Sabatos Music http://sabatos.net/music.php en-us Nucleus CMS v3.22 Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://sabatos.net/images/r2e.gif Sabatos Music http://sabatos.net/music.php <![CDATA[Santastic: Holiday Boots 4 Your Stockings]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=197 Santastic: Holiday Boots 4 Your Stockings
Release Date: Dec, 2005
Label: Labels? We don't need no stinkin labels!
Compiled By: dj BC
Website: http://www.djbc.net/christmas/

Today's topic is Mashups. Better yet, Holiday Mashups. Most mashups tend to fall into the "total crap" category, but the compilation that I am about to discuss seems to be an exception to the rule. (And by exception I mean there are 4 or 5 songs that don't completely stink!)

Meet dj BC. He likes to make mashups. (He will also play at your wedding or Bar Mitzvah if you live in the Boston area!) More importantly, dj BC made the compilation we are currently reviewing. Check out each individual track and my comments on it below:Christmas In Boston - (Go Home Productions)
Its Boston! Its also not want I want to hear. NEXT!

The Christmas Massacre of Charlie Brown - (DJ John)
Now this is what I'm talking about! The main tune is intact and is complimented by the old school back beat. This is the #1 track in my book. I'm definitely buying this guY a pizza!

Santar Klaws - (Poj Masta)
Slick in a hip Hindi warpish way. (Don't worry, I'm not sure what I just said either!) I dig this track as well.

The Nutbreaker - (dj BC)
Not bad. Still a little too fast for my taste. It would sound really good with a new beat at normal speed.

Santa Benz - (Voicedude)
Dude! It doesn't match up well enough for my liking. Send it back already!!

Xmas Lists (The True Meaning of Xmas) - (King Of Pants)
I would expect something much cooler from a person with such an awesome name as "King of Pants"! All I got instead was some sped up Destiny's Child. Suckage.

Rudolph's Mixed Up Nosedive - (Ella & ATOM)
Not to shabby. I would definitely dance to this if I were the comedic lead in an 80's coming of age movie that somehow involved dolphins!

Biggie's Last Christmas - (Cheekyboy)
LET BIGGIE DIE ALREADY!!

Fett's Festive Fest - (Fettdog)
Sadly, this has nothing to do with MC Chris. But it does borrow much of its sassiness from Cake's "Short Skirt Long Jacket".

Turbo Sleigh Ride - (dj BC)
I had to listen to this one 7 or 8 times before I could get in the groove with it. (However, preschool children REALLY like this track!)

Frosty DMC - (Sam Flanagan)
BOOYAH!! This track earns much respect for its blending of Run DMC with Frosty the Snowman. My #2 pick.

Knifehandchop Christmas - (Solcofn)
OUCH!! KILL ME NOW!!! I WANT TO GO HOME!!!! AAGGHHH!!!!!

Christmas Time Is Sequenced - (ATOM & The Vince Guaraldi Trio)
The Christmas Time track that it is based on is rarely seen in this mix. (But it does have a beat that you can dance to!)

Rudolph - (Pilchard)
No sir, I don't like it!

Deck The Halls - (Aggro1) and (Katie Enlow)
Just like every generic piece of techno on the planet. But with just a bare hint of "Deck the Halls". (Now I see why it was not on the torrent I found!)

Carol Of The Burgers - (Voicedude)
RETARDED BURGER KING GUY!! Still fun, but in a 2003 kind of way.

Santa's Acid Hawaiian Space Disco - (Mr. Fab and The RIAA)
More like "Lets throw a bunch of crap together while we are tripping on Ecstasy and people might like it"!! (We don't.)

All I Want Is To Hit A Red Dwarf - (Thriftshop XL)
FOUL LANGUAGE ALERT! (I just like hearing the parts from the Red Dwarf opening credits.)

