Yeah I know I've been really slow with my blog as of late, but I've been really frackin' busy.
I'm going to try to improve the pace of it (I have my next 5 albums lined up) as well as let everyone know of a special little treat I'll be doing.
I'll be doing a bit of a countdown of my top 5 albums of 2010 on the 1st using the albums I bought that came out in 2010 (there are 9 that I have).
If anyone else has any other ideas for me, feel free to post them.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Review #7: Silverstein - A Shipwreck In the Sand
Artist: Silverstein
Album: A Shipwreck In the Sand (2009)
Genre: Post-hardcore
Length: 14 tracks / 47:09
I know I've been lazy with this, but work and Christmas shopping has been kicking my rear end. Anyway, here it is; my second Canadian review, and first of the band Silverstein: one of the five bands I own discographies for (at least ones consisting of multiple albums) and one of the few bands I've seen LIVE. Dear God, that was an amazing show. This is also the band's first attempt at a concept album and this was the first CD of their's I bought. On with the review.
This concept album is broken into 4 "chapters" over the course of it's 14 tracks (Ch. 1 = Tracks 1-3, Ch. 2 = 4-7, Ch. 3 = 8-10, Ch. 4 = 11-14), but they all tie in together to form one giant, skewed story of love, loss, anger, retribution, and everything in between. Note how I use skewed. The true storyline of the album is not linear. For example, the first song of the album is not the first event; in fact, I assume it is the climax to the story and chapters 2 and 3 are a flashback or backstory. The 4th chapter is the conclusion to the tale. Now not all the songs are related (some are metaphorical, some are just completely unrelated), but the basic gist of the story is a man who finds his significant other cheating on him with his best friend, and has his heart broken when he realizes she is going to leave him for his friend. After confronting his friend, he decides to take revenge on the cheating woman and their child by setting their house on fire. Realizing how much he loves them, he saves the two girls and is taken into custody after being accused of setting the house on fire. The girlfriend wins custody of the daughter but our "hero" is set free because of a lack of evidence. In a hotel room with the thought of never seeing his loved ones again and a possible prison sentence, he takes his life.
Now I'm just giving the backstory, but really giving no opinion on the album. Silverstein lives by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage and it's seen in this album as there's not too much technical difference from it's previous releases, but the songs and their execution are a major step up from previous releases. The songs themselves are much catchier, and the skills gained from recording 3 previous albums is noticed through riffs rarely heard in their previous releases. The screaming is quite legible which is always a plus to those who always complain that they can't understand the screaming, but there's also lots more actual singing and the singer, Shane Told, is as solid as ever, if not even better than the other albums. To those who don't mind screaming, and songs that aren't happy, rainbow-turd, unicorn-cutesy pa-tootsy about going to a club and having a good time being who you are, then definitely give this album a shot.
Now this is easily my favourite Silverstein album and I got this first, AND after I saw them live in Vancouver during the Warped tour in 2009 right when this was out. It starts off amazingly with a one-two punch and continues to fire out awesome songs that are catchy, headbangable, and most importantly: GOOD! I don't think I need to elaborate on that. That, and the previous section was huge, so this is where I'll end the personal.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: A Great Fire
A quiet, slow, intro with piano notes drifting in and out gets kicked into overdrive in the intro song to the album. In the storyline, this is after the protagonist has set fire to his house and has leapt back in to save his fiancée and daughter. Musically, it's a kicking track. Harsh vocals in the verses lead to a beautiful chorus with a basic but still awesome riff tickling one's ears. A haunting bridge leads us back into the kicking and ends off with another couple choruses before connecting to the second track. All together, this is a beautiful song that leads us into the climax of the story and gives of a great tone for the album.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
A Great Fire [Track 1]
Vices [Track 2]
American Dream [Track 4]
A Shipwreck In the Sand [Track 8]
I Am the Arsonist [Track 9]
You're All I Have [Track 10]
A Hero Loses Everyday [Track 12]
Final Grade: 9.1/10 | A-
This is a great album and must buy. Not just buying individual tracks, but the whole record. If this album is not your thing, then why are you still reading this?
Also, just for those curious, the storyline:
Vices [Track 2]
American Dream [4]
I Knew I Couldn't Trust You [6]
I Am the Arsonist [9]
A Great Fire [1]
We Are Not the World [11]
A Hero Loses Everyday [12]
The End [14]
Album: A Shipwreck In the Sand (2009)
Genre: Post-hardcore
Length: 14 tracks / 47:09
This concept album is broken into 4 "chapters" over the course of it's 14 tracks (Ch. 1 = Tracks 1-3, Ch. 2 = 4-7, Ch. 3 = 8-10, Ch. 4 = 11-14), but they all tie in together to form one giant, skewed story of love, loss, anger, retribution, and everything in between. Note how I use skewed. The true storyline of the album is not linear. For example, the first song of the album is not the first event; in fact, I assume it is the climax to the story and chapters 2 and 3 are a flashback or backstory. The 4th chapter is the conclusion to the tale. Now not all the songs are related (some are metaphorical, some are just completely unrelated), but the basic gist of the story is a man who finds his significant other cheating on him with his best friend, and has his heart broken when he realizes she is going to leave him for his friend. After confronting his friend, he decides to take revenge on the cheating woman and their child by setting their house on fire. Realizing how much he loves them, he saves the two girls and is taken into custody after being accused of setting the house on fire. The girlfriend wins custody of the daughter but our "hero" is set free because of a lack of evidence. In a hotel room with the thought of never seeing his loved ones again and a possible prison sentence, he takes his life.
