It's Fer Me Ma V
Rambling behind the cut.
Artist: The Dead Weather
Album: Horehound
Why: It was getting great reviews
Thoughts: I'd always had a somewhat irrational dislike of the White Stripes, so picking up the side project was akin to dangling a toe in the water, and it's done a good job on selling me on them. This is also supposed to be a concept album about one of rock's favorite subjects: selling your soul to the devil.
If you're curious: Hang You From the Heavens
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe. Might also be a little harsh in spots.
Artist: The Go! Team
Album: Thunder, Lightning, Strike
Why: It showed up on a best of list a while back.
Thoughts: No. Just, no. This album is upbeat techno crap. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood for the album, but it set my teeth on edge every time I tried it.
If you're curious: Panther Dash
Would My Mother Approve? I can't stand it, so I would think not.
Artist: Jean Grae
Album: Jeanius
Why: She was the highlight of guest verses on albums by Kweli & Mr. Lif
Thoughts: The only thing about this album I don't like is the production. For some reason the beats don't seem to mesh with her lyricism. It's also exceedingly interesting to hear her work out her issues in verse. The pain of having an abortion and attempted suicide aren't subjects that are usually covered in rap.
If you're curious: My Story
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe.
Artist: The Heartless Bastards
Album: The Mountain
Why: Saw them open for The Gaslight Anthem
Thoughts: The main thing that drew me to the band was the lead singer's voice. It feels like she's mixing a bit from Jagger with a touch of Harvey. The instrumentation isn't anything to write home about, but it all manages to come together solidly.
If you're curious: Hold Your Head High
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I can see her liking this.
Artist: Mississippi John Hurt
Album: Aint' No Telling - The Best Of Mississippi John Hurt
Why: Christmas present from my dad
Thoughts: It's nice, but it hasn't grabbed me. I've only listened to it a fistful of times though, so I'm expecting my fondness to grow in time.
If you're curious: Coffee Blues
Would My Mother Approve? Nah, can't see her caring.
Artist: Freddy King
Album: Live at the Electric Ballroom, 1974
Why: Another Christmas present from my dad
Thoughts: Wonderful album. It's an unusual mix of songs he did while, I'm guessing, talking to the DJ for the record station hosting the show. It's got snippets of interviews, some acoustic songs, and then the live electric set, including on hellacious cover of Dust My Broom. I couldn't find that version on Youtube, however.
If you're curious: Dust My Broom
Would My Mother Approve? Probably so. It's a little low energy for her tastes, but I think overall she'd like it.
Artist: Reverend Glasseye
Album: Black River Falls
Why: I dug the last album of theirs I bought
Thoughts: Interestingly, this is their first album, and unlike a lot of acts, they seem to be getting better with time. It's less even than Our Lady Of the Broken Spine, but stylistically covers the same deranged hillfolk mysticism as their later album. Again, I'm sad they never scored anything for Carnivale. They're also one of the few groups anymore to use descants, which makes me grin.
If you're curious: Black River Falls
Would My Mother Approve? Might be a bit too odd.
Artist: The Reverend Horton Heat
Album: Smoke Em If You Got Em
Why: I had been hearing the name for years, then Tyler mentioned that the Morency's swore by them.
Thoughts: This is a dangerous album to have on while driving. It demands speed. I also expect that the band was on speed when they recorded it. Dubbed 'psychobilly' which describes it better than I can. Their sleazy sense of humor helps pull it all together.
If you're curious: Psychobilly Freak Out
Would My Mother Approve? Mmmmm no. Too crazy.
Artist: Scarface
Album: Mr. Scarface Is Back
Why: His name kept popping up
Thoughts: So I had kept seeing Scarface referred to as "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper," and once I heard the album, I knew why. He's unbelievably good. He's also taken the unusual tact of examining the psychology of an inner city gangbanger: someone who knows he's broken inside, can't seem to find a reason for his damage, and can't do anything but keep spiraling down. It's like he read Notes From The Underground before writing the lyrics. It's one hell of an album.
If you're curious: Diary of a Madman
Would My Mother Approve? Fuck no. She can't stand gangster rap.
Artist: Scissor Sisters
Album: Scissor Sisters
Why: I had caught the video for Take Your Mama years ago
Thoughts: I can't stop smiling when listening to this. It's infectious. It's fun. It has a glam cover of Comfortably Numb. I love this album.
If you're curious: Filthy Gorgeous
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe. I can see her enjoying it for the same reasons I do.
Artist: Sly & The Family Stone
Album: There's A Riot Goin On
Why: It's a classic
Thoughts: This went straight over my head. Gonna need someone to explain this one to me.
If you're curious: Luv N Haight
Would My Mother Approve? I'm willing to bet she owns it.
