(Or at least listen to once, or twice, or thrice...)
The Clash - The Clash
This eponymous debut has rage and fury in abundance, and chucked everything (including the kitchen sink) in the name of punk at the world for a rock and roll revolution. With classics like London's Burning, White Riot, Police & Thieves, and I Fought The Law all on one album you can't really go wrong can you?
Favourite Track? Police & Thieves.
Nevermind - Nirvana
An album so raw, and relentless that it changed the world, and defined a generation. Not quite as bleak, and murky as Bleach but still rippled with beautiful distortion and that unrefined quality that made Nirvana, well, Nirvana. Nevermind showcases the tormented soul that was Kurt Cobain at his very best - his songwriting skills are as haunting as ever, and songs like Something in the Way, and Come As You Are, and Lithium proved what a poet he really was. (You can read HERE about what I think of each song in depth if ya want...)
Favourite Track? Come As You Are.
Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
To put it simply this album has it all - thundering guitar riffs, infallible drumming, effortless vocals, and stellar songwriting. They broke the mould when they made this one!
Favourite Track? Black Dog.
Pinkerton - Weezer
The album that invented, eek, emo. So love it or hate it, you cannot deny it's creativity and genius. Each song is charged with high emotion (hence, you know, the 'emo' thing) and explores a variety of moods from aggresive, dark and cluttered to care free and bright.
Favourite Track? Tired Of Sex.
Enema Of The State - Blink 182
One thing's for sure, as they point out in single 'What's My Age Again?' Blink certainly don't ever wanna act their age - and this goes for their songwriting. It's as immature as it is genius. What they lack in emotional depth they more than make up for in punchy riffs, and catchy hooks. Boys we don't want you to grow up either. Ever.
Favourite Track? Dysentary Gary.
Oh, and guess what, you can just bloody well wait to hear the next five tomorrow... Gotta keep you on ya toes and all that! Party xo
Showing posts with label nirvana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nirvana. Show all posts
Monday, 11 June 2012
Monday, 12 March 2012
Give The Drummer Some.
Another day, another top ten - and honestly, what better way to spend a monday afternoon is there?
Like most of us, I'm always banging on about my favourite bands, singers, and guitarists - particularly considering I've got a soft spot for long-winded guitar solos, BUT how often do we celebrate our drumming friends? Not often enough if you ask me... So it only seems fair that we do that now, and everything is better when put into an order of a top ten, so here goes nothin'. My Favourite drummers of all time....
10. Chad Smith - Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A seriously killer drummer who is without doubt the driving force behind everybody's favourite funk rock heroes - he locks that rythm section down tighter than a drum head.
9. Ginger Baker - Cream.
It's pretty much all thanks to this guy that we are lucky enough to have been exposed to so many exciting, and explosive rock drum solos over the years - he practically invented them! Serious cool points.
8. Keith Moon - The Who.
Technically, not the best. Sonically, not the most precise. Creatively, can't be touched. He was utterly unique, and his penchant for pushing the boundaries is what makes him truly incredible. He shunned conventional beats, and hardly ever played hi-hats, instead double-bass drummed his way through songs giving The Who their unique, and powerful sound.
7. Ian Paice - Deep Purple.
A man who really lives up to his last name - frighteningly fast, and full of flair. It's all about the speed, but for someone who works his way around a drum kit in unbelivable time he barely breaks into a sweat, and just to rub it in the faces of us mere mortals, often looks like he isn't even trying.
6. Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater.
Technically perfect, and taking complexity to never-before-seen heights, Portnoy is a man who is capable of dropping jaws, and popping eyes with his inspiring, and exciting talent - maybe even a little too great for the band he is most famous for playing with. Sorry, I went there...
5. Dave Grohl - Nirvana.
He might be the frontman of universally popular, and internationally successful chart-topping Foo Fighters, but before all of that Dave Grohl was just a skinny long-haired kid playing drums for a little grunge band called Nirvana. Ever heard of 'em? I know, I can't believe it either! :-p
Let's just run through his cv once more shall we... Scream? Check. Nirvana? Check. Foo Fighters? Check. Queens Of The Stone Age? Check. Them Crooked Vultures? Check. Woah. That's a lot of drumming, no wonder he's the king of cool.
