Forgotten Disc Friday

One for the books.

2025-08-22T11:57:00.001-04:00

Caught the Swedish band Truckfighters earlier this week. It was a show for the ages. I need to put keys to keyboard to gush more...

Rest in Peace Mike Peters

2025-05-06T10:42:00.002-04:00

Rest in power Mike Peters.

Bring this back?

2024-04-16T09:19:00.001-04:00

Okay I need to do something with this site. I think I have a little time over the next week or so to give something a listen and write it down. I challenge myself!

Changes?

2022-09-10T10:28:00.000-04:00

Site has been dormant for far too long. Not sure people care or miss it or what...but its about that time....

Hey~

2021-03-04T20:15:00.002-05:00

What do ya think about dusting this site off??!

FDF Volume 5 Issue 391 – Do Make Say Think - & Yet & Yet

2020-07-07T09:37:00.004-04:00

Artist - Do Make Say Think
Album - & Yet & Yet

Released - March 18, 2002

Its been a long time since I’ve done one of these, but have the chance to listen to music at work right now and outside of catching up on the “new” stuff I’ve gone back to explore some.

This is the 3^rd release from Do Make Say Think. & Yet & Yet is not a wild departure for the band. Long atmospheric builds with horns, and strings giving it fuller layers. They are mellow on much of the release and it’s a welcome presence. As I listen at work nothing was jarring, it sort of filled the background and would catch my attention here and there as things would build, or a time change would embrace me.

It’s a perfect record for a late evening, early morning reflection listen. Fitting for the state of the world right now.

The bands last studio record was “Stubborn Persistent Illusions” released back in 2017. The band can exceed 8 “active”members seemingly all the time and many side projects have kept the band busy.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 390 - ZZ Ward - Til the Casket Drops

2018-06-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Til the Casket Drops
Artist – ZZ Ward
Key Players – ZZ Ward vocals, guitar, harmonica and keyboards. For additional musicians credited check here

Produced by – (Many, see the Wiki link here )

Release Date – October 16, 2012

Overview – This is the debut album from the LA via Oregon/Pennsylvania singer.

FDF Comments (aka the Songs) - “Till the Casket Drops” opens the 13 track album, it sets the bar high with Ward having a charming growl to her voice. Its heavy, but fitting for the track. “Put the Gun Down” has a great driving beat to it, but when you listen you can really hear a strong piano line. Ward is in fine form, with a solid vocal range that seems fitting for the blues based rock she is performing. After listening you can understand why this song charted the highest for her, its just a great track. “Blue Eyes Blind” keeps up with the driving vocals and “Home” circles back to focus a little more on her, but has the first blips of noticeable backing vocals. Crying Wolf features Kendrick Lamar. There is a heavy acoustic guitar progression and the tempo has that hip-hop drop feel too it. It is more a melodic R+B flavored tune than we’ve heard so far on the record. Lamar is given a full verse and the song winds down after with some moody organ runs and slow bass fills. Save My Life has a Christmas song feel at the intro and transitions in to a great 60’s soul revival track, while “Last Love Song” is the piano ballad of the record. “Lil Darlin” features the O’Mys and this is another slower track with more of that dark barroom blues. Just a bass groove with piano fills and emotive vocals. Ward keeps it on point and the songs have a particular feel to them that make them easy to digest. ‘Move Like U Stole It” is a prime example. Simple tempo, yet it drives and she sings with a grit making it more compelling. “Criminal” is another track that really showcases Wards vocals. Again, the piano and bass take up a major portion musically but if you close you eyes you can see her doing this in a small room with all eyes fixed on the stage. We get back to a bit more of the up-tempo style on “If I Could Be Her” and we change gears quickly for “Charlie Ain’t Home”. The album concludes with “365 Days”

Where are they now? Ward is still active writing and performing. Released her second album “The Storm” in 2017.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth dusting off? I am not sure what had me purchase the record to begin with honestly. It has sat on my shelf for a few years now with little attention paid to it. It is not something I’d grab right away but there are some decent tracks on here. Maybe toss it on over a summer BBQ and see what reactions it gets.

Links, find out more, follow em, and buy it

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 389 - dada - American Highway Flower

2017-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – American Highway Flower
Artist - dada
Key Players – Michael Gurley – guitar and vocals. Joie Calio – bass and vocals. Phil Leavitt - drums
Produced By – Jason Corsaro and dada
Release Date- September 30, 1994

Overview – This is the second album released from the California based trio.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The 58 minute, 13 song album opens with “Ask the Dust”. Right away Leavitt gets over on the ride cymbal as Calio walks the bass over it. The song has a “Police” feel to it with the bass and drum, and the guitar is almost the third instrument you hear, even though Gurley gets around it pretty well on the track and towards the end really steps up, leading to the fade out. The band is tight and has great harmonies on “Feet to the Sun” and it rumbles forward with one of the singles “All I Am” and the infectious harmonies on the chorus really stand out. The tension that slowly builds in the latter part of the track really gives it a punch and once again Gurley shines on guitar. “Scum” begins with just acoustic guitar and solo voice and then switches to an electric guitar quick burst. By the second verse there are strings and a fuller “feel” but there are no drums. By the third verse the drums return, and the song swerves in and out of electric and acoustic. Leavitt gets to call the shots as “Pretty Girls Make Graves” opens. The kit sounds thunderous and the ringing guitars are a great touch. The vocals are a bit subtle, but as the chorus approaches the band swells to a much fuller sound. Almost “per the norm” there is a great little guitar solo. The band likes to mix up the use of electric and acoustic guitars again and “Gogo” is evident of that. “Feel Me Don’t You” is a heavier track and the band settles back a little on “Real Soon”, but that is short as come the second verse the bands opens up with that ‘big’ sound they seem to be able to generate with ease and as the track continues the frantic vocals add to the aura. “S.F. Bar ‘63” has some vocal effects that make it feel different. Musically it is what you’ve gotten used to thus far. We mellow it out on “8 Track” and get back to the vibe of the record on “Green Henry”. Hey, this track has that cymbal that goes “sploosh” when you hit it after all and the great guitar work resurfaces. Settle down spell check the next tune is “i”. A little more laid back track, yet still complex musically enough to be interesting. The record closes with “Heaven and Nowhere”, again with a great guitar solo to close it out.

