The Essential 80’s Vol. 1-5

Vol. 4

Love Will Tear Us Apart Again [Joy Division]—-With this track, considered the only close to hit release in the US, this band gained a cult following until Ian Curtis’ death. The band went on to become New Order and conquer the world….but this is where it all started. This bleak and dark tome to love never tires on me.

Wishing [A Flock Of Seagulls]—-The second single from the self titled debut release, this was a bit longer than the average radio single…but played in the dance clubs rather well. The sound is so comforting and familiar I just have to sit here and listen to the entire thing again and again. The space age feel is everywhere on this track!

Der Kommissar [Falco]—-The only hit single for Falco in the US [unless you include the oft heard Amadeus], this track was played every where and even covered by the American band After The Fire. I prefer the German version….its more fun to guess the sentiment. This is another track that never wears on me.

I Love Rock And Roll [Joan Jett]—-Branching out on her solo career after the demise of The Runaways, Jett scored a gigantic hit with this harder rock track then we were accustomed to hearing on 80’s radio. This has energy, aggression and you can dance to it. We love Joan!!!

Supersonic [ JJ Fad]—-Not so much a radio hit as a cult classic, play this for your friends and remind them when Electro really started. Not only is the beat incredible but the vocals are fantastic…..the speed these girls manage to twist words by is mind numbing. A true classic 80’s track.

The Breaks [Kurtis Blow]—-I was never familiar with Blow until I heard this on the soundtrack from Def Jam [?]. Blow has a vocal that is distinct and instantly recognizable. I love how he always sounds like he is out of breath when he raps….this is classic old school!

The Roof Is On Fire [Rock Master Scott And The Furious Three]—-Any one familiar with the origins of rap and the beginning of the movement knows all about this track. If you don’t, become familiar with this house rocker!!!

I’m Not Having It [Special K]—-Built on simple beats and relying on the give and take of the vocal flow, this track was overplayed and feels a little bit old for me…..it’s an ok track…but it has been done over and over before.

Just A Friend [Biz Markie]—-There is nothing redeeming about this song…..I just don’t like it or Biz!!!

Jenny/867-5309 [Tommy TuTone]—-The saddest thing about this single was the simple fact that no one considered listening to the rest of this album….which is damn exceptional. This is a bona fide 80’s hit….but TuTone still records and tours….playing this whether he wants to or not.

Situations [Cetu Javu]—-I know a lot about the 80’s decade, but I sure don’t know this song!!! It is poppy and reminds me a bit of Men Without Hats. It has a very distinct British sound….there is no denying it should have been heard much more…..

Funky Cold Medina [Tone-Loc]—-Built on the distinct vocal of Tone, that deep baritone is instantly recognizable. This was more of a 90’s hit….but it is on here despite that. Following a few hit singles, Loc now does voice-overs on cartoons.

Treat ‘Em Right [Chubb Rock]—-1990…..I won’t argue over brass tacks though. The beat is pure NYC…the flow is slick and smooth. Still a whole lot of fun to listen to!!

 

*** out of 5

Cannibal Corpse / Gallery Of Suicide

Gallery of Suicide is the sixth studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse. It was released in 1998 through Metal Blade Records. The album is the second to include George Fisher on vocal duties, and the first album to feature Pat O’Brien on guitars.

The Analysis:

I Will Kill You—-coming out the silence, there is a slight hum that dissolves into the predictable mayhem. George is still perfecting his CC style…but the brutality is nothing less than that. The remarkable thing….you can actually catch some words here and there. Classic!

Disposal Of The Body—-Relentless…..the guitars are freakin incredible on this track. George sounds much more like his current self…delivery line after line of pure puke. The chord changes are incredible….and the speed of the bass is almost inhuman……this is classic stuff!!!!

Sentenced To Death—-Beginning as you would expect, there is a surprising amount of melody to this track. George sounds a bit hoarse on this track…..perhaps that was purposeful? This is incredible fast and the music production is still a bit archaic…but this is Florida Death at it’s best!!!

Blood Drenched—-From the very onset, this is full of a mania that is almost insane. The speed and delivery of the music/vocal makes you just want to grab your skull and scream as loud as you can…this is intense as fuck. you could not ask for more from this band…but we keep getting it anyways!!!! This is fantastic!!!! Whew!!!!

Gallery Of Suicide—-At the onset, you notice the slower pace and the actual melody of the song before the mayhem kicks in and kicks you ass bloody. This is epic…..I love the mood and the chord changes. George is fantastic….the music…delivered at a slower pace is really quite good…I rather like the drudge of the delivery…a favorite of mine!!!

Dismembered & Molested—-The drums that open this track are freakin incredible….the guitars join in and by the time George enters, the track is already a CC classic. there is a noisy element to this song that is even more apparent than most of the others…this is fantastic…another of my favorites…just for the downshift chord changes and the emerging guitar squeals that I love from this band!!!!