Artist: Soulsavers
Album: It's Not How Far You Fall, It's How You Land
Why: Suggested by Tyler
Thoughts: It seems I've been enjoying Mark Lanegan's voice for years without realizing it - he's been the lead vocalist on a number of QotSA tracks, and sounds like he's been taking lessons from Cohen. I now feel the urge to check out Screaming Trees. He's one of the two main vocalists on this album, and does a very unusual turn on their cover of No Expectations. The album has an unusual gospel feel without being gospel, somehow both dark and hopeful.
If you're curious: Revival
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I bet she'd like this.
Artist: Tarbox Ramblers
Album: Tarbox Ramblers
Why: Songs of theirs popped up on Sons of Anarchy
Thoughts: It's not bad for a first album. It's pretty standard country blues stuff. Nice, but nothing fantastic.
If you're curious: Third Jinx Blues
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, though I doubt it'd blow her socks off.
Artist: Them Crooked Vultures
Album: Them Crooked Vultures
Why: It's the new Queens of the Stone Age album that isn't.
Thoughts: Yeah, this is pretty much balls to the wall rock. Josh Homme is as fun a front man as ever, Dave Grohl still kicks the shit out of most drummers, and well, toss John Paul Jones in there...
If you're curious: No One Love Me and Neither Do I
Would My Mother Approve? Yes
Artist: Tom Waits
Album: Glitter & Doom Live
Why: Waits puts out an album: I buy it.
Thoughts: A nice scattershot of tracks from across his career done during his most recent tour. Really, though, Waits could read recipes on a tape and I'd buy it. A very nice album,
If you're curious: Lucinda & Ain't Going Down to the Well
Would My Mother Approve? She was the one who introduced me to Waits.
Artist: Wolf Parade
Album: Apologies to the Queen Mary
Why: I don't recall why
Thoughts: Album is a blast. I have to love a rock album that references hungry ghosts.
If you're curious: You Are a Runner and I am My Father's Son
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I can see her liking this.
Artist: Cesária Évora
Album: Cesária
Why: Lent by Michelle
Thoughts: Another album that Michelle lent me that was late at jumping out. Cesaria has a gorgeous voice, though I have no idea what she's singing about on most of her tracks, I could listen to her voice for hours.
If you're curious: Petit Pays
Would My Mother Approve? Yes.
New Flavors on Tap:
The Clash - London Calling
Meth, Ghost & Rae - The Wu Massacre
Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
Massive Attack - Heligoland
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
Elvis - Elv1s
Big Daddy Kane - Long Live the Kane
Dolly Parton - The Grass is Blue
Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It In People
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Artist: The Dead Weather
Album: Horehound
Why: It was getting great reviews
Thoughts: I'd always had a somewhat irrational dislike of the White Stripes, so picking up the side project was akin to dangling a toe in the water, and it's done a good job on selling me on them. This is also supposed to be a concept album about one of rock's favorite subjects: selling your soul to the devil.
If you're curious: Hang You From the Heavens
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe. Might also be a little harsh in spots.
Artist: The Go! Team
Album: Thunder, Lightning, Strike
Why: It showed up on a best of list a while back.
Thoughts: No. Just, no. This album is upbeat techno crap. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood for the album, but it set my teeth on edge every time I tried it.
If you're curious: Panther Dash
Would My Mother Approve? I can't stand it, so I would think not.
Artist: Jean Grae
Album: Jeanius
Why: She was the highlight of guest verses on albums by Kweli & Mr. Lif
Thoughts: The only thing about this album I don't like is the production. For some reason the beats don't seem to mesh with her lyricism. It's also exceedingly interesting to hear her work out her issues in verse. The pain of having an abortion and attempted suicide aren't subjects that are usually covered in rap.
If you're curious: My Story
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe.
Artist: The Heartless Bastards
Album: The Mountain
Why: Saw them open for The Gaslight Anthem
Thoughts: The main thing that drew me to the band was the lead singer's voice. It feels like she's mixing a bit from Jagger with a touch of Harvey. The instrumentation isn't anything to write home about, but it all manages to come together solidly.
If you're curious: Hold Your Head High
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I can see her liking this.
Artist: Mississippi John Hurt
Album: Aint' No Telling - The Best Of Mississippi John Hurt
Why: Christmas present from my dad
Thoughts: It's nice, but it hasn't grabbed me. I've only listened to it a fistful of times though, so I'm expecting my fondness to grow in time.
If you're curious: Coffee Blues
Would My Mother Approve? Nah, can't see her caring.
Artist: Freddy King
Album: Live at the Electric Ballroom, 1974
Why: Another Christmas present from my dad
Thoughts: Wonderful album. It's an unusual mix of songs he did while, I'm guessing, talking to the DJ for the record station hosting the show. It's got snippets of interviews, some acoustic songs, and then the live electric set, including on hellacious cover of Dust My Broom. I couldn't find that version on Youtube, however.
If you're curious: Dust My Broom
Would My Mother Approve? Probably so. It's a little low energy for her tastes, but I think overall she'd like it.
