Scott Pilgrim Vs The World by Various

Stuckski:

And lo it was November, the month of giving thanks, and verily the masses did so for Subjective, inc had arisen from the grave to once again tell them exactly why all the music they like sucks.

Seriously though guys, I hope we're back again for another spell of music reviews, and to kick it off I'll start with this mistake of an album. Just to be clear, I'm not saying I think this is a bad album, just that I am royally pissed that I got it, because I totally thought I was getting The Scott Pilgrim video game chiptune soundtrack by the consistently awesome Anamanaguchi and instead I got this..this...real music!

In a chronic case of diminishing returns I loved the Scott Pilgrim comics, I liked the Scott Pilgrim movie and I'm okay with the soundtrack, I guess.  It's not bad, a pretty eclectic mix. I kind of like the Beck covers of the Sex Bo-Bomb songs (or maybe they were Beck originals, as a dedicated musical journalist I can't be bothered to look up which it is). I got a kick out of Teenage Dream by T-Rex. Those were probably the highlights of the album. Other than that, to quote my entire useless generation, meh.


kurtkurtkurt:

Well SHiiiiiiit! I wasn't expecting this to start up at this time.

Matt is dead on about one thing. This is definitely not chiptune. Also I guess about it being pretty meh.

We Hate You Please Die and some of the songs that are "By" Sex Bob-bomb from the movie aren't that bad though. I mean anytime something has a punk feel though somehow I'm okay with it.

RATINGS:

Stuckski: 6/10 (mildly enjoyable, definitely not chiptune)
kurtkurtkurt: 58/100 (What now Matt? I'm using a 100 point grading system.)

Reggatta de Blanc - The Police

kurtkurtkurt:

This album is also know as one of the only two cassettes in my car for a long time (the other was Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols). The hits on it are Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon, however I think the real highlight of the album is actually On Any Other Day. The song tells the tale of a middle aged husband/father who has all this shit happen to him on a one day.

As a whole I enjoy the album (I've heard it enough). I think that they have a few songs that drag on too long (Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon I'm talking to you) but the album still stays strong despite that.

Stuckski:

So only three months behind the times on this one, but better late than never right? Right?! RIGHT?! Ahh, it's ok, calm down guys, I forgive ya.

The Police are good. That's about all I'm willing to say. They have some nice sounding songs, plenty of  'em on this album. But I just never find myself thinking "Man, I really want to listen to some Police right now!"  I just don't think they are too memorable or ( a few obvious songs aside) iconic, All of that goes for this album as well

RATINGS

kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
stuckski: 5/10

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - Big Damn Nation

kurtkurtkurt:

So the first time I ever heard these guys was when they opened for Flogging Molly. They're a fantastic live act, just so full of energy. They play a bluegrass of sorts and the wife plays the washboard. Anyways you can't understand the lead singer at all when he sings. I don't what else to say really. They're not the best bluegrass I've heard but they're something unique.

Here's them playing My Old Man Boogie

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 5/10

Check Your Head by the Beastie Boys

Stuckski:

Despite being a nineties kid, I never really paid too much attention to the Beastie Boys. I vaguely remember hearing Fight for Your Right (not on this record) as a kid and thinking it sounded kind of silly. Then I hit college age and I found out that a lot of my friends really liked them. I decided to give them another try, and discovered some tracks of theirs that I really liked. I still don't love them, but I do understand their appeal, and there are a few tracks that I do love.
Check Your Head seems to be a mixture of styles, and a lot chiller than Licence to Ill. There are a lot more instrumental segments, and the vocals are a lot less 'Beastie-Boyish'. So Watcha Want is the closest it gets to classic BB rapping. Another highlight is Time for Livin' which is takes me straight back to their hardcore punk roots.

kurtkurtkurt:

I've fallen behind on my Responsibilities.

Time for Livin' and Funky Boss are my two favorite tracks of the album. I don't know why but Funky Boss always made my head bob and put a smile on my face. Also Beastie Boys are actually not to bad at being a punk band (Here's their EP Polly Wog Stew).

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 4/10 (Some decent tracks, but not a fan overall)

Modern Guilt by Beck

Stuckski:

For the life of me I can't stay awake long enough to actually pay close attention to the music here. This album is like fuckin' NyQuil on my brain.  All the beats are slow and plodding, dragging me down farther and farther into drowz.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

RATINGS:

Stuckski:  5/10 (10/10 if you want music to play before you go to bed)

Tongue N' Cheek by Dizzee Rascal

Stuckski:

Wow..sorry Kurt.

As a rule I prefer UK Grime to most anything the U.S. hiphop scene produces (I say 'as a rule' because there are definitely exceptions). Dizzee Rascal has a great lyrical style, and I love his faster songs. There are not enough of them in this album for me to really enjoy it. The highlight is the Armand van Helden produced Bonkers, which is one of my favorite tracks ever. Aside from that it's a struggle to find something positive to say about this  album. I guess Dance Wiv Me has some nice little riffs..meh.

RATINGS:

Stuckski: 4/10 (Almost completely earned by Bonkers)

The Essential Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan

Stuckski:

A good mix of Dylan hits. I always enjoy him as an easy listening option. I assume you know who he is/what kind of music he makes. My favorites are Maggie's Farm, Mr. Tambourine Man and All Along the Watch Tower.

