Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature: Gonzalez won over a small contingent of listeners with last year's Veneer, a satisfying listen of Nick Drake-inspired acoustic pop. Can he maintain the charm that Veneer hooked listeners with last year? I guess we'll find out.
Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog: I have to give it to Sam Beam. The man is working in a genre that should paint him into a corner pretty quick — lo-fi acoustic indie rock. But he's managed to add just enough twists with each album to keep things fresh and interesting. This album carries on in the vein of last year's brilliant, beautiful collaborative EP with Calexico, In the Reins, with more emphasis on "band" songs, rather than the more stripped down template. Which, he easily could have kept working with for a few more albums before anyone would complain too much. But don't fear — nothing much has changed. The Shepherd's Dog still possesses that haunted, hushed quality that sucked you in before. There's just a bit more flesh in the surroundings, and that's a good thing.
Manu Katche - Playground: I have to admit that I noticed this one because of Mark Saleski's list. Regardless, I missed out on the previous album, Neighborhood, despite having it in the back of my mind for the longest time. I won't miss out on this one. Katche is one of my favorite drummers, having mesmerized me with his skills in Peter Gabriel's live video, Secret World Live, and I've long lamented that he only pops up here and there on other artists' offerings, despite his incredible skills and tasteful delivery.
matt pond PA - Last Light: Like Iron and Wine, matt pond PA doesn't change so much as just develop forward, but maybe at a slower pace. With the recent If You Want Blood EP, the band added a bit of an edge to their songs, but nothing that should be shockingly different for the casual fan.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Mark Saleski
Secret Story is an interesting record. very...uhm, what's the word....cinematic
2 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"bit too melodic and sensible to be real death metal.
Umm, yea,is that why there is Melodic Death Metal. Maybe abit too sensible for the people who don't understand the genre.
"but it's actually decent music, which is a lot more than can be said about many death metal bands' music."
Like who??
To be honest, this Dethlok CD is very generic without a trace of integrity for Metal nevermind "Death". It touches upon all the cliches as opposed to covering its own ground which,to me, means that it was material that should've stayed in the mock-like cartoon where it was derived. Overall production sounds like it was recorded on a PC and I am absoulutely suprised that they had Gene Hoglan on the kit. Well, it's a paying gig, unfortunately this doesn't showcase the man's talent.
Instead, pick up Ron Jarzombek's latest:
Blotted Science - Machinations of Dementia
Extreme Metal/fusion/Complete Mindf*ck!!
A soundtrack for the insane....
3 - Tom Johnson
Brian, I'm really not sure how to take your comment. My first reaction is that you don't get the concept going on here. I'd be surprised if you weren't watching the show - all of the show's in-jokes are aimed at fans of the genre like you. You know, like a restaurant in the show is named "Dimmu Burger," stuff like that. Dethklok is just a parody, using those cliches for humor. Don't take it too seriously. My commentary on this was simply to say that it's not so off-putting to the 99% of people who think even "melodic death metal" still sounds like just plain ol' death metal. And, honestly, most really, really dark death and black metal sounds like a joke to me.
4 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"And, honestly, most really, really dark death and black metal sounds like a joke to me."
So, how can you say that this sounds decent compared to most? That, to me, makes you sound inexperienced when it comes to this style of music. You don't take it seriously, so you wouldn't go looking for the stuff that isn't just drone-like, drudging crap.
If you don't understand my comment...Well, too bad.
5 - Tom Johnson
I never said I was an expert, or even all that interested in the genre. My interests in that general genre known as "death metal" is really pretty light - Opeth, Meshuggah, and Cynic. Before you jump on that statement, realize that I know they're not all the same kind of music, but they all live on the same end of the musical spectrum, and to most people, ALL things "death metal" sound exactly alike, just like to people who don't listen to rap, all rap sounds alike, and to people who don't listen to pop, all pop sounds alike. I simply dabble here and there in lots of things, and I developed an interest in the bands above. When I've gone looking for other bands in the genre, I've found only things that either turn me off because I find them boring, or I've found things that simply make me giggle with their ridiculousness.
I never mentioned any bands specifically and yet you somehow take offense. I can't do anything about that. My opinion is my opinion.
If you really want to make a difference, get a blog and sign up. I think a few of us have suggested you do the same - we're not kidding. I guarantee you would be a welcome addition - you are insightful in genres not too many of us here delve into, you write well, and you seem to be itching to say something. So educate us with your wisdom - I'll definitely be reading. Hell, if you want help setting up a simple blog on blogspot.com or wordpress.com, go to my site, leave a comment, and I'll grab your email from there. We'll get you hooked up.
6 - Ray Ellis
Okay, Brian-- here's a test. Where did they get the name "Deathlok?"
