Behind the Music is the third full-length release from The Soundtrack of Our Lives. The Swedish band is formed from assorted members of Union Carbide Productions, yet another European gem that never quite made it across the Atlantic. However, Behind the Music shows a glimmer of hope as an album that could make this group… Continue reading Soundtrack of our lives, Behind the Music
Tag: Spun
Slum Village, Trinity (past, present and future)
On first listen, I could have sworn Slum Village and Blackalicious were the same act. Mind you, that’s not a bad thing, but the laid-back first single on Trinity, “Tainted,” sounded a lot like “Feel that way,” the first single on Blackalicious’ latest release Blazing Arrow. "Tainted" has that same infectious vibe that gets caught… Continue reading Slum Village, Trinity (past, present and future)
Vulgar Deli, Self-Titled
By Josh LaVoie
Welcome to the world of “Ultimate punkabilly-hardcore-roots.”Despite the intriguing genre definition given by the band’s label, Indica Records, this self-titled album is nothing that hasn’t been done before. The 16-track album reeks of strong influence from well-known hardcore groups such as A.F.I., Sick of It All, and U.S. Bombs. That is not to say, however,… Continue reading Vulgar Deli, Self-Titled
The Flaming Lips, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Songs about robots trying to be human, Japanese girls fighting evil robots and everything else that makes up life. That is The Flaming Lips’ Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Brimming with imagination and whimsy, Yoshimi is one of the most joyous listening experiences I have ever had. The melodies are the kind that 14-year-old girls… Continue reading The Flaming Lips, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Nickleback, Curb
Before Nickleback was famous they were still Nickleback. With the re-release of Curb, Nickleback’s first album, it’s obvious the Hanna boys haven’t strayed far from their original sound despite their more recent multi-platinum efforts. Curb’s sound is raw in comparison to Silver Side Up, with a very rusty-sounding Chad Krogger singing undistinguishable lyrics (could he… Continue reading Nickleback, Curb
Various Artists, Blue Light One: An Upstairs Recording
By James Keller
In an age seemingly dominated by down-tempo DJs and melodic beats, it’s hard to separate yourself–especially when you’ve been thrown on a compilation disc with one song to prove your worth. However, the artists on Blue Light One, all currently being produced under the Nettwerk subsidiary Upstairs Recordings, attempt to do just that. And, overall,… Continue reading Various Artists, Blue Light One: An Upstairs Recording
Jason Lowenstein, At sixes and sevens
On his solo effort At Sixes and Sevens, Jason Lowenstein ventures where many have gone before. Possibly a hollow attempt to follow in the steps of Pavement (who were following in the footsteps of the Dinosaur Jr.), the end result is like any photocopy of a photocopy. The original quality is completely lost. One would… Continue reading Jason Lowenstein, At sixes and sevens
Alex Llyod, Watching Angels Mend
You know that expanding feeling you get in your chest during the emotional parts of movies–whether you hide it or not? Alex Lloyd’s new release, Watching Angels Mend, features sweeping songs with the sincerity and stirring nature to stimulate that same part of you.Aside from the attraction the songs possess, they stir up a different… Continue reading Alex Llyod, Watching Angels Mend
The Vines, Highly Evolved
By James Keller
I guess The Vines named their latest album Highly Evolved to pay homage to the idea of “rock revival,” a style of music they no doubt tried to emulate when writing the 12 primitive songs that fill the album.There’s nothing inherently wrong with the genre, or even with some of the songs The Vines have… Continue reading The Vines, Highly Evolved
Grimskunk, Seventh Wave Grimskunk Plays…Fatal Illness
The ‘monster villains’ of the more recent track, “Super Heroes Never Die,” may not be as dark as the orc army of “Lord Ogre.” However, they prove that Grimskunk have kept their imagination through their years as a band.This imagination might have a lot to do with the band’s enduring success. When comparing Grimskunk Plays…Fatal… Continue reading Grimskunk, Seventh Wave Grimskunk Plays…Fatal Illness