I've heard people argue that Dylan is a better poet than a musician, but I've gotta say I love the harmonica and guitar accompaniments.

RATINGS:
Stuckski: 7/10

Get Warmer by Bomb the Music Industry.

Stucksksi:

I've been sitting here trying to think about something to say about Bomb the Music Industry. Something aside from the fact that they're awesome. Or that all their music is free. I also don't want to go on about how they're one of the paragons of the DYI movement.  So you know what, fuck it. Go to this link, download their albums, and experience the revolution yourself: http://quoteunquoterecords.com/btmi.php

(P.S. if you need some convincing, check out these tracks)

kurtkurtkurt:

BTMI is one of my favorite bands right now. They're everything right with music. Get warmer was a great album. Download it and everything they've made.

RATINGS:

Stuckski: 9/10
kurtkurtkurt: 9/10

F-Minus - F-Minus

kurtkurtkurt:

Just letting Stuckski carry the blog for a bit I suppose...

F-Minus is straight up Hardcore Punk. Coming in at a total of 16 minutes 27 seconds this 19 track album doesn't have a song lasting longer than 2 minutes. In fact most of them don't make it past the 1 minute mark. This is something I've always enjoyed about (some) punk bands, lack of verse/chorus structure. Songs wind up being "Verse, Verse, Verse" or "Chorus x4" or "Bridge."

Anyways good for if you're in an angry mood.

edit:
Here are the first 3 songs put into one video.

Stuckski:

Sometimes a wall of sound is a good thing. I like.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 6/10

Cage the Elephant by Cage the Elephant

Stuckski:
I was interested in this band for one reason . That's the intro for possibly my favorite First Person Shooter ever, Borderlands. What a great intro, amirite? Seriously, if you haven't played this game you should go out and shoot yourself...and if you survive go and buy it. This from a guy who doesn't even really like shooters that much!
OK, OK...before this turns into a review/masturbatory session over Borderlands let's get on with the review.

Cage the Elephant is very much reminiscent of the White Stripes at times. The singer definitely has some Jack White influences in his vocals. Holy shit I just realized there is a Jack Black and a Jack White...if they ever meet will the universe implode?

But yeah, this album starts fairly strong, but I lost interest as the album wore on. It seems like they put all their effort into the first five tracks and then just sort of phoned in everything else. The highlights are definitely Ain't no Rest for the Wicked and the opening track In One Ear. Both feature the kind of talking/singing vibe.

kurtkurtkurt:
If I were to review this album off the two songs Stuckski linked to (which I am) I'd say. "Hey, this band isn't that bad."

Hey, this band isn't that bad.

These songs are both upbeat, danceable, and catchy. Also I, like Stuckski, adore Borderlands (which may bias my score).
RATINGS:
Stuckski: 6/10
kurtkurtkurt: 7/10

Paid To Cum 1978-1981 LP

Stuckski:

Hey avid readers! We're back after a summer break. And that's all we're going to say about that.

Sometimes there is an LP that is hard to dissect because it is pretty much one whole. Often this is the case for concept albums and -to a lesser degree- rock operas. Paid to Cum is also hard to pick apart for a different reason: it's essentially just a best of album. It leaves the impression that if you were at a live show it would be awesome, but as an LP it lacks that something special to set it apart. I'm not saying it isn't a good album if you like classic punk (which I do), just that there is nothing there that will set it apart from any of the many other punk bands from that era. There is not a bit of the reggae tones that feature in their other albums here (except for the excellent I against I , and then only the faintest hints of it). I guess what I'm saying is this: If you like punk you'll like this; if you don't than this album won't change your mind.


RATINGS
Stuckski: 7/10

Stab City / Chotto Ghetto - Simpler Times

kurtkurtkurt:

This is a Quote Unquote Records album. AKA it is free. As a whole it's pretty okay. I had high hopes that Master Blaster was a reference to Blaster Master, the NES game. I'm pretty sure it's not. Chotto Ghetto has a hardcore sound sans screaming. Which i think is a plus for me, I like yelling more anyways. Stab City's singer reminds me of The Hives a bit.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10

Nirvana - Nevermind

kurtkurtkurt:

You know upon another listen I think I like the idea of Nirvana better than Nirvana sometimes. While I'm able to sing along to almost all of the songs (who hasn't heard Smells Like Team Spirit a billion times) I guess I just wasn't into it today.

Stuckski:
 As opposed to the live version MTV version we reviewed earlier, I'm okay with Nevermind. Shocking, no? Something in the Way, Polly and Breed are the highlights for me. The rest of the album is in a similar style, but tends to be fairly boring. I think of Nirvana as one of those bands that spearheaded something relatively new, and as such they are important...but they're really not that great (my opinion obviously, not fact)

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10 (The interwebs legally won't allow me to give this a failing rating.)
Stuckski: 5/10

Aesop Rock - Float

kurtkurtkurt:
This is pretty mediocre. Definitely very okay. I'm not really big into rap or hip-hop so I'm probably not the best judge of it. There were beats I guess?