Where are they now? - The band is currently doing a 25^th anniversary tour.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – I’ll be honest, I did their debut record on this site ages ago. See for yourself ( Here) This was just something I knew I hadn’t listened to in a long while, and it’s a lot of fun. These guys are great musicians, the songs are fun…it’s just a “good” record.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 388 - Pelican - The Fire in Our Throats will Beckon the Thaw

2017-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw
Artist - Pelican
Key Players – Trevor de Brauw – guitar. Bryan Herweg – bass. Larry Herweg – drums. Laurent Schroeder-Lebec – guitar.
Produced By – Greg Norman (Mix and recording), John Golden (mastering)

Release Date- May 22, 2005

Overview - This is the second full length release from the Chicago based band Pelican.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) - The seven track, 58 minute album opens with “Last Day of Winter”. After a slow 30 second build up the band all comes in. The guitars are clear and right up in the mix with the bass and drums holding it tight. The band locks in to a repeated riff for a bit and then breaks off in other directions with a few looser moments before pulling back in. The good 3 minute interlude is met with the band thundering back in as one. The track ends with an acoustic guitar that almost feels like an entirely new song. The acoustic guitar set up “Autumn Into Summer” quite well as it too takes a little more of an atmospheric approach at the intro. It has almost a “slint” like feel to it with minimalist chords and light drum fills. The slow build finally seems to reach a point around the 3 minute mark where the band is ready to take off some and when it does the wall of guitars give pause for a giant exhale…the band just fires it off. The latter part of this song is what I personally think is the “sound” of Pelican. Perfect roll in to the longest track on the album “March to the Sea”. Released on an ep a few months prior this a “shorter” version (still over 10 minutes long). The big giant riffs of this track need to find that right TV/Movie soundtrack moment. All killer stuff, that even have the bass brought up for some melodic fills. The listener gets to exhale with the shortest track “.” Dual acoustic guitars and very light percussion is used on this track. “Red Ran Amber” is a return of the big riffs and the band wastes little time in getting rolling, and holding to it as well. The track is the second longest on the record and the final few minutes found the band really on to something, you almost want to start all over again (like I did) just to hear it again. “Aurora Borealis” is a shorter song (in terms of this record) but conforms to the feel of the record. It is a really solid and “to the point” track. We close out the record with “Sirius” another fine example of the bands capabilities. Just big riffs that pull you in and leave you ready for a “replay”.

Where are they Now? – The band is still active. Lebec left the band in 2012 as part of an amicable split. They continue to record, with their most recent release being an ep in 2015 called “The Cliff” and the band tours and will be part of the US version of the DunkFest which took place earlier in October of 2017.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – There is no denying I love myself some good old instrumental “rock” music. Pelican was one of the first “heavier” instrumental bands that I discovered and they never seem to disappoint. They pace themselves with releases and touring so you have a lot of time to marinate on the records. This is a great starting point for new listeners.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 387 - Papa M - Live from a Sharktank

2017-10-13T07:00:00.001-04:00

Album – Live From A Shark Tank

Artist – Papa M
Key Players – David Pajo - everything
Produced By – David Pajo, Nat Gleason, Steve Albini and Tim Gane

Release Date- October 25, 1999

Overview – This is the first album by Papa M. This is a pseudonym used by David Pajo

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) Clocking in at just under 60 minutes the 11 song album is bookended with “Arundel”. The first is a very short track, shortest on the record, at 1:04. Its simply Pajo on guitar. “Roadrunner” explores a bit more with a simple back beat and a looping keyboard progression. ”Pink Holler” is pretty acoustic track that has flashes of electric guitar tones played over, even banjo makes an appearance later in the track. The same feel of the record continues as “Plastic Energy Man” continues. This few tracks in to the record you need to realize we are not going to “rock out”. This is a really cool selection of tunes put together by Pajo. They have that late at night, lets run the recording machine, and see what happens. They are tighter and more complete than you’d ever imagine. We get electric guitar on “Drunken Spree”. The full nine minutes are a very moody, yet calm. The tension seems to arise as what almost appears to be a sitar starts its haunting tones. “Bups” is another very short tune that is a piano track (or toy piano). “Crowd of One” opens with a recorded phone message and is the sole track up to this point that has any sort of “vocals”. Everything has been instrumental up to this point. The phone messages keep phone #’s intact and give you a voyeuristic look in to someones life. The longest track on the album follows in “I am Not Lonely with Cricket” (just south of 15 minutes long). When it ends you are surprised. The time seems to pass effortlessly. David just finds a place and lets it take him over. Light guitar, keyboards etc, despite the length at the outset you are never bored. Banjo returns with “Knocking the Casket”. Filled out with acoustic guitars it’s a slow track, where the fewer notes played seem the better (on guitar). “Up North Kids” is the first track that feels like a “full band” with a bit more of a melody and structure. Feels like a “song”. Keep in mind that much of the record feels like “loose jams” (that are very good) this just feels…right. A lengthier version of “Arundel” closes the record.

Where are they Now? – Pajo is one of the more prolific musicians. Most notably was as a founding member of Slint. He also played with Zwan, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more. David had a sad turn of events and attempted suicide in 2015. He survived.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – First, if you want to get a party started I wouldn’t put this record on. You are going to get some blank stares. If it gets later, and people are chill, toss it on…it may work wonders.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 386 - Probot - Self Titled

2017-10-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Probot
Artist - Probot
Key Players – Dave Grohl virtually “everything See each track for more information
Produced By - Various

Release Date- February 10, 2004

Overview – This was a side project of Dave Grohl. Here he has instrumentals and other tracks recording with musicians he “admired”. Grohl played most of the instruments on the album, but was featured on drums for the entire collection.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – We will break this down a little differently since there were so many guest spots and go track by track in a list format.

Centuries of Sin (features Cronos of Venom) – a drone loop begins the track and it slowly builds over the first 45 seconds until the guitar and drums come up. The tempo is quick and Cronos begins to sing. There is a heavy growl to his voice but it suits the track. Grohl is heavy on the drums to match the feel, a great opener.

Red War (features Max Cavalera of Sepiltura and Soulfly) – keeping with the big drums Grohl makes heavy work seem simple setting up for Cavalera’s vocals. Per the liner notes the track was written just a few weeks before 9/11 and since then have taken a new meaning to the lyricist.

Shake your Blood (features Lemmy of Motorhead) – with Lemmy on bass and vocals it’s a Motorhead song..its that simple.

Access Babylon (features Mike Dean of Corrosion of Conformity) - Even from the start this track didn’t grab me. It is what it is.

