Alright I'll attempt to keep this review short since I've already mentioned this album in the first post I made.
Dan P's third release right now is self released; and sadly can only be bought when you see him in concert. So I guess that means don't expect to get one soon if you missed his last tour. BUT! The wait will be worth it if you get a hold of it, and you certainly should get it if you see him in concert.
This album is more the middle ground of Eyeballs and Sweats and Meats. The full band idea is back, but he still keeps a semi acoustic sound. Also its more Ska like eyeballs instead of that experimental sound of Sweats and Meats. This simply means its rock solid.
In the linear notes that explain how he started the writing process, the recording process etc.
Apparently all the parts are loop tracks (besides vocals and guitar of course), which without telling me this I'm not sure I would of known. Dan is certainly good at what ever he does and this is no exception. He states that he will be re-recording the album with a real band for the final release. He does not really say if the vocals and guitar would be redone but I can only imagine so. Meaning this album is a good collectors item as well cause you may never hear these versions again. I also find myself surprised how good this album is. It sounds very good for just being recorded on a computer and using loop tracks. Another sweet thing is you get 3 Spitzer songs and 4 unreleased past songs by Dan. All good songs, I really like Set Your Alarm by Spitzer; its a sweet track and catchy.
The song writing is solid and I doubt you would be disappointed. The album doesn't open as strong as it probably should but Fan is still a decent song, but maybe the second track Deep Blue should open as its fun, catchy, and full of energy.
A lot of the songs are written about inanimate objects, creating some story that almost seems deeper then it may be. Dan takes in the notes most of this happened when he would get stuck and would just start writing about things around him. I don't know many artists that can do that, well even; I certainly can't.
None of the songs are similar really, they all follow their own idea. A rarity in a lot of Ska where some of the song follow the same pattern as the last song but with new lyrics and melody. This is to be expected from Dan and I'm glad it stays true on this album.
If you haven't figured it out yet I love this album. There are only two problems I actually have with this album. Even though I know this is a DIY album and a pre-release the CD it self is terrible. Its just a standard Magnavox CDR with really sloppy hand writing. The cover is done well for a xerox, kinda cleaver. The only other thing is that Dan pushes his vocals on a few tracks more then he should; maybe its because of the semi raw recording that I notice. But these don't hinder anything really, its solid (have I said that yet?).
A
Coming up - Band You May Not of Heard of: No Outlet (review and interview!)
Showing posts with label Album Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Album Review. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Against All Authority - Restoration of Chaos and Order
Alright I obviously don't want to review albums that have been out for a long time. I have a hard time deciding what is past the line of review. But I figured that the cut off date would be the exact opposite season from we are in now. -AAA-'s album just makes that mark so I figured I'd go ahead and review it since Ska albums that may be worth mentioning aren't exactly released everyday.
The Restoration of Chaos and Order did not surprise me in the sounds that were presented in it. In just about every small release I have heard from them on compilations and splits since their last major release seemed to be headed this way. There is more punk and grit and less of that melodic reggae and ska sound we heard way back on the classic All Fall Down. Not to say its absent or that it ruins the album; but more of that could of helped I think. It was that sound that kept them from falling in a crowd while it wasn't 100% original you can pick an -AAA- song out of a crowd easily. Well now that may not be as easy, in some cases. The great well thought out politics are still there and the ska makes appearances so don't worry it is still an Against All Authority album.
You also have to wonder why they didn't have as many moments for their horn player. The trumpet lines were never awe inspiring or anything and they get a lot of criticism because of it. But it helped keep things moving and helped keep things broken up. There are many times on this album that could of used a smooth horn line; and when the finally bring it in a song its only one time and then its gone never to be heard again. You have to wonder what Alan does on stage.
The album starts out with the title track The Restoration of Chaos and Order; which is based on a Bush speech flub that plays before the track. The song is well thought out and very catchy. Just a straight ahead punk song with some good hooks and some moments for the crowd to sing along with. The lyrics and vocals are still just as gritty as they have ever been and it still works well for them. The next track (Sweet Televised Destruction) is just as good and is the first inclusion of that ole' ska feel; moving back and forth to just plain hardcore moments with pure anger and energy to the smooth feeling they are good at giving with the Ska beat with that jump in the lyrics that are much more melodic. At almost 2 mins into the song the trumpet makes its first appearance with a more reggae feel for a nice bridge and ending section.