2. Joey Jordison - Slipknot.
Without question the greatest metal drummer of all time - a true master of his trade, that has proven his talent time and time again performing with bands such as Korn, Rob Zombie, and artists as renowned, and legendary, as Lars Ulrich. Thunderingly powerful, lighting fast, and supremely technical skills put this masked master only one off the top spot...
1. Travis Barker - Blink-182.
No one has made a career out of drumming quite like this man - he has transformed his trade into an art in its own right - in fact, he's practically turned it into a sport, and even proved it could be the main focus of any album with his 2011 debut solo release 'Give The Drummer Some'. No one is as experimental, fast, nor versatile as Mr. Barker on the drums whether it's his signature pop-punk-perfect double-time drumming, or his creative, off-the-wall hip-hop innovation he is simply in a league of his own. Constantly working, and demanding more from himself whilst pushing boundaries that continually stun and excite the music world, he has proven time and time again that he is undoubtedly the greatest drummer in the world today.
Like most of us, I'm always banging on about my favourite bands, singers, and guitarists - particularly considering I've got a soft spot for long-winded guitar solos, BUT how often do we celebrate our drumming friends? Not often enough if you ask me... So it only seems fair that we do that now, and everything is better when put into an order of a top ten, so here goes nothin'. My Favourite drummers of all time....
10. Chad Smith - Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A seriously killer drummer who is without doubt the driving force behind everybody's favourite funk rock heroes - he locks that rythm section down tighter than a drum head.
9. Ginger Baker - Cream.
It's pretty much all thanks to this guy that we are lucky enough to have been exposed to so many exciting, and explosive rock drum solos over the years - he practically invented them! Serious cool points.
8. Keith Moon - The Who.
Technically, not the best. Sonically, not the most precise. Creatively, can't be touched. He was utterly unique, and his penchant for pushing the boundaries is what makes him truly incredible. He shunned conventional beats, and hardly ever played hi-hats, instead double-bass drummed his way through songs giving The Who their unique, and powerful sound.
7. Ian Paice - Deep Purple.
A man who really lives up to his last name - frighteningly fast, and full of flair. It's all about the speed, but for someone who works his way around a drum kit in unbelivable time he barely breaks into a sweat, and just to rub it in the faces of us mere mortals, often looks like he isn't even trying.
6. Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater.
Technically perfect, and taking complexity to never-before-seen heights, Portnoy is a man who is capable of dropping jaws, and popping eyes with his inspiring, and exciting talent - maybe even a little too great for the band he is most famous for playing with. Sorry, I went there...
5. Dave Grohl - Nirvana.
He might be the frontman of universally popular, and internationally successful chart-topping Foo Fighters, but before all of that Dave Grohl was just a skinny long-haired kid playing drums for a little grunge band called Nirvana. Ever heard of 'em? I know, I can't believe it either! :-p
Let's just run through his cv once more shall we... Scream? Check. Nirvana? Check. Foo Fighters? Check. Queens Of The Stone Age? Check. Them Crooked Vultures? Check. Woah. That's a lot of drumming, no wonder he's the king of cool.
4. John Bonham - Led Zeppelin.
(If my dad reads this, I'm sure he'll kill me for not putting his favourite long-haired rocker on the top spot so this may well be my last post... argh!)
John Bonham is known for his powerful, heavy drumming that provide the backbone for some of the greatest songs ever written - his signature bass-drumming is packed with raw emotion that has the genius ability to bring tears to your eyes whilst packing a serious punch. One of the greatest, and most respected rock drummers of all time. Hero.
3. Neil Peart - Rush.
As technical as he is creative - note, using the butt end of his sticks like it was no big deal, Peart is known for his outlandish, and mind-blowing solos. One of the most respected drummers on the planet who can switch from slow groove, to fast paced rock within seconds. Plus he can add kick-ass songwriting to his arsenal of talents, being the primary lyricist for Rush.
A man who was most definitely born with a drum stick in each fist, ouch!
