Guy's Gallivant Into Music

Bulldog · 11-30-2009, 10:48 AM

I'd be lying if I said Mastodon were my thing in particular (now that I think of it I've never really given them a proper chance either), but nevertheless really looking forward to the rest of this list. Keep up the good work eh.

zeppy111 · 11-30-2009, 10:54 AM

14. Orphaned Land - Mabool (The Three Sons Of Seven)
Year: 2004
Genre: Progressive Metal

Another entry, much of the same as the previosu one, but this will be the last of the sort in awhile, I promise!

Orphaned Land produced a really fine progressive, interesting concept album with this release. The concept follows along the lines of our supposed origins as humans and the journey we were involved in to reach where we are today, dating back to the beginning of time, so to speak. It could take a couple listens to really reap the rewards of the album, but they will hopefully be worth it, as the lyrical aspect of the album is strong, as are the musicians, although they can get a little strayed.

The story behind the band is a great one, being from Israel if I can remember correctly and attempting to promote peace with their neighbours through music. Personally I think that is pretty special, attempting to overcome the turmoil and war and prosper...

13. Sleepy Sun - Embrace
Year: 2008
Genre: Psychedelic Rock

This album along with the Orphaned Land one I have had for the least amount of time than any other on this list, and Embrace has been the most played off the lot, that makes a statement for itself. It requires no story, no guidelines, no help, nothing... All it requires is someone to listen to it, hopefully if you haven't before this will make you. Whether it is the slick instrumental passages or the ever-present pyschedelic fuzz, the catchy tunes or the beauty of the vocals, (which are best represented on the final track), one of these aspects will grip you while listening... If I could offer a refund policy to anyone who is not satisfied, I would, that is how much faith in put in the greatness of this album.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antonio

this was the first Mastodon album i ever had and one that's very near and dear to my heart, right after Blood Mountain. as for the rest of the album as opposed to the first track, i felt that songs I Am Ahab and Island really lived up to it, but you said yourself that the cd's full of diversity, so wouldn't it be a good thing to not have every song sound the same?

really there's alot that i love about this album, from the aquatic feel of the songs Seabeast and Naked Burn, the attacking intro on Aqua Dementia, not to mention the epic Hearts alive and the beautiful acoustic closer Joseph Merrick.

also, the guitar part in Megalodon (you know the one i'm talking about) makes me cream my pants.

hehe, it feels like i'm reviewing it too

The diversity of the album is a really good thing, I agree. I think that the final couple tracks I have are badly ripped or there is something wrong with the files themselves cause the audio quality is really poor. Gonna go reload the album again.

I actually totally forgot about the closer, it is a really fine track, a perfect end I would say.

zeppy111 · 12-01-2009, 11:08 AM

12. Alexisonfire - Alexisonfire
Year: 2002
Genre: Post-Harcore

Post-Harcore is a genre that I haven't had much experience with barring a few Fugazi, Alexisonfire, and plain South African bands. This album along with Fugazi's-13 Songs are thw two standouts from the little selection. I think why this album is successful is that it brings the onslaught of energy, passion and gut-busting that you expect from the genre tag yet still managing to stay semi-mainstream and alot more accesible than one would think.

The highlight of the album itself is the contrast between tranquility and agression, buildups and climaxes, where a rush of blood is almost guaranteed to the listener.

11. Tool - Lateralus
Year: 2001
Genre: Progressive Metal/Art Rock

Tool's 2001 release Lateralus brought praise and hate from the general public, with a rather huge divide between lovers and haters with not much in-between, which side do you fit on?

The complexity of the album and the multi-layered depths of the music is a real treat once you have stripped off the packaging and get to the roots of the album. The musicians in the band, like them or not, are a pretty talented bunch of lads, with some superb pieces coming in from all angles whether it be bass, drums, guitar or vocals(to a lesser extent), you will see them showing off their skills somewhere in the album.

The one draw back to the album is that it does not come with the visual show that Tool can be recognised with, which I have heard, they use to detract the audience from the members of the band and rather on the music/visuals. It must be quite an amazing sight to see them live... Sigh!

On a side note: I think this is a really solid release, however not Tool's best. That would go to Opium Den, for me personally as it captures them in their raw, unrefined days. The version of Sober that is on that bootleg is amazing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

I'd be lying if I said Mastodon were my thing in particular (now that I think of it I've never really given them a proper chance either), but nevertheless really looking forward to the rest of this list. Keep up the good work eh.

