The Audio Nut
March 5th, 2005
Welcome to the first part of
March here at The Audio Nut. March is historically known for college basketball,
the end of winter and the death of Caesar. I don’t know if we will be making any
history here at the Audio Nut for March 2005, but I guess you will have to stay
tuned and see. This time I caught up with the band This, Is A Virtue. The
Underground Spotlight is on Quiver of Jasper and also be sure to check out the
Readers Reviews section. If you have any questions, comments or want to submit a
review of a c.d. feel free to e-mail me at anytime.
theaudionut@nutzworld.net
or
jsohn@nutzworld.net
Message Boards Are Up!
Feel free to take a moment or so
to check out and post stuff on the message boards.
This time around we will be doing reviews for c.d.’s
from:
1.Mars Volta
2.Jack Johnson
3.Interpol
4.Thievery Corporation
5.Blindside
6.Deep Purple
7.Quiver of Jasper
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Reviews |
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Mars
Volta
Frances the Mute
2004 Strummer Recordings / Universal Records
Grade: A
http://www.themarsvolta.com
http://www.universalrecords.com
http://www.strummerrecordings.com
http://www.goldstandardlabs.com
Mars
Volta is back and they have released an intensely wild and
insane recording again. Frances the Mute is a trip
into the 70’s style rock mixing in some psychedelic and
sporadic free jazz to make your mind numb and take you
into a musical realm you may have never been in. “The
Widow”, is the first single and is a haunting tune with a
strange video to match.
Some
parts of this recording will make you stop and scratch
your head, wondering ‘what just happened here?’ Other
parts will remind you of bands like Pink Floyd, Led
Zeppelin, Frank Zappa and of course At The Drive-In
(Cedric Baxter-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez are from
the now defunct ATDI).
This
second release from the band is similar to their first
c.d. De-Loused in the Comatorium, but overall is a
better recording. It has better songs and the band seems
to have a better grasp on what they want to accomplish
with their musical efforts.
Fans of
Sparta, ATDI, De Facto or any mind-altering music should
rush out and get this release, because Frances the Mute
could be the album of the year.
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Jack
Johnson
In Between Dreams
2005 Universal Records
Grade: B-
http://www.universalrecords.com
http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com
Looks like Jack Johnson is trying to expand his style and
sound a little on the new disc. I’m not sure if I like it
yet. This is Johnson’s third release and probably not his
strongest. It seems to be a mix of his previous two
releases, On and On 2003 and Brushfire Tails
2002 with a little more upbeat tempos and a little extra
in the instrument department. Maybe that’s where the title
of the record In Between Dreams comes from. Maybe
he’s in between where he’s been and where he is going with
his music.
I think Jack Johnson fans will like the new stuff and if
you are a fan of Dave Matthews, Wilco or any ‘folkie’
singer/ guitar lead bands check out Jack Johnson’s
In Between Dreams.
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Interpol
Antics
2004 Matador Records
Grade: C+
http://www.interpolny.com
http://www.matadorrecords.com
Interpol is yet another band that comes across sounding
like 80’s alternative pop. The past few years have brought
us bands like, Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes and The
Killers, which remind us of bands like Joy Division, The
Cars, and Duran Duran.
I won’t
knock the musical ability of the band or the originality,
but I will say that I’ve heard it all before. “Slow Hands”
and “Evil” are the singles off of the record and the band
is currently touring the U.S. in support of Antics;
their second release on Matador Records. Their first c.d.
Turn on the Bright Lights is a little better and
honestly if the music world wasn’t getting so watered down
with bands that sound like this I probably would like it
better. I will say it is worth a second listen and has a
chance to up its grade from a C+ to a B probably by the
third or fourth listen. If you are a fan of the 80’s pop
resurgence be sure to check out the antics of Interpol, I
think you will like them.
