Pick a Story. Any Story.

I've been thinking for a while that I would write about a few of my past experiences. Now, nothing world-changing has ever happened to me just to be clear. But, there are a few instances I've lived to tell what hopefully is an interesting tale. Since I can't decide and I would like a little feedback, I'll let the one or two readers decide which I'll tell first. Here are the options:

• 180+ mph Kansas Corvette Race 

          (Good)

• Hit (it) and Run: One Geriatric's Dream and One Twenty-Something's Life Lesson 

         (Super Good)

• Schmara Schmavaness: Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman...Now She's a Woman. 

         (Aces 10)

The voting is simple. To pick which story you'd like most to read, check the corresponding box (listed in parentheses after the story's title) below. 

Lent: The Musical [Albums 36-40]

36. The Dead Texan "The Dead Texan" ★★★★1/2


Having listened to 35 albums durring this Lenten project previous to hearing this one, I've not yet felt the need to re-listened one. This is the first record that required me to take a second listen.


In hopes of not selling this record short or over-hyping it, I'm not going to go into great detail as to why I really dig this record so much. The combination of light, ambient, mello, and airy music that is mood and thought provoking just works in a fresh and new way.


I'll just say this. At least one of these two things will happen when you listen to this record: 1) You'll go deep into your head or 2) you'll go sleep in your bed.


37. Chickenfoot "Chickenfoot" ★★


Even though this is a supergroup of sorts, Chickenfoot is a Sammy Hagar rock 'n' roll band 100 percent. I'm not trying to sell these guys short or cleverly crack jokes. Sammy really only has two modes: pre- and post-Mexico. Once that Cabo Wabo took hold of him, he just can't seem to shout "¡Arriba!" enough.

Something I found strange was the Red Rocker does on this record exactly what David Lee Roth did on several tracks on Van Halen albums: talk, (as if in a casual conversation), to the other band members. Sammy, that's copy written DLR material. 


No, it's not the most talented or invented record, but it's exactly what you would expect and want if you are a Van Hagar or Sammy solo fan.  


38. Misfits "American Psycho" ★★★★


The opening track: crazy good and sinister. The evil mood is set right from the beginning. Ten songs in and this is a solid, solid album. Granted, the songs aren't but two to three minutes on average, but these are fully fleshed out songs. They don't feel rushed or lacking inspiration. 


In its entirety, "American Psycho" is very well produced without the extra shine and polish. Again, this album is full of short, sub-four minute songs but isn't that typical for most songs from The Beatles, too?


39. Pantera "The Great Southern Trendkill" ★★★


The boys of Pantera are bringing the weight and speed they're best known for again on this record. But this is its own record, not some copy or extension of a previous album. Two distinct differences between this record and previous Pantera records are the leads are more thoughtful and more musically and rhythmically sound and Anselmo's vocals take on a new tone.  On "Suicide Note Part I" are very similar to Eddie Vedder's typical haggard and downtrodden vocal style.


The previous song is stuck right in the middle of the album which is perfect. For the most part, everything that came before and everything that follows is in near constant fury, with the exception of "Floods". But slow doesn't equal bad.


40. John Frusciante "From the Sounds Inside" ★★★


When listening to this record, certain things just didn't sound right. Little things like the track ending abruptly, volume shifts (not stereo shifts), electronic distortions, etc plague this album. Well, perhaps plague is too strong a word. Riddled. That's better.


I did some research to find out why all these very unclean sounds were showing up all over the album. My first reaction was that I downloaded bought a bad copy. Nope. It turns out that this record was completed start to finish in only 10 days. And there was very little post production done to the songs, to boot.


With that being said and the arrant non-musical sounds here and there, this is a pretty inventive album, musically speaking. The vocals are poor at times, but the guitar work is pretty impressive. Not just the finger work either. The effects and layering is something very new to my ears. Had the production been a little more involved and the vox a little more on key, I would have really dug this album more.   

Lent: The Musical [Albums 31-35] ... Now with Umlauts!