Stuckski:
Aesop Rock just doesn't work as a straight-up rapper, he needs to have a singer alongside him to complement his jumbled and somewhat incomprehensible vocals. His rapping style is simply not powerful enough to stand on it's own.
This is a pity because his music features great beats, and utilizes samples masterfully ( the jazzy overtones in Commencement at the Obedience Academy are delightful).
I get the feeling that the rapper really doesn't have anything particular to say, and that may be why the vocals fall so flat. Directionless verbosity works fine when it isn't the sole focal point of the music ...but it doesn't work here.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 3/10
Stuckski: 4/10

Cake - Prolonging the Magic

kurtkurtkurt:

When I lived in Colorado 93.3 KTCL loved to play Let Me Go. Since then I have been forever a fan of Cake. I love when they do Rock, I love when they do Country, I love their trumpet. Pretty much I'm pretty big into the band. Something about his half talking half singing always was appealing to me. They were definitely one of those defining "Alt Rock" 90s band.

Stuckski:

It's hard to categorize Cake's music. At it's core are the the basic drum and bass beats, and the singer rambling his way through surreal lyrics, almost a strange, slow, melodic version of 90's hip-hop. Around this core you have the guitar and horns wandering aimlessly in and out of the compositions. Add to this a pinch of electronica here and there and you've got a prime recipe for Cake. Taken separately, nothing being done is especially groundbreaking or different, but once it all comes together the result is a kind of gestalt music, almost a genre of it's own.
Guess I like it.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 8/10

Leon Redbone - Champagne Charlie

kurtkurtkurt:

I first heard Leon Redbone when I found his album On the Track in my parents record collection. He has a deep voice and is usually recognized as that guy who sang a duet with Zoe Deschanel for that one movie about Christmas. He has an old time-y jazz feel, moving into dixieland in some of his stuff. Unfortunately Champagne Charlie doesn't have the same flare as the one my parents had. It feels toned down and kinda who cares. It's alright I suppose though.

Stuckski:

Well that's better, Kurt. In some ways Redbone is similar to Hank Williams, but whereas Hank is decidedly country, Leon opts for more of a jazzy sound. The guitar- and even the vocals- of both share many characteristics ( although Redbone does a much better job at avoiding -for the most part- the whole 'cracking voice syndrome' that seems so popular with crooners). It's amazing what the addition of some brass instruments can do for a song.
On the downside, this is very much an album that is eminently forgettable, the quintessential 'background music'. I've listened to it twice, and I still don't think I would be able to pick out any of the tracks by name. Champagne Charlie is destined to forever be lost amidst the sea of jazzy albums that I play on random when I'm feeling moody.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 5/10

Hank Williams - The Complete Hank Williams (Disc 2)

kurtkurtkurt:
Pretty much you can probably look at the last review and get the just of what I think of the album. It's fantastic (go us for differing in opinions recently!) My Bucket's Got A Hole In It is probably one of Hank's most recognizable songs (it's well deserved.) Quite frankly I still love this.

Stuckski:

Gee Willikers, thanks Kurt, another Hank Williams album!
        We reviewed one of the other discs in this collection earlier, and I managed to somehow avoid being negative about an album in a genre that I have little patience for. Those halcyon days of tolerance are now irrevocably over however,  as I'm rapidly losing patience with ol' Hank's country twang. There are still some 'islandy' guitar riffs that remind me of the beach and warmer climes, but it no longer makes up for all the other little irritants.
         Every time Hanks voice cracks while singing I want to reach down his throat and punch his vocal chords. Every time the fiddle starts into it's infuriatingly predictable bits, I  just want to.....HOLY SHIT IS THAT CHRISTIAN BALE ON THE COVER, WHAT THE FUCK!?


RATINGS:


kurtkurtkurt: 9/10 (it's all good)
Stuckski: 3/10 (guitar's still good)

Anti-Flag - The Terror State

kurtkurtkurt:
Politically driven punk is their game and they aren't afraid to shy away from it. Several of their songs, Mind the G.A.T.T. and Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L.), even use some of President Bush's speeches riddle throughout them. As a punk band I've always admired that they kept a healthy mixture of aggressive vocals and harmonizing. Overall pretty solid.

Stuckski:
 I've always been pretty suspicious of politically charged bands, mostly because I think that limiting yourself to writing about just one topic restricts the kind music you can create. I don't mind political songs, but I think NOFX is an example of a band that does manage to address politics without getting pigeonholed as purely political punk: for every Murder the Government there's a Bob, if you will.
So when I saw this album popping up on the review list, my first thought was: "Oh fuck, here we go, another boring hour of somebody screaming angrily". Thankfully my fears where misplaced, and The Terror State is a hugely enjoyable album. I can't vouch for the lyrics, as I never really pay attention to them, but the music exceeded my expectations at every turn. Well, honestly it didn't start out all peachy; after the comparatively weak first two tracks  (Death of A Nation and Fuck the Flag), I was about ready to throw in the flag myself. They seemed to confirm my fears: no one was quite screaming yet, but it wasn't much more than shouting over a generic punk beat, nothing new there. However, I reminded myself of my sacred duties as a reviewer and pushed on... and to my great surprise encountered Mind the G.A.T.T.; The musical progressions were switched up to something a little less predictable and the band actually started singing and even harmonizing. It was lovely. The album continued to switch it up between shouting, visceral punk and some more subdued tracks, even throwing in the acoustic Protest Song.
Twelve short songs later I was disappointed not to have any more of the album to listen to.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 9/10

Yann Tiersen - Goodbye, Lenin! OST

kurtkurtkurt:
This is a quaint little soundtrack. I absolutely love all of the songs with the strong woodwind and brass sections. Birthday Preparation and The Dutch Mark is Coming were both gorgeous, the latter of which seemed to have an orchestra as well. Unfortunately the piano driven pieces were all kinda boring to me. You had such power and intrigue with the woodwinds (you don't get to hear them used as much nowadays) but the piano was made strictly for the backing up the movie I suppose. Whatevs still pretty cool.

