TrekBBS vs. the Music

[Alidar Jarok]

OK, shameless bump

Stone Roses - Love Spreads
Wow, very cool song (first time I've heard it). The song actually has a very grungy feel, which isn't something that would come to mind with the Stone Roses. It sounds a lot like a psychedelic song that would fit in well with Jimi Hendrix, but it also reminds me a lot of Screaming Trees for some reason. 5/5

Hole - Awful
I was hesitant to review your picks because I don't think I can give this one a fair review. I'm not sure why, I'll defend Courtney Love in the context of Kurt Cobain against the most viscious critics, but when it comes to personal feelings, I end up feeling almost exactly the same way as them (except I don't think she killed Cobain, that's just ridiculous). But, in the spirit of shamelessly bumping this thread, I'll do my best at a fair review.
It's catchy. It actually reminds me of Kiss in that it's basically a catchy pop song in a straight forward rock style. The song itself is pretty good. 3/5

Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy
One of my favorite songs. I get excited just when I hear the opening notes. I love the lyrics, the sentiments, the guitar tone, the catchy chorus, ok I'll stop. 5/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdlqjiQPAc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdz5kCaCRFM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BblV6AQsd2s

I think if this dies again, we'll have to give up. But enjoy these songs if you want

 

[Count Zero]

None of the videos works for me, must be a new record.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

I was afraid of that. Attempt two:

Song one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAXnEI6-4ag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxchknh8FSo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NU4USeHkq8

Song two (not to be confused with the Blur song ):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arUpcpRR568
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ36xmNHCvs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHzdoxlNvNQ

Song three:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7mZkt4bP5I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxAF45ua0c4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys6w6ArKts4

 

[J.T.B.]

I love talking music but I really haven't had time to do this properly. But I've enjoyed reading the thread so I'll try and help it not to die! The links all worked for me first time.

"Low" by Cracker.
Saw these guys a few times, they were good shows. The song always reminds me a little of my disappointment that I wouldn't get to see Camper Van Beethoven again, but it was also fun to see somebody like that get some mainstream attention. The song is solid; and if it sounds a little formulaic in an early '90s alternative way, as I recall it didn't at the time. And I'm often a sucker for a heavy humbucker sound over a bed of acoustics. Love the slide in the latter part and the whimper of an ending. 4/5.

"The Hook" by Blues Traveler.
A nice jam-ish groove and vocal, they're good players and I like the sentiments of the song. But the rhythm section is a little show-offy for my taste, and the lyrics are wordy and oblique. And they completely lose me, as they always do, when Popper starts blowing that harp. I know he can play a lot of notes fast, but something more melodic and feeling goes a lot further with me. And the "rap" part seems designed just to cram in more words. I was surprised to see the late Ken Ober in the video. 2/5.

"Swing Life Away" by Rise Against.
With all the moping young adult acoustic songs in the world, it would have to be something really special to stand out. And it doesn't, but it's not bad, either. 3/5.

And now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcWxWYXYXBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZK2t1YnDPs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxOMSy8hJo

 

[Jetfire]

And now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcWxWYXYXBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZK2t1YnDPs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxOMSy8hJo

-The Untouchables "Free Yourself"

Never heard before. Very 80's...pretty good...might check out more. 8/10.

-Booker T & The MG's "Boot Leg"

Never heard before. Very funky. Might check out more. 7/10.

-Merle Haggard "Silver Wings"

Never heard before...heard Merle before...I like some country...not a fan. 6/10.

Mine...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDFIFfsqWIs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQnvHuzahP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzu3Ihyq50c

( I love all 3 of these songs )

 

[PKTrekGirl]

OK, shameless bump

I have no problem with that. I'd have done it myself except I'd have been reviewing my own songs.

Hole - Awful
I was hesitant to review your picks because I don't think I can give this one a fair review. I'm not sure why, I'll defend Courtney Love in the context of Kurt Cobain against the most viscious critics, but when it comes to personal feelings, I end up feeling almost exactly the same way as them (except I don't think she killed Cobain, that's just ridiculous). But, in the spirit of shamelessly bumping this thread, I'll do my best at a fair review.
It's catchy. It actually reminds me of Kiss in that it's basically a catchy pop song in a straight forward rock style. The song itself is pretty good. 3/5

Well, I'm the first one to admit that Courtney was (and likely still is) more than a bit 'unstable'. But then, Kurt was no saintly picture of stability either - he was a heroin addict from a difficult background who was prone to severe depression and painful medical problems his entire life. His troubles didn't just start when Courtney showed up.