31. The Decemberists "Picaresque" ★★1/2


Let me start by asking you a few questions. Do you like that song by The Proclaimers about walking 500 miles? What do you think about REM? Answering those two questions will help you get a picture of what this record is similar to.


The diversity on this record ranges from polka, gypsy music, folk, funeral dirge...it's really all over the place. But honestly, it's all been done before, time and time again. That's not to say that The Decemberists do it poorly. Rather, indie music is just over saturated with similar albums.  


32. The Dead Weather "Sea of Cowards" ★★★1/2


I can appreciate a vintage sound. And I can even dig it when young folks want to achieve a particular antique sound, say, Memphis or Delta blues. While this vibe is captured on Sea of Cowards, I can't help but think this was all done a little too well. There is plenty of heavy and fat tones laid over distorted blues riffs with the occasional delay tossed in here and there. This "old" sound just doesn't sound old. To put it another way, this album sounds the same as brand new pair of jeans that are pre-ripped and pre-stained look; unearned and unauthentic. The song "Jawbreaker" is a near copy of a Wolfmother song, which doesn't bode well for the authenticity of the band.


Overall, it's a pretty good album. But that doesn't really mean anything. Most records fall right into that meaty part of a Bell curve.

33. AC/DC "The Razors Edge" ★★★1/2


One song alone is worth listening to this full album even if everything else is pure crap. (Which it isn't, I should say.) That one song? "Thunderstruck". Lucky for us, we get a bit more.  Songs such as "Moneytalks" and the title track "The Razors Edge" (which happens to be a sleeper song I've never heard anyone mention) as well as the aforementioned rock 'n' roll anthem "Thunderstruck" are all in the first 1/3 of the album.  And this record happens to be unusually long for these Aussies, racking up a whopping 12 tracks.


While this is a solid rock album, the remainder of the songs all blend together and reside in the background, not really making themselves distinguishable or unique. My final complaint about this record: where's the apostrophe in the album title?


34. "Weird Al" Yankovic "Poodle Hat" ★★1/2


Al takes the piss out on Limp Bizkit, N*SYNC, Avril Levigne, Disturbed, System of a Down, Papa Roach, Bob Dylan and loads more. Unlike other "Weird Al" records, nothing really stands out from this album, but that's not to suggest that there's no entertainment to be had from Poodle Hat. The record's finale, "Genius in France" runs a little long at nearly nine minutes. I figured it would be tough to ruin a good joke on the French, but I was mistaken.


35. Voivod "Rrröööaaarrr" ★★


Wow. These guys must be under the impression that every song has to be finished as quickly as possible. Just in case there is any confusion, I do enjoy a song that causes excessive amounts of  adrenalin to be released. But I do tend to enjoy those songs when there is some complexity and structure to them. This album leans more to the droning, frantic, panic inducing, 100 mph nonstop, from start to finish while tossing musicianship to the wayside. It's not terrible, it's just not talent-ful.


Please, click on a star rating and/or one of the check boxes. Would it really kill you?

Lent: The Musical (an addendum)

Over the past 30 days, I've been listening to a new album each day. And I am continuing to listen to a new record for the following 10 days. The whole point of this project is to add something positive to my life for Lent rather than removing one of my vices for the 40 day period. It just makes more sense to do something that I already enjoy doing everyday rather than not doing something I love doing. (See: drinking craft beer, eating ice cream, swearing, etc)

When I decided to take on this project, I added the extra task of writing a little synopsis about each record and giving it a star rating. I figured someone else out there might like the reviews and maybe, just maybe, someone would find out about some new music. Then, along came an app.

The nifty little app Soundtracking allows you to share what you're listening to as you're listening to it. You can check out what your friends are listening to as well. What's more, Soundtracking let's you show where you're listening to your tunes via foursquare integration. Of course, there are options to push your listening choices to Facebook and Twitter.

It's very simple to use. In most cases, all you have to do is listen to music and let the built-in music id program identify your music and share it with your friends. Just in case your tunes du jour aren't recognized by the app, you can locate them manually. This crazy little app can even tell what you're listening to on your iPod!

So, if you just can't wait to see which albums I'm listening to each day, go ahead and add me. My name is the first two words on this blog and my Twitter handle is @sklxbns. Let's go Soundtracking.

Lent: The Musical [Albums 26-30]

26. Citizen Cope "The Clarence Greenwood Recordings" ★★★1/2


There really isn't much I can say about this album other than it's very sleepy sounding. This collection of songs, while very easy to listen to, isn't very energetic other than what is probably the most well known song, "Bullet and a Target". Even though there's a general overall drowsy feeling of this record, I do actually dig it. I had expectations of something a bit more lively from a style of music that is related to, reggae. 


If I haven't conveyed clearly how "The Clarence Greenwood Recordings" sounds and feels, or you haven't heard anything by Citizen Cope before, just think of 311. Then think of 311 slowed down. Then think of 311 having slower songs played acoustically. Lastly, think of 311 making good music. And then you'll have a perfect picture of this album.


27. Gojira "The Way of All Flesh" ★★★★


I saw these guys open for Metallica a while back and I wasn't quite sure what I thought of them. So, I figured it was time to have a listen. I'm glad I did.


It's the perfect amount of heavy right from the start. These guys don't just play all brawn. There's plenty of brains behind the music, too. Yes, there is plenty of chug-chug-chugging, but harmonies, layers, and, what seems to be a theme on this record, string tap/release guitar playing. Rather than making several "Eruption" copies, Gojira made something new of tapping. Usually, string tapping is reserved for the lead part of the song. Gojira bases the melody of the song on tapping.


All this amazing talent doesn't stop at the guitarists. The drummer is aces-10. Joey Jordison of Slipknot and various side project fame is the last drummer I remember hearing of the same caliber as Mario Duplantier, Gorjira's drummer. He, Mario, is able to mimic the speed and sound of a machine gun. The speed part has been managed countless times and by countless drummers. But Duplantier replicates the sound of each round of ammunition entering and exiting the weapon, the sound of the hammer action, and the metallic clink of the ammo belt being disassembled as it's leaving the gun. This guy is just sick.


Aside from the grunty vox and the several minutes of silence found on the last track, this is a perfect record. I think I just found my new favorite band. And I don't even care that they're French.


28. Hole "Nobody's Daughter" ★★


I have a theory that this album's title wasn't just made up. It's easy to assume Courtney Love's parents deny actually being her parents. With that very clever quip said, let's get to judging.


Having zero expectations going into this album, I was happy to find that first two songs were pretty rockin'. Not everything took a dive after that, though the vocals did suffer a bit on "Honey". The song "Letter to God" is laughable. Love is singing her story of being ridiculed and always having the spotlight cast upon her and usually in a negative way. She whines a bit more about her trials and tribulations as if she's a modern day female Job. Courtney completely brought all this negative attention to herself. Just watch Comedy Central's roast of Pamela Anderson. Yeah, Courtney. Everybody is just picking on you for no reason.


There are a couple of acoustic songs on this album which seem to bring out the worst in Love's vocal skills. For some reason, an acoustic guitar triggers something in Courtney that causes her to sing out of pitch and very twangy and slurred. Dylan did this already and it didn't really work well for him.


Fun Fact: Without planning this at all, I just happened to listen to this album on the 17th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. (Should I have used quotation marks with 'death'?)


29. Black Flag "Damaged" ★★


Raw. Punk. Little production. Poor timing. Angry and funny (once). Shouty. For what it's worth, these guys definitely laid some groundwork for the entire genera of punk music.


30. Fucked Up "The Chemistry of Common Life" ★★★★


Having a band named Fucked Up lends itself to certain preconceived notions. Not necessarily good or bad preconceived notions, but it's easy to see how someone could assume what to expect from such a band. I am no different here.


I don't exactly know what I was expecting, but I can say that I wasn't expecting to start off the album by hearing a flute melody. My confusion didn't stop with that. Musically, the sound on this album is very indie rock. (Think: Modest Mouse, OK Go). Vocally, I would say it's closer to the shouty punk roots similar to Slayer only done so in more of a growl.


