Post what music you've been listening to it and rate it. ie: THE MUSIC THREAD!!!

[bamf66]

Hey all. I've been kinda bored with the clix as of late, and the only thing I've been really doing is picking up music (binge style). All of a sudden I thought why doesn't HCRealms have a post where people can tell what they've picked up, review it, and rate it. If multiple people review we can come up with composite ratings for albums. It's a great way to get some music out there to the masses. A great idea....or an overly ambitious one that will few to no responses. You make the call.

[bamf66]

A few days ago I picked up the album Final Straw by Snow Patrol, a Scottish band that has picked up some thunder in the states as of late. I heard a song of theirs from a ton of comp. albums my friend Jason gave me from the South by Southwest Festival. Out of all those songs these guys stuck out. After seeing their album on the 10$ unheard rack in Best Buy, which is probably the best thing in a corporate entertainment store, I decided to pick it up. Upon listening it's definitely worth its 10 bucks. However the only way I was able to listen to it that gave me this impression was multiple times. My girlfriend had all my CDs and all I had was Snow Patrol for 2 days. The interesting thing about this album that multiple listens afforded me was that the first song probably won't catch you, a common trend in most of today's albums. It sounds like Wilco who I love and recommend but there have been a rash of Wilco sounding bands lately so I've been weary to the sound. However, this is the rare case of an album getting better towards the middle-end. Honestly think of the last few years of music; there aren't many albums that get better towards the end, making this a journey worth taking. I can talk forever, as evidenced, but won't.

I give this album a 7 out of 10, leaning towards a 7 and a half. A little bit of Wilco, Badly Drawn Boy, and Belle and Sebastian. Uplifting. Not worth the usual CD price of 16 bucks, but then again not much is. Pick it up at the aforementioned music store for 10, listen to it a few times and let me know what you think.

Snow Patrol- Final Straw- 2004- *******1/2

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by bamf66
A few days ago I picked up the album Final Straw by Snow Patrol, a Scottish band that has picked up some thunder in the states as of late.

Speaking of Scottish thunder, the hype that surrounds Franz Ferdinand is overwhelming: 9 rating by Pitchfork, named best current UK band by NME, the never-ending comparisons to Interpol, etc. Nonetheless, praise is warranted for Franz Ferdinand. Plus, they have worked with Domino (but now are tied with Epic/Sony). Domino is one of my favorite UK-based labels--in addition to Rough Trade and 4AD--having released records by Clinic, Clearlake, and Manitoba! Not bad, I would say. By the way, Manitoba's Up in Flames was my favorite record of 2003. Anyways, in the case of Franz Ferdinand: it's drab liking a band, when at the same time, others (dumb hipsters) also do because they are told they are supposed to. Don't know how any of this is relevant, but it's just random thoughts that popped-into my head when I read the "Scottish band...thunder" part.


Being from Austin, it's strange seeing it spelled-out, rather than: SXSW.

Random tid-bit: Franz Ferdinand are actually dubbed "The Scottish Interpol"

[4AD_Punk]

My recent record purchases:

Blonde Redhead - Misery is a Butterfly
Mission of Burma - OnOffOn
Olivia Tremor Control - Black Foliage: Animation Music (2004 reissue)

[turdburglar47]

I'm interested in hearing Franz Ferdinand - I've heard of them, but not heard them, and their name amuses me.

On a whim, I just picked up the Eagles of Death Metal album "Peace Love Death Metal." Just so you know, it's not death metal at all. It's goofy and groovy. They were playing it in the store I was checking out, so I snagged it.

[skeevo666]

Originally posted by bamf66
All of a sudden I thought why doesn't HCRealms have a post where people can tell what they've picked up, review it, and rate it.


I dunno if this counts but Direct TV satellite had been showing a free viewing of a 90 minute R.E.M. concert from Wiesbaden, Germany called "Perfect Square", which I believe is available on DVD.


It's a good mix of old & new songs and even the slower tempo ones seem perked up by the crowd's energy/enthusiasm, panoramic shots and quick editing.

Still kind of a bummer not seeing Bill Berry behind the drums though :(

[Homerclese]

recent buys:
Razor: vol. 4 - complimation
In uteo - Nivana
Gone Forever - God Forbid

[CreatureByNite]

I got the #### Cheese rollin... :mad:

[thugit]

Johnny Cash: Unchained...


It was the only "American Recordings" CD of his that I didn't have yet, and it's outstanding just like the other 3.

"The Man Comes Around" is the best, but the other 3 are excellent as well.

[Croaker]

I don't pick up music like I used to. But I'm always on the lookout for good stuff that's under the radar. Right now I'm listening to Tegan and Sara on their album 2000 album This Business of Art (I know, its a bit of a melodramatic title). I cannot recommend this album enough. There is not a bad song on it, I will just put it in the CD player and let it spin for days. These sisters are excellent song writers. They drift from slower ballads to fast rock all in one song. Check it out.

My other favorite right now is Hammel on Trial. If you like political/poetry acoustic hard rock, check this guy out. I've seen him live 3 times now, and I've never seen anyone who puts that much energy into what they're doing. My greatest find of last year.

[CreatureByNite]

Er, I mean the Richard Cheese rollin...:grin: :grin:

[bamf66]

Blonde Redhead's pretty cool. Especially live. I saw them open for Sleater-Kinney, in a great concert. I could honestly see Sleater-Kinney once a week for the next five years and still be loving it...

[Wasteland]

Been listening to a lot of Metallica lately, since, well, I went to the concert, finally seeing them live. My life is complete. I would rate it all at around 15 stars out of 10, especially when you're trying to argue a virus off your computer and you need to get your rage out... :)

Mmmmm...Metallica...wish I had some at work right now.

