Tales From Lincoln - A Review

Note: I didn't get the official track names to this CD, which actually made it quite fun trying to guess who all the bands and songs were, so if I am incorrect please let me know. I used a little gadget on my phone that will listen to songs and tell you what they are.


“All I Can Do Is Write About It” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song blew me away. This is by far my favorite on this CD. I was puzzled trying to figure out if it was really Lynyrd Skynyrd because I have never heard it before and thought for sure that something this good by them would’ve hit my ears before. To me it really speaks for the tone of this CD and the concept of Red writing about people in Lincoln. So glad I know this beautiful song now as it speaks to my person feelings of living in the sticks and enjoying the beauty of the country.

“Either Way” – Wilco

I had heard of Wilco and saw them on the Tonight Show or something like that. I was interested to hear more of their stuff but didn’t really want to invest anything into it. This song is okay for me. I really like the little guitar solo towards the end that sounds kind of Latin inspired to me.

“The Old Apartment” – Barenaked Ladies

I have a CD by these guys but it doesn’t have any of these songs on it. This sounds like a live CD. I like the imagery of the song reminiscing about the past and distant times. It reminds me a college.

“A Murder One” – Counting Crows

This sounds like most Counting Crows I’ve heard. The drum rhythm really sticks out to me in this song. The song seems slow yet the drums have these quick little eighth notes in the middle of the beat. I find myself focusing on it every time I hear this song because it just fascinates me.

“No Way Back” – The Foo Fighters

This starts a little block of songs that I already had or knew. This is a great song and probably my favorite out of this Foo Fighters’ album. I like how it fits into the dynamic of this CD upon which I will expound later.

“Beverly Hills” – Weezer

Weezer is awesome at everything they do. There is nothing like a little SoCal love song. I had the hardest time tying this into the theme of the CD that I had running through my head.

“Inside Out” – Eve 6

I remember writing a crappy free writing exercise to this song. Actually, it turned more into a rant. I always seem to fight with myself as to the true meaning or message to this song. I think for this CD it fits into the idea of being stuck somewhere and the insanity it brings to the individual. But that is just me.

“Brian Wilson” – Barenaked Ladies

I love this song, second favorite on this CD. I had a hard time figuring out the lyrics at first. I kept thinking he was saying, ‘lying in bed just like Brian Wilson dead.’ This caused a great deal of internal conflict being sure that Brian Wilson was in fact not dead and thus why would the lyric say that. Once I got that straighten out, the song opened up for me, the idea of trying imitate our heroes whether it be writing songs, writing stories, playing sports, anything.

“DOA” – Foo Fighters

I have always liked this song but struggle to find the real, intended meaning. But it fits into this image I am building in my head of Lincoln and the dread of people feeling stuck there to die with no way of getting out alive.

“Perfect Situation” – Weezer

This is a little slower Weezer song that comes out very beautiful in the lyrics. I enjoy the chorus; it usually gives me goose bumps when I hear it. Soft young love turning into heartbreak.

“Open Road Song” – Eve 6

This song always makes me want to jump into a crappy car or an old truck and just drive fast down some country back roads. I like the line, ‘although I have no where to go but home.’ I remember taking many of those drives in our youth.

“Walken” – Wilco

This is 3rd best for me on this CD. I enjoyed this song from the first note I heard. The piano is fantastic and the slide guitar blends into this amazing mix of jazz, blues and country tones. It makes me want to love Wilco. The short jam in the middle is mind numbingly good leaving me wanting so much more that I spend the whole outro hoping it comes back to that jam as they just tease you with the same rhythm setup without committing to the same jam until that last note fades out to the distance.

“No Woman, No Cry” – Bob Marley & The Wailers

I’ve struggled at times to get into Bob Marley. This song is pleasant. It is hard for it to do anymore for me than that. Maybe it is the fact that I always feel like I can’t enjoy Marley. It isn’t meant for me.

“King of the Thing” – O.A.R.

I’ve heard a little bit of O.A.R. but am no where near the fan Red is. Their sound seems a bit fuller than what I seem to remember. The song is good. I don’t know if they are still something I am going to seek out on my own.

“Jesus Nitelite” – Eve 6

This is a nice softer side to Eve 6 than I had gotten to hear before. I really don’t know what to think about this song though. It confuses me to the point that I don’t think I could ever ‘get’ this song, which is strange because it doesn’t seem that complex. Maybe it is just my brain going haywire.

“What Light” – Wilco

This song is a very pretty way to close out this CD. I feel the theme is very similar to the open song giving a good full circle aspect to the project. It makes me feel warm and even though we just went through strife in the previous songs, it will be okay in the end. We are what we are.


In summary, I don’t know if Red was trying to throw a concept at me or not, but that is what I got out of it. Once I read the title of ‘Tales From Lincoln,’ I immediately started thinking of his collection of stories about people from Lincoln and how messed up their lives were. That leads me into trying to tie all the songs together into some tapestry leading off with a song talking about writing and being in love with the country surroundings then shooting off into memory, joy and strife of people found within that town and coming back around to end in a soft song telling me it will be okay in the end. But that is part of the beauty with music, three to four minutes doesn’t give much time for huge description leaving plenty of vagueness for anyone to weave in their own ideas. That is why I love doing this.

Snake's Reaction: Get A Haircut & Get A Real Job part 5

Part 4: http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2010/04/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real.html





Big & Rich: Real World & Wild West Show from 'Horse of a Different Color'



I think I listen to this album at least once a week. I can't get away from it. When I picked Real World, I totally forgot about the little section at the end that went way over the top country. If I had, I wouldn't of picked it. Wild West Show has always been my personal favorite from the album. Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy) & Holy Water got quite a bit of attention from this album. Saved is a pretty awesome song and looking back I should have included although it would be another slower soulful song and I knew I needed to highlight their playful side. Deadwood Mountain and Live This Life are some fantastic more traditional country songs while Rollin' and Love Train are the newer hick-hop they are famous for.

Verdict: I love it, but it is not for everyone. If your music likenings blur the lines between country and rock, then these guys will be king to you. If you like traditional country, there is enough in here to satisfy you if you skip past a few songs.

Metallica: Broken, Beat & Scarred and Unforgiven III from 'Death Magnetic'

This album selection haunted me for quite awhile. All the songs are so long and it was hard to find the ones that really stood out musically. So I ended up picking the two that stood out to me cause of their somewhat goofy lyrics. "What don't kill ya, make ya more strong" from Broken just kills me with bad grammar. "How can I be lost if I got no where to go" from UIII is some how stupid and poetic at the same time. It just proved that the words didn't really matter. The album is loud and heavy. It is an assault on the ears and slap to the face of all the current heavy bands saying, 'This is how it's done!' I believe I listened to this album non stop for a month after it came out. It was all I listened to on my headphones while painting my house.

Verdict: Good Metallica album, more like it used to be. It is a pure lesson on musicianship and jamming like a metal band should. Not alot of production or gimmicks, just lots of fuzz and power.

The Killers: Spaceman & Neon Tiger from 'Day & Age'

Another album that got steady listening time for a couple months after I bought it. This was hard choice again. Spaceman is just a great song with a lot going on in the lyrics underneath that catchy beat. I loved Neon Tiger's imagery in a homage to their hometown of Las Vegas. I could have something great to say about every track on the album. Red passed it off as standard stuff from the Killers, I can understand where it gets that when forced to listen to 30+ tracks by various artists in a short time span. At first glance it seems run of the mill until you start to really listen to what is happening in these songs, that the message really is. Realizing their inspiration and the dark meanings to some happy sounding songs. Step through the looking glass, take the red pill, and have you world changed forever. (Ok that is probably a little over dramatic)

Verdict: 'Hot Fuss' was really good. 'Sam's Town' was really really good. 'Day & Age' is F($*ing Brilliant!

Motorhead: The Chase is Better Than the Catch from 'Ace of Spades'

This was tough choice. I tried to find one of the songs on the album that better showcased the punkish sound that prevailed the album more so then the speed metal style of the title track. There isn't much else I can say about this album, other than it is awesome.

Verdict: Get metal/punk album that inspired lots of metal acts to follow including Metallica.

YTCrakcer: N.E.S. from 'Nerdrap Entertainment System'

I discovered this album from a promo for a G4TV show. It was cool hearing all the old Nintendo 8-bit tunes with some very nerd based rap over top. Surgerunner is another of my favorites as he raps about it longing for the classic Mountain Dew ripoff Surge drink to come back. I have never found a documented list of each old school Nintendo game that is the sample for each song, so a few still puzzle me probably because I never played them.

Verdict: Definitely for a niche market of slightly nerdy men who grew up in the late 80's, early 90's.

Avenged Sevenfold: Sidewinder from 'City of Evil'

I heard Bat Country on the radio and then bought this album. Beast and the Harlot also got lots of recognition. This is a decent metal album. I do enjoy Sidewinder along with Strength of the World. There are the band's best efforts at the classic epic metal song.

Verdict: Nice addition to most of the metal these days. I still listen to lots of songs off this album, surprisingly enough. So it has the staying power to leave its mark.


With that I am done. Only took 6 months. Not too bad I think :)

Snake's Reaction: Get A Haircut & Get A Real Job part 4

I figured it was about time I stepped up and at least finished this thought. Since it has been 5 months since my last post on this, here are the links to parts 1 -3:

Part 1 http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2009/10/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real.html

Part 2 http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2009/11/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real.html

Part 3 http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2009/11/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real_20.html


The Secret Machines: The Road Leads Where It's Led & Nowhere Again from 'Now Here is Nowhere'

First off, I love the name of this album. I am a sucker for play on words type of humor. This one took me awhile to get into and I don't know why. Once I truly decided to listen to this album, I was hooked. It was extremely difficult to pick 2 songs. Every one of them seems to have this pounding beat that just resonates in your chest. First Wave Intact is the first song on the album and I probably would have picked it if it wasn't 9 minutes long. It has that thunderous beat that seems to set the tone for the album and the band. Lights On and the title track are both close seconds as well. The two tracks I picked though do stand out above the rest for good rhythms and great lyrics.

Verdict: I need to find more by these guys. They were actually part of the musical, Across the Universe covering The Bealtes on Blue Jay Way and backing Bono's trippy I am the Walrus. I would recommend this album to almost anyone regardless of their musical tastes.

Modest Mouse: Bukowski & Satin in a Coffin from 'Good News for People Who Love Bad News'

Another great album title and another one that took me awhile to get into. I bought this because of the catchy single, Float On. As soon as I heard the line: 'God didn't wanna be such an asshole,' I knew I had to include Bukowski on this project. Satin in a Coffin is to represent the quirkier songs on this album without going way out there. That title would go to This Devil's Workday. My words could never describe that song, but I love it. The World At Large, Bury Me With It, Dance Hall & Blame It On The Tetons are the other highlights of the album and give a good representation of the range of this group. Some are so soft and beautiful that you get one image in your mind of how tender this group is. Then they turn around and smack you with these loud horns, quirky lyrics and soul grabbing hooks.

Verdict: This band would be my definition of eclectic. I have grown to love them and the variety they provide. Not for the faint heart at times and yet so gentle & serene at others, this would fit any savory listeners tastes.

The White Stripes: Baby Brother & You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told) from 'Icky Thump'

This album is for now the White Stripes' swan song. Baby Brother is a call back to their early fuzzed out blues that Jack White is a supreme master of. You Don't Know What Love Is has that crossover blues/country feel that they seem to project at times. I almost put their cover of Conquest on this CD, but I didn't think anyone else but me would like that song. Little Cream Soda & Rag and Bone are some great Stripes-style blue tunes. The hook in Soda is so fuzzy and distorted it calls back memories of blown out speakers. Rag plays on that classic blue style of talk through the verse and then jam rather than have a chorus, done with the magic that only those two possess. St. Andrew is that one just truly out of the norm song that they seem to put on every album. Meg seemly chants over top of bag pipes, strange indeed.

Verdict: While certainly not their best album, if this ends up being The White Stripes final studio album, it will be a good ending to their place in music history.

CD Project Review: Post Academia Part 2

Artist or Band: Death Cab for Cutie

Album: Plans

Why (or how) did I get this: I have a vague memory of seeing the video late one night after I finished work for “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.” Ironically, I don’t recall thinking much of it at the time. Fast forward a few (maybe many) months and I stumbled upon the video again. This time, it’s like I kind of like this sound. Eventually, I was swayed to buying the album. I guess first impressions aren’t always right.

Songs included: Marching Bands of Manhattan, I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Your Heart is an Empty Room, What Sarah Said

Why is that: Snake may have mentioned this, but the songs from this group are all very similar in sound and have strong lyrics. I love the way that “Marching Bands of Manhattan” opens the album and catches my attention. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” is the single from the album and the one that convinced me to buy it. The last two could have been shuffled in and out with two or three others songs from the album and I would not have had an problem with that.

Others that just missed the cut: Like I said there is a group of six or seven songs after “Marching…” and “I Will Follow…” that are all pretty even. If I had to do it over again, I may have only included those two and tried to work in a couple songs from other groups. Of the remaining songs, it wouldn’t hurt to check out “Soul Meets Body,” “Summer Skin,” and “Crooked Teeth.”

The bad: I don’t know if I would call these songs bad, but they are sort of the weak sisters of this album (at least in my opinion). I’d put both “Someday You Will Be Loved,” and “Brothers on a Hotel Bed,” as the two tunes I like the least.

The verdict: I really like listening to this album. It’s mixed well, it has strong lyrics and it tends to mellow me out. I need that sometimes.


Artist or Band: The Wallflowers

Album: Rebel, Sweatheart

Why (or how) did I get this: The Wallflowers are really the only active band that I’ve made a concerted effort to buy their music when it comes out. I bought this without ever hearing a song or seeing a music video. I just connect with this band. I am not going to say they do anything more remarkable than your average band or that they are better than most bands going. I just like their music and that’s that.

Songs included: God Says Nothing Back, From the Bottom of My Heart, Nearly Beloved, Days of Wonder

Why is that: First, I put “God Says Nothing Back,” because it’s reached a pretty high level on my favorite song list. Will it slide back gradually in time, perhaps, but I think it will always hang on. I know Snake was hoping I’d leave “God Says Nothing Back,” and “Nearly Beloved” off simply because he had went out and already listened to them because of thing I wrote. I had considered that, but struggled to leave them off after making a big deal about them. “From the Bottom of My Heart” was actually the song that struck me the most when I first started listening to this. Musically, I just love the sound. Lyrically, I think if you listen to it closely, you’ll hear a fairly dark story shrouded in what seems like a love song. “Days of Wonder” is the throwback of the album. I wanted something a little more upbeat to show that it wasn’t all slower, ballad –type stuff.

Others that just missed the cut: This four stand out among the rest. I think songs like “We’re Already There,” “I Am A Building,” and “The Beautiful Side of Somewhere” are on that next tier of tunes, but not quite as good. There’s third tier of fine songs, but not one’s that jump out at me for any reason.

The bad: I really don’t like the tune “Here He Comes (Confessions of a Drunken Maionette)” for some reason. I think if it were on another album, it may not bother me. But this is sort of heavy, brooding album, which makes this silly tune kind of stand out too much.

The verdict: If you don’t have it, get it. I’d say that for all four Wallflowers’ albums that I have. This is a band that makes a living on the hidden gem rather than the big single.




Artist or Band: The Velvet Underground

Album: The Best of the Velvet Underground

Why (or how) did I get this: I always loved the sound of Lou Reed’s voice and finally decided I needed to see what this band was all about. So I used one of my free choices from BMG to get this one.

Songs included: Pale Blue Eyes, Sweet Jane, What Goes On

Why is that: I knew that Snake already had some of the Velvet Underground so I wanted to steer away from the things that he had and toward stuff that he didn’t know. While Snake recoiled at the pacing and sound of “Pale Blue Eyes,” I was drawn to it. I hear in it the pangs of reality closing in on a group living in a way that couldn’t last. The other to picks are similar in that encapsulate the sound of the band. Not heavy, but quick and driven by the steady voice and eclectic background of sound.

Others that just missed the cut: Most of what didn’t make it was due to Snake already knowing it. “Beginning to See the Light,” would have been the next to go on the album from those not on the banana album. Otherwise, if you’re looking for good Velvet Underground tunes check out “I’m Waiting for the Man,” “Heoin” and “White Light/White Heat.:

The bad: I am not a big fan of “Femme Fatale,” and there are few tunes that seem to get lost or unnoticed when going through.

The verdict: Right before we started doing these CDs, I started really listening to this album. It had slipped through the cracks when I bought and collected some dust. I am glad that I took another look.

Snake's Reaction: Get A Haircut & Get A Real Job pt 3

Part 2: http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2009/11/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real.html

Kool Keith: I'm Seein' Robots from 'Black Elvis/Lost In Space'

I got this album from BMG. It was on a list of the 50 Greatest Albums you've never heard. I was already a fan of 'Dr. Octogenecoligst', so I thought it was worth the try. I'm Seein' Robots is probably the easiest song to understand the meaning outside of the context of the album. Basically half of the album is through Black Elvis's perspective, including the women who want all this stuff and look at the same as every other woman, being basically robots. The other half of the album goes into sci fi themes and the idea of being lost in space. Clifton, Livin' Astro, Keith Turbo, and Intro are entertaining songs. The Intro consists of the lyrics, "This is the intro." In some way that strikes me as genius, and a sample of Keith's sense of humor.

Verdict: Never for the faint of heart. His hooks are catchy and erratic at the same time. His raps will blow you mind if you can keep up.

System of a Down: Lonely Day from 'Hypnotize' and Sad Statue, Old School Hollywood from 'Mezmerize'

I was well aware of Red's opinions on SOAD going into this, so I tried to find some stuff that represented a little bit different side of their music from this split double album. I thought Old School Hollywood was just quirky enough for his approval. Lonely Day tears at my heart every time I listen to it, you feel it in Doran's voice. Sad Statue is probably the best political message out of the group, something you can always count on from them. Still, I think there would be more to please Red's ear out of this album.

Verdict: You like Lonely Day, then be sure to here Soldier's Side. The softer heartbreak of Day with the good support of our soldiers. I think I should have picked Lost in Hollywood, quirky yet with more passion in its message. Question! has a bit of that screeching to it, but the song structure is very good. There is something here from everyone, and I will never stop trying to shove it down Red's throat. :)

The Zutons: Confusion, Dirty Dance Hall from 'Who Killed...'

I believe this was another recommendation from BMG and probably the best one I ever got. I love this album inside and out. They mix current and old sound. They are fresh but familiar. From the opening riff of Zuton Fever, the album just sort of feels alive. I love it when bands mix in horns. I haven't gone out listening to any of their follow up albums. That is something I need to do.

Verdict: It is hard to pin down any song that is a must listen to above another. Zuton Fever, Pressure Point, You Will You Won't, Havana Gang Brawl, Railroad, Nightmare Part II, and Moons and Horror Shows are all classics in my mind.

Tenacious D: Tribute from 'Tenacious D'

Yes it is old and predictable Jack Black, but it still makes me laugh. I thought about some of the other tracks and maybe I should have went for something not a popular, but Red said he didn't have the D.

Verdict: Kielbasa is a nice sexual song, F*%$ Her Gently just makes me laugh, The Road sounds like a Molly Hatchet song and City Hall is a nice little story song to finish out the album. Don't take it too seriously, just enjoy the humor and the tributes to rock n roll.

CD Project Review: Post Academia Part 1

Note: I think I might approach this a little different than Snake. Why? Like I've said, I am no music reviewer so I'll write what I find cool, interesting and what motivates me.

Artist or Band: The Band

Album: Greatest Hits

Why (or how) did I get this: I remember in my youth watching the Sunday morning program hosted Charles Kuralt that did a feature on The Band. At the time, the group looked strange and the music was beyond me. But broken images from that stuck with me. Years later, I had a free CD to pick with the now defunct BMG music service. I picked The Band with that in mind and knowing that I liked a couple of their more well-known tunes.

Songs Included: When I Paint My Masterpiece; Stage Fright

Why is that: I think whenever I mix a CD (or back in the day with tapes; I miss those days). I use two main criteria. The first – songs I like – is a no-brainer. The second – it fits or serves a purpose in progression of the album I am trying to make - is trickier. When we started this, I knew I wanted to start with "When I Paint My Masterpeice." Musically, it's a powerhouse. Lyrically, it rich with images and references. From Snake's response, it did the trick of perking his ears immediately and making him receptive to the rest of the album. "Stage Fright" is another great scene setter with an underlying theme of hope and overcoming of fear.

Others that just missed the cut: I didn't chose "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "Up On Cripple Creek," because I was 10o% sure Snake already knew these songs. They're still great and, if by chance you don't know them, take time to look them up. This album had 18 tracks, most of which are solid to really good to great. Check out the cover of "I Shall Be Released." It's powerful. Also very good are "Tears of Rage," "Ophelia" and "Acadian Driftwood."

The bad: "Ain't Got No Home" is the only real miss on this album.

The verdict: One of my favorite albums from this list. It's a sound from a different time that still sounds relevant and fresh today.

Artist or Band: Tom Petty

Album: Highway Companion

Why (or how) did I get this: This album fell literally into my lap. My sister somehow ended up with two copies and gave me this for free. I never turn away free music. Otherwise, I highly doubt I would have bought this.

Songs included: Flirting With Time; Square One

Why is that: "Square One" jumped out at me right away when I first listened to it. My instincts always are to include songs like that when I am asked about albums and such. I did consider dropping it though because I thought it wasn't fitting my vision for the CD. "Flirting With Time," on the other hand, grew on me as it popped up on my MP3 player. I'll grant that none of these tunes are much different than what we've heard from Tom Petty before.

Other's that just missed the cut: "Damaged By Love," started out as my runner-up for favorite tune from this album, but slowly started to slip down the list. They lyrics get repetitive, but you expect that from pop songs. "Down South," has grown on me and has some of that southern or backwoods charm of Petty.

The bad: The middle of this album hits a terrible funk. The tracks "Turn This Car Around," "Big Weekend," and "Night Driver," all take the underlying theme of a car trip a bit too far and are annoying in other ways.

The verdict: Those that like Tom Petty will probably enjoy this album. It won't stand out as his best, but it won't totally offend either.

Artist or Band: James Blunt

Album: Back to Bedlam

Why (or how) did I get this: I don't recall wanting this album, which leads me to believe this must have been a featured album at BMG that I didn't get declined in time and I decided to give it a try. It's mellow and that served a purpose when I was being attacked on a semi-regular basis.

Song included: Wisemen

Why is that: Most of these tunes get pretty slow and I knew Snake would never make it through those if they weren't also excellent tunes. Nothing on this album is excellent, so I went with this song because it had a decent hook and some interesting lyrics.

Other's that just missed the cut: "You're Beautiful" got heavy radio rotation and I am sure Snake has heard it. I didn't won't to include a single that well-heard. "Goodbye My Lover," is kind of guilty pleasure in that I know it's kind of cheesy, but sometimes I feel kind of cheesy.

The bad: I don't know if anything on here is really bad. Everything sort of falls in the middle. Everything towards the end gets kind of silly, plus he's a ballad singer that's obsessed with letting people know that he does drugs.

The verdict: Again, I don't think I ever actively sought this album. I give it a C.

Snake's Reaction: Get A Haircut & Get A Real Job Pt 2

Part 1: http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/2009/10/snakes-reaction-get-haircut-get-real.html



Franz Ferdinand: No You Girls & Twilight Omens from 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand'

This is the third album by these Scottish rockers. It is a loosely conceptual album around a night of partying and the morning after effects. No You Girls is infectious and since I put together this album I hear it in commercials and just about everywhere else now. Katherine Kiss Me is the last song on the album and is basically the acoustic reprise of No You Girls. The band explained the concept as No You Girls is about the first time two lovers kiss and how awkward it is and how they don't really understand each other. Then Katherine Kiss Me (last song on the concept album remember) is how that moment is later remembered. I just plain like Twilight Omens and I am not entirely sure how it fits into the concept yet. Lucid Dreams and Ulysses are other great songs from this pretty top notch album. It is a bit more electronic and dancey than their first album, but that seems to fit the mood and concept of a night on the town. They definitely always do well to set their moods.

Verdict: Not a good as their self-titled debut, but more polished than their sophomore release. They set the mood and it really comes to life as you listen to the entire album. There are lots of remixes out now if you are into the dance stuff. Listen to No You Girls then Katherine Kiss Me. If you enjoyed the two songs I picked, then just get the album because you will enjoy it.



Queens of the Stoneage: Burn The Witch & Tangled Up In Plaid from 'Lullabies To Paralyze and 3's & 7's from 'Era Vulgaris'



I pulled from my two recent Queens albums. I agree Burn The Witch is in their signature sound. Tangled Up In Plaid continues to play on the dark tone of 'Lullabies'. The vocals go into fuzz mode which livens up the song a little bit. The title, 'Lullabies To Paralyze', is to tie this album to its predecessor 'Songs for the Deaf' since it is a line in the last song from that album. While it isn't quite as inspired, it is a solid album with more of their distinct sound. Little Sister is my favorite song but I don't think I put it on here because it was their big hit single and figured most had already heard it. I Never Came, Someone's In The Wolf, & You've Got a Killer Scene There are good songs. I love the riff to 3's & 7's the second I heard it. 'Era Vulgaris' is a departure from their mellow brooding sound to something much grittier, driving, industrial sounding. I think that is what turned me off at first, but the album continues to grow on me. This is probably the same reason the album garned such mixed reviews. Sick, Sick, Sick, Make It Wit Chu, Into The Hollow & River In The Road are pretty good tracks.

Verdict: 'Lullabies' is basically 'Songs for the Deaf 2'. 'Era Vulgaris' is a different sound to more industrialized, metallic music while the former are the more organic, Desert Rock sound. I guess take your pick or like them both.



Serj Tankian: Lie, Lie, Lie & Saving Us from 'Elect The Dead'

I knew Red's feelings about Serj going into this album creation. I knew 'Elect The Dead' was marginally good at best and not really a departure from anything Serj did with SOAD. Yet for some reason I put it on here. Mostly because I really like Lie, Lie, Lie. I think it is a little demented. I remember the first time I heard it on shuffle and was like did he just say what I think he said? The whole album sounds pretty much the same with the same mix of politically charged lyrics and just crazy crap. Sorry to offend people's ears, but the album is a decent listen if you dig SOAD (which I know Red doesn't). So probably in my subconscious I was trying to torture him a little bit.

Verdict: Not gonna set the world on fire, and basically giving his fans more of what they like. The whole album mostly sounds like these 2 songs over and over again. I am pretty sure I put this on here just to force Red to listen to it at least once.

The Raconteurs: Intimate Secretary & Hands from 'Broken Boy Soldiers'

Side project/Supergroup for Jack White & Brendan Benson gets better every time I listen to them. Intimate Secretary is a neat song in the styling and the normal White wit with lyrics dealing with Free Masonry. Intimate Secretary being the 6th degree of the Scottish Rite. Hands has more of Benson's influence and is well put together. Steady As She Goes is the hit single and probably the closest sounding song to the White Stripes. Level is a great blues tune in the classic Jack White tradition. Together was a song Benson was prepping for his own solo project and is a nice slower love song, at least as nice and slow as Jack White could get. Broken Boy Soldiers, Store Bought Bones & Yellow Sun help round out this amazing album. I have since bought their follow up, 'Consolers of the Lonely'. So if I do another album, you can look forward to that.

Verdict: Best of this group by far. Most consider it a great side project, which in fact it hasn't lasted as White as moved on to make the Dead Weather. A little bit of White Stripes with a richier sound that will come from having 4 members of a band. Every song is a winner in my opinion.

Snake's Reaction: Get A Haircut & Get A Real Job pt1

Note: This will start my series on reviewing the songs I put into 'Get A Haircut and Get a Real Job' for Red. The idea is to explain why we picked the songs we did and offer either expanded listening for songs liked or alternate listening for songs not liked.


Buckethead: Three Fingers & Waiting Hare from 'Enter The Chicken'

The street poetry lyrics are just awesome on Three Fingers and I figured Red would appreciate them. The riff in Waiting Hare has always sounded cool to me. That is basically my selection criteria here. The guitar work is the star of this album and sometimes the vocals/lyrics get in the way. Take Botnus for example. I am sure the singer's screeching at the beginning would turn off Red right there, but if you can survive it there is a ripping solo halfway through the proves Buckethead's worth. Coma might be more pleasureable. It has kind of this dark suspense movie vibe with I think the same chick that sings on Waiting Hare, although the guitar work is alittle light. the Hand is a quirky song with some good chops. It sounds like a horror movie and the vocals are a bit nightmarish, but it makes me chuckle.


Verdict: Try Coma & Botnus, but if you don't like Three Fingers, this album isn't for you.



The Louies: Asleep on the Trail of Tears & Winnebago from 'Fruit of the Louie's'


Asleep.. is kind of the anamoly of this album, because there really isn't another acoustic number. It is by far the best put together song. Winnebago is kind of a gimmick, but I thought it was a little more special than Truck of Truth, which would have been my other pick but I found to just be a straight forward boring rock song. The album is good and probably rates better with me because of a handicap that it is a local band.


Verdict: These were the two more interesting songs on the album. The rest is straight forward and maybe a little boring.



The Donnas: All Messed Up from 'Spend The Night'


These chicks rock and I tried to pick the song I liked the most that was the big hit Take It Off. Pretty much every single songs rocks, kicks ass and is about sex/drugs/rock n roll. Girls being the aggressor type of stuff. "Stop staring at my D cup!" "We don't care if you think our party's cool." "There's better guys everywhere, so there!" "I don't wanna play your game, I just wanna get this baby rocking!" This is without a doubt the best girl rock group I have ever heard and I need to look into more of their stuff.


Verdict: Who Invited You, I Don't Care (So There), Take Me To The Backseat would round out a rocking Top 5 from this album.



Black Label Society: House of Doom & In This River from 'Hangover Music Vol 4' & 'Mafia'

Black Label Society is the brain child of Zakk Wydle, Ozzy's long time guitarist. Ozzy is even a guest vocalist on the album preceding these two, 'Blessed Hellride', which I also own, but didn't select anything from for some reason. I think Red would like all of 'Hangover Music'. The title kinda fits as it seems a little more subdued then other albums. Like still heavy but won't hurt your head to listen to while hung over. Layne would be the 2nd best song and is about Layne Stanley of Alice in Chains and heroine fame. Crazy or High and Queen of Sorrow are also great songs. 'Mafia' is the band's biggest commerical success. In This River is a good song and shows a bit of a different side to Zakk. It has since been dedicated to his good friend Dimebag Darrell who was killed shortly after he wrote the song. Fire It Up is the lead single and what I would consider more of their signature sound. Suicide Messiah and You Must Be Blind are my other favorites.

Verdict: Red seemed to really enjoy this band and I think there is plenty of good music to go around with Black Label. It toes that line of heavy metal, without going too loud, too cartoony, too screechy or any of those band steroe types. Just solid, dark undertones with great guitar work built over top.

Red's Review of Get A Haircut and Get A Real Job

Note: I am terrible in a role as a music critic. I know what I like, but I usually struggle in saying why. Overall, I enjoyed Snake's collection with the second disc probably being my favorite of the two. I listed the bands below in order of appearance to avoid missing anyone. Well, it's been long awaited, so here you go.

The Bands, The Songs and the Lion (really there's no lion, but what if there were?)

Buckethead : Three Fingers; Waiting Hare

Overall I wasn’t big into Buckethead. I found the guitar scratching towards the end to grate on my nerves a bit on Three Fingers. I do dig the final line of “What he says might scare you to be cool.” Waiting Hare sounds like a duet with Gwen Stefani. At times, it drags a little bit.

The Louies: Asleep on the Trail of Tears; Winnebago
I get to liking Asleep… a little more every time that I hear it. My only criticism would be that it seems like it needs another verse or something. It just seems to end too suddenly. Winnebago I am torn on. There are parts that really rock quite well, but the chorus is sort of gimmicky and is one of those things that drives you a little bugs because it gets in your head.

The Donnas: All Messed Up

This is fast, no frills rock. Overall, a solid song from a group that I had only heard do a cover of Strutter on the Detroit Rock City soundtrack.

Black Label Society: House of Doom; In This River
I enjoy the lead vocals from this group. House of Doom is standard dark rock that would seem to fit the mood established by the group’s name. In This River is a tune that I can’t decide if I really, really like or just sort of tolerate. It’s hurt by the lyrics that at times seem overly repetitive.


Franz Ferdinand: No You Girls; Twilight Omens

Upbeat and entertaining, both of these tunes have the sound I’ve come to expect from Franz Ferdinand. It’s hard to not tap the to toes to No You Girls although I think I like Twilight Omens better.

Queens of the Stoneage: Burn the Witch; 3’s & 7’s; Tangled Up In Plaid

I didn’t take to Burn the Witch. Occasionally, I find I tire of Queens tune and this tune is very indicative of their stuff. The other two songs I liked more because I thought they were subtle departures from the band’s norm.

Serj Tankian: Lie, Lie, Lie; Saving Us

Not that I am keeping score, but I think there are two other bands featuring this guy as a lyricist. That honestly made it hard to differentiate some of this stuff until I sat down and started listed the songs by bands. Something about this guys voice just drives me nuts. Of the two, I liked Lie Lie Lie more. Saving Us had me asking if somebody would please save me.

The Raconteurs: Intimate Secretary; Hands

Is that Jack White that I hear? I believe so. A couple of good tunes here. Something about Hands I like more. It is a pretty close race.

Kool Keith: I’m Seein’ Robots

I get the message here of people getting too connected to technology and losing their humanity. Certainly a pertinent argument, but I am just not a big rap guy, plus this guys stuff always sounds a little out of place when it’s on its own.

System of a Down: Lonely Day; Sad Statue; Old School Hollywood

Hey, it’s Serj again. I am sure Snake is ready for me to rail on this since he knows my affinity for these guys. I’ll say it is hard not to into Lonely Day. The other two fall into the rest of my opinion of System of a Down.

The Zutons: Confusion; Dirty Dancehall

There’s only one tune from this collection that I like better than Confusion. I love the mixture of the vocals with the eclectic choice of instruments. Very cool tune. I liked Dirty Dancehall, but not quite as much.

Tenacious D: Tribute

I already knew this tune before this album. It’s OK. Funny at parts, but sometimes Jack Black goes a little over the top and his humor is predictable.

The Secret Machines: The Road Leads Where It’s Led; Nowhere Again

Nowhere Again wins the prize as my favorite song. First, I love the title. I always find myself singing along when he says “She’s lifting her dress up.” I guess I am a pervert after all. The Road… sounds like an early U2 song for me especially the vocals and that just doesn’t seem to fit the group as well.

Modest Mouse: Bukowski; Satin In A Coffin

I’ve heard Modest Mouse before but neither of these songs (I think). Both tunes do a very good job of mixing pace and style. Both tunes grade out at a very high level with me.

The White Stripes: Baby Brother; You Don’t Know What Love Is

This is a step back to the infancy of rock for Jack and Meg White. You Don’t Know What Love Is, is a great tune. Absolutely one of the best of this bunch. Baby Brother is solid also and takes me back to more simple times.

Big & Rich: Real World, Wild West Show

Here’s a band with songs on polar opposite ends of my grade list. I really like Wild West Show. It’s a driving sound that includes a piano and solid percussion and does everything to avoid becoming a full-blown country song. Real World on the other hand is an average country song. Once a “Yee haw” comes out and the fiddle gets a strummin’, I usually get a goin’.

Metallica: Broken, Beat & Scarred; The Unforgiven III

I am on fence about these songs. For the most part, they are OK. Broken, Beat & Scarred sounds almost too much like a couple other Metallica songs. Yet, it rocks and its hard to deny that. I sort of wish they’d named Unforgiven III something else, because I kept waiting for this to connect more to the previous two tunes. It just doesn’t quite reach that level for me and the opening minute or so seems out of place.

The Killers: Spaceman, Neon Tiger

Spaceman is a quick, peppy song. Both of these songs are unabashed fun. Pretty standard stuff in my eyes from The Killers.

Motorhead: The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

When I saw Motorhead in the listing, this is exactly what I expected from them. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a straight forward, punch-in-the-mouth kind of metal song.

YT Cracker: N.E.S.

Sort of like Winnebago, I can’t decide if I can get over the gimmick of this song. There’s a charm to revisiting the old Nintendo standards with the mixture of a clever rap. It’s something I think I can listen to once in awhile but not all the time.

Avenge Sevenfold: Sidewinder

I kept thinking of Possum Kingdom by the Toadies when I was listening to this. I don’t know if the riff is similar or if it’s just me. Overall a good tune that I thought sort of spirals around too much without getting to a point.

Grades

A+
Confusion
Nowhere Again
You Don’t Know What Love Is

A
Baby Brother
Wild West

A –
In This River
Twilight Omens
Lonely Day
Bukowski
Satin In A Coffin
Spaceman

B+
Asleep on the Trail of Tears
3’s & 7’s
Hands

B
All Messed Up
House of Doom
No You Girls
Tangled Up in Plaid
Neon Tiger
The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

B-
Intimate Secretary
Dirty Dancehall
The Road Leads to Where It’s Led
Broken, Beat & Scarred
Sidewinder

C+
Waiting Hare
The Unforgiven III

C
Three Fingers
Winnebago
Burn the Witch
N.E.S.

C-
Tribute
Real World

D+
Old School Hollywood

D
Lie, Lie, Lie
I’m Seein’ Robots

D-
Sad Statue

F
Saving Us

Post Academia - A Review

I think whenever we thought up this concept all those years ago, it was a wonderful idea. Red and I used to live each other's music every day, because we pretty much spent every day together growing up. As we've grown up and apart, our music tastes have as well. We began to think as two separate units rather than one musical brain, which is great for exploring different directions. I think these two albums we put together are perfect examples of those different directions and styles we've chosen. Overall, I would put the feel and mood of Post Academia as soft, pleasant, hip and very deep lyrically. It was a treat to be exposed to some different bands and types of music that I have heard about, but never had the guts to go out and listen to or buy myself. Thinking back, I wish we would have done some kind of review like this for our previous albums we've done. I have always wondered some times what Red thought of some of the songs and look forward to hearing his thoughts this time. I just hope he is ready for mine. :)


The Band: When I Paint My Masterpiece, Stage Fright


I am starting with The Band, because they were first on the album and the artist that came out as the biggest eye opener for me. I absolutely loved these two songs from the first moment I heard them. Some of the other songs took some warming up to, but these just struck home with me, especially 'Stage Fright'. I love their sound and definitely want a copy of their greatest hits. I did some research on 'Stage Fright', because I knew there was something behind that one. It seems to be kind of a self portrait of the Band at the time dealing with their instant fame and now being in the spotlight. Excellent Stuff!



Buckcherry: Everything, Carosel


I was already familiar with Buckcherry (I thought) and had heard the lead single 'Crazy Bitch' off this album. This was very cool to hear sort of the other side of Buckcherry. They are always being compared to Aerosmith and these two songs help cement that comparison for me. These are great little rock ballads with alot of feeling and heart, especially one dealing with a pretty heavy subject. These caught me a back at first, I think because it wasn't what I was expecting from Buckcherry. But in the end, both are A's.



Blue October: Into The Ocean, Overweight, What If We Could


I have some Blue October songs, but I never listened to them much. Still, I thought I knew what this band sounded like. Wow, these 3 songs are very different from one another. 'Into The Ocean' is very mellow, soft vocally and quite a beautifully constructed song. 'Overweight' is very deep, faster paced, deceptively up beat, and yet, choirish in the end. This is probably my favorite of the three. "There's a self-destructive meaning in the bleeding of a guy". 'What If We Could' has a very heavy sound and some angry vocals dealing with a love that couldn't be. All three songs are full of amazing lyrics full of heartbreak and remorse.



Tom Petty: Flirting With Time, Square One


It is good to hear that Tom still makes good solid rock songs. 'Flirting With Time' is a little more classic and tilts the scale as my preference. 'Square One' is very tender and a good listen. This is what I expect from Tom Petty and he doesn't ever seem to disappoint. That consistency is impressive.



Death Cab For Cutie: Marching Bands Of Manhattan, I Will Follow You Into The Dark, Your Heart Is An Empty Room, What Sarah Said


This is a band I have heard the name of alot, but haven't had a chance to hear much of their music. Red certainly fill that void giving them 4 songs, tied for the most on the album. While the sound is similar to the softer rock that seems to permeate pop music these days, the lyrics and sound structures are very deep. There is alot of good substance here. 'Marching Bands' is OK in my book, good lyrics but the solid guitar strum can get old for 3 minutes. 'Into the Dark' is tender, sweet and a beautiful song. It is probably my favorite from the band here. 'Your Heart' is another solid song with good lyrics. 'What Sarah Said' follows the same course. There isn't alot of difference in song structure between the songs, but what makes them special is the lyrics and emotion. I left satisfied with what I heard.



Snow Patrol: You're All That I Have, Open Your Eyes, Hands Open


This is another band of the heard their name everywhere, but I didn't know any of their music category. It is very British sounding pop to me. Sounds like Coldplay with some of the same orchestration that seems to be standard over there. Their music doesn't seem as deep. I feel like their is about 30 seconds worth of original lyrics and music in each of these songs, and then, they just keep repeating themselves. Plays great for stadiums and for samplings in TV shows, which seems to be happening alot for these guys, but doesn't really trip my trigger. They are nice songs, but just not something I will probably ever crave to listen to.



The Wallflowers: God Says Nothing Back, From The Bottom Of My Heart, Nearly Beloved, Days of Wonder


The Wallflowers got 4 songs tied with Death Cab For Cutie. I should've told Red before he put this CD together that I downloaded 'God Says Nothing Back' & 'Nearly Beloved' after he used them for so pretty nice pieces of writing last year. But that is OK, cause I like those songs. I can't listen to 'God' without having his writing run through my mind. They were both haunting yet beautiful, toeing that delicate balance and will remain my favorite in this group. 'Bottom of my Heart' sounds very sentimental and well put together. 'Nearly Beloved' picks up the pace, but keeps the loving yet ominous message. The line "last night I lived 1,000 lives, not one of them survived" is forever burned in my brain. 'Days Of Wonder' is more reminiscent of their first album that made both Red and I became big fans. Good tunes and makes me glad Red has this CD so I don't have to buy it :)



James Blunt: Wisemen


This song really bugged me at first. In fact, I said I hated it. His voice kinda grates at me still and sounds alot like Maroon 5. But there is something so irresistible about the hook in this song. I still have no idea what the song is really about with the wisemen stuff, but I like the sound of the lyric, "Look whose alone now, it's not me, it's not me". It has a good groove and if you give it enough of a chance it will get stuck in your head, even if I am tired of people singing like that.



The Velvet Underground: Pale Blue Eyes, Sweet Jane, What Goes On


These are 3 very different songs and feelings toward them for me. You can really tell which artists songs are from Greatest Hits and which are from a single album by how wide the variation is between the songs. 'Pale Blue Eyes' makes me want to fall asleep much like several songs on the banana album do. It is just a little too soft and the single tambourine can really drone you to sleep if you are driving drowsy. So there should be a warning for that. 'Sweet Jane' is a pretty cool song and the sound I would associate with the Underground. 'What Goes On' sounds like the Grateful Dead should have recorded it or they disguised themselves as the Underground for a take, until that trippy guitar solo in the middle. I like to listen to 2/3s of this group and two out of three ain't bad.



All-American Rejects: Move Along, Change Your Mind


I have the single 'Dirty Little Secrets' single from this album. Their sound is pretty much the same for these two songs. Pretty straight forward rock songs with some good heart behind them. They are a good band. Nothing ground breaking here, just good music. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe we would have more good music if everyone stopped doing the same thing or trying to change the world, and just made good music..... Probably not.



Coldplay: Green Eyes


Coldplay never has set my world on fire. I never really liked them from the beginning, so they don't get much of a chance in my book, good bad or indifferent. This is a pretty simple, sweet song. Not bad, I can stand it. So I guess that is saying something there.



Damien Rice: 9 Crimes, Coconut Skins


I've tried to give '9 Crimes' a chance. This is a definite no good for me. It just bugs me, too whiny. NO IT IS NOT ALRIGHT WITH ME! Someone just needed to tell them already. 'Coconut Skins' is tolerable. I tend not to skip it as much. The vocals are better even though I still have a hard time understanding some parts.



Butch Walker: Promises, Maybe It's Just Me


'Promises' is a cute song. That is the only way I can describe it. The lyrics paint a cute story talking about loving you and his dad giving him a beer and talking about himself. I think I get it, but it just doesn't do much for me. 'Maybe It's Just Me' is a pretty good song. It is catchy and had alot of good emotion with it.



Bruce Springsteen: Radio Nowhere


Another awesome song from the Boss. This is the type of classic song from Springsteen that makes me ask myself why I don't have more of his music. I have almost none in my collection. This guy puts out great music, with some rhythm. I love this song.



Bob Marley: Redemption Song


I think I have heard this song once or twice before. A classic from the reggae man. It is a very meaningful song. He always put alot of heart into his words and music.



Cat Stevens: The Wind


Now I can say I know a Cat Stevens song and it sounds like what I figured Cat Stevens would sound like. It paints a wonderful picture and almost makes you weep from its beauty.



Isreal Kamakoiwole: Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World


I heard about this cover from an American Idol contestant and I am pretty sure I watched Big Red dance to it with his wife at their wedding. Along with 'The Wind', it puts a nice ending on this album. Very simple and beautiful rendition of these classic songs. Very nice!



GRADES:


A+
Stage Fright
Everything
Overweight
God Says Nothing Back


A
When I Paint My Masterpiece
What If We Could
Carosel
Nearly Beloved
Radio Nowhere
I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World



B
Flirting With Time
Into The Ocean
Marching Band of Manhattan
Your Heart Is An Empty Room
The Wind
Days of Wonder
From The Bottom Of My Heart
What Goes On
Redemption Song


C
Move Along
You're All That I Have
Sweet Jane
Hands Open
Maybe It's Just Me
Square One
Change Your Mind
What Sarah Said


D
Wisemen
Green Eyes
Promises
Open Your Eyes
Coconut Skins


F
Pale Blue Eyes
9 Crimes