From Skin To Liquid—-Another odd track that begins sounding like Pantera to me….this has a deep and melodic darkness that is surprising even to me. The guitars are right on your forehead…the highhats from the drums almost all you can make out. This is an incredible Black Sabbath styled track that makes me smile from the word GO!!!!

Unite The Dead—-Leaving no time for an introduction, the mayhem ensues from the opening strains. Such as you would expect from the title of the song!!!! The vocal is classic and the guitars squeals are becoming more and more regular…I love that more than anything else about this band. I don’t care what they sing about…the brutal instrumentation is all about the appeal for me!!!

Stabbed In The Throat—-Trademark guitars introduce this track….with George close behind. The song is less than remarkable….much of the same is tread on here….but the instrumentation is fantastic. I love the speed and the evil tone of it all…this is fantastic!

Chambers Of Blood—-Squeals abound on this track…bringing an instant smile to my face. The sound seems to be a bit deeper than usual…like this was recorded in a different session or something with a different engineer. The drums smack you right upside the head…but the squeals do it for me…I love this band!!!!

Headless—-Much more clarity right out of the gate, the squeals are all over on this track….YAY!!!!! I love the relentless drums and the remarkable growls that George is able to muster. This is incredible for me…this is when the REAL trademark sound began to take shape…a classic record!!!

Every Bone Broken—-Much of the same, this release is about 4 songs too long…but I am not disappointed with the true integrity of the band. I would like to have this lyric sheet….but I stole this CD so i don’t…lol….my fault. the drums are oustanding…the vocal demented and the guitars a complete wall of sound!

Centuries Of Torment—-This is fantastic….I loved this when i first heard it on the DVD…took me a while to get my hands on it. I love the chord changes…the squeals are deeper and more sedate,….but they are there and makes me smile. george sounds driven as hell…amazing after all these years he is still singing like this!!!!

Crushing The Disposed—-Ending this rather epic release with some huge bass lines, this is fast becoming another of my favorite releases from this band…outside of Kill. I love the energy of this release and an instrumental on it as well….I could never ask for more from this group of guys. I love the Florida scene!!!!

****3/4 out of 5

 

 

Michael Jackson / Blood On The Dancefloor : HIStory In The Mix

Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix is a remix album by Michael Jackson. The album is made up of eight remixes from Jackson’s previous studio album HIStory, and five new songs. Jackson was heavily involved with the production of the new material while the remixes were produced by other artists. The new material dealt with themes such as drug addiction, women and paranoia.

The album received minimal promotion by Jackson’s standards, particularly in the US. Still, a film, two singles (“Blood on the Dance Floor” and “HIStory/Ghosts“) and three music videos were issued as promotion. Reviews at the time of release were largely mixed, some critics felt that Jackson had already explored these musical themes while others criticized what they perceived as weak vocals. Other critics were favorable, with praise issued for similarities to the music of Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor.

Worldwide sales stand at six million copies as of 2009, making it the best selling remix album ever released. Several contemporary critics view the material in an increasingly favorable light and believe the album could have been more successful—commentators argue that certain sections of the world took interest in tabloid stories about the singer’s personal life over his musical career.

The Analysis:

Blood On The Dancefloor—-Delivered with the expected funk and beat flavor, Jackson sounds a bit muted on this track. this almost sounds like a re-tread of many Janet songs that you have heard in the past. I’m not sure why the vocal is pushed so far to the back of the mix…..none the less…this is history and the song is pretty damn addictive!

Morphine—-Beginning with a low hum and some hi-fi sound effects, the song builds rather slowly but has all the elements of a classic Jackson track. This is rather telling…now that the future has taken place…although the song is upbeat…it still leaves me feeling a bit dark. Jackson delivers a pretty aggressive vocal for him….but mellows for the chorus. This is another of those remarkably addictive tracks!

Superfly Sister—-With familiar falsetto and a funkier back beat, this still falls a bit flat for me. This sounds rather forced and reminds me more of Prince than Michael. Not to say that this is a bad track, I just question the sincerity of it all.

Ghosts—-This has a long rather static introduction…when Jackson finally enters the fray he sounds breathless and pushed to the back of the instrumentation. This is less than inspiring for me…the machine beat is too mundane and predictable….leaving me a bit empty. this is ok, but this is by no means classic Jackson!

Is It Scary?—-Fulfilling the need for the quintessential Jackson ballad, this is the filler that is required on any Jackson release. The track….has a rather damn catchy melody….and the sentiment seems real….this is a standout track for me….simply for the swelling of the music and the emotional quality of it all.

Scream Louder [Flyte Tyme Remix]—-Beginning rather sedate, but coming alive within the first bar…there is a funk delivery to this that is priceless. Jackson is so vocally aggressive…recorded with his sister during his angry period, the remix keeps that emotion well in tact. This is huge, overblown but true to the original. I like this!

