12-29-18
Hey! 2018 is over. How did that happen?
* Jeez, we went to a lot of places! Concerts included Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson, Ghost, Foo Fighters, Elton John, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Machine Head (x2), Steven Wilson, Life Of Agony (x2), Live, Radiohead, Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer, Black Label Society w/COC--wow! We also got to see a festival of lights and pro golf in Akron with friends. The Warhol museum. Cleveland Museum. Randyland (Erin was lukewarm on that one). Just a wonderful year of traveling and doing random things for enjoyment. I think we crammed five years of things into this single year. We're hoping to do the same in 2019 though--uhhh--we're old.
* My wife and I both lost about 40 pounds each. We don't really post about it a lot because it's a constant struggle, and we're always fighting the inevitable poundage put-back. The holidays don't help, either. But we've just been eating cleaner and working out. She rides a bike and I do a lot of walking. Yoga and Kettlebells here and there. While I'm proud of the work and progress, the hardest part is keeping it off. We started in February and I hit my goal in July. I am happy about what we've done, but the looming return of bad habits is like a monster with big, sharp, pointy teeth (as Tim from Holy Grail would say). It's gonna be a grind!
* We started the basement this past week, with the help of my wonderful friend, Mr. Shimko. That guy is a building beast! Eventually, we want to have the entire basement finished (which I said would happen somewhere between 2016 and 2025). So, we've got a good head start.
* I've dropped the ball in the music area. I've got a bunch of original songs waiting. KKC got to play a 20 year show. Played some covers, which was fun--and got to play with some people I really respect and appreciate. I just feel like I'm wasting so much precious time. I have an immense and impossible goal regarding my own musical endeavors. It's so impossible, I don't even want to list it here. But I'm going to try, and it's GOTTA happen in 2019. Well, the first step does.
* I still haven't run over Noll Hartman with a semi-truck yet. But 2019 provides a lot of opportunity to improve the world and accomplish important personal goals. Hitting Noll with a truck would do a both of those things.
* This has been a year of addiction to collecting vinyl. Erin and I have found a lot of albums we've always wanted to have, and we snagged a bunch of them. The list isn't complete yet--but we are infinitely closer to completing the list of must-haves.
* The passing of Jeanie Kihm in July was difficult. Johnny has been my best friend for almost 30 years, and she was a vital part of my upbringing. You'd be hard-pressed to find a kinder spirit on Earth. I don't dwell on the negatives, though. I feel indescribably fortunate to have known her and to have her call me her 'third son' on many occasions. Just a beautiful person who is terribly missed.
My goals for 2019:
1. Music. I just want to do a lot of music. I've never had a song I've done on vinyl, which bums me out. I really want to remedy that this year.
2. Live. I've noticed that things that I used to deem as cheesy (guys from the military popping out of boxes to surprise families at basketball games, dogs on their last walk before being taken to the vet for the final time, old men talking about their widows)--these videos suddenly move me to tears now. I'm just more reactionary to these heart-string tugs. Maybe it's because I'm into my 40s. Maybe it's because I just love being alive. I dunno. I don't want to change it. I want to embrace that more. Love and be loved.
3. Keep joy. My occupation requires joy and the past few weeks have presented unique challenges that I've never faced in my career because--well--the way I treat kids has been enough to avoid problems that many others have to deal with in my line of work. This year, I've found that's not always the case. Trust and empathy don't necessarily garner a full return on every occasion now. I just have to evolve with the times and continue to love the job and the young and hopeful faces I see everyday. I think I'll be refreshed when I return in a few short days.
4. I'm going to try a ridiculous idea that I've always labeled as too stupid to try. But I'm gonna go for it. I know that's vague. But it has to be for now! :-)
5. I've been withdrawing a bit from social media because (like many of us) I know it consumes too much of my time. I can't find time to play video games, or write music, or work on the house, or visit with friends & family, but I always scroll through Facebook several times a day. It's just kind of stupid. I don't think anyone's tombstone is ever going to read DAMN! GLAD I SCROLLED THE TL SO MUCH WHEN I WAS ALIVE! This is just the addiction of our time. Well, it's the addiction that got a hold on me, at least.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
My Favorite Albums of 2018
With my enrollment in Spotify Premium this year, and an obsession with mallwalking (yes, I'm 56 years old), I've heard a boatload of new music. So I find it impossible to list only my Top 10. In fact, just narrowing it down to 15 was difficult. But, finally, I've got it. My favorite albums of 2018! In order, of course. Some might disagree with my top selections. But that's what makes this fun!
(#15) Low - Double Negative
Admittedly, I was taken aback by this duo's foray into electronically-driven music. However, this one has grown on me quite a bit--and I now look at it as their most dynamic effort in several years. If you haven't listened, do so. Be prepared to be depressed but intrigued.
(#14) Biffy Clyro - MTV Unplugged Live At Roundhouse London
This is the most important Unplugged album to come out in quite a bit because it's a triumphant return of the program (albeit in the UK) and it's actually GOOD. The cover of a Beach Boys song really pushes it over the top--but to hear Biffy's songs in a stripped back format really brings out the emotion within the individual tunes. The stage and the set list really hit every mark! The DVD is worth a watch, as well. 'Mon the Biff!
(#13) Corrosion of Conformity - No Cross, No Crown
The awesome return of Pepper Keenan back to the helm of COC. After 12 long years and it's SO mighty! Songs like "The Luddite" and "Cast the First Stone" will be mainstays in the live set for quite a while--but I'm personally drawn to "Nothing Left To Say." Taste the sludge!
(#12) The Pineapple Thief - Dissolution
I'm ashamed to say I've missed out on these guys for years (and 11 albums). Erin D saw them mentioned on a Steven Wilson page--and the "proggies" there always stick together. So when this was recommended by so many on the page, I had to go hear it for myself. This album is the perfect example of what great players can bring to great songwriting, and vice-versa. It's haunting and unforgettable. I love it this much, and I've only given it a handful of listens. Without a doubt, it'll continue to grow on me.
(#11) Deafheaven - Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
Another effort from Deafheaven which doesn't fall short of expectations. Most of this listen is spent wondering how something can be so devastating and so beautiful. I don't this is quite at the the level of "Sunbather"--but it's close. "Canary Yellow" and "Worthless Animal" are standout tracks on a fully standout album.
(#10) A Perfect Circle - Eat the Elephant
I'm betting you won't find a more divisive album on my list. APC fans instantly split into factions. Is this a sellout attempt? Is it weak songwriting? Or is it just a brand new APC album that completely breaks from their formula? For me, it's the latter. I think they created an album which is very atmospheric. Much in the same way you'll find on Acid Bath's When the Kite String Pops album, this album's more reserved moments are filled with unrelenting tension. If you swore this off after a couple of listens, it probably missed you. This is a great album and, in my opinion, it's APC's most unified piece.
(#9) Judas Priest - Firepower
I don't need to say much about it. It's just Priest's best album in a couple of decades. The most balls-out, straight-forward metal album of the year. It just happened to be crafted and performed by 70-year-olds. Absolute legendary material from absolute legends!
(#8) Muse - Simulation Theory
Truly, I never expected these guys to get so huge. I was first introduced to them by a friend in 1999. I skipped a chance to see them in Kent circa 2003, and was fortunate enough to catch them at the Agora for $20 around 2006. Now, a ticket to the upcoming tour will run you well over $100 if you actually want to be able to SEE them from your seat. Matt's voice is too unappealing to a mass audience--so I thought? But this is a theme album which let's them be as experimental and electronic as they want. Also allows them to become Prince for a second on "Break it to Me" and then move on to emotional-eletrodroning like "Something Human." It just really works as a whole, which is a place where Drones and The 2nd Law faltered. A fun album with some rather danceable moments.
(#7) Myles Kennedy - "Year of the Tiger"
When an artist does a fully 'solo' effort, he/she must make a choice--try to sound like what you do with your full band, or branch out into something different. A couple of efforts--Weiland's 12 Bar Blues and Cornell's Euphoria Morning (Mourning), for example--show the musician stretching beyond their comfort zone. Tiger lets Kennedy dig into folk, rock, country, and many other points in between. His vocal range is, as always, impressive. Check out "Songbird" and the amazing "Nothing But a Name" and take in what is a very cohesive and enjoyable album. As a side note, he's also the voice on one of my very favorite songs of the entire year, Slash's tune, "The One You Love Is Gone."
(#6) YOB - Our Raw Heart
This band's guitarist almost died recently, and they come out with their most inspired and earnest album. Every song remains fresh throughout--which is especially impressive since most of the songs range between 9 - 16 minutes in length. Much like Pallbearer's last album Heartless, this album's power is found in the vocal delivery. I will continue to revisit this record for years to come because I find something new in it with every session. It's really good. Honestly, it probably should sit higher on my list.
(#5) - Ghost - Prequelle
Ghost is now fronted by the Cardinal. Who's actually Tobias Forge. Whatever. Opus Eponymous was my favorite album of 2010, and I didn't even know about the stage theatrics. I just loved the album. Honestly, I figured they looked like Deep Purple back then. With each additional release, Ghost has gotten a little more mainstream. I simply don't care. The music is so good. Some say it should be more satanic, but when I started seeing Metallica-shirt-wearing jocks at their shows in 2012, I knew they were heading towards widespread appreciation. This album is excellent. It would probably be my favorite, but I find the two instrumental tracks to be underwhelming--along with the intro track. So really, this album only has 7 new songs on it, in my opinion. Songs like "Rats" and "See the Light" are wonderfully written, and "Dance Macabre" might be the catchiest song Forge has ever composed. Haters be damned, I love this band. Also, they're great live. Likely my favorite show of this past year. Maybe.
(#4) Internal Bleeding - Corrupting Influence
Gotta set the scene for this one. In 1999, 21-year-old me was about to graduate from college and step into the intimidating world of adulthood. So I needed something angsty to fight off the future demons. Enter Internal Bleeding's Driven to Conquer. It's still one of my favorite slam albums of all time. Every song had 200 riffs in it, and it just fit all together. They'd released only two albums since then, and I often found myself bored by some of it. Then, the band tragically lost their drummer, Bill Tolley, who was a firefighter in New York City. He fell to his death on the job, and the band's future was in doubt. However, they've reemerged with this effort, and it is their most complete album since the aforementioned Driven to Conquer. It's a slam record, with unrelenting brutality. Without question, my favorite death metal album in 2018.
(#3) Alice In Chains - Rainier Fog
If you're still a stubborn "Layne was Alice In Chains" person, then you're really missing out on some wonderful music. AIC continues to write excellent music (which is far more inspired than their self-titled 1997 dog album, btw)--I just don't understand how people can cast off the importance of Jerry Cantrell and ignore what they're doing now. This album is melancholy, heavy, and memorable. Of the ten songs, eight of these are high-caliber jams which I'd put up against most of their past catalog. "Never Fade" is my personal favorite. By the way, I think this is Erin D's favorite album of 2018. I say that because she won't quit listening to it every single day.
(#2) Pennywise - Never Gonna Die
I haven't enjoyed an entire Pennywise album since 1995's About Time. Jim Lindberg has been back on vocals since 2012, but this is the first album of FULLY NEW MATERIAL with him dating back several years. The album just feels really inspired. Also, oddly enough, the band sounds a little loose at times, which makes me love this album even more. It's not all Pro-Tools perfect. Some of the little flaws is what makes me love it so much. Songs like "Keep Moving On" and "Live While You Can" have been a time bomb ticking in my head (ticking in my head) since its release in April. A solid pop-punk record! Check it out!
(#1) Stone Temple Pilots - "Stone Temple Pilots"
Okay. It's really crappy they made this a self-titled album, since they already tried that in 2010 with a lame album with Scott. Jeff Gutt, their new vocalist, certainly has the pipes and the conviction to pull off a new-age rendition of this band. Scott Weiland was one of my favorite singers, so I was ultra-bummed to see them try to pull it off with Chester (which was a rather failed EP experiment). But this new album has so many great songs. The more I listened to it, the more it climbed up my list of STP albums. It's not their best album. Not their second best, either. But it might be their third best album (below Core and Purple). Ever. If you're not into mellow STP, this album won't make the immediate impact it made on me. But "Thought She'd Be Mine" and "The Art of Letting Go" are both songs that really have memorable vocal hooks that aren't in Weiland's style. They show Gutt is willing to make this band his own. I'm ready to suspend my dedication to Weiland if the DeLeos continue to prove they can write wonderful songs. Of all the albums I listened to in 2018, this one has gotten the most spins. I can't wait to see what they do next.
That's it. Thanks for checking out my list. A few other albums I loved in 2018:
* Longshot - Love Is For Losers
* Between the Buried and Me - Automata I & II
* Nothing - Dance on the Blacktop
* At The Gates - To Drink From the Night Itself
* Kids See Ghosts (Kanye and Cudi) - Kids See Ghosts
* Mogwai - Kin Soundtrack
* Alkaline Trio - Is This Thing Cursed?
* Failure - In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind
* Death Grips - Year of the Snitch
(#15) Low - Double Negative
Admittedly, I was taken aback by this duo's foray into electronically-driven music. However, this one has grown on me quite a bit--and I now look at it as their most dynamic effort in several years. If you haven't listened, do so. Be prepared to be depressed but intrigued.
(#14) Biffy Clyro - MTV Unplugged Live At Roundhouse London
This is the most important Unplugged album to come out in quite a bit because it's a triumphant return of the program (albeit in the UK) and it's actually GOOD. The cover of a Beach Boys song really pushes it over the top--but to hear Biffy's songs in a stripped back format really brings out the emotion within the individual tunes. The stage and the set list really hit every mark! The DVD is worth a watch, as well. 'Mon the Biff!
(#13) Corrosion of Conformity - No Cross, No Crown
The awesome return of Pepper Keenan back to the helm of COC. After 12 long years and it's SO mighty! Songs like "The Luddite" and "Cast the First Stone" will be mainstays in the live set for quite a while--but I'm personally drawn to "Nothing Left To Say." Taste the sludge!
(#12) The Pineapple Thief - Dissolution
I'm ashamed to say I've missed out on these guys for years (and 11 albums). Erin D saw them mentioned on a Steven Wilson page--and the "proggies" there always stick together. So when this was recommended by so many on the page, I had to go hear it for myself. This album is the perfect example of what great players can bring to great songwriting, and vice-versa. It's haunting and unforgettable. I love it this much, and I've only given it a handful of listens. Without a doubt, it'll continue to grow on me.
(#11) Deafheaven - Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
Another effort from Deafheaven which doesn't fall short of expectations. Most of this listen is spent wondering how something can be so devastating and so beautiful. I don't this is quite at the the level of "Sunbather"--but it's close. "Canary Yellow" and "Worthless Animal" are standout tracks on a fully standout album.
(#10) A Perfect Circle - Eat the Elephant
I'm betting you won't find a more divisive album on my list. APC fans instantly split into factions. Is this a sellout attempt? Is it weak songwriting? Or is it just a brand new APC album that completely breaks from their formula? For me, it's the latter. I think they created an album which is very atmospheric. Much in the same way you'll find on Acid Bath's When the Kite String Pops album, this album's more reserved moments are filled with unrelenting tension. If you swore this off after a couple of listens, it probably missed you. This is a great album and, in my opinion, it's APC's most unified piece.
(#9) Judas Priest - Firepower
I don't need to say much about it. It's just Priest's best album in a couple of decades. The most balls-out, straight-forward metal album of the year. It just happened to be crafted and performed by 70-year-olds. Absolute legendary material from absolute legends!
(#8) Muse - Simulation Theory
Truly, I never expected these guys to get so huge. I was first introduced to them by a friend in 1999. I skipped a chance to see them in Kent circa 2003, and was fortunate enough to catch them at the Agora for $20 around 2006. Now, a ticket to the upcoming tour will run you well over $100 if you actually want to be able to SEE them from your seat. Matt's voice is too unappealing to a mass audience--so I thought? But this is a theme album which let's them be as experimental and electronic as they want. Also allows them to become Prince for a second on "Break it to Me" and then move on to emotional-eletrodroning like "Something Human." It just really works as a whole, which is a place where Drones and The 2nd Law faltered. A fun album with some rather danceable moments.
