Records:
- Dinosaur Jr. – Beyond
I've had these songs on my computer for a long time before the album was released, but didn't pay much attention to it. I remember I liked them, but never played them. Until around the time their tour was announced. I started listening to the album again and was stunned by what I heard. Dinosaur Jr. is back! Back with Barlow and Murph. Where Mascis released ok-but-not-great records under the name Dinosaur Jr., this record turns into a diamond with the other two.
When the guitar is plugged in and Mascis starts the first song with one of his famous solos, I'm hooked. What becomes clear immediately is the great production. A very clear sound. All the different guitar layers have their own distinct sound, backed by a great rhythm section. The vocals are whining in the way only Mascis can do it. When you come to the 4th song, that Barlow sings, we've had a classic rocker, a more laid-back tune and a tearjerker climaxing in Mascis' unlimited soloing. That's how diverse and dynamic this album is. And it keeps going like that. Their mixture of noise and melody is back at You're Living All Over Me level. I'm glad Barlow and Murph are back to tame Mascis. - The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
This record was released back in January, so it is easy to forget when looking back. However, it is an awesome record and a great step forward from Chutes Too Narrow. At first I was slightly disappointed in this record, I expected a second Chutes Too Narrow and didn't recognize The Shins in this release. After hearing it a few times I realized it is pure Shins. The beautiful vocals, e.g. on Red Rabbits, are still there, as are the guitars and songs that for me sum up The Shins. It's all just a little less obvious (more mature, as the old rock cliche goes). They've added some more instruments and some soundscapes/samples here and there. Now, I don't know how I didn't recognize The Shins in it. From the vocals and the build up in the first song to songs like Australia, Phantom Limb or beforementioned Red Rabbits, it's very typical. Other songs show that they have exchanged some of the immediate catchyness of Chutes Too Narrow for modesty. And it works well. Really well. - The White Stripes – Icky Thump
The future of The White Stripes seemed quite unclear for a long time, with Jack White playing with The Raconteurs and all. It was hard to imagine what they could do that would still be interesting after 5 records. After all, with their 2-person line up and their style of music, you can only do so much. But in fact, it's very easy. Jack White just bursts out a lot of new awesome riffs, that are as usual spiced up by Meg White's playful drumming. The drums are always subject to debate, but I think the way she handles the drumsticks is very effective for this music. These songs wouldn't last with perfect musicianship. Although the guitars and vocals couldn't have been done much better, I guess.
The album is a very balanced set of songs, some in true garage-rock fashion, others more Raconteurs style. The 2 standard instruments are occassionaly accompanied by bagpipes or a trumpet. The album starts of with a typical White Strupes rock 'n' roll tune, also the first single and title track. Great riffing and I love the vocals. To be followed by probably the most catchy song on the album, with great lyrics. The trip continues over 13 stops in total, screaming, howling and raunching, sometimes slowing down to 300mph, covering Conquest to slowly turn into you. - Shellac – Excellent Italian Greyhound
The new Shellac kicks off with a song that gave the name to this blog. When Steve Albini screams "Can you hear me now?" over a weird staccato riff, it sounds so desperate that I just had to use it. This 8:30 minute epic sets the tone for the rest of the album, a great opener. After 7 years, Shellac felt like making an album and this is the result. The LP comes in a nice gatefold sleeve, with an additional sleeve around it, showing the actual cover of the greyhounds of the title (turning against the supporters of their racing events). They have included a cd that contains the songs as well, for your car stereo or computer or whatever. Not included are lyrics, not sure if these do come with the cd version.