Now, I do think their mutual craziness and tendency toward paranoia sort of fed off of each other and caused them to circle the crazy-wagons even tighter, and that did neither of them one bit of good. But a lot of people blame Courtney for everything, like Kurt Cobain was some kind of saint, when he really wasn't. The drugs, the fame, the money, the drama...it was just out of control. And it would have been out of control with or without Courtney.

That said, I HATED Hole back at the time all that drama was going on - roughly in the year or two on either side of Kurt's death. The thing I had always loved about grunge was that it was all about the music and alot less about egos...but Kurt & Courtney changed all of that with their interjection of a big fat dose of Rock Star Drama into what otherwise was a reasonably friendly and supportive Seattle music scene. Very disappointing.

Because of all the Rock Star Drama around those two, I actually sort of lost interest in Nirvana...and never really gave Hole a chance. It was only much later that I listened to a few Hole tunes and went 'You know - Courtney is pretty damned talented! Still wacky as HELL...but talented!"

So don't feel bad...it took ME a while to give her a chance, even though as a woman, I should have been more likely to give her that chance. I mean, she was able to do what not many women have succeeded at doing - becoming a rock star at the 'hard rock/grunge' end of the spectrum - NOT a pop star, but a ROCK star! Which is really pretty cool.

Now that we are well distant from the mid 90's, it's alot easier to listen to Hole a bit more objectively. In '94, I think it was impossible to be objective about Hole. People either loved Hole because Courtney was Kurt's wife...or hated Hole...because Courtney was Kurt's wife.

Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy
One of my favorite songs. I get excited just when I hear the opening notes. I love the lyrics, the sentiments, the guitar tone, the catchy chorus, ok I'll stop. 5/5

This, for me, is one of those songs that is guaranteed to get a bump in volume. It's just so doggone fun to listen to.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

^ Well, I was 7 when Kurt Cobain died, so I really shouldn't have any excuse. I think inhereted it with all the other baggage (good or bad) that comes with discovering Nirvana. The one thing that caused me to soften my stance on her as a person was Cobain's linernotes in Incesticide, that made me actually take a step back and consider their relationship as I would anybody else's (i.e., it's none of my damn business).

Anyway, on to Jetfire's songs. Apologies in advance:

Ghostface Killah ft Mary J Blige - All That I Got Is You
I like Wu-Tang. That being said, this is not at all what I expected I understand what he was going for with the sentiment of the song and the style going with it, but I don't think it really worked. The sample, accompaniment, or whatever the fuck is in the background is way too soapy and melodramatic for my tastes. The delivery isn't all that great either. For a subtle, quiet song, I would have expected an easier delivery, but even that seems strained. Also, Mary J Blige, holy fuck. 1/5 (and I'm tempted to drop that to a zero. I nearly turned it off before it finished).

Metallica - 2x4
I don't even know if I can properly review this because nails on a chalkboard sound better than the last song. Load-era Metallica always bugged me because it's such a disappointment compared to pre-Load Metallica (they changed their style, which they pulled off in the Black Album, but not after). It strikes me that every song plays it safe. That chugging riff continues and continues. That being said, there's nothing wrong with this song either. Right at the end, it picked up slightly and I could feel what almost resembles energy. Out of curiosity, why did you pick this song and not King Nothing, which is the better known song (I also think the middle part of that song at breaks things up a bit to keep you on your toes). 3/5

Mindy Smith - One Moment More
Really slow and quiet. Nothing in the song does much for me. I suppose its peaceful. 2/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFyv6Y2J9Lw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTjfl0yhyRk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEoYKYA9oHE

Third one is just for fun.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

^ Oh my! I have just fallen head over heals in love with The Foo Fighters. I give that last one 20 out of 5 stars. I never thought I'd ever see that song covered by ANYONE! I mean, there was only one person on earth gutsy enough to sing it the first time!

Way to go, Foo Fighters! And they did it some reasonable justice, too. And I say that as a HUGE fan of the original performer of that tune.

If I have time to find 3 songs, I might get around to actually doing a review for real...but that last one - that there is some seriously epic WIN!