(#7) Myles Kennedy - "Year of the Tiger"
When an artist does a fully 'solo' effort, he/she must make a choice--try to sound like what you do with your full band, or branch out into something different. A couple of efforts--Weiland's 12 Bar Blues and Cornell's Euphoria Morning (Mourning), for example--show the musician stretching beyond their comfort zone. Tiger lets Kennedy dig into folk, rock, country, and many other points in between. His vocal range is, as always, impressive. Check out "Songbird" and the amazing "Nothing But a Name" and take in what is a very cohesive and enjoyable album. As a side note, he's also the voice on one of my very favorite songs of the entire year, Slash's tune, "The One You Love Is Gone."
(#6) YOB - Our Raw Heart
This band's guitarist almost died recently, and they come out with their most inspired and earnest album. Every song remains fresh throughout--which is especially impressive since most of the songs range between 9 - 16 minutes in length. Much like Pallbearer's last album Heartless, this album's power is found in the vocal delivery. I will continue to revisit this record for years to come because I find something new in it with every session. It's really good. Honestly, it probably should sit higher on my list.
(#5) - Ghost - Prequelle
Ghost is now fronted by the Cardinal. Who's actually Tobias Forge. Whatever. Opus Eponymous was my favorite album of 2010, and I didn't even know about the stage theatrics. I just loved the album. Honestly, I figured they looked like Deep Purple back then. With each additional release, Ghost has gotten a little more mainstream. I simply don't care. The music is so good. Some say it should be more satanic, but when I started seeing Metallica-shirt-wearing jocks at their shows in 2012, I knew they were heading towards widespread appreciation. This album is excellent. It would probably be my favorite, but I find the two instrumental tracks to be underwhelming--along with the intro track. So really, this album only has 7 new songs on it, in my opinion. Songs like "Rats" and "See the Light" are wonderfully written, and "Dance Macabre" might be the catchiest song Forge has ever composed. Haters be damned, I love this band. Also, they're great live. Likely my favorite show of this past year. Maybe.
(#4) Internal Bleeding - Corrupting Influence
Gotta set the scene for this one. In 1999, 21-year-old me was about to graduate from college and step into the intimidating world of adulthood. So I needed something angsty to fight off the future demons. Enter Internal Bleeding's Driven to Conquer. It's still one of my favorite slam albums of all time. Every song had 200 riffs in it, and it just fit all together. They'd released only two albums since then, and I often found myself bored by some of it. Then, the band tragically lost their drummer, Bill Tolley, who was a firefighter in New York City. He fell to his death on the job, and the band's future was in doubt. However, they've reemerged with this effort, and it is their most complete album since the aforementioned Driven to Conquer. It's a slam record, with unrelenting brutality. Without question, my favorite death metal album in 2018.
(#3) Alice In Chains - Rainier Fog
If you're still a stubborn "Layne was Alice In Chains" person, then you're really missing out on some wonderful music. AIC continues to write excellent music (which is far more inspired than their self-titled 1997 dog album, btw)--I just don't understand how people can cast off the importance of Jerry Cantrell and ignore what they're doing now. This album is melancholy, heavy, and memorable. Of the ten songs, eight of these are high-caliber jams which I'd put up against most of their past catalog. "Never Fade" is my personal favorite. By the way, I think this is Erin D's favorite album of 2018. I say that because she won't quit listening to it every single day.
(#2) Pennywise - Never Gonna Die
I haven't enjoyed an entire Pennywise album since 1995's About Time. Jim Lindberg has been back on vocals since 2012, but this is the first album of FULLY NEW MATERIAL with him dating back several years. The album just feels really inspired. Also, oddly enough, the band sounds a little loose at times, which makes me love this album even more. It's not all Pro-Tools perfect. Some of the little flaws is what makes me love it so much. Songs like "Keep Moving On" and "Live While You Can" have been a time bomb ticking in my head (ticking in my head) since its release in April. A solid pop-punk record! Check it out!
(#1) Stone Temple Pilots - "Stone Temple Pilots"
Okay. It's really crappy they made this a self-titled album, since they already tried that in 2010 with a lame album with Scott. Jeff Gutt, their new vocalist, certainly has the pipes and the conviction to pull off a new-age rendition of this band. Scott Weiland was one of my favorite singers, so I was ultra-bummed to see them try to pull it off with Chester (which was a rather failed EP experiment). But this new album has so many great songs. The more I listened to it, the more it climbed up my list of STP albums. It's not their best album. Not their second best, either. But it might be their third best album (below Core and Purple). Ever. If you're not into mellow STP, this album won't make the immediate impact it made on me. But "Thought She'd Be Mine" and "The Art of Letting Go" are both songs that really have memorable vocal hooks that aren't in Weiland's style. They show Gutt is willing to make this band his own. I'm ready to suspend my dedication to Weiland if the DeLeos continue to prove they can write wonderful songs. Of all the albums I listened to in 2018, this one has gotten the most spins. I can't wait to see what they do next.
That's it. Thanks for checking out my list. A few other albums I loved in 2018:
* Longshot - Love Is For Losers
* Between the Buried and Me - Automata I & II
* Nothing - Dance on the Blacktop
* At The Gates - To Drink From the Night Itself
* Kids See Ghosts (Kanye and Cudi) - Kids See Ghosts
* Mogwai - Kin Soundtrack
* Alkaline Trio - Is This Thing Cursed?
* Failure - In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind
* Death Grips - Year of the Snitch
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
My Top Ten Albums of 2017
First, let me get this out of the way. I've spent most of my year listening to sad Sinatra songs and filling in gaps in our vinyl collection. For some reason, I think it's 1958 or something right now. Therefore, I really haven't listened to as much new music as I usually do. That being said, here are the albums I loved the most (that weren't done by a depressed Frank Sinatra). If I had to list my TRUE top 3 albums of this year, it would be (3) Sings for Only the Lonely - Frank Sinatra, (2) Where Are You? - Frank Sinatra, and (1) In The Wee Small Hours - Frank Sinatra. No, really. I'm addicted.
Okay, here are the other albums I loved in 2017.
Honorable Mention:
Beck - Colors (Beck can STILL make upbeat, excellent music. Shake it.)
Dying Fetus - Wrong One to F*ck With (This is how metal should be done. Brutal and filled with breakdowns galore.)
Body Count - Bloodlust (Ice-T is one of the few voices in modern metal who still has something viable to say.)
Obituary - Obituary (By far, their best album in the last two decades.)
Jesca Hoop - Memories Are Now (Several great songs encompassing alienation and solitude. "The Lost Sky" is one of the most haunting and saddening songs I've ever heard.)
#10 - Mogwai - Every Country's Sun
Thanks to a Biffy Clyro interview, I was turned on to these guys early this year. I enjoy ECS quite a bit, though it's not my favorite album I grabbed from Mogwai in 2017. I think I own about 10 Mogwai albums now. This sits somewhere in the middle of their discography, but it is a solid album, and I listened to it quite a bit throughout the second half of 2017.
#9 - The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
I really haven't listened to much from Adam Granduciel until this year. This album has folk sensibility but an aura of maddening depression from time to time. I keep thinking there's a strong Bruce Springsteen influence here (which MIGHT make me hate some things, honestly)--but there's nothing to dislike on this disc. Strongest tracks are "Strangest Thing" and "Holding On." If you been unfortunate enough to miss out on this album, correct that mishap now and check it out!
#8 - Dead Cross - Dead Cross
This is a 'supergroup'--featuring members of Locust, Retox, Slayer and (of course) Mike Patton of Faith No More/Mr. Bungle fame. Of all the albums found on my list this year, this took me the longest to warm up to. It's grindcore, if I had to give it a one-word description. But it's ultra fast and, at times, ultra sloppy. Of course, real grindcore aficionados know that good grind CAN be sloppy and still pretty damned good. I was looking forward to this when it was announced, and I wasn't disappointed. Dave Lombardo is still really flippin' good, in case you were wondering.
#7 - Stephen Wilson - To the Bone
In the last few years, I've fallen deeper and deeper into the 'progressive rock' rabbit hole, and it's all Steven Wilson's fault. While I enjoyed his decades of work with Porcupine Tree, and his one-off collab with with Mikael Akerfeldt in Storm Corrosion, I believe it is in his last few solo records where Wilson has dug into his creative potential. While To the Bone isn't as impressive as his top notch effort from 2015, Hand.Cannot.Erase. (my favorite disc that year), there's still a whole shit-ton to love about this record. In fact, the only misstep that keeps this from being near the top 3 is the eighth song on the disc, "People Who Eat Darkness"--which feels like some angsty-mid '90s throwaway. But "Pariah" is absolutely memorizing--as are "The Same Asylum as Before" and "Refuge." Just another wonderful record from one of the greatest musicians of our time, in my opinion.