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Thievery Corporation
Cosmic Game
2005 ESL Records
Grade: B
http://www.eslrecords.com
http://www.eslmusic.com/artists/thievery.html
While,
I’m not a huge fan of techno or dance music I must say
that Thievery Corporation has put out a really good disc
here. Cosmic Game has special appearances by The
Flaming Lips and Perry Ferrell (Jane’s Addiction, Porno
for Pyros) and David Byrne (Talking Heads) among others
and is a nice; smooth listen, good for taking the edge off
of your hectic day. “The Revolution Solution” and “The
Cosmic Gate” stand out most to me. Some parts of the
recording make you feel like your floating off in space.
In total there are sixteen songs on here ranging from
Latin style beats to more Jazzy type songs. If you’ve got
the time and feel like getting into the cosmic game I
don’t think you will be disappointed with the results.
It’s worth the listen if you like Chemical Brothers,
Basement Jaxx, Zero 7 or other DJ ‘mix’ style music.
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The Double Dose |
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This time
we get a double dose of the band Blindside
Blindside
About a Burning Fire
2004 Elektra Records
Grade: A
http://www.blindsideonline.com
http://www.elektra.com
About a Burning Fire, is the second
release on Elektra Records from Blindside and it shows the
continuing progression of the band. It is a lot like
Silence with its more radio friendly songs, but it’s
better than the bands ‘big label’ debut. The title track,
“About a Burning Fire”, mixes the older style of the band in
with the newer sound and is one of my favorites on the record.
I also like the songs “Die Buying”, “Roads” and the lead
single “All of Us.”
“Roads”,
has a smooth groove to it with a jazzy little trumpet solo.
“All of Us”, got some decent airplay both on radio and TV.
There is a guest appearance by Billy Corgan (Zwan, Smashing
Pumpkins) who plays guitar on the song “Hooray, It’s L.A.”
Blindside
is currently back at home in Sweden, working on new material
and a DVD that is supposed to be released at some point this
year. Be sure to check them out if you like bands that don’t
sound like a million other bands that are on the radio or MTV.
Blindside
A Thought Crushed My Mind
2000 Solid State Records
Grade: A
http://www.solidstaterecords.com
A
Thought Crushed My Mind doesn’t
really sound like the last two c.d.’s that Blindside released
on Elektra Records. This recording is a raw whirlwind of sonic
fury. Imagine if Salvador Dali was a musician instead of
painter. Now imagine what his music would sound like when
mixed with a dozen cans of Red Bull and you have A Thought
Crushed My Mind. This was the last recording the band did
on Solid State Records before moving up to the big leagues of
the music industry. “Vow of Silence”, starts off the disc and
will give you an idea of what is about to bombard your ears.
“King of the Closet”, “Vow,” and “In the Air of Truth” are all
pick hits. “[Phat Bat 1303]”, is the extra track and is
intended to get your booty to move with it’s looped beats and
catchy rhythm.
Fans of newer Blindside recordings or bands like Norma Jean,
P.O.D., Underoath or any other heavy metal bands should check
this disc out.
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Blast From The Past |
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Deep
Purple
Machine Head
1972
Re-released 1990 Warner Brothers Records
Grade: A
http://www.deeppurple.com.au (official page)
http://www.thehighwaystar.com (cool fan page)
http://www.deep-purple.com (another official site)
http://www.warnerbrothersrecords.com
In 1972
Deep Purple released probably their greatest album to date
with their sixth release Machine Head. Machine Head
featured classics like “Highway Star,” “Lazy” and “Space
Truckin’.” The biggest hit of course was “Smoke on the Water.”
Any person that has ever picked up a guitar or learned how to
play one has at one point learned the riff to “Smoke on the
Water” This recording is full of quality songwriting and
musicianship. Ritchie Blackmore should still be considered as
one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Sure there
are only seven songs on the recording, but you really can’t go
wrong with any of them. Rhino Records re-released this
recording as a 25 year Anniversary disc that has remixed
versions of the songs and an extra track.
The band
started their fourth decade of by releasing another album in
2003 titled, Bananas. Other Deep Purple recordings to
check into include, Fireball (1971), Burn (1974)
and Perfect Strangers (1984). You can find tons
of re-masters and greatest hits for the band and all of their
albums. Go ahead and dig deep into your rock roots it
will be worth the effort.