I was going to say, they don't seem like a band that would right up your alley, nor any of the other entries so far, with a slight exception to Tool maybe. Cheers mate!

zeppy111 · 12-02-2009, 07:05 AM

Pledge Defiance

Pledge Defiance are mainly a death metal/grind band coming from my hometown of Durban, South Africa, forming a few years back but have had some major setbacks with the death of band members in the last few years.

The last year or so they got themselves busy and after releasing a 2008 album "Creophagous," and now a couple more releases with a EP this year titled "Let The Terror Flow EP," a dvd "Pain-O-Vision" and an upcoming album that is due to be released within the next few weeks or so.

Im not sure if this post will be frowned upon as I am promoting a band that I personally have a contact with one of the members, (Brynn Huxtable - Guitarist/Vocalist) but hopefully it won't be.

I hope someone will enjoy this

Astronomer · 12-02-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

11. Tool - Lateralus
Year: 2001
Genre: Progressive Metal/Art Rock

Tool's 2001 release Lateralus brought praise and hate from the general public, with a rather huge divide between lovers and haters with not much in-between, which side do you fit on?

The complexity of the album and the multi-layered depths of the music is a real treat once you have stripped off the packaging and get to the roots of the album. The musicians in the band, like them or not, are a pretty talented bunch of lads, with some superb pieces coming in from all angles whether it be bass, drums, guitar or vocals(to a lesser extent), you will see them showing off their skills somewhere in the album.

The one draw back to the album is that it does not come with the visual show that Tool can be recognised with, which I have heard, they use to detract the audience from the members of the band and rather on the music/visuals. It must be quite an amazing sight to see them live... Sigh!

On a side note: I think this is a really solid release, however not Tool's best. That would go to Opium Den, for me personally as it captures them in their raw, unrefined days. The version of Sober that is on that bootleg is amazing...

This review makes me happy. Not enough people appreciate Tool on this forum, perhaps because many of their fans have this stupid stigma attached to them in which they overrate the band ridiculously. I'm on the 'love it' side, obviously. Lateralus is my favourite Tool album. Like you said, all members are very talented, and the technicality and musicianship of the album is just incredible. Not only that though, I just love the message that the album gradually explores through song to song.

And although most people despise this, I actually loved the insane fanaticism that was attached to it where fans figured out the 'real' tracklisting of the songs by plotting the track numbers in the Fibonacci sequence, the same sequence in which the title song 'Lateralus' is played in, etc etc etc etc. A lot of haters responded with the attitude of This is why I hate Tool fans, but I thought it was ridiculously awesome.

The album art was pretty cool, too. I guess they used that to try and capture the visual aspect of them.

Anyway, I don't know if I've replied in here yet but I am a lurker of your journal

Great work, keep it up!

zeppy111 · 12-04-2009, 03:06 AM

10. Damian Marley - Welcome To Jamrock
Year: 2005
Genre: Reggae

"When I come to think of it, if your surname was Marley, and you had a father named Bob, you were blessed with some pretty spectacular genes. Damian is one of the many Marley’s, who have been a driving force in the reggae scene for the past 50+ years. Revolving around the regular topics of poverty and politics, this album is not on passion or lyrical insight. The most recognisable aspect to Damian and how you could tell him apart from his many siblings, is the use of the vocal technique of “toasting,” which in a nut-shell is when the artist either speaks or chants the lyrics over the beat or music. It may have been un-intentional at the time, but this album is almost foreshadowing his new release with Nas. This ranks right up their as one of the finer reggae albums I have heard, and you should too and if you think that he has a free-ride because of his father, you will be very surprised."

This is what I said earlier on in thsi thread when i mentioned this album. Not mcuh has changed since back then aswell, as I have only listened to in once since then. If you still haven't go this, download it now, maybe not on its absolute brilliance as a reggae album, but because it is quite a nice gateway to the genre as it is pretty accesible with some pop/rnb influences. I am sure I have siad it before but I recommended this to a few of my friends who listen to Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, you get the drift and they have enjoyed it and come back for more.

9. Melody Gardot - My One And Only Thrill
Year: 2009
Genre: Jazz/Vocal

"Melody Gardot is an American jazz singer, and a very inspirational and talented one at that. After being paralysed at 19, she attended ‘Music Therapy’ classes and refers to the title of the album as her thoughts on music. Although she does battle to sit down to play the piano, and has to use a walking stick, she gets around and is making some fine music.

A soothing voice, lovely orchestral pieces and never knowing what is going to come next, are the attributes that make this album a real belter. Melody draws on many different ranges of music and styles such as Samba, and a range of vocals that can be so sweet one minute and the next so powerful. If that wasn’t enough, we are even treated to a delightful track sung in French “Les Etoiles.”

Once again, another album that has already seen praise in this thread and for good reason. A perfect album just to sit back and relax to or to de-stress. after work, lazy sundays, whilst studying, you name it. No cares in the world when this album is on...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lateralus

This review makes me happy. Not enough people appreciate Tool on this forum, perhaps because many of their fans have this stupid stigma attached to them in which they overrate the band ridiculously. I'm on the 'love it' side, obviously. Lateralus is my favourite Tool album. Like you said, all members are very talented, and the technicality and musicianship of the album is just incredible. Not only that though, I just love the message that the album gradually explores through song to song.

And although most people despise this, I actually loved the insane fanaticism that was attached to it where fans figured out the 'real' tracklisting of the songs by plotting the track numbers in the Fibonacci sequence, the same sequence in which the title song 'Lateralus' is played in, etc etc etc etc. A lot of haters responded with the attitude of This is why I hate Tool fans, but I thought it was ridiculously awesome.

The album art was pretty cool, too. I guess they used that to try and capture the visual aspect of them.

Anyway, I don't know if I've replied in here yet but I am a lurker of your journal

Great work, keep it up!

I guess that is what puts people off Tool in most cases is that most of their fans think they are the one and only band worth listening to in the entire world, luckily enough no one I know even knows who Tool are. Bonus having pop-chart friends.

I had no idea about the track title thing but I am looking around for some dirt on it now, seems like something fresh and to involve the fans, props to them for it I say.

Thanks, cheers for the reply eh

jackhammer · 12-04-2009, 04:52 AM

I felt quite let down by Gardot's My One And Only Thrill compared to her superlative Worrisome Heart album. I felt like there wasn't enough standout tracks like Cry Me Like A River Does from that album. She still has a gorgeous voice though and is a step above the usual banal coffee house crap you hear piped through in said places.

Welcome To Jamrock is a fantastic gateway album for those new to Reggae definitely, with it's mish mash of RnB and Dancehall tracks and the title track is really really good but taken as a bona fide Reggae album it fails to deliver for me personally and for the same reasons why it would appeal to new listeners. I hate Rnb with a passion and there is far too much filler on the album for me.

zeppy111 · 12-11-2009, 01:02 PM

8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is EP
Year: 2007
Genre: Alternative Rock

Strictly not sticking to norm by inclduing an EP, but who cares, it is a fantastic release, be it EP, LP, any P you can think of.

The songs that are on this EP were written in 2004 whilst the band were on tour after the release of an album. Personally, the album (Fever To Tell) does nothing for me, even though they come from the same time period, strange.

The EP contains some really rocking, up beat songs yet not sounding anything like a dance tune or venturing into watered down pop, quite a feat. Karen's voice is superb throughout and just brings a dimension of happiness and peace to the music, especially if you watch live performances/videos of them, bouncing around on stage, mad as the day is long.

Sorry guys, alot of rambling, haven't seen a bed in about 28 hours.

CHECK THIS OUT IF YOU HAVEN"T ALREADY! (She is not hard on the eyes either)

Bulldog · 12-12-2009, 07:40 AM

Re Melody Gardot, like Lee I'm a massive fan of her Worrisome Heart album - such a great piece of work to give a spin when you're not really in the mood for a lot else than smooth, chilled out vibes. I'm yet to check out her latest yet, despite the fact I probably should have done so some time ago, so that one's just gone up as far as priorities go.

As for Welcome To Jamrock, again I agree with Lee. There are a few fantastic tunes like the title cut and Move, but I do think there's a little too much filler with that really irritating r'n'b tinge. Great gateway album to reggae though, as you both said - I've also recommended it to some mates who've loved it myself. If you're out for good, modern reggae that mixes up elements of roots, dancehall and ragga seamlessly, check out Lutan Fyah's Time and Place - possibly my favourite reggae album of the last 10 years.

zeppy111 · 12-18-2009, 02:09 PM

Well for lack of any impertice and excitement to carry on with the list I am just going to wrap it up in a couple short lines on each of the last installments... Spending a helluva lot of time playing guitar and trying to sort an EP somewhere in the pipelines out.