Silent Spring (features Kurt Brecht of Dirty Rotten Imbeciles D.R.I) – The sheer “thunder” of this track is worth multiple spins. If you want to shake the dust off your brain, this one will do it. The vocals are pretty clean, even though they seemingly are spat at you (which is fine)

Ice Cold Man (features Lee Dorian of Napalm Death and Kim Thayil of Soundgarden) – Thayil does add a noticeable layer to the track with his guitar. This is the “slowest” track (at least the speed of vocals delivered) up to this point, but it still has a thunder rumble to it.

The Emerald Law (features Wino of Saint Vitus and Obsessed) – Seemingly quiet at the start the drums roll the tempo with some bass portions tossed in as Wino slowly comes up. After part of the first verse we are off to the races and the track takes off. There is a great guitar solo and it slams back down to wrap it up (I feel like Jack Black come out vocally too..a little harder/bolder version of him, but I keep “hearing” Jack Black vocally)

The Big Sky (features Tom Warrior of Celtic Frost) – This just feels like a simple 4x4 rock tune. Didn’t really pull me in much.

Dictatosaurs (features Snake of Voivod) - The speed is back on this track, and Grohl hits them as heavy as ever. Vocally this track seems to have the most layers too it as well, almost with harmonized chorus’ portions as well.

My Tortured Soul (features Eric Wagner of Trouble) – Track has some big swampy blues riff feel to it. Reminds me a lot of “Goatsnake” material. Just these big buzzy guitars but sort of a laid back howling vocal (if that makes ANY sense). This has piqued my interest in the band “Trouble” as well.

Sweet Dreams (features King Diamond and Kim Thayil) – No this is not a cover tune. The slow intro is awash with percussion instruments and King keeps the tension before opening up. His trademark screams are evident and the track keeps a pretty steady pace. Thayil has a great solo in the track and it ties it up strongly.

I am the Warlock (features Jack Black) – The “hidden track” on the record. It starts at the 8:55 area of the prior track. Black sings with a heavy growl, but it is easy to pick him out. The music is as heavy as its been on the tracks of the album. A pretty fun “find” on the album.

Where are they Now? - David is still very active. A new Foo Fighters single is already out and a new album (and tour) is sure to follow.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – Considering it took Dave over 4 years to complete this project its pretty solid. A co-worker of mine is RAVENOUS for this record and that had be back listening. Its good, and it is great to hear some of these guys doing something a little “different”. Worth tracking down if you are fan of Dave, or any of the cast members honestly.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 385 - Kaiser Chiefs - Employment

2017-10-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Employment

Artist – Kaiser Chiefs
Key Players – Ricky Wilson – vocals. Andrew White – guitar. Simon Rix – bass. Nick Hodgson-drums, “Peanut”- keyboards.
Produced By – Stephen Streef, Stephen Harris

Release Date- March 7, 2005

Overview – This is the debut album from the Leeds, West Yorkshire England band. The album sold moderately at first, but then started to garner some awards and would end up peaking at #2 almost a year later. Tracks were featured in popular video games and the band would win “Best Album” by NME a year later.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The 12 track 44 minute album begins with “Every day I Love You Less and Less” and the band quickly sets the tone. It’s a punky/rocky fueled rumble of a track. Choppy vocals with punctuated drum strikes and chopping guitar chords. The song that pulled me in was “I Predict a Riot”. The sing along at the top of your lungs chorus is all that needs to be said. Click the link and prove me otherwise. “Modern Way” shows the band a little more laid back, letting the band fill in a bit more as Wilson eases back some on the urgency. We get back to the pop fun sensibilities in “Na Na Na Na Naa” and then switch to a keyboard drenched track “You Can Have It All” that finds the band in a laid back swing mood. “Oh My God” intros with a nice piano and solid bass section before the vocals come up. The track is interesting, but feels off in tempo just a little. After the intro you want it to be a bit more “driving”, but it’s a solid tune and then you realize come the chorus it’s perfectly paced. “Born to Be a Dancer” is another track that opens with a pretty piano before the drums set the tempo for another great poppy track and “Saturday Night” continues the back to back party. “What Did I Ever Give You”? is a little more laid back track, but what is nice is you get to really hear the band members shine and hear how competent they are (as expected), often that can be easily overlooked. The bass, the percussive fills etc all pull the track together nicely. The track also has what could be call the first “guitar solo” on the album. Despite the seemingly slow start “Time Honoured Tradition” gets to be a lot of fun with the build up to the chorus and the chorus itself, while “Caroline, Yes” slows it down again. Strong showcase for the band members and what each brings to the table. The album concludes with “Team Mate”, a song that, to these ears, never seems to get off the ground much and feels like a slight let down.

Where are they now? – The band is still active, and largely intact. Hodgson left the band in 2012 to focus on other projects. He has teased by social media his new album is complete. The Kaiser Chiefs released their last album (their sixth studio album) in October of 2016.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – There are some really fun tunes on this record. I bought it for one track I’ll admit, but ended up liking the bulk of it. What is interesting is I don’t own any of the bands other stuff, I guess I need to get cracking.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 384 - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Dap Dippin'

2017-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Dap-Dippin’ With…
Artist - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Key Players – Otis Youngblood – tenor saxophone. Jack Zapata – baritone saxophone. Binky Griptite – guitar. Bugaloo Velez – congas. Earl Maxton – organ. Bosco Mann – bass. Homer Steinweiss – drums. Anda Szilagyi - trumpet
Produced By - Bosco Mann

Release Date- 2002

Overview – This is the debut album from the band. This also helped launch the label (Daptone). The funk/soul band was based out of New York.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The album opens with a track called “Introduction”. Griptite emcees and introduces the band over a real funky beat. The song fades and then “Got a Thing on My Mind” comes up. The deep funk bass and off tempo back beat finds Jones quickly singing her verse. Your head, your feet (or both) all follow the tempo. The band is TIGHT. The band does a solid cover of “What Have You Done for Me Lately” that actually has more funk to it than you’d ever believe. To me, its better than Miss Jacksons…there..I said it. “The Dap Dip” follows. The band has created a dance (and the steps on how to do it are in the liner notes). Jones gives instructions over a funk bed. Basic idea, just cut loose. “Give Me a Chance” has some great conga work and the chopping guitar really grabs you, but as always Mann’s bass stands right out. The horns into “Got to Be The Way it is” and the backbeat is held with percussion instruments and Jones is spitting lyrics with venom, but it all is charming and wonderful. It has to be the funk right? Maxton gets showcased on the organ for the first time as a “lead”. “Make it Good To Me” and “Ain’t it Hard” are two different spectrum's for the band. “Make it” is similar to much of the record while “Ain’t it” has a great long organ intro and a rumbling bass line that finds Jones in much more of laid back delivery. Slowest track on the album to this point and Jones sounds great. There are even some backing vocals to fill it out nicely. We are back to what makes the album so great when “Pick it Up, Lay it in the Cut”. If you are not moving when you hear this, I really can’t help you. The album ends with “Casella Walk”, an absolute burner of a track. It has it all! Tucked 7 minutes after the song ends there is an instrumental song. Focus’ largely on the bass and guitar yet is awash with horns. There is a reason some of them ended up playing on “Back in Black” released a few years later by Amy Winehouse.