Now I'm just giving the backstory, but really giving no opinion on the album. Silverstein lives by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage and it's seen in this album as there's not too much technical difference from it's previous releases, but the songs and their execution are a major step up from previous releases. The songs themselves are much catchier, and the skills gained from recording 3 previous albums is noticed through riffs rarely heard in their previous releases. The screaming is quite legible which is always a plus to those who always complain that they can't understand the screaming, but there's also lots more actual singing and the singer, Shane Told, is as solid as ever, if not even better than the other albums. To those who don't mind screaming, and songs that aren't happy, rainbow-turd, unicorn-cutesy pa-tootsy about going to a club and having a good time being who you are, then definitely give this album a shot.
Now this is easily my favourite Silverstein album and I got this first, AND after I saw them live in Vancouver during the Warped tour in 2009 right when this was out. It starts off amazingly with a one-two punch and continues to fire out awesome songs that are catchy, headbangable, and most importantly: GOOD! I don't think I need to elaborate on that. That, and the previous section was huge, so this is where I'll end the personal.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: A Great Fire
A quiet, slow, intro with piano notes drifting in and out gets kicked into overdrive in the intro song to the album. In the storyline, this is after the protagonist has set fire to his house and has leapt back in to save his fiancée and daughter. Musically, it's a kicking track. Harsh vocals in the verses lead to a beautiful chorus with a basic but still awesome riff tickling one's ears. A haunting bridge leads us back into the kicking and ends off with another couple choruses before connecting to the second track. All together, this is a beautiful song that leads us into the climax of the story and gives of a great tone for the album.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
A Great Fire [Track 1]
Vices [Track 2]
American Dream [Track 4]
A Shipwreck In the Sand [Track 8]
I Am the Arsonist [Track 9]
You're All I Have [Track 10]
A Hero Loses Everyday [Track 12]
Final Grade: 9.1/10 | A-
This is a great album and must buy. Not just buying individual tracks, but the whole record. If this album is not your thing, then why are you still reading this?
Also, just for those curious, the storyline:
Vices [Track 2]
American Dream [4]
I Knew I Couldn't Trust You [6]
I Am the Arsonist [9]
A Great Fire [1]
We Are Not the World [11]
A Hero Loses Everyday [12]
The End [14]
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Review #6: Coheed and Cambria - Year of the Black Rainbow
Artist: Coheed and Cambria
Album: Year of the Black Rainbow (2010)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Length: 12 tracks / 53:53
Okay, you got me. I did hear of Coheed and Cambria through Rock Band. I never said I was perfect. Anyway, Year of the Black Rainbow; the newest album and the prequel of the 5 album concept of the Amory Wars. Coheed's had this concept running through all their albums, but even if you're just a casual listener, they have songs that you can enjoy and not even need to know the backstory and that's what's cool about this particular concept. But I must end the blathering; on with the review.
Now this is a much heavier album than the 4 previous releases. Since they've also had a fair few years to hone their craft, it does sound very well done, but the transition from more prog-like to this is a somewhat tough pill to swallow, but I'll force it down any day. Coheed begins the story with this album, but even I haven't studied them enough to give an analysis, nor breakdown for you readers so I won't even attempt. One mainstay from other C&C albums is the symphonic intro that resides on track 1 of every C&C album I've heard, and from there, the rocking begins. And there are sour spots every so often, but this is an enjoyable album from start until finish and is a solid addition to any rock fan's collection.
In my opinion, there are sour notes to this album, and they last 3-5 minutes long each time they arrive. Although they are rare. And while some songs have abrupt shifts to others -anything surrounding, and including, Pearl of the Stars- it still works in C&C's favour and it produces a good album. I may not have had as many favourites as others, but concept albums are harder to find favourites as it's a story in musical form. And whole some may have chapters that they prefer to read, you still have to read the whole thing to truly appreciate the novel; some idea applies to this.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Here We Are Juggernaut
Song 4. Always a popular choice. The clean-up batter in the line-up. Juggernaut is just one of those songs that screams out once you listen to it. From the wacky intro with distorted screams/guitar riffs, to the ever-so-amazing chorus, this song captivates from the first second to it's unfortunate stop 3 minutes and 44 seconds later. To bring back the book analogy, this is like the chapter with my favourite part and it doesn't stop until it's over. Also, I'd recommend watching the music video: it's a great way to see the idea behind the band logo, and what I assume is the beginning action of the tale of Coheed and his wife, Cambria.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
The Broken [Track 2]
Here We Are Juggernaut [Track 4]
World of Lines [Track 6]
When Skeletons Live [Track 11]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Made Out of Nothing (All That I Am) [Track 8]
In the Flame of Error [Track 10]
Final Grade: 8.4/10 | B
This is a good album, and there's a fair amount of good songs, but getting the full thing depends on how into concept albums you are. If you like hearing the full story, go for it. If not, try it out.