Stuckski:

 All I have to say that I love the piano piece, perhaps because it always amazes me how one instrument can be used to evoke such a wide variety of moods. The tracks utilize pretty basic chord progressions and melodies, but combine to create the perfect accompaniment for the moments in the film. Watching Lara is a beautiful example of that. Not that the wind and brass tracks aren't great either! Decant is brief but evocative and reminds me of those old Disney cartoon soundtracks where the music follows the action (think of the rainy day intro to Bambi). I guess I just felt the need to come out strongly for the piano. Because Kurt.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
stuckski: 9/10

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message

kurtkurtkurt:
I want to like this album more than I do. I know they're important and all, but I'm pretty bored listening to it. Songs could have been cut waaaaay down. Props to  The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on The Wheels of Steel though, I liked hearing all the samples.

Stuckski:
I like it when the bass goes a little crazy in She's fresh . Other than that though the beats in these songs are a little simplistic for my tastes.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 3/10
Stuckski: 4/10

Squirrel Nut Zippers - The Inevitable

kurtkurtkurt:

I love me some Squirrel Nut Zippers! The inevitable was one of their first albums I believe, I know it was before 'Hot' at least. Anyways these guys play kinda an old timey jazz that warms your heart. They're not nearly as chaotic on this album as other releases but they still got songs like Good Enough for Grandad that bring on the crazy or La Grippe that has a tango? flair to it. Overall this is enjoyable for sure.

Stuckski:

I don't actually own this album, so I just went through all the Squirrel Nut Zipper songs I have. It's pretty...different. This is one of those cases where I don't really have anything bad to say about the music, it's just not for me. I've had bad experiences with swing music, and some of this stuff hits too close to home, y'know?

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
Stuckski: 3/10

Five Iron Frenzy - Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo

kurtkurtkurt:
It's unfortunate that the first Five Iron Frenzy album I have to review is my least favorite. This is after they decided they didn't really want to play Ska anymore and they turned into kinda a harder rock with Horns sort of group. While Reese still has an amazing voice (and lyrics) the music lost the sound I loved from the previous albums. I guess it all seemed pretty generic to me.

Stuckski:
I never got the appeal of Five Iron. Still don't.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 5/10
Stuckski: 3/10

Mashin' Up The Nation: The Best Of American Ska - Volumes I And II

kurtkurtkurt:

I have no idea where this album came from but it's pretty fun. It's a bunch of ska from the U.S. made in the late 80s most of which I was completely unfamiliar with. There's a few bigger names, however, Bim Skala Bim, The Bosstones and Gangster Fun to name a few. For the most part everything has a strong Two-Tone feel to it. Very, very danceable. The upside is that, although there are a few mediocre songs, The songs as a whole aren't bad.

Stuckski:

This album is a chill pill for the ears. I've heard that it was once standard practice for the police to respond to  calls about domestic disturbances by playing this to the couple in question. Soon everybody would be dancing and the whole incident would be forgotten.
Problem was, as soon as the police left with the music, it was forgotten and the couples just started arguing again.
All of this is a pretty pointless metaphor about an album that manages to be catchy and forgettable at the same time.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
Stuckski: 6/10

The Best of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

kurtkurtkurt:

Ella Fitzgerald Is probably my favorite female vocalist. The contrast between Armstrongs' gruff gravely voice and her clean beautiful voice really brings out how absolutely wonderful it is. I'm a bigger fan of earlier "Hot Jazz," traditionally, but this album still has a lot of good content in it. I Got my Love to Keep me Warm gives us a great taste of a true duet between the two of them and probably is my favorite song of the album.

Stuckski: 

I don't actually have this album, and since Kurt moved away I can't listen to his, so instead I listened to the various songs I have of Ella and Louis collaborating. Essentially the same thing, right? The only thought I really have is that these two fit together. Everything they do in a song sounds completely natural and unaffected. That said, I prefer Louis' trumpet to his voice so there could be a little more of that. Rating it a bit lower because Jazz really isn't my usual thing, I really have to be in the mood to listen to it.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 7/10

Stuckski: 6/10

Operation Ivy - Energy

kurtkurtkurt:

This is gonna be so cliché for me to give this album a perfect rating but I can't help it. This album fucking rocks. These guys essentially made ska/punk sound like it does today. There really aren't any songs that I don't like on this album. I never want to skip a single song when it comes onto my playlist. Stuckski might remember, but we covered Knowledge (poorly) the first time we ever played a show. I guess at the end of the day whenever Energy comes on I have to stop and smile. Everything seems like it's gonna be okay.

Stuckski:

It's good in that it led to many awesome things, but I'm going to say for pure enjoyment of the album, and setting aside any thoughts of what it did for the music scene as a whole, this album rates a solid 7 for me. After they forged the way for ska/punk other bands came and did it a bit better. However, they are forever a legend for being the ones to do it first.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 10/10
Stuckski: 7/10

Medium Rare by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

kurtkurtkurt:

UPDATE 6.18.2012

Weeelllll I'm a few months late on this review. ANYways.

