I want to be a shining example...

The latest album by Rock Plaza Central, "Are We Not Horses," is different to say the least. The closest comparison I can make would be to say that RPC is like a laid back Modest Mouse. Which is not a bad thing.

The opening track, "I am an excellent steel horse," kind of shocked me at first. I wasn't sure if this was a novelty record or something substantial. It wasn't until I listened to the entire record that I went back to the opening track. After hearing the entire album, the opening track made much more sense and is easily one of the best songs on the record. Having said that, the stand out track is the second track, "How Shall I to Heaven Aspire." With a great beat and a contagious hook, it is "a shining example." That line will make more sense once you listen to the song.

With its odd western feel and smart lyrics, "Are We Not Horses" is a really good record. You probably won't hear much about this band, but if you have the means, I highly recommend picking up this record.

I am an excellent steel horse...

(Rock Plaza Central - Are We Not Horses)

Rob panics at the disco

I hope my friend Rob doesn't mind, but I am going to use one of our myspace conversations as this weeks post. Enjoy.








BEGIN---

ROB:
I like the Panic at the Disco album. I don't care if that makes me gay or emo or whatever, it's good. Comments?

CHRIS:
Well, I bought the single and I think it's great. I haven't given the rest of the record the benefit of the doubt. I previewed most of the tracks and they sounded a lot more fru fru than the single. Was I too quick to judge?

ROB:
They have a very unique sound. I don't want to sound like a music critic or anything, but they don't let the traditional rules of music tie them down or anything. They aren't afraid to use accordions, trumpets, pianos and other unconventional sounds in their songs. A couple of songs have a breakdown in the middle where a house beat just comes out of nowhere. They shift tempos and time changes all over the place so it really keeps the listener off balance and waiting to hear where the song is going next. The guy is pretty good at writing lyrics too. A++++ would buy from this seller again.

END---

So, there you go.

(Panic! At the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out)

Really, there will be new posts!

Ok, so I've been so swamped that I have completely neglected this blog. I promise though that starting next week I will be posting at least weekly if not more than that. As always, feel free to email me with records or concerts you would like for me to check out and give my two cents on. Snoogins.

Chris

The "super-est" of Super Tuesdays - Pearl Jam and Tool

I've been a musician forever and a music fanatic for even longer. Needless to say it takes something huge for me to claim to be "really" excited about something. Well, this past Tuesday was such a day. On the same day both Pearl Jam and Tool released a new record. Wow. What a release day.
I'm only going to review Pearl Jam, but will say that the new Tool record is better than their last effort and kicks much ass. I digress; Pearl Jam is without a doubt my favorite band. So, I've been researching and anticipating their new release for about the last 4 years. I haven't been disappointed.
It's the first album in a long time from them that really stands out. It has everything that they do best on it. Mike goes nuts on the guitar a great deal, Eddie growls more than he has in the last 3 records combined, and it's both raw and sincere without being cheesy or preachy. The stand out tracks, a side from the single "World Wide Suicide," are "Severed Hand," "Unemployable," and "Army Reserve." In reality, it is the kind of album that you could listen to straight through and be satisfied every time.
Let's talk about the 3 tracks that I mentioned though. "Severed Hand" is just a killer rock song. It combines the old school feel of "Even Flow" with their new school sound encompassed in songs like "Insignificant" and "Rival" from the album "Binaural." It is definitely the most crowd pleasing rock song that they have released since "Do the Evolution." "Unemployable" is a catchy, pop song that rolls effortlessly and is the closest thing they have released to a radio friendly song in a long time. You'll be putting this one on repeat. Finally, "Army Reserve" is the hidden gem on the record. It isn't explosive, but once you listen to the whole thing, it will probably be one of your favorite songs on the record. It begins with a subtle groove accentuated by strumming guitars and Ament's bouncing bass line. I say hidden gem because you don't really see the entire picture for the song until you get to the chorus. It ascends and then gently lays you back down into a verse that you'll be humming all day.
This is an excellent rock record. Whether you are into Pearl Jam or not, it's worth a listen.

Rock on my friends, rock on.

(Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam)