Honorable Mentions: Achtung Baby by U2 (1991), Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991), La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1 by White Zombie (1992), Dig by I Mother Earth (1993)

 

#7…Top 10 Albums of All Time…because 5 just wasn’t enough! August 5, 2010

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5 — NVMP @ 12:49 PM
Tags: , , , ,

TNT’s #7
7. Metallica (The Black Album) by Metallica – Classic.  No matter what, this is my go-to Metallica album.  Mom played it all the time and I had the track list memorized from repetition.  I think I’ve gone through phases of favorite tracks off this album.  While all these songs are epic, when I was younger, “Enter Sandman” was my admired song (I loved the “Boom!” that Hetfield screams).  “Wherever I May Roam” defined my teenage years and today, “Don’t Tread on Me” takes the cake.

Mark’s #7
7. Love and Rockets by Love and Rockets – My introduction to the experience that is L&R via the warm and poppy sounds of Vinyl.  This is one of the few albums that was an immediate favorite of mine and continues to be until this day.  When a band successfully mashes rock, goth, blues, soul and industrial together, how can you go wrong?

Angela’s #7
7. Keasbey Nights by Catch 22 – I fucking love this album.  It introduced me to the band and the reason I skanked my heart out at many a show.  Including one of which I am very proud to say I got knocked in the face and chipped a tooth at.  I never get sick of it, so it’s amazing.

Stigz’s #7
7. Appetite for Destruction by Guns N Roses – One of the best albums of the last 20 years.  Period.

Klone’s #7
7. Facelift by Alice In Chains (1990) – The debut album of one of my favorite bands of all time.  This was the album where Alice In Chains “found themselves” and formed the cohesive unit that championed the grunge movement into the world of alternative rock and metal.  This record was their Polaroid of the Seattle of the early 90s, a dark and brooding city where Jimi Hendrix had been laid to rest.  Their songs reflect a world of confusion and disillusionment, coupled with the growing pains of dealing with the censorship of the media, the reality of youth crime and the drug epidemic taking the country by storm.  The beauty part of their music is that even if you don’t care about any of those things (and if that’s the case, you may want to double-check your pulse to make sure you’re not legally dead), you can still love the songs because they absolutely kick ass.  Notable selections from Facelift : “We Die Young”, “Man In The Box”, “Bleed The Freak” and “Love, Hate, Love”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facelift_%28album%29

 

#8…Top 10 Albums of All Time…because 5 just wasn’t enough! August 4, 2010

Filed under: Manic Monday Top 5 — NVMP @ 2:17 PM
Tags: , , , , ,

TNT’s #8
8. …And Out Come The Wolves by Rancid – Oh punk music, how you’ve shown me the way and paved my musical path.  This was the album that made me reach out and discover the world of punk.  And not just what was in the record stores, I’m talking underground and local acts.  The best way to listen to punk is live, hands down.  “Ruby Soho,” “Junkie Man,” and “Journey to the End of the East Bay” are songs that I can never seem to get enough of.

Mark’s #8
8. Stromata by Charlotte Martin – The numerous musical styles and influences of CharMar come together at long last for an album that is as beautiful and complex as it is fresh and unique.

Angela’s #8
8. Destruction by Definition by Suicide Machines – I know this album from front to back and had the privilege of seeing the band a few times in 2001 and 2002 before their ultimate end in 2006.  I’m sad they broke up, but this album never loses appeal for me.  I think it’s a fantastic piece of work through and through.

Stigz’s #8
8. Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails – A grimy and grinding album from start to finish, it has elements incorporated from classic metal, to indie, to even dance music.  A motley blend of things I enjoy.

Klone’s #8
8. (TIE) Permanent Vacation (1987) / Pump (1989) by Aerosmith – I’m a rock guy, and in my mind no matter how heavy your tastes get, you can’t even tread into the world of rock without running headlong into Aerosmith.  When you think about it, these guys have been rocking since the early 70s, they’ve survived addictions to several of the more addictive substances that are notorious for robbing the music world of great talents, and have successfully incorporated so many genres of music into their sound, it’s no wonder “The Bad Boys from Boston” have also been dubbed “America’s Greatest Rock Band”.  Permanent Vacation followed two years later by Pump marked the band’s moment of clarity, where they were clean and sober, ready to leave all turmoil behind and ready to continue dominating the rock world into the new millennium, successfully finding an audience among the generation that longed to leave the then-so-called “classic” rock of the 70s behind.  Songs like “Dude (Looks Like A Lady)” and the power ballad “Angel” (Permanent Vacation) as well as “Love In An Elevator”, “The Other Side”, and the uber-hit “Janie’s Got A Gun” (Pump) were milestones in the changing sound of rock.  An interesting personal note, I hold Aerosmith to be the band that single-handedly taught me about the never-ending pursuit of women, as I became a fan of theirs during my formative years, and in my mind, took all of their songs to be about fucking.  I’d say Steven Tyler and Gene Simmons should be every heterosexual male’s role models.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerosmith