Oh, Boy
I already told you about Roderick on the Line. That is an incredible podcast, and I think anyone who reads this blog would enjoy it. But that is not the only podcast I listen to.I can't give The Comedy Button the same sweeping endorsement, because I don't think it will appeal to all of you. There are occasional Motörhead references. Their regular sponsor makes earbuds, which they specifically assure you can be used for listening to Ronnie James Dio. But there is very little that's metal about it.
Instead, it reminds me of the kind of guys I would have hung out with in college. They are all about my age (born circa 1980-1985) and were all video game nerds when they were growing up. One of them is practically a living caricature of a video game nerd. But it's important to note (I think) that they almost never talk about video games. They're more likely to talk about porn or booze, or joke about 9/11. They have the right cultural references, the right sense of humor, and they're all professional writers, so they know how to tell a story.
Sometimes I have to shake my head at them, but I love these guys.
I like the Crystal Method. I can shake my ass and nod my head to it. It’s electronic, but it’s large. It’s dance music but it’s excessive. It’s also kind of heavy. It’s got atmosphere – maybe not a metal type of atmosphere, but there’s a presence to the music that gets my attention. Maybe there’s not a lot of substance to it but there’s good songs there. I’m not really sure what type of music it is, but that doesn’t matter. It’s good and I want to listen to it.
A new release by The Dillinger Escape Plan is, at this point, not really an opportunity to write an album review. Not a necessary one, anyway. The event is essentially the catalyst for everyone to voice their already well-established and strongly-held opinions, which fall into one of three camps. One, the people who don’t get it and don’t care. Two, the people who think they were great at Calculating Infinity but they began to suck more than any other band, ever. Three—and this is where I’ve pitched my tent—the people who love what they’ve been doing for approximately the last decade.
The issue on appeal is whether Inter Arma, as evidenced on Sky Burial, is “boldly combining influences in new ways, or do they lack identity?”* The rule applicable is whether the release kicks enough ass to make the listener say, “Whoa, this some good fuckin’ shit.” (hereinafter “the kick ass good shit rule”).** Respondent argues in essence that the length of the release, combined with its allegedly mis-placed acoustic interludes and discordant influences present a confused but potential-laden release. We granted this writ because it presents an issue of first impression – i.e. significant disagreement between FMA and joanismylover. Because real-party at interest – Inter Arma – despite some minor mis-steps, ultimately satisfy kick ass good shit rule, joanismylover will, as explained below, give Sky Burial an improved rating.
For something like five years, I’ve been saying Volbeat should be big in the U.S. There is absolutely no reason they shouldn’t have the same status as the biggest bands to straddle that line between heavy metal and hard rock, like Godsmack and Disturbed (and yes, that those are the names I picked betrays my age).
Review by