And there you have it folks. Overall this compilation was pretty decent. Take out all of the crap, and you have a nice grouping of tunes that will make you proud to add them to your holiday play list. I give it 7 out of 10.]]> Music Reviews http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=197 Sun, 4 Dec 2005 23:14:06 -0600 <![CDATA[Thrice - Vheissu]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=191 Title: Vheissu
Artist: Thrice
Release Date: October 18, 2005
Label: Island Records
Producer: Steve Osborne
Website: www.thrice.net

After a two-year break between albums, Thrice truly come alive with their fourth release, "Vheissu". The album can best be described as "different", and the name reflects that, not carrying a set definition but rather a symbolic meaning for each person. Even within the band the name carries different meanings ranging from change to uniqueness to maturity, etc.And the album is just that as well: Different. The producer is different, the theme is different, the style is different, the approach is different, and the sound is different. But is it good or bad? Well that depends on whether you look at their previous albums and expect the same material, but just better, or whether you take the band's advice and just listen with an open mind.

At first the album seems completely not Thrice. Previously the band had been labeled a heavy rock band, and were known for their heavy music, caustic screams and the beautiful melodies. On their other albums, when a heavy song started you knew it was heavy from the first chord. Here, not so much. If you just go through and listen to the first 10 seconds of each track, you'll find that the record is primarily a lot more tame than anything they've done before. But this isn't an album where you can say it's good or bad based on pieces of songs. Rather, if you listen through the full album, you'll find that the music has very much matured. They blend styles (i.e.: Heavy rock and soft stuff) almost seamlessly, and every song seems to link to others as far as theme,which the band has stated was simply "finding truth" (leaving it very open-ended for the listener). That theme holds something for the band as well, who have stated that the album is very true to themselves.

Perhaps one of the biggest differences is the producer: Steve Osborne. He has previously worked with bands like ColdPlay and Weezer (I believe - don't quote me on this one), but has never once done a heavy record. Therefore it seems odd that the band would choose him to produce a heavy record. However, they were true to themselves and the end product was a blend of everything each member of the band is.

The album starts off with a simple morse code signal playing, and seconds later you hear drums and guitar kick in with a punk-style rhythm. However, right at the peak the second guitar and bass come in and break that flow and turn it into this steady almost march-inspired song, with the vocals being a call and answer style (Dustin sings a line, the band shouts "We are the image of the invisible" back).

Right after that you have a solid drum beat backed by a piano (or rhodes... not really sure which it is). The beat is very laid-back, and even when the vocals start in it's a mellow type of song. Then the chorus kicks in, and while the music doesn't really get heavier, it picks up in pace a bit and just becomes a littler stronger before. Right after the first chorus though is when the song picks up a little and the beat gets stronger. The build-up continues, right into the next song.

The Earth Will Shake. The song starts off with this slow acoustic guitar sounding like an old demo album and the vocals over top. After a couple lines in, the song goes flat-out heavy, although the vocals remain steady. When the chorus starts, though, Dustin shows us that he still has the scream that we recognize from the other albums inside him, and it fits the song with Eddie backing him with a sort of call-and-answer chorus, only screaming, before going back into the next verse and progressively slowing down a little from there to the next chorus, after which the songs builds up and just cuts out all at once.

However, the transition is perfect because the next song, "Atlantic", starts off with just the rhodes going with a steady riff. Shortly after a simple, steady drum beat starts at the same time as the vocals, which come off sounding very eerie and fitting for the name - the song sounds like something you would hear under-water-ish. The chorus is very beautiful as well. The second guitar comes in with some effects that add to the eeriness and the bass is nice and quiet, but still present. Nothing cuts into the mood of the song at all - it stays steady throughout. After the first chorus the acoustic guitar kicks in, which just adds to the mellowed-out, very personal feel to it. And when you listen to the lyrics, the song actually sounds sort of dreamy (and I mean that in a completely non-gay way... like it's out of a dream or something). Quite possibly the best song on the album, I think... and this is a slower song and I like my hard rock.

The next song, "For Miles" doesn't pick up much at first... it's a steady piano intro for the first roughly 20 seconds, and then the vocals come in, which don't add too much punch to it. But after the first couple lines the bass and drums come in and add some support to the song, which seems to start to pick up for a bit, although it reaches this peak and then falls, but then just after it shoots right back up there again and becomes this mellow yet heavy song, but then just after that it mellows out again and just sort of keeps playing around with your ears, but in an interesting way. The song finishes, however, with a bit of screaming and build-up and fades out from there.