Where are they Now? - Sharon Jones died on November 18, 2016 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Nothing specifically has been confirmed with regard to the status of the band.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – This is a fun record. Sharon Jones was an absolute powerhouse and presence in a live setting and it actually works on the record too. A talented crew of band members and a charismatic singer with catchy hooks. Grab this, throw it on at a party and count the number of people who will ask you “who is this..its great”.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 383 - Hoodoo Gurus - Stoneage Romeos

2017-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Stoneage Romeos Artist - Hoodoo Gurus Key Players – James Baker – drums. Clyde Bramley – bass, vocals. Dave Faulkner – guitar, lead vocals, keyboards. Brad Shepherd – lead guitar, vocals, harmonica, percussion.

Produced By – Alan Thorne

Release Date- 1984

Overview – This is the debut album from the Australian band. The band took the name of the album from a Three Stooges film.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The 11 track 37 minute album opens with “I Want you Back” a very catchy, bass fueled track. The acoustic guitars have a great ring as Faulkner comes up in a strong powerful presence. Sends a strong precedent for the record. “Tojo” is just a great pop song with the urgent lyrics and punchy drums. “Leilani” is also similar with a punchier chorus just ripe for sing alongs.
“Arthur” opens with the guitar ringing and Faulkner giving a hearty yell. Bramley locks a groove and Baker is there to oblige, hitting them hard but keeping in check at the same time. Shepherd has a great little slow after the chorus. “Dig it Up” has a bit more of a darker, slow roll to it. Sort of the first “gear shift” to this point on the record. The tempo is up for “(Let’s All) Turn On” with Faulkner repeating “cuz that’s what I like…that’s what I like….” To a break neck toe tapping drum line and “Death Ship” is also very similar. The band has found a groove. Bramley’s bass is a bit more evident here as well. “In the Echo Chamber” and “Zanzibar” are two different tracks. The first follows suit of the record while “Zanzibar” has a much more mellow approach. Faulkner is in no rush, the bass rings out with more chords and the drums are just a simple back beat. The bands “quiet” moment. “I Was a Kamikaze Pilot” (one of the more unique song titles ever..) finds the band back with the buzzsaw guitars and driving beats. “My Girl” closes out the record on a little more of a mellow tone. The focus here would be on the vocals, just a pretty song that is not too rushed. It’s a nice tune, don’t get me wrong, but the rumbling they’ve given us would have been more what I’d have expected as a closer.

Where are they Now? - After a hiatus that ran from 1997 to 2003 the band has been active. Faulkner, Shepherd are the two original members. The band was inducted in to the Australian Recording Industry Hall of fame in 2007. Their last studio album was “Purity of Essence” released in 2010.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – This is a good “rock” record. They got to be more popular in the states with their follow up record, but there are few solid gems here. If you are a completest I’d recommend it, but you probably have it already.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 382 - Ben Folds Five: The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner

2017-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
Artist - Ben Folds Five
Key Players – Ben Folds – vocals, piano and keyboards. Robert Sledge – bass and backing vocals. Darren Jessee – drums and backing vocals.
Produced By – Caleb Southern

Release Date- April 27, 1999

Overview – This is the third studio album from Ben Folds Five. The band, based out of Chapel Hill North Carolina would release four studio albums and take two hiatus sessions. This was the last album for over 10 years until “The Sound of the Life of the Mind” was released.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The 40 minute 11 track album finds Folds on solo piano starting up “Narcolepsy”. He is a very accomplished player and does a few pretty runs before the band full comes in with a fuzzy bass and gong crash. There is a string section playing along with all this thundering bass and drum rumble. By the time Folds sings the first lines we are close to 1:30 in. The vocals seemingly secondary to the instruments as the bands plays with much fervor whole Folds never seems to break his steady vocal pace, until the song gets even livelier with the vocals and instrumentation. “Don’t Change Your Plans” follows. In is interesting that the first two tracks are the longest tracks and the focus is on the full band experience. No one instrument seems to be “the leader” and the group seems ready to explore on this record. “Mess” has a bouncier feel, but the band hasn’t really varied a lot from the previous two tracks. “Magic” is a little on the mellow side and I am waiting for things to get rolling by this point. The opening track had a lot of potential, but since then we’ve been sort of “just there”. Another orchestral tune. Ready to move it here…but “Hospital Song” is not going to get us there either. We finally get there (to these ears) when “Army” starts right out of the gate. This is the Ben Folds Five I find the most fun and interesting. Fun lyrics with some great stuff from three guys. A nice full sound with some great bass and drum breaks as well as some great sing alongs (as evident when the band would pair off the audience against one another in a singing battle on future tour dates). The horn section really fills this out nice. A tremendous/stand out track. “Your Redneck Past” is another fun track so we have a great duo here at the mid-point of the record. The track “Your Most Valuable Possession” is a phone message played over a smooth jazzy back beat. “Regrets” is back to the earlier portion of the album, until Folds seems like he wants to take it elsewhere, and it has a good clip to it and we get more of a percussive back beat pushing it along. Sounds more like an electric piano for “Jane” than the standard grand Folds plays. Jessee and Sledge continue to be solid cast members, on this track and for the entire album. The album concludes with the aptly titled “Lullabye”.

Where are they Now? - The group has taken a few years off on two occasions. They released a live record in 2013. Sledge keeps busy teaching music and playing gigs in Chapel Hill. Jessee works a lot as a sideman. He’s played with Sharon Van Etten’s band and Hiss Golden Messenger. He also is on the latest War on Drugs LP. Folds has released a few solo records and continues to tour at his own pace. Ben appeared in the second season of the Showtime series “Billions” playing himself.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? – Even when this record came out I wasn’t floored and it didn’t do a ton for me on this recent revisit. At the time the band was in a transition. They’d done three records, toured heavily etc and this was a departure for them. Admitting I have not even heard their “latest” record which I sort of want to do now. The first two records are ones I’d suggest to new fans.