#6 Father John Misty - Pure Comedy
Dude's got a great beard. So, there's that. Also, I feel like his lyrics are quite insightful. Many might toss aside some of his music on this disc as pretentious. Okay, I'll admit it. The song "Leaving LA"--a completely unnecessary 13 minute and 11 second ramble, IS useless and pretentious. The rest of this disc is nearly perfect. The lyrics from the title track are spot-on, reflecting upon the uselessness of our modern humanity, floating through a technology-riddled, soulless era. "Oh, comedy, their illusions they have no choice but to believe / Their horizons that just forever recede / And how's this for irony, their idea of being free is a prison of beliefs / That they never ever have to leave." It's poignant stuff, in an era with a lot of music lacking much of anything to grab on to. Oh, and I think he loves Elton John, because it's crawling all over this album.
#5 Anathema - The Optimist
More progressive rock for you to put in the chewhole. Daniel and Vincent Cavanagh have been putting out brilliant music for decades (starting more in the black metal genre in the 90s). This band has always continued to grow and expand their musical aspirations, and The Optimist appears to be the pinnacle, at least up until the current point. This album has garnered numerous praises around the world, and it contains all the atmosphere and diversity one could hope for. Every song begs for multiple listens, but when it's all said and done, "Springfield" and "Endless Ways"--driven mostly by the haunting vocal deliveries from Lee Douglas--stick in your head for hours.
#4 Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun
I thought there was no way to outshine her last effort, 2015's Abyss. But this album definitely stands up to that outing. Without question, it surpasses it in one category--heaviness. This album offers no moment of respite. It is heavy for heavy's sake. According to Wolfe, writing Hiss Spun was an opportunity to deal with health problems (like insomnia) and other lingering personal issues. You can sense it in every note on the record. I've listened to this album 20-30 times, and I still feel like I notice something new on every listen. The darkest moments are found in "16 Psyche" and "The Culling." Hiss Spun is a landmark in heavy music, and I'm happy to have a voice like Wolfe's leading the charge.
#3 - Life of Agony - A Place Where There's No More Pain
LOA is one of my favorite bands ever--so when I heard they were releasing a new album, I was pleasantly surprised! First, the band left on a bit of a sour note, the lost-in-the-shuffle major label effort, Broken Valley. Secondly, singer Keith Caputo had finally found happiness by transitioning to a new life as Mina Caputo. While Mina's talent is unquestioned, could she really lead a chest-pounding, testosterone-driven band like Life of Agony into a new era? APWTNMP has proven, without a doubt, she can. In fact, the vocals are the strongest aspect of this album. Sure, the vocals are layered ten times over, but the harmonies and vocal hooks within are worth the effort. The only thing I don't love about the album is the final track, "Little Spots of You," which feels unnecessary and stands out like a nudist on a playground. However, songs like the title track, "A New Low," and "Bag of Bones" definitely deliver the delicious LOA goods. Online postings recently point to the band not being in a good place again, as far as touring, etc. So this might be the last Life of Agony album in a while. Maybe the last one ever. So I'm glad it's such a strong effort.
#2 Dreamcar - Dreamcar
What would happen if Davey Havok from AFI met up with the bored guys from No Doubt? Gwen Stefani is off doing Christmas albums and stuff, so why not make some new music? I love everything about this album. It sounds like it was ripped right from 1984--it's got all the new wave/pop bells and whistles. Hell, even the cover looks like Max Headroom's girlfriend. But everything on this album works. There's not a weak song to be found, but the highlight is "Kill for Candy"--which is one of the most memorable songs of this year. Going backward is sometimes the only way to go forward, and I eagerly anticipate more music from this band in the future. It's just a fun and catchy record. Isn't that what we all need?
#1 - Pallbearer - Heartless
Okay, so maybe fun and catchy isn't what we all need. Heartless came around early in 2017, and I couldn't quit spinning it. Pallbearer is one of the best bands in doom metal right now, and I think this album claims their spot near the top of the heap. Singer Brett Campbell's voice is instantly recognizable, and it makes one wonder what in the hell they're dumping in the Arkansas water. I'm willing to say "I Saw the End" is my favorite song this year. The entire album is so brooding and dark, yet it feels uplifting. That's the greatest testament to Heartless--it reads like it's only one more chapter in the story of a band who should be critically recognized as one of the best metal bands around. Hell, in fact, now that I'm done writing this blog, I'm gonna go listen to it again right now.
Okay, here are the other albums I loved in 2017.
Honorable Mention:
Beck - Colors (Beck can STILL make upbeat, excellent music. Shake it.)
Dying Fetus - Wrong One to F*ck With (This is how metal should be done. Brutal and filled with breakdowns galore.)
Body Count - Bloodlust (Ice-T is one of the few voices in modern metal who still has something viable to say.)
Obituary - Obituary (By far, their best album in the last two decades.)
Jesca Hoop - Memories Are Now (Several great songs encompassing alienation and solitude. "The Lost Sky" is one of the most haunting and saddening songs I've ever heard.)
#10 - Mogwai - Every Country's Sun
Thanks to a Biffy Clyro interview, I was turned on to these guys early this year. I enjoy ECS quite a bit, though it's not my favorite album I grabbed from Mogwai in 2017. I think I own about 10 Mogwai albums now. This sits somewhere in the middle of their discography, but it is a solid album, and I listened to it quite a bit throughout the second half of 2017.
#9 - The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
I really haven't listened to much from Adam Granduciel until this year. This album has folk sensibility but an aura of maddening depression from time to time. I keep thinking there's a strong Bruce Springsteen influence here (which MIGHT make me hate some things, honestly)--but there's nothing to dislike on this disc. Strongest tracks are "Strangest Thing" and "Holding On." If you been unfortunate enough to miss out on this album, correct that mishap now and check it out!
#8 - Dead Cross - Dead Cross
This is a 'supergroup'--featuring members of Locust, Retox, Slayer and (of course) Mike Patton of Faith No More/Mr. Bungle fame. Of all the albums found on my list this year, this took me the longest to warm up to. It's grindcore, if I had to give it a one-word description. But it's ultra fast and, at times, ultra sloppy. Of course, real grindcore aficionados know that good grind CAN be sloppy and still pretty damned good. I was looking forward to this when it was announced, and I wasn't disappointed. Dave Lombardo is still really flippin' good, in case you were wondering.
#7 - Stephen Wilson - To the Bone
In the last few years, I've fallen deeper and deeper into the 'progressive rock' rabbit hole, and it's all Steven Wilson's fault. While I enjoyed his decades of work with Porcupine Tree, and his one-off collab with with Mikael Akerfeldt in Storm Corrosion, I believe it is in his last few solo records where Wilson has dug into his creative potential. While To the Bone isn't as impressive as his top notch effort from 2015, Hand.Cannot.Erase. (my favorite disc that year), there's still a whole shit-ton to love about this record. In fact, the only misstep that keeps this from being near the top 3 is the eighth song on the disc, "People Who Eat Darkness"--which feels like some angsty-mid '90s throwaway. But "Pariah" is absolutely memorizing--as are "The Same Asylum as Before" and "Refuge." Just another wonderful record from one of the greatest musicians of our time, in my opinion.
#6 Father John Misty - Pure Comedy
Dude's got a great beard. So, there's that. Also, I feel like his lyrics are quite insightful. Many might toss aside some of his music on this disc as pretentious. Okay, I'll admit it. The song "Leaving LA"--a completely unnecessary 13 minute and 11 second ramble, IS useless and pretentious. The rest of this disc is nearly perfect. The lyrics from the title track are spot-on, reflecting upon the uselessness of our modern humanity, floating through a technology-riddled, soulless era. "Oh, comedy, their illusions they have no choice but to believe / Their horizons that just forever recede / And how's this for irony, their idea of being free is a prison of beliefs / That they never ever have to leave." It's poignant stuff, in an era with a lot of music lacking much of anything to grab on to. Oh, and I think he loves Elton John, because it's crawling all over this album.