Medium Rare came out after the Bosstones decided they were done with their hiatus. I think it was a bunch of B-Sides and what-not. It's not their best material for sure (I can't help it I love 'A Jackknife to a Swan' and 'Let's Face it').  It's alright Ska though in the end.

Stuckski:
The Bosstones are one of those bands that I don't listen to as much as I should. Every time I hear them playing in the background somewhere, I think to myself that I really should get one of their albums, but then I instantly forget about them.
Thanks to Kurtkurtkurt I have now listened to my first full album by them, and my first reaction is moderate enjoyment. They're not blowing my mind, but they also don't make me want to blow my brains out, so it evens out to a moderate win.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 7/10

Hang-Ups by Goldfinger

kurtkurtkurt:
I think the first time I ever heard these guys was in that movie King Pin Superman is on the soundtrack. Anyways these guys are pretty alright, they're up there with the other big 90s contenders of the ska/punk world. This album has, in my opinion, some of their better more memorable songs, but it was never as stand out as the rest of the the 90s scene.

Stuckski:
I'm in love with the nineties, and I ain't ashamed of it. The punk/ska from this era often gets overlooked, and even vilified as the beginning of the whole 'pop-punk' shit-storm that we're caught in these days, but -fuck it all- I still love it. Goldfinger is one of the bands (along with the Offspring, MxPx, Green Day, Dropkick Murphys, Reel Big Fish, and Blink 182 among others) that helped create in me a love for punk, and while I have branched out since then, these are the bands that I always come back to.

I bought Hang-ups and Turn off the Radio by Reel Big Fish at the same time from a second hand store. The covers looked cool, even though I hadn't heard of either of the bands. I think they cost me a combined $2.50. And that, boys and girls, is how I discovered ska. Hang-Ups isn't quite as good as the later 'Open Your Eyes'. But it is still pretty damn good.

RATINGS:
kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
Stuckski: 9/10

Folly - Insanity Later

kurtkurtkurt:

Sorry Stuckski.

So these guys are straight up hardcore/slam dance punch you in the face breakdown music, with a touch of ska thrown in to confuse the ska kid in me trying to skank. This album is very loud and agressive. Overall definitely not my cup of tea. I did enjoy Discussion is for the Pigs, which will give you a general feel for what they do, but I'm not always super big into screaming. I respect what they're trying to do overall, meshing two genres that seem like complete opposites, but it's hard to fully enjoy the results  for me.

Stuckski:

Well, there's a lot of screaming, I'm pretty sure these guys are pissed about something or other. Don't know what, because -once again- they are screaming. I hate screaming in music. Wait, let me elaborate for a second here: I love shouting and chants in most of my music, it adds to the energy and creates a great mood. Screaming is completely different: you can barely understand what they're saying and it just sounds like a choir of petulant 14-year olds. The few moments when the singer isn't screaming actually sound quite good. Pity he couldn't do that for the entire fucking album.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 4/10
Stuckski: 2/10

Secret Agent 8 - Secret Agent 8

kurtkurtkurt:

These guys are one of the bands that really, really got me into ska. I found these guys back when mp3.com was for artists just putting their work online. Their sound is like Third Wave Ska mixed in with some jazz. VERY strong horn section. Whenever I perform 'A Message to You Rudy' I always throw in a verse from their homage to it 'Rudi, What Happened to You?' (Sorry no youtube links unfortunately). These guys just always put me in a good mood whenever I play their music. If you can find yourself a copy of the album give it a listen to.

Stuckski:

There is a song called 'Beer's OK' on this album, and that pretty much epitomizes the entire album to me: chill. Everyone seems relaxed and happy, the brass section creates an upbeat rhythm, and they don't really seem too worked up about anything. Beer's OK and so's this album.



RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 10/10
Stuckski: 8/10

Alive Behind the Green Door by Flogging Molly

kurtkurtkurt:

If you ever get a chance to see these guys live do it. Probably some of the best shows I've ever seen were Flogging molly. Traditionally they put more energy into their live performances than you can feel on their albums. Unfortunately this album doesn't quite capture it as well (check out Live at the Greek Theater if you want a good live album by them). I think this was recorded pre Swagger? I'm not sure. Anyways it's still flogging molly which means it's still enjoyable.

Stuckski:

One of the few Celtic Punk bands to continue in the vein of the Pogues (most others seem to pick the Oi influenced stylings of Dropkick Murphies, Street Dogs, Flatfoot, et al), Flogging Molly is a pretty darn good band. Their live show is supposed to be good, and this album reflects that to a degree. Not just a dance and mosh show, more of a folk punk vibe. Easy listening if you're packed into a small bar, beer in hand, and just want the occasional chorus to chant along with. However, if you're looking to buy your first Flogging Molly album, I would recommend going with one of their studio albums.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 6/10

Change by The Dismemberment Plan

kurtkurtkurt:

This album is very 'Yawn'. I was kinda just waiting for most of the songs (whole album) to end so I could say my few words and review the next album.