[ASpaceBoyDream]

Originally posted by 4AD_Punk
Mission of Burma - OnOffOn

Is this any good, 4AD?


A few weeks ago I subscribed to one of those mail-order record clubs, and my introductory 7 free CDs came last Friday (my selection was sort of limited).

(Ratings are on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest)

John Coltrane - Blue Train: Solid effort. My rating: 9

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle: A greatest hits from the greatest mainstream American band ever. 10

Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction: Meh. 8

Michael Jackson - Thriller: Best selling album of all time, so I should've known it would ####. 6

Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral: I used to own this one, but sold it when I deemed it unhip. 8

Prince - Purple Rain: Great, of course. 9

Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: The emperor has no clothes! 6 (maybe a 7)

So now I just have to buy one CD at regular price, then I get four more free ones. I'll be back to review those.

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by ASpaceBoyDream
Is this any good, 4AD?


1. Do you own Signals, Calls and Marches?
2. Do you own Vs.?

If the above answer to both questions, is "yes". Then, you would enjoy and revel in Mission of Burma's OnOffOn. In fact, if you already own said EP and LP, then you need to buy Burma's new record. Seriously, it wouldn't make sense if you didn't. Even the most cynical and scene-hating (i.e. "People can't like the same bands I do!") of old-school Burma fans really can't say anything adverse about the record. Sure, it ain't perfect and flawless; most records aren't. You might not like a few songs immediately after the first listen, but the record grows on you.

Moreover, this is Mission of Burma. I think it is important to note that the band has not "reinvented" themselves. The line-up is still Clint Conley, Roger Miller and Peter Prescott engaging in visceral, aggressive and cerebral rock; or whatever other adjectives you want to use for relevant musc. More simply, if Burma had released a record immediately after Vs., it would resemble OnOffOn; it sounds like the Burma everybody loves. If anything, there are a couple of tracks that resemble ballads (i.e. stuff that soars over the heads of "fans" who expect every song to be anthems about reaching for revolvers). All in all, this is the same Burma that gave-up the game nearly 20 years ago.

The Matador web-site has two songs you can download for free. I would recommend you check-it-out. Especially, the song titled "The Setup".

Random junk that most people could care less about: Tanya Donelly of Breeders, Throwing Muses, and Belly fame does guest vocals on 2-3 songs.

[4AD_Punk]

And if you're still interested aspaceboydream, here is a review for OnOffOn by one of the best Internet music sites:

Review for OnOffOn (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/m/mission-of-burma/onoffon.shtml)

[spidergirl1]

Yeah, I've been listening to Metallica to. (I always listen to them). I like sandman, fuel, sad but true, die die my darling almost all of there older songs, there all good IMO.

[Homerclese]

my fav. metallica woul be Sanman, The memory remains and One. i do like their older songs better but their newest are still pretty good.

[GoAndrewGo]

Always picking up new musics! My latest listens:

Sigur Ros

Neutral Milk Hotel

The bootleg of the Pixies concert I recently went to

And of course CCR is the greatest band of all time! I've gone through about 5 copies of Chronicle myself.

[Eric Rage]

Originally posted by ASpaceBoyDream
Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction: Meh. 8

It's your rating, bro, but I think an 8 outta 10 would qualify as more than just a "meh."

"Appetite" is my favorite rock and roll album and I'm actually more in love w/it now than I was 17 years ago when it first hit. I was just starting junior high school at the time and had never heard anything like it. Understand that it hit when really, really bad spandex bands and overly mopey and depressing new wave music (Morrissey, I'm looking at you) ruled the world. It was the first true, honest-to-God rock music that was actually being heard on the radio in quite awhile, and it was freakin' beautiful.

I also think it's one of those rare commercially successful albums that contains absolutely no filler. A lot of the unreleased tracks (Rocket Queen, My Michelle, Mr. Brownstone) are as good as the album's singles, which are still great all these years later.

[BudPalmer]

Originally posted by thugit
Johnny Cash: Unchained...


It was the only "American Recordings" CD of his that I didn't have yet, and it's outstanding just like the other 3.

"The Man Comes Around" is the best, but the other 3 are excellent as well.

You get the box set yet, Thugit? Its awesome!

[ASpaceBoyDream]

Thanks for the info, 4AD. I'd already read the Pitchfork review. Burma is one of my favorite bands, so I'm sure I'll pick that album up sometime.

Originally posted by Eric Rage
It's your rating, bro, but I think an 8 outta 10 would qualify as more than just a "meh."

Yeah, you're right. I was thinking about this earlier today. The "Meh" was my personal reaction to the album, while the "8" was its actual quality. That was after only one listen, wherein I was turned off by some of the more off-color lyrics (not that I'm a prude or anything). I enjoyed it more on the second spin, and I'll give it a 9.

[CapSpalding]

Death Cab For Cutie, Transalanticism. Sort of mellow, but catchy, and I like the goofy lyrics.

Forget Cassettes, Instruments of Action. A really fantastic album, I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're a Batman fan, there's a song called "Bruce Wayne," though it doesn't have anything much to do with the actual character.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fever to Tell. Been out for a while, but I just got it a couple of weeks ago. Good stuff.

[Mägo de Oz]

Originally posted by Wasteland
Been listening to a lot of Metallica lately, since, well, I went to the concert, finally seeing them live. My life is complete. I would rate it all at around 15 stars out of 10, especially when you're trying to argue a virus off your computer and you need to get your rage out... :)

Mmmmm...Metallica...wish I had some at work right now.

I am with you completly I saw them last July for the first time and it kick so much arse! and i think the samething my life is complete. I found this great site that has alot of Live Show in MP3's (Full Concerts) I've been d/l alot of them. MetallicA is the best band ever! lol

anyway the last couple of CDs i bought:

Dirt- Alice In Chains Very Good! (almost perfect)
Alice In Chains - Alice In Chains good (above average)
Alice in Chains Live - Very Good!