The third track is my least favorite. All Ages Show Tonight, is a song about two punks at a show falling in love. Its just not very good, their isn't much catch to the song and in some times the tonality just goes off. Besides the fact that it is kinda a cheesy idea for a song; especially when you are expecting that political grit. But then again they don't have to do that all the time and the change is welcome it just wasn't done well.
One of the best songs on the album hails back to that whole feel of their first album. Track 5, Radio Waves; has a great ska verse with a simple trumpet line accenting everything just like they are known for it is just uber catchy. The chorus is simple as it isn't the main point of the song, like most of their songs.
The next song Silence is Golden but Duck Tape is Silver has more of a depressing tone it unlike the previous songs which were more upbeat but still serious. It is the last of the standard ska/reggae tracks for the next few tracks as well, but no horn. It is still a very solid song.
The next songs may have a few tinges of a Ska feel but not really enough to say they are a Ska song of any type and no horn still. These are on their punk side. They are very brash and very energetic. They push forward without any hints of stopping, just like you would expect. The only song I'm not a huge fan of is I Just Wanna Start a Circle pit. The song is about the reasons, feelings, ideals etc of being in a circle pit. It’s a fun song and very hard and energetic but like the Punk Rock love song, misses its mark.
The Production of Self Destruction bring us back into the Ska though only slightly. It moves quickly between the two beats in the verses and the chorus is still a hard rockin punk one. At about 2 mins again it slows down to their classic sing along reggae bridge and then moves right back into the hard rockin chorus. Once again no horn, and it had many chances for one. The album on a smart move ends with something that sums up old and new sounds. Best Enemy has the simple horn part, the more thrashing ska guitar (while still keeping it move smooth, not too fast , you feel the beat like you should) and the gritty chorus and bridges that have the tonality of this entire album. It’s a great song to end the album with because it leaves you with that imprint of their general sound in your mind.
Overall it is a great album. I could of used more horn, it isn't big deal and if it was another band it wouldn't of mattered. But that kind of sound is what I always enjoyed from -AAA-. Lyrics are still good and well thought out, the energy is still there and they still have the mastery of that Ska beat without rushing it or losing the feel of the beat like many Ska-Punk bands do.
A-
The Restoration of Chaos and Order did not surprise me in the sounds that were presented in it. In just about every small release I have heard from them on compilations and splits since their last major release seemed to be headed this way. There is more punk and grit and less of that melodic reggae and ska sound we heard way back on the classic All Fall Down. Not to say its absent or that it ruins the album; but more of that could of helped I think. It was that sound that kept them from falling in a crowd while it wasn't 100% original you can pick an -AAA- song out of a crowd easily. Well now that may not be as easy, in some cases. The great well thought out politics are still there and the ska makes appearances so don't worry it is still an Against All Authority album.
You also have to wonder why they didn't have as many moments for their horn player. The trumpet lines were never awe inspiring or anything and they get a lot of criticism because of it. But it helped keep things moving and helped keep things broken up. There are many times on this album that could of used a smooth horn line; and when the finally bring it in a song its only one time and then its gone never to be heard again. You have to wonder what Alan does on stage.
The album starts out with the title track The Restoration of Chaos and Order; which is based on a Bush speech flub that plays before the track. The song is well thought out and very catchy. Just a straight ahead punk song with some good hooks and some moments for the crowd to sing along with. The lyrics and vocals are still just as gritty as they have ever been and it still works well for them. The next track (Sweet Televised Destruction) is just as good and is the first inclusion of that ole' ska feel; moving back and forth to just plain hardcore moments with pure anger and energy to the smooth feeling they are good at giving with the Ska beat with that jump in the lyrics that are much more melodic. At almost 2 mins into the song the trumpet makes its first appearance with a more reggae feel for a nice bridge and ending section.
The third track is my least favorite. All Ages Show Tonight, is a song about two punks at a show falling in love. Its just not very good, their isn't much catch to the song and in some times the tonality just goes off. Besides the fact that it is kinda a cheesy idea for a song; especially when you are expecting that political grit. But then again they don't have to do that all the time and the change is welcome it just wasn't done well.
One of the best songs on the album hails back to that whole feel of their first album. Track 5, Radio Waves; has a great ska verse with a simple trumpet line accenting everything just like they are known for it is just uber catchy. The chorus is simple as it isn't the main point of the song, like most of their songs.