 

[PKTrekGirl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFyv6Y2J9Lw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTjfl0yhyRk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEoYKYA9oHE

Third one is just for fun.

1. The Toadies - Possum Kingdom
This is a pretty good song. I've heard these guys before, and have not been inspired to buy any of their records, because to me, they sound alot like many other late-grunge/post-grunge alt rock bands. But this tune (which I think might be their most successful outing) is catchy and a nice change of pace. Still won't buy their records..but the song is pretty good. 3/5

2. Husker Du - Pink Turns to Blue
Like these guys, and like this song. Heard before and was happy to hear again. This particular song doesn't sound as punkish as some of their other efforts, but I'm good with that. I like it. Not my favorite song of theirs (that would probably be Don't Wanna Know if You Are Lonely), but a good effort, nonetheless. 4/5

3. The Foo Fighters - Darling Nikki
This right here is the most awesome thing ever posted in this entire thread! Hands down - nothing even close!

As I said in my post in shock & awe, I have been a Prince fan for a VERY long time, and never in a billion years would I have expected anyone to ever have the guts to cover this song. Partly because of the lyrics (which are..well, one of Prince's more risque efforts - and that's saying a LOT, since most of Prince's songs are risque efforts! ) and partly because to take on the task of covering anything that Prince does and even have a glimmer of a hope of doing it justice takes a massive amount of balls.

In this case, not only did The Foo Fighters muster the guts to do it, but they actually did a damned good job. I mean, they are no Prince. But they really did a surprisingly good job. I have always been kind of medium-meh on Foo Fighters, but now I'm stoked to see what other mischief they have been up to. 20/5 and all 'round epic WIN!

For anyone who would like to compare this hugely impressive cover to the original:

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XmxijQfMow[/yt]

Even after 25 years, guaranteed to require any female watching it to need a cold shower. Wow!


My picks (which I admittedly pulled together quickly, just so I could review The Foo Fighters , which, did I mention lately that I LOVE??? ):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmvG2GZ3S7o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhvLh8bG6Hg&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFWFhTFohk&feature=relmfu

 

[Gov Kodos]

Jane's Addiction- Three Days
A fantastically multi-layered song that is great fun to listen to.

Sonic Youth- The Empty Page
A very good song for a contemplative mood, reminds me of Velvet Underground off the top of my head.

Band of Horses- The Funeral
Another contemplative track which is enjoyable, but I prefer the Sonic Youth piece above.

All interesting and fun bands for a first time listener like me. Now some old codger stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwzaifhSw2c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ0onxQIY_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JjxpGpKNR4

 

[Jetfire]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwzaifhSw2c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ0onxQIY_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JjxpGpKNR4

-Velvet Underground "Venus In Furs"

Never heard before. This song was kinda strange and dragged a little...not really my type of music. 6/10.

-Jorma Kaukonen & Jack Casady(Hot Tuna) "Mann's Fate"

Never heard before. Not really my type of music...I don't listen to alot of stuff from the 60's or 70's. It wasn't too bad. 7/10.

-Credence Clearwater Revival "Cottonfields"

Never heard before. Not my thing. 6/10.

Maybe someone else would appreciate these better...I just don't like music from the 60's/70's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecq_l3x-Teo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNSLfA5Uo9M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWjzBHUdsI

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Sorry it took me a few days to get back to this thread...but I did get your message, Jetfire! I had just assumed the thread had gone on without me. Anyway, hope this works! Cus I really have enjoyed this thread - this has been a lot of fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecq_l3x-Teo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNSLfA5Uo9M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWjzBHUdsI

1. Naked Raygun - Soldier's Requiem

Humm...well, to me (and based solely on this song, since I'd not heard them before) they sound like a poor man's Husker Du. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, because I like Husker Du and am of the opinion that the world would be a better place with more bands like them. But I just wasn't feeling the passion that a punk band should have when I listened to these guys.

I like the genre, and the song was decent. But it felt sort of uninspired. And punk is a genre that needs to make you FEEL something. I would listen to more of these guys, just because I like the genre and would want to give them a fair chance. But as things stood, all this video made me 'feel' was the desire to go find a Husker Du video. 3/5

2. Face to Face A-OK

Another punk band. Hadn't heard these guys, but I liked them. That passion I was talking about on the last video? These guys have it, which makes them alot more interesting, right out of the chute. I would definitely listen to more of these guys. 4/5

3. The Offspring - Self Esteem

Of course I've heard these guys, and this song in particular. These guys, to me, have always been more 'radio friendly' punk with a shot of grunge thrown in. Which is fine, actually. I like punk, and I love grunge...so that makes them pretty easy for me to like.