Superunknown - Soundgarden good
Down on the upside - Soundgarden good

[WhiteRabbit909]

Bought the Franz Ferdinand CD yesterday. Been listening to it a lot ever since. Mostly "Take Me Out."

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by WhiteRabbit909
Bought the Franz Ferdinand CD yesterday. Been listening to it a lot ever since. Mostly "Take Me Out."

My favorite song is Come on Home.

Lyrically, I like Auf Achse because any dude can sympathize with that girl they will never get-over. Well, I know I do. :cry:

I like the segue for Jacqueline; those are some riffs!

All in all, I think it's a diverse record. Franz Ferdinand can't easily be pigeon-holed like Interpol. Some songs are basically simple rock songs; no deliberate attempts at making brooding or theatrical dirges. I think the comparisons to the Factory vibe are minor; Franz Ferdinand use loud and bombastic guitars instead of sparse and angular instrumentation. However, when they do wear their Ian Curtis influences on their sleeves, it is prevalent and good.

[SniperCyclops]

I will start off by admitting that I am one of the few people in this world that dislikes Metallica.

Lately, I've been listening to alot of Alkaline Trio, Every Time I Die, Give Up the Ghost, The Locust, and Casey Jones.

I'm going to pick up the new One Man Army/ Alkaline Trio split cd soon...

And finally, If you're not a fan of our current commander-in-chief, pick up the Rock Against Bush (volume one) comp. It's about 8 bucks and has 26(?) somgs on it, plus a bonus dvd. Volume Two will be out in August.

[bamf66]

I'm glad this sort of took off; I thought it would be a nice alternative to talking about Brother Blood. Cap Spalding, recently I've been listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well (Fever to Tell). I think it's amazing. Nobody has the energy of Karen O. If you only know the one song from MTV rotation, you have no idea. If you need an album that gets you ready for the day, it's perfect. I also concur with your assessment of Transatlanticism from Death Cab from Cutie and want to suggest Postal Service (Give Up), a side project of Death Cab's lead singer.

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by bamf66
Nobody has the energy of Karen O.

Not a big fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, even though David Andrew Sitek of TV on the Radio has helped produce most of their recorded material. I think Karen O is an actress with theatrical posturing and a portfolio of practiced poses; she does what the "job" warrants. Poly Styrene and Kathleen Hanna are royal flushes and Karen O is two-pair.

[BDIDDY7]

lincon park and it is the bomb. all three cds are great.

[oogyboy]

haven't bought any cd's lately so I've just been listening to older ones.
Bad Religion - All Ages
Any of the Faith No More cd's, mostly Album of the Year though
Transplants - S/T
Dwight Yoakam
Split Lip Rayfield - a kick @$$ local band from Kansas
Tomahawk - S/T

Again nothing new, but all good

[CapSpalding]

Originally posted by bamf66
I'm glad this sort of took off; I thought it would be a nice alternative to talking about Brother Blood. Cap Spalding, recently I've been listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well (Fever to Tell). I think it's amazing. Nobody has the energy of Karen O. If you only know the one song from MTV rotation, you have no idea. If you need an album that gets you ready for the day, it's perfect. I also concur with your assessment of Transatlanticism from Death Cab from Cutie and want to suggest Postal Service (Give Up), a side project of Death Cab's lead singer.

Thanks for the heads up on Postal Service--I'll have to check it out.

Hey 4AD--I find your assessment of Yeah Yeah Yeahs a bit curious. Have you seen them live? I wouldn't call one of their concerts "posturing." besides, in a world where generic, interchangeable bands like Hoobastank and Yellowcard have dominated radio, practiced poses don't look so bad.

[jedah_s]

my songs of the moment are
slither by velvet revolver
time is running out by muse

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by CapSpalding
Hey 4AD--I find your assessment of Yeah Yeah Yeahs a bit curious. Have you seen them live? I wouldn't call one of their concerts "posturing." besides, in a world where generic, interchangeable bands like Hoobastank and Yellowcard have dominated radio, practiced poses don't look so bad.

So, popular media is saturated with mediocre and pathetic bands, an act from New York (cred-points galore) should be able to feed the audience regurgitated attitude because it's the lesser of two evils? Unfortunately, I think the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are in the latter category that you alluded to: boring (neglect the acting) bands that are the poster-children for the music young kids should like because they are personified as hip: plastered Rolling Stone and NME covers, Tower Records pitches, and vomited Urban Outfitters wardrobes.

Personally, I loathe the Yeah Yeah Yeahs because I don't think they are relevant: they have not accomplished anything that warrants the press attention. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are about as relevant as the Mooney Suzuki. My afore mentioned statement was made out of distaste for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but tempered with vagueness so I would not offend anybody. If you like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, more power to you. However, I do not.

[ASpaceBoyDream]

Originally posted by 4AD_Punk
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are about as relevant as the Mooney Suzuki.

Hey man, the Mooney Suzuki helped write songs for School of Rock last year, the best American movie since Citizen Kane. For that alone, their cultural contribution outclasses that of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (as well as 5 or 6 acts in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame).

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by ASpaceBoyDream
Hey man, the Mooney Suzuki helped write songs for School of Rock last year, the best American movie since Citizen Kane. For that alone, their cultural contribution outclasses that of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (as well as 5 or 6 acts in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame).

Alas, I apologize for my irreverence. ;)

Hey aspaceboydream, did you hear Ian MacKaye has a new band? From what I've read, it's a duo of him and Amy Farina (ex-drummer for the Warmers). The band is called The Evens. For the moment, Fugazi is on "hiatus". Man, Ian MacKaye...the greatest punk ever.