#5 Anathema - The Optimist
More progressive rock for you to put in the chewhole. Daniel and Vincent Cavanagh have been putting out brilliant music for decades (starting more in the black metal genre in the 90s). This band has always continued to grow and expand their musical aspirations, and The Optimist appears to be the pinnacle, at least up until the current point. This album has garnered numerous praises around the world, and it contains all the atmosphere and diversity one could hope for. Every song begs for multiple listens, but when it's all said and done, "Springfield" and "Endless Ways"--driven mostly by the haunting vocal deliveries from Lee Douglas--stick in your head for hours.
#4 Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun
I thought there was no way to outshine her last effort, 2015's Abyss. But this album definitely stands up to that outing. Without question, it surpasses it in one category--heaviness. This album offers no moment of respite. It is heavy for heavy's sake. According to Wolfe, writing Hiss Spun was an opportunity to deal with health problems (like insomnia) and other lingering personal issues. You can sense it in every note on the record. I've listened to this album 20-30 times, and I still feel like I notice something new on every listen. The darkest moments are found in "16 Psyche" and "The Culling." Hiss Spun is a landmark in heavy music, and I'm happy to have a voice like Wolfe's leading the charge.
#3 - Life of Agony - A Place Where There's No More Pain
LOA is one of my favorite bands ever--so when I heard they were releasing a new album, I was pleasantly surprised! First, the band left on a bit of a sour note, the lost-in-the-shuffle major label effort, Broken Valley. Secondly, singer Keith Caputo had finally found happiness by transitioning to a new life as Mina Caputo. While Mina's talent is unquestioned, could she really lead a chest-pounding, testosterone-driven band like Life of Agony into a new era? APWTNMP has proven, without a doubt, she can. In fact, the vocals are the strongest aspect of this album. Sure, the vocals are layered ten times over, but the harmonies and vocal hooks within are worth the effort. The only thing I don't love about the album is the final track, "Little Spots of You," which feels unnecessary and stands out like a nudist on a playground. However, songs like the title track, "A New Low," and "Bag of Bones" definitely deliver the delicious LOA goods. Online postings recently point to the band not being in a good place again, as far as touring, etc. So this might be the last Life of Agony album in a while. Maybe the last one ever. So I'm glad it's such a strong effort.
#2 Dreamcar - Dreamcar
What would happen if Davey Havok from AFI met up with the bored guys from No Doubt? Gwen Stefani is off doing Christmas albums and stuff, so why not make some new music? I love everything about this album. It sounds like it was ripped right from 1984--it's got all the new wave/pop bells and whistles. Hell, even the cover looks like Max Headroom's girlfriend. But everything on this album works. There's not a weak song to be found, but the highlight is "Kill for Candy"--which is one of the most memorable songs of this year. Going backward is sometimes the only way to go forward, and I eagerly anticipate more music from this band in the future. It's just a fun and catchy record. Isn't that what we all need?
#1 - Pallbearer - Heartless
Okay, so maybe fun and catchy isn't what we all need. Heartless came around early in 2017, and I couldn't quit spinning it. Pallbearer is one of the best bands in doom metal right now, and I think this album claims their spot near the top of the heap. Singer Brett Campbell's voice is instantly recognizable, and it makes one wonder what in the hell they're dumping in the Arkansas water. I'm willing to say "I Saw the End" is my favorite song this year. The entire album is so brooding and dark, yet it feels uplifting. That's the greatest testament to Heartless--it reads like it's only one more chapter in the story of a band who should be critically recognized as one of the best metal bands around. Hell, in fact, now that I'm done writing this blog, I'm gonna go listen to it again right now.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
My Top 10 Albums of 2016
My Favorite Albums of 2016 - by Fred Whitacre, Jr.
12/13/16
These are the albums that called me back the most this year. I listened to a ton of new music this year--this is the stuff that sticks with me.
Honorable Mention - Devin Townsend Project - "Transcendence"
Devin has become one of my favorite musicians--and he's certainly one of the most prolific dudes in the metal world. Several songs on this disc stand out, though "Stormbender" is the crown jewel. I'd have this in my Top 10, but a few tunes are extended beyond their welcome. He's never reached the level of "Addicted" several years ago--but he's always close. I'm always excited to see what Hevy Devy has next up his sleeve.
Honorable Mention - Green Day - Revolution Radio
#10 - Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow
#8 - Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor's Guide to Earth
#7 - Opeth - Sorceress
#5 - Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
#3 - Weezer - The White Album
#2 - David Bowie - Blackstar
12/13/16
These are the albums that called me back the most this year. I listened to a ton of new music this year--this is the stuff that sticks with me.
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| Devin Townsend Project - Transcendence |
Devin has become one of my favorite musicians--and he's certainly one of the most prolific dudes in the metal world. Several songs on this disc stand out, though "Stormbender" is the crown jewel. I'd have this in my Top 10, but a few tunes are extended beyond their welcome. He's never reached the level of "Addicted" several years ago--but he's always close. I'm always excited to see what Hevy Devy has next up his sleeve.
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| Green Day - Revolution Radio |
I know how pop-punk this version of Green Day is, but they're just so damned good at doing it. Songs like "Ordinary World," "Still Breathing," and "Troubled Times" are almost guaranteed to become mainstays in their live set. Truthfully, this would be higher if it wasn't for one of my least favorite songs of 2016, the repulsive "Youngblood."
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| Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow |
This band has been around since 2001, and I just ran into them for the first time this year. This is simply a great record. It's got the lyrical sensibility of Lou Reed's early stuff, or Leonard Cohen (R.I.P.)--but this feels almost like an album straight from the late 1980's electronic-rock hybrids. The album starts very strong, and tunes like "Backchannels" and "Filaments" really push the disc to alarming heights. If you haven't heard this yet, you need to. I'm more excited to go back and hear the immense material in their back catalog.
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| Schammasch - Triangle |
#9 - Schammasch - Triangle
I don't always listen to heavy music--but when I do, I want to it be soul-obliterating. This 3 CD lineup fits the bill. It clocks in at slightly over an hour and forty minutes, and it will depress you to the core. The song "Metanoia" is the high point (perhaps because it's one of the more depressing moments???)--and the third disc is like black-metal-gregorian-chant-in-dark-moog? I just can't describe it, really. It's like Akercocke mixed with some of Ihsahn's earlier solo stuff. Just great to put you in a different state of mind. Also, I think this is my clear choice for favorite cover art of 2016.
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| Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor's Guide to Earth |
I'll admit, I first heard Sturgill because of his odd version of Nirvana's "In Bloom"--and I'll also admit that most modern country music is utter horse poop. But, this country album is different. It's earnest, and filled with wonderful string arrangements--and it's trying to be soul more than it's trying to be rock and roll. I like that. In fact, there's nothing about this album I don't like, except that nine songs feels too short. I found out yesterday this album is up for the Grammy for Album of the Year. I still think Sturgill's about as "underground" as an Atlantic Records artist can be. Every song is just very, very strong. The first song, "Welcome to Earth (Polywog)" is just weird enough to let you know what's in store for you. Also, I love the Nirvana cover. Not everyone will agree.
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| Opeth - Sorceress |
Once Opeth "jumped the shark" and put out the Deliverance/Damnation double-punch years ago, it was easy to predict their foray into what some would call prog-rock. Several handfuls of their fans have abandoned them, and are never to return. Mikael Akerfeldt, their lead singer and song writer, has stated many times that they're moving forward, and not looking back. Great irony found in the fact that their best blend of their prog-rock/metal output thusfar comes by using the organ sound every band in the 1970s was throwing on every album. This is really good--it's one of the albums that could be boring if it wasn't so ambitious. But, they cram so much into each song, and none of it feels like a throwaway. Even with all the experimentation, give me the most traditional track on this disc, "Will O the Wisp." It's a great listen, and it takes multiple sittings to appreciate everything they've accomplished on this album.
 |
| Lemon Demon - Spirit Phone |
#6 - Lemon Demon - Spirit Phone
It's self-produced. It sounds a bit too tinny at times. But it's everything I love about quirky bands like Devo, They Might Be Giants and Ween--polished and precise. Seriously, I'd like to see what this album would do if it had been mixed by some auditory genius. "Touch-Tone Telephone" is one of my favorite songs of the year, by far. I could place at least four more on that short list, as well. Just a really enjoyable listen--especially if you enjoy the discomfort quirky electronic music can provide.
