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

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

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

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

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

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

City Baby's Revenge by Charged G.B.H.

kurtkurtkurt:

Charged G.B.H. basically helmed the UK's Hardcore Punk scene in the 80s. City Baby's Revenge is fast, loud and rough. It's pit material if I've ever heard it. On this album in particular the opening songs are stronger, they slow it down a bit towards the end and it just doesn't work as well. Check out Prayer of the Realist or Wardogs.

Stuckski:

UK Punk has always been one of my favorite subgenres, and Charged G.B.H. don't disappoint. A pure punk album from beginning to end, City Baby's Revenge is one long ride of chaotic drums, bass and guitar, accompanied by hoarsely shouted vocals. If you like punk, you'll like this. Unless you're one of those Panic at the Disco pussies. In which case…piss off. Faster, Faster probably gives a good taste of what these guys are all about.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10

Stuckski: 8/10

14:59 by Sugar Ray

kurtkurtkurt:

Another middle school era album. The turn of the century had a lot of good things coming out of it, especially music. Sugar Ray pumped out this beauty that just warms your heart. Everyone was rolling with this feel good rock, canned beats and turntables.

Ignoring the joke intro, the album kicks off strong with their single Every Morning. You're gently caressed by it's catchy guitar riffs. Well that and being asked to shut the door baby. Don't say a word. Someday feels like a lazy sunday afternoon on summer vacation, easing you into the, surprising, punk Aim for Me. I think the only song I've never been sold on is Abracadabra, always felt kinda cheesy.

Stuckski:

Nineties music has a special place in my heart... and it doesn't get much more nineties than Sugar Ray. There's really not much I can say about 14:59 other than that it is upbeat and fun. Every Morning is one of those hits that will probably make it onto classic rock stations in a decade or so. Aim for Me is an awesomely loud punk track. Listen to it, enjoy it, thank me. That's about it.

RATINGS:

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10 (We need to stop agreeing, make things more interesting)
Stuckski: 8/10

EDIT:
Stuckski: Just wait for all those rave and d&b albums to kick in kurt...

FABulous Greatest Hits by Prince Buster

kurtkurtkurt:

I love me some Trad Ska. Prince Buster knew how to sing him some songs, granted like most things in the 60s many contained sexist overtones. Also he had a lot of graphic songs about sex. But more importantly Prince Buster keeps an overall "Feel Good" to his songs. The album makes me smile and relax. 30 Pieces of Silver is probably the highlight of the album, the dual vocals during many of the parts, to me, captures one of the greatest parts of this music.

Stuckski:

Two and a half words: Two. Tone. Ska. There are few happier sounds in this world! Once that upbeat tempo kicks in you can't help but feel like the world really is a happy place after all. Prince Buster delivers exactly that: some feel-good music that keeps your toes tapping and your head bobbing from start to finish. Pure fun. I'd have to say my favorite track was probably their rendition of My Girl.

RATINGS:

Stuckski: 8/10

kurtkurtkurt: 8/10

Oink! by Hog Hoggidy Hog

kurtkurtkurt:

My sister's Ex showed me this band. He (and they) are from South Africa.

They lay down some nice ska/punk I can't complain about. I think their brass section is a little weaker on some of their songs than I'd like, but not bad. Just weak (exceptions being "Aunty Trish"). Their strengths lie in songs like "Cold Fusion" where the music is catered to the strengths of a horn section playing the same thing together, almost a Voodoo Glow Skulls type feel.

Stuckski:

I cannot tell a lie: it felt good to finally get a punk ska album to review. So if my review seems overly positive, it's just the punk withdrawal talking. That said, this album was a big surprise to me. Based on the name and cover, I was expecting crappy pop-punk or something similar. Instead I got an album that was reminiscent of everything I love about such bands as Catch22, Streetlight Manifesto, Skanking Pickle, etc... This is a very solid ska punk album, and you can't really ask for much more than that.
Best song: African Son (adding some traditional South African music influences really makes this song the standout in my books)

RATINGS:

Stuckski: 8/10
Kurtkurtkurt: 8/10 Because I like ska/punk.