[coyotejack]

Originally posted by Eric Rage
It's your rating, bro, but I think an 8 outta 10 would qualify as more than just a "meh."

"Appetite" is my favorite rock and roll album and I'm actually more in love w/it now than I was 17 years ago when it first hit. I was just starting junior high school at the time and had never heard anything like it. Understand that it hit when really, really bad spandex bands and overly mopey and depressing new wave music (Morrissey, I'm looking at you) ruled the world. It was the first true, honest-to-God rock music that was actually being heard on the radio in quite awhile, and it was freakin' beautiful.

I also think it's one of those rare commercially successful albums that contains absolutely no filler. A lot of the unreleased tracks (Rocket Queen, My Michelle, Mr. Brownstone) are as good as the album's singles, which are still great all these years later.

I'm with you all the way on this one, even though I'd like to slap Axel for his attitude and really despise what the band eventually became after the Illusion albums. Appetite was and still is ROCK. Not the cookie-cutter sound that is being churned out by most bands today, no "power" ballads that ruled the day when it first came out, no thought to whether they should say this or that...just straight forward, turn it up to tick off the parents R&R. Welcome to the Jungle was my "wake-up" song for a long time. I'd just start that when I got up in the morning and it got me going. lol

Back to the topic of what I'm currently listening to, that's a tough answer because I've been throwing a lot of stuff in to be shuffled and it varies day to day. My last playlist had Killing Joke, G-n-R, The Cure, Black Label Society, Stone Temple Pilots, Snot, Asia, Gackt, Alice in Chains, Golden Earring, Van Halen (and Van Hagar), and The Firm.

[4AD_Punk]

Today I purchased:

Magnetic Fields - I

Haven't listened to it yet though. Nonetheless, I still need to eventually get around to buying the 69 Love Songs box set and the Beat Happening box set. Man, box sets are overwhelming; kind of apprehensive about dropping $40-60 on each collection. However, I should grow a pair because it is Beat Happening and Magnetic Fields we're talking about here. Oh, I wouldn't mind owning Guided By Voices' Hardcore UFOs box set, although I already own most of their records.

[Wick]

I agree, DC4C's "Transatlanticism" and Postal Service's "Give Up" are great cd's. I've been listening to some older cd's of late until the new Beastie Boys CD comes out June 15th. Here are some bands/cd's you all should check out if you are looking for music.

Jets to Brazil "Orange Rhyming Dictionary"
Jawbreaker
Braid
Hey Mercedes
Get up Kids / New Amsterdams / Reggie & the Full Effect

[hail_eris]

I've got to give minor props to the Von Bondies disc. I picked it up used and, gotta say, those seven bucks weren't wasted. Now if the Walkmen can just pick a fight with Jack White, they might get some of the recognition they deserve.

And that Magnetic Fields is definitely worth a listen. The "i" gimmick doesn't get stale, and the lyrics hearken back to "Viva Hate"-era Morrissey.

Also recommended: The Delays - sound a bit like post-4AD Cocteau Twins, when Liz started speaking English. Debut album just got US distribution. Also new to the US is last year's Cardigans album, which I'd recommend to anyone, so long as they don't expect every track to be "Lovefool."

And, for the record, I'm completely lost on the Franz Ferdinand/Interpol comparison. Interpol is definitely latter-day Joy Division (not a bad thing, by any stretch), but Franz Ferdinand evokes much more of an XTC/The Jam/Elvis & the Attractions vibe for me.

As a closer, I'll recommend the new Felix da Housecat. While "Kittenz and thee Glitz" remains my favorite studio disc of his, the new one is incredibly tight. And the man himself is just a swell guy. Most friendly, humble, and unassuming rock star this side of the Poster Children.

[4AD_Punk]

Originally posted by hail_eris
I've got to give minor props to the Von Bondies disc. I picked it up used and, gotta say, those seven bucks weren't wasted. Now if the Walkmen can just pick a fight with Jack White, they might get some of the recognition they deserve.


I think the Walkmen are flirting with circulation and recognition within popular culture; their appearances on Conan O' Brien and Carson Daly were good performances, but strange to be watching on NBC.

Originally posted by hail_eris
And, for the record, I'm completely lost on the Franz Ferdinand/Interpol comparison. Interpol is definitely latter-day Joy Division (not a bad thing, by any stretch), but Franz Ferdinand evokes much more of an XTC/The Jam/Elvis & the Attractions vibe for me.

It's all PR and the subsequent media. If there is just a minor resemblance, they will run with it. After reading several reviews and biographies of the band, I decided to purchase the record because of the frequent Interpol/Joy Division/Factory allusions. However, that is not what I received and was subsequently disappointed. PR did the same thing to British Sea Power; however, I like British Sea Power infinitely more than Franz Ferdinand. Nonetheless, it's all hype to help sell records.

[hail_eris]

I worked three absolutely fantastic Magnetic Fields shows last weekend and I felt inspired to resurrect this thread. With that in mind, I can't recommend their "69 Love Songs" strongly enough. Covering three discs, it really does offer 69 genre-spanning love songs - including my personal favourite, "Long-Forgotten Fairytale." I've also been on a bit of a Neko Case kick, so let me recommend the New Pornographers' debut disc "Mass Romantic." It's incredibly catchy pop from a Vancouver-area indie supergroup. I just picked up the most recent Lali Puna disc - haven't listened to it yet, but I'm hoping it's as good as the two or three tracks I've heard. So what else do y'all have to recommend?

[hypnotoad22]

Originally posted by jedah_s
my songs of the moment are
slither by velvet revolver
time is running out by muse

i like those songs! but right now im listening to a lot of cake and offspring. there probably my favorite bands.