Album: Year of the Black Rainbow (2010)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Length: 12 tracks / 53:53
Now this is a much heavier album than the 4 previous releases. Since they've also had a fair few years to hone their craft, it does sound very well done, but the transition from more prog-like to this is a somewhat tough pill to swallow, but I'll force it down any day. Coheed begins the story with this album, but even I haven't studied them enough to give an analysis, nor breakdown for you readers so I won't even attempt. One mainstay from other C&C albums is the symphonic intro that resides on track 1 of every C&C album I've heard, and from there, the rocking begins. And there are sour spots every so often, but this is an enjoyable album from start until finish and is a solid addition to any rock fan's collection.
In my opinion, there are sour notes to this album, and they last 3-5 minutes long each time they arrive. Although they are rare. And while some songs have abrupt shifts to others -anything surrounding, and including, Pearl of the Stars- it still works in C&C's favour and it produces a good album. I may not have had as many favourites as others, but concept albums are harder to find favourites as it's a story in musical form. And whole some may have chapters that they prefer to read, you still have to read the whole thing to truly appreciate the novel; some idea applies to this.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Here We Are Juggernaut
Song 4. Always a popular choice. The clean-up batter in the line-up. Juggernaut is just one of those songs that screams out once you listen to it. From the wacky intro with distorted screams/guitar riffs, to the ever-so-amazing chorus, this song captivates from the first second to it's unfortunate stop 3 minutes and 44 seconds later. To bring back the book analogy, this is like the chapter with my favourite part and it doesn't stop until it's over. Also, I'd recommend watching the music video: it's a great way to see the idea behind the band logo, and what I assume is the beginning action of the tale of Coheed and his wife, Cambria.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
The Broken [Track 2]
Here We Are Juggernaut [Track 4]
World of Lines [Track 6]
When Skeletons Live [Track 11]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Made Out of Nothing (All That I Am) [Track 8]
In the Flame of Error [Track 10]
Final Grade: 8.4/10 | B
This is a good album, and there's a fair amount of good songs, but getting the full thing depends on how into concept albums you are. If you like hearing the full story, go for it. If not, try it out.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Review #5: Foo Fighters - Greatest Hits
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: Greatest Hits (2009)
Genre: Rock
Length: 16 tracks / 1:03:48
This may be my most challenging review. It's a "Greatest Hits" album. The best of the best. Or so they say. This is a collaboration of 12 of the Foo's biggest hits, 2 live performances, and 2 new tracks. Also, this is one of the few albums in my collection I didn't purchase: it was a Christmas gift in 2009. Needless to say, though, I was happy to get it. Anyway, I digress, let's start.
This is an album I've listened to many times at work, as well as heard many of the songs on the radio, so this one was done quickly as well. The Foo's have a solid catalogue, but sometimes the songs they release just aren't the best. case in point is this album. Some of the songs on this from their past days still hold the test of time like Everlong and Monkey Wrench and even the newer songs still hold the excitement as they did when they were released; namely, The Pretender. However, this compilation suffers from the same issue that Fantasies, by Metric, did: the second half does nothing to support the first half of the album. Layered with popular tracks from the Foos' 6 albums, the first half is a kicking listen. The second half, on the contrary, has maybe one good track from other albums, and the live stuff and the new tracks just don't live up to the potential the first half gave. Especially with a Greatest Hits, a band should layer their best songs along the whole album; sprinking a couple tracks near the beginning, adding some meat to the middle, and closing it with another neckbreaker. This compilation just sandwiches all the meat on one end, but leaves the rest bare. Not very tasty, is it?
I'm also going to be honest, I'm not the biggest Foo's fan. I love the songs of their's I like, but everything else of their's fails to captivate me as such. I love the aforementioned Everlong, Monkey Wrench, The Pretender and whatnot, but with the exception of these few tracks (all represented on here), there was nothing I hadn't heard that I liked. All the new stuff, or songs I hadn't heard of theirs fell short to my ears and does not make for the best album for me. I'm also not a fan of Greatest Hits albums as I'm picky about how my music is sorted and I will actually go as far as to find the correct album, track number, etc, to finish the sorting. I have yet to do so, but it has happened (case in point: Megadeth and The Offspring) so it's only a matter of time. But that's just a beef with the album concept itself. I'd play the first half to get into it, but I'd stop after track 8.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Best of You
Oh dear Lord, where to start. This was the part I was looking forward to the least as there's so many choices. It fluctuates all of the time, but I'd have to say Best of You is my favourite at the time of this review. It's a mixture of so many things: ballad, hard rock song, one where you want to be arm-in-arm with folks swaying, headbanger, this song is also an emotional hitter for me. Do you ever have those people that you had a bad experience with and had a falling out with, but you don't want anything bad to happen to them and hope they move on in the right direction? This song does this for me.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
All My Life [Track 1]
Best of You [Track 2]
Everlong [Track 3]
The Pretender [Track 4]
My Hero [Track 5]
Monkey Wrench [Track 8]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Long Road To Ruin [Track 11]
Final Grade: 7.7 | B-
The goods songs are fantastic. Everything else just doesn't cut it. Especially the live performances and the new tracks.
Album: Greatest Hits (2009)
Genre: Rock
Length: 16 tracks / 1:03:48
This is an album I've listened to many times at work, as well as heard many of the songs on the radio, so this one was done quickly as well. The Foo's have a solid catalogue, but sometimes the songs they release just aren't the best. case in point is this album. Some of the songs on this from their past days still hold the test of time like Everlong and Monkey Wrench and even the newer songs still hold the excitement as they did when they were released; namely, The Pretender. However, this compilation suffers from the same issue that Fantasies, by Metric, did: the second half does nothing to support the first half of the album. Layered with popular tracks from the Foos' 6 albums, the first half is a kicking listen. The second half, on the contrary, has maybe one good track from other albums, and the live stuff and the new tracks just don't live up to the potential the first half gave. Especially with a Greatest Hits, a band should layer their best songs along the whole album; sprinking a couple tracks near the beginning, adding some meat to the middle, and closing it with another neckbreaker. This compilation just sandwiches all the meat on one end, but leaves the rest bare. Not very tasty, is it?
I'm also going to be honest, I'm not the biggest Foo's fan. I love the songs of their's I like, but everything else of their's fails to captivate me as such. I love the aforementioned Everlong, Monkey Wrench, The Pretender and whatnot, but with the exception of these few tracks (all represented on here), there was nothing I hadn't heard that I liked. All the new stuff, or songs I hadn't heard of theirs fell short to my ears and does not make for the best album for me. I'm also not a fan of Greatest Hits albums as I'm picky about how my music is sorted and I will actually go as far as to find the correct album, track number, etc, to finish the sorting. I have yet to do so, but it has happened (case in point: Megadeth and The Offspring) so it's only a matter of time. But that's just a beef with the album concept itself. I'd play the first half to get into it, but I'd stop after track 8.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Best of You
Oh dear Lord, where to start. This was the part I was looking forward to the least as there's so many choices. It fluctuates all of the time, but I'd have to say Best of You is my favourite at the time of this review. It's a mixture of so many things: ballad, hard rock song, one where you want to be arm-in-arm with folks swaying, headbanger, this song is also an emotional hitter for me. Do you ever have those people that you had a bad experience with and had a falling out with, but you don't want anything bad to happen to them and hope they move on in the right direction? This song does this for me.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
All My Life [Track 1]
Best of You [Track 2]
Everlong [Track 3]
The Pretender [Track 4]
My Hero [Track 5]
Monkey Wrench [Track 8]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Long Road To Ruin [Track 11]
Final Grade: 7.7 | B-
The goods songs are fantastic. Everything else just doesn't cut it. Especially the live performances and the new tracks.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Review #4: DragonForce - Inhuman Rampage
Artist: DragonForce
Album: Inhuman Rampage (2006)
Genre: Speed metal
Length: 8 tracks / 56:02 (Special edition contains 9 tracks / 1:02:24)
Yeah, that's right. DragonForce. You either love them or you hate them. I love them. Also, let me go on record right now by stating: I LIKED THEM BEFORE GUITAR HERO 3! I heard Through the Fire and Flames a week before it came out, and I didn't even know it was on Guitar Hero until months after. So take that! The former sextet from all over the world (New Zealand, Hong Kong, Scotland, France, Ukraine, and South Africa, if I remember correctly) hit mainstream success with this album much in part to Guitar Hero 3. Was it worth it?
I'm going to be honest, even though this is a long album, this review went by quick as I've had each song practically memorized as I've heard them so much since 2008 when I first downloaded the songs (I used to be one of them.. then my computer got a virus) and again when I got them all back by buying the CD. Now I'm going to sound like a hypocrite again, because in my last review, I mentioned how it'd be nice if I got a few more songs like the good ones. Well, in this album's case, I got it. I swear, this album went by like continuous 20 minute blurbs, with a 7 minute awesome song in the middle. 3 minute solos, double kick all over the place in the same patterns, lyrics all talking about how they're going to war for their land to go kick someone's rear. It's a good album, but the repetition really gets to the listener. There are slight variations, and the songs are all well executed, but when a song doesn't even have a mention of it's title in the whole song, I get lost. This is not one of the better works of DragonForce so don't let this review and Guitar Hero finalize your opinion of these guys.
