Bwah! Ok, here I go pretending anyone on the earth is even looking at this. But I'm giving no shits, because I need a spot to jot stuff down.

 

Just found out about this group Dr. Dog and their new record "Fate" which I am currently playing on repeat. A great little indie rock/pop group with strong routes in classic rock song craft. the overlaying melodies are pretty well thought out and give the guys a sound all their own. Though if I had to pin it down, which I constantly try to do, I'd say it's like The Band filtered through mid 2000s indie pop with a little Of Montreal thrown in on backing vocals. Check it out if you think that sounds like something worth err....checking out.

 

Kool Keith. This guy is nuts. I've grown quite fond of his Dr. Octagon character, more specifically, the major label reissue of his debut album "Dr. Octagonologist". I think back to the time it was released and what was major in hip/hop at the time. It was the bridge between gangsta and party. Everything was either very gritty and angry or super shiny and upbeat. Keith was doing something completely different. It's raw, it's dirty and it is intensely weird. I'm not going to even pretend that I get the point of most of it. But the complex rhymes do unfold in a way that keeps you waiting for what he'll say next (which, more often than not, ends up being something about poop). I think he laid the groundwork for the underground revolution that followed. Most of his later work has failed to measure up, critically to that first record. He may not ever make a statement so grand. But for a former psychiatric patient at bellevue, one genre defining album ain't bad.

 

Dr. Octagon - Blue Flowers video.

I had a phenomenal time tonight. This was an uncommon show for me. I wasn't on the floor! But the show kicked my ass in so many sense, it didn't matter. First off, I actually went to see the Queens tonight. I saw them a few months back and have always followed them. I am a Nine Inch Nails fan, but more a one album kinda guy. Well that all changed tonight. DFA was interesting, their audience was pretty small but they played to the whole place. A giant amount of noise from a very small amount of person. They didn't really turn my crank but I appreciated the effort. Kudos on the drumming/singing too. Queens of the Stoneage were fucking on. "The Lost Art of keeping a Secret" I love that song and neve get sick of hearing it, or saying the name. they nailed that and alot more. The sound was perfect, though I knew it would be. With all that custom gear, they're not out to sound like everyone else. Josh wailed, the whole band played amazingly. But Josh had it down, note for note. nailing his Jim Morrison, aclimated to the 00's, sound dead on. The hecklers were hilarious, really got the crowd on his side, by pulling a little Andrew Dice Clay. It was great to see them again. And Nine Ninch Nails. I could not believe the sound they had. It was a white wash of guitar tones and the synth and the DRUMMING man, it was really tight and really sharp. I had no clue they could rock so hard. As I mentioned I only know one album really well and thats the Fragile, so my favorites of the night are a bit biased. But you cannot deny "the Wretched" was dead on! I also lost it for "March of the Pigs" and "Hurt" as I belieive most everyone else did. That song was huge for me in high school it was nice to see so many people have a personal connection to it. If Johnny Cash covered it, that makes it an instant classic right? Like everyone else, I too was upset about the Barricade thing. But honestly people, booing wasn't making it any better. They were totally right to stop the show to fix it, and the break was kind of all worht it once "Wish" started blasting off. The show after that had great intensity.Oh wow! I couldn't wrap my head around the light show, there was always something new to look at. Very flashy. The "short film" was a cool touch. All the insects and 'natural world ' footage looked really interesting when slowed down and juxtaposed with war scenes and shots of George bush dancing. We consume too much. War is terrible, especially if motivated by greed. And I think technology is taking over. But if its going to sound like that....bring it on.

Today I got a taste of a couple albums I was thrilled about! The Black Eyed Peas newest (Monkey Business) as well as (drum roll please) the brand spankin' new Foo Fighters double album opus "In Your Honor". Thought I'd share my errr thoughts, feelings and hoighty toighty opinions with well myself as I'm sure I'm the only person reading this thing.

I was really hoping the Peas would follow "Elephunk" up with another stellar album, to show everyone they're not just flash-in-the-pan one hit wonders. I have to say, I am slightly disapointed. Is it funky? Yes. Is it still a booty shakin' groove-fest? yes and no. The peas have come back hard, maybe too hard. Serving up a set of disjointed beats some of which are very minimalistic. Though there is nothing wrong with minimalist beats in hip hop (The southern crunk scene has been milking that titty for a few years now) the members of BEP are not strong enough lyricists to pull it off. Repetitive lines, rhyming the same sound and absurd chants fill alot of the songs. "My Humps" is one such track about Fergie's God given physical attributes (or"Luscious Lady Lumps" as she refers to them) . The record isn't without its gems. There is a great list of guests, the likes of Jack Johnson, Cee-Lo, Justin Timberlake and the almighty Sting, who keep things interesting. However it is these tracks which stand out the most. Timberlakes contribution to "My Style" is fantastic, bringing the hook to life, it'd make a great single. Jack Johnson's laid back surfer flavor give "Going Gone" a needed boost. The standout track is "Union" on which Sting reminds us all how cool a white guy singing reggae inflected pop can be. Not a terrible album by any means but it doesn't live up to the hype either. 3/5

The Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl. In the 2 years since One By One Dave Grohl has been a busy man. Between drumming with Queen's of the Stoneage (formerly) and putting together Probot, his speed/death/thrash metal side project it is surprising for him to come back with a double disc of some of his best material to date. In your Honor is a behemoth of an album. The two discs showcase the two sides of The Foo's. The first being a hard driving straight forward rock record. Raucous, melodic, driving and masterfuly crafted, Dave and the boys play their asses off on the ten tracks. All the tracks are emotionally charged as is customary with the Foo's, "The Last Song" showcases this. Key tracks include the riff drven "Free Me", the heartfelt "The Deepest Blues are Black" and the disc finale/mini epic "End Over End". 4.5/5

I know what you're saying "But what about the second disc?" Hey man! I gotta sleep, so it'll be up in the morning! Stay Frosty

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The Coz