Extra cool points for drumming in your underwear!
Without question the greatest metal drummer of all time - a true master of his trade, that has proven his talent time and time again performing with bands such as Korn, Rob Zombie, and artists as renowned, and legendary, as Lars Ulrich. Thunderingly powerful, lighting fast, and supremely technical skills put this masked master only one off the top spot...
1. Travis Barker - Blink-182.
No one has made a career out of drumming quite like this man - he has transformed his trade into an art in its own right - in fact, he's practically turned it into a sport, and even proved it could be the main focus of any album with his 2011 debut solo release 'Give The Drummer Some'. No one is as experimental, fast, nor versatile as Mr. Barker on the drums whether it's his signature pop-punk-perfect double-time drumming, or his creative, off-the-wall hip-hop innovation he is simply in a league of his own. Constantly working, and demanding more from himself whilst pushing boundaries that continually stun and excite the music world, he has proven time and time again that he is undoubtedly the greatest drummer in the world today.
Yeah, that's right buddy you won! Well done you.
Woah, I'm worn out - and I totally hate myself for not making Neil Peart number one but whatever I love me some Travis. P.s Sorry Dad!
What do you think? Who's your number one drummer?
p.p.s Ladies, I haven't forgotten some of our best known female drummers - they're getting a whole list of their own very soon! :-)
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Top Ten Favourite Song Openings (of ALL time)
of ALL time.
A good song opening should be enthralling, inviting, and exciting - it should make you wanna listen to the song. Duh.
A great song opening should be one of the following: mind-blowing (your mind will be blown, so from there on out everything is a little warped on account of your mind having be blown from your skull. Cool.), spine-tingling (this is not a metaphor - your spine will actually tingle, like a friendly pins and needles. If this is not happening, then it might just be a 'good' opening), and jaw-dropping (this is a biggie - your jaw will, of its own accord, drop to the floor, and you have to literally scoop it back up with your hands and hold it shut for approximately 30 seconds. It ain't pretty!).
So now that we've covered the basics, let's get to it - and be warned there could be some messy walls (minds blown), itchy backs (spine tingled), and fucked up faces (jaws dropped) upon listening to the following ten kick-ass, face-melting, bone-crushing (forgot to mention those) openings. Let's do this!
10. Layla - Derek, and The Dominoes.
This needs no introduction, but I'm gonna give it one anyway - woah there, that opening riff should come with a warning; something like, Don't freaking drive whilst listening to this here song because you will likely crash on account of you frantically air-guitaring to the illest riff you're likely to hear in about five or ten! Trust me, take that warning kids! You'll thank me later.
On a more serious note, I think we can all agree that Eric Clapton is one slick guy with some ridonkulous guitar skills that we're all a little bit jealous of!
9. Enter Sandman - Metallica.
It's dark, it's brooding, it's omnious, it's cool as hell, and by the time our lion-haired friend James Hetfield comes in we've melted into a pile of goo. Fuck Yeah.
Sleep with one eye open, indeed!
8. Your Betrayal - Bullet For My Valentine.
If this militaristic drumming isn't enough to tick your boxes, then I don't know what is. It starts off nice, and simple and just builds and builds until you're mind has blown (mess all over the walls), and those thundering chords are better than BBQ sauce.
It's back-to-basics metal, so get your horns at the ready - and because it's that good, I'm including the video for us all (to perve on Matt some more!)
7. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana.
If there is one song in the world that gives me chills with a single note, it's this little beauty! It's grown into one of the most iconic songs of all time, but at its heart and soul it's a classic grunge anthem - THE grunge anthem - with a bunch of high-school kids thrashing around in a dusky old gym.
Anyone who doesn't recognise this song (but can name all of the kardashkians) within the opening five seconds needs an intervention BIG time.
6. Hell's Bells - AC/DC.
Can't work out what this would be better for - walking down the aisle, or arriving at my own funeral? Either way, it would rock da house.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen.
Why? Because this song is fuckin' weird, and fuckin' fantastic and the opening makes you think you're in for one thing, and it turns out you're in for a whole 'nother. Geddit? Whatever, turn it up.