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Okay, Ray-- Uh, Who Cares??
As for Mr. Johnson, I don't need to start a blog to voice my opinion. I do that just fine here...
I really don't have the time nor do I want to invest that time into something that will get lost in the Sea O'Blogs. I would much rather get back to writing some reviews here and continue voicing my opinion about other people's articles.
I'm pretty sure some people here have mentioned to you that the comment section is what really makes this place shine. God knows it aint the music section because besides pop & indie it doesn't seem like to many people around here really know music...Except for the occasional pleasure that Mr. Mark Saleski drops from obscure jazz land.
*Warning - Cheap Plug*
You can check out my B.C. material here
8 - Tom Johnson
All I can say, Brian, is that people who want to do nothing but complain about the quality and accuracy of writing on a site that is open to just about anyone who wants to write are the kind of people who seem to ONLY want to complain. If you have something you feel is legitimate and meaningful to say about a music style you think is either unrepresented or misrepresented, get off your ass and start posting content that clears up the problem. You may think it's a cliche, but it's reality: you can choose to either lead or follow. Right now you're a follower.
9 - Holkie
Ah, I have no idea where they got the name "Deathklok".
But the name of the band is Dethklok. Brendon Small and Tommy Blancha came up with it. They are metal fans and must have thought it would fit the band.
10 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yea,Yea,Yea...Blah,Blah,Blah
So soon people around here forget the name & motto of this site,don't they?! This is what I choose to do in the world of writing. I'm sorry NOT that it makes you alittle upset.
I can understand if would've said,"I personally hate alot of that Death Metal shite but for some reason this stuff appeals to me". Ya know what, F*ck it, I still would've chimed in. That's what I do here.. Maybe, I will get back to writing reviews but for right now, I'll stick to making music and criticizing BC articles about my beloved genre. Don't take it so serious.
11 - Tom Johnson
I'm not the one taking it seriously - you are. All I tried to do was present something for those people who might otherwise never touch death metal, to help them maybe have an interest in something associated with the genre, and you jumped all over me because I wasn't fawning all over the style. It's that kind of attitude, both from the fans and the bands in the genre, that prevents the majority of people, even metal listeners, from exploring it. Whether you like it or not, the fans are a big part of how seriously people decide to take a particular music choice. If they're a bunch of holier-than-thou assholes, that's what they determine the music itself is about, and most people don't like associating with assholes. So, you be proud of your determination to not enlighten readers of this site about the music you care about. Like I said, you can do something about the problem or you just continue to contribute to it. Let me give you a hint: being a commenter isn't going to do a damned thing. If you have something to say, put it on the front page with reviews and articles like the rest of us do. You're just a whiner otherwise.
12 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sure thing Tom... Your word is gold. A person who thinks that most Death Metal isn't sensible and is a joke, is going to educate some listeners to what the genre is really about by reviewing material that completely blows?! That's a good one.. My complaint wasn't your lack of fawning it was your pigeon-hole tactic,again, from someone who is rather clueless!!
I'm not "Holier-than-thou" and I'm not an A$$hole, I just called you out on a poor review of material that should've stayed on Adult Swim. AND, I did refer such readers an alternative that would help them gain a better perspective on where the talent lies within this genre. As I usually do!! Personally, pointing out twits like you has been a solution to a big problem on here. The problem: Panzies who don't really know shit about the subject matter, yet they always put in their two cents!!
In other words, stick to your Indie crap...
13 - Chris Beaumont
Boys, boys, boys.
I think everyone needs to step back and take a little breather. Brian, I know how defensive you can appear to be, even if you don't mean it, then everyone gets a little edgy.... And Tom, I think that it may be that your description was a bit poorly worded. I have been there and been called out on it.
Anyway.
I liked the album, and my review appears on these fine pages. It is catchy and has fun with genre cliches. No it doesn't stand up next to real death metal, but it is what it is. It fills a niche market and could prove to be a gateway drug to the real thing.
14 - Tom Johnson
Brian, all I have to say is that it takes a big person to put their name up front and open themselves up to criticism, and you seem highly reticent to do so yourself - regardless of whatever reasons you offer for not posting reviews yourself. If you truly cared, you'd write reviews. All I usually see from you is taking potshots at writers here, but no balls whatsoever to step up and face criticism yourself with your own writing. It's easy to take potshots at others, but for many, it's not so easy to put themselves in a position in which to have to take them. I can take it - can you not?
15 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"What I've heard here and there is a bit too melodic and sensible to be real death metal, but it's actually decent music, which is a lot more than can be said about many death metal bands' music."
Chris, I may like your reviews but your no politician. How was this poorly worded?!
BUT, I get what you are trying to do and I give you respect. I hear what you are saying...
Well, Tom, I used to write reviews as I posted the link