Stuckski:

The problem I have with a lot of indie music is that they all start to sound very similar. If you made me listen to this album tomorrow there is no guarantee that I would recognize it, even though I had to listen to it several times to even be able to think of something -anything- to say about it. It's bland, boring and they don't sound like they'd be fun to watch live. Another cardinal sin in my books.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 2/10
Stuckski: 3/10

Streetcore by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros

kurtkurtkurt:

I feel like Joe Strummer was moving this direction for a while after The Clash. It all ended in a calm, smooth folk rock. He still has his gruff voice, but the agression is gone. He performs a beautiful rendition of Remdemption Song. It's worth a listen for sure for this song alone.

Stuckski:
Before you get all excited, this album is called Streetcore, but it isn't ACTUALLY streetcore. Once I got over my disappointment at that, I realized this was a pretty rockin' chill album. A lot of different instruments thrown into a style of music that I can't really describe. There's elements of reggae, country, rock...it's all over the place. Somehow it all blends into something decent, although not really that memorable.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
Stuckski: 6/10

Word is Bond by The Johnstones

EDIT: SHHHHiiiiiiiit! I'm late reviewing this. (kurtkurtrkurt)

kurtkurtkurt:

 Anyways this is a Stomp Records band. I acquired this album because I loved how bizarre this lead singers voice is. He sings in this high pitch gibberish sometimes. Anyways I love the music a lot, they're lyrics are much to be desired.

Stuckski:

Ummm is there a genre called 'bro-ska'? Decent musically. Not sure about some of the singing. L.A.D.I.E.S. was fantastic.


RATINGS:

kurtrkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 6/10

Dawn Metropolis by Anamanaguchi

kurtkurtkurt:

Man felt like I was in a video game. Seriously though made half an hour fly by with pure bliss while I was working. Matt links to all the songs below and I don't blame him. I aspire to be able to put down some phat 8bit sounds like that in my music. Props to these guys.

Stuckski:

26.1 minutes of Chippunk awesome. If you know Anamanaguchi at all it's from the kick-ass Scott Pilgrim soundtrack and Dawn Metropolis delivers with more of the same videogame awesomeness. They do a great job of combining instruments with the 8bit sounds to create a great mood in their songs.
What are the best tracks you ask? All of them, dear sir/madam. All of them.
Blackout City
Jetpack Blues
Dawn Metropolis
Danger Mountain
Overarrow
Tempest, Teamwork, Triumph (at sea)
Mermaid

Enjoy.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 9/10
Stuckski: 10/10

Fuck World Trade by Leftover Crack

kurtkurtkurt:

These guys are probably one of my favorite bands right now. I tend to disagree with most of their extreme politics and opposition to all religion, but damn if they don't make good music. They're a mixture of punk/ska/death metal seamlessly going through all three in some songs. Their ska Gang Control and folk ballad Soon We'll be Dead are personal highlights for me.

Stuckski:

I don't know what to make of Leftover Crack, their music is kind of all over the place. I really don't like the songs where the vocals tend almost towards screamo, but then the next song will be an awesome softer, almost folk punk track like Soon We'll be Dead. In between are some real nice punk gems. Gringos Son Puercos Feos reminds me of some of the older NOFX material, which is always a good thing. And the hidden instrumental at the end of Operation: M.O.V.E. hit me in the right spot for some reason. I'd say the second half of this album is better than the first by far.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 9/10
Stuckski: 6/10

Best of 2001-2009 by Rasmus

kurtkurtkurt:

Umm... The album cover looks kinda cool? It doesn't help their generic rock sound, but  I think it's the most positive thing I can say about the album. I suppose I can also say "They're a band who plays their instruments and form songs." So they've got that much going for them.

Stuckski:

I had to resist the urge to take a hatchet to my music collection before starting this music blog. I almost convinced myself that it would be preferential to admitting owning some of the pop albums I do (see Aguilera, Christina). Now that we've been through a few reviews, I realize that what I'm really embarrassed about is all these generic rock albums I own. I mean, the Rasmus? Who the fuck are these guys, and how on earth do they have enough music to create a 'best of' album spanning eight years?! They sound like a Linkin Park knock-off, in a bad way.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 1/10
Stuckski: 2/10

Specials by The Specials

kurtkurtkurt:

My love for this band goes back to when I first truly started exploring music. It wasn't until middle school when I began to be able to use the internet to find music. Since there were a multitude of programs (Napster) that allowed ease to acquiring music I began to broaden my musical (ska) horizons. While they were hardly the first Ska band I ever heard and not the band that got me into the music (Five Iron Frenzy and a multitude of other Christian Ska bands take that title) this album gained a place in my heart the more I listened to it and I learned more about the genre.

As far as albums go The Specials' Specials is one of my favorite albums of all time.

A Message To You Rudy, Little Bitch and Gangsters are a good sampling from this album.

(Note to peeps. My version is the U.S. version so it includes their song Gangsters which is not on the original UK pressing.)

Stuckski:

Well, they're pretty...special. HAHAHAHHAHA...Get it?! Super cool joke there, I'm really topping myself this time. I've already mentioned my feelings about two-tone ska on previous posts (recap: they're good feelings), and the Specials are the kings of two-tone. Love 'em, and love this album. One a side note, when I spent about one second filling in as guitarist for my friend's band The Openers (who have since reached level 16 and evolved into Use the Boost, a chip-punk extravaganza), we covered A Message for You Rudy, and that is -to date- still the only ska song I know how to play. Who was that friend who's band I was in, you ask? Why nobody else but the fan-fuckin-tastic mr Kurtkurtkurt himself!


