I've never been what you would describe as a "die hard" Springsteen fan. Like many music fans, I was familiar with the hits: "Born to Run", "Hungry Heart", and so on.I'd seen Bruce live twice in my whole life - the first time, at the Nassau Mausoleum (not a spelling error) during his solo run in 1992 for "Lucky Town/Human Touch" - with no E Street Band backing him. It wouldn't be for another 10 years that I would see Bruce again - this time to support "The Rising" at the Meadowlands. The difference: he was joined by the full E Street Band - and to say it was night and day compared to that '92 show would be a gross understatement.
While the material from "The Rising" was both inspirational and sad (as Springsteen's response to the 9/11 attacks), the show itself was no less than spectacular, due solely to the musicianship and sheer entertainment of seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band perform together - running through their entire catalog of hits and some non-hits - but all in all, making for a memorable concert experience.
Regretfully, it would be the last time I ever saw them play live together, and I wish I had paid better attention to be honest. How could I have known that it would be both the first and last time I'd see Clarence Clemons perform with Bruce? I always thought that Bruce and Clarence would be around forever, and I'll just catch them when they come around again the next time. Shame on me.
Many of you reading this may only know Clarence Clemons as that saxophone player on Lady Gaga's new song "Edge of Glory". While this is barely a fraction of a scintilla of Clarence's achievements, it's evidence that he was still considered one of the greatest sax players ever - to be able to remain musically relevant to a whole other generation of music fans is not an easy task. If that is how you best know him, I beg you to borrow your parents' copies of "Born to Run", "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The River" - and listen to how instrumental Clarence was to that eerily dark and haunting sound that accompanied Springsteen's poetic lyrics. Below are some examples of that genius, which sadly will never be repeated and will likely mean an end to the E Street Band. If you had a chance to ever witness them live, consider yourself extremely lucky. If you didn't, the music will always be there, but it just won't be the same.
"Jungleland" (Filmed at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. 19-9-1978)
"Thunder Road" (live from 1976)
"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" (Filmed at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. 19-9-1978)
"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" (Old Grey Whistle Test 1979)
There are few times in life when you realize that an event truly means the end of something - an era, a special time - and it will never be the same. Imagining Bruce without Clarence, is one of them.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
25 Years Later, The Queen is Still Dead, Yet Alive
Twenty-five years ago this week, The Smiths released their third —and, in many people's opinion (including my own), best — album, The Queen is Dead, described as "a note-perfect marriage of Johnny Marr’s peerless pop songcraft and Morrissey’s pointed political commentary, lovesick laments and wicked humor." The album spawned a pair of the band's biggest hits: "The Boy With the Thorn In His Side” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” as well as one of their most beloved songs: “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”
Look for a review of the show next Monday, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts, songs, highlights and feedback. Have a great weekend!
--Matt
To mark this important milestone anniversary of what many consider to be one of the most important albums of the 1980's, our good friends, The Sons and Heirs will be performing the album in its entirety this Saturday, June 18th, at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC (as well as an array of other Smiths/Morrissey classics)- featuring special guest DJ - former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke (further details and ticket info can be found here: Eventbrite).
To get you psyched for the show - or to further convince/educate you about The Smiths - please to enjoy:
Look for a review of the show next Monday, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts, songs, highlights and feedback. Have a great weekend!
--Matt
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
This Week, I've Discovered...The Postelles
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was/am still kind of a fan of The Strokes. One of my biggest complaints about their most recent effort, Angles,was their growing lack of enthusiasm, not to mention how disjointed they've become as a band since their debut, "Is This It" in 2001. The first album showed promise and was a much-needed return to good ol' rock n roll, but with each new disc they released, the band began to veer into uncharted waters and eventually lost that old school, peppy rock feel that drew me to them in the first place.
Luckily, a new band has emerged, featuring a cheerier sound and who actually have a very similar history to The Strokes. In fact, their self-titled debut album was co-produced by Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond, Jr., and features a refreshing return to old school, dance-able rock, reminiscent of the Strokes' hits "Last Nite" and "Someday", but showcasing a perkier, more fun sounding beat, with a less cynical lyrical approach.