The next song Silence is Golden but Duck Tape is Silver has more of a depressing tone it unlike the previous songs which were more upbeat but still serious. It is the last of the standard ska/reggae tracks for the next few tracks as well, but no horn. It is still a very solid song.
The next songs may have a few tinges of a Ska feel but not really enough to say they are a Ska song of any type and no horn still. These are on their punk side. They are very brash and very energetic. They push forward without any hints of stopping, just like you would expect. The only song I'm not a huge fan of is I Just Wanna Start a Circle pit. The song is about the reasons, feelings, ideals etc of being in a circle pit. It’s a fun song and very hard and energetic but like the Punk Rock love song, misses its mark.
The Production of Self Destruction bring us back into the Ska though only slightly. It moves quickly between the two beats in the verses and the chorus is still a hard rockin punk one. At about 2 mins again it slows down to their classic sing along reggae bridge and then moves right back into the hard rockin chorus. Once again no horn, and it had many chances for one. The album on a smart move ends with something that sums up old and new sounds. Best Enemy has the simple horn part, the more thrashing ska guitar (while still keeping it move smooth, not too fast , you feel the beat like you should) and the gritty chorus and bridges that have the tonality of this entire album. It’s a great song to end the album with because it leaves you with that imprint of their general sound in your mind.
Overall it is a great album. I could of used more horn, it isn't big deal and if it was another band it wouldn't of mattered. But that kind of sound is what I always enjoyed from -AAA-. Lyrics are still good and well thought out, the energy is still there and they still have the mastery of that Ska beat without rushing it or losing the feel of the beat like many Ska-Punk bands do.
A-
Monday, June 4, 2007
One More Bullet by The Toasters
Alright!
Again sorry for the lack of updates, been busy. But I'm gonna try and get things back on track!
On today's menu we have One More Bullet; the new Toasters album. It was just released in the last few weeks.
The album starts out sadly not very well. Their bassist and actual toaster of the band Jason begins the album by repeating the chorus of the first song (What a Gwan) without music. By time he is done and they go into the song you never wanna hear the chorus again. But it will be back, several more times. Lets ignore the fact that most people probably don't know what gwan means either. It apparently is stereotypical Jamaican lingo that blends many words together. In reality the song is asking "what is going on?". Which puts an odd new twist on the lyrics if you did not know that previously. Also this song last WAY too long, like 2 mins too long; it is just to repetative.
Their are several other lack luster things about this album as well (don't worry I'll get to the good). One main things that bugs me is that not only does Bucket sing less than on other albums of the past but when he does sing on this one, he doesn't seem to be trying or just doesn't care. Speaking of lyrics and vocals on the second track (Night Train to Moscow) they use distortion on the vocals to what I can only assume is to simulate a loud speaker. But this effect rarely works and it really doesn't here. A few of the songs lack energy when needed as well. Life in a Bubble for example seems to drag the energy as it moves along. Other songs like Bits and Pieces are just uncreative and don't have a very good sound to them, El Chapo is catchy and has well written melodies/horn lines and the like. But its gets old fast, drags its feet.
Like I said though there are good points as well. One thing I will give credit on is as you let yourself fall into the music so to speak it certianly is pleasing to the ear in general and is a good chilling album. But if you want something to get you in the mood to be active, probably not here. Alot of the songs have real good horn lines and well though out structures. Where is the Freedom is a good example, keeps it mixed up and thats good; solid Reggae while keeping a very bouncy and poppy feeling which this album needed more of. The horn line is uber catchy and you may find yourself humming it. The Run Rudy Run "redux" is good but it is only a remake of a previous song. The title song One More Bullet is a steady song and while it is catchy it is another example of one of the songs that could of used more energy behind it, just enough to give it some "oompf". One of the better songs is the instrumental song Step Up. It is very well written and smooth. Reminisent of some of their early works.
So this album in conclusion, is good but could of been better. The Toasters still have the talent but seem to have lost their edge and are having a hard time getting it back. There are too many songs that drag on between the good. It is a good listen and I want to but can't feel right to say this is anything better than average.
C+
Again sorry for the lack of updates, been busy. But I'm gonna try and get things back on track!
On today's menu we have One More Bullet; the new Toasters album. It was just released in the last few weeks.