Money [Fire Island Radio Edit]—-With a nice rap intro, this is refreshing to hear….how did I miss the original version of this song? This is fresh, filled with a great 90’s style dance floor beat and a melody that is irresistible. I love the interludes of spoken/rap vocal. This is fantastic!

2 Bad [Remix]—-This is ok….not quite what i expected from the onset. I love the Chic style guitars and the Wyclef influence. This is nice…but this is not what you expect. I love the aggressive vocal…once again…this is full of anger. When the Refugee Camp joins in on the song. it gives it a whole new sound…I like this!

Stranger In Moscow [Tee’s In-House Remix]—-This is dance floor ready from the very first strain of the song. Jackson is almost his old self with his vocal on this track and the HUGE electronic backdrop is incredible. This is fantastic….the breaks are fantastic and the vocal goes back and forth…from shouting to a slight croon….sucking me right into the heart of the remix! Fantastic…..

This Time Around [Remix]—-Another track that is instantly dance floor ready, this has the classic elements of dance remixes…lots of loops and a fantastic bass back beat. I love this. The vocal is fantastic and the dance oriented organ that runs through the song is classic remix elements. One of my favorites on here.

Earth Song [Hani’s Club Experience]—-This has a nice deep Ambient sound that rather appeals to me…it’s been quite sometime since i have listened to straight up Dance Music…I’ve been caught up in the whole black Metal thing…it is nice to know that it still appeals to me. This is remarkable…the emotion that is delivered from the music alone os outstanding. I really like this….it goes on a bit too long…but what remix doesn’t?

You Are Not Alone [Remix]—-although this remix contains many of the elements of the original track, this is a tremendous re-working of this song. Not nearly sedate as the original, this takes the track to a whole new level…almost filling me with a danceable joy that I had forgotten I had., This is fantastic…I prefer this version over the more sedate original….wonderful!!!

History [Tony Moran’s History Lesson Remix]—-This is fun….right from the onset. The danceable beat is so addictive….the sounds…all the little blips and beeps are incredible. This goes on forever…but is still remarkably fun. I love the loop that builds and builds…leavin my brain in a frenzy……this is a great end to a classic release…reminding me why I loved the 90’s!!!

****1/2 out of 5

 

 

Cannibal Corpse / Butchered At Birth

Butchered at Birth is the second studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse. It was released in 1991 through Metal Blade Records.

The album was banned in Germany, due to the violent artwork. The first pressings of the compact disc were wrapped in white butcher paper stamped with the band logo and album title in red ink. Butchered at Birth’s cover also drew a complaint from the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada, which led to record stores being told not to sell the album to persons under 18.^{[citation needed]}

“Rancid Amputation” was given a lounge music re-arrangement by Andrew Hansen of the Australian comedy team The Chaser in July 2006, when the band came under controversy due to their lyrical content prior to touring in Australia.

The Analysis:

Meathook Sodomy—-One only has to listen to the early days of this band to realize how incredibly much they have progressed in their sound. Yes, perhaps the sound content is very much the same, but the sound and talent of the band has progressed so much. This opening track is nothing less than pure noise for the most part….until the drums kick in and then we get lively. there is little harmony here….but the chord changes are fantastic. The vocal is just deep and intense…production has gotten so much better. This is a huge blast from the past!!!!

Gutted—-Wow…the sound of this release is so tinny and lacks that huge sound the band now has…none the less, it is as brutal as anything you can buy today. The vocal is incredible and the chord changes make this so recognizable. I like the slower and drudge filled delivery…makes the music even darker. drums are awesome…as always!!!

Living Dissection—-Choppier but still classic, the drums are huge on this track. this is phenomenal…and i’m sure when this was released it shocked the hell out of a lot of Metal fans…this is an archaic yet wonderful version of CC…this is history……so glad I finally got my hands on this shit!!!!

Under The Rotted Flesh—-Leaving you little time to catch your breath, this track actually seems to have a bit of a better sound quality. I miss the guitar squeals that have become so much a part of this band,,,,but the relentless pounding on the skins makes this even better. The vocal is intense as fuck…and the shift changes from the leads makes this a favorite of mine!!!

Covered With Sores—-Perhaps the fan favorite from this release, the delivery is much more accessible to the average everyday metal fan. The vocal is still intense as fuck, but the instrumentation is almost classic Heavy Metal. When the drums really let loose….you are in for a treat……brilliant!!!! Did I just say that…..yeah…I did!!!!

Vomit The Soul—-What a great rhythm section intro with this track…see…there is melody and groove on this shit!!!! This goes back and forth…brutal and catchy as hell…how can you deny the brilliance of this band. This is my favorite track from this release…i love the intermittent double vocal…it makes the song huge…and is just a slight hint of the things that are to cum!!!!!