Artist: Reverend Glasseye
Album: Black River Falls
Why: I dug the last album of theirs I bought
Thoughts: Interestingly, this is their first album, and unlike a lot of acts, they seem to be getting better with time. It's less even than Our Lady Of the Broken Spine, but stylistically covers the same deranged hillfolk mysticism as their later album. Again, I'm sad they never scored anything for Carnivale. They're also one of the few groups anymore to use descants, which makes me grin.
If you're curious: Black River Falls
Would My Mother Approve? Might be a bit too odd.
Artist: The Reverend Horton Heat
Album: Smoke Em If You Got Em
Why: I had been hearing the name for years, then Tyler mentioned that the Morency's swore by them.
Thoughts: This is a dangerous album to have on while driving. It demands speed. I also expect that the band was on speed when they recorded it. Dubbed 'psychobilly' which describes it better than I can. Their sleazy sense of humor helps pull it all together.
If you're curious: Psychobilly Freak Out
Would My Mother Approve? Mmmmm no. Too crazy.
Artist: Scarface
Album: Mr. Scarface Is Back
Why: His name kept popping up
Thoughts: So I had kept seeing Scarface referred to as "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper," and once I heard the album, I knew why. He's unbelievably good. He's also taken the unusual tact of examining the psychology of an inner city gangbanger: someone who knows he's broken inside, can't seem to find a reason for his damage, and can't do anything but keep spiraling down. It's like he read Notes From The Underground before writing the lyrics. It's one hell of an album.
If you're curious: Diary of a Madman
Would My Mother Approve? Fuck no. She can't stand gangster rap.
Artist: Scissor Sisters
Album: Scissor Sisters
Why: I had caught the video for Take Your Mama years ago
Thoughts: I can't stop smiling when listening to this. It's infectious. It's fun. It has a glam cover of Comfortably Numb. I love this album.
If you're curious: Filthy Gorgeous
Would My Mother Approve? Maybe. I can see her enjoying it for the same reasons I do.
Artist: Sly & The Family Stone
Album: There's A Riot Goin On
Why: It's a classic
Thoughts: This went straight over my head. Gonna need someone to explain this one to me.
If you're curious: Luv N Haight
Would My Mother Approve? I'm willing to bet she owns it.
Artist: Soulsavers
Album: It's Not How Far You Fall, It's How You Land
Why: Suggested by Tyler
Thoughts: It seems I've been enjoying Mark Lanegan's voice for years without realizing it - he's been the lead vocalist on a number of QotSA tracks, and sounds like he's been taking lessons from Cohen. I now feel the urge to check out Screaming Trees. He's one of the two main vocalists on this album, and does a very unusual turn on their cover of No Expectations. The album has an unusual gospel feel without being gospel, somehow both dark and hopeful.
If you're curious: Revival
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I bet she'd like this.
Artist: Tarbox Ramblers
Album: Tarbox Ramblers
Why: Songs of theirs popped up on Sons of Anarchy
Thoughts: It's not bad for a first album. It's pretty standard country blues stuff. Nice, but nothing fantastic.
If you're curious: Third Jinx Blues
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, though I doubt it'd blow her socks off.
Artist: Them Crooked Vultures
Album: Them Crooked Vultures
Why: It's the new Queens of the Stone Age album that isn't.
Thoughts: Yeah, this is pretty much balls to the wall rock. Josh Homme is as fun a front man as ever, Dave Grohl still kicks the shit out of most drummers, and well, toss John Paul Jones in there...
If you're curious: No One Love Me and Neither Do I
Would My Mother Approve? Yes
Artist: Tom Waits
Album: Glitter & Doom Live
Why: Waits puts out an album: I buy it.
Thoughts: A nice scattershot of tracks from across his career done during his most recent tour. Really, though, Waits could read recipes on a tape and I'd buy it. A very nice album,
If you're curious: Lucinda & Ain't Going Down to the Well
Would My Mother Approve? She was the one who introduced me to Waits.
Artist: Wolf Parade
Album: Apologies to the Queen Mary
Why: I don't recall why
Thoughts: Album is a blast. I have to love a rock album that references hungry ghosts.
If you're curious: You Are a Runner and I am My Father's Son
Would My Mother Approve? Yeah, I can see her liking this.
Artist: Cesária Évora
Album: Cesária
Why: Lent by Michelle
Thoughts: Another album that Michelle lent me that was late at jumping out. Cesaria has a gorgeous voice, though I have no idea what she's singing about on most of her tracks, I could listen to her voice for hours.
If you're curious: Petit Pays
Would My Mother Approve? Yes.
New Flavors on Tap:
The Clash - London Calling
Meth, Ghost & Rae - The Wu Massacre
Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
Massive Attack - Heligoland
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
Elvis - Elv1s
Big Daddy Kane - Long Live the Kane
Dolly Parton - The Grass is Blue
Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It In People
Arcade Fire - Funeral