[Ignatz_Mouse]

My jukebox just played 2 Elvis Costello songs back to back, including the incredible "Lipstick Vogue" That rates a 9 out of 10.

Oh, and Magnetic Fields is great, also check out "Chram of the Highway Strip."

[WhiteRabbit909]

"Greeting" - Nami Tamaki

"Seventh Heaven" - T.M. Revolution

"Smile" - L'Arc~En~Ciel

Sadly, it's all in Japanese and translations of the songs didn't come with them. Except for that, the albums are really good and I suggest getting them if you like Japanese songs.

[hail_eris]

Last Japanese album I picked up (other than the obvious Kodo stuff) was the Ryukyu Underground remix set. If you're not familiar, it's in the vein of Afro-Celtic Sound System or Delirium - sort of a drum & bass/world music fusion. Very excellent chill music. Having listened to Lali Puna, I can strongly recommend it to shoegazer fans. It sounds a lot like a lost "Glider"-era My Bloody Valentine album.

[saghabashi]

I'm currenetly listening to a few 'oldies' like Stone Roses, The Smiths, Joy Division, Happy Mondays. The Snow Patrol album is also brilliant. Thought Franz Ferdinand was very average but I loved the new Felix da Housecat album. Zero 7 and Lamb are also worth checking out.

[PopeJ-rod]

I have been listening to Slipknot Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses), the soundtrack to Twin Peaks - Fire Walk With Me, and the soundtrack to Black Hawk Down, all of which I highly recomend.

This latest album from Slipknot is different than their two other major releases. Coming off of a hiatus from the band and eachother, they have brought some tracks that hold to their edgey metal sound but have others that possess an almost balladlike quality. IF you ahve liked their music in the past, i recommend checking this one out. Even if you ahve not liked what you ahve heard, I ecourage you to listen to this once and then pass judgement fro yourself.

The soundtrack to Twin Peaks - Fire Walk With Me, is drawn from a movie that sums up the entire story of the TV series. Now I remeber watching some of this porgram as a child and being throurghly confused by it. The movie seems to be the first episode, select peices of intervening episodes and most of the final episode crammed together; an interesting idea but it does seem a bit rushed. The soudtrack is almost completely light jazz, which fits well with the theme of the series. It has a good mix of instrumental and vocal tracks that helped to set the mood for one of the most unusual TV series.

The soundtrack to Black Hawk Down, a favorite movie of mine, is an iteresting combination of tribal music and modern rock instruments. The only outlier to this pattern is the rendition of "The Minstrel Boy" which closes the film. A very nice and well balanced soundtrack that is very pleasing to listen to.

[webhead817]

Here's a question...are Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse like the same thing? Their songs that are out right now are similar, their videos are similar, even their names both have that alliteration thing going on, what's up with that?

[hail_eris]

Well, Modest Mouse has a longer pedigree. It's just that, for whatever reason, "Float On" got a ton of airplay and they were tagged as the college rock darlings of the week. Franz Ferdinand are the new kids, they're younger, and more photogenic. They're also carrying a Strokes level of hype that no band could possibly live up to. They've had a very respectable level of success with their debut album, and it is admittedly chock full of some seriously catchy tunes. As the new standard bearers for the '80s revival post punk pop sound (it's not emo, and we'd all have an easier time of it if some enterprising journalist would just come up with a name for the blasted thing - we'd all mock it, but it would provide a point of reference), Franz Ferdinand are bound to attract their share of criticism. "Why are you listening to them when (insert name here) are so much better? They're so derivative of (insert name of old school punk band that establishes one's indie rock cred)?" The worst thing I can say about them is that they're doing a Pixies revival better than the Pixies are.

Other recommendations, Amazon-style:
If you liked Lamb, you should check out Lali Puna. Pretty female vocals and chill melodies. Their latest album was just released in North America a couple months ago.

If you liked the new Felix, you should definitely pick up "Kittenz and thee Glitz." Track after track of disco goodness. It's the kind of cheeky techno trashiness that the Lords of Acid spent years trying to perfect.

If you liked the Blackhawk Down soundtrack, try some of the source material. Lisa Gerrard, formerly of Dead Can Dance, contributed a number of tracks, and her most recent solo disc is very solid. If the world music elements appealed to you, try Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to "The Last Temptation of Christ." It has consistently been on the top of my list of desert island discs for fifteen years. If the techno-world fusion is what grabbed you, give Delirium a try. Oakenfold has made a cottage industry of remixing "Silence," a Delirium track that featured Sarah McLachlan on vocals.

[supermangl1]

And now for something completely different:
Compalation of classical songs from Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Vivaldi.

I Love it, while not in the vein of the punk scene this thread is in, but I thought I would share it. Love the new stuff, love the classical stuff too though!

Last Punk purchase: The Roosevelts, Starry Night. A local punk band. More pop punk, but I like it.

[bagman04]

i have been listening to slipknots self titiled fo r a while now[digi pack version] an dth eclash uk sel ftitled. they both are masterpieces in their own genre of music. popej if you are intereste d i know a way to get songs from m.f.k.r.

[darkphoenix226]

Muse-Time is Running Out

God I cannot stop listening to this song!!!!! It's so awesome! I have it on the compy, and I have it just repeating by itself. It is SO GOOD. GET IT NOW!

[Eric Rage]

Originally posted by hail_eris
Well, Modest Mouse has a longer pedigree. It's just that, for whatever reason, "Float On" got a ton of airplay and they were tagged as the college rock darlings of the week. Franz Ferdinand are the new kids, they're younger, and more photogenic. They're also carrying a Strokes level of hype that no band could possibly live up to. They've had a very respectable level of success with their debut album, and it is admittedly chock full of some seriously catchy tunes.