I'm happy to introduce The Postelles - with influences that range from Buddy Holly to the early Rolling Stones to the aforementioned Strokes, as well as classic punk bands like the Ramones and the Clash. They formed in 2007 while attending high school in NYC and released a four-song EP in 2009. The success of that EP led to their first full-length CD, released just last week, which you can listen to below.
Without too much hyperbole, The Postelles make good music, pure and simple. It's guitars, drums, melodies and kitschy lyrics all mixed to create a sound that's new and fresh, but oddly familiar. They're currently touring the US, having just completed two nights at NY's Mercury Lounge. Be sure to keep an eye (and an ear) out for them this summer.
As usual, let me know your thoughts about the music, and if you know of any new bands you'd like to see featured here, be sure to drop me an email at mattdebes@gmail.com.
Luckily, a new band has emerged, featuring a cheerier sound and who actually have a very similar history to The Strokes. In fact, their self-titled debut album was co-produced by Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond, Jr., and features a refreshing return to old school, dance-able rock, reminiscent of the Strokes' hits "Last Nite" and "Someday", but showcasing a perkier, more fun sounding beat, with a less cynical lyrical approach.
I'm happy to introduce The Postelles - with influences that range from Buddy Holly to the early Rolling Stones to the aforementioned Strokes, as well as classic punk bands like the Ramones and the Clash. They formed in 2007 while attending high school in NYC and released a four-song EP in 2009. The success of that EP led to their first full-length CD, released just last week, which you can listen to below.
Without too much hyperbole, The Postelles make good music, pure and simple. It's guitars, drums, melodies and kitschy lyrics all mixed to create a sound that's new and fresh, but oddly familiar. They're currently touring the US, having just completed two nights at NY's Mercury Lounge. Be sure to keep an eye (and an ear) out for them this summer.
As usual, let me know your thoughts about the music, and if you know of any new bands you'd like to see featured here, be sure to drop me an email at mattdebes@gmail.com.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sh*t on My iPod Right Now: Early Summer 2011 Edition
Yes, yet another idea I'm "borrowing" from my good friend and fellow blogger, DJ AJ - here's what I've been listening to on repeat lately. As you'll see, I've got a big dance music thing happening right now, which is typical for me around this time of year, as I dream of myself attending several BBQ's, beach parties and jams reminscent of Corona commercials and MTV Spring Breaks that require my music skillz (note the z)...none of which I am ACTUALLY attending and/or DJ'ing, but these songs make for great running music and walking from the train to my office.
In any event, enjoy and let me know if these are your favorites too or feel free to add some of your own!
In any event, enjoy and let me know if these are your favorites too or feel free to add some of your own!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Late to the Party (again): The Airborne Toxic Event
Sometimes I think I should just re-title this site "Late to the Party", but such is the life of a married, father of two in his early 40's...
One thing you should know about me (besides my awesome and eclectic taste in music) is there are two types of shows I don't watch:
1. Most reality shows (excluding "The Biggest Loser", "The Amazing Race" or anything starring washed-up musicians from the '80's/'90's)
and 2. Anything featuring Jay Leno.
Well, worlds collided about a month ago, when "Biggest Loser" star Jillian Michaels was a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"....guh. Anyway, the Mrs. set the DVR and there it was on our queue. Jillian was entertaining enough despite Leno's lame attempts at humor. She hawked her book and we were done with it.
Or so I thought.
The musical guests that night was The Airborne Toxic Event. So being the married, father of two in his early 40's, I immediately assumed they were some odd death metal act...so of course, I HAD to watch.
Needless to say, I was WAAAAY off...and very pleasantly surprised. They had elements of early U2 and The Alarm, but looked more like an indie band (they were part Arcade Fire, but less serious than Interpol, I thought) that I'm positive everyone under the age of 35 knew about long ago - and I was right. Upon hearing/watching "Changing" on Leno that night (video here: "Changing" - The Airborne Toxic Event on Jay Leno), I liked it enough to check them out and learn some more about them.
