PoOPlist '04
POOP 2004
Buy from amazon
Nirvana - With the Lights Out (DGC):
This
unreal 3cd plus dvd box set deserves more than a mere paragraph to do
it justice but let's just say that it shows how unbelievably talented
a band they were. Each disc offers stuff that has not been issued
before. I have 4 different "unofficial" box sets of theirs
and there are at least 20 tracks I don't have. The highlights include
an outtake of "Verse Chorus Verse" that sounds nothing like
the version that is on the "No Alternative" disc...and it's
BETTER. Also the Outtake of "Old Age", the major jam
session of "Scentless Apprentice", the cover version of
"Ain't it a Shame" and the accoustic version of "Very
Ape". And let's not forget the dvd which has amazing practice
footage from the late 80's as well as some great scenes from their
tour adventures. The possibilities and potential of this band could
have been endless.
Buy from amazon
The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives
(Interscope):
I could honestly focus just on how there
hasn't been a song as great as "Antidote" (I still get
chills EVERY time I hear the beginning riff) in many years but this
cd has much more to offer. With the exception of "Diobolic
Scheme" this is about as good as it gets. I can't say I
understand how it could take this long to come out with a follow up
to "Veni" but better late than never.
Buy from Shock
Monarchs - Make Yer Own Fun (Shock-Australia):
This is a
straight-up hard rockin' disc. It is Brad Shepard's (guitarist for
the Hoodoo Gurus) side project but really should get mass
distribution because this disc needs to be heard. I wish the latest
Gurus disc sounded this good. He really focused on the all important
guitar riff. There's even a homage to compatriots AC/DC with "Amen,
Brother". Hopefully, this isn't a one-off project. As solid as
any early Gurus disc. Discovered but not released in 2004.
Buy from amazon
The
Forty-Fives - High Life, High Volume (Yep Roc):
One of
the rare situations where the review in the magazine was actually on
the money. A great disc to play at that backwoods cabin party with
your drinking buddies. A real fun listen. A bit poppier than my usual
tastes but you can't deny how catchy this disc is. Don't get me
wrong...there are some real toe tappin' songs and it does lend itself
to pouring the Cuervo down the gullet.
Buy from amazon
Le Tigre - This
Island (Universal):
The girls are back!!! What makes
this band stand out is their diversity in sound. Covering the gamut
from club to punk. They also do a great job vocalizing their
political views to head bopping beats. Kathleen Hanna's voice is
still as upfront and powerful as ever. But all three make equal
contributions to another great cd.
Visit website
The
Brimstones - Spend Eternity With... (Infernophonic):
Discovered
at my last Cramps concert adventure, these teenagers mix a wild blend
of Man or Astroman? and the Bomboras. Great use of samples from TV
horror-themed toy commercials and also wild backwoods religious
sermons. The farfisa and surf guitar skills are amazing for such
youngsters.
Buy from amazon
Die Hunns - Long Legs (Disaster):
This
disc offers a great mix of covers and originals. Former US Bombs
frontman, Duane, recruited Corey from Nashville Pussy to add some
real spice to the mix. This is some real loud and snotty punk. Has a
great old skool feeling to it. And if you ever get the chance to view
the video for "Hate and Love" you can see how punks should
represent in the year 2004.
Re-issues:
Buy from amazon
Clash - London Calling (Epic):
This is worth the money just
for the remastering of an unreal classic disc. But the added Vanilla
Tapes which are demos and outtakes from the recording sessions as
well as a dvd of the "making of" make this a
mandatory purchase for anyone with a pair of ears...but one will
do.
Buy from amazon
Talking Heads - The Name of the Band is...
(Sire/Rhino):
Finally issued on CD it shows how they
have evolved from a four-piece art band to a full sounding
"funkified" ten-piece outfit. Disc two has an excellent
version of "Warning Sign" as well as the best version of
"Drugs (Electricity)".
Live shows:
X - Canyon Club, Los Angeles:
I never thought i'd get
the chance to see them play again but...never say never. Belting out
tunes strictly from the first four classic releases made for one of
the best fan sing-a-long concerts i've ever experienced. Exene and
John seemed to be having as much fun as I was. X RULES!!!
Stooges - Randalls Island, NYC:
What
can you say about THE Godfathers of Punk...it just doesn't get much
better. They played almost all of Fun House and a bunch from the
first disc and one from Iggy's latest. Plain and simple...he's a
MADMAN!!!
Pixies - Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC: Going
with big fans made this real fun. Highlights - "Tame" and
"Nimrods Son"...but lacking "River Euphrates".
Maybe next time.
The Cramps - Irving Plaza, NYC:
With the Brimstones warming up and Lux being in rare form made for an
exceptional show. The set covered a bit from all periods but closing
with "Tear it Up" was the superfluous icing on the
cake.
The Hives - Webster Hall, NYC: One of the
best frontmen of all time. A showman who knows how to get an audiance
crazed with enthusiasm. Can't wait to see them again.