Actually, I prefer The Killers to both of them.

[Eric Rage]

Originally posted by oogyboy
haven't bought any cd's lately so I've just been listening to older ones.

Any of the Faith No More cd's, mostly Album of the Year

The fact that Faith No More is finally getting their due, albeit ten freakin' years too late, warms my soul.

[hail_eris]

Originally posted by Eric Rage
The fact that Faith No More is finally getting their due, albeit ten freakin' years too late, warms my soul.
This might be a tad hyperbolic, but Faith No More (and all of Mike Patton's projects for that matter) are going to have one of those Velvet Underground legacies. Virtually ignored in their day, but hugely influential and only appreciated years after their demise. I think the same applies to Mike Watt's fIREHOSE and Ice T's Body Count - although the latter was the spiritual forefather of every rap metal wank band that has clogged the airwaves for the past few years (can't quite forgive Ice for that).

And having just picked up The Killers last week, I've got to say that they're growing on me pretty quickly. They haven't quite kicked Camera Obscura or Skywave out of the "bring with me to work" CD case, but they're getting awfully close.

And regarding Muse - pick up the album. It's worth the investment. I tell people that if Coldplay is Radiohead for people who read Harry Potter, then Muse is Radiohead for people who secretly harbor a weakness for old school Andrew WK-style rawk.

[coyotejack]

Originally posted by Eric Rage
The fact that Faith No More is finally getting their due, albeit ten freakin' years too late, warms my soul.

VH1 Classics has even been playing videos from the original lineup as well as the later group.

Was just listening to Enuff Z 'Nuff's debut album (of the same name) which had "New Thing" and my personal favorite of theirs "Fly High Michelle". Got sentimental I guess since I just heard the lead guitarist recently died. The album itself I'd rank about a 7. Good stuff if you pick your spots especially and much better than some of the "glam" and "hair" bands at the time.

Been listening to Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society a lot lately. Mainly the album 1919 Eternal. Hard and heavy and perfect if you are a rock guitar person like myself. Not for the weak at heart or someone looking for music to relax with...heh heh. I've always been an Ozzy fan as much for his guitarists as for him and Zakk is probably the best of them. He has Randy's technical skills and Jake's speed and throws in his own stuff to make it a perfect guitar package. Anywho, I'd rate this Album an 8.5. Awesome stuff!

[Eric Rage]

Originally posted by hail_eris
This might be a tad hyperbolic, but Faith No More (and all of Mike Patton's projects for that matter) are going to have one of those Velvet Underground legacies. Virtually ignored in their day, but hugely influential and only appreciated years after their demise.

I'm not so sure it's much of an exaggeration. I hadn't heard anything about FNM the past ten years save the quiet announcement that they were splitting up. In fact, the band so quietly broke up b/c no one outside of their legion of hardcore fans cared.

Now it seems that every new alternative artist lists FNM as one of their greatest influences, and "Epic" has made a comeback out here on KROQ, a station that largely influences what other stations are playing.

[Eric Rage]

Almost forget Jim Martin's cameo in "Bill & Ted's Bogus ourney" and subsequent firing from the band via a fax. So make that three mentions over the past decade.

[coyotejack]

Originally posted by Eric Rage
I'm not so sure it's much of an exaggeration. I hadn't heard anything about FNM the past ten years save the quiet announcement that they were splitting up. In fact, the band so quietly broke up b/c no one outside of their legion of hardcore fans cared.

Now it seems that every new alternative artist lists FNM as one of their greatest influences, and "Epic" has made a comeback out here on KROQ, a station that largely influences what other stations are playing.

That's why I was so surprised to see a video with Chuck Mosely (the original vocalist) in it! Usually if anyone outside of the hardcore fans even mention FNM they always think the Chris Patton version. Obviously, that's due to the commercial success the band enjoyed after getting Patton as a replacement, but it was nice to see the original incarnation.

[hail_eris]

Originally posted by coyotejack
Was just listening to Enuff Z 'Nuff's debut album (of the same name) which had "New Thing" and my personal favorite of theirs "Fly High Michelle". Got sentimental I guess since I just heard the lead guitarist recently died.
I worked a few of their shows back in the day and they were living the rockstar lifestyle long before they hit it (relatively) big. Frankly, I'm amazed any of those guys lasted this long. It warms my heart a bit to see the resurgence of legitimate metal. The success of Grohl's Probot album (that Lemmy song alone is worth the purchase price) and the reappearance of Guns & Roses on the charts (okay, so it's the Ringo-esque second stringers of G&R and Scott Weiland is still a big freaking junkie) shows that the market was ready for real hard rock (go away Evanescence). Fred Durst tried as hard as he could to destroy decent music, but not even he could crush the Z-rock spirit...

[coyotejack]

Originally posted by hail_eris
I worked a few of their shows back in the day and they were living the rockstar lifestyle long before they hit it (relatively) big. Frankly, I'm amazed any of those guys lasted this long. It warms my heart a bit to see the resurgence of legitimate metal. The success of Grohl's Probot album (that Lemmy song alone is worth the purchase price) and the reappearance of Guns & Roses on the charts (okay, so it's the Ringo-esque second stringers of G&R and Scott Weiland is still a big freaking junkie) shows that the market was ready for real hard rock (go away Evanescence). Fred Durst tried as hard as he could to destroy decent music, but not even he could crush the Z-rock spirit...

Always good to see others that appreciate true rock. :)

You mentioning Durst reminded me of my Black Label Society concert DVD...heh heh. Zakk had a few choice words for Durst and company. Needless to say, I can't repeat them as the poor filter would probably explode. :eek:

True, I'm glad to see this Velvet Revolver thing happen thus far. I've finally heard the first single "Slither" and liked it but are his vocals supposed to sound that muted? It was the video so perhaps the sound was just bad, but it sounded like Weiland's sound track was turned down.