Founded roughly 5 years ago, The Airborne Toxic Event (TATE) released their self-titled debut in 2008. The first single "Sometime Around Midnight" generated tons of buzz and was named "Best Alternative Song of 2008" on iTunes (check out the video here: "Sometime Around Midnight" - The Airborne Toxic Event). A few months after its release TATE saw themselves headlining and appearing on Leno, Letterman, and Jimmy Kimmel's shows as "Sometime Around Midnight" quickly moved up the Alternative charts. They seemed to come out of nowhere, pretty impressive. Exposure at huge festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella surely helped them garner an even larger audience.
Soon signed to Island Records, the band had released some other songs as well that kept escalating the interest in their music:
"Does This Mean You're Moving On?"
"Happiness is Overrated"
"Gasoline" (acoustic)
So, basically, I'd only really missed their first album. Earlier this year, TATE released "All At Once", continuing to expand on their sonic, yet strongly acoustic roots and rustic, yet hip, songwriting skills. So far, "Changing" is the only official single they've released, but there are plenty of great songs on this disc as well - my faves right now are: "Strange Girl", "Numb" (video here), "All For a Woman" and "Welcome to Your Wedding Day".
But don't take my word for it; check out the entire album on the band's website: http://aao.theairbornetoxicevent.com/
Since the evening of that fateful Leno airing last month, I currently have both of TATE's CD's in heavy rotation on my iPod and thanks to a lengthier commute, I've really come to admire this band all the more. Of course, the same week I "discovered" them, they played the last of 3 area shows in NYC - so hopefully, I'll be able to catch them when they come 'round here again. I just hope they're still playing intimate shows like Bowery Ballroom or Terminal 5 and not opening for U2 at MSG or the New Meadowlands Arena. If you get the chance to see them, please share a review, and feel free to share your thoughts on their music.
Lastly, I'd like to add one more show to that earlier list: "Gossip Girl". However, TATE will be appearing on the season finale tonight (5/16)...I still won't watch. That's what the interwebs are for, right?
One thing you should know about me (besides my awesome and eclectic taste in music) is there are two types of shows I don't watch:
1. Most reality shows (excluding "The Biggest Loser", "The Amazing Race" or anything starring washed-up musicians from the '80's/'90's)
and 2. Anything featuring Jay Leno.
Well, worlds collided about a month ago, when "Biggest Loser" star Jillian Michaels was a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"....guh. Anyway, the Mrs. set the DVR and there it was on our queue. Jillian was entertaining enough despite Leno's lame attempts at humor. She hawked her book and we were done with it.
Or so I thought.
The musical guests that night was The Airborne Toxic Event. So being the married, father of two in his early 40's, I immediately assumed they were some odd death metal act...so of course, I HAD to watch.
Needless to say, I was WAAAAY off...and very pleasantly surprised. They had elements of early U2 and The Alarm, but looked more like an indie band (they were part Arcade Fire, but less serious than Interpol, I thought) that I'm positive everyone under the age of 35 knew about long ago - and I was right. Upon hearing/watching "Changing" on Leno that night (video here: "Changing" - The Airborne Toxic Event on Jay Leno), I liked it enough to check them out and learn some more about them.
Founded roughly 5 years ago, The Airborne Toxic Event (TATE) released their self-titled debut in 2008. The first single "Sometime Around Midnight" generated tons of buzz and was named "Best Alternative Song of 2008" on iTunes (check out the video here: "Sometime Around Midnight" - The Airborne Toxic Event). A few months after its release TATE saw themselves headlining and appearing on Leno, Letterman, and Jimmy Kimmel's shows as "Sometime Around Midnight" quickly moved up the Alternative charts. They seemed to come out of nowhere, pretty impressive. Exposure at huge festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella surely helped them garner an even larger audience.
Soon signed to Island Records, the band had released some other songs as well that kept escalating the interest in their music:
"Does This Mean You're Moving On?"