Now for my thing. I can easily love this album because of the solos and kick pedals (I'm an avid air guitarist and air drummer), but it's the fact that they are so PREDICTABLE in this album that turns me off from liking it as much as I do. I mean the songs I like, I love. I'll be riffing like a madman, and bound to be looking like one as well, but it won't happen for every song on here. Funny thing though, is despite the repetition, I do have specific favourites that I'll listen to above any others on the album. In fact, that's why I like having it... that, and it completes my discography. Also, I really want to know how they come up with their titles for their albums, as well half their songs... that has got to be some sweet stuff they ingest...
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE: Through the Fire and Flames
How many people called this. Yep, every single reader of mine who's heard the album should have. Mainly because of "First Song Syndrome" and Guitar Hero. Now before you ask, "First Song Syndrome" is my term for when you first hear a song from any band, and it's the VERY first song you've EVER heard by them. Chances are, it'll become your favourite because of that fact. Case in point, myself and this song. From the wicked intro, to the captivating lyrics, and the insane solos, and double kick madness, this song forever holds a place in my heart. And no, I did not play Guitar Hero 3 until July of 2008, well after it was released. I never even TOUCHED Guitar Hero until I had well over 100 plays of this song on my iPod. So take that theory and cram it.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Through the Fire and Flames [Track 1]
Body Breakdown [Track 5]
Flame of Youth [Track 7]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Operation Ground and Pound [Track 4]
Final grade: 6.8 | C
Get the songs alone. Unless you want an hourlong metalfest that never ends until the album stops, by all means pick this up, but this is really only good for the few songs.
Album: Inhuman Rampage (2006)
Genre: Speed metal
Length: 8 tracks / 56:02 (Special edition contains 9 tracks / 1:02:24)
I'm going to be honest, even though this is a long album, this review went by quick as I've had each song practically memorized as I've heard them so much since 2008 when I first downloaded the songs (I used to be one of them.. then my computer got a virus) and again when I got them all back by buying the CD. Now I'm going to sound like a hypocrite again, because in my last review, I mentioned how it'd be nice if I got a few more songs like the good ones. Well, in this album's case, I got it. I swear, this album went by like continuous 20 minute blurbs, with a 7 minute awesome song in the middle. 3 minute solos, double kick all over the place in the same patterns, lyrics all talking about how they're going to war for their land to go kick someone's rear. It's a good album, but the repetition really gets to the listener. There are slight variations, and the songs are all well executed, but when a song doesn't even have a mention of it's title in the whole song, I get lost. This is not one of the better works of DragonForce so don't let this review and Guitar Hero finalize your opinion of these guys.
Now for my thing. I can easily love this album because of the solos and kick pedals (I'm an avid air guitarist and air drummer), but it's the fact that they are so PREDICTABLE in this album that turns me off from liking it as much as I do. I mean the songs I like, I love. I'll be riffing like a madman, and bound to be looking like one as well, but it won't happen for every song on here. Funny thing though, is despite the repetition, I do have specific favourites that I'll listen to above any others on the album. In fact, that's why I like having it... that, and it completes my discography. Also, I really want to know how they come up with their titles for their albums, as well half their songs... that has got to be some sweet stuff they ingest...
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE: Through the Fire and Flames
How many people called this. Yep, every single reader of mine who's heard the album should have. Mainly because of "First Song Syndrome" and Guitar Hero. Now before you ask, "First Song Syndrome" is my term for when you first hear a song from any band, and it's the VERY first song you've EVER heard by them. Chances are, it'll become your favourite because of that fact. Case in point, myself and this song. From the wicked intro, to the captivating lyrics, and the insane solos, and double kick madness, this song forever holds a place in my heart. And no, I did not play Guitar Hero 3 until July of 2008, well after it was released. I never even TOUCHED Guitar Hero until I had well over 100 plays of this song on my iPod. So take that theory and cram it.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Through the Fire and Flames [Track 1]
Body Breakdown [Track 5]
Flame of Youth [Track 7]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Operation Ground and Pound [Track 4]
Final grade: 6.8 | C
Get the songs alone. Unless you want an hourlong metalfest that never ends until the album stops, by all means pick this up, but this is really only good for the few songs.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Review #3: Metric - Fantasies
Artist: Metric
Album: Fantasies (2009)
Genre: Indie rock
Length: 10 tracks / 42:36
Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking: "Trevor, you bought something like Metric?!" Yes. Yes, I did. And proud of it too. Funny thing is what I got with it (I buy my CDs 2 at a time almost always; occasionally 3, very rarely 1), but that's a story for another time. Point is is that this is one of two CDs in my collection that feature a band with a female vocalist, the only one with a genre lighter than prog. rock, and one of many CDs by a Canadian artist I own. So, without further ado, the review.
This is a very calm, very relaxing album, but the other side of the scale has it being a very catchy, upbeat album. The complimenting, however, is off. Same goes for the first half of the album, compared to the second half. While Gimme Sympathy may be the second half's saving grace, it's just no where near the power of the first half, Gimme Sympathy subtracted. This is album is good for what is wants to accomplish: An indie sound that lets the music define itself. No two track is alike and that I give points to Metric for. Although a few more Gimme Symapthy's and Sick Muse's wouldn't be too bad.