I wasn't sure how I'd take Audioslave since that was a similar type of band. You've got Rage against the Machine's band and Soundgarden's singer so anythin could happen but I really dig them. I hope Velvet Revolver's album makes me as happy.

Forgot to add: I MUST pick up the Probot project. Like what I've heard!

[Eric Rage]

Originally posted by coyotejack
True, I'm glad to see this Velvet Revolver thing happen thus far. I've finally heard the first single "Slither" and liked it but are his vocals supposed to sound that muted? It was the video so perhaps the sound was just bad, but it sounded like Weiland's sound track was turned down.

I wasn't sure how I'd take Audioslave since that was a similar type of band. You've got Rage against the Machine's band and Soundgarden's singer so anythin could happen but I really dig them. I hope Velvet Revolver's album makes me as happy.

Forgot to add: I MUST pick up the Probot project. Like what I've heard!

Velvet Revolver's pretty good from what I've heard of the album. I thought Audioslave's debut was exceptional, and I figure they'll only get better as they gel. The byproduct of Rage Against the Machine's early demise is that they'll go down as one of those bands that was never mired in a creative recession. The three albums they contributed to my collection stand out as three of the very, very best.

Probot is just freakin' awesome, and Hail_Eris is right once again: The Lemmy track is indeed righteous.

[bamf66]

Originally posted by saghabashi
Thought Franz Ferdinand was very average

Thank you. I picked up Franz Ferdinand's album and just didn't get what the fuss was about. I think it's good, but I don't see how it deserves the amount of hype it gets. I'm a very patient listener and have listened to the entire disc about 10 times. I think the two singles are good and that the song The Dark of the Matinee is great but otherwise...Could some of you tell me the secret of the FRANZ?!

[coyotejack]

Originally posted by Eric Rage
Velvet Revolver's pretty good from what I've heard of the album. I thought Audioslave's debut was exceptional, and I figure they'll only get better as they gel. The byproduct of Rage Against the Machine's early demise is that they'll go down as one of those bands that was never mired in a creative recession. The three albums they contributed to my collection stand out as three of the very, very best.

Probot is just freakin' awesome, and Hail_Eris is right once again: The Lemmy track is indeed righteous.

Have to agree about Rage. They were done and gone before they could become "Slightly Annoyed by the Machine". :)

I just learned of Probot a few days ago when I was watching the "100 Most Metal Moments". I've always felt that Grohl was a talented individual that never forgot his true roots. Lemmy is just icing on the cake for me. :)

[AEONFLUX]

I have been listening to some of my old vinyl (yes I said vinyl)

Operation Ivy
Black Flag
Libido Boys (minneapolis local)
Blind Approach (mpls local)
Bad Brains

have not busted those out in a while, makes me want to go SKATE OR DIE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cell]

Ive bought a couple of cds... Avenged Sevenfold Story of the year, and snow patrol all three pretty good. A friend lent me Contraband. I didnt like it so much

[Bluebeard]

Just got the new Bad Religion cd "The Empire Strikes First" which is an alright cd. I enjoyed "Process" a lot more, but it was still a decent cd. The best part about it though is that this means there will be another tour as I missed their Process tour due to a final exam.

[hail_eris]

CMJ's reporting that Elliott Smith's final album is wrapped up and slated for release two days before the anniversary of his death. Kinda looking forward to see where he was headed in his final days.

On a related note, let's have a big RIP for Killer Kane of the New York Dolls. Just played a reunion show last month, goes to the hospital because he's feeling tired, and finds out he's got end-stage leukemia. This leads me to believe that Bowie and Iggy Pop are vampires feeding on the souls of early punk icons. See how Bowie was in the hospital last week? Bet he's feeling fine now. If I were Johnny Rotten or any of the remaining Ramones, I'd be looking over my shoulder...

[AEONFLUX]

Originally posted by hail_eris
CMJ's reporting that Elliott Smith's final album is wrapped up and slated for release two days before the anniversary of his death. Kinda looking forward to see where he was headed in his final days.

On a related note, let's have a big RIP for Killer Kane of the New York Dolls. Just played a reunion show last month, goes to the hospital because he's feeling tired, and finds out he's got end-stage leukemia. This leads me to believe that Bowie and Iggy Pop are vampires feeding on the souls of early punk icons. See how Bowie was in the hospital last week? Bet he's feeling fine now. If I were Johnny Rotten or any of the remaining Ramones, I'd be looking over my shoulder...

Man, I had no idea... one of my favorite groups ever.

[Inbetweener]

Originally posted by bamf66
Thank you. I picked up Franz Ferdinand's album and just didn't get what the fuss was about. I think it's good, but I don't see how it deserves the amount of hype it gets. I'm a very patient listener and have listened to the entire disc about 10 times. I think the two singles are good and that the song The Dark of the Matinee is great but otherwise...Could some of you tell me the secret of the FRANZ?!

I was asking myself the same questions...It seemed kind of cool to here this kind of music getting some attention (and Modest Mouse for that matter) but I was a bit surprised at the hype from Franz in particular. I think critics are really reaching for something in rock with substance...it's out there, it just wasn't getting any attention until like the White Stripes, the Hives, the Yeah, Yeah Yeahs and what not. I have to say though it's all still kind of overrated and we haven't yet seen that new Nirvana or Ramones/Sex Pistols thing happen yet...and as good as Velvet Revolver and Audioslave have been it's really nothing we haven't heard before.