Plus it just gets straight on with it - and who'da thought that those 4 voices would come together and sound like THAT? Choir boys around the world, take note - this is how you turn up the heat with a high pitched squeak.
4. Foxy Lady - Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Three words spring to mind: Party on, Garth!
This is just a killer opening in every aspect - it's trippy, catchy, slick, and classic Hendrix.
3. Thunderstruck - AC/DC.
This is the kind of song that was destined to be chanted by thousands upon thousands of adoring fans in stadiums all around the world. The opening riff is so simple, but so killer! Rock on. (Fun fact: This is my 7th favourite song in all time and space.)
Repeat after me: Thun-DER!!! Thun-DER!!!
2. Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N' Roses.
From the moment this little gem kicks in all you wanna do is throw on a pair of pleather pants and jump on the nearest bar, and strut your stuff up and down it like you own the joint - don't you?!
I'm quite sure that this is everyone's gateway song into the world of Rock'n'Roll, and the opening is as instantly recognisable as it is infectious. (Plus, if we're being totally honest, it makes us think of Axl shakin' his thang in those tight little leathers like there's no tomorrow, and that's always a good thing - yeah, I took it there.)
1. When The Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin.
Come on, it was never going to be anything else was it? This opening is so atmospherical (is that a word?) that it literally transports you to some dusky, down-n-out old saloon in the days-gone-by where everyone's dressed in chaps, sluggin' back whisky just waitin for Clint Eastwood to show up with a stick o' wood in his mouth and unload on the shifty lookin' bunch over in the corner - and no, you don't feel lucky punk!
Oh shit my mind has just blown out my skull, my spine is tingling, and I've just picked my jaw from up off the floor - that seals the deal then, this is officially the GREATEST song opening of ALL time.
(My dad has just confirmed that atmospherical is in fact not a word, but I like the way it sounds - I'm gonna make it a word!)
Now your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to go forth and listen to these ten tracks basquing in all their beautiful glory... You're welcome.
A good song opening should be enthralling, inviting, and exciting - it should make you wanna listen to the song. Duh.
A great song opening should be one of the following: mind-blowing (your mind will be blown, so from there on out everything is a little warped on account of your mind having be blown from your skull. Cool.), spine-tingling (this is not a metaphor - your spine will actually tingle, like a friendly pins and needles. If this is not happening, then it might just be a 'good' opening), and jaw-dropping (this is a biggie - your jaw will, of its own accord, drop to the floor, and you have to literally scoop it back up with your hands and hold it shut for approximately 30 seconds. It ain't pretty!).
So now that we've covered the basics, let's get to it - and be warned there could be some messy walls (minds blown), itchy backs (spine tingled), and fucked up faces (jaws dropped) upon listening to the following ten kick-ass, face-melting, bone-crushing (forgot to mention those) openings. Let's do this!
10. Layla - Derek, and The Dominoes.
This needs no introduction, but I'm gonna give it one anyway - woah there, that opening riff should come with a warning; something like, Don't freaking drive whilst listening to this here song because you will likely crash on account of you frantically air-guitaring to the illest riff you're likely to hear in about five or ten! Trust me, take that warning kids! You'll thank me later.
On a more serious note, I think we can all agree that Eric Clapton is one slick guy with some ridonkulous guitar skills that we're all a little bit jealous of!
9. Enter Sandman - Metallica.
It's dark, it's brooding, it's omnious, it's cool as hell, and by the time our lion-haired friend James Hetfield comes in we've melted into a pile of goo. Fuck Yeah.
Sleep with one eye open, indeed!
8. Your Betrayal - Bullet For My Valentine.
If this militaristic drumming isn't enough to tick your boxes, then I don't know what is. It starts off nice, and simple and just builds and builds until you're mind has blown (mess all over the walls), and those thundering chords are better than BBQ sauce.
It's back-to-basics metal, so get your horns at the ready - and because it's that good, I'm including the video for us all (to perve on Matt some more!)
7. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana.
If there is one song in the world that gives me chills with a single note, it's this little beauty! It's grown into one of the most iconic songs of all time, but at its heart and soul it's a classic grunge anthem - THE grunge anthem - with a bunch of high-school kids thrashing around in a dusky old gym.
Anyone who doesn't recognise this song (but can name all of the kardashkians) within the opening five seconds needs an intervention BIG time.
6. Hell's Bells - AC/DC.
Can't work out what this would be better for - walking down the aisle, or arriving at my own funeral? Either way, it would rock da house.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen.
Why? Because this song is fuckin' weird, and fuckin' fantastic and the opening makes you think you're in for one thing, and it turns out you're in for a whole 'nother. Geddit? Whatever, turn it up.
Plus it just gets straight on with it - and who'da thought that those 4 voices would come together and sound like THAT? Choir boys around the world, take note - this is how you turn up the heat with a high pitched squeak.
4. Foxy Lady - Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Three words spring to mind: Party on, Garth!
This is just a killer opening in every aspect - it's trippy, catchy, slick, and classic Hendrix.
3. Thunderstruck - AC/DC.
This is the kind of song that was destined to be chanted by thousands upon thousands of adoring fans in stadiums all around the world. The opening riff is so simple, but so killer! Rock on. (Fun fact: This is my 7th favourite song in all time and space.)
Repeat after me: Thun-DER!!! Thun-DER!!!
2. Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N' Roses.
From the moment this little gem kicks in all you wanna do is throw on a pair of pleather pants and jump on the nearest bar, and strut your stuff up and down it like you own the joint - don't you?!
I'm quite sure that this is everyone's gateway song into the world of Rock'n'Roll, and the opening is as instantly recognisable as it is infectious. (Plus, if we're being totally honest, it makes us think of Axl shakin' his thang in those tight little leathers like there's no tomorrow, and that's always a good thing - yeah, I took it there.)
1. When The Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin.
Come on, it was never going to be anything else was it? This opening is so atmospherical (is that a word?) that it literally transports you to some dusky, down-n-out old saloon in the days-gone-by where everyone's dressed in chaps, sluggin' back whisky just waitin for Clint Eastwood to show up with a stick o' wood in his mouth and unload on the shifty lookin' bunch over in the corner - and no, you don't feel lucky punk!
Oh shit my mind has just blown out my skull, my spine is tingling, and I've just picked my jaw from up off the floor - that seals the deal then, this is officially the GREATEST song opening of ALL time.
(My dad has just confirmed that atmospherical is in fact not a word, but I like the way it sounds - I'm gonna make it a word!)
Now your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to go forth and listen to these ten tracks basquing in all their beautiful glory... You're welcome.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Top Ten Favourite Covers Of All Time
Of ALL time...
10. Kiss Me - New Found Glory
Original artist: Sixpence None The Richer
A happy-clappy-feel-good song that makes you feel like it's summer again. The trick of a good cover song is to make it your own - NFG ticked that box.
9. Love Buzz - Nirvana.
Original artist: Shocking Blue
Nirvana covered this little beauty back in 1988 and released it as their debut single - they changed it up, and created an intensely brilliant bassline that is so clear throughout the track you can actually hear Novoselic plucking the strings. This song captures the essence of Nirvana: raw, gritty, strach, and unpolished yet beauty incarnate.
8. Police and Thieves - The Clash
Original artist: Junior Murvin
At the time of this release British reggae was dull and lacklaster in it's polite attempt to be original, so this stripped-back garage rock approach from The Clash was a glorious, and refreshing sound. Plus the bass is killer!
7. I Fought The Law - The Clash
Original artist: The Crickets
The original release by The Crickets suggested that this was a song about stealing sweets from the corner shop, skipping the bus without paying your fare, or not returning your library books but twenty years later when The Clash got hold of it, it sounded like a gang of outlaws fleeing their fate. Punk rock meets classic rock n roll. Schwing.
6. Feeling Good - Muse
Original artist: Nina Simone
Remember what we said about making a song sound like you wrote it? Well, here's another great example of just that. Coupled with the video, there's something a little freaky about this cover which is always a winner in my book.
5. Dear Prudence - Siouxsie & The Banshees
Original artist: The Beatles
Dreamy, whiter-than-white, 60's psychedelia turned into dark, edgy, androgynous, no-fucks-given, sex-goth... What's not to love?
4. All Along The Watchtower - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Original artist: Bob Dylan
This song was transformed from a small, haunting song into an overnight hit the second Jimi Hendrix got his hands on it. A raging, spitfire of a cover - epic doesn't quite cover it.
3. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O' Connor
Original artist: The Family
Prince decided he wasn't interested in touching this song, so Miss O'Connor stepped up to the plate and turned it into one of the most spine-tingling, heart-wrenching classics of all time. Instantly recognisable, and one of the most flawless and hearfelt vocal performances ever recorded.
2. Bad Romance - 30 Seconds To Mars
Original artist: Lady Gaga
Haunting? Check. Spooky? Check. Original? Check. Frontman Leto re-wrote the song (thank godfather's) and delivered of the most eery, and poignant covers heard live on radio in, well, forever. Sometimes, you don't need guitar histrionics, and unrelenting basslines to dish out an instant hit. Beautiful. Simple. Killer.
1. Here Comes The Night - David Bowie
Original artist: Van Morrison ft. Them
Faster tempo than the original, with Bowie's trademark breathy, breathtaking vocals there was no way this was never gonna be number one on this list. Total killer.
Happy Listening!
10. Kiss Me - New Found Glory
Original artist: Sixpence None The Richer
A happy-clappy-feel-good song that makes you feel like it's summer again. The trick of a good cover song is to make it your own - NFG ticked that box.
9. Love Buzz - Nirvana.
Original artist: Shocking Blue
Nirvana covered this little beauty back in 1988 and released it as their debut single - they changed it up, and created an intensely brilliant bassline that is so clear throughout the track you can actually hear Novoselic plucking the strings. This song captures the essence of Nirvana: raw, gritty, strach, and unpolished yet beauty incarnate.
8. Police and Thieves - The Clash
Original artist: Junior Murvin
At the time of this release British reggae was dull and lacklaster in it's polite attempt to be original, so this stripped-back garage rock approach from The Clash was a glorious, and refreshing sound. Plus the bass is killer!
7. I Fought The Law - The Clash
Original artist: The Crickets
The original release by The Crickets suggested that this was a song about stealing sweets from the corner shop, skipping the bus without paying your fare, or not returning your library books but twenty years later when The Clash got hold of it, it sounded like a gang of outlaws fleeing their fate. Punk rock meets classic rock n roll. Schwing.
6. Feeling Good - Muse
Original artist: Nina Simone
Remember what we said about making a song sound like you wrote it? Well, here's another great example of just that. Coupled with the video, there's something a little freaky about this cover which is always a winner in my book.
5. Dear Prudence - Siouxsie & The Banshees
Original artist: The Beatles
Dreamy, whiter-than-white, 60's psychedelia turned into dark, edgy, androgynous, no-fucks-given, sex-goth... What's not to love?
4. All Along The Watchtower - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Original artist: Bob Dylan
This song was transformed from a small, haunting song into an overnight hit the second Jimi Hendrix got his hands on it. A raging, spitfire of a cover - epic doesn't quite cover it.
3. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O' Connor
Original artist: The Family
Prince decided he wasn't interested in touching this song, so Miss O'Connor stepped up to the plate and turned it into one of the most spine-tingling, heart-wrenching classics of all time. Instantly recognisable, and one of the most flawless and hearfelt vocal performances ever recorded.
2. Bad Romance - 30 Seconds To Mars
Original artist: Lady Gaga
Haunting? Check. Spooky? Check. Original? Check. Frontman Leto re-wrote the song (thank godfather's) and delivered of the most eery, and poignant covers heard live on radio in, well, forever. Sometimes, you don't need guitar histrionics, and unrelenting basslines to dish out an instant hit. Beautiful. Simple. Killer.
1. Here Comes The Night - David Bowie
Original artist: Van Morrison ft. Them
Faster tempo than the original, with Bowie's trademark breathy, breathtaking vocals there was no way this was never gonna be number one on this list. Total killer.
Happy Listening!
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