Now for my inner two cents. The songs I like, are EXCELLENT, but that's me. The songs I dislike, I dislike heavily. This poses both a good side and bad. It's an album I'll put on, but only for the few songs. Everything else would get skipped without a second glance. While I love the fact I enjoy the songs as much as I do, I'd much rather have an album that has songs I like, but can listen to all the way without skipping anything.. although this will kind of sound hypocritical as the one album I already reviewed like that scored lower...
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Gimme Sympathy
Now this should come as no surprise as I've only mentioned this song 3 other times in this post. Gimme Sympathy is just... amazing, in my opinion. I have no other way to describe it. The song starts off normally, with a soft synthesizer that evolves into simple bass kick and guitar behind the vocalizing from Emily Haines. Before long, the drums enter a basic pattern, and the guitar continues. Cue the chrous, and same old, with a synth added in. But it's this recipe together, mixed with the vocals, and there's something there that I can't describe in any other way except for this: magical. Also, for future reference, I dislike both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones (I like 2 Beatles songs, and 1 by the Stones), so I'd pick neither.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Help, I'm Alive [Track 1]
Sick Muse [Track 2]
Gimme Sympathy [Track 6]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Satellite Mind [Track 3]
Final grade: 7.9/10 | B-
The songs that are good are what give this a much higher grade. What prevents it from breaking into the realm of 8 is the songs that aren't up to par. There is a major border between the two, but I'm ever an optimist so the good always wins out.
Album: Fantasies (2009)
Genre: Indie rock
Length: 10 tracks / 42:36
Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking: "Trevor, you bought something like Metric?!" Yes. Yes, I did. And proud of it too. Funny thing is what I got with it (I buy my CDs 2 at a time almost always; occasionally 3, very rarely 1), but that's a story for another time. Point is is that this is one of two CDs in my collection that feature a band with a female vocalist, the only one with a genre lighter than prog. rock, and one of many CDs by a Canadian artist I own. So, without further ado, the review.
This is a very calm, very relaxing album, but the other side of the scale has it being a very catchy, upbeat album. The complimenting, however, is off. Same goes for the first half of the album, compared to the second half. While Gimme Sympathy may be the second half's saving grace, it's just no where near the power of the first half, Gimme Sympathy subtracted. This is album is good for what is wants to accomplish: An indie sound that lets the music define itself. No two track is alike and that I give points to Metric for. Although a few more Gimme Symapthy's and Sick Muse's wouldn't be too bad.
Now for my inner two cents. The songs I like, are EXCELLENT, but that's me. The songs I dislike, I dislike heavily. This poses both a good side and bad. It's an album I'll put on, but only for the few songs. Everything else would get skipped without a second glance. While I love the fact I enjoy the songs as much as I do, I'd much rather have an album that has songs I like, but can listen to all the way without skipping anything.. although this will kind of sound hypocritical as the one album I already reviewed like that scored lower...
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Gimme Sympathy
Now this should come as no surprise as I've only mentioned this song 3 other times in this post. Gimme Sympathy is just... amazing, in my opinion. I have no other way to describe it. The song starts off normally, with a soft synthesizer that evolves into simple bass kick and guitar behind the vocalizing from Emily Haines. Before long, the drums enter a basic pattern, and the guitar continues. Cue the chrous, and same old, with a synth added in. But it's this recipe together, mixed with the vocals, and there's something there that I can't describe in any other way except for this: magical. Also, for future reference, I dislike both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones (I like 2 Beatles songs, and 1 by the Stones), so I'd pick neither.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Help, I'm Alive [Track 1]
Sick Muse [Track 2]
Gimme Sympathy [Track 6]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Satellite Mind [Track 3]
Final grade: 7.9/10 | B-
The songs that are good are what give this a much higher grade. What prevents it from breaking into the realm of 8 is the songs that aren't up to par. There is a major border between the two, but I'm ever an optimist so the good always wins out.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Review #2: Breaking Benjamin - Saturate
Artist: Breaking Benjamin
Album: Saturate (2002)
Genre: Alternative
Length: 12 tracks / 49:16
The debut album from one of my favourite bands: Breaking Benjamin. These guys will always have a sense of nostalgia for me as my first CD I bought for myself was a Breaking Benjamin album. 4 guesses as to which one.
Saturate is a stellar debut. First albums for a band are always a risk if you've heard future stuff from the band. The quality may not be as good as later albums, and these are the albums where a band tries to find their sound. Saturate not only verifies Breaking Benjamin's sound early on, but it's in a way that is still enjoyable. The album starts off really well with some good lead-off tracks, to a hit-and-miss middle, and a solid last few songs, save for the last song. While I feel that experimentation is always good, there are those that work and those that don't: Shallow Bay/Forever follows that. Shallow Bay is among other songs of this album, but Forever is just an experiment that blows up in the listeners face. Although there are other experiments that work: the intro to Water, and the breakdown in No Games. And while you get your other misses throughout the album, there's a ton of good content in here that makes it worthwhile to give the whole thing a listen to.