7. The Fall - Reformation Post TLC (2007)

After delving through most of their catalogue, 5 albums away from the lot, I can honestly say I don't dislike any of the albums, only the 90's releases are sometimes poor. This album marked a change from the average to good and continued into Imperial Wax Solvent. News is that Mark changed his ways a bit and wasn't so forceful in creating tension with his band of Yanks, go Dudes or whatever they call themselves. The Fall will rise again, yes it is a play on words

6. At-The Drive In - Relationship Command (2000)

Pretty common on most favorite album lists and for good reason, a great release by Cedric and Co before closing up shop and forming TMV. An album full of energy, passion and drive, hardcore!

5. Fleetfoxes - S/T (2008)

Indie as a whole is not usually my cup of tea, but I will never write it off as it does as a genre produce some belter albums such as this one. From back to front it is pretty flawless, with some really cool acoustic guitar sequences and one of my favourite voices in music. If you listen to Oliver James, you will understand what I mean.

4. Silversun Pickups - Pikul EP (2005)

You can have Carnavas anyday if I can have this EP. Although some may write them off as a generic indie band, the element/knowing of their shoegazing label draws you to them a little, just enough to check it out. So you decide, hey I am going to check this out, first song, Kissing Families(My favorite of their songs), that is you done and dusted, hooked. A catchy upbeat song which'll have you up and about in no time as well as having some pretty in depth meaning and power to it. If only it was a few tracks longer it would without a doubt have that number one spot.

3. Nile - In Their Darkened Shrines (2002)

Switch on, volume up, bass up, you are ready to go. I expected not a whole lot from Nile when i first got their albums, death metal, as a whole most of it is the same, barring my beloved Death. (RIP Chuck) I couldn't have been more wrong, its death metal cross Egyptian folk with some really awesome local instruments being used and some sick timing which really hits you off guard. Not timing as in Oh my its Tool, Progressive metal, you can hear the eastern influence almost straight away and an album that must be heard, by metalheads and haters alike.

2. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennae’s To Heaven... (2000)

Nothing I can say can describe this album. Pure instrumental brilliance from back to front, tossed in with a couple haunting speeches. Lights off, album on, prepare for the trip of a lifetime. If you haven't heard this you have probably been living underneath a rock or are just not privileged to have heard Efrim and Co.

1. The White Stripes - Elephant (2003)

I have expressed my love for this album already earlier in this thread. Technically the album that got the ball rolling, the first album I myself bought(felt so weird as a little kid not buying stuff from the latest top 20 section.) The first album I fell in love with, the first album for most things. Jack and Holly, what a team. Jack the vocalist and guitarist, a rather proficient one at that, Holly the little drummer. Nothing is even challenging about that music as would be with Nile and GY!BE, it is simple, easy catchy yet it is powerful. Holly's hypnotic drum beats sounding together with Jack playing away and making sweet music. A lovely, any time of day album and THE GREATEST ALBUM OF THIS DECADE!

12-02-2009, 07:05 AM	#44 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Pledge Defiance Pledge Defiance are mainly a death metal/grind band coming from my hometown of Durban, South Africa, forming a few years back but have had some major setbacks with the death of band members in the last few years. The last year or so they got themselves busy and after releasing a 2008 album "Creophagous," and now a couple more releases with a EP this year titled "Let The Terror Flow EP," a dvd "Pain-O-Vision" and an upcoming album that is due to be released within the next few weeks or so. Im not sure if this post will be frowned upon as I am promoting a band that I personally have a contact with one of the members, (Brynn Huxtable - Guitarist/Vocalist) but hopefully it won't be. I hope someone will enjoy this __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

12-04-2009, 04:52 AM	#47 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	I felt quite let down by Gardot's My One And Only Thrill compared to her superlative Worrisome Heart album. I felt like there wasn't enough standout tracks like Cry Me Like A River Does from that album. She still has a gorgeous voice though and is a step above the usual banal coffee house crap you hear piped through in said places. Welcome To Jamrock is a fantastic gateway album for those new to Reggae definitely, with it's mish mash of RnB and Dancehall tracks and the title track is really really good but taken as a bona fide Reggae album it fails to deliver for me personally and for the same reasons why it would appeal to new listeners. I hate Rnb with a passion and there is far too much filler on the album for me. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

12-11-2009, 01:02 PM	#48 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is EP Year: 2007 Genre: Alternative Rock Strictly not sticking to norm by inclduing an EP, but who cares, it is a fantastic release, be it EP, LP, any P you can think of. The songs that are on this EP were written in 2004 whilst the band were on tour after the release of an album. Personally, the album (Fever To Tell) does nothing for me, even though they come from the same time period, strange. The EP contains some really rocking, up beat songs yet not sounding anything like a dance tune or venturing into watered down pop, quite a feat. Karen's voice is superb throughout and just brings a dimension of happiness and peace to the music, especially if you watch live performances/videos of them, bouncing around on stage, mad as the day is long. Sorry guys, alot of rambling, haven't seen a bed in about 28 hours. CHECK THIS OUT IF YOU HAVEN"T ALREADY! (She is not hard on the eyes either) __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