The album starts out sadly not very well. Their bassist and actual toaster of the band Jason begins the album by repeating the chorus of the first song (What a Gwan) without music. By time he is done and they go into the song you never wanna hear the chorus again. But it will be back, several more times. Lets ignore the fact that most people probably don't know what gwan means either. It apparently is stereotypical Jamaican lingo that blends many words together. In reality the song is asking "what is going on?". Which puts an odd new twist on the lyrics if you did not know that previously. Also this song last WAY too long, like 2 mins too long; it is just to repetative.
Their are several other lack luster things about this album as well (don't worry I'll get to the good). One main things that bugs me is that not only does Bucket sing less than on other albums of the past but when he does sing on this one, he doesn't seem to be trying or just doesn't care. Speaking of lyrics and vocals on the second track (Night Train to Moscow) they use distortion on the vocals to what I can only assume is to simulate a loud speaker. But this effect rarely works and it really doesn't here. A few of the songs lack energy when needed as well. Life in a Bubble for example seems to drag the energy as it moves along. Other songs like Bits and Pieces are just uncreative and don't have a very good sound to them, El Chapo is catchy and has well written melodies/horn lines and the like. But its gets old fast, drags its feet.
Like I said though there are good points as well. One thing I will give credit on is as you let yourself fall into the music so to speak it certianly is pleasing to the ear in general and is a good chilling album. But if you want something to get you in the mood to be active, probably not here. Alot of the songs have real good horn lines and well though out structures. Where is the Freedom is a good example, keeps it mixed up and thats good; solid Reggae while keeping a very bouncy and poppy feeling which this album needed more of. The horn line is uber catchy and you may find yourself humming it. The Run Rudy Run "redux" is good but it is only a remake of a previous song. The title song One More Bullet is a steady song and while it is catchy it is another example of one of the songs that could of used more energy behind it, just enough to give it some "oompf". One of the better songs is the instrumental song Step Up. It is very well written and smooth. Reminisent of some of their early works.
So this album in conclusion, is good but could of been better. The Toasters still have the talent but seem to have lost their edge and are having a hard time getting it back. There are too many songs that drag on between the good. It is a good listen and I want to but can't feel right to say this is anything better than average.
C+
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Plea for Peace: Volume 2
"A Punk Rock Compilation Benefiting PFP"
That is the tag for this new Compilation through Asian Man Records for the Plea for Peace Foundation. It probably perfectly describes this 2 CD set as well. On the back it states "100% of the profits from this CD set will go to the Plea For Peace Foundation". With that statement and a 6 buck price tag at my local store it was a must for me and I'd tell anyone to check it out just because of that. But I'll go ahead and give it a review of how I felt about the music choices.
The first CD starts off with Chuck Ragan - For Broken Ears. It is a simple acoustic song; and I like that. I found it a good way to start off the album and the general idea of the song sets the mood for the rest of the compilation. The only complain I have for the track is the harmonica mixing. It just gets into bad areas of volume and such and sticks way too much out from the rest of the song.
After that we begin into the other tracks which are some good examples of todays punk scene. There are some good things and some bad things about that. The good things are: the songs are driving, the songs stick to that rebellion feeling, and most of them get you in a thinking mood. The bad things are: Some of the songs like some punk are over simplified and have the same lyrics being repeated far too much, and some of the songs just aren't well written (but not many). I think the only song I can not listen to on this CD is Cave In -Dead Already (Live). This hardcore/metal song is just well...awful. Its basically the same beat, same riffs, and same non distinguishable lyrics for yes 4 and a half mins; and when they do change it up it really drags. The Anti-Flag track after it isn't that great either; they just aren't the same band anymore. It has its moments but I've heard better from them.
I do enjoy the mix between the 2 cds between Punk and the very popular amongst the kiddies Folk stuff. It not only just brings in some good songs that really reflect what PFP is going for but it breaks up the album so the distorted and driving punk doesn't wear on your ears through 52 tracks. One thing I was kinda shocked to see was little to no Ska. I guess Mike was trying to stick to the albums tag line; or I feel to be more correct he didn't want this to be another Asian Man comp. Which is understandable; there are plenty of good Ska comps out anyway. There are a few Ska tracks though. If you want you can count the RX Bandits track but it isn't Ska it is one of their progressive songs. Then there is the No Torso track Fight the Blue Horizon. I love this band and this track. Their MMBT sound is catchy and well written. There is also a Big D track and actually the one Big D track I have ever really enjoyed. The stripped down Try Out Your Voice, is actually pretty cool and is in good tone with the comp.
