May Music Reviews

It's been a few months since I last did my music reviews. Here's a whole new set of music reviews.

Tool - 10000 Days
Tool fans are generally fanatical. They worship Tool's music as if it were the 2nd coming of Christ. Personally, I tend to ground myself in a bit of reality. I do enjoy Tool's very different style of heavy metal and industrial blends. Overall, I really like this particular CD. I'm one of the blasphemers that likes their newer CD's over their older CD's. I really liked Lateralus and this CD built upon the sound of that last CD. The CD opens with Vicarious (which you may have heard on the radio). Their lyrics are very cynical generally about our society... and tends to reflect problems in our culture. The heavy metal riffs mixed with Maynard's haunting voice really works. There are 3 really boring "soundscape" tracks that is typical of Tool. They are transitional pieces without a lot of interesting beats or anything. My favorite song on the CD has to be track 5, The Pot. Very interesting vocals, good riffs, and very different lyrics. I also really liked the almost demonic sound of Rosetta Stoned. Overall, those who like Lateralus from Tool, will most likely like this CD. I would recommend it.

Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics
I do not know how to describe the Flaming Lips. They are little bit of Pink Floyd, a dash of the Beegees, a pinch of Steely Dan, and even a little bit of an 80's twist. I can't say why I like them... but they are great. They have a very fun sound to them. The opening song, The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song is very catchy. Many of the songs on this CD though are very political in nature. Songs like Free Radicals makes fun of the leaders of the world, especially Bush. Other songs on there "Haven't Got a Clue" and "The Sound of Failure" are pretty political as well. There are some weird experimental tracks like "The W.A.N.D" is pretty different sounding than the rest of the CD... yet has an undeniable Lips sound. Personally, I don't know who to recommend this CD to... as they don't really easily compare to anyone. They are definitely influenced by older styles of music... but they have a unique sound that I just think needs to be heard. I really enjoyed this CD.

David Ford - I Sincerely Apologize for all the Trouble I've Caused
This guy is like an English version of Counting Crows (although a bit more subdued). It's the type of CD you put on when you relaxing on a Sunday afternoon while it is raining out. His voice is quite haunting at times, and it really is expressed in his first song on the CD, "I Don't Care What You Call Me". Then songs like "Cheer Up You Miserable Fuck" are a strangely uplifting. My favorite song is "State of the Union" which is a rant about everything from politics to his life. Overall, the album is a great way to play while relaxing.

The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
I love this CD. I don't know what about it... but I've listened to it like 25 times in the last week. The CD opens with "Steady as She Goes", which is a very catchy song that is a little reminiscent of the White Stripes (although not as dirty sounding)... and considering it's Jack from the White Stripes singing... that's not suprising. "Hands" has a more classic rock song that kind of reminds me of the Led Zeppelin days. "Together" is a ballad that just keeps you swaying back and forth. My favorite song on this CD is "Call it a Day" which is very reminiscent of old Weezer ("The Sweater Song"). "Blue Veins" is a trippy little blues number that the CD closes with. The vocals, the use of the piano, guitars, just build a very strong distinction of a classic blues band. Overall, the CD is one of the best CD's I've heard over the last year. If you like White Stripes pick it up immediately. If you like classic rock... get it now. In fact, stop what you are doing and just pick this up now.