All of the
above c.d.’s can be bought new or used by going to
http://www.amazon.com,
your local music sellers or at their respective webpages.
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The Underground Spotlight |
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To be
considered for The Underground Spotlight send me an e-mail
with contact information to
jsohn@nutzworld.net
or
theaudionut@nutzworld.net
Quiver
of Jasper
Surly
2004 Unsigned Band
 Grade:
B+
http://www.quiverofjasper.com
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/8/quiverofjasper
http://www.quiverofjasper.iuma.com/
Quiver of
Jasper released this disc in December of 2004 so it’s still
new, and it’s pretty good as well. The band has an eclectic
mix to their songs; there are hints of jazz, reggae, country,
funk, folk and good old rock-n-roll on Surly.
“Michael
Jackson is a FREAK,” seems to be a current theme throughout
the world and is the third song on the disc. There are
fourteen songs total on this release. “Osmosis,” is a live
song and shows that the band sounds as good in concert as they
do in the studio. Some other songs worth noting include
“Five”, “Past Faint”, “DUI Song” and “Day Raves”. Every song
on this recording is just a little bit different than the one
before or after it, which is good because that is giving the
band room to grow and expand their sound whenever they want.
Having two
singers helps make the band stand out from other bands that
may be similar in musical style these days. Overall this is a
pretty good recording from this quartet and I look forward to
hearing more of their music in the future. Check out the bands
web pages for free downloads and information on how to buy
their c.d.’s
Quiver of
Jasper is:
Jack- Guitar and Vocals
Bobby- Guitar and Vocals
Nicholas- Bass
PM Ramey- Drums
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7 Questions With... |
This time we catch up with the
band, This, Is A Virtue.
 Q.
Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. John: I'm John and I am the lead singer and I play some
guitar
Lucas: I am Lucas, and I play guitar
Randy: I’m Randy and I play guitar.
Q. How did you come up with the name, This Is A Virtue?
A. John: Well, actually we were going to be called "Dearest"
at first, but it was taken. Then I remember when I was in High
School I had a teacher that said "Patience is a virtue, posses
it if you can." Well I thought to myself, well this life, and
the music we play is a virtue to us. So I thought how about
This, IS A Virtue? Then I decided well everything can be a
virtue to someone so then I added the comma. I asked the guys
about it and they said sure so it became This, Is A Virtue so
that way anything you want to think of as a virtue is one.
(People leave the comma out a lot)
Lucas: Refer to Johns answer.
Randy: Well, we were really trying to think of a name that is
catchy, but not stupid. John really came up with the name.
Q. You guys just recently came out of the studio. What are
your plans for the songs that you recorded and how can we hear
or get a copy of them?
A. John: We planned to be a surprise to the Cape (Girardeau,
MO) scene. and just come out of nowhere. So we booked a show
in advance and finished the recording so we could have demo's
ready for everyone. you can hear us at
www.myspace.com/thisisavirtue come to our shows or
contact one of us and we will get you a copy of our demo.
Lucas: The plans for the songs were to make us happy, and give
us a feeling of satisfaction. Like we really achieved a goal
as a band. We also wanted a way to get our music out to the
listeners and try and develop a strong following.
Randy: To put it short and sweet, we just want to be heard. We
want everybody to give us a chance. I carry copies of our demo
everywhere I go. You can buy one from us, at our shows, or
just send us an email and we’ll get one to you.
Q. Are there any plans for a tour or any live shows coming
up?
A. John: Relay for Life and Rites of Spring in April. We
are playing at The Enchanted Garden in Cape Girardeau, MO on
March 19th and probably some shows in between. Keep checking
the myspace site.
Lucas: we have a couple shows planned in cape, before we plan
to head west towards Utah, Kansas City, and down south to
Arkansas.