Butchered At Birth—-As this release continues, I either get used to the sound quality or it seems to almost clear up as it goes on. This is FAST….delivered with venom and produces smiles from me. I love this band…and to think there was a time when I could not stomach this music!!!! Not sure what twisted me….anger maybe?

Rancid Amputation—-Much as you would expect, there are few surprises on this track….the outstanding features are incredible fucking drums and a vocal from hell….the melody of this song….ALMOST sticks in your head…..funny how all my muscles tense when I listen to this shit!!!!

Innards Decay—-Rounding out the release…sounding little different then when it all began, this has a slight guitar squeal to it….I dont think they learned how to do it yet…lol! this is brutal…bloddy and perverted…just as the Dr. ordered!

Bonus Track:

Covered With Sores [ Live  featuring George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fischer]—-This allows you to realize how much the band has progressed and how important George is to that progression. The vocal is even more intense and the quality of this live performance is incredible. The melody is there and the energy is infectious…this is a brilliant visitation. This is fantastic!!!!

****1/2 out of 5

 

 

Band Of Skulls / Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

Band of Skulls are an English alternative rock band from Southampton, consisting of Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). The group formed after meeting in college, although Marsden and Hayward have been friends since school.

The Analysis:

Light Of The Morning—-This begins with such a nice fuzzy sound and quickly dissolves into an almost blues laden delivery. The sound of the band is raw with a nice garage edge to it…at one point the song just stops…and returns more magnificent than ever…..just perfect.

Death By Diamonds And Pearls—-Beginning with nice short bursts of guitars, this turns into yet another great Garage style sound that reminds me of the stripes. This entire song has a certain attitude that makes me smile….at times the track is rather loud…..adding to the atmosphere…this is wonderful!

I Know What I Am—-With no pretense…..this delves into a nice duo vocal track that is breath-taking. I’m not sure where that other magnificent voice came from…sounding so much like Siouxsie Sioux…this is breath-taking!!!!

Fires—-Delivering a bit more of a mainstream sound, this is simply wonderful. The entire track has an almost Alt-Country sound to it that is rather unique when mixed with the female vocal and the intermittent bursts of guitar. This is fantastic!!! The chorus is addictive as hell!!!!

Honest—-Beginning unbelievably quiet and serene, the female vocal introduces the song and gives the band an entire different dynamic….this is a favorite of mine. the sound is quiet, ethereal and beautiful…with exquisite words to match…..wow!!!

Patterns—-Returning to a more straight forward, post-punk sound, this band will always keep you guessing as to what is coming next. I swear this lady sounds so much like Siouxsie!!!! This has great short bursts of energy…making it hard for me to sit still. Nice!!!

Hollywood Bowl—-Becoming rather predictable at this point, it is nice that they mix the vocal back and forth though…it does keep you guessing a bit more. I like the dual delivery…this is a bit darker and offers up short bursts of energy…….mired with some nice fuzz and distortion…I rather like this!

Bomb—-This begins a bit odd, but turns into a rather recognizable song this far into the release. There is some really nice aggressive guitars and drums spaced out through the track…making me smile inside at the energy. This is pretty damn nice!

Impossible—-Returning to a more sedate sound, this band is still full of surprises for me. I rather like the pretty jangly feel of this song…reminding me of the 90’s shoe gaze sound. The vocal is sedate but delivered with a pained feel that almost makes my eyes fill up…that is what music is all about…it is all about the emotion!!!

Blood—-Blues driven and delivered with that by now familiar Garage sound, this is slow to begin and is rather choppy to me. This delves into a rather sexy and sleazy sounding song……bare and stripped down…this is alt-Rock at its best!

Dull Cold Heart—-Delivering another layered and beautifully sedate track, this band is full of surprises. The quiet is intermixed with nice tempo changes, but is led by the sedate female vocal lead…..adding emotion on top of emotion. i rather love this song…..making my mood today even more concrete!

Cold Fame—-Ending the release…far differently than it began, you would be hard pressed to believe you were listening to the same band. This is wonderfully written…the words tear at me and make me think…..the instrumentation is beautiful. The entire thing leaves me with a real taste for this band…..urging me to go out and investigate the 2012 release….it is nice to be reminded of what you love….

**** out of 5

 

The Human League / Credo

Credo is the ninth studio album by The Human League. It is their first studio album since Secrets in 2001.^[1] It has been produced by fellow Sheffield act I Monster^[2] and is released on Wall of Sound.

The first single from the album, “Night People” was released on 22 November 2010. Follow up single “Never Let Me Go” was released on 1 March 2011. “Egomaniac” was the second single in Germany, Austria and Switzerland because The Human League secured a slot on a major German TV show for a performance of ‘Egomaniac’. The TV programme aired on Friday 4 March and the single was released the same day. In those three territories the album itself was released on Friday 11 March in order to narrow the gap between the TV airing and the album being available. In the rest of the EU the album was released on Monday 21 March in order to narrow the gap between the release in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the rest of the continent. The third single, “Sky” was released on 25 July 2011.

