William_the_Bloody

Grey Britain 2009

There were a lot of hardcore releases through the first decade of the century, and although the general consensus amongst many people is that Converge's Jane Doe is the best hardcore album of the 00's, I must dissent by proposing Gallows Grey Britain instead.

Yes it is true that Converge is an extremely technically proficient band, and that Jane Doe is flawless in these regards, but the album itself is punk turned inside out. Converge rose to prominence in the 90's, when hardcore was largely supplanted by post hardcore, bleak over perspective music that focused more on technicality and brooding, than the straight forward rebelliousness of the previous decade. This is reflected in Jane Doe, it is heaviness without melody, and bleakness without the f#ck you attitude of punk, Grey Britain on the other hand is the opposite.

For all intents and purposes Grey Britain is truly a well crafted album from start to finish. It brings hardcore back to its basic three chord rhythms, standard timing, and back up shouting vocals. It is bleak but uplifting, because the profanity and f#ck you attitude is straight in your face. This UK eulogy might not be as heavy as Jane Doe, but it sure is a lot more rebellious, and it contains one of my favourite hardcore songs of all time, Misery! So what can these $hitty punk bands do when a big record label throws money behind them?....apparently quite a bit.

**** stars, thumbs up, best hardcore album of the decade.

The Riverbank (Intro)



Misery




Queensbury Rules



Crucif#cks

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Final Thoughts:

In my old hardcore countdown thread I think I once mentioned that British punk was cursed, as it appears that every leading band in the scene implodes in one fashion or another. Be it the Sex Pistols, Discharge or Gallows. Consequently Gallows is one of those bands that only comes around once in a blue moon, as none of their peers in the British hardcore revival have been able to put out an album that comes close to rivaling Grey Britain, this includes metalcore acts like Bring Me the Horizon. I can therefore see why people are upset with the bands decision to go with a North American singer, that being said, those who are holding out for the Carter brothers to return, will be waiting a long time, as they have both stated they have no desire to return to hardcore. Quite simply put, the moment has passed. The remaining members in Gallows however, are still the guys behind the musicianship of Grey Britain, so don't write them off yet, and as for the Carter brothers...f#ck em!!! lol , just kidding I look forward to hearing stuff from their new bands.

Anyhow time for a different direction, next up The Smiths.

Page 1 Sisters of Mercy
Page 2 Blood for Blood
Page 3 Gallows

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The Smiths

Hand in Glove (Single) 1983

I am going to quickly skip over the Smiths first single. Hand in Glove is a great song! but it would be re-recorded on the first Smiths album, so it's largely the shotty production quality here, as well as a weak song for the b side. ** thumbs down, wait for the album.

This Charming Man (Single) 1983

Of the three bands I've reviewed so far, it took them all awhile to develop the sound that would lead them into greatness, or near greatness, but for The Smiths it was there from day one, a clear testament to the talent of this band. This Charming Man is far from my favourite song, but for a 20 year old to come up with this opening riff is pretty damn good, add Morrissey's vocals to the mix and you have a great single. Not too big on Jeane the b side track though.

On the strength of This Charming *** stars thumbs up

This Charming Man

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The Smiths - (Album) 1984

The Smiths self titled debut album firmly establishes the sound that would carry them throughout their career, it's a great record, so I will quickly walk through some of the songs.

The first two tracks off the album are nice somber tunes for a rainy day, but the album doesn't kick off for me until we hit Miserable Lie, a forgotten classic that starts off with a soft lullaby tone, before transforming itself into a high energy dance tune. This is personally one of my favourite Smiths' songs, as everything from Morrissey's whimsical lyrics, to Marr's nifty guitar riffs all clique together perfectly.

Miserable Lie



Both of their first singles appear on the US release, so here is a better recorded version of Hand in Glove.

Hand in Glove



The final song I'll put down for this album is Still Ill, another popular classic from the band.

Still ill



This album eeks out 4 stars for me, if they had put the singles version of "What Difference Does it Make", on the record it would throw the album over the top, that being said, this is a nice tranquil record from start to finish, the Smiths were the masters of making lullaby rock tunes, and it is much harder to make a good soft rock album than something that gets you going just because its spiked your testosterone levels.

**** stars, thumbs up.

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What Difference Does It Make? 1984

I suppose when I review a single it's only fair to take the A side primarily into account, as the B side was often an afterthought, a song for whatever reason was not picked as a single or for an album. That being said, Back to the Old House is a worthy B side to accompany one of The Smiths most popular singles, and one of my favourite riffs from Johnny Marr, not overly complex, but there is a reason why he is continually cited as one of Britain's greatest living guitars. I wish I could play like him, but alas...I am but a lowly bass player, so I shall let the master explain below.

**** stars thumbs up.

What Difference Does It Make?



Johnny Marr explaining his guitar sounds on amps



What Difference Does it Make? live

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Time to knock of the other two singles from 84

Heaven Knows I'm miserable Now 1984

Well I must dissent somewhat with one of the Smith's most popular singles, as the popularity of some songs are driven by their lyrical content and this is one prime example. I was going to give it 3 stars but Morrissey's lyrics really connect with the common person here, and the B side, Suffer Little Children, is good but creepy melancholy song about the 1960's murder of little children found in the moor.

*** thumbs up (NO, I changed my mind again. I think I'll stick with 3 starts)



William, It Was Really Nothing 1984

A song about me? One of my least favourite Smiths singles, though I admit it is growing on me a bit. The B side "Please, please, please, let me get what I want" is one of those songs that became immensely popular via public demand. It has been covered by...get this, at least 18! different bands, most of them notable. (Hootie Blowfish/Third Eye/ Ferdinand ect) Johnny Marr has a nice little guitar fill here, but otherwise the popularity of this song is beyond my comprehension.

** 1/2 Thumbs sideways

William, it was really nothing



Please please please let me get what I want

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How Soon is now? (Single 1985)

Another infamous Smiths single, originally released on the "William it was really nothing" 12 inch single. (Just covering the 7 inch to keep it simplified) The song is most notably known for its unique guitar intro, which utilized a series of taped guitar tracks in tremolo, all played together in synch. I believe the other sound is a slide with a whole lot of reverb. Anyways the things you had to do before digital came along. I do love analog though, just a warmer feel.

Anyways a great song, it takes sometime to grow on you though, okay B side to.

*** 1/2 stars thumbs up.

How Soon is Now?



Johnny Marr talking about how he got the sound for the song.




Noel Gallagher raving about Johnny Marr & the Smiths