This song, actually, reminds me of Nirvana, to tell you the truth. Especially the guitar riffs.

Okay...here are a few picks (although I'm starting to have trouble coming up with bands I've not included before that I like - may have to start repeating some bands more):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlHrP4xlbzU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPh8yGUnWog&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuDzfPFqhS8&feature=player_embedded#at=34

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Yeah, it's getting harder to find songs from bands that haven't been mentioned. I'm still trying, though. There are a few left.

Pixies - Where is My Mind
Awesome song. My first introduction to the Pixies (actually, through Fight Club, but still). Obviously, the Pixies were a huge influence to so much of modern music. I just love the bass playing in the background. It keeps things simple, but layered at the same time. It's impossible to get tired of listening to this song. 5/5

Faith No More - Ashes to Ashes
This song is a bit less funky than most of the songs by them that I'm used to. It's a bit more Anthem-y. It also kind of has a Godsmack vibe. I still love the band, but they've done better, so it's hard to give them top marks. 4/5

The Mynabirds - Give it Time
It has a bit of a gospel vibe. Nice song, trying to think who it reminds me of. Overall, not too bad, but not anything to write home about, imo. 3/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfpyoGFJNNE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm38Ojh61lY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJOGq5XTojo

 

[Eyes]

First time I've seen this thread. This sounds exactly what I'd like.

The Flaming Lips - Don't Use Jelly
Never heard of these at all before, and they sound a bit weird. Although it's not exactly my thing, it's catchy enough on first listen. Definitely more a quirky song than anything. 6/10

Tool - Forty Six & 2
Didn't come to me straight away. A lot of songs do that. The chorus, at least I think it's the chorus, sounds a lot better than the rather quiet verses. Probably the only reason they sound quiet is because it's first listen. Out of bands I know, this reminds me most of 30 Seconds to Mars, which is a good thing. Again, never heard of these guys before, but it sounds decent. 7/10

The Smashing Pumpkins - Zero
Out of the three, this one clicks with me best on first listen. It's a lot more emoish, but it sounds catchy enough. Not enough for me to make out any of the words though. 7/10

Hopefully these work. They're all from British bands/singers, so I'm hoping there won't be any cross-country blocking...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X3hDrlc5I4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJeHk1gDT68
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVgEaDemxjc

 

[mimic]

The Flaming Lips - She Don't Use Jelly

It took me forever to remember where I'd heard this. When the girl auditions for Landry's band in Friday Night Lights she sings this.

The Flaming Lips - She Don't Use Jelly

It took me forever to remember where I'd heard this. When the girl auditions for Landry's band in Friday Night Lights she sings this.

The Wombats - Moving to New York
Quite like the bridge, wish the lyrics were a bit more inventive. Enjoyable song.

Mika - Happy Ending
I've listened to the Axis of Awesome "Four Chord Song" enough that when I hear the chorus of this I just want to layer "Forever Young" onto it.

James Black - The Wilhem Scream
I like how the song and the video match. The slight lack of rhythmic and melodic cohesion was interesting, but I kept waiting for it to come together more than it ever did.

Anyway, some youtube musicians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnbry-y7B4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZYV5MvOW3s&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlDwkIm9hvo

 

[Count Zero]

Great idea to post some unknown artists.

Alex Day - Don't Look Back

Never heard of the artist, never heard the song before. I really liked it - a nice quiet song, and it includes an ukulele. I kind of like the sound of that instrument. I also liked the video. They must have done it on a Sunday morning for London to be so empty (I see that in the comments it said Christmas morning). I think I'll check out more of his stuff.


Driftless Pony Club - Legends of Archery

Great video. The song is on the less memorable side, though. Solid rock, with a somewhat catchy tune, but something to listen to on the side, in my opinion.


Hexachordal - Song For The Painfully Indie

Great song, very catchy, funny lyrics and I like the accordeon. I should listen to more of their songs.