I can't explain exactly why I like this album so much. Having intricate songs with all sort of transitions and instruments is definitely a plus, while not having proper singing is usually a minus. But, for what ever reason, this dichotomous combination of music and vocals just seems to appeal to my ears. I know. Fucked up, huh?  

Lent: The Musical [Albums 21-25]

21. Bob Dylan "Blonde on Blonde" ★★1/2


The record starts off in a way that feels like we're showing up right as the party is getting good. Much to my surprise, I'm actually digging the party. After listening to the first few songs, we have now reached the drowsy part of the shindig. But, like with all good things, this fun time party has to end some time. The first sign of this was a seven minute song. After hearing that, I knew I stayed too long. I should have left the party earlier. To prove this point even more, the record comes to an end after an eleven minute final track. 


While the album isn't completely bad, one song often bleeds into the next ... if we're lucky enough to actually make it to the next song.


P.S. Should you not be familiar with Dylan's work, but you've heard impersonations or parodies of his style of singing, it's all true. 


22. Iron and Wine "The Shepherd's Dog" ★★★★1/2


The groove that Iron and Wine creates is contagious. Each song is an exercise in balance and understatement. The only thing that comes to mind that could possible help me explain  how his music affects me is it's analogous to watching a wave machine. Depending on which part of the wave you're focused on, you'll see different things taking place. Are you watching the blue liquid or the clear liquid as the rectangular container tilts back and forth? When you listen to Iron and Wine, are you listening the the foreground music and vocals or the background percussion swells and accompanying instruments? There seems to always be a give and take as to which piece of the music makes its way to the front making the music not just more dynamic but also feel more like a living being.


"Carousel" has some vocal effects that are akin to a cartoon character speaking underwater, but not quite so campy. Aside from that, serene, peaceful, soothing, calming - all describe this entire album. I wouldn't suggest listening to this album while driving for fear of entering a nirvana-like state of tranquility. But as a passenger, this is perfect to watching the world disappear as it's speeding by outside your window. 


23. Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks" ★★★


Having never heard a single song by the Sex Pistols (save for "Anarchy in the U.K."), I honestly was expecting something raw and gritty; something like The Ramones or Rancid.(The former having next to zero recording production and the latter not having the vocals staying within key of the music.) This album was actually well produced. Sure, it's punk music, but it's punk with lead guitar, time changes, drum fills, and other junk. Oh, there's actual singing, too. Even though there's some decent production, the album isn't over polished and squeaky clean. 


Have a listen to "Pretty Vacant" and think of the guy with a pig farm in "Snatch" as the person singing the song. It's nearly dead on.


24. The Tubes "Love Bomb" ★★★★


If 80s music gets you moving, this could be the 80s band you've never heard of. The opening song has 80s montage written all over it. Not a bad start at all. But it's not just a good beginning. From end to end, the entire album is poppy, synthesized, and filled with groove / funk hook-driven tunes. Typically, all of that instantly turns me off. But for some reason, I love it when The Tubes do it. I think it's their style is just different enough to make it new and interesting. I'll even venture a guess that greater than 85 percent of the people who listened to this album would agree with me. The entire record is a sold party soundtrack as well as something to listen to while at work. 


Well done, Tubes. Well done.


25. Mogwai "Happy Songs for Happy People" ★★★★


Through and through, this record is very ambient, airy, flowing, and serene; it's dynamic yet not jarring. There's more than enough life in "Happy Songs for Happy People" that the music never gets boring. The quiet and swells are definitely present and the ebb and flow is gentle and never overpowering. Not including the very few instances where shrills harshly awaken your subconscious, this album is tranquility and bliss for the auditory center of your brain and soul. 

Lent: The Musical [Albums 16-20]

16. The Raconteurs "Consolers of the Lonely" ★★★★1/2


New funk blues. That's how the title track strikes me. From there, things speed up with something a little more mainstream pop sounding. An even three minutes later, the guys get a little more sensitive and start tickling the ivories and sing of a dysfunctional relationship. By the fourth song, I'm bobbing my head and stomping -yes, stomping- my foot much like young Forrest dancing to pre-fame Elvis' guitar playing. Without realizing I'm doing it, I'm imagining a road trip. There's an out of place doo wop song tossed in the middle that throws me. But, before long, we're back on track. 


This is just a solid record. Honestly, it could have been a half dozen songs longer and I would have been just as happy, if not even more so.


17. The Avett Brothers "Mignonette" ★★★1/2


The setting as I listened to this record: 8:00 a.m., mostly cloudy, 39 degrees, and quiet.


This could quite possibly be the perfect setting in which to listen to this album. The somber melodies, two and three part harmonies, slow to mildly peppy tempos, everything just beckons for reflection and introspective thought. I'm willing to bet that anyone who listens to this record will wind up missing someone, but in a good way. This feeling of somber remembrance exits abruptly when "Hard Worker" plays. This song is massively out of place and should have been left off the record. Another song which should have been omitted from this album is "Causey Commentary". The former is such a harsh shift in feeling and sound from the previous songs and the latter has someone repeatedly shouting, "You just got sprayed with turkey shit!". The person doing the shouting sounds a great deal like Brad Pitt in Fight Club. The wickedly creepy laughter is strikingly similar. The last complaint I have about this album is the inclusion of a second version of a song already on the album.


Fun Fact: The album was named after an English yacht which sank off the Cape of Good Hope, leaving the crew of four stranded on a lifeboat. The cabin boy was killed and eaten by the others, two of whom were later put on trial and convicted of murder  


18. Coheed and Cambria "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3" ★


The record begins with a ringing phone. This is not a good omen. Who in their right mind would ever think that is a good idea? Ringing phones and emergency sirens - why? Cut it out, artists. It's not clever.


Track two is heavy, complex, and well arranged. These guys really know what they're doing. Oops, I spoke too soon. After this song, the album goes pop. What plays is a trite, overused sound. Next, we get the pleasure of taking part in a sing and clap along session, a la Cindi Lauper. This worked for her, but it should be left at that. Amazingly, I made it to track seven and even more amazingly, it's actually listenable. Tricked again! I was too optimistic. Peppered all throughout the song, "coo, coo, cachoo" is said. That didn't make sense when The Beatles did it and it still doesn't make sense. 


Now, here's a the portion where I want the reader to wager a guess. Did I like the 11 tracks of silence or not? The answer: LOVED IT! Those 11 songs of silence actually gave be a break from listening to a terrible album. 


19. Megadeth "Risk" ★★


I've always been partial to Mustane's previous band. But to be honest, I've never given Megadeth a fair shake. Having had the Metallica / Megadeth debate several tmies in the past, one constant point of contention always emerges: Megadeth has always been heavier, faster, and never got soft. This album is the end of that point's truthfulness.


The opener has a distinct techno/synth vibe with self-repeated lyrics. ("Insomnia-nia-nia-nia") Have a listen to "Wanderlust" and tell me you aren't reminded of a similar song written by some boys from Jersey. Bringing the album to an end: REMIXES!


This just isn't what I've heard or expected from Megadeth. The title must have been in reference to making a widely accepted, radio friendly album for the masses. If so, "Risk" = reward.


20. Pearl Jam "Riot Act" ★★★


No pun intended, but this is a very decent jam record. There is some blues, rock, tiny bit of folk; a mixed bag of influences. It's very good, but for no specific reason. Being generally good isn't necessarily bad. Without the clout of Pearl Jam, Vedder's one-of-a-kind vibrato style of singing, and the song "I Am Mine", it's easy to assume no one would have heard of this album had it been released by any other band. It's just not unique for any specific reason. Well, the 1:05 song "Arc" is unique in that it is only Middle Eastern / African tribal sounding chorus. I don't think anyone would have expected that. I know I wasn't expecting to hear that.