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| Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool |
This is the soundtrack for solitude. Lyrically, this album is so separated from society--it feels like Thom Yorke is often just begging to be left alone. Some of the songs feel like they've been pulled from other eras of Radiohead, but the pacing and lyrical content just makes it all fit together in one, compact box, filled corner to corner with stark isolation. Not nearly as heavy as the Triangle album listed at #9. But, somehow, it's just as dark and brooding.
#4 - Biffy Clyro - Ellipsis
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| Biffy Clryo - Ellipsis |
This trio has been around for a very long time, and I was hoping they'd achieve the success of their 2013 double-album, Opposites. I don't know if this album is as poppy and catchy, but it's still loaded with hooks. There's a certain attitude throughout this disc--and it blends more mellow ballads (like "Medicine" and "Re-Arrange") with more aggressive songs (like "Wolves of Winter") with simplistic grace. This is my #4, but I doubt there's an album I've listened to more frequently that this one in 2016.
 |
| Weezer - White Album |
First of all, yes--I realize there's only ONE White Album. And it's not this one. However, this disc is perfect on several fronts. First, it combines the catchy vocal hooks of the Green Album with the lyrical skill of Pinkerton. I've found that Rivers, when he concentrates heavily on guitar hooks, often gets bored when it comes to lyrics, and vice-versa. This is, quite possibly, my third favorite in their catalog. Well-crafted songs, and every part feels intricately scheduled. For example, the bridge section of the song "L.A. Girls"--moving from subtlety, then back to crushing guitars, then back to bass-backed vocal melodies, finally building into a crescendo at the song's conclusion--it's all so well-done. It also mirrors the snarky approach of Rivers, begging for these girls to just grow up a bit. There's not a bad song in the mix. If you abandoned this band after Pinkerton, it's high time time for you to come crawling back.
.png) |
| David Bowie - Blackstar |
One of the most important rock stars in history, delivering his final masterpiece. I remember picking this up the day it came out, listening to it and saying, "Wow, this is depressing." It's almost a jazz-fusion record, but it felt so distant. Of course, within days, he was dead and it all made more sense. This was a his farewell--the Great White Duke's artistic goodbye. Standout tracks include "Blackstar," "Lazarus" and the aptly-titled "I Can't Give Everything Away." Of course, if you hear Bowie coughing and wheezing before "'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore"--you realize he already had.
#1 - Nothing - Tired of Tomorrow
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| MY ALBUM OF 2016 Nothing - Tired of Tomorrow |
Relapse Records is seemingly dropping the ball. This band is doing everything right. Both this album and 2014's Guilty of Everything are little snippets of rock aggression, hidden behind intensely-delivered whispers and whimpers. Take everything you love about Smashing Pumpkins and add the subtlety that Billy Corgan can't always deliver--and you have Nothing (but everything). "Nineteen Ninety Heaven," "A.C.D." and "Eaten By Worms" are a few of my favorites. But this album reminds me of Radiohead's OK Computer or Faith No More's Angel Dust in that every song feels like a smaller part of an immense puzzle, which can only be fully enjoyed as an entire piece. Go out and listen to every thing this band has done. You're going to be begging for more!
Saturday, January 2, 2016
2015 In the Rear View Mirror
01/02/16 (That's the first time I've written that. Wowza.)
2015--This was an enjoyable year, overall.
------------------------------------
It wasn't without its share of challenges:
The death of my Aunt Cheryl was the lowest point. She was always supportive of me and my brother--and has always looked out for us. She was very close with my father. She reminded me of my grandmother so much, so that was also a tough blow. It was sort of like losing Meem a second time. However, I know she loved me and was proud of me for who I am now. So, knowing that she was connected to me in that way has helped. I'll miss her for the rest of my life.
My 10-year-old bunny, Payday, died. That blew goats.
Also, my father-in-law having another surgery has been quite frightening at times. He's strong and I respect that man so very much. He's always treated me like a son--long before I married Erin. He built our house with his bare hands. He fought in Vietnam. He's funny and kind-hearted. I love that he fights through every challenge. Even yesterday, only a few weeks after his surgery, he was in the front row at the Fiesta Bowl.
To me, he's inspiring. I want to be like that guy. That's my goal.
-------------------------------------
But mostly, this year was positive:
My nephew, Porter, was born. He's healthy and growing, and Everett is getting bigger. And hopefully, he's beating the hell out of his new drum set at home. It's amazing to see him growing into his own person.
I've loved my job because that's what I have to do now. I can't look at all the negative stuff going on in education. I will do my part to improve, but I can really only control my classroom and my students. I appreciate the kids around me everyday. They really do give you hope. I've seen so many wonderful WGH kids grow into awesome adults. Politicians can shove their disconnected mandates. They don't know what it's about. I'm going to teach and enjoy it. I won't be there forever.
White Cadillac has taken a hiatus, but KKC released a new disc--we're already planning on writing something new starting tomorrow. I also enjoyed a great experience playing my first solo performance this year (only three songs). More importantly, I got to perform several Jeff Buckley songs with some wonderful musicians and people. And Noll. That experience will stay with me for a long time to come.
I got to spend a lot of time with friends. Got to go to Notre Dame on five different occasions. Overall, 2015 will fall into the blend-together of the kaleidoscope of memory. But it'll be on the positive end of the spectrum.
----------------------------------
On to 2016:
I'm going to write a lot--poems, short stories, etc. There's a project in the works with my friend, Dave Biscella. I've got a few more radtastical friends who are gonna be in the mix, too. More details soon, but I'm really stoked about it.
There's another tribute show I'm working on for March. This will also be revealed more to everyone in the next several days. But it should be great.
As mentioned earlier, KKC is gonna do some new music. We're looking at an EP. At this stage of our lives, we just want to write. Playing shows is cool, but writing is what gets us lathered up. So, that's where we're going to go.
Erin D is ready for a full-time craft space. So, that's gonna be in the basement. My friend, Mr. Shimko, has offered to help lay this baby out. So, after eight years, the basement is gonna get its first face lift in 2016. Hoping to finish the whole thing eventually, but that's not a 2016 project. That's more of a 2016-2025 project. If I'm lucky.
Finally, I want to do another solo music thing. It's looking like it'll be connected to the writing project I mentioned at the beginning of this ramble.
That's about it. I'm really missing college--just learning, in general. My goal was always to get a doctorate. I've never let go of that goal. Maybe someday. Not this year. Maybe I start on it? Who knows. A guy can dream, right?
-----------------------------------
If you're reading this, I'm glad you're interested in my life, and I'm also glad to be interested in yours. I don't know how we became friends, but I'm glad we did. I might never even see you in person very much--but if you're here, I love you. Let's go get a beer/coffee in 2016. Hit me up.
2015--This was an enjoyable year, overall.
------------------------------------
It wasn't without its share of challenges:
The death of my Aunt Cheryl was the lowest point. She was always supportive of me and my brother--and has always looked out for us. She was very close with my father. She reminded me of my grandmother so much, so that was also a tough blow. It was sort of like losing Meem a second time. However, I know she loved me and was proud of me for who I am now. So, knowing that she was connected to me in that way has helped. I'll miss her for the rest of my life.
My 10-year-old bunny, Payday, died. That blew goats.
Also, my father-in-law having another surgery has been quite frightening at times. He's strong and I respect that man so very much. He's always treated me like a son--long before I married Erin. He built our house with his bare hands. He fought in Vietnam. He's funny and kind-hearted. I love that he fights through every challenge. Even yesterday, only a few weeks after his surgery, he was in the front row at the Fiesta Bowl.
To me, he's inspiring. I want to be like that guy. That's my goal.
-------------------------------------
But mostly, this year was positive:
My nephew, Porter, was born. He's healthy and growing, and Everett is getting bigger. And hopefully, he's beating the hell out of his new drum set at home. It's amazing to see him growing into his own person.
I've loved my job because that's what I have to do now. I can't look at all the negative stuff going on in education. I will do my part to improve, but I can really only control my classroom and my students. I appreciate the kids around me everyday. They really do give you hope. I've seen so many wonderful WGH kids grow into awesome adults. Politicians can shove their disconnected mandates. They don't know what it's about. I'm going to teach and enjoy it. I won't be there forever.
White Cadillac has taken a hiatus, but KKC released a new disc--we're already planning on writing something new starting tomorrow. I also enjoyed a great experience playing my first solo performance this year (only three songs). More importantly, I got to perform several Jeff Buckley songs with some wonderful musicians and people. And Noll. That experience will stay with me for a long time to come.
I got to spend a lot of time with friends. Got to go to Notre Dame on five different occasions. Overall, 2015 will fall into the blend-together of the kaleidoscope of memory. But it'll be on the positive end of the spectrum.
----------------------------------
On to 2016:
I'm going to write a lot--poems, short stories, etc. There's a project in the works with my friend, Dave Biscella. I've got a few more radtastical friends who are gonna be in the mix, too. More details soon, but I'm really stoked about it.
There's another tribute show I'm working on for March. This will also be revealed more to everyone in the next several days. But it should be great.
As mentioned earlier, KKC is gonna do some new music. We're looking at an EP. At this stage of our lives, we just want to write. Playing shows is cool, but writing is what gets us lathered up. So, that's where we're going to go.
Erin D is ready for a full-time craft space. So, that's gonna be in the basement. My friend, Mr. Shimko, has offered to help lay this baby out. So, after eight years, the basement is gonna get its first face lift in 2016. Hoping to finish the whole thing eventually, but that's not a 2016 project. That's more of a 2016-2025 project. If I'm lucky.
Finally, I want to do another solo music thing. It's looking like it'll be connected to the writing project I mentioned at the beginning of this ramble.
That's about it. I'm really missing college--just learning, in general. My goal was always to get a doctorate. I've never let go of that goal. Maybe someday. Not this year. Maybe I start on it? Who knows. A guy can dream, right?
-----------------------------------
If you're reading this, I'm glad you're interested in my life, and I'm also glad to be interested in yours. I don't know how we became friends, but I'm glad we did. I might never even see you in person very much--but if you're here, I love you. Let's go get a beer/coffee in 2016. Hit me up.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Gentlemen, start your racism.
12/30/15
I'll admit it. I thought racism was going away. Obviously, I was terribly wrong. I knew that older people had reached some younger people. Then, those younger people would birth even younger people, and pass their own ignorance on. But, I thought over time, it would lessen the effect.
However, now protests are found in major cities around the country. Some show up, then there are a few broken windows--some arrests made. Then, the protests go away.
Currently in Cleveland, the Tamir Rice protests are underway. The usual disruption of traffic flow, etc. Some people are angry they're there. Protesters are angry that the angry people protesting their protests aren't properly protesting with them.
The big tragedy is the loss of a young life. A black life, I know. But a life feels like a life to me. Once it's gone, it's gone. And the memory of us begins to shrink away, until it's like we weren't here at all. This kid's life was valuable to those who loved him. Now, it represents a much bigger cause. As it should.
I'm especially bothered by all of this because I think a lot of people failed this child. Yes, he shouldn't have been waving a gun around in a park in the first place. Toy or not, it really doesn't matter. We all know what the gun represents. When you point a gun at someone, you're aiming at them. He should've been instructed where this is and is not appropriate.
Why do we even have toy guns? They're pretty vile instruments. Many people, especially in the inner city, look at a gun as a very normal and necessary thing. Like I do with a car. You've gotta have one because you just need to have it. That's all. Somewhere, those who were teaching him about behavior failed him.
Secondly, the 911 emergency system failed him. They didn't have a lot of details. They sent the officers to the scene with the idea that live weaponry was quite possibly involved. 911 is supposed to be a safety net. Here, it was Tamir's death sentence. This failure is unacceptable.
Thirdly, these police failed him. These cops certainly feared him. Why? Black? Possible weapon? Both? It doesn't matter. They feared him and they acted quickly because of that fear. Because they acted aggressively, he's no longer alive.
But most importantly, we're all failing him now. There's no change being enacted because of him. There are more protests, and more angry white v black or black v white tweets. What is this doing? Nothing. We have to change the fact that so many people are dying when they don't need to.
We simply need to all recognize there's a problem. And we need to address these individual issues on their own. Change the way officers are trained to handle situations like Tamir's--to avoid senseless tragedies in the near future. Examine our obsession with handguns and weapons. Show our children that the music and culture they see everyday doesn't have to be the reality they deal with as they grow up.
Finally, we need to let others help us raise our children. Not by physical means, obviously. But, just by being involved in their child's decision-making and upbringing. Think about how many people helped to raise you personally! Family, friends, neighbors. Everything you read, heard and watched all came together to form who you are. If just one kid had talked to Tamir about his toy (and its nature), he might still be here. And if one person had talked to these officers about the decision they were about to face, it might have ended differently. But we can't block bridges. And we can't burn bridges. We have to build bridges. Together. As it stands now, it feels like an endless, empty cycle.
I'll admit it. I thought racism was going away. Obviously, I was terribly wrong. I knew that older people had reached some younger people. Then, those younger people would birth even younger people, and pass their own ignorance on. But, I thought over time, it would lessen the effect.
However, now protests are found in major cities around the country. Some show up, then there are a few broken windows--some arrests made. Then, the protests go away.
Currently in Cleveland, the Tamir Rice protests are underway. The usual disruption of traffic flow, etc. Some people are angry they're there. Protesters are angry that the angry people protesting their protests aren't properly protesting with them.
The big tragedy is the loss of a young life. A black life, I know. But a life feels like a life to me. Once it's gone, it's gone. And the memory of us begins to shrink away, until it's like we weren't here at all. This kid's life was valuable to those who loved him. Now, it represents a much bigger cause. As it should.
I'm especially bothered by all of this because I think a lot of people failed this child. Yes, he shouldn't have been waving a gun around in a park in the first place. Toy or not, it really doesn't matter. We all know what the gun represents. When you point a gun at someone, you're aiming at them. He should've been instructed where this is and is not appropriate.
Why do we even have toy guns? They're pretty vile instruments. Many people, especially in the inner city, look at a gun as a very normal and necessary thing. Like I do with a car. You've gotta have one because you just need to have it. That's all. Somewhere, those who were teaching him about behavior failed him.
Secondly, the 911 emergency system failed him. They didn't have a lot of details. They sent the officers to the scene with the idea that live weaponry was quite possibly involved. 911 is supposed to be a safety net. Here, it was Tamir's death sentence. This failure is unacceptable.
Thirdly, these police failed him. These cops certainly feared him. Why? Black? Possible weapon? Both? It doesn't matter. They feared him and they acted quickly because of that fear. Because they acted aggressively, he's no longer alive.
But most importantly, we're all failing him now. There's no change being enacted because of him. There are more protests, and more angry white v black or black v white tweets. What is this doing? Nothing. We have to change the fact that so many people are dying when they don't need to.
We simply need to all recognize there's a problem. And we need to address these individual issues on their own. Change the way officers are trained to handle situations like Tamir's--to avoid senseless tragedies in the near future. Examine our obsession with handguns and weapons. Show our children that the music and culture they see everyday doesn't have to be the reality they deal with as they grow up.
Finally, we need to let others help us raise our children. Not by physical means, obviously. But, just by being involved in their child's decision-making and upbringing. Think about how many people helped to raise you personally! Family, friends, neighbors. Everything you read, heard and watched all came together to form who you are. If just one kid had talked to Tamir about his toy (and its nature), he might still be here. And if one person had talked to these officers about the decision they were about to face, it might have ended differently. But we can't block bridges. And we can't burn bridges. We have to build bridges. Together. As it stands now, it feels like an endless, empty cycle.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
2015: The Best Albums of the Year
2015. This year felt very refreshing. I almost felt overwhelmed at times because there seemed like there was a new release I was stoked about every single week. In fact, at first, I had a list of 20 albums I really loved. I narrowed it down to 10. So, sincere apologies to Ben Folds , The Underachievers and Failure--you get left on the lengthy honorable mentions this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Low, Ones and Sixes
Ben Folds, So There
Lamb of God, VII: Sturm und Drang
Failure, The Heart is a Monster
Muse, Drones
The Underachievers, Evermore: The Art of Duality
Freddie Gibbs, Shadow of a Doubt
Iron Maiden, The Book of Souls
Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss
Here's my 10 favorite albums of 2015:
I think Mr. Cornell has been wanting to make the album for a long time. His first solo effort Euphoria Morning (or Euphoria Mourning as he's labeling it for the re-release--which seems quite daft) was pretty solid. But his solo effort since have been less effective. Especially his foray into hip-hop (if that's what you want to call it)--Scream. Yikes. That album was pretty terrible. However, he's hitting all the right marks with Higher Truth. Lyrically, he seems devoted to searching for a larger meaning in life on many of the tracks. Or he displays overt confidence and vulnerability at the same time on "Let Your Eyes Wander." I believe he's always wanted to create an album with a cutting honesty, while staying in a mostly acoustic vein. That's what he's achieved here. I didn't mind the latest Soundgarden release. But I think the songwriting on Higher Truth is much more precise. It's a worthwhile listen, and I've revisited it countless times over.
