I feel as if I never have anything new to say. My mind doesn’t shuffle through too many groundbreaking topics throughout a day. It normally goes food, school, women, TV, and music (not in that order, but damn close). So, “stick to what you know”… that’s the saying, isn’t it? Well, if that’s the case, then here’s a look at some albums that I love, recently purchased, or think you should look into.
Heaven is Whenever – The Hold Steady
I have really been digging The Hold Steady lately. It’s the band’s fifth album, but I think it’s a great introduction for hesitant listeners. They are certainly an acquired taste mainly because of lead singer Craig Finn. His half-spoken/half-sung style is a fitting tribute to the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Finn also proves to be a strong lyricist on Whenever with lines like, “She said the theme of this party is the industrial age/And you came in dressed like a train wreck.”
It’s easy to not like this album at first listen, but don’t give up on it. With a second listen you’ll actually hear Finn’s voice and words over a group of musicians that deliver straightforward rock. The Hold Steady is a refreshing act, and they have my full attention.
Sweet Tracks: “The Weekenders”, “Soft in the Center”, “We Can Get Together”, “Hurricane J”.
Live Era: ’87-’93 – Guns N’ Roses
After I wore out Appetite for Destruction and dissected Use Your Illusion I and II, I thought my love affair with GNR was over (The Spaghetti Incident did nothing for me). Then I came across this two disc gem. It was like discovering GNR all over again. I was hooked for the second time in my life. All the songs sound more powerful, gritty, and raw. My favorite reworking is the brief reggae burst in “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”. I also liked hearing Axl talk to the crowd: “Hit it!”
This was an easy pick for me because it isn’t the easy way out. I could have wrote about how “fucking awesome” Appetite was, but most of us know that old song and dance. Once classics become seasoned, there’s nothing like a live take to rejuvenate them.
Sweet Tracks: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, “Patience”, “Used to Love Her”, “Rocket Queen”.
Backspacer – Pearl Jam
It’s always cool to like Pearl Jam. After they championed the grunge-rock scene, the band was able to remain relevant after many of its contemporaries fell. Backspacer is a testament to Pearl Jam’s brilliance and impressive longevity. Eddie Vedder is at his vocal and lyrical best with songs like “The Fixer” and “Speed of Sound”. As a whole, this CD is strong and extremely easy to consume in one sitting.
I will say this isn’t Pearl Jam’s edgiest work, but that’s really the beauty of it. The edge that Pearl Jam started out with has only been manipulated and transformed into an evolutionary passion to never conform. Keep an eye out for Vedder’s solo album of ukulele songs (it’s going to be so gnarly).
Sweet Tracks: “Got Some”, “The Fixer”, “Just Breathe”, “Amongst the Waves”.
Bang Bang – Dispatch
I’m going to see these guys live on June 18th and I cannot wait. I first experienced this band through a live album which I absolutely love, but I wanted to hear some of their studio work. Bang Bang is a perfect Dispatch starter kit. It’s got the mainstream hit (“The General”), a slammin’ title track (“Bang Bang”), and a serene bonus cut (“The Way It Goes”). This disc keeps me loose when O.A.R doesn’t do the trick and Bob Marley is too cliché.
After learning more about the band, I’ve gained tremendous respect for how they go about business. They have become successful on their own terms and continue to reunite because the music world needs bands that create inspiring music without the help of major record labels.
Sweet Tracks: “Bang Bang”, “Here We Go”, “Two Coins”, and “The Way It Goes”.
Maybe one of these will find its way to your Ipod this summer. If not, be sure to check back by the end of summer for a fresh list. I’m not making any promises though.