The next song, "Hold Fast Hope", continues though. It starts off with a steady drum roll and guitar riff with Dustin half-screaming over top, and after a few lines it breaks into a full-out scream with the heavy instrumental, and then breaks into this melodic almost punk song with harmonies and everything, and builds up into a steady, metal-inspired chorus with Dustin belting out screams over top, then it drops back down for the verse. The song is really a roller-coaster ride if you think about it. As the song ends they go through this line in the chorus and just slow it down every time before ending the song with one last chord.

Following that, "Music Box" starts up with just that: a music box plays a song for a bit before the full heavy instrumental kicks in. And then stops. The rest is a steady drum and bass going with a piano softly playing in the background. When the chorus comes up again, though, the song picks right up. It's almost like a trend throughout the album, but it doesn't seem repetitive. In fact, I only really noticed just now as I'm writing about it.

"Like Moths to Flame" comes up right after with a steady piano riff (If you've seen the "Image of the Invisible" music video, this is the song the kid is playing when it first starts) before breaking into a heavy riff. The verse afterward is an acoustic lead guitar and a steady bass going while the drums mimics it with just a touch of the hi-hats. The chorus picks up from the intro and continues, although there isn't any screaming... Dustin keeps the vocals very soft and melodic, which is an odd combo. The rest of the song becomes very eerie-sounding and somewhat experimental. Then the song fades out and just when you think it's over the song gets really heavy and the screaming starts up right until the end, which is mostly just a scream.

This fades into "Of Dust and Nations" which starts off with this tripped-out, ghostly sounding guitar effect (basically light feedback with effects attached) and a simple yet eerie riff over top. After a bit they do it again, but they double-time it and add in the bass and and drums, which makes it sound a bit heavier. The verse is the guitar riff from the intro at double-time and a simple beat over top while Dustin sings out. At this stage it sounds like a somewhat punk song. The chorus is the highlight of this song, though, as it plays this crazy riff and the song picks up a bit. It never gets heavy at all, but it always seems to build upon itself and get better and better, and ends off with the chorus riff repeating right until the end, but at half-time.

"Stand and Feel Your Worth" follows this with a kind of industrial-inspired (though much more tamed) drum beat over top of a bass rhodes. The whole intro is this kind of trippy, experimental stuff for like a minute before it kicks into this heavy song about finding self-worth or something. It kind of continues the roller-coaster trend from previous songs, although each time it picks up it gets heavier and heavier until it just starts to fall and ends the way it started, but with the drums much louder.

The album itself ends in a very sad-sounding song. It's just piano and drums to start, and then the vocals start and they sound like this very mellow song, and that's basically what it is for awhile, but when the chorus comes it picks up a bit but in a very fluent way, and it doesn't really get heavier so much as there's just more going on in the song and it gets a little faster, but when the chorus ends it just keeps going a bit and flows right through the next verse seamlessly, and this time if you listen there's a whisper repeating everything Dustin sings (something I hadn't noticed until now, but that's really cool and eerie-sounding). The song sounds almost like a celebration of everything, but in a sad way (sort of like a funeral, although it's an odd comparison). The song fades out and if you listen you can actually hear some inspiration from ColdPlay in there just in the way it fades out.

And then it's done, and you hardly notice it. The album is very fluent and while the structure seems almost repetitious in reading it, if you listen to it you don't really notice. Needless to say it's the band's most ambitious album yet, and you really do need to listen to it with an open mind. Don't skip a song because you don't like how it starts. I did that to Atlantic at first because at the time I just wanted to listen to something heavy, and now it's pretty much my favorite song by the band over their whole career. The album is definitely a success, and worth the listen.]]> Music Reviews http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=191 Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:58:28 -0600 <![CDATA[]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=186
Instrument of choice?
-- poll results --
]]> Sabatos Music Poll http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=186 Tue, 15 Nov 2005 11:48:05 -0600 <![CDATA[ Thrice]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=183 Label: Island Records
Band Website: Thrice.net
Music: myspace.com/thrice
Genre: Hard to say... we'll just call it mainly melodic hardcore/punk with some other stuff in there too.

So I've been slacking a bit lately. But I mean, it's not entirely my fault. I've been up and around and just generally really busy. And so have these guys. Between constant touring and writing a new CD that would throw anyone who thought these guys were strictly heavy off, they've had about as much free time as me... probably even less.