Musically it is unmistakenly Shellac. Of course the guitar sound Albini has used since Big Black is there, but also the structures of the songs tell you this is true Shellac. All instruments, including the vocals, get the attention they deserve on this album, stripped to the bare minimum (as on any Shellac album). Three great musicians, with a respectable approach to their band. They will never compromise their music and hobby by turning the band into a job or adhere to rock standards. No merchandise on tour, all they do it for is the music and the product that is the result of their creativity. And what great result, too. With the exception of the other 9 minute song on this album (Genuine Lulabelle), this album might be their best to date. It's hard to tell why this album is better than their previous output, but the feeling is different. It feels more complete, more as an album than just a collection of songs. - Big Business – Here Come The Waterworks
Never heard of this band before, until I saw them with the Melvins. Turns out half of the Melvins is now made up of this two-piece called Big Business. BB's combination of heavy bass-riffing and pounding drums immediately convinced me and I bought the album. Little did I know, drummer Coady Willis used to play in Murder City Devils. On this record he's also taking some vocal duties. The other half of this band is Jared Warren, playing bass and singing. They've added some guitar and noise on the album, too.
With bass and drums as the main ingredients they produce a heavy, sludgy type of hardrock. The bass riffing is extraordinary, fast and aggressive. The drums are hard-hitting and the vocals shrieking. This record is only 8 songs, but destroy everything else you'll be listening that day. It's probably not the best in it's genre and certainly not better than the Melvins (but their last record is 2006), but it's a bit easier to digest than most bands. Where other bands bore me with uninteresting slow passages and taking themselves way too seriously, Big Business grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the album is over.
Shows
- Dinosaur Jr. – Paradiso, 27-6
I was waiting for this band to come back again after I missed them last time. And now with the new record out it was even better to see them. They kicked off with the first song of the new record, "Almost Ready", to be followed by "The Wagon" and another new song. During the first song the sound was horrible and J. Mascis fucked up the intro to the song. But on his own created guitar-island on stage, he got back into it and amazed me with his skills. Lou Barlow seemed to enjoy playing all those songs live and Murph kept everything together with his drumming. An awesome show, looking forward to see them again at Pukkelpop. - The Shins – Paradiso, 5-4
The Shins are extremely popular since their appearance in Garden State. No wonder this show was sold out in a day. I got to the show quite late, as I was stuck in traffic. But was just in time for The Shins. I watched them from the back, normally I don't get into it that much when doing that. But The Shins were convincing. The sound in Paradiso was the best I ever heard, I could recognize every individual instrument. The singer's voice was perfect, he could reach all the notes. They played a good mixture of all 3 albums, including both catchy sing-alongs as well as more quiet songs. Amazing show. - Melvins/Big Business – Patronaat, 21-4
First time for me in the new Patronaat. Porn was finishing their set when I entered the venue. So one more band before the Melvins. Big Business came on stage and I was blown away! With just bass and drums they made a huge impact. Dale Crover of the Melvins did some guitarnoise in a few songs. For the last song "Another Fourth of July... Ruined" they were joined by Dale Crover and King Buzzo and played that song as The Melvins. Only to continue with the Melvins set for 1,5 hours! They play with 2 drummers these days and are tight as hell. A fair amount of hits came by and I left the venue satisfied. Props for the cheap merchandise. - Do Make Say Think – Popcentrale, 13-5
DMST played at the Urban Explorers festival in Dordrecht this year. The festival was held for the second time, and last year, when Jesu played, wasn't very crowded. That was different this time: the Popcentrale was sold out for this show. And rightfully so. With the stage setup they currently have in the Popcentrale (a few years already, but still) and enough people there is always a good athmosphere. With their dynamic, experimental and mostly instrumental jazzy post-rock DMST grabbed the attention of even the most stubborn rock fan. They have something to offer for everyone. Slow, silent passages are mixed with outbursts where the 2 drum sets, guitars, bass, horns and keyboards are abused to their full potential. A great show that renewed my interest in DMST completely. - De Kift – Paard, 17-4
I wasn't sure what to pick as the 5th show in the list, this one or Shellac's Paradiso show. Since near the end of Shellac's show I was waiting for them to stop, I chose De Kift. I had seen them once, playing the soundtrack live to their own film. And again, their type of music and combination of instruments left me amazed. I was intrigued by what they were doing. From the humor to the big ass horns, all a big inspiration.
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