Credo was digitally released in the United States on August 16, 2011, with a physical release one week later.

The Analysis:

Never Let Me Go—-It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the release of Secrets, but from the opening strains of this first track, it seems now like yesterday! The synth lines are so damn familiar and comforting….Phil sounds ageless and the girls add their trademark vocals like they have never lived 30 years since we first heard them. This has a fantastic melody!!!! Simply wonderful!!

Sky—-This second single from the release, is yet another synth heavy but familiar sounding track that transports you back in time effortlessly. Oakey sounds so incredible with his deep baritone…the overdubs are fantastic and the ladies quip in here and there making it yet another classic track in an endless career of pure pop pleasure!!!

Into The Night—-This is brilliant…layered with nice synth lines that play over each other wonderfully well, but the song seems a bit empty to me…..lacking a true inspiration…..none the less, this is the League and the track is all you need it to be.

Egomaniac—-My favorite track on this release, this reminds me of all the best tracks from all the best releases. This is wonderfully produced…full of a deeper synth line and an energy that makes me want to dance for days. The underlying blips and beeps that are included makes this even more classic…a true return to form!!!

Single Minded—-Another of those tracks that seems more filler than inspiration, this is still delivered with fantastic instrumentation and allowing Oakey to sing in his higher tone which has always really made me smile! This is wonderful!!!

Privilege—-Deep and stripped almost bare, this has an almost mysterious and down trodden feel to the whole damn. The lyrics are fantastic and the overdubs of Oakey’s vocals are outstanding!!! A classic, different but wonderful track!

Breaking The Chains—-This begins a bit slow…making me wonder where this track was going…but once the chorus smacks you in the face, you will have a smile. this is infectious and full of pop hooks running through the whole song…this is brilliant!

When The Stars Start To Shine—-This has a marching vibe to this song….a bit of a muted vocal and a most infectious melody. Combine these together and you have yet another classic League track….I love the chanted chorus…..making you remember it for days after you hear it the first time…..this is magic!

Get Together—-A brilliant synth line begins this track and allows the entrance of Oakey and his melodic baritone. This is wonderfully brilliant…the girls add to the chorus and allows this track to become huge during the main chorus…this is brilliant!!!

Night People—-Although this lead off single never charted here in the States, I’m convinced it is brilliant none the less. This song moves!!! The synth line is delivered fast and at a frenzied pace…..with a contagious synth line that takes you back in time. The straight ‘clean’ vocal is so infectious. This is brilliant!!!

****1/2 out of 5

Cannibal Corpse / Eaten Back To Life

Eaten Back to Life is the debut album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse.^[1] It was released on 17 August 1990 through Metal Blade Records. The album was banned in Germany (censored versions were not available,^[2] but the ban was revoked in June 2006) and other countries because of the violent cover and the extreme nature of the lyrics.^{[citation needed]} Glen Benton of Deicide and Francis H. Howard of Opprobrium (then known as Incubus) perform back-up vocals on “Mangled” and “A Skull Full of Maggots”.

The following statement can be found in the inlay of this album: “This album is dedicated to the memory of Alfred Packer, the first American cannibal (R.I.P.)”

This album has stronger influences of thrash metal than their future releases, as well as a slightly varied vocal style. Their trademark style wasn’t present until their following release Butchered at Birth.

The Analysis:

Shredded Humans—-right out of the gate, there is a classic sound to this release that allows the die-hard fan to know whom they are listening to. The vocal is not quite as deep and the guitar squeals are not as present………in fact…you can actually catch a word or two on this debut release. There are nice bass related downshifts……the band is discovering it’s way…this is fantastic…the very beginning!!!!!

Edible Autopsy—-With a much more thrash oriented feel, this almost makes me think of classic Testament…although it is a bit more chaotic. The vocal is so much more accessible on this debut release….and the future is clearly laid out in the sound of this release….it really gives you a feel as to where the band is going. the production is full of tin…..but they all start there right? The intent is so very clear though….the promise of the future is in cement with this release…this is a collectors dream!!!!!!

Put To Death—-Coming out of a split second of silence and building and building in intensity, this is a remarkable track. This is almost classic CC…the vocals are raw and rampaging………the energy is extraordinary…the only difference is the literal so-so version of the music that is presented……but it evolves!!!!!!

Mangled—-The song title matches the intensity of the song perfectly……this is relentless and is the future sound of the band. It is almost impossible to catch even a single word of the song…it comes at you like an Afghan bullet brigade….but the intent and feeling is clear…this is was new and shocking….this was the future for every band that came after in the Florida scene…….and there is none other more known than CC!!!!!

Scattered Remains—-Much more drudge driven at the onset, the drums are incredible on this track…in fact the entire rhythm section is awesome…..the vocal enters and transforms the entire track into mayhem….but the music never looses the focus…this is so much more thrash driven than later releases…….incredible history right here!!!!