Thrice is a 4-piece band from Irvine, California, consisting of Dustin Kensrue (vocals/guitar), Teppei Terranishi (Guitar/keyboard/synth/backing vocals), Eddie Beckenridge (Bass, backing vocals), and Riley Beckenridge (Drums/Percussion). The band started in 2000 when Dustin and Teppei tried forming a band in high school. Teppei happened to know Eddie from skateboarding, and when they talked he discovered Eddie was a bass player and they quickly signed him on. However, they still needed a drummer, so Eddie's older brother Riley volunteered to jam with them until they found a permanent drummer. He never did leave.

But the story is so much more than just that. Thrice isn't one of those bands that just made it like that because they sounded great, but they aren't one of the bands that struggled heavily because they sucked. Rather, they fell somewhere between. The music itself was very original, and very skillfully crafted, mixing heavy screams and wonderful melodies all into the same song. They were heavy, but at the same time they were melodic, and that's what the record companies didn't like. They didn't see it as "hit" material, because it couldn't really be classified into any one category. When the band first started they took a loan from Dustin's dad for studio time and recorded and self-produced an EP entitled "First Impressions". They carried them in their vehicles and went around the local area playing shows. Their first show being at their high school, where (according to the DVD "If We Could Only See Us Now") those who remember the show admit that they weren't really that good. The music was good but there was no stage presence. But that can only come with experience.

After playing a few shows and sending out their EP they got many a letter back from record companies saying that they didn't think the music was what they were after. The companies insisted that the band can be heavy or melodic -- not both. However, there was one label that dared to give the band a chance - Sub City. Their only condition was that their policy was to donate a portion of all profit to a charity of the band's choice (which obviously cuts into the band's income). Thrice willingly agreed and on March 6, 2001 they released their debut album "Identity Crisis". The album was mainly heavy but there were still the heartfelt melodies behind Dustin's insightful lyrics and incredible vocal range, mixed in with Teppei's mastery of guitar, Eddie's guitar-inspired bass technique (Eddie was previously a guitar player before switching to bass) and Riley's speed on the drums. As a side note I should mention that one of the things that really makes Thrice's music interesting is that they frequently switch time signatures mid-song, which mixes things up a bit. Rarely do they keep the same time signature through an entire song. Just some interesting info there.

So the band went on tour to promote the album and started to build a fan base. This is when their site Thrice.net went online for the first time (if you care).

After some heavy touring, the band went back into the studio in late 2001/early 2002 to write and record their follow-up album "The Illusion of Safety". This album has previously been regarded as one of their best, because they took their time and without pressure they recorded music that they loved... not music they felt they had to write. This will be explained a little later on. Needless to say, the album was a hit, and Thrice went on a headlining tour again, and also stopped in to play on parts of the Warped Tour. This album featured more focused singing, more variation of singing/screaming, better melodies, as well as generally heavier music and more skillful musicianship. The lyrics were deep and meaningful and at the same time catchy. They released music videos for "Betrayal is a Symptom" and "Deadbolt", although they never really made it mainstream. But that's OK, because the record was intense.

At this stage, it came time for Thrice to go into contract negotiations again, and this time they were approached by the major label Island Records. They offered Thrice a contract they really couldn't turn down, and this time Thrice's condition for signing was that Island had to be willing to donate a percentage of profits from their records to a charity of the band's choice. Island agreed to this and Thrice moved into the big-leagues. However, it wasn't all wonderful.

Island couldn't very well profit from Thrice's previous record... they wanted something new, and they wanted it ASAP. So Thrice rushed into the studio and began working away to meet the deadline for their first major-label record "The Artist In The Ambulance". The result was a good record... it had their trademark blend of screaming and melodies, but there was a certain rigid feel to it. The music didn't seem as natural or smooth as previous records. They wrote music that was good, but it wasn't even up to their standards, and Thrice consider the album their worst of the 3 for that simple fact. If you even read through the lyrics and even some of the song names and really think about it, you can see that Thrice even wrote around the fact that they were rushed, mind you it's kind of hidden within the song. This album was followed with a year of straight touring promoting the new album, another stop on the Warped Tour bus, and even an international tour to the UK, Australia, Japan, and other areas over there (where they mention on their DVD "If We Could Only See Us Now" that the people there were allot more honest about the new record and told them straight up it wasn't really that great). After all the touring was over, it was break time for the band so they could see their families and be apart for a few months. During this time each did their own thing and wrote beats, arrangements... a lot of rough ideas to bring with them to the next band practice where they would sit and work on their next album, with no pressure on them at all. During this time Dustin did some acoustic shows, the band got together for Coachella and some other smaller shows, but they mostly just relaxed. And then toward the end of 2004 they announced that they would be back in the studio to begin work on a new album.