The second CD is just like the first one. I wouldn't say it is any worse or any better. I do know I'm not a fan of the first two tracks (The Filthy Thieving Bastards track is just not so good and the Toys that Kill track is catchy but repetitive). I'm also not a fan of the Country Rock style (yep thats what I'm calling it) track by Drag the River. Its just not good to my ears; boring, bland and kind of annoying after a while. But there are plenty of good tracks to make up for those. The Briefs, Faint and Fading Out, Andrew Jackson Jihad, and no matter how much I don't wanna say it the NOFX track...just to name a few. I like how the CD ends with an Acoustic track by Mike Park. It keeps the consistency for the whole project and its a fun little song.
Ok so I got a request to just review the Jawbreaker track so I'm going to. If you don't care, skip this paragraph. Now I don't listen to a lot of Jawbreaker so I'm not gonna compare it to anything. But here is my dry review of the song itself. First thing you may notice is it is not the best quality or mix; but it is live so you gotta forgive it a little. It is a pretty mellow song but still drives a little and has some good playing in it; even more of a melodic song at times then your average punk band. The drumming is pretty good; he keeps the song on its toes and that is good. It is not just hi hat, snare and bass with a few fills. Only two real complaints from me would be the sound of the voice..it just doesn't do it for me sometimes and the solo at the end of the song while different and cool wear thin before the song ends. But I feel that if you are Jawbreaker fan you'll enjoy this song and it is a good addition to the album.
So there is the review of the PFP compilation. It is probably one of the best compilations I have heard in a long time. If not for a few songs that just really drug me down it is a solid listen through all 52 tracks and the fact that it is for charity and only cost 6 bucks it is damn near perfect.
Go buy it
(thats right no grade thats my final say)
That is the tag for this new Compilation through Asian Man Records for the Plea for Peace Foundation. It probably perfectly describes this 2 CD set as well. On the back it states "100% of the profits from this CD set will go to the Plea For Peace Foundation". With that statement and a 6 buck price tag at my local store it was a must for me and I'd tell anyone to check it out just because of that. But I'll go ahead and give it a review of how I felt about the music choices.
The first CD starts off with Chuck Ragan - For Broken Ears. It is a simple acoustic song; and I like that. I found it a good way to start off the album and the general idea of the song sets the mood for the rest of the compilation. The only complain I have for the track is the harmonica mixing. It just gets into bad areas of volume and such and sticks way too much out from the rest of the song.
After that we begin into the other tracks which are some good examples of todays punk scene. There are some good things and some bad things about that. The good things are: the songs are driving, the songs stick to that rebellion feeling, and most of them get you in a thinking mood. The bad things are: Some of the songs like some punk are over simplified and have the same lyrics being repeated far too much, and some of the songs just aren't well written (but not many). I think the only song I can not listen to on this CD is Cave In -Dead Already (Live). This hardcore/metal song is just well...awful. Its basically the same beat, same riffs, and same non distinguishable lyrics for yes 4 and a half mins; and when they do change it up it really drags. The Anti-Flag track after it isn't that great either; they just aren't the same band anymore. It has its moments but I've heard better from them.
I do enjoy the mix between the 2 cds between Punk and the very popular amongst the kiddies Folk stuff. It not only just brings in some good songs that really reflect what PFP is going for but it breaks up the album so the distorted and driving punk doesn't wear on your ears through 52 tracks. One thing I was kinda shocked to see was little to no Ska. I guess Mike was trying to stick to the albums tag line; or I feel to be more correct he didn't want this to be another Asian Man comp. Which is understandable; there are plenty of good Ska comps out anyway. There are a few Ska tracks though. If you want you can count the RX Bandits track but it isn't Ska it is one of their progressive songs. Then there is the No Torso track Fight the Blue Horizon. I love this band and this track. Their MMBT sound is catchy and well written. There is also a Big D track and actually the one Big D track I have ever really enjoyed. The stripped down Try Out Your Voice, is actually pretty cool and is in good tone with the comp.
The second CD is just like the first one. I wouldn't say it is any worse or any better. I do know I'm not a fan of the first two tracks (The Filthy Thieving Bastards track is just not so good and the Toys that Kill track is catchy but repetitive). I'm also not a fan of the Country Rock style (yep thats what I'm calling it) track by Drag the River. Its just not good to my ears; boring, bland and kind of annoying after a while. But there are plenty of good tracks to make up for those. The Briefs, Faint and Fading Out, Andrew Jackson Jihad, and no matter how much I don't wanna say it the NOFX track...just to name a few. I like how the CD ends with an Acoustic track by Mike Park. It keeps the consistency for the whole project and its a fun little song.