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 381 - Goatsnake - Flower of Disease

2017-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Flower of Disease
Artist - Goatsnake
Key Players – Pete Stahl – vocals, harmonica. Greg Anderson – guitar. Stuart Dahlquist – bass. Greg Rogers – drums.
Produced By – Nick Raskulinecz

Release Date- October 31, 2000

Overview – This is the second album released from LA based metal band. They formed in 1996 after the previous band “The Obsessed” disbanded. They have released 3 albums total and have taken one hiatus since their inception.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs”) – The 8 song 44 minute album opens with the title track “Flower of Disease”. The intro is all reverse loops of guitar/bass and drums. It then fires off with its deep swampy riffs. The track is a slo-burn with the music heavy but no real push vocally from Stahl. He has sort of a deep growl that fits the track perfectly. The harmonica solo is an interesting touch that surfaces a few times on the record. “Prayer for a Dying” continues in much of the same vein. The heavy churning guitar with Stahl pushing himself a little more with vocal range. We get the rare mouth hard (Chad Essig) at “Easy Greasy” rumbles along. There is a slight vocal effect giving it a “warble” sound but once the chorus comes around it has a more full effect. The guitars on this track are so on point with the right blend of chorus and fuzziness. When Stahl sings “Eassssssssssssaaaaaaaayy” you want to put down your whiskey and sign with him (trust me, you’ve been drinking whiskey). We get another big harmonica, this time at the intro as “El Coyote” builds. The band falls in to place behind the harmonica, a little plodding at times it is just so heavy that come the 1 minute mark it then starts to rumble forward. Folks if you are looking for stoner rock, I give you this. To me this has all the elements of that genre, and is just a killer track. From the rumble of the bass, to the fuzzy guitar solo, you get it all. “The Dealer” is much of the same, but that is a good thing. A little slower, but no less as heavy, than the last few tracks. On top of having one of the coolest song titles “A Truckload of Mamma’s Muffins” has such a massive guitar intro you can’t but move. It is impossible. The vocals are a bit more “soaring” too, this is a stand out track. “Live to Die” brings the harmonica back. Even run through a wah-wah pedal it plays second fiddle as the band just explodes around it. This is a quick in and out track (for the band at least) just over 3 minutes it the shortest track, proving the band can get it done as they see fit. Closing out the album is “The River”. A bit more of a slo-burn for them, but you still get what you came for.

Where are they Now? – The band is slow to release records but they are still active. The most recent record was “Black Age Blues” which was released in 2015

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? - Yeah. It scratches every single itch you have. Do it.

Links, find out more, follow em, buy

The band is pretty inactive it seems on line (especially social media) but here goes.

Wikipage Buy It

FDF Volume 4 Issue 380 - Mastodon - Leviathan

2017-09-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Leviathan
Artist – Mastodon
Key Players – Troy Sanders – bass and vocals. Brent Hinds – Lead guitar and vocals. Bill Kelliher – rhythm guitar. Brann Dailor - drums
Produced By – Mastodon, Matt Bayles

Release Date – August 31, 2004

Overview – This is the second album from Mastodon. This is a concept album loosely based on Moby Dick. It did win a few album of the year awards

FDF Comments (aka “The Songs”) – The album is 10 tracks and opens with the powerful “Blood and Thunder”. The track features Neil Fallon of Clutch as well. The buzzing and heavy guitars are right along with the growling vocals and “all over the kit” drumming of Dailor. “I am Ahab” showcases the, already dominant, dual guitar attack while “Seabeast”, although heavy, seems a little more subdued that the first two tracks. To these ears, the great part is the complexity of this track. It almost as that “math” feel to it. Very technical (almost choppy) tempos, but the guitars punch right along with the drums. “Island” might fall in to “what you think heavy metal is”. The vocals are really growled and the speed of the music is there, yet it all seems to hold together pulling you in to listen for each technical part. “Iron Tusk” has you reaching for your guitar (air or not) to riff along with the guys. One of the stronger tracks on the album. “Megalodon” starts off with the softer side of the band, but that does not last long. The fun, almost country riff, in to the driving tempo has you perk up, and hit the skim back button on your cd player to see just what it was they did. “Naked Burn” sets up “Aqua Dementia” really well that also features Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Musically it’s Mastodon, vocally its all Kelly. A noticeable change. The longest track (13:39) comes in “Hearts Alive”. The band is in no rush for the first few minutes. Sort of finding a comfortable spot and looping on a riff then its time to get down to it. The track is almost exhausting at times, but so interesting. The tempo changes, the complexity is there, the instrumentation of it all. Doing lengthier tracks can be hit or miss, but they seem to have got this down pat. The album ends with the track “Joseph Merrick”. This is the real name of the individual most commonly known as “The Elephant Man”. Mastodon closed out their first three records with an instrumental that in some form references him. The track is a change from what you’d expect. Organ fills, acoustic guitars and the like. It’s a great way to exhale after being beaten up for the last 30+ minutes.

Where are they now? – The band is still active both in the studio and on the road. They released their latest album “Emperor of Sand” in March of 2017

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting off? – Its hard to realty put this in a “forgotten” slot since it is just such a solid record. The good thing is Mastodon continues to keep releasing interesting (and good/great) records to always keep you interested. This is a perfect one to start with!

Links, find out more, follow em, buy
Official Site
Mastodon on Facebook
Twitter
Wiki Page
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FDF Volume 4 Issue 379 - The Fucking Champs - IV

2017-08-25T15:41:00.000-04:00

Album - IV
Artist - The Fucking Champs
Release Date – ?

Overview – This is actually the bands second release.