"Happiness is Overrated"
"Gasoline" (acoustic)
So, basically, I'd only really missed their first album. Earlier this year, TATE released "All At Once", continuing to expand on their sonic, yet strongly acoustic roots and rustic, yet hip, songwriting skills. So far, "Changing" is the only official single they've released, but there are plenty of great songs on this disc as well - my faves right now are: "Strange Girl", "Numb" (video here), "All For a Woman" and "Welcome to Your Wedding Day".
But don't take my word for it; check out the entire album on the band's website: http://aao.theairbornetoxicevent.com/
Since the evening of that fateful Leno airing last month, I currently have both of TATE's CD's in heavy rotation on my iPod and thanks to a lengthier commute, I've really come to admire this band all the more. Of course, the same week I "discovered" them, they played the last of 3 area shows in NYC - so hopefully, I'll be able to catch them when they come 'round here again. I just hope they're still playing intimate shows like Bowery Ballroom or Terminal 5 and not opening for U2 at MSG or the New Meadowlands Arena. If you get the chance to see them, please share a review, and feel free to share your thoughts on their music.
Lastly, I'd like to add one more show to that earlier list: "Gossip Girl". However, TATE will be appearing on the season finale tonight (5/16)...I still won't watch. That's what the interwebs are for, right?
Friday, April 29, 2011
Keeping Up With...The Smiths
Upon hearing song titles that included such gems as "Shoplifters of the World Unite", "Bigmouth Strikes Again", "Girlfriend in a Coma", "Barbarism Begins at Home", "Unhappy Birthday", and "Vicar in a Tutu", I was very unsure what to expect musically upon first being introduced to the Smiths by fellow Manhattan College classmate Deirdre Keyes in the spring of 1987.
Having graduated from high school less than a year earlier, I was at the time a fan of bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses, and these new, "alternative" bands that I'd been hearing so much about around campus and on the radio (WRCM, Jasper Radio baby - big shout out to Bob Stei! - as well as 92.7 WLIR) - ranging from the Cure, the Cult, the Ramones and Depeche Mode, to name just a few - were quite a departure from the head-banging anthems I'd come to embrace. But, as typically happens in college, my horizons were being broadened whether it liked it or not, and things like my clothes, my hair and even my musical tastes were about to change.
Enter the Smiths - led by enigmatic front-man Morrissey and accompanied by guitar virtuoso Johnny Marr. Little did I know that these odd-sounding Englishmen singing songs with such bizarre titles and subject matter, would be the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980's. That's a pretty bold statement, when you consider they only released four studio albums during the course of their all-too-short tenure and are still considered a major influence amongst several alternative bands today including Oasis, Belle & Sebastian, Blur, Radiohead and The Libertines.
I'll be honest: I didn't understand much of what they were singing about, but I did know it sounded very androgynous with a hint of proper-meets-cockney English (you may say it was cheeky, even tongue in cheek) - which I think was fed more by my fascination with Monty Python and Benny Hill, not to mention the Beatles and the Stones - basically anything British was interesting to me really - but more importantly, their music sounded very cool and different. Yes, it had a good beat and you could dance to it on $1 beer nights at local college watering holes like the Terminal or Characters.
And so began my love affair with the Smiths. How could I not love a band with lyrics like this:
Having graduated from high school less than a year earlier, I was at the time a fan of bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses, and these new, "alternative" bands that I'd been hearing so much about around campus and on the radio (WRCM, Jasper Radio baby - big shout out to Bob Stei! - as well as 92.7 WLIR) - ranging from the Cure, the Cult, the Ramones and Depeche Mode, to name just a few - were quite a departure from the head-banging anthems I'd come to embrace. But, as typically happens in college, my horizons were being broadened whether it liked it or not, and things like my clothes, my hair and even my musical tastes were about to change.