This time it was an incredibly lengthy process, and a very experimental one. The band had no rules, no deadlines, no pressure, and they took full advantage. They spent the better part of a year and a half writing, re-writing, re-arranging and recording the album that would eventually be known as "Vheissu", and even released a DVD/CD entitled "If We Could Only See Us Now" (but you knew that already, right?), which featured live versions of some songs (some of which varied from the originals... i.e.: "So Strange I Remember You") and a full biography and history of the band and how they got where they are now.

Finally, on October 18, 2005, "Vheissu" was released to the public, and people swarmed. There were pre-orders here and there, and when I went to pick up my copy it was the last one in the store, and it was only noon, so that says something. However, while the album was generally taken really well, a lot of people were also confused at the sound. It was unlike anything they'd ever heard before. Instead of being heavy throughout, it varied greatly. There were songs like "Image of the Invisible" which rock hard and feature a message of discovering self-worth, and then songs like "Atlantic" that are slow and beautiful and not really that heavy. The other difference is that Thrice went beyond guitars and a drum kit. Teppei brought out his keyboard/synthesizer, and the band members played instruments like the Rhodes, bass Rhodes, and many others. This made for a very, well, beautiful album. The lyrics were deep and meaningful, the melodies were beyond that of anything the band had previously achieved and yes, there was still the heavy stuff on there, as well as the "punk"-ish stuff. This is an album similar to their first in that it flowed and felt natural and heartfelt, but it differs in that they've reached a level of musicianship that can only come with time and musical maturity... something they've most definitely achieved in their roughly five years as a band. Here's to many more ahead.

If you're interested in hearing music, Thrice.net has some up there from their older records, and their myspace page has most of the new record on their for you to listen to. They come highly recommended in my books. ]]> Band of the Moment http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=183 Tue, 15 Nov 2005 11:37:04 -0600 <![CDATA[ Slacking]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=172 Hey there everyone. Figured I'd let you know that yes, I have been slacking. Well, actually I've been really busy working two jobs and trying to keep up with school. However, soon I've got a bunch of new stuff coming. I've got two new CDs to review, another "Band of the Moment" (plus more backlogged, for different months or weeks), and a concert review. So take that. I'm not completely lazy. I just procrastinate.

That is all.No, really. That's all I got. Sorry to let you down.]]> music news http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=172 Sun, 16 Oct 2005 12:48:11 -0500 <![CDATA[ Foo Fighters + Weezer = Foozer/Weez Fighters Tour]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=147 "FOO FIGHTERS and WEEZER have confirmed details of their upcoming joint US tour.

The bands will head out for the trek in September, with further support coming from Kaiser Chiefs.

So far following dates have been confirmed:

Atlanta Gwinnett Arena (September 8)
Sunrise Office Depot Center (10)
Tampa St Petersburg Times Forum (11)
Houston Woodlands Arena (13)
Austin Frank Erwin Center (14)
Dallas Smirnoff Center (15)

Additional cities and exact dates will be announced shortly, but weezer.com has revealed the jaunt will also hit San Diego, Phoenix, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Champaign, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Baltimore, Worcester, New York, Philadelphia, Fresno, Seattle and Portland."
Source: NME.com

If you're into either one of these bands, check it out for sure. If they came to Canada I'd see it. I'm a big Foo Fighters fan, and Weezer isn't bad either. The two together would surely be one hell of a show.