Ok so I got a request to just review the Jawbreaker track so I'm going to. If you don't care, skip this paragraph. Now I don't listen to a lot of Jawbreaker so I'm not gonna compare it to anything. But here is my dry review of the song itself. First thing you may notice is it is not the best quality or mix; but it is live so you gotta forgive it a little. It is a pretty mellow song but still drives a little and has some good playing in it; even more of a melodic song at times then your average punk band. The drumming is pretty good; he keeps the song on its toes and that is good. It is not just hi hat, snare and bass with a few fills. Only two real complaints from me would be the sound of the voice..it just doesn't do it for me sometimes and the solo at the end of the song while different and cool wear thin before the song ends. But I feel that if you are Jawbreaker fan you'll enjoy this song and it is a good addition to the album.
So there is the review of the PFP compilation. It is probably one of the best compilations I have heard in a long time. If not for a few songs that just really drug me down it is a solid listen through all 52 tracks and the fact that it is for charity and only cost 6 bucks it is damn near perfect.
Go buy it
(thats right no grade thats my final say)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Tossers: Agony
Here we go; the first review not of a Ska album!
The Tossers are what is considered a Irish Punk band by many. This is a fair label but you could easier call them a Celtic Rock band. They don't really stick to any punk formula (except maybe for short in and out songs and the raw power of their songs), and their sound isn't just traditionally Irish it pulls sounds from all Celtic folk.
Oddly enough they have stayed out of the time light even though they came before both popular bands; Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
To me this may have something to do with the idea of their more pull away from that punk sound. Until recently a Flogging Molly album was the same beat, same feel, same tone etc throughout the whole album. It wasn't until "Within a Mile of Home" that I even enjoyed Flogging Molly. Then Dropkick appeals to the Hot Topic Core kids. Driving bland punk with overtones that can roughly be described as celtic, and poor bag pipe lines.
The Tossers put a lot of stuff in their songs while managing to keep them very folky and raw. Several melody layers, lots of energy, good harmonies etc. This is true once again for Agony.
Agony kinda pulls from all their past work. From real driving fast songs to more traditional (but still rock tonality to them) sounding slow songs. Then every once in a while you get this real stripped song that really shows their writing ability (such as Claddagh). One big defining thing about the Tossers is that their songs are very sing along able and more so on the past two albums because Duggins vocals are more clear (vocally and recording) and less slurred. Agony is no different after one listen you'll want to sing along in at least the catchy chorus. But at the same time The Tossers have this ability to write songs that you just lose yourself in. It is real easy to just sit back, zone out and absorb the musicality of it all.
All the instruments do what they should, the banjo accents the guitar and melody. The guitar does not over power the song, it creates the base like it should in folk music. The tin whistle adds to the melody and tonality and carries it all together; never gets in the way and never gets to an uncomfortable sound or range. The mandolin adds a great harmony and the violin does too. Lastly one of the big things for me is the drums are perfect. They add the driving rock feel but still have the folk bounce to them. On top of that each song only uses them when needed and when they do use them Bones knows how to play them and really makes the drums sing and carry the song; instead of playing one beat with out any variations. Something that Flogging Molly failed to do for a long time.
In conclusion it is a solid album and another step forward for The Tossers. The songs are very well written and very catchy. You'll want to just soak in this album and it will have you singing along, bobbing along; whatever you do. If you like Folk Rock, Folk Punk, Celtic Rock; or never listened to any of it before. Pick up this album, you probably won't regret it.
A+
The Tossers are what is considered a Irish Punk band by many. This is a fair label but you could easier call them a Celtic Rock band. They don't really stick to any punk formula (except maybe for short in and out songs and the raw power of their songs), and their sound isn't just traditionally Irish it pulls sounds from all Celtic folk.
Oddly enough they have stayed out of the time light even though they came before both popular bands; Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
To me this may have something to do with the idea of their more pull away from that punk sound. Until recently a Flogging Molly album was the same beat, same feel, same tone etc throughout the whole album. It wasn't until "Within a Mile of Home" that I even enjoyed Flogging Molly. Then Dropkick appeals to the Hot Topic Core kids. Driving bland punk with overtones that can roughly be described as celtic, and poor bag pipe lines.