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. John: Wow. Um.. Musically. I would have to say Glassjaw,
Poison The Well, Bel Biv Devo, and um...3rd base ha ha ha
Non-musically: just life in general, learning lessons the hard
way, growing up in a farm town trying to strive not to be the
norm. Pauly
Shore, Mitch Hedburg, George Washington Carver
Lucas: Some of my biggest influences musically are Hopesfall,
and the
Deftones. Both bands managed to take the simplest riffs, and
make them so full of energy and power. I am amazed by every
album both of these bands have created. I don’t consider
myself to be a great guitarist by any means, therefore, I try
to be like these guys, and write simple riffs with as much
emotion and passion as they put into their music
Randy: Hmmm… Musically I would have to go with Glassjaw, and
non-musically I would go with… Fred Sanford.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you
be? Why?
A. John: I think I just answered that. I used to have a
fascination with that explorer Pizzaro because his name was
like pizza, but I think I would have to say, Moses. I would
have liked to have met Jesus.
Lucas: You got me stumped lol
Randy: Dang. Man I really don’t know. Maybe one of the Wright
Brothers, because, I like airplanes and it would be cool to
have invented them.
Q. What are you listening to in you car/home stereo?
A. John: Home- Jimmies Chicken Shack "Pushing the Salmonella
Envelope" and Sepultura "Roots" Car- He Is Legend " I am
Hollywood”
Lucas: Thrice- Illusion of Safety, Driven to Her Death- This
River Runs Red, He is Legend-I am Hollywood
Randy: He is Legend
This, Is A Virtue has a four song demo out right now that you
can get. It’s a pretty good demo and worth a listen. The band
reminds me of bands like Zao, Hatebreed and No Innocent
Victim. Be sure to check out their web pages and see how you
can get a copy of this disc.
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Reader Reviews |
Mary, L. St. Louis, MO
Have you heard of the band Modern Day Zero? They are from St.
Louis and have a cd out called “Coming Up For Air” that is
worth the listen. They are by far my favorite band at the
moment, kind of reminding me of STP/Velvet Revolver. Anyway if
you get the chance to get the cd I say get it, it’s very, very
good.
(Mary, I have heard a little bit of MDZ, but I haven’t
heard the disc yet. I could be wrong, but didn’t they used to
be called Mesh STL, or have some of the members of that band?
Anyway, I will give it a listen and thanks for the email.)
Don’t use my name
I like the featured website thing you do. I have the Internet
at work and a lot of downtime so it gives me something new to
check out. If you like that TobyMac album you should check out
the band Tait. It’s Michael Tait from dcTalk, that dude can
flat out sing and is an amazing songwriter.
(Hey there, don’t use my name; Tait is really good I like
both discs that they have put out. Do you like any of the
music that Kevin Max is doing? Also, I keep hearing that the
dcTalk reunion should be coming around here in the next year.)
Simon, G Portland, OR
What do you think about ‘Head’ from Korn quitting the band and
what do you think will happen to them now? If they record
again I hope it’s not as bad as the greatest hits garbage they
put out. The cover songs on there stink!
(Simon, I read a few news stories about that in the past
week or so. All I can say is that I hope the best for Head and
I know that he is going in a direction that will hopefully
give him some peace and understanding to his life. You can
check out his web page where he talks about what’s going on
with him.
http://www.headtochrist.com.
As far as Korn goes, I know that they are in the studio
recording a new record. I am not sure what their plans are as
far as a new guitarist.
http://www.korn.com)
Thanks to everyone that sent in a review.
If you have anything that you’d like to share with us feel
free to send it to
theaudionut@nutzworld.net |
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Parental Advisory Note:
Artists and/or their record companies place Parental Advisory
and Explicit Lyrics stickers on the recordings. I will note it
next to the title of the recording when it is posted on the
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and therefore may not include the Parental Advisory warning
next to the title. Please take this into consideration when
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Disclaimer:
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stated above are that of J Sohn and The Audio Nut. They are
not the opinions of NutzWorld, EntertainmentNutz or any of the
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unless other wise noted. J Sohn, The Audio Nut, NutzWorld and
EntertainmentNutz are not responsible in any way for the
actions or business practices of the above listed
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