P.S.: I think the tour name is officially the most retarded thing ever... but I didn't come up with it, I just pulled it off Weezer.com]]> music news http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=147 Tue, 26 Jul 2005 23:27:04 -0500 <![CDATA[Saosin]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=145 Label: Capitol Records
Band website: www.saosin.com
Music: www.myspace.com/saosin
Genre: Alternative/Hardcore/Rock --- A little of everything

"Originality? What's that?" - The hidden message behind many a band's records and music as they constantly reproduce what's already been done. Rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, drums, singer (who more often than not is the rhythm guitarist or the bassist). It's a tried-and-true formula for today's rock scene. For the current "Band of the Moment" I bring you something a little different. They call themselves Saosin. I call them incredible.Saosin is actually a relatively new band, only a couple years old, and their current lineup has only existed for a few months. Yet, they create music with harmonies and arrangements that just blow the mind, and have caught the attention of Capitol Records already. Here we have more than just guys on instruments. We have true musicians and sound freaks. Their first album, "Translating the Name EP" was entirely self-recorded, mixed, and produced. They distributed through their website and at shows -- where the crowds and venues were becoming exponentially larger. The original lineup (Anthony Green on Vocals, Beau Burchell on guitar/vocals, Justin Shekoski on guitar/vocals, Chris Sorenson on Bass and Pat [Don't know the last name] on drums) wrote and recorded their own EP, entitled "Translating the Name". It was a solid piece of work, and people were more than interested. The band suddenly jumped from small venues to Warped Tour last year, and continued hitting the big stages. At some point Pat left the band, and Alex Rodriguez stepped up to replace him. Fans of Saosin argue the fact that Alex is at least as good as Pat, if not better, while others insist Pat was superior. Little does it matter, both drummers are incredible talented, and it shows in the music. The new lineup re-recorded "Translating the Name", and still re-produce it from time to time to sell at shows.

Needless to say, though, the band was taking off and was unstoppable. And really, who would be crazy enough to want to stop such a great machine?

The answer is Anthony Green. Anthony just wasn't getting into the music so much anymore. He wanted more control over it, and in early 2004 Green conveniently scheduled getting his wisdom teeth out so that he could go back home to Philidelphia and hang out for a bit, maybe see about starting something else. Alot happened, and during a transfer flight in Pheonix on his way back to California to return to Saosin, he had a change of heart and went back home. There he started the barebones of a band now known as Circa Survive. It's a different story though.

So what about Saosin? This band was moving with such force and was mid-tour when Green called and said he won't be coming back. Would they just call it quits?

Hardly. For the remainder of the tour singers from other bands performed with Saosin to fill Green's spot, and Beau took over alot of the vocal duties as well. But they couldn't in their right minds just give up the dream. Instead, they began the search for a new frontman.

Cove Reber was their answer. He was a powerful singer and a great performer, and was more than happy to join the band. The details of how it happened are, as of now, unknown to most. However, we do know that once Cove joined the band, they began work on what they call the "Warped Tour EP". This 5-song demo demonstrates a more musically-mature Saosin. The guitarwork is more intricate, the vocals are more understandable, there's more double-bass, and there's no screaming. However, it is still all entirely self-recorded, mixed, and produced, so the band maintains its control over the quality of the record. And from these boys, you can expect nothing less than amazing.

So here it is again. Time for Warped Tour '05, and Saosin is once again on the bill (They also played "The Taste of Chaos" earlier this year) and ready to rock out hard. If you've never heard them, take a listen. I guarantee it's no waste of time.]]> Band of the Moment http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=145 Fri, 22 Jul 2005 23:14:00 -0500 <![CDATA[Foo Fighters - In Your Honor]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=89 Title: In Your Honor (two-disc album)
Release Date: June 14, 2005
Label: RCA
Producer: Nick Raskulineez and Foo Fighters
Website: www.foofighters.com

Even with two CDs, the Foo Fighters still leave you wanting more.
That's right. The Foo Fighters have done something fairly original in releasing a two-disc album -- in case you can't do math, that's two full-length albums slapped together in a single pretty-looking package. Now, when you hear a band is doing something like this, one (or both) of two thoughts should be running through your head: 1) The band is going downhill and this is a big money grab, or 2) There's too much music here and it'll be boring. Dismiss those thoughts immediately, because it's entirely untrue.
The Foo Fighters are stronger than ever, and their new album is more of them just jamming and making music for the fun and love of the art, and this shows through in the album. The guitar work, while not overly difficult, is catchy like their old stuff, but at the same time is new enough to keep you hooked from the first chords to the last verse.

