December Album Picks

Sorry for the long delay in writing a new post for my blog. I wish I had good excuses but I do not. Such activities as clipping my toe nails, running on a treadmill and attending Celtics games has held up my productivity. Anyways, I thought I would throw two brief reviews your way so you could be inspired to go out and buy some new music.

Pearl Jam - Back Spacer


This is the best album that Pearl Jam has released in the new millennium, no questions asked. While their last three albums (Binaural, Riot Act, and Pearl Jam) are all honorable rock records none of them stack up to Back Spacer. From the first notes of "Gonna See my Friend" to the closing track "The End" this album is packed with a vigor, creativity and punky pop flavor that has not been heard seen since the 1990's. I guess shedding their recording contract with Epic allowed them to free themselves from a cage. Highlights include "Got Some" which is a driving track that boasts rattling drums, screeching solos and inviting Veder vocals; "got some if you need it." The first single "The Fixer" has a crunchy guitar and shows the poppy side of PJ not seen since "Given to Fly" on 1998's Yield. Pearl Jam even released a music video for "The Fixer" despite their history of not doing so. "Just Breathe" is a love song with strings and pretty vocals. "Super Sonic" is the punkiest track on the album and features a break down with guitarists McCreedy and Gossard showing off their swirling fuzz grunge guitars. "Force of Nature" is a Neil Young rocker. On "Amongst the Waves" Eddie Veder sums up the album when he sings "riding high amongst waves, I can feel like I, have a soul that has been saved." Yes, folks, Pearl Jam is back and better then ever!


Them Crooked Vultures

One cannot help but feel cool when listening to Them Crooked Vultures due to the lineup and their rockin' sound. The band consists of John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) on bass and keys, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar and vocals, and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters/Nirvana) on drums and backing vocals . As expected this album is filled with obvious elements of all of these musicians previous bands. Jones bass and keyboard lines are reminiscent of Zeppelin and he forms a cohesive and groovin' rhythm section with Grohl. Homme's vocals remind me of David Bowie/Scott Weliand at times and meanders from mean to pretty to creepy to sexxy. His guitar is grunge, metal and blues all packaged into one edgy sound. Dave Grohl's drums are raw and his playing is mean and John Bonham inspired. It is apparent through the sound that these three musicians are kindred spirits all sharing a love for groove and blues/metal rock and roll. Not to mention they self produced the album which I believe is the reason it has such a raw yet rich sound. The album opener "No One Loves me and Neither Do I" immediately reminds me of the Queens album Songs for the Deaf and ends with a mean drum lick. The first single "New Fang" has a bouncy "Trampled Under Foot" feel that makes one want to dance. "Warsaw or the First Breath You Take After You Give up" is a psychedelic number with wandering vocals and a wicked Zeppelin esque blues jam. "Scum Bag Blues" is exactly what the title states; a scuzzy guitar part, simple drums and overlapping solos by guitar and keys. "Gunman's" sound reminds me of a Marilyn Manson track with a dancy hi-hat slashing through the background. "Bandoliers" has a sexxy/laid back vibe that your girlfriend can definitely get down with. From beginning to end this album is definitely kick ass and worth a listen.