My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade (c) 2006 Reprise RecordsWell, I guess I should be in fear for my life. I have a copy of "The Black Parade", the new release from My Chemical Romance, and well, I like it. Either I'm slippin' or someone actually let some good music out to the public. "The Black Parade" strives to the level of classic rock epics from Pink Floyd or Queen but with a crisp modern edge. As well MCR shows a musical maturity and a knack for showmanship. Beyond that they boldly stand out from their contemporaries, offering something well better than the heaps of mindless drivel that constantly assualt our senses. Rock on MCR I say. Rock on!–Jerry Actually
Month: October 2006
Arpioni [Malacabeza]
Arpioni – Malacabeza (c) 2006 Mad Butcher RecordsFor nearly a decade and a half, Arpioni has been rockin' the Italian ska scene. Malacabeza is their new release out now on Mad Butcher Records. Though mostly bordering between traditional and 3rd wave ska, the disc offers 16 tracks in a wide variety of musical styles. From the Northern Soul of the opening track Basta! right into a kind of swinging jazzy (a bit like Squirel Nut Zippers) number "Una Storia Disonesta". There is even a polka-esqe track. This is the first I've heard from Arpioni and I like what I hear. Good fun ska and soul from Bergamo Italy. Here's a link to their official site, check 'em out. Arpioni The site happens to be in Italian, but there is an English version for those of us what speaks that language. World ska for the masses … making this world a better place. –Jerry Actually
Sparta
Sparta – Threes (c) 2006 Hollywood RecordsHummm………..Sparta "Threes", I almost want to say they sound familiar or in some respect similar to music I like and listen to, from I guess you would say the 80’s. Then again I have to say they definitely have their own sound and that makes them catchy as does their subtle depressing edgy lyrics and sound. I like it! And recommend if you like letting your mind wonder, you give Sparta a chance.
Bad Lieutenants
Bad Lieutenants – Every Time I Come Around (c) 2006 Teenage Heat RecordsWOW – I've heard a lot of bad things. This is the worst crap that I've heard. I'm a bit beside myself. Try to find something worse, I dare you. Part Tesco, part Danzig, All crap. Completely derivative. I realy tried to give it a chance. I almost want to listen to main stream after this. I'm dissapointed. Did you read my other reviews before you sent this? I dare you to come to town. ok the gauntlet has been thrown down. Rock, I dare you!–Jerry Actually
Plain White T’s
Plain White T's – Every Second Counts (c) 2006 Hollywood RecordsNot rotten. Not awesome. Somewhere in between. Plain White T's "Every Second Counts" is super mega pop, like a Sum41 or a Blink, or many of their labelmates. Normally I'd just write that off as totally crap, but I do afford myself some guilty pleasures. Despite the songs dripping with radio friendly ooze, some of them are pretty damn catchy. The best thing however, is that Plain White T's managed to get the shitty Aerosmith song that has been stuck in my head all morning to go away.
Godhead
Godhead – The Shadow Line (c) 2006 Cement Shoes RecordsMusic today is becoming so bad that I expect the return of butt rock hair bands in droves any day. Godhead has much of the charm of an Alice in Chains or a Candlebox. The songs are mostly three and a half minute radio rock marvels. Apparently the band is looking to "get to that next level" whatever that is. If you ask me this is built to sell. Because of the excellent financial backing, however, Godhead's new CD The Shadow Line does include a bonus DVD. They also sent me a cool looking sticker and I must give them props for that. I do love the schwag!-Jerry Actually