FDF Comments (aka “The Songs”) – There are 12 tracks on this 38 minute album and the trio wastes no time going right after you with “What’s a Little Reign?” and “Esprit De Corpse” which attack you from every angle with pummeling guitars and drums. There are no vocals at all so it is just a wall of sound. “Esprit” has some really clean guitar sound, even though it is heavy. We get a bit more of a full band (bass and drums) on “Policenauts” yet this song feels a little out of place, almost too much syth. We make up for it as “NWOBHM 2” has the rumbling drums and crunching guitar. The drums seem to get more attention here as the ride cymbal gets a work out, just as the full kit did at the start. “Lamplighter” is a mellower track (for the band) than anything else fusing in some bird calls even. “Thor is like Immortal” seems to fail to get going to these ears. Some big riffs but no real structure seems to evolve and it feels like a warm up, get your fingers moving type track. The nine string guitar seems to stand out (as it should) though. There is a slow fade in for “C’mon Smash The Quotile” and after about 30 seconds the band is at full volume locked in their groove and it seems to get louder and louder as the lead guitar attack begins. This is another of the 9 string guitar solos from Smith. “These Glyphs are Dusty” comes right of the prior track and finds to be on the same riff seemingly but with big tom tom rolls from Soete. The grinding riffs later in the track are awesome, they will fire you right up reaching for your air guitar. “I Love the Spirit World and I love Your Fathers” is just a 30 second track from Smith which opens to “Vangelis Again”. “Lost” is a solo effort from Green and the album concludes with “Extra Man” that seems to really break the mold, there are actually vocals for one. It has a cleaner “rock” sound to it with not as much flashy/speed going on.

Where are they now? - According to their Wiki Page the band is still active, yet it says they have broken up? Go figure?

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting off? It didn't grab me like it once did. Need to check it out a bit more often.

Links, find out more, follow em, buy

Official Site (not updated)

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 378 - Midnight Oil - Earth and Sun and Moon

2017-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Earth and Sun and Moon
Artist – Midnight Oil
Key Players – Bones Hillman – bass and vocals. Jim Moginie – guitar, keyboards and vocals. Martin Rotsey – guitar. Peter Garrett – vocals and harmonica. Rob Hirst – drums and vocals.
Produced By – Nick Launay and Midnight Oil

Release Date – April 20, 1993

Overview – This is the 8^th studio album from Australian band Midnight Oil

FDF Comments (aka “The Songs”) – The 11 song album runs 54 minutes and Hillman rolls his bass line to start up “Feeding Frenzy”. Hirst acknowledges and rumbles forth to get it rolling. The sound is classic “oil” and there is some fun 60’s sounding keyboards put down by Moginie. The guitars and keyboards shine on “My Country” and Garrett is in strong voice. After a sort of false start “Renaissance Man” begins and Garrett plays a strong harmonica. The band then comes in and it starts to rumble forward. Hillman has a strong bass tone and the band seems to be right with him. The backing vocals on the track are “fun” with some Beatlesque harmonies. “Earth and Sun and Moon” follows and the vocals are slightly distorted and the band crafts the song around it and by the end of the first verse Garrett has a clean vocal. The mandolin is a nice touch. “Truganini” was probably the one single off the single the US market could recall. It has a very the same feel as some of the more popular Oil tracks so its easy to grab on to. Starting with a single acoustic guitar and just Garrett “Brushfire” gets underway. As the full band being Moginie puts down a fun keyboard run while the vocals remain hushed. “Drums of Heaven” has a good driving beat while “Outbreak of Love” quickly changes the mood/focus. The band shows some great diversity of sound on the album. Case in point, the acoustic lead “In the Valley” which opens up to one of Garretts shining moments vocally. “Tell Me The Truth” has a great full chorus, where all the members seem to chime in. The album concludes with “Now or Never Land” another track that showcases this is a “band” and not individuals.

Where are they now? – Midnight Oil is back on the road!

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting off? – I am a little more a sucker for the bands earlier work, but there are some decent moments on here. I think the fact that band is/was back in the USA for the first time in 15 years drew me in. Hopefully they were pleased with the shows and we might get a new album or US tour!

Links, find out more, follow em, buy
Official Site
Twitter
Facebook

Wiki Page

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 377 - Boris - Pink

2017-08-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Pink
Artist - Boris
Key Players – Takeshi – vocals, bass and guitar. Wata – guitar and Echo. Atsuo – drums and percussion
Produced by - Boris

Release Date – November 8, 2005

Overview – This is the 10^th album from the Japanese band Boris

FDF Comments (aka “the Songs”) – Clocking in at 55 minutes the 11 track album opens with ‘Farewell”. After a drone intro the song takes off. The fact that Takeshi sings in Japanese doesn’t seem to impact the vibe at all. The sound is massive, it is not a quick song, but a little slow and almost plodding at times track, but it is just “so big” sounding. “Pink” is an absolute frenzy of a track, with everything hitting and hammering from all sides. “Woman on the Screen” has a great fuzzy bass guitar and the guitar is equally as gritty. The band can make a lot of noise as evident in “Nothing Special” and “Blackout” but “Electric” really seems to bring it even further. The tracks are all heavy and noisy, yet somehow clean. This track you’d put on in your car if you were in the mood for a speeding ticket and although it is short it barrels in to “Pseudo-Bread” which won’t leave you feeling left out for long. “Afterburner” is a good tease up to “Six Three Times” which is as rowdy as anything else on the album. Atsuo hits the drums impossibly hard it seems. One of the shorter tracks so that is probably a relief to him. “My Machine” is an instrumental track that is pretty quiet for the band but just makes the album closer “Just Abondoned Myself” all the more pummeling.

Where are they Now? – The band has a new album called “Dear” which came out on July 14th

FDF Overall Take/Was it Worth Dusting Off? – One of the regrets I’ve had in recent months was missing the tour when the band came back through doing this record in full. It is not something that you can put on all the time and most of your friends would probably what in the heck you are listening to, but the heaviness of this record can really scratch that itch should you find the need. The band seemingly releases an album a year and they can be up and down (which is okay) but this is one you shouldn’t sit on..get after it.

Links, find out more, follow them, buy

Official Page
Facebook
Twitter
Bandcamp page

Wiki Page

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FDF Volume 4 Issue 376 - Aretha Franklin - Spirit in the Dark

2017-08-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Spirit In The Dark
Artist – Aretha Franklin
Key Players – Aretha Franklin – vocals and piano. There are many backing players and vocalists. Check out the albums wiki page page for album specific details.
Produced By – Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin

Release Date – August 24, 1970

Overview – This was the nineteenth studio album released by Aretha Franklin. It would peak at #25 on the US album charts.

