Music in general

[Padrino]

... i didnt think it was a power struggle of genres or music....

that's the problem with most people these days, concerning music. everybody is too genre-bound. imo, genres and classifications destroy the soul of music. when an artist, band, group, etc, is trying harder to emulate a "style" of music rather than just expressing themselves intuitively, they lose sight of what music is all about. for that reason, i hate classifying and categorizing music.

this shouldn't be titled the "hip hop heads thread." it should be titled the "music heads thread." i could easily let y'all know about all sorts of great musicians that span all sorts of musical stylings, many of which are themselves not confined to a single "genre." for example:

the cat empire - two shoes

this is an amazing album. it blends hip hop with jazz, blues, alternative rock, and ska. there's even latin stylings and textures in some of their songs as well.

point is, i think VF should change the title of the thread so that we can turn this into an open discussion of music, rather than an open discussion of a single style of music. it would, of course, be apart from the "what are you listening to right now" thread, because it would revolve around discussing music in general as opposed to simply telling people what you're listening to in a given moment.

so, all that said, i motion for a change in the title of this thread.

 

[VF21]

Rather than change the title of the thread your post was originally in, Padrino, I've split your comments off and we now have another thread...for Music Heads.

 

[Padrino]

well thank you! that's cool.

the cat empire (in the first post) is a good start to the thread. very strange, eclectic music. check it out, if you can get a hold of it. rather hard to find.

next up, i'd like to introduce everybody to the san francisco-based duo Two Gallants:

The Throes (2004)

What the Toll Tells (2006)

two gallants are another band (if you can call two people a band) who break genre barriers. their music is a combination of memphis blues and early american folk. it has shades of early 90's grunge as well as post-grunge alternative rock. it maintains the spirit of mid to late 70's punk rock but doesn't feel the need to make a statement other than "we've come to rock the hell out." their new album, what the toll tells, draws on themes of the old west through crafty storytelling. it's an epic masterpiece, and i encourage people to check it out.

 

[VF21]

I just checked them out at amazon.com and it looks like you're not alone, Padrino. The reviews are excellent.

 

[atxrocker]

the arctic monkeys- whatever people say I am, thats what i'm not

the subways-young for eternity

cat power-the greatest

newer albums I am enjoying...

 

[Padrino]

the arctic monkeys- whatever people say I am, thats what i'm not

the subways-young for eternity

cat power-the greatest

newer albums I am enjoying...

i dont know if the arctic monkeys will ever fully live up to the hype thats currently surrounding them, but they are definitely brit pop at its absolute finest.

and cat power's newest endeavor, while not as good as moon pix or you are free, is still another indie gem.

as for the subways, i am not familiar. but i can second the recommendations of arctic monkeys and cat power. check them both out.

 

[Padrino]

cool beans

i'm gonna make a point to post at least one album a day that i think people should be informed of. i've got a few in this thread already, so tomorrow (which is technically already here), we'll rock another one.

peace, love, and rock & roll

 

[Padrino]

anyways, time to inform you all of a little known band from tulsa, oklahoma. many of you have heard of the flaming lips, also from oklahoma. they're new album "at war with the mystics" is set to come out in april. i got a hold of a leaked copy of it, and its amazing. be sure to check it out when its released.

now, as much as i love the lips, there is another band from the tulsa area that doesn't get nearly as much credit. so, i give to you:

Ester Drang

That Is When He Turns His Golden [EP] (1999)

*cover art not available

Goldenwest (2001)

Infinite Keys (2003)

Rocinate (2006)

if you like the flaming lips, chances are you're gonna like ester drang. they are not as experimental as the flaming lips, but they write great music and great, introspective lyrics. if yer looking for a band who exercises proper musicianship in the modern rock sense, then i highly recommend ester drang.

 

[VF21]

Okay, I resplit the "hip hop" segment into its own thread.

Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. Let's get back to talking about the music.

 

[thesanityannex]

For those interested in
REGGAE


I'm a huge fan of the new "roots" movement that is forming. New bands are recreating the same style most of us reggae lovers fell in love with. Only difference being that the sound quality is much, much better. Imagine your favorite Peter Tosh album remastered.<<<they do have these now. Anyways, here are some amazing bands and if you dig their sounds, try and find a show to see live. I've seen all these groups live and it well worth the measly ticket price of 15 dollars.

Here you go.

Group: Groundation
Albums: Young Tree/Hebron's Gate/Each One Teach One/We Free Again
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_3/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(This group is still touring Cali and I just saw them play at the Belly Up in San Diego. The singer has the strongest, most distinct voice I've heard since Marley, and he's a little white dude. He actually teaches the first accreditted course on the history of reggae. The band is amazing and the percussionist is out of this world.)


Group: John Brown's Body
Albums: This Day/Spirits All Around Us/Among Them/All Time
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_2/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(Another amazing group that comes out of Boston. I've seen them numerous times at very small venues and this is where I'd recommend trying to watch them.)


Group: Soldiers of Jah's Army
Albums: SOJA/Peace in a Time of War/Get Wiser
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(Great reggae coming out of D.C. Haven't yet been able to see them as they are on the East coast touring most of the time.)


Group: Matisyahu
Albums: Shake off the Dust/Live @ Stubbs/Youth
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_4/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(You've all probably heard the song "King Without a Crown" on the radio. Don't let that deter you. His live album is one of the best I've heard. His first album "Shake off the Dust" is a very strong one as well. Youth was just released today, so I'm not sure, but it should be good as well.)


Hope someone enjoys this and I'll be posting some older roots when I return.


Peace.

 

[Padrino]

time for an oasis appreciation post.

Oasis Discography

Definitely Maybe (1994)

(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

Be Here Now (1997)

The Masterplan [B-Sides LP] (1998)

continued on next post...

 

[Padrino]

Standing On the Shoulders of Giants (2000)

Heathen Chemistry (2002)

Don't Believe the Truth (2005)

this right here, ladies and gentleman, is one of the quintessential 90's alt rock bands. they stand for rock & roll that doesn't compromise or sell out. their no -frills DIY attitude sets them apart, imo, from other bands during their hayday. noel gallagher, guitarist and principal songwriter for the band, says of oasis' music, "I say to every other band, 'you do the experimenting'...we'll blow the roof off everywhere we play." if 'wonderwall' and 'champagne supernova' are the beginning and end of your familiarity with the biggest brit-rock band since the beatles, then you should definitely delve a little further into their material. i highly recommend definitely maybe and morning glory, both as an introduction to oasis and as must-have albums of the 90's.

as noel put it, "no one could break us, no one could take us." keep on rockin' in the free world, people.

 

[captain bill]

For those interested in
REGGAE


I'm a huge fan of the new "roots" movement that is forming. New bands are recreating the same style most of us reggae lovers fell in love with. Only difference being that the sound quality is much, much better. Imagine your favorite Peter Tosh album remastered.<<<they do have these now. Anyways, here are some amazing bands and if you dig their sounds, try and find a show to see live. I've seen all these groups live and it well worth the measly ticket price of 15 dollars.

Here you go.

Group: Groundation
Albums: Young Tree/Hebron's Gate/Each One Teach One/We Free Again
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005M0B3/qid=1141780146/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(This group is still touring Cali and I just saw them play at the Belly Up in San Diego. The singer has the strongest, most distinct voice I've heard since Marley, and he's a little white dude. He actually teaches the first accreditted course on the history of reggae. The band is amazing and the percussionist is out of this world.)


Group: John Brown's Body
Albums: This Day/Spirits All Around Us/Among Them/All Time
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000047865/qid=1141780289/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(Another amazing group that comes out of Boston. I've seen them numerous times at very small venues and this is where I'd recommend trying to watch them.)


Group: Soldiers of Jah's Army
Albums: SOJA/Peace in a Time of War/Get Wiser
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001LVWXC/qid=1141780475/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(Great reggae coming out of D.C. Haven't yet been able to see them as they are on the East coast touring most of the time.)


Group: Matisyahu
Albums: Shake off the Dust/Live @ Stubbs/Youth
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007XT7TU/qid=1141780618/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/102-6544445-9759311?v=glance&s=music
(You've all probably heard the song "King Without a Crown" on the radio. Don't let that deter you. His live album is one of the best I've heard. His first album "Shake off the Dust" is a very strong one as well. Youth was just released today, so I'm not sure, but it should be good as well.)


Hope someone enjoys this and I'll be posting some older roots when I return.


Peace.

I've been getting more into Reggae recently, I'll be sure to check that out. Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock album is insanely good, regardless of what music you normally listen to. But, you absolutely have to get a copy of anything by Sergent Garcia, some of the best music I've heard in a while. He calls his style "salsamuffin", salsa mixed with reggae. He's afro-Cuban from France, and he sounds it, too- awesome salsa sound blended with reggae and some hip-hop influence, with lyrics in French, Spanish and English, gives it an amazing and distinctive sound. Check out "La Semilla Escondida": http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f=pd_bbs_1/002-4402256-4117662?_encoding=UTF8

 

[thesanityannex]

Captain Bill-

I just ordered "la semilla escondida" after listening on amazon. Can't wait to get it.

If you check out any of the reggae I mentioned, be SURE to listen to Groundation. They are absolutely amazing. No one alive compares, IMHO. The best thing since Bob.

 

[chelle]

I was introduced to reggae about a year ago. There were some great little reggae places in The Quarter before the hurricanes. I have not really listened to it much since. I'll have to check out some of your suggestions, sanity. Thanks!

 

[RaY Z]

hmmm what do i listen to?

anything that sounds good to me, whether its rock, classical, r'n'b, instrumental etc

music thats good to my ears

ohhh depending on what mood im in influences my choice of music...

 

[Padrino]

this will quite possibly be the most important album release of this year:

[supposed] official tracklisting

DISC 1:

1. Stadium Arcadium
2. We Believe
3. 21st Century
4. Dani California
5. Slow Cheetah
6. Wet Sand
7. Make You Feel Better
8. Charlie
9. Tell Me Baby
10. Storm In A Tea Cup
11. Readymade
12. Hump De Bump

DISC 2:

1. Warlocks
2. She Looks To Me
3. If
4. Animal Bar
5. Desecration Smile
6. Snow
7. She's Only 18
8. Faded Deuce
9. Turn It Again
10. Hey
11. C'mon Girl
12. Hard To Concentrate
13. So Much I

stadium arcadium represents the chili peppers first album in four years. its also a double LP, containing 25 tracks. and you can rest assured that all 25 tracks are winners in the hearts and minds of the band members. they got into the studio shortly after their last tour, and cut together a 38 song, triple album. of course, they would have released those 3 albums separately (a la system of a down's mesmerize and hypnotize), but decided it would take too long to put out 3 albums, at an average of six months apart. so, they painstakingly cut it down to 25 tracks. the remaining 13 will be released as bonus tracks on several different versions of the release. eventually, all will be made available online (via itunes, i'm assuming). release date for this album is may 9th in the states. be on the lookout.

 

[VF21]

Wow. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Padrino]

you're very welcome! 2006 is gonna be a good year for music. i've got a very long list of upcoming albums that i'm stoked about. muse, radiohead, pearl jam, and ben harper, just to name a few more bands with new releases this year. i'll be giving everybody continued updates as i get more information concerning release dates, album covers, and track lists.

 

[thesanityannex]

Padrino-

When does that Chili Peppers come out? That should be amazing.

 

[6th]

Padrino-

When does that Chili Peppers come out? That should be amazing.

His last line in that post says release date will be May 9th in the U.S.

 

[thesanityannex]

His last line in that post says release date will be May 9th in the U.S.

ahh....thanks. It does help to read sometimes.

 

[slugking50]

this will quite possibly be the most important album release of this year:

[supposed] official tracklisting

DISC 1:

1. Stadium Arcadium
2. We Believe
3. 21st Century
4. Dani California
5. Slow Cheetah
6. Wet Sand
7. Make You Feel Better
8. Charlie
9. Tell Me Baby
10. Storm In A Tea Cup
11. Readymade
12. Hump De Bump

DISC 2:

1. Warlocks
2. She Looks To Me
3. If
4. Animal Bar
5. Desecration Smile
6. Snow
7. She's Only 18
8. Faded Deuce
9. Turn It Again
10. Hey
11. C'mon Girl
12. Hard To Concentrate
13. So Much I

stadium arcadium represents the chili peppers first album in four years. its also a double LP, containing 25 tracks. and you can rest assured that all 25 tracks are winners in the hearts and minds of the band members. they got into the studio shortly after their last tour, and cut together a 38 song, triple album. of course, they would have released those 3 albums separately (a la system of a down's mesmerize and hypnotize), but decided it would take too long to put out 3 albums, at an average of six months apart. so, they painstakingly cut it down to 25 tracks. the remaining 13 will be released as bonus tracks on several different versions of the release. eventually, all will be made available online (via itunes, i'm assuming). release date for this album is may 9th in the states. be on the lookout.

Cool. Thanks Pad

 

[thesanityannex]

The Rastafarians- Orthodox

(great reggae album and wonderful backing band.)

 

[Padrino]

kinks appreciation time!

this is one of the most influential bands of the 60's [not named the beatles], and they certainly do not get enough credit. so here's my recommendation to you all:

The Kinks - The Kink Kronikles

28 songs on two discs!

Disc: 1
1. Victoria
2. The Village Green Preservation Society
3. Berkeley Mews
4. Holiday In Waikiki
5. Willesden Green
6. This Is Where I Belong
7. Waterloo Sunset
8. David Watts Listen
9. Deadend Street
10. Shangri-La
11. Autumn Almanac
12. Sunny Afternoon
13. Get Back In Line
14. Did You See His Name?

Disc: 2
1. Fancy
2. Wonderboy
3. Apeman
4. King Kong
5. Mr. Pleasant
6. God's Children
7. Death Of A Clown
8. Lola
9. Mindless Child Of Motherhood
10. Polly
11. Big Black Smoke
12. Susannah's Still Alive
13. She's Got Everything
14. Days

i'm sure many of you have heard "lola" at one time or another. great song, but they're are 27 more on this collection that are just as good as lola, so i encourage you to give the kinks a listen!

 

[thesanityannex]

Just picked up the new Matisyahu "Youth" today on Itunes.


Haven't listend to the whole album, but so far I'm not impressed. Its not a bad album by any means from what I've heard. But after he released "Live @ Stubbs", I knew it would be hard to top. This seems like it is trying a little to hard fit that certain mold that the media has given to him. It seems to lack as much creativity as the first album. (actually the second, "shake off the dust" was his first studio album but is not well known.) Anyways, anyone else who's listened to it, let me know what you think. The album could grow on me in the future.

 

[thesanityannex]

reggae


Groundation- Dub Wars


(a dub remix of their last two albums Hebron's Gate and We Free Again. This cd is an excellent disc to chill out and relax too. The remixes are fantastic.)

 

[thesanityannex]

reggae


Fat Freddy's Drop- Based on a True Story


(this band just won about every award New Zealand gives away. They are absolutely amazing and the band itself is stellar. This isn't a strictly roots reggae album, actually, its far from it. All the songs are about 7-8 mins long so there is a lot of "jamming" and "dub" throughout. Sometimes they will go from a reggae sounds to a jazz sound to a upbeat sound. Overall, a very good listen from beginning to end.)

 

[Padrino]

after a week-long hiatus, i'm back to tell y'all about some awesome music.

Dire Straits - Alchemy (Live)

Disc: 1
1. Once Upon A Time In The West
2. Expresso Love
3. Romeo And Juliet
4. Love Over Gold
5. Private Investigations
6. Sultans Of Swing

Disc: 2
1. Two Young Lovers
2. Tunnel Of Love
3. Telegraph Road
4. Solid Rock
5. Going Home (Theme From 'Local Hero')

this is an amzing live album. the dire straits (featuring guitar-picking-expert-frontman mark knopfler), are one of those bands that i simply must scratch my head over as to why they never got as much attention as they deserved. mark knopfler is probably one of just five guitarists whose signature sound you can recognize immediately upon hearing any song they play. if you've heard of the dire straits and haven't heard this album, you MUST. no ifs and or buts about it. and if you haven't heard of the dire straits, check out their self titled debut, and then check this album out. either way, y'all should be listening to this album if you dig unbelievable live performances. each song on this collection is 8-plus minutes long. some are over 10 minutes long, and one breaches the 13 minute mark. that said, none of the songs grow tiresome or feel overdone. amazing musicianship and creativity are to thank, specifically knopfler's amazing picking that just drives the music to new heights.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Hey sanity, you seem to be in to reggae... what's your take on Sublime? A fan of what they were doing 10 years or so ago?