Enter the Smiths - led by enigmatic front-man Morrissey and accompanied by guitar virtuoso Johnny Marr. Little did I know that these odd-sounding Englishmen singing songs with such bizarre titles and subject matter, would be the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980's. That's a pretty bold statement, when you consider they only released four studio albums during the course of their all-too-short tenure and are still considered a major influence amongst several alternative bands today including Oasis, Belle & Sebastian, Blur, Radiohead and The Libertines.
I'll be honest: I didn't understand much of what they were singing about, but I did know it sounded very androgynous with a hint of proper-meets-cockney English (you may say it was cheeky, even tongue in cheek) - which I think was fed more by my fascination with Monty Python and Benny Hill, not to mention the Beatles and the Stones - basically anything British was interesting to me really - but more importantly, their music sounded very cool and different. Yes, it had a good beat and you could dance to it on $1 beer nights at local college watering holes like the Terminal or Characters.
And so began my love affair with the Smiths. How could I not love a band with lyrics like this:
And if a double-decker bus, crashes into us
To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten-ton truck kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine
To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten-ton truck kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine
From "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" Hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-cD4oLk_D0 (which was featured in the film "500 Days of Summer")
Or this lovely little ditty:
Burn down the disco
Hang the blessed DJ
Because the music that they constantly play
IT SAYS NOTHING TO ME ABOUT MY LIFE
Because the music that they constantly play
IT SAYS NOTHING TO ME ABOUT MY LIFE
From "Panic" Hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzs1CNy5SrU&feature=fvsr
And how many of us have ever felt this way before:
I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour but heaven knows I'm miserable now
I was looking for a job, and then I found a job and heaven knows I'm miserable now
In my life why do I give valuable time to people who don't care if I live or die
From "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHQ5QdNj9U
As morbid and bizarre as these lyrics sound, when combined with the music, there was just something so right and unique versus everything else I was hearing on the radio - and this was NOT being played on the majority of stations in the greater NYC area in the mid-late 1980's. I'd like to think that part of my rebellious collegiate years was formed by the obscurity of the lyrics and the utter defiance by which the Smiths refused to play by the music industry's rules. They essentially released poppy sounding, dance-able hits, but when you dug deeper, you discovered the biting social commentary about the state of things in England and the rest of the world. Heady stuff for a young kid whose greatest musical impression to date was seeing Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden the summer before I started college.
All this aside, at its heart, the Smiths made entertaining music that was never preachy, but said something, just done to a fun sound. This approach opened the door for me to bands like the aforementioned Depeche Mode and the Cure. Unfortunately, the Smiths' run ended all too early, in 1987 with their studio opus, "Strangeways, Here We come" - right around the end of my freshman year of college, so it was up to me to dig back to those early '80's gems "The Queen is Dead", "Meat is Murder" and discover what I had essentially missed. If you 're digging the songs above, or are just curious, please check out those earlier CDs and form your own opinion.
While former lead singer Morrissey still tours regularly as a solo artist and has only in recent years begun playing Smiths songs at his shows, the magic of those early albums has yet to be rediscovered. Personality clashes and in-fighting amongst the four members has prevented any new music from being released or even produced, but a deep down, a part of me keeps hoping to hear that Morrissey and Johnny Marr are going to work together again one day and rekindle some of that magic. Hey, a kid can dream can't he? It happened with the Eagles, right? We'll see...
In the meantime, some of the "essential" Smiths tunes (at least what one might consider the "hits" - although they never really had any in the U.S.):
And last thing, if you ever want to experience what it must have been like to see the Smiths live (I never got to), by all means check out The Sons and Heirs - the best Smiths/Morrissey cover band out there. Check out their site for live dates and song samples/videos at http://thesonsandheirs.com/wp/ - I've caught them a few times in the city and they're great. Ronnissey, Ravi Marr and the boys do a phenomenal job of re-creating that stage show and sound.
Hope to see you at a show soon - and let me know your thoughts on the music too!
Peace...
Friday, April 15, 2011
I'm Baaaaack...and so are the Foo Fighters!