No, this list isn't only going to be filled with '90s rockers returning to past glories. However, this album DOES it for MM. His last several efforts have always blended together to me. I enjoyed Mechanical Animals quite a bit. But after that, only Eat Me, Drink Me has grabbed my attention in the slightest. But this album is a powerhouse. He's like a sexy, satanic lounge singer, spewing nonsense to the underworld. There's a subtlety here, but the darkness in the undercurrent never fully engulfs the listener. I know he likes to change lineups and songwriting partners here and there, but he shouldn't mess with this formula. This is a great album from start to finish. If you need a key track, "Third Day of a Seven Day Binge" is it. But the album has no filler.
My Dying Bride is one of the most respected acts in doom metal. There's a prolific sadness carried by this entire album. In fact, between this and Chelsea Wolfe's Abyss, I could see how a person could be driven into a depression coma in 2015. Guitarist Calvin Robertshaw has returned for this, their twelfth album. It's another epic. Eight songs clocking in at just over 62 minutes. Aaron Stainthorpe bellows and howls in his melancholy ways--and it works every time. Tracks "And My Father Left Forever" and "A Cold New Curse" stick with me the most. But if you want dark, downtrodden metal done by the best in the world, this is your fix.
Ghost gets a lot of hatred in metal circles. I've seen them twice, and even I was floored by the amount of meat heads in the crowd. I think they opened for Metallica or something. I dunno. But people see the costumes and the gimmick, and they automatically want to tune them out. But I can't dislike this band. I loved their first full length--in fact, it was my favorite album that year. But I hadn't even SEEN what they looked like yet. So, by the time the gimmick was presented to me, I was already in love with the music. So, they're one of my favorites, Nameless Ghoul gimmick be damned. Once again, a solid album from start to finish. The best song on the album is "Deus In Absentia"--and the chorus hook will stay in your head for days.
I came into this thinking that there's no way they could top their last effort, 2012's Yellow & Green. I was right. This isn't as good as that album. But it's damned close. In fact, I've only had about two weeks to listen to this album. It might continue to grow on me. Baroness hipsters are already complaining that this is the band's BLACK album. Selling out like Metallica. Whatever. Piss off. This is a great disc. Wonderful songwriting. Epic performance. Every single chorus is catchier than the last. "Shock Me" and "Chlorine and Wine" are the first singles--and for good reason. But this album feels best as a whole. Every once in a while, methinks the Mastodon effect is reaching these boys a bit too much. But that's my only concern. Otherwise, I know this band will continue to make top notch records every couple of years. I just started listening to this, and I am already foaming at the mouth, waiting to see what they do next. Oh, also, they're great live. Don't miss a chance to see them.
Canadian and great, Hayden is now on to his eighth album, Hey Love. This is very simplistic in its design. Most of these songs are constructed with warm bass guitar, drums, acoustic guitar and a few keys or strings thrown in. As always, the star is Hayden's voice. As he gets older, his voice sounds more worn, yet more earnest. Better, I'd say. His albums are all quite different, but I love this return to pure, straight-forward songwriting. "No Happy Birthday"--a song written after his child told him that he'd have trouble writing a song as catchy as Happy Birthday--is my favorite song of 2015. Other standout tracks include "Hey Love" and "Shelter." Do yourself a favor and listen to all of his albums. You won't regret it.
Most pop music is pretty awful. But this is excellent pop music. My ears need bubble gum from time to time, and Art Angels is the chewiest, most delectable gum I've had in years. Grimes is now on her fourth album, and she's learning how to do this song writing thing very proficiently. Also, like Hayden above, she's Canadian. Go Canada, eh? These songs feel more mature and much easier to consume than her past efforts. As with Baroness above, the Grimes fans are complaining that this album is too catchy and that it will bring out all of the "non-fans". If so, count me in as one of those. Her other albums just never held my attention, but this one keeps it all the way through. The redone version of "RealiTi" (which was released earlier this year as a single) and "Flesh Without Blood" are great--but don't skip out on "Kill V. Maim" or "California"--in fact, just listen to the entire album a bunch of times. I dare you to avoid getting hooked.
Bjork doesn't always do it for me. I know she's weird and unique. I love that. But sometimes, she seems like she's trying too hard to be odd. Like, once the eyes of society/music culture are upon her, she wears a swan dress or beats up a reporter. The reason this is my favorite Bjork album ever is because it finds her at her most vulnerable. Like Beck's Sea Change, a break-up has forced her to confront her own loneliness with song. In fact, this album's liner notes have listed how long after or before her break-up she wrote the song. It feels like she is fully exposed and often lost. The orchestration is some of the best I've heard from a modern artist. "Stonemilker" is gut-wrenching, but you also must visit "History of Touches" (wow--lyrics--wow) and "Black Lake" are also excellent from top to bottom. This is her finest hour. In her sorrow, she's created the soundtrack to heartache. It's breathtaking.
Before I get into this album, I want to tell you what inspired it. Wilson said it was inspired by the story of Joyce Carol Vincent, a young woman who died in her loft, and no one noticed she was gone for over THREE YEARS. Her body was alone for that long, and no friend or family member cared to find her. That's loneliness. This album treats solitude and isolation with artistic strokes abound. Steven Wilson is the mastermind behind Porcupine Tree, a band who has obliterated the universe with countless releases over the past almost thirty years. This is Wilson's fourth solo record, and it's his best. I also got to see him pull this off live in a small theatre in Pennsylvania this year. It was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Melodic themes revisit throughout the album, sometimes in different forms. It feels more like a book than a record. "Routine" is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. Watch the music video on YouTube if you want to weep a bit. Steven Wilson is one of the greatest songwriters alive today, and this is his finest hour.
This is fairly predictable, if you know me. Faith No More is my favorite band, and this is their first original release since 1997. It would almost have been number one before I heard it. But once I heard it, I knew my life had instantly gotten better. They seem like they haven't missed a step. Many of these songs will jump right into their set list, and will feel right at home with the rest of their discography. Is it as good as 1992's Angel Dust? Nope. Is it as amazing as The Real Thing? Nah. But both of those album were redefining GENRES of music. This album is the band just trying to redefine itself. They're all older. Several side projects and life lessons under their belts. It hits on all the FNM watermarks. From the chaos of "Separation Anxiety" into the epic thunder of "Matador" to the rage of "Superhero"--this album has it all. I feel like I've waited a lifetime. Please, Faith No More. Please. Please be here to stay.
Honorable Mentions:
Low, Ones and Sixes
Ben Folds, So There
Lamb of God, VII: Sturm und Drang
Failure, The Heart is a Monster
Muse, Drones
The Underachievers, Evermore: The Art of Duality
Freddie Gibbs, Shadow of a Doubt
Iron Maiden, The Book of Souls
Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss
Here's my 10 favorite albums of 2015:
 |
| #10 - Chris Cornell, Higher Truth |
 |
| #9 - Marilyn Manson, The Pale Emperor |
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| #8 - My Dying Bride, Feel The Misery |
 |
| #7 - Ghost, Meliora |
Ghost gets a lot of hatred in metal circles. I've seen them twice, and even I was floored by the amount of meat heads in the crowd. I think they opened for Metallica or something. I dunno. But people see the costumes and the gimmick, and they automatically want to tune them out. But I can't dislike this band. I loved their first full length--in fact, it was my favorite album that year. But I hadn't even SEEN what they looked like yet. So, by the time the gimmick was presented to me, I was already in love with the music. So, they're one of my favorites, Nameless Ghoul gimmick be damned. Once again, a solid album from start to finish. The best song on the album is "Deus In Absentia"--and the chorus hook will stay in your head for days.
 |
| #6 - Baroness, Purple |
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| #5 - Hayden, Hey Love |
 |
| #4 - Grimes, Art Angels |
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| #3 - Bjork, Vulnicura |
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| #2 - Steven Wilson, Hand.Cannot.Erase. |
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| #1 Faith No More, Sol Invictus |
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