Born In A Casket—-Full of mangled guitars and an intense thrash delivery, this track is one of my favorite on this release……there are huge chord changes and musical shifts that really got me…I listen to this over and over. The vocal is as expected……but it is the music that is so powerful on this song….the shift changes only gives us a glimpse of the future,….this is incredible!!!!

Rotting Head—-From the onset, this is much more Metal than Death…….until the vocal….the voice is huge on this track……there is barely a word you can catch….but the intensity is evident. I love the downshift in the music and the super talent it takes to speed up…slow down…almost stop and allow for the bass,……this is incredible……..from the onset, this band was a legend!!!!

The Undead Will Feast—-Nothing remarkable…….deveastating and unrelenting…..as you would expect….the vocal is almost barking punk rock…..would love to hear the band do this circa 2012!!!!!!

Bloody Chunks—-The growl at the onset of this song sets the entire freakin tone….this is so fast and convoluted…you never catch a drift od lyrics…all you get is energy……..wanting to throw yourself in the pit and celebrate the embrace of pure Grind…..

Skull Full Of Maggots—-At the onset, this almost feels like ther are two sets of drums playing at the same time……the trademark guitar squeals make their entrance here…..and the double vocal is incredible….thanks Mr. Benton…no one does is better…..there are incredible down shifts in the song that are key to the delivery……still one of my faves on this release.

Buried In The Backyard—-An EXTRAORDINARY Instrumental!!!!

Born In A Casket—-And indeed, George revisits this classic in a live setting….adding a brutality and range you never thought possible…….the live insertion of this is just brilliant. This man knows this catalog…..and the drums on this track…live……are incredible!!!!!

**** out of 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sinead O’Connor / So Far…..The Best Of Sinead O’Connor

Sinéad Marie Bernadette O’Connor ( /ʃɪˈneɪd oʊˈkɒnər/;^[1] born 8 December 1966) is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra. O’Connor achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song “Nothing Compares 2 U“.

Since then, while maintaining her singing career, she has occasionally encountered controversy, partly due to her statements and gestures such as her ordination as a priest despite being female with a Roman Catholic background, and her expressed strong views on organized religion, women’s rights, war, and child abuse.

In addition to her nine solo albums her work includes many singles, songs for films, collaborations with many other artists, and appearances at charity fundraising concerts.

The Analysis:

Nothing Compares 2 u—-Perhaps one of the most stirring videos of the early 90’s , Sinead takes this Prince penned saga and turns it into a tear jerker even all these years later. The incredible orchestration, combined with the melancholy delivery of the voice…come together and create a memory for every single person that has ever heard this song. The stirring video with the teardrop…makes it even more iconic……unforgettable!

Mandinka—-Delivering a remarkably different track from the same release as a single, O’Connor showed her diversity and mass appeal with this song. This has been masterfully remixed numerous times and never seems to lose the energy that it had the very first time I heard it. The vocal is incredible…the instrumentation incredibly contagious and the memory….neverending.

The Emperor’s New Clothes—-From her second release, this is perhaps my favorite release from Sinead……it has depth and growth…although she derailed her career a bit during this time period with her Saturday Night Live Fiasco…..none the less, the music speaks for itself. This track is able to move you…gives you a nice edge and allows you to really think about the words you are hearing….fantastic…..I love this!!!!

The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance—-Probably my second favorite track from O’Connor…you cannot deny the anger…the emotion and the hurt…..all which are real and heartfelt. The vocal is displayed with full histrionics…..never has she sounded better or more genuine…the range is perfect. The music is in line and just feeds the emotion…this is pretty much a masterpiece!

Fire On Babylon—-Yet another track that allows for a huge and fantastic vocal…..there have been some great remixes to this track as well. Sinead is able to be quiet and accelerate so effortlessly…it is simply amazing. I’m flabbergasted by the voice and the content….most all of these tracks really mean something…that is incredibly important!

Troy—-Venturing back to the debut release, this is perhaps every fans favorite track….except mine…lol! None the less, this is an extraordinary song…filled with emotion, vocal stylings that only hinted at the future and an underlying mine field of talent that was to be yet unleashed…this was the beginning….and unforgettable!!!

I Am Stretched On Your Grave—-Returning to her second release, O’Connor delivers a track that really tends to rip my heart out. when you have been close to death or experienced death after death…..I have lived through the AIDS epidemic……lost about 60 friends…..these songs take on a whole new meaning…I have had these very moments that are expressed in this song….so this is very real to me……I understand…..and the instrumentation…full of a nice Celtic flavor adds to the atmosphere!!!!! Very nice!!!!

Success Has Made A Failure Of Our Home—-Written by Johnny Mullins and recorded by Loretta Lynn, O’Connor gives a nice twist to this song that was also covered by Elvis Costello on his Almost Blue release. This loses almost all of the Country edge and instead takes on a big Band feel that fits Sinead’s voice remarkably well. This is fantastic…but I think it surprised many people at the time of the release!