Hey Everyone - my apologies for the radio silence: it was one of those rare occurrences where life gets in the way - to sum it up: new job, bigger commute, less blog time unfortunately. Hopefully, I can work back into a normal schedule of delivering musical insights from the over 40 demographic...on with our weekly post.
There are few (if any) benefits to a longer commute, but one is definitely the opportunity to enjoy the simpler things for longer periods of time - i.e., music and reading: two things I have sorely missed as a result of driving to work the past 2 years. Now that I put my commute in the (less than capable) hands of Metro North, I have been able to immerse myself back into listening to my iPod and checking out all the great new music that seems to have avalanched lately.
One of my most anticipated new discs this year has been the Foo Fighters' "Wasting Light". I started hearing snippets of the new songs late last year via their website (http://www.foofighters.com/) and from the opening chords of the first single, "Rope", I knew this was gonna be a return to the harder, faster, louder Foo Fighters of their first two studio albums ("Foo Fighters" and "The Colour and the Shape") - and I was not disappointed.
"Where do I begin?
I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?"
- "Walk", Foo Fighters from the album "Wasting Light"
The band took 4 years off from their last studio album ("Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace") for lead singer/guitarist/drummer/every-other-instrument-known-to-man-player Dave Grohl to explore some other opportunities - the death metal project Probot, and drumming for Queens of the Stone Age for starters - as well as write some new songs, and discover a truckload of tasty guitar licks and hooks for this latest effort.
Reuniting with guitarists Chris Shiflet and Pat Smear, as well as their long-standing rhythm section, bassist Nate Mendel and drummer Taylor Hawkins, the album jumps out of the gate with "Bridges Burning" ("these are my famous last wooooooooords!" - amazing opening), followed by "Rope", "Dear Rosemary" (featuring guest vocalist Bob Mould of Sugar/Husker Du) and it doesn't slow up. Unlike previous Foo albums, there's not let up - there are no misses - it's 12 sonic blasts - from the Motorhead-ish, face-melting smash up "White Limo" to (my new current favorite track) "These Days" to the '80's guitar rock of "Back and Forth", Grohl and Co. explore sounds, themes and rhythms they've never been able to put together on one album as a band (Grohl wrote all the songs and played all the instruments on their self-titled debut). "Arlandria" and "Walk" are equally kick-ass (a professional music term by the way). The latter may be their most heart-felt rocker to date (think "All My Life" + "The Pretender" x "Times Like These" and you'll understand what I mean).
Being the former drummer of what many consider the seminal rock/alternative band of all time has its benefits and its pitfalls as well, but Grohl has successfully built himself into one of the best songwriters of this generation and this band is undoubtedly one of the tightest units of the post-grunge era. Unfortunately, much of his post-Nirvana work has been scrutinized for what many critics see as post-suicide letters to their former lead singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. Grohl has vehemently denied that any of those songs are meant to be that, but allows them to remain open for interpretation regardless. I'm only going to add to that speculation by assuming "I Should Have Known" - possibly the darkest song on the album - lyrically anyway - is a haunting farewell to Cobain - and I can't help but feel the addition of former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic to the song - not to mention the lyrics - are Grohl's attempt to have his voice heard on the subject once and for all. You can almost see Cobain's tortured eyes when you listen to this track.
Put simply, I cannot stop playing this album (I'm listening to it as I write this). But don't take my word for it, check it out for free here: http://wastinglight.foofighters.com/. Let me know your thoughts.
UPDATE: the band just released this link (http://foofighters.tv/) if you want to watch them play the entire album LIVE. Enjoy -- Matt
The band has been everywhere the past couple of weeks promoting the album - SNL, The Daily Show, Letterman - and I've been watching/listening (much to my wife's shagrin). With each listen, it's becoming more and more evident to me that:
a.) Foo Fighters are BACK and better than ever (a tough thing to accomplish after 17 years as a band)
b.) this is my early leader and sure-fire winner for "Album of the Year"
c.) their live shows will be AMAZING when you combine this disc with their greatest hits
Do yourself a favor and go back to their earlier albums for the full Foo experience, as well. I have and it's really helped me appreciate their collective work - looking forward to seeing you at a show this year.