Here's how they did it: The first CD is pure rock, free of the sub-genres that are all over music today. The material is new and powerful, but at the same time it reminds me very much of their 1997 release "The Color and the Shape" (which by the way was also a killer album). It starts off sort of mellowed out a little and builds up. From their the songs progress and build up, then wind down a little bit toward the end of the last song. The reason? Well, it wouldn't make sense to go from super-fast rock to straight acoustic now, would it? That's right, the second CD is pure acoustic, and by that they don't mean acoustic versions of songs. These are fresh acoustic songs done mostly just by Dave, it would seem. Either way, they're really touching songs.

So here's the big picture: The mixing is done extremely well. The guy who's in charge of that (different person on each CD) should be proud. The vocals and instrumentals all come together really well, and it's really refreshing to hear straight rock again, because apparently it became extinct after the 90's ended.

I guess that's all I really have to say. Go out and buy this CD, because it is so definitely worth whatever money you'll spend on it.]]> Music Reviews http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=89 Sun, 26 Jun 2005 21:30:36 -0500 <![CDATA[Weezer - Make Believe]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=66 Title: Make Believe
Release Date: May 10, 2005
Label: Geffen Records (USA)
Producer: Rick Rubin
Site: weezer.com

Weezer "Make Believes" they are back in the 80's with their latest effort.
There, I said it. And I must say it again to get it out of my system. This entire album is some sort of nerd rock time machine that magically transported the early 80's sound into my living room! I had to double check the producer credits twice since most of the tracks seem inspired by Rick Ocasek and the sounds he created with The Cars. Now don't get me wrong; I like the album. I'm just going out of my way to say that this album could be used for the next installment of "I Love The 80's: Voltron Assemble", or what not!We start things out with a nice little diddy called "Beverly Hills". It's catchy enough to hook the casual listener, but has enough sarcasm to please any long term fan. My only concern on this track was in it's placement on the album. Back in the day, record companies hid the hit songs in the middle of the album. But with "Make Believe" the best shot of a single is BOOM, right up front! It's like playing Battleship with all of your ship's positions showing!! Whats the deal Rick Rubin??

"Perfect Situation" follows up next and shows us exactly what we have come to expect from "Team Weezer" album after album. (Heres hoping that Rivers gets his shyness issues all worked out by their next release!)

The Rest of the Album
Now that the pesky 00's era music is out of the way, we can get down to some classic 80's goodness! "This Is Such A Pity" (I had nightmare visions of cheesy video production effects!)
"Hold Me" (Almost, ALMOST, not 80's enough!)
"Peace" (Forgettable)
"We Are All On Drugs" (Guys in thin ties should not use drugs.)
"The Damage In Your Heart" (Yuck)
"Pardon Me" (Alan Parsons Project meets sad children in dark clothes.)
"My Best Friend" (Quasi punk with just a hint of retro love.)
"The Other Way" (Confusing)
"Freak Me Out" (Hey, lets get a laser disk and watch the Black Stallion!)
"Haunt You Every Day" (It's the last song!)


The Good
"Beverly Hills"
Well developed lyrics.

The Bad
SUPER HAPPY FUN 80's REVIVAL TIME!!!

The Score
6 out of 10]]> Music Reviews http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=66 Tue, 21 Jun 2005 00:50:22 -0500 <![CDATA[ Holy crap, we're back!]]> http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=60
Anyway, this section is new to Sabatos, as I don't believe we've ever really covered music at all, and apparently I'm the most musically-inclined person here, so here I am. Basically the game-plan is to cover bands both locally and just the lesser-known but still awesome bands.

In other news, this section is up just in time for the summer, because that means we've got Edgefest (Canadian-only tour) and Warped Tour to look forward to this summer. I myself intend on hitting up the Warped Tour (http://www.warpedtour.com), and funds permitting Edgefest (http://www.warpedtour.com). Of course, coverage will follow. Expect full reviews of the tour and the bands involved.

Anyway, I'll leave you to explore what we've got here.]]> music news http://sabatos.net/music.phpindex.php?itemid=60 Mon, 13 Jun 2005 22:03:59 -0500