To me, picking this album up was a risk, but one that works. I mean, if you compare this to later works, it doesn't hold up as well, but I still like it enough to consider it a valuable addition to my collection; and not just because it completes my discography. I can enjoy many of the songs, although the fact that I want to skip 3 or 4 is a turn off, but not enough to pass up. I already gave an explanation about Shallow Bay/Forever, and I wasn't too partial to others like Natural Life or Next To Nothing, but those two have their saving graces that will keep me listening.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: No Games
Funnily enough, two albums reviewed, two albums where my favourite is right near the end. Nestled in the 10th spot out of 12 songs, No Games starts off very quiet and very slow with a friendly little riff. The verse continues this friendly little game before the pre-chorus sets in. Almost to the point of yelling, singer Ben seems almost pleading in the first pre-chorus, and accusing in the second. Both work well with the song and make it enjoyable. The chorus just continues it. And I must say, the second pre-chorus contains one of my favourite lyrics: "You are an a**hole / king of the castle". Not to mention, an experiment that WORKS is the use of violins in the breakdown just before the solo. This is a great mix of slightly different styles all melded into one song. Just remember when I win.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Medicate [Track 2]
Polyamorous [Track 3]
Water [Track 7]
Home [Track 8]
No Games [Track 10]
Final grade: 8.3/10 | B
The good songs are good, the misses are only somewhat noticeable. However, it's a hefty borderline which prevents it from scoring higher. But it's the fact that, because every person's border may be different, getting the whole album is worth it.
Album: Saturate (2002)
Genre: Alternative
Length: 12 tracks / 49:16
The debut album from one of my favourite bands: Breaking Benjamin. These guys will always have a sense of nostalgia for me as my first CD I bought for myself was a Breaking Benjamin album. 4 guesses as to which one.
Saturate is a stellar debut. First albums for a band are always a risk if you've heard future stuff from the band. The quality may not be as good as later albums, and these are the albums where a band tries to find their sound. Saturate not only verifies Breaking Benjamin's sound early on, but it's in a way that is still enjoyable. The album starts off really well with some good lead-off tracks, to a hit-and-miss middle, and a solid last few songs, save for the last song. While I feel that experimentation is always good, there are those that work and those that don't: Shallow Bay/Forever follows that. Shallow Bay is among other songs of this album, but Forever is just an experiment that blows up in the listeners face. Although there are other experiments that work: the intro to Water, and the breakdown in No Games. And while you get your other misses throughout the album, there's a ton of good content in here that makes it worthwhile to give the whole thing a listen to.
To me, picking this album up was a risk, but one that works. I mean, if you compare this to later works, it doesn't hold up as well, but I still like it enough to consider it a valuable addition to my collection; and not just because it completes my discography. I can enjoy many of the songs, although the fact that I want to skip 3 or 4 is a turn off, but not enough to pass up. I already gave an explanation about Shallow Bay/Forever, and I wasn't too partial to others like Natural Life or Next To Nothing, but those two have their saving graces that will keep me listening.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: No Games
Funnily enough, two albums reviewed, two albums where my favourite is right near the end. Nestled in the 10th spot out of 12 songs, No Games starts off very quiet and very slow with a friendly little riff. The verse continues this friendly little game before the pre-chorus sets in. Almost to the point of yelling, singer Ben seems almost pleading in the first pre-chorus, and accusing in the second. Both work well with the song and make it enjoyable. The chorus just continues it. And I must say, the second pre-chorus contains one of my favourite lyrics: "You are an a**hole / king of the castle". Not to mention, an experiment that WORKS is the use of violins in the breakdown just before the solo. This is a great mix of slightly different styles all melded into one song. Just remember when I win.
RECOMMENDED SONGS:
Medicate [Track 2]
Polyamorous [Track 3]
Water [Track 7]
Home [Track 8]
No Games [Track 10]
Final grade: 8.3/10 | B
The good songs are good, the misses are only somewhat noticeable. However, it's a hefty borderline which prevents it from scoring higher. But it's the fact that, because every person's border may be different, getting the whole album is worth it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Review #1: Kamelot - Poetry For the Poisoned
Artist: Kamelot
Album: Poetry For the Poisoned (2010)
Genre: Power Metal
Length: 14 tracks / 50:03
My first review! And I'll start this blog of reviews with my latest album purchase. Now I've been a fan of Kamelot because of the only other two albums of their's I have heard: Epica and The Black Halo; the two parts of the Epica concept albums. However, fan or not, I will try to remain as unbiased and fair as possible.
Anyway, the album starts off well. Like seriously. Every song has a decent, to really good, intro. Unfortunately, more often than not, the verses, nor the choruses, can't always keep up with the intros and fall below the expectations given from the intros. However, it's not like it's a bad album; it's far from it. I was able to listen to every song without feeling an uncontrollable urge to skip a song (although if I were to replay it, I possibly would). And that is something that is rare in today's music.. although something I find frequently happening in my ever growing collection of discs. The solos are heavy, the synths are buzzing back and forth, and that oh so lovely double kick pedal is working like mad, as always. This is a great album and band for those who want to foray into the realm of metal, or concept albums (via the mini, 4-song concept "Poetry For the Poisoned").