John, I Love You—-Without a doubt, my favorite released single from O’Connor…..it is easy to replace the name John with any other and carry the sentiment in you pocket with you the rest of your life…which I have quite successfully done! the song has a bit of stripped down feel…but the vocal adds layers and layers to the song…it becomes huge when O’Connor really opens her mouth…this is beautiful…magical…mystic…forlorn and REAL!!!!

Empire—-One of the few tracks on this release I was not really familiar with, the electronic delivery resonated with me right away. The track has a nice Reggae feel to it that makes it very easy to digest….i really like the ‘World Music’ feel to the song….it is no wonder it is included on this compilation…it is a triumph…I really like this!

I Want Your Hands On Me—-Another throwback track that still sounds fresh at this very moment I listen to it…sometimes there is music that is made that is timeless…..this is one of those tracks….there are some great remixes to this song as well…the breaks in the song are incredible…the energy is never ending…..when Sinead hollers…it is real and stays with you….a classic track!!!!!

Heroine—-Just remarkable…..leaving me aghast everytime I hear this…….truly a masterful interpretation!!!!

Don’t Cry For Me Argentina—-Taking on the most famous track from Evita, O’Connor has the advantage of huge orchestration…..a flowing symphony that matches the emotion of her vocal to a tee. This is a masterful delivery…..I know it has been done before…but this is special….although I love the Donna Summer version more…..this is a damn close second!!!!

You Made Me The Thief–Another of those songs I’m not entirely familiar with, I greeted it with open arms though…I have missed a few releases here and there……shhhhh….don’t tell!!!! Sinead sounds a bit thin here…..the vocal lacks the full feel of her usual delivery….it is pushed way to the back of the mix and the electronics threaten to take over the song…not bad…but not a favorite!

Just Like You Said It Would Be—-Ending this collection much as it started…with an older emotional track, this is another real favorite of mine. Sinead sounds so pure….so concise…so perfunctory and solid. The swan way of singing makes me almost excited…this is a brilliant track…the overlays are extraordinary…the emotion is what i live with everyday……truly magnificent!!!!

****3/4 out of 5

Cannibal Corpse / Tomb Of The Mutilated

Tomb of the Mutilated is the third studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse. It was released in 1992 through Metal Blade Records and is the last album featuring founding guitarist Bob Rusay. The album was banned in Germany, due to the violent cover and the extreme nature of the lyrics.

Because the liner notes on Butchered at Birth feature quotations from American serial killer Albert Fish, he is often incorrectly credited with being the voice at the beginning of “Addicted to Vaginal Skin”. However, the taped confession heard at the beginning of the song most likely belongs to the “Genesee River Killer” Arthur Shawcross.^[1]

The song “Hammer Smashed Face” was featured during the band’s cameo appearance in the film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and downloadable content for the Rock Band video game series. The song “I Cum Blood” is also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned.

The Analysis:

Hammer Smashed Face—-This ‘ground-breaking’ and critically acclaimed release begins much in the vein as you would expect. Barnes and Fischer share the same vocal grind so it is hard to really know that george is not the vocalist on this release. The deep bass is all over this release and the trademark guitar squeals almost give me an erection. This is brutal, gory and fun at the same time…this is a classic release….grind on fucker!!!!!

I Cum Blood—-On headphones, this track becomes even more brutal than before. The speed and intensity of the playing needs to be recognized as much as the brutal vocal. This is classic stuff right here….Barnes is less understandable than george has been….but the ability to growl is incredible!!!! This is grind at its very best…you cannot deny the humor and brilliance of it all…it does take immense talent to make music this brutal. I but into the whole idea that this is a hidden concept record…this takes you from murder to orgasm in 9 songs…brilliant!!!!

Addicted To Vaginal Skin—-What an amazing vocal intro……setting up the intensity of the song and the record even more. The drums on this track are intense as all get out…..there is a deep muted energy that the new version of the band has seemed to have abandoned. The sound…makes everything even more serious and sinister. The bass riffs are spontaneous and incredible…the drums beat your forehead and the lead squeal….are the highlight of my life!!!!

Split Wide Open—-Continuing the mayhem, sometimes all of the music coming together in intermediate tracks like this is a huge cerebrum traffic jam……fuckin’ awesome……the downtempoi shifts get me every single time!!!!

Necropedephile—-When that opening growl enters the song, I just sit back for a moment and enjoy the whole moment. Am I wrong to say I prefer George though? I like Barnes…but his gut is so deep you hardly ever catch a phrase or no when a sentence ends. the band is so tight on this release…playing like it has forever….the shift and tempo changes are incredible…..I love this band!!!!