All right, here are my songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsutUEspT_c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AK4E0hUB-8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCcVg3b4ZRk (inspired by the ukulele song)

 

[PKTrekGirl]

All right, here are my songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsutUEspT_c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AK4E0hUB-8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCcVg3b4ZRk (inspired by the ukulele song)

1. Jan Delay - www.hitler.de
I'm probably the most wrong person on this board to review a song in German with 'hitler' in the title, since part of my family is Jewish, and the bottom line for me is that that 'person' (and I use the term very loosely, here) is not worthy of a song in any way, shape or form. He should not be worth that much of ANYONE's time or creative energy. It doesn't even matter if it's a pro or an anti song. It's still giving one of the most abominable excuses for humanity who ever lived WAY more airplay than he deserves. And no - I don't even care if it is supposed to be a funny song, when translated. I have no sense of humor about Hitler, nor will I ever. A decidedly UN-funny guy if ever there was one.

Long story short, I'm not gonna rate this one - rather, I'll just recuse myself, if you don't mind.

2. Love - Laughing Stock
Interesting. This song started out sucking huge, but then...just as I was about to give up on them, they started not sucking nearly as badly. Still not a great song or anything...but after things picked up I at least felt like it gained the positive qualities of a) a good beat; and b) lyrics that I could not understand (I generally want to hear lyrics...but based on the lyrics of the early part of the song, which I could make out, it's probably better that I couldn't make out many of the later ones) 2/5

3. Paul McCartney - Something (live, solo, w/ukulele)
Okay. Torn on this one. Never been a big fan of McCartney post-Beatles. But on the other hand, George Harrison was my favorite Beatle and can do no wrong, in my book so I do have that sympathy going in.

Still - don't care for the jazzed-up ukulele version of Something. It just sounds too silly and Tiny Tim-ish, when really, this is a beautiful song - one of the Beatles best.

Note to Paul: YO PAUL! LEAVE THE FUCKING SONG ALONE, PAUL! Don't try to improve on perfection with ukulele nonsense. If you want to play ukulele, pick a Wings song or something. There are plenty of those that already suck and can therefore only be improved upon by the inclusion of a ukulele line, if for no other reason than to give us the impression that you were only kidding when you wrote some of that shit.

A ukulele, for example can only improve upon the following:

Someone's knocking at the door!
Somebody's ringin' the bell!
Someone's knocking at the door!
Somebody's ringin' the bell!
Do me a favor.
Open the door...
and let 'em IIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!!!!



Anyway, 2/5. The '2' being entirely due to the mere mention of the name 'George Harrison'. Paul and his delivery of the actual song get a big fat ZERO.

Okay. My songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbRD-cxiAOI&feature=player_embedded#at=32http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbRD-cxiAOI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDc83CBQUQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kHFXElTVI

 

[Jetfire]

Okay. My songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbRD-cxiAOI&feature=player_embedded#at=32http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbRD-cxiAOI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDc83CBQUQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kHFXElTVI

1. Cursive "From The Hips"

Never heard before. Um I liked the music...hated the vocals & lyrics. 5/10.

2. Satchel "Suffering"

Never heard before. Not bad. Not something I would listen to on a regular basis. 7/10.

3. Porno For Pyros "Tahitian Moon"

Heard before. I am not a fan of this band sorry. 4/10.

Mine...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixskugIPSSQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgkBWZXVLyk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UumkUBRCsF0

 

[Count Zero]

Jesus, PKTrekGirl, relax. You could have just let someone else review my songs if it upset you so much instead of somehow making me look like a dick. It should be self-evident that it's not a pro Hitler song.
I do believe it's important to talk about the Third Reich, also creatively, so that we can understand why it happened (and be more wary in the future) and empathise with the victims.
However, the song is about the ubiquity of Hitler in the media, mostly for the ratings and not for educational purposes.

But whatever, I'm out of here.

By the way, you also missed the point why Paul played 'something' and not a Wings song. It was meant as a tribute to George.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

The one thing about this thread is taste is in the eye of the beholder so people post songs should know that the results could be completely different from what you hoped for. I've had a few of my favorite songs ripped here as well. But it's still great to keep posting them. I certainly don't want this thread turned into a praise-fest. Even when I don't review a song, I'll try and give it a listen. We all have different musical tastes and the more diversity here, the better (even if there's criticism along the way).