Now in MY opinion, yes, I'd pick this album up, and have, because Kamelot is a great band. They know how to tell a good story, and have the right mix of rock and metal to have a unique sound I enjoy. And, yes, these guys are great to start off with in introducing someone to metal. I mean, sure, they may not sound the greatest here, nor will they wow every person in existence with any songs, but they wowed me enough to enjoy this album.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Once Upon a Time.
To be honest, it's rare that the LAST song on an album is the one that wows me, but this is one of the rare exceptions. The opening starts off with eerie synthesizers before pounding out the double kick pedal that reminds me a LOT of songs from the Epica saga. Especially when the lyrics start and the singer Roy Khan croons in a way that is very reminiscent of his portrayal of the character Mephisto from the saga. And adding in some bias from there, mixed with a good solo and an excellent, catchy chorus make this my choice for my favourite.
Recommended songs:
If Tomorrow Came [Track 2]
Parts I-IV of Poetry For the Poisoned [Tracks 10-13]
Once Upon a Time [Track 14]
Final grade: 7.6/10 | B-
Worth the few songs, but unless you're into Kamelot, or this genre, don't buy the whole thing.
Album: Poetry For the Poisoned (2010)
Genre: Power Metal
Length: 14 tracks / 50:03
My first review! And I'll start this blog of reviews with my latest album purchase. Now I've been a fan of Kamelot because of the only other two albums of their's I have heard: Epica and The Black Halo; the two parts of the Epica concept albums. However, fan or not, I will try to remain as unbiased and fair as possible.
Anyway, the album starts off well. Like seriously. Every song has a decent, to really good, intro. Unfortunately, more often than not, the verses, nor the choruses, can't always keep up with the intros and fall below the expectations given from the intros. However, it's not like it's a bad album; it's far from it. I was able to listen to every song without feeling an uncontrollable urge to skip a song (although if I were to replay it, I possibly would). And that is something that is rare in today's music.. although something I find frequently happening in my ever growing collection of discs. The solos are heavy, the synths are buzzing back and forth, and that oh so lovely double kick pedal is working like mad, as always. This is a great album and band for those who want to foray into the realm of metal, or concept albums (via the mini, 4-song concept "Poetry For the Poisoned").
Now in MY opinion, yes, I'd pick this album up, and have, because Kamelot is a great band. They know how to tell a good story, and have the right mix of rock and metal to have a unique sound I enjoy. And, yes, these guys are great to start off with in introducing someone to metal. I mean, sure, they may not sound the greatest here, nor will they wow every person in existence with any songs, but they wowed me enough to enjoy this album.
TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Once Upon a Time.
To be honest, it's rare that the LAST song on an album is the one that wows me, but this is one of the rare exceptions. The opening starts off with eerie synthesizers before pounding out the double kick pedal that reminds me a LOT of songs from the Epica saga. Especially when the lyrics start and the singer Roy Khan croons in a way that is very reminiscent of his portrayal of the character Mephisto from the saga. And adding in some bias from there, mixed with a good solo and an excellent, catchy chorus make this my choice for my favourite.
Recommended songs:
If Tomorrow Came [Track 2]
Parts I-IV of Poetry For the Poisoned [Tracks 10-13]
Once Upon a Time [Track 14]
Final grade: 7.6/10 | B-
Worth the few songs, but unless you're into Kamelot, or this genre, don't buy the whole thing.
Starting off
Hi. This is basically going to be the post I want everyone to read when they enter this blog. I think I might as well start off with some personal info. My name's Trevor. I'm 19, from Canada, and I'm not as big a music fan as some, but definitely bigger than most. I buy my CDs (bought my first 3 years ago and haven't stopped since) and have headphones constantly attached to my ears. I may have only been to one concert, but I'm hoping to change that soon.
However, this is not a blog to talk about me. No. This is going to be yet another music review blog. You may have heard of some of these bands, some may be brand new for you. All I'm trying to do is showcase them for you as well as give my personal opinion on them for you to check out. Whether it's via YouTube, downloading, or going out and actually buying it.
So without further adieu, time to start reviewing. I might throw in personal blogs from time to time so keep an eye out for that.
Anyway, enough rambling. Welcome to The Force of Sound and hopefully you find something you like among the pages here.
Also, all of my reviews will follow a specific template:
Artist and album details.
Small background info about why I picked up the album.
Overview from a general standpoint.
Personal opinion.
Favourite song.
Recommendations and score.
Also, all of my reviews will follow a specific template:
Artist and album details.
Small background info about why I picked up the album.
Overview from a general standpoint.
Personal opinion.
Favourite song.
Recommendations and score.
PS. If anyone would like to give their own reviews on albums I've already reviewed, you are more than welcome to leave a comment with your review.
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