Until next time...
There are few (if any) benefits to a longer commute, but one is definitely the opportunity to enjoy the simpler things for longer periods of time - i.e., music and reading: two things I have sorely missed as a result of driving to work the past 2 years. Now that I put my commute in the (less than capable) hands of Metro North, I have been able to immerse myself back into listening to my iPod and checking out all the great new music that seems to have avalanched lately.
One of my most anticipated new discs this year has been the Foo Fighters' "Wasting Light". I started hearing snippets of the new songs late last year via their website (http://www.foofighters.com/) and from the opening chords of the first single, "Rope", I knew this was gonna be a return to the harder, faster, louder Foo Fighters of their first two studio albums ("Foo Fighters" and "The Colour and the Shape") - and I was not disappointed.
"Where do I begin?
I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?"
- "Walk", Foo Fighters from the album "Wasting Light"
The band took 4 years off from their last studio album ("Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace") for lead singer/guitarist/drummer/every-other-instrument-known-to-man-player Dave Grohl to explore some other opportunities - the death metal project Probot, and drumming for Queens of the Stone Age for starters - as well as write some new songs, and discover a truckload of tasty guitar licks and hooks for this latest effort.
Reuniting with guitarists Chris Shiflet and Pat Smear, as well as their long-standing rhythm section, bassist Nate Mendel and drummer Taylor Hawkins, the album jumps out of the gate with "Bridges Burning" ("these are my famous last wooooooooords!" - amazing opening), followed by "Rope", "Dear Rosemary" (featuring guest vocalist Bob Mould of Sugar/Husker Du) and it doesn't slow up. Unlike previous Foo albums, there's not let up - there are no misses - it's 12 sonic blasts - from the Motorhead-ish, face-melting smash up "White Limo" to (my new current favorite track) "These Days" to the '80's guitar rock of "Back and Forth", Grohl and Co. explore sounds, themes and rhythms they've never been able to put together on one album as a band (Grohl wrote all the songs and played all the instruments on their self-titled debut). "Arlandria" and "Walk" are equally kick-ass (a professional music term by the way). The latter may be their most heart-felt rocker to date (think "All My Life" + "The Pretender" x "Times Like These" and you'll understand what I mean).
Being the former drummer of what many consider the seminal rock/alternative band of all time has its benefits and its pitfalls as well, but Grohl has successfully built himself into one of the best songwriters of this generation and this band is undoubtedly one of the tightest units of the post-grunge era. Unfortunately, much of his post-Nirvana work has been scrutinized for what many critics see as post-suicide letters to their former lead singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. Grohl has vehemently denied that any of those songs are meant to be that, but allows them to remain open for interpretation regardless. I'm only going to add to that speculation by assuming "I Should Have Known" - possibly the darkest song on the album - lyrically anyway - is a haunting farewell to Cobain - and I can't help but feel the addition of former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic to the song - not to mention the lyrics - are Grohl's attempt to have his voice heard on the subject once and for all. You can almost see Cobain's tortured eyes when you listen to this track.
Put simply, I cannot stop playing this album (I'm listening to it as I write this). But don't take my word for it, check it out for free here: http://wastinglight.foofighters.com/. Let me know your thoughts.
UPDATE: the band just released this link (http://foofighters.tv/) if you want to watch them play the entire album LIVE. Enjoy -- Matt
The band has been everywhere the past couple of weeks promoting the album - SNL, The Daily Show, Letterman - and I've been watching/listening (much to my wife's shagrin). With each listen, it's becoming more and more evident to me that:
a.) Foo Fighters are BACK and better than ever (a tough thing to accomplish after 17 years as a band)
b.) this is my early leader and sure-fire winner for "Album of the Year"
c.) their live shows will be AMAZING when you combine this disc with their greatest hits
Do yourself a favor and go back to their earlier albums for the full Foo experience, as well. I have and it's really helped me appreciate their collective work - looking forward to seeing you at a show this year.
Until next time...
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