Cryptic Stench—-The playground noises at the intro of the song….kind of take you aback…lol. The intensity follows quickly after and puts you right smack dab in the middle of death and gore once again. This is intense….I love the shifting bass…it takes talent to play that fast and with accuracy. The vocal is as you would expect…but it seems to be pushed aside a bit on this track…allowing the band a full on death rattle made my instruments alone….phenom!!!!!

Entrails—- This entire track defines brutal…..there is never a moment to catch your breath as the band rips through one disgusting verse after the other…….just incredibly intense and affecting…there are some nice bass downshifts…but for the most part…this is a full on brutal assault!!!!

Post Mortal Ejaculation—-This track begins a bit different…offering up a much more mainstream guitar sound until the vocal enters and mayhem ensues. the squeals are intermittent, but there is a guitar melody that runs underneath the entire song that I absolutely demand…therefore it is a success for me……I love this!

Beyond The Cemetery—-Rounding out this proper release much the way it began, it is amazing that the intensity never ebbs for a moment from this band…you wonder what everyday life is like for such individuals!!!! This again…has huge bass downshifts and tempo changes that really first attracted me to this band…and so it goes….just anotherr magnificent step in history…..and still going!!!!

I Cum Blood [ Live ]—-CC live can be a trying experience….but this track…with george at the vocal is a bit better…but the track is highly distorted and not really enjoyable….was this necessary????

***3/4 out of 5

Bon Iver /Bon Iver

Bon Iver ( /boʊn iːˈvɛər/ Bone ee-VEHR) is an American folk band founded in 2007 by indie folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. In addition to Vernon the band includes Michael Noyce, Sean Carey and Matthew McCaughan. Vernon released Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago independently in July 2007. The majority of that album was recorded while Vernon spent three months in a remote cabin in northwestern Wisconsin. Bon Iver won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album for their self-titled album.^[1][2][3] The name Bon Iver is derived from the French phrase bon hiver (French pronunciation: [bɔn‿ivɛːʁ]), meaning “good winter” or “have a good winter”.

The Analysis:

Perth—-Wonderfully layers and filled with a nice winter silence at the onset, the double tracked vocal enters and delivers a melancholy sound that sets the tone for the rest of the release. The marching drums are magnificent, and the slight Alt-Country sound is brilliant. I love the voice..the layers…the actual textures!

Minnesota, WI—-Although the track picks up the pace a bit…a nice jangle runs through the backdrop, there is still a quiet about this whole release that is phenomenal. the vocal is SUPERB…..I love the mood change, the tone change and the utter display of diversity. This is phenomenal…I have not listened to this is quite sometime…and for the moment I’m so sorry for not doing so…..

Holocene—-Many of the opening strains on this release take me back to the most classic Simon & Garfunkel records that I loved so much as a yuongster…this track is no exception. The vocal is ghostly, sad and haunting…the content is real as fuck and the music is damn serene! This is and remains one of my favorite tracks on the is release…because it is so real. I love this guy…..

Towers—-Building up the tempo and changing the mood a bit, production is outstanding on this release. The double tracked vocal is amazing to me…..Vernon has the voice of an angel and when you combine two or three of them together it becomes a choir. This is fantastic……the instrumentation is simple…alloowing the music to take the spotlight…outstanding! When the track picks up the tempo and adds some strings……wow!

Michicant—-From the very opening strains of this song, it is as depressing as the situations in Michigan. This has great strings that run throughout and a shifting beat that makes me smile despite the melancholy of the whole damn thing. I believe this just might be brilliant!

Hannon, Tx—-Full of reverb and instrumental emotion, Vernon returns to his baritone voice and makes the song even more intense. It is amazing to believe he recorded this almost by himself in a far away cabin. This track is pretty damn contagious….reminding me of the best Alt music available to a more sedentary audience…one that prefers to think rather than necessarily move. This is brilliant!!!

Wash—-Returning to full on depressive introspection, perhaps this is what was needed today and thus the reason for my revisitation….this is again…remarkable. The violin is so haunting…the single strands from the piano…lead me to a deeper thought. the gentle shift of the music only prevents it from becoming suicidal music…but instead beautiful and though provoking…..

Calgary—-Again, layered and full of beautiful instrumentation, the voice just naturally becomes a part of the instruments used to deliver serene story…one after the other. This is a remarkably beautiful release….never doubt the wonder of a man who is driven to deliver his thoughts and feelings to the world….just beautiful!

Lisbon, Oh—-This track begins in a rather sonic and slight electronic way….surprising even me…this is brilliant!!!! This sounds like a robot gone wild…all the time clinging on to an Alternative feel to carry it through to the finish….just wonderful!

Beth/Rest—-Ending this incredible release with another track that has become my favorite, Vernon returns to his deeper vocal and carries with it an emotion that permeates my entire being. this is haunting….beautiful and magically joyous!!!! What a nice revisit this has been!!!!

***** out of 5 [!!!!!]