The Tossers put a lot of stuff in their songs while managing to keep them very folky and raw. Several melody layers, lots of energy, good harmonies etc. This is true once again for Agony.
Agony kinda pulls from all their past work. From real driving fast songs to more traditional (but still rock tonality to them) sounding slow songs. Then every once in a while you get this real stripped song that really shows their writing ability (such as Claddagh). One big defining thing about the Tossers is that their songs are very sing along able and more so on the past two albums because Duggins vocals are more clear (vocally and recording) and less slurred. Agony is no different after one listen you'll want to sing along in at least the catchy chorus. But at the same time The Tossers have this ability to write songs that you just lose yourself in. It is real easy to just sit back, zone out and absorb the musicality of it all.
All the instruments do what they should, the banjo accents the guitar and melody. The guitar does not over power the song, it creates the base like it should in folk music. The tin whistle adds to the melody and tonality and carries it all together; never gets in the way and never gets to an uncomfortable sound or range. The mandolin adds a great harmony and the violin does too. Lastly one of the big things for me is the drums are perfect. They add the driving rock feel but still have the folk bounce to them. On top of that each song only uses them when needed and when they do use them Bones knows how to play them and really makes the drums sing and carry the song; instead of playing one beat with out any variations. Something that Flogging Molly failed to do for a long time.
In conclusion it is a solid album and another step forward for The Tossers. The songs are very well written and very catchy. You'll want to just soak in this album and it will have you singing along, bobbing along; whatever you do. If you like Folk Rock, Folk Punk, Celtic Rock; or never listened to any of it before. Pick up this album, you probably won't regret it.
A+
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Big D and the Kid's Table: Strictly Rude
I'll go ahead and revile my bias and say that for many years I hated every song I sampled that was from Big D. Big D to me was always this not so great punk band coating their songs with not so great horn lines and ska beats. It was loud, messy and bland.
BUT I tried to go into this review with an open mind. I think I did a good job on that too.
I heard Strictly Rude was a whole new move for Big D and I completely agree. Its almost like a different band (almost). So I took a chance and decided to give it a listen and a review.
The basic sound of this album is just like Rancid in their Life Won't Wait era. It has that exact feel and tonality to it; so this is hardly anything new when it comes to Ska. The album opens with Steady Riot and it defines the sound for the whole album. It is a catchy and a very dance able song. The first big complaints from me come from this song and they carry through the entire album. The lyrics are not that great, both vocally and just the writing (though these may be some of the best written ones on this album). Right off the bat in the first chorus you can hear the vocals go off pitch too. All of the songs the vocals do this not really tuneful half spoken half sung thing, which works in parts and takes away a lot in others. The second is the horns. Throughout the entire album starting with this song its hard to tell what they wanted to do with the horns. Some songs when they do use the horns kinda blend way to much into the background; though I'm kinda torn on that issue cause some bands just blast their horns so bad it takes away from the song. But then in other songs they hardly use their horns to their potential if they use them at all.
The feel of the ska moves from a standard up tempo 3rd wave feel to a more slow melodic feel. This is good too; a lot of the songs don't have enough to carry them without songs that differ in feel to break up the album.
Now I can't deny this album is catchy; the songs will have you at least bobbing along to the beat. But a lot of the songs need to end at least a minute earlier then they do. The second song on the album repeats the title "Noise complaint" so many times its just ridiculous; "Souped-up Vinyl" does the same thing. Then some songs had a good idea but don't work as they should, such as DeadPan, which almost has this Reggatronic feel but really just gets old after a while.
Now there are really good songs Steady Riot, Shining On, Try out your Voice, Fly Away etc are just fun songs and they have good flow, substance and only a few flaws keep them from being grade A songs. A lot of the time that problem seems to be that they have a section they weren't sure what to do with in the song and it seems kinda thrown together.
With that in mind its easy to come to a conclusion that Big D should stick to writing these songs that ride the border between 3rd wave and Neo-2tone sounds. It works well for them for whatever reason.
When it comes to the theme of the album (a throw back to the old sounds) they shouldn't have done it. Their songs like Strictly Rude (sadly the title song) lack in flow and originality and after a while kinda bring the album down and drag it on. There is nothing wrong with slowing down an album with a more smooth or melodic song, their song Raw Revolution does that well. But their attempt at Rocksteady sounds missed their mark.
