Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: All That Remains – This Darkened Heart (2004)

The second studio album from All That Remains, This Darkened Heart, was released on March 23, 2004 (Prosthetic / Razor & Tie). The band’s debut record, Behind Silence and Solitude, as well as its third release, The Fall of Ideals, are very good records in their own rights; but it is their sophomore release that stands in a category all its own. 

So, All That Remains was first listed as a “Heavy Metal” band, with This Darkened Heart listed in the genre of “Melodic Death Metal.” Later, the band would come to be known as one of the first bands of an evolving sub-genre known as Metal Core, while the vocal style of This Darkened Heart is a perfect example of very early “Death Core;” though, the music (and its composition) is very much Heavy Metal, leaning toward Death Metal. Today, this combination of styles would be considered a band’s way of breaking out of the various “Core” genres. But in 2004, this is the expression of a band forging an entirely new brand of Metal. 

Philip Labonte (Shadows Fall) is the founder and lead vocalist of All That Remains. He is one of the visionaries of the, then, forming new genre of Metal. His first band (in the mid-90s) was a Death Metal band called Perpetual Doom, where he also played guitar. He left the band to join Shadows Fall as the lead vocalist, recording the band’s debut album, Somber Eyes to the Sky, in ’97. He left Shadows Fall the following year due to “musical differences,” and formed All That Remains. In 2010 Labonte filled in as the touring vocalist for Killswitch Engage. And in 2016 he filled in as lead vocalist for Five Finger Death Punch. Labonte had a great band with him for This Darkened Heart with Mike Martin and Oli Herbert on guitars, Matt Deis on bass, and Michael Bartlett on drums. 

I understand This Darkened Heart to be a bridge between Metal genres. While All That Remains went on to be more Metal Core, this record, with its combination of styles, really helped the logic of the evolution of sub-genres. My dad (The OG), as an Old School Death Metal head, remembers when this record dropped. “Oh, I loved the riffs of the songs, and Philip’s vocals were incredible. But I also recognized that there was something different being developed, here. The structures of the songs were departing from the style of pure Death Metal, while the riffs were very Old School. And the vocals, while delivered with “gravel,” were more melodic, but not like Melodic Death Metal. We knew that something new was happening.” 

There are exactly 0 wasted songs on This Darkened Heart. This is truly a great record that still, today, speaks to the struggles and suffering of life lived in community; the darkness of loneliness and the light of friends and loved ones. This record, itself, is a light in that darkness. 

Favorite Songs: Focus Shall Not Fail; Tattered on My Sleeve; This Darkened Heart 

Rating: 10/10!! A perfect record at the perfect time 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review DJ Highlights Miscellaneous New Album Review

New Music Alert: Loving

I can already tell that I am going to be loving this band. Loving is a slow-wave indie bedroom rock band from Canada. Their music gives off the impression of a lazy sunday, which pockets of sun poking in through the windows as the rain taps against the glass. The band consists of a group of three from Canada, who play sparse, intimate songs. 

The band started back in 2015 when David Parry and Jesse and Lucas Henderson, who are brothers, started recording music together. It was initially a long-distance project, since some members of the trio were in Victoria while others were in Toronto. However, their initial success inspired the trio to become a full-time band and set up shop in Victoria. 

The music of Loving is like psychedelic folk. It’s calming, relaxing, and uplifting all at once. Loving’s first album is their self-titled debut, which came out back in 2016. My favorite song is “The Not Real Lake,” closely followed by “Bowlly Goes Dancing Drunk Into the Future” and “A Long Slow Little Wave / Citizen, An Activity.” Their second album, “If I Am Only My Thoughts,” came out in 2020. It is a bit more fast-paced and features more acoustic sounds than their debut album. From this I would choose “A Mirror for Two Voices” and “Only She Knows” as my favorites. 

You can love, you can leave it, and say you’re nothing without it, but don’t sleep on Loving. 
Hope you guys enjoy the tunes, 
-The DJ Formerly Known As Chippypants

Categories
Classic Album Review

The Making of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours”

Days Before “Rumours”

Prior to the making of “Rumours”the band was in a great period of growth. Just two years before the release of “Rumours” in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their self-titled tenth studio album, commonly referred to as “The White Album” by Fleetwood Mac fans. This was their first album featuring Stevie Nicks as vocalist and Lindsey Buckingham as guitarist, a duo that would later become monumental to rock and roll. Just over a year after its release on July 11, 1975, “Fleetwood Mac” reached number one on US charts and later peaked at number 23 on UK charts. This was the first number one record for the band and a major accomplishment. Fleetwood Mac was finally thrust into the spotlight after nearly 10 years as a band and several changes in members. 