FDF Comments (aka “The Songs”) – The album is 11 tracks long and runs just short of 40 minutes long. “Don’t Play that Song” is the opening track. In reading the liner notes Franklin was in a new and fresh mood as she had split with her husband (and manager). She is in fine voice and seems very animated. “The Thrill is Gone (From Yesterdays Kiss)” is the same song that most would associate with B.B.King. Aretha has just as much emotion vocally and you can almost see the tear glide down her face. We are a little more uptempo on “Pullin’” and Franklin works a lot more with her support singers and the bass line keeps your toes bouncing and as the track moves it has the gospel/church fury of emotion. “You and Me” is a pretty ballad with some really wonderful harmonies. “Honest I Do” is Franklins take on the Jimmy Reed’s big hit. Franklin sings both the lead and backing vocals on the track and her as Barry Beckett plays an exceptional piano/electric organ section. “Spirit in the Dark” was released as a single from the album (peaking at #3 on the R+B charts) is a slow building track but the end is the payoff, “welcome to church” indeed, easily my favorite song on the record. “When the Battle is Over” is a cover of Delaney and Bonnie (written by Dr.John) and it’s a driving track with Franklin in fine voice (shocker I know). “One Way Ticket” is a soulful tune with a lot of work being done by the backing vocalists. They don’t carry the song, but they make it a bit more interesting. “Try Matty’s” is a fun song, and anyone of a certain age in the Boston area may remember that Kiss 108 Morning Man Matt Siegal used to play the intro often. “That’s All I Want From You” is another pretty song, that is mid-tempo flanked by a wonderful horn section. “Oh No Not My Baby” is a cover of Carole King and was a hit for another R&B artist in the 60’s (Maxine Brown). Franklin sounds wonderful on the track. “Why I Sing The Blues” is the second B.B.King cover on the album and closes out the record perfectly.

Where are they now? – Aretha Franklin is still appearing for limited shows. Her last album was her covering some “Diva” classics and was released in 2014. It was also her 41^st album.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting off? – It’s a great record that doesn’t have RESPECT on it, lets start there. I mean that politely of course. Her catalog is so expansive it’s a shame that she is only seemingly remember for 2-3 songs. I could be wrong, but not a lot of my friends run around expounding on her excellence, or even her catalog. She is an institution and hopefully she gets well enough to tour extensively, she is someone that I’d like to see live. As far as this record, there were a LOT of support players and I didn’t realize so many tracks were cover tunes, but she made them all her own.

Links, find out more, follow em, buy

Official Site
Facebook

Aretha Franklin Wiki page

Wiki Page for the Album

Buy It

FDF Volume 4 Issue 375 - Amusement Parks on Fire - Road Eyes

2017-07-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Road Eyes
Artist – Amusement Parks on Fire
Key Players – Gavin Poole – bass. Michael Feerick – guitar, vocals. Joe Hardy – keyboards and guitar. Daniel Knowles –guitar. Peter Dale - Drums
Produced by – Michael Patterson

Release Date – September 2010

Overview – Hailing from Nottingham England and now based in the US the band was originally just a one man project of Feericks that began in 2004. After some time the band was formed and touring took place. Up to this point, the heavily shoe gazed infused band and released three albums. This is the bands third release.

FDF Comments (aka “the Songs”) – The nine track, 46 minute album opens with the title track “Road Eyes” which has some heavy guitar bass and drums but soaring and swirling vocals, that immediately set the tone of the record. “Flashlight Planetarium” features a guest spot from Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups and it’s easy to see the mutual admiration as the bands are nearly identical in their sound. The big guitars, the solid vocal work, it’s an early stand out. “Inside Out” starts a little quieter, with acoustic guitars and some minimalistic playing. After two verses the keyboards and drums bring up the volume but Feerick has found his comfort level in the vocals. The production on the record is solid as you can hear all the layers on “Raphael” another track that showcases the soaring, yet somehow at the same time, subdued vocals. Towards the end as it builds there is some really high female vocals (I think) and the band crashes it down to conclusion. The rumble of the drums welcomes “Echo Park//Infinite Delay” another track that Siliversun Pickup fans would gravitate towards. Even early Smashing Pumpkins fans would find this track compelling, “Wave of The Future” is similar. The next track, “So Naturally” is just a solo acoustic track for the first verse. Feerick is not pushing too hard, just having a quiet moment until he’s had enough and its an avalanche of guitars bass and drums. The payoff is solid and it rolls quickly in to “Water From the Sun” another swirling, big guitar track. The album concludes with “Inspects the Evil Side”

Where are they now? - Feerick has a second project, a duo, called Young Light that was formed in 2012. The band appears to still be active as well.

FDF Overall Take/Was it Worth Dusting Off? – I can honestly say I have no idea what lead me to buy the cd in the first place. Might have been a link to Sigur Ros or something at the time (they recorded at one of their studios). It is a pretty safe listen. Nothing got me to shoot out of my seat saying “wow I’ve missed this”. The band is solid, and as noted it “sounds” really well produced. Perhaps seeing them live would spark a renewed interest (hint, hint). If you like the Silversun Pickups, you’ll like this record.

Links, find out more, follow them, and buy:

Wiki Page
Facebook
Buy It

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 374 - Coheed and Cambria - Second Stage Turbine Blade

2017-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – The Second Stage Turbine Blade
Artist – Coheed and Cambria
Key Players – Claudio Sanchez – vocals and rhythm guitar. Joshua Eppard – drums, piano. Michael Todd – bass, vocals. Travis Stever – lead guitar.
Produced by – Coheed and Cambria with Michael Birnbaum and Chris Bittner

Release Date – March 5, 2002

Overview – This is the debut album from the New York band Coheed and Cambria.

FDF Comments (aka “the Songs”) – The album is 10 tracks just about 55 minutes in length. It begins with the short (53 seconds) “Second Stage Turbine Blade”. Sort of a warble piano interlude that seaways right in to “Time Consumer”. The guitars are light with the bass and drums kept simple and after a little bit the full band comes in. Sanchez has a high/nasal voice that some might find a little off putting, but his range is wide and the band takes the track to a prog rock infused interlude. “Devil in Jersey City” was the track that found radio play from the start. Eppard lays a pretty tight back line while Todd follows along to keep the track on point allowing Sanchez and Stever to layer their guitars over it. “Everything Evil” finds the band falling in even tighter as Eppard seems to really set the tone and the chorus is a rowdy sing along. Simple guitar and bass open “Delirium Trigger” and then after a few bars it hits a little harder, and by the conclusion they are going hard. An almost funky guitar riff kicks off “Hearshot Kid Disaster” and as the bass and drums come in Sanchez gives it a good hearty scream and the riffs pour down and that rolls right on in to “33”. This track showcases Eppard. “Junesong Provision”and “Neverender” continue with the overall vibe of the record. The record concludes with “God Send Conspirator”. Another track that really does the band justice, showcasing the vocals to instrumentation. A solid album closer. Adding to the albums length is some silence before an acoustic strummed spacey track finds its way to your ears after the 7/8 minute mark.

Where are they now? – The band is still recording and touring. Eppard left the band in 2006 but returned in 2011. Todd left the band for about a year in 2006 and then left permanently in 2011 after a drug arrest. Sanchez and Stever have remained with the band continuously. The band is just wrapping up/currently (depending on when you read this) tour for “Good Apollo I'm burning star IV part 1, fear through the eyes of madness”

FDF Overall Take/Was it Worth Dusting Off? – Coheed is an interesting band for me. Mostly because I seem to buy all their records as soon as they come out, enjoy them but then shelve them. Its an odd relationship. When I do go back I am reminded as to why I like them. The big and progressive rock sound. They can be a challenge for some to listen to, but if you get it..you get it. I need to not be away for so long.

Links, find out more, follow them, buy

Official Site
Twitter
Facebook
Wiki Page

Buy It!

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 373 - Swervedriver - Mezcal Head

2017-07-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album – Mezcal Head
Artist – Swervedriver
Key Players – Adam Franklin – vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, bass, Jimmy Hartridge –guitar and bass, Jez Hindmarsh - drums
Produced By – Alan Moulder and Swervedriver.

Release Date – August 5, 1993

Overview – This is the second album released by Oxford England based band Swervedriver.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs) – The 11 tracks span over 60 minutes and “For Seeking Heat” leads it off. The track slowly builds over the first 30 seconds and then it opens up. It’s a heavy track, with the bass being really heavy. The vocals begin and the guitars swirl underneath. There is a psychedelic feel but the speed and volume of that might confuse the listener. “Duel” was a big single from this record and it has a clear pop feel to it. Very radio friendly with big guitars and choruses. This track still is outstanding all these years later. “Blowin Cool” comes right in with simulated waves crashing meets jet taking off sound effects. What is interesting is the cd player (yes I know) sits on track time 0:00 for some time before the track really starts, with a nice punchy bass and then swirling vocals. Another fine example of what had people so excited for them early on. The chorus on this track especially. We slow it down some on “MM Abduction”, so you’d think until the first verse is done then it all breaks loose with crushing guitars bass and drums. The same is true for “Last Train to Satansville” which unloads for a good 2:30. “Harry & Maggie” is an urgent song continuing with the vibe the band has set forth. “A Change is Gonna Come” showcases the bands ability to layer sounds. The guitars either ring or crunch over the 4/4 drum tempo. The band shows about as mellow as it gets on “Girl on a Motorbike” and that is really not “that” mellow. You still get the urgent chorus and big guitars, but the verses are not as rushed. “Duress” is an ambitious track as it runs over 8 minutes long. The bass line solid and holds it down as the guitars seem to compliment. One rings out slow passages while the second has more of a wah wah/distortion sound and that builds to vocals after three minutes. What stands out to these ears is the simplicity (and rock solid) bass line. “You Find it Everywhere” is another solid track. The album closes with the 11 minute opus “Never Lose that Felling/Never Learn”. The saxophone is an interesting touch and the track just pulls you in as the whole track is just sensory overload. Kudos to Stewart Dace on sax.

Where are they now? The band was active until 1998 then took some time off. In 2008 they re-formed with the intent to tour and are still at it. The band released a new album in 2014 and it 2017 they will be touring the US again playing this album (Mezcal Head) as well as “Raise” in full.

FDF Overall Take/Was it Worth Dusting Off? I am not sure I ever could say I was a big fan of the band at the time. I am not sure why or what was holding my interest. The new album I bought the day it came out though and it had me go back as I had a few others. Probably at the time I just saw it a bit of a tedious listen, who knows. My loss for losing the time, but something to be excited about all over again!

Links, find out more, follow em, and buy

Official Site
Facebook
Twitter

Wiki Page
Buy It

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 372 - God Is An Astronaut - The End of the Beginning

2017-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Album – The End of the Beginning
Artist – God is An Astronaut
Key Players – Torsten Kinsella – guitars, keyboards, vocals and programming. Niels Kinsella – bass guitar, guitars, keyboards.
Produced By – God is An Astronaut

Release Date – 2002

Overview – This is the debut album from the Irish band. The album title is taken from a Churchill speech and the bands unique name from the film “Nightbreed”. The twin brothers wrote and produced the record and would remain largely a duo until almost 2010.

FDF Comments (aka “the songs) – The 11 track 47 minute album opens with “The End of the Beginning”. The guitar has a haunting swirl to it and the bass rises with it and it falls into a simple back beat. For just a duo there is a lot going on, and you know a lot of it is sequenced/programmed. Still the band find a way to keep it interesting and flowing. On most post rock records you look for diversity across tracks, but still want things to be the same. Its an odd mix. The music pulls you in and wants you to pay attention. Sometimes the changes are subtle, others more explosive. “From Dust to the Beyond” follows the trend of the first track as does “Ascend to Oblivion”. “Coda” seems to pick up the pace a little more and feel a little “heavier” yet still holds a mood. Although there is piano/keyboards throughout “Remembrance” seems to have it most pushed to the front. The guitar uses some ebow and then keyboards layer to that. “Point Pleasant” has a nice bass line over the robotic drum beat and towards the end get a little more frantic, something that these ears have been waiting for. “Fall from the Stars” keeps up the more up tempo feel from the previous track with a little more buzz on the guitar and punchier bass work. This would be the first track I’d personally play for someone off the record. The ending is what makes it all worth it. “Twighlight” rolls in to “Coma” which is a quick track (1:16) and feels more of a segue in to “Route 666”. “Route” has some buzzy keyboards and the bass work is solid. The click track drum is the norm for the record but the urgency seems to lift a bit more off this track. “Lost Symphony” is the final track on the album and once again piano is the dominant instrument on the track.

Where are they Now? – The band is still active. They released Helios/Erebus in 2015 and continue to tour as a four piece.

FDF Overall Take/Was it Worth Dustin Off? – As noted this is the first record form the band. In later years they have gotten to be more guitar based and a little “heavier”. I tend to like their heavier stuff. This won’t get a party started, but something you could put on in the background and not drive people off. For my preference I’d go with some of the more recent records.

Links, find out more, follow em, and buy

Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
GIAA on Wiki
Buy it!

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.