So lets see; in conclusion this is a decent album and maybe a good new starting point for Big D. They need to do a few things, figure out how they want their songs to portray their horns and write accordingly; some where between having them blended in the back to blaring them in the front. Vocals still need work; the half spoken lyrics idea has worn thin and rarely works outside modern atonal music, or only when the singer knows how to carry the tune with it. The lyrics are bland at best, some of them seem so repetitive and some seem pointless but then they recover with a song thats very sing along able. Lastly if they stay away from their old hard driven punk sound they can write catchy thoughtful songs.
So no matter what Alternative Press says this is not the best Ska album since the millennium! But it is not a bad album to have in your collection; especially if you kinda like that mid 90's Rancid sound. The music quality is sporadic, and the whole "We are Rude!" gets old (both in the lyrics and the album art); but its not a bad album in general. It also seems like an album that will kinda grow on you as you learn the songs.
Grade: C+
BUT I tried to go into this review with an open mind. I think I did a good job on that too.
I heard Strictly Rude was a whole new move for Big D and I completely agree. Its almost like a different band (almost). So I took a chance and decided to give it a listen and a review.
The basic sound of this album is just like Rancid in their Life Won't Wait era. It has that exact feel and tonality to it; so this is hardly anything new when it comes to Ska. The album opens with Steady Riot and it defines the sound for the whole album. It is a catchy and a very dance able song. The first big complaints from me come from this song and they carry through the entire album. The lyrics are not that great, both vocally and just the writing (though these may be some of the best written ones on this album). Right off the bat in the first chorus you can hear the vocals go off pitch too. All of the songs the vocals do this not really tuneful half spoken half sung thing, which works in parts and takes away a lot in others. The second is the horns. Throughout the entire album starting with this song its hard to tell what they wanted to do with the horns. Some songs when they do use the horns kinda blend way to much into the background; though I'm kinda torn on that issue cause some bands just blast their horns so bad it takes away from the song. But then in other songs they hardly use their horns to their potential if they use them at all.
The feel of the ska moves from a standard up tempo 3rd wave feel to a more slow melodic feel. This is good too; a lot of the songs don't have enough to carry them without songs that differ in feel to break up the album.
Now I can't deny this album is catchy; the songs will have you at least bobbing along to the beat. But a lot of the songs need to end at least a minute earlier then they do. The second song on the album repeats the title "Noise complaint" so many times its just ridiculous; "Souped-up Vinyl" does the same thing. Then some songs had a good idea but don't work as they should, such as DeadPan, which almost has this Reggatronic feel but really just gets old after a while.
Now there are really good songs Steady Riot, Shining On, Try out your Voice, Fly Away etc are just fun songs and they have good flow, substance and only a few flaws keep them from being grade A songs. A lot of the time that problem seems to be that they have a section they weren't sure what to do with in the song and it seems kinda thrown together.
With that in mind its easy to come to a conclusion that Big D should stick to writing these songs that ride the border between 3rd wave and Neo-2tone sounds. It works well for them for whatever reason.
When it comes to the theme of the album (a throw back to the old sounds) they shouldn't have done it. Their songs like Strictly Rude (sadly the title song) lack in flow and originality and after a while kinda bring the album down and drag it on. There is nothing wrong with slowing down an album with a more smooth or melodic song, their song Raw Revolution does that well. But their attempt at Rocksteady sounds missed their mark.
So lets see; in conclusion this is a decent album and maybe a good new starting point for Big D. They need to do a few things, figure out how they want their songs to portray their horns and write accordingly; some where between having them blended in the back to blaring them in the front. Vocals still need work; the half spoken lyrics idea has worn thin and rarely works outside modern atonal music, or only when the singer knows how to carry the tune with it. The lyrics are bland at best, some of them seem so repetitive and some seem pointless but then they recover with a song thats very sing along able. Lastly if they stay away from their old hard driven punk sound they can write catchy thoughtful songs.
So no matter what Alternative Press says this is not the best Ska album since the millennium! But it is not a bad album to have in your collection; especially if you kinda like that mid 90's Rancid sound. The music quality is sporadic, and the whole "We are Rude!" gets old (both in the lyrics and the album art); but its not a bad album in general. It also seems like an album that will kinda grow on you as you learn the songs.
Grade: C+
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