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 10/10
Stuckski: 9/10

Your Favorite Weapon by Brand New

kurtkurtkurt:

Well that sucked. I mean I guess I've heard worse (Seether) but still pretty terrible. Biggest disappointment was Soco Amaretto Lime. I thought to myself "Oh, it's gonna be a fun upbeat song. Surely if the song title is a mixed drink. WRONG.
Stuckski:

I don't know what's up with this album, but I was bored to tears listening to it, and that is the only flaw I cannot forgive. I think it's supposed to be some kind of pop-punk or something, not sure. Generic, boring...yawn.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 2/10
Stuckski: 1/10

Anthology of Releases: 2001-2003 by Career Suicide

kurtkurtkurt:

This album is great, it's an hour long and has 44 songs on it. These guys go from blitzkrieg fast with You Call this a Life? to the more traditional 80s hardcore sounds of Moron. Definitely pit material. Get ye some!

Stuckski:

If I had to describe hardcore punk in one word, I would probably choose "Energy". Hardcore is about leaving behind all the complicated affectations we add to our music and getting down to the raw energy underneath. I've never listened to Career Suicide before, but from the first track to last, I was sucked in by the raw chaotic simplicity of their music. I can only imagine how awesome their live show is! If you don't feel like moshing and headbanging while listening to this music, you are probably seriously deficient somehow. Seriously, go get yourself checked out.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 9/10
Stuckski: 9/10

Monkeys for Nothin' and Chimps for Free by Reel Big Fish

kurtkurtkurt:

This album is very, very mediocre. I mean, I know Reel Big Fish have been pumping out records and surely you hit dry spells in creativity... But I think that's when you don't release anything.  Pretty much from start to end this is bland. UGH! Reel Big Fish why do you disappoint me!

Stuckski:

If this album were by any other band than Reel Big Fish, I would probably give it a seven or eight. But, c'mon RBF! You guys are responsible for Turn the Radio Off and Cheer Up! Is this really the best you could do? You disappoint me. You could at least have released this huge pile of average under a fake name, so I could go on blissfully pretending that everything you guys make is awesome.


RATINGS:
kurtkurtkurt: 3/10
Stuckski: 4/10

Evil Empire by Rage Against the Machine

kurtkurtkurt:

You know, I thought I liked album more than I actually did. I guess a lot of it boils down to if I am listening to songs and asking myself "Is this still the same song?" I'm not saying that bands can't write long songs, by all means there are bands that do it well. I just think that it wasn't working for me on this album or today or something.

Stuckski:

"Hey, I'm kinda angry, can you tell?" If this is what the singer is trying to get across, it's working. And you know what? I'm OK with that. Angry music is nice sometimes.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 5/10
Stuckski: 7/10

Toxicity by System of a Down

kurtkurtkurt:

I feel like if Danny Elfman would have decided to create metal after Oingo Boingo instead of become a famous movie composer System of  a Down is roughly what he would have made. These guys were all the rage when we moved to Arkansas back in the day (and Metallica and Slipknot and A Perfect Circle and Tool. Metal was king there.) I've always enjoyed the song Chop Suey, but I feel that they need to cut out almost whole minutes in some of their songs for me to enjoy the Album more.

Stuckski:

What the hell kinda genre does System of a Down play anyways?! Circus Metal is about as close as I can get to describing it. Chaotic and hilarious, with songs like Bounce and Psycho especially keeping me laughing. The singer's voice is unique in a 'crazy homeless person shouting' kind of way, and is probably where I get the 'circus' vibe from. All in all, one of my favorite albums.

RATINGS:
kurtkurtkurt: 7/10
Stuckski: 10/10

MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana

kurtkurtkurt:

It's definitely not the strongest Nirvana album but it's still alright. I guess this went out to prove that they could make not loud music or something (Or it was just MTV unplugged and you can only be so loud on an acoustic set). Anyways most of their songs that they make acoustic turned out very eh. Their covers, on the other hand, definitely stand out. Lake of Fire and Plateau I thought were both pretty good.

Stuckski:

Come nigh you heathens and listen to my holy words, for I am the ultimate HIPSTER! While everybody else worships this album, and claims it is the most awesome thing ever, I say...meh. Seriously though, I don't really see the point of this music. It doesn't affect my mood in any way, it's just some dude quietly moaning to himself about some Lake of Fire, a chick named Polly, and some more inanities. Quite frankly: it's boring.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 4/10

Shootenanny! by the Eels

kurtkurtkurt:

I couldn't put my finger on it for the whole album, but the lead singer sounds like Beck on certain songs (slow Sea Change era Beck). Anyways, these guys were alright, somber as hell, but alright. I'd definitely have to be in the right mood to listen to this over and over, or want to be in the right mood, or something. I'm not normally trying to be depressed so I can't say that it'd be too often. I did, however, enjoy having a horn section on the bluesy opening track All In a Day's Work. (well I just enjoyed that track in general I guess).

