The Tossers – Agony (c) 2007 Victory Records Just in time to be almost two weeks late for St. Paddy's Day, I submit for you The Tossers' new cd Agony. I assure you this, listening to it is anything but. Chicago's Tossers craft a fine blend of traditional Irish Folk Music w/ all the punk rock intensity that anyone could need in a rowdy rollicking drinkin' band. Don't however mistake The Tossers for just another inebriated group of Pogues wannabes. They brandish a musical fire all their own with depth and sincerity and, frankly, a bit more clarity than the aforementioned. If you're one of the teaming faceless downtrodden masses urning for some musical uplifting, go ahead slap on this CD and toss back a pint or 12 with The Tossers. My personal favorite is Track 7: Siobban – Enjoy!–Jerry Actually
Month: March 2007
Bayside [The Walking Wounded]
Bayside – The Walking Wounded (c) 2007 Victory Records
Bayside, glorious Bayside, home of the greatest band ever, The Zack Attack. Friends Forever!! Hells yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Oh, wait a second this isn’t about a band from Bayside High, this is about the band called Bayside.
I reviewed a Bayside release a long time ago. I don’t recall much about it other than that I wasn’t exactly thrilled. I have good news to report. I didn’t immediately chuck this CD out the window. Though it isn’t what I like, per se, It doesn’t entirely incur my wrath. It is melodic. The music is tight with clever progressions and the vocals aren’t screaming bloody freakin’ murder at every change up.
Those good points aside, it still seems a little milk toast. I prefer a little more edge on things. buy hey maybe that’s just me. I think if you like My Chemical Romance, you are probably a shoe in to be a Bayside fan.
–Jerry Actually
Nekromantix [Life is a Grave and I Dig it]
Nekromantix Life is a Grave and I Dig it 2007 Hellcat Records Back from a brief reprieve in the concealing ether, Nekromantix return with their third Hellcat release, “Life is a Grave and I Dig it”. Upon the first glance of the hovering disembodied heads and the coffin-shaped logo one can�t but anticipate the 50’s style horror shock waiting to burst out. Originally formed in Copenhagen, Denmark way back in 1998 and relocated to the black heart of Los Angeles, California, the reigning ghouls of psychobilly have once again emerged from their collective coffins to deliver 13 tracks of soul stirringly eerie rock and roll. “Life is a Grave and I Dig it” was well rehearsed before recording and captured with few retakes. Because of the recording style, the live quality and urgency of the CD shines through and helps to reveal the essence of a Nekro performance. Fans past and present ought to be able to appreciate that even through a myriad of releases Nekromantix remain fresh, (like a freshly dug grave) while staying true to form. For those out there who may be new to psychobilly, Think Stray Cats join up with The Misfits to form an inhuman all corpse super group (but oddly in this case a three piece super group). For those of you who are already familiar, “Life is a Grave and I Dig it” does not disappoint. Favorite tracks include: Track 3 – the title track, Track 5 Rot in Hell and Track 12 Panic at the Morgue. From here to the afterlife, Nekromantix full on rock!–Jerry Actually
Saliva [Blood Stained Love Story]
Saliva – Blood Stained Love Story (c) 2007 Island/Def Jam Let me sum this up in the beginning, Saliva: Not the worst band you’ll hear on the radio. That being said, you will hear this all over the radio. If that is your bag, well, run with it. From the band that brought you the video game super hit “Click Click Boom” Saliva is back with a brand new release, “Blood Stained Love Story”. Fusing hip hop lyrical flow and mello metal riffs and song structure that reminds me oddly of King’s X, “Blood Stained Love Story” really isn’t such a bad release for something so palatable and public ready. While it doesn’t shine on being terribly aggressive, it also isn’t in your face with screamin’ jackass vocals. For that alone I give it some merit. Beyond that it is a largely mellow release filled with non-threatening easy listening NuMetal.–Jerry Actually
Take Action [Vol 6]
Various Artists – Take Action Vol. 6 (c) 2007 Hopeless Records Are you down for the cause? I sure am. I'm not a major fan of most of the artists on this two CD one DVD set, but hey, maybe you are, or maybe someone you know has these bands plastered all over the inside of their locker. If so, buy a copy of Take Action Vol. 6. With a suggested retail price of $7.98 buy a couple. The proceeds of this compilation go to benefit (I don't know what percent) The Youth America Hotline a teen suicide prevention line. The comp features tracks from popular outfits such as My Chemical Romance, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Taking Back Sunday, Murder by Death and many many more. Not only do you get a double disc set, you get a DVD too. Just because your's truly doesn't dig on this, doesn't mean you can't help out and get down with a good cause. As a bonus for me, I determined that I do, in fact, like Murder by Death, so there. –Jerry Actually