Inner-band Turmoil 

            From 1975 until the late ‘80s, Fleetwood Mac maintained its most commonly known lineup, consisting of vocalist Stevie Nicks, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, vocalist Christine McVie, bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood. With new success and more than one inner-band relationship, the five members of Fleetwood Mac were swarming with the drama of love, fame and money. The majority of the recording of “Rumours” took place in 1976 California. This was shortly after the romantic split of the long-time relationship between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Following their split, the two maintained a professional relationship courtesy of Fleetwood Mac, creating some drama-filled song writing material. To add to the band’s stress, Christine McVie was in the middle of divorcing her husband, bassist John McVie. These failing relationships put great pressure on Fleetwood Mac and created some of the most beautiful music of all time.

The Release

            Upon its release on February 4, 1977, “Rumours” reached number one on US and UK charts. The songs “Dreams”, “Go You Own Way”, “Don’t Stop” and “You Make Loving Fun” were released as singles, all of which placed in the top 10 on US charts. The album was wildly successful and continued to gain popularity throughout the course of the band’s international promotional tour. “Rumours” was critically acclaimed for its brilliant lyrics and stunning harmonies, provided by the interchanging dominance of three talented vocalists. The album was named Album of the Year at the 1978 Grammy awards and maintains its position as the eleventh highest-selling record of all time, with over 40 million copies sold. As of “Rolling Stones”’ 2020 ranking of the 500 greatest albums of all time, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” falls at number seven. It was clear from the success of “Rumours” that Fleetwood Mac had become a major name in rock music in the 1970s. Their success would continue with a run of three highly praised albums following “Rumours”: “Tusk”, “Tango in the Night” and “Behind the Mask”. They continue to be regarded as one of the most influential bands of all time. 

-Hannah

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album Review: Mink Mussel Manticore

ALBUM: “Mink Mussel Manticore” by Mink Mussel Creek

RELEASE YEAR: 2007/2014

LABEL: Spinning Top Records

RATING: 8/10

BEST TRACKS: “They Dated Steadily,” “Meeting Waterboy” and “PROMISING QUINTET RISE TO POWER (MACHO PEACHU)”

FCC: Clean

When I first heard the song “They Dated Steadily” on my Spotify Discover Weekly playlist, I would’ve never thought Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker was behind it. With its heavy metal riffs and psychedelic feel, I immediately fell in love with the 13-minute-long song and the album it came from, “Mink Mussel Manticore.”

Parker and Allbrook originally formed Mink Mussel Creek in 2007. “Mink Mussel Manticore” came into being the same year, but wasn’t officially recorded and subsequently released until 2014 when the two musicians reunited. By this time, both Pond and Tame Impala had reached international success, so the gem that is Mink Mussel Creek was left widely forgotten. “Mink Mussel Manticore,” their only album, delves more into the heavier side of garage rock and psychedelia. Imagine “Thickfreakness” by the Black Keys on steroids sprinkled with some Hendrix-esc guitar, and then you’d get something like “Mink Mussel Manticore.” It’s hard to believe the album is only seven songs long. Each track feels like an epic, filled with layers of wild riffs and beat switches.

It’s easy to see how both Pond and Tame Impala stemmed from Mink Mussel Creek, but as Parker and Allbrook went their separate ways, they both softened their tone. What I love about “Mink Mussel Manticore” is its unapologetic heaviness. It’s the kind of album you have to play on full blast. Tracks like “Cat Love Power” and “HANDS OFF THE MANNEQUIN CHARLIE” switch pace often, keeping you on your toes and wanting more. Though songs like “PROMISING QUINTET RISE TO POWER (MACHO PEACHU)” and “Meeting Waterboy” stray more into the funk/blues arena, the rest of the album is a sludgy, fuzzy psychedelic journey.

Give it a listen!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Classic Album Review

Retro Review: Abraxas by Santana

ALBUM: “Abraxas” by Santana

RELEASE YEAR: 1970

LABEL: Columbia Records

RATING: 10/10

BEST TRACKS: “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,” “Hope You’re Feeling Better” and “Samba Pa Ti”

FCC: Clean

There exists few music groups who managed to combine so many genres of music better than Santana. Though the original group first came into being in 1966, their first brush with true fame came at Woodstock in 1968. Carlos Santana, front-man, founder, and the only consistent member of the band since its formation, was a mystery to the world before he was thrust onstage last-minute at the hands of his manager, a man named Billy Graham who was organizing the iconic festival.

In a seemingly impossible combination of jazz, funk, blues, rock, and Latin music, “Abraxas” emerged. Originally released in 1970, it was Santana’s second studio album after the massive success of their first, “Santana.” Carlos Santana and his band introduced Latin music to the classic rock scene in ways nobody had seen before. “Abraxas” was no exception. Searing guitar riffs overlap the sounds of bongos and jazz pianos to create a sound that was truly revolutionary for the time. With psychedelic rock being very much a white man’s arena in the early ’70s, Santana was a breath of fresh air for all to experience the fusion of Latin music and rock n’ roll.

“Black Magic Woman,” one of Santana’s most heralded songs, turned Peter Green’s (Fleetwood Mac) bluesy classic into a samba you just can’t help dancing to. In a cover of Tito Puente’s hit, “Oye Como Va,” Santana adds his own spin with a funky piano line. “Hope You’re Feeling Better,” the second to last song on “Abraxas,” goes in a completely different direction, sounding more like a song from Deep Purple than a Latin-fusion band.

Overall, “Abraxas” will always be one of my favorite albums because of how diverse and experimental it is. It’s a great testament to the incredible exploration into music that was happening in the ’60s and ’70s. Give it a listen!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: System of a Down – Toxicity (2001)

Toxicity, the second studio album from the Nu-Metal band System of a Down, was released on September 4, 2001 by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Retaining the aggressive, heavy sound and feel of their debut, System of a Down (1998), their sophomore record blended smooth melodies with various instruments (sitar, banjo, keyboards, piano, and etc) in varying styles of music (folk, progressive rock, jazz, Armenian and Greek influences, and etc). This blend accentuated the vocal abilities of the band while the crushing riffs, on the other hand, expressed pure power and aggression. 

Over 30 songs were recorded at Cello Studios in Hollywood, CA for Toxicity. The band narrowed that number down to 14 for this record. Many of the others were re-recorded later for the band’s next record, Steal This Album! (2002). The band covers a lot of ground in the lyrical content of this record, too. For example, “Chop Suey” is about drug addiction; “Prison Song” explores the policy of Mass Incarceration, mandatory minimum sentences, and the lack of rehabilitation. And many of the songs are metaphors for the politics of the modern economy (this theme would go on to dominate later albums).

System of a Down are Armenian-American musicians: Serj Tankian – vocals, keyboards, stringed instruments including guitar on “Aerials” ; Daron Malakian – guitars, sitar, and vocals ; Shavo Odadjian – bass ; John Dolmayan – drums. 

Toxicity sold 220,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at #1 on Billboard 200 and the Canadian Albums Chart. It was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA in November of 2002, and has sold over 2.7 million copies in the US to date. All the singles released for Toxicity reached the Billboard 100, and “Aerials” hit #1 on both the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and Modern Rock chart. The record received perfect ratings from AllMusic, Kerrang!, and Blabbermouth.net; praised for its groundbreaking sound and innovation. 

Rating: 10/10!! This is an incredible record, both vocally and musically!

Favorite Songs: Needles ; Deer Dance ; Chop Suey ; Toxicity 

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Classic Album Review

Classic Review: This Old Dog – Mac DeMarco

ALBUM: “This Old Dog” by Mac DeMarco

RELEASE YEAR: 2017

LABEL: Captured Tracks

RATING: 10/10

BEST TRACKS: “One More Love Song,” “Moonlight on the River” and “For the First Time”

FCC: Clean

“This Old Dog” has to be my all-time favorite Mac DeMarco album (although “Here Comes the Cowboy” comes in a close second). Out of his entire discography, “This Old Dog” stands out as epitomizing Mac’s personality the most; lovable, gentle, and goofy. Looking to turn your mood around? There exist few better albums to do the trick. It’s both calming and upbeat at the same time, staying true to Mac’s classic, easygoing spirit.

What makes Mac so incredible to me is his ability to combine synth tones and acoustic guitar. It’s a fine line to walk, but he toes it excellently without sounding over-processed or unnatural. “This Old Dog” is no exception; songs like “Dreams From Yesterday” and “Sister” are a perfect balance between soft acoustics and synth. Even “On the Level,” which is almost entirely comprised of synth music, feels organic and mellow.

The biggest difference between “This Old Dog” and Mac’s previous albums is the amount of humor he interjects. His older releases, like “Rock and Roll Night Club,” “Mac Demarco 2,” and “Salad Days,” all seem to have the same distinctive sense of ridiculousness that you just can’t help laughing at. However, “This Old Dog” reveals Mac’s more sensitive side. You could peg him as a hopeless romantic by listening to nearly any one of his albums, but “One More Love Song” and “For the First Time” really hit me right in the heartstrings.

“This Old Dog” will forever be a gem among the indie genre. Whether you haven’t heard it before or it’s been a hot minute, go give it a listen!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review Miscellaneous New Album Review

Who Are The Burkharts?

Who are the Burkharts? The Burkharts are a new band that sounds like an old style of 50s doo-wop beach music. With angelic background harmonies, a fast drum beat, and a light bit of guitar, this band seems to mimic almost everything the Beach Boys stood for. However, that’s not to say that the Burkharts are a carbon copy of them. 

The Burkharts started in Buffalo, NY around two years ago. They have described themselves as not too sleepy, not too spicy. I honestly couldn’t put it any better than that. Their music keeps you engaged, but it’s not too overwhelming. It’s the kind of music I could do homework to or listen to while I walk around a park on a Sunday afternoon. Right now they only have two EP’s and a few singles out, but my favorite songs are “Our Rockaway,” “Pretty Words,” “Oh, Dreamer,” and “Flower City Nights.” Their second EP contains the latter two of my favorites and has more of an indie feel to it than their most recent EP, however you can still hear their trademark old-beachy-sound. 

Hope you guys enjoy the tunes, 
-The DJ Formerly Known as Chippypants

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review DJ Highlights Miscellaneous Playlists

Chip’s Picks

You know those times when all of a sudden it feels like you’ve been hit with a wave of new, really good music out of nowhere? It’s the best feeling in the world. Finally, you can get yourself out of the same five-song rotation and expand your music taste, treating your ears to the soothing sounds of something new. I just recently happened upon this feeling for the first time in a while, and I would like to share it with you all. So, here is what I’ve been listening to lately. 

“My Cousin Greg” by Houndmouth 
You might know this band from the song “Sedona,” but if you dig deeper into their discography you can find that they actually have an array of songs that match “Sedona’s” energy. “My Cousin Greg” is like one of those songs that starts out smooth but eventually gets more and more exciting as it goes on. Perfect for any car ride with friends. 

“Evil Ways” by Santana
I heard this song for the first time in a while last weekend while I was in Wilmington. It was a beautiful day and I was driving to the beach with friends when this song came on. The sun was shining through the Spanish moss and illuminating the car as a wild guitar riff spun through the car. And now I think of that every time I listen to this song. 

“Blue Magic” by Kelly Hogan and Bill Taft 
This is one of those songs that is perfect for laying in bed at 3 AM and staring up at the ceiling. It has an echoing guitar with a vocalist to match it perfectly. It sounds very similar to “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.

“Miracle” by Jurassic Shark 
Jurassic Shark is a nice little surf rock band that came out with the album “Miracle” back in 2014, however I’ve only just recently been getting into them. My favorite song off of the album is “Summer.” The sound of the song definitely lives up to its name. 

“Above Water” by Felly 
This song encapsulates the feeling of trying to make it through the first week of classes. No matter how stressful it gets to keep everything up to date, you just have to keep your head above water. 

Well I hope you guys enjoy the tunes,
-The DJ Formerly Known as Chippypants 

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album Review: Bears Like This Too

ALBUM: “Bears Like This Too” by Spillage Village

RELEASE YEAR: 2015

LABEL: Spillage Village Records

RATING: 9.5/10

BEST TRACKS: “Spaced,” “Sky” and “Fryin”

FCC: Explicit

“Bears Like This Too” was the sequel we were all waiting for after Spillage Village released “Bears Like This” in 2014. Filled with psychedelic beats and a laid-back ambiance, it’s one of my favorite lowkey rap albums. The members of Spillage Village, EarthGang, J.I.D, Jordxn Bryant, and Hollywood JB, show their capability for creating an easy listening experience in their solo work, but “Bears Like This Too” is a masterpiece. Though only eight songs long, it’s the kind of album that you can listen to over and over again, volume turned all the way up or as background music.

Each song seems to fit together so seamlessly. Don’t get me wrong, I love some tempo variation, but sometimes it’s nice to hear a steady vibe maintained throughout an album. “Bears Like This Too” accomplishes this perfectly. While the mood is definitely on the relaxed side, don’t let this fool you into not appreciating the lyrical complexity. Each song is a poetic commentary on a variety of topics, from police violence in “Fryin” to untamed lust in “Spaced.” The core members of Spillage Village are fantastic, but my favorite songs are the ones that include guest artists Mereba and 6LACK (very early in his career). They both add a softness to the album, really helping to weave that mellow tone Spillage Village is so good at building.

If you’re in need of an album to accompany late nights spent on the couch, “Bears Like This Too” is the one. Absolute immaculate vibes.

– DJ Butter