I don't really know what to say other than this album is so good. Easily lives up the the standard set by the first one and somehow manages to take it to another level. These two have tapped into something powerful.
What a perfect, touching tribute to Oderus. I know it is easy to dismiss Gwar as a novelty but they have always been seriously dedicated to their craft and they put more effort into their covers for the A.V. club than some bands put into their proper albums. Respect.
I'm with you on this one. I'll be the first to admit that I enjoy a good mashup now and then. I'll even go so far as to say that a couple of these tracks have their moments but there are so many elements that just don't work or feel very lazy. The chopped vocal edits feel clunky and there seems to be little attempt to make the verses and choruses flow in any logical way. I tried to give this a chance but I could only think about how much better this could have been if some more thought and effort were put into it.
Huh, this isn't really inflammatory or provacative or even offensive. Just kind of a reasonable opinion on the situation and a wish that things work out. Come on Wayne, you're better than this.
Hell Yes! What a great song! This is a band I miss so much. I moved to Portland shortly after Dig Me Out was released and I saw them every chance I got but it was never enough. Whatever they decide to do is just fine by me but a new album and perhaps a chance to see them live again would be a dream come true.
I thought the same thing. I was also reminded of The Promise by When In Rome for some reason. It has a bit of an 80's vibe. This song sounds like about 10 other songs. I guess that makes sense if it is the most indicative of the album as a whole.
Oh, lists. I've been a fan since the early years and while I think Richard D. James Album is probably his greatest work I go back to SAW II and I Care Because You Do the most now. As much as I love SAW 85-92, it never feels cohesive to me and I rarely listen to it all the way through. Interesting choice for #1. I would have put Drukqs and The Tuss ahead of Surfing though. What a discography!
Thanks Spenny. It is just that, a deflection. I'm sure M.K. knew he was being offensive and he did it on purpose. Anyone, including M.G., has a right to then be offended and call him out. That is what free speech is all about. People crying political correctness don't want to engage in a discussion about why something might be offensive or hurtful, they just want you to stop expressing your opinion and feel bad about doing so in the first place.
The whole concept of political correctness is bullshit. PC is a meaningless term invented by politicians and the media to make people feel bad about being thoughtful and considerate with their words. In a country founded (in multiple ways) on a system where some humans are worth less than others, the whole idea of being "politically correct" was created as a way to shame anyone that questioned this dynamic. Freedom of speech is very important to me but it does not mean you can say whatever you want and be free from the consequences. If you want to offend people then fine, but don't be purposely offensive and then get upset when people are offended.
Well put. I also think that partially because of all this access fans tend to start expecting too much from artists. We expect artists to take huge artistic risks with their (very personal) work and open themselves up to endless scrutiny and criticism. Then when we like what they have done (or even if we don't), the expectation is that they are nice, gracious people at all times. Many artists are forced to live in a world that they might not really feel a part of.
It must be exhausting for a guy who has been around as long as Kozelek to take these chances and not feel some resentment somewhere. As far as I can tell the guy has always been a pretty depressed/sad/negative dude and having your pain on display for all to see for so long is bound to have some repercussions. In the current media environment not only is your art open to scrutiny but almost everything you say or do is too.
This thing is sounding so good! It is even heavy streaming from my computer. Easily ranks among their greatest work. Can't wait to listen to this properly. I feel like I have been saying this every year for the past few years now but what a great year for heavy music.
Shellac is always on point. For me there is no point in ranking their albums, there is not a misstep in the bunch. I do see this new one having the potential to be a favorite for a lot of people because it is so consistent and there are no real patience testing or "too weird" songs. Fucking Gary! I also like that I get to hear a record that has not already had a million words written about it before it is even released.
Bubble & Scrape is my favorite too but I agree that Bakesale is more coherent and an easier listen. So many great songs here. I still find it impossible to see how this got ranked below Harmacy but great write up.
Thanks for this. Being a mental health professional myself, it is nice to see stories like this being shared with a wider audience. Along with music, helping people with mental health needs is one of my passions. It is nice to see someone who played on one of my favorite records this year sharing their story and helping to reduce the stigma around these issues.
I just got it today and have only listened to it 1 1/2 times but so far I agree with the use of the word soft. Sorrow and Extinction had more of an edge to it (which I like) and this new one does seem smoother. The songwriting is amazing and the intricacies and variation of the guitar work are interesting. It is still heavy for sure but like a 1000 pound raincloud, not a giant boulder. I still think it is a grower and I'm not ready to say it is better than Sorrow quite yet but I am not disappointed. Yeah Pallbearer.
I'm also really excited for the new Ty Segall record next week. The hits just keep coming.
A million thumbs up. I somehow missed the bonus Analord tracks from 2009. Thank you so much! I actually really love almost all that Analord stuff and probably listen to it as much as any other Aphex music if not more. So excited there is more out there.
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