Stuckski:

If you're a lonely alcoholic -as I aspire to be- then Shootenanny provides the perfect soundtrack for your daily tryst with that bottle of liquor. Gentle and melancholy, it is especially effective if you're drinking to forget...well anything. The rough vocals go down surprisingly smooth when you chase it with some gentle keyboard and a shot of rhythmic guitar. If rum is your poison of choice, then I recommend chugging it to the sounds of Love of the Loveless, which will lead you smoothly into oblivion. If you're more of a vodka person, then Agony might be for you, a harsher sound for a harsher drink. If it's whiskey you're wanting, then fuck you. Whiskey is awful.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 6/10
Stuckski: 9/10

Statesboro Blues: The Early Years 1927 -1935 (Disc 3) by Blind Willie McTell

kurtkurtkurt:

I got into blues/country/bluegrass/folk a few years back and that's where I got this. It's really interesting this album kinda slaps every single recording he ever made together into one giant album. You end up getting several recording of the same song, just a different take, and where songs would be shelved as a b-side or just generally mediocrity they've been placed into this collection. His voice is okay, but just not quite there. Unfortunately he's no Leadbelly or Robert Johnson and it shows.


Stuckski:

My own pappy loves playing guitar, and has instilled a love in me for blues and bluegrass, so I enjoyed Willie's guitar. His voice isn't quite so entertaining, and as for the lady who regularly throws in vocals...well let's just say I really wish she hadn't. I really, really do.
All in all, the guitar doesn't really make up for a lot of the grating vocals, and the mediocre sound quality (yeah, I know it's how most of the thirties sounded...and I don't give a fuck).


RATINGS:

kurtrkurtkurt: 4/10
Stuckski: 5/10 (Nice guitar can only make up for so much)

Fragile by Seether

kurtkurtkurt:

This album sucks. I can't bring myself to say any good things about it. I can't stand post-grunge, not one of those bands has made music you can get behind. Seether your music is BORING.

Stuckski:

Imagine if Creed and Nickelback somehow managed to have a lovechild. Thoroughly nauseated yet? Well the result of that union would be something not quite unlike Seether. At some point these guys got together and asked themselves one question: "How can we make the most money for the least amount of effort?". This is incidentally the origin story of most post-grunge alt-rock bands.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 1/10
Stuckski: 1/10

Until We Die by A Global Threat

kurtkurtkurt:

Good news everyone!

This album is good just like the last A Global Threat album we reviewed. Now with more songs called Filthy Greedy Guilty. This album has a little less recording quality than the previous album we reviewed, which for punk doesn't mean a thing. "Hey you're gravely yell is a little better quality in this recording. Also when you're quickly playing as many chords as you possibly can do you think you could clean it up a tad?"

Stuckski:

Hey there neighbor, still pissed about that Global Threat party I threw a coupla nights ago? Well that's too bad, because I'm crankin' it even louder tonight, and it's gonna get real! I'm gonna play an even louder album, and have even more fun. You should come over, I'll keep a fifth of vodka cool for ya. Hope to see you soon.
-Chuck the Punk


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 9/10

First Crush EP by Sabrepulse

kurtkurtkurt:

I'm torn between not being a huge fan of electronica and being a huge fan of chiptune. I mean, I'm jealous of some of the sounds this guy can make (because I need to implant it into my music). However, I prefer my chiptune with less electronica and more of a traditional video game feel (unlike Stuck I DID play a lot of video games as a child).

Stuckski:

Here's a little secret for all you wippersnappers: I didn't actually play that many vidyagames when I was little. One of my friends had a NES that I played maybe once or twice a year, and that's it. Not until college did I get into all the classic games, thanks to some really nerdy friends I made (thanks Drew, Hans, Kurt, Kyle and company). Try to keep it on the dl, I've got a reputation to keep up.
All this to say that the sense of nostalgia I get while listening to chiptune is entirely artificial. But you know what? I can live with that. Also, this EP is good like a grilled cheese sammich.

<edit> Kurt, you do realise that chiptune IS electronica right?

<edit> Every day of my life.

RATINGS:
Stuckski: 8/10

kurtkurtkurt: 5/10

Where The Sun Never Sets by A Global Threat

kurtkurtkurt:

Mmmmmm! Some good ol' fashioned Punk Rock. Good taste in my mouth! They're political and angry, like most punk. 10 of their 18 tracks on this album don't even reach the two minute mark jus the way I like it! I wouldn't say they stand out in any way to other punk bands, but that's not always a bad thing. The Running Man is one of my favored tracks for it's featuring of the bass as the lead instrument (at least at the beginning).

Stuckski:

What's that? It's 9:30pm and you're trying to get to sleep so you can be rested for work tomorrow? Oh dear, the asshole next door is blasting his devil's music and you can't get to sleep? Surprise bitch! That asshole is me, and I'm listening to Where The Sun Never Sets, so fuck off!
Ahhh punk, it just makes me want to chug some 40s, spray-paint something lewd on the walls and then kick a hole in it for good measure. Good times.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10
Stuckski: 8/10

Un Coeur Comme le Mien by Axelle Red

kurtkurtkurt:

I guess I wasn't in a calm music mood when I listened to this today. It was very long and tiresome. I guess she has an alright voice. I dunno just wasn't into it.

Stuckski:
Fun fact: this lady is the top selling Belgian artist ever, mostly because she was hella popular in France. Despite my lingering distaste for all things related to that country, I admit I do have a weakness for women crooning in French. If punk is my energetic Extacy, then the Chanson genre is my spliff: One is for when I'm pumped up and energetic, the other for me to listen to when I want to relax and chill. Well, enough of my borderline dumbass metaphors. Peace.


RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 5/10
Stuckski: 8/10