12-18-2009, 02:09 PM	#50 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Well for lack of any impertice and excitement to carry on with the list I am just going to wrap it up in a couple short lines on each of the last installments... Spending a helluva lot of time playing guitar and trying to sort an EP somewhere in the pipelines out. 7. The Fall - Reformation Post TLC (2007) After delving through most of their catalogue, 5 albums away from the lot, I can honestly say I don't dislike any of the albums, only the 90's releases are sometimes poor. This album marked a change from the average to good and continued into Imperial Wax Solvent. News is that Mark changed his ways a bit and wasn't so forceful in creating tension with his band of Yanks, go Dudes or whatever they call themselves. The Fall will rise again, yes it is a play on words 6. At-The Drive In - Relationship Command (2000) Pretty common on most favorite album lists and for good reason, a great release by Cedric and Co before closing up shop and forming TMV. An album full of energy, passion and drive, hardcore! 5. Fleetfoxes - S/T (2008) Indie as a whole is not usually my cup of tea, but I will never write it off as it does as a genre produce some belter albums such as this one. From back to front it is pretty flawless, with some really cool acoustic guitar sequences and one of my favourite voices in music. If you listen to Oliver James, you will understand what I mean. 4. Silversun Pickups - Pikul EP (2005) You can have Carnavas anyday if I can have this EP. Although some may write them off as a generic indie band, the element/knowing of their shoegazing label draws you to them a little, just enough to check it out. So you decide, hey I am going to check this out, first song, Kissing Families(My favorite of their songs), that is you done and dusted, hooked. A catchy upbeat song which'll have you up and about in no time as well as having some pretty in depth meaning and power to it. If only it was a few tracks longer it would without a doubt have that number one spot. 3. Nile - In Their Darkened Shrines (2002) Switch on, volume up, bass up, you are ready to go. I expected not a whole lot from Nile when i first got their albums, death metal, as a whole most of it is the same, barring my beloved Death. (RIP Chuck) I couldn't have been more wrong, its death metal cross Egyptian folk with some really awesome local instruments being used and some sick timing which really hits you off guard. Not timing as in Oh my its Tool, Progressive metal, you can hear the eastern influence almost straight away and an album that must be heard, by metalheads and haters alike. 2. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennae’s To Heaven... (2000) Nothing I can say can describe this album. Pure instrumental brilliance from back to front, tossed in with a couple haunting speeches. Lights off, album on, prepare for the trip of a lifetime. If you haven't heard this you have probably been living underneath a rock or are just not privileged to have heard Efrim and Co. 1. The White Stripes - Elephant (2003) I have expressed my love for this album already earlier in this thread. Technically the album that got the ball rolling, the first album I myself bought(felt so weird as a little kid not buying stuff from the latest top 20 section.) The first album I fell in love with, the first album for most things. Jack and Holly, what a team. Jack the vocalist and guitarist, a rather proficient one at that, Holly the little drummer. Nothing is even challenging about that music as would be with Nile and GY!BE, it is simple, easy catchy yet it is powerful. Holly's hypnotic drum beats sounding together with Jack playing away and making sweet music. A lovely, any time of day album and THE GREATEST ALBUM OF THIS DECADE! __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

11-30-2009, 10:48 AM	#41 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	I'd be lying if I said Mastodon were my thing in particular (now that I think of it I've never really given them a proper chance either), but nevertheless really looking forward to the rest of this list. Keep up the good work eh.

12-12-2009, 07:40 AM	#49 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Re Melody Gardot, like Lee I'm a massive fan of her Worrisome Heart album - such a great piece of work to give a spin when you're not really in the mood for a lot else than smooth, chilled out vibes. I'm yet to check out her latest yet, despite the fact I probably should have done so some time ago, so that one's just gone up as far as priorities go. As for Welcome To Jamrock, again I agree with Lee. There are a few fantastic tunes like the title cut and Move, but I do think there's a little too much filler with that really irritating r'n'b tinge. Great gateway album to reggae though, as you both said - I've also recommended it to some mates who've loved it myself. If you're out for good, modern reggae that mixes up elements of roots, dancehall and ragga seamlessly, check out Lutan Fyah's Time and Place - possibly my favourite reggae album of the last 10 years.