[hail_eris]

Franz is already yesterday's news. The new critical darlings are The Killers. Their sound isn't terribly unique (although it is catchy), but their hometown (Las Vegas) is. Citizen Cope is also generating a lot of buzz for a reason that I can't really fathom. M-83 is pretty excellent if you like minimalist electronica and the Concretes are doing a fantastic job of sounding just like the Cardigans.

[DaLuvster89]

A band that I've recently been turned on to are the Raveonettes. They are from Denmark, I believe. (Somewhere over in europe :) )
The first couple of times I listened to their 8-song EP, I liked a couple of songs, but it never sank in. My brother lent me thier second album, and after a listen or two, it sat in my car for weeks.
Then, one morning after a raucus night of partying, I got in my car to drive home. Popped out the disk that was in the car's stereo, and glanced around the floor. I saw the Raveonette's second album, and decided to give it a second listen. My brother wouldn't steer me wrong. :)

Byt the time I got to the third track, the volume was up to max and I was saying to myself, "Self, this album is brilliant." Now I can't stop listening to both albums, after I burnt them both onto one CD. :)

They have an old-time rock kind of sound - pumped up with lots of reverb and noise. There are two singers, a guy and a super-smokin' blonde bass player. Thier voices work really well together in harmony, it's different to hear a female voice singing the harmonies instead of the lead.

Their first CD was recorded all in B minor; it has a dark, brooding sound to it. There are some really great tracks/lyrics, for example on the track, "Do you believe her", they sing, "She'll tell you things you never want to hear; she says some things that make you sick. But do you believe her when she says she loves you? Do you believe her? Is this for real?" It really hit home with me, as my X girlfriend's dishonesty was a big part of why we split up.

Thier second album, a full length offering called, "The Chain Gang of Love" was recorded all in B Major. It has a completely different sound than the first, more up-beat, catchy poppy songs. Still, the groundwork of the first album can be heard, heavy thumping bass, Screaching/fuzzy guitar noise and theier beautyful harmonies. One of my favorite lyrics in the second album comes from a song called "love can destroy everything: "I vaguely remember something you told me when I took a Shot at your heart - you said you could never die for someone who tore all your dreams apart." (Also reminds me of the X) ;)

I'd give both albums 10/10, but realizing that I'm probubly biased after lisening to their albums almost non-stop for the past couple of weeks, officially I'll give 'em both 9/10.

Sharin Foo (the bass player) definately gets a 10/10, though - in my book. ;) I'm super-pumped, as they are playing in Philly later this month. :)

[Inbetweener]

I know the Raveonettes...yeah, it's just two danish people...they get compared the Stripes alot but they don't sound like them...I haven't seen the chick yet but that is a cool record.

Citizen Cope? Is that the dude touring with Nelly Furtado? If so, I would say he's eclectic in a forced kind of way.

[Inbetweener]

Anyone like The Catheters?

[DaLuvster89]

Sharin of the Raveonettes (http://www.ravesadmin.com/images/1/274.jpg)

The fact that she's musically talented adds definate bonus points... :)

[Ignatz_Mouse]

Originally posted by 4AD_Punk
Today I purchased:

Magnetic Fields - I

Haven't listened to it yet though. Nonetheless, I still need to eventually get around to buying the 69 Love Songs box set and the Beat Happening box set. Man, box sets are overwhelming; kind of apprehensive about dropping $40-60 on each collection. However, I should grow a pair because it is Beat Happening and Magnetic Fields we're talking about here. Oh, I wouldn't mind owning Guided By Voices' Hardcore UFOs box set, although I already own most of their records.

I still haven't gotten into "i" yet. But then again, it literally took me 5 years to get into "Charm of the Highway Strip." A friend gave it to me as a gift, I listed to it a few times, put it on the shelf, and went back years later and loved it. Still listen to it now. 69 Love Songs is completely worht it.

Lately:

New Elvis C releases of his lamer albums with really good bonus tracks

Morrissey : You Are the Quarry. You know, once I got over MOrrissey not being the Smiths, I started to like his solo stuff. I still miss the Smiths, though.

Blue Man Group: The Complex. Complex Rock Tour is new to DVD and definitely worth renting.

[hail_eris]

I was kind of the same way with 69 Love Songs. But once it grows on you, it grows on you hard. And that Morrissey disc is his best effort in years. Makes you wonder if he and Marr would be the musicians that they are if they didn't have such enormous (and, thus, incompatible) egos.

If you're looking for other great music from smokin' Scandinavians, check out the Cardigans' "Long Gone Before Daylight" and Ladytron's "Light & Magic." The Cardigans have been making incredible pop music for years and, other than their breakout hit "Lovefool," have been virtually ignored by the US market. Ladytron are one of the best old-fashioned disco (in the European sense) bands out there. Their songs are both danceable and undeniably catchy. And they're hot in a cold, detached alien kind of way - like if the Matrix had a house band, they'd be it. If you've got a reasonably fast connection, check out the video for "Seventeen" (http://www.ladytron.com/) and you'll see what I mean.

[hail_eris]

I'm resurrecting this thread for the sole purpose of plugging the soundtracks of "Garden State" and "Wicker Park". Anyone remember those excellent samplers that labels like Sub-Pop and 4AD used to do? Bunch of different bands, with a kind of similar sound, and they'd all be B-sides or covers that you couldn't get anywhere else? Well, these two soundtracks are like that. "Garden State" is worth the price just for the Iron and Wine cover of Postal Service (a song that originally appeared on the "Such Great Heights" single) and "Wicker Park" is a must have for the Postal Service's version of an '80s ballad that I'm hesitant to name (it would spoil the surprise).

Oh, and for anyone who liked the Raveonettes, check out The Hong Kong. They've got an EP out right now that's wall to wall old school grrl rock.

[WhiteRabbit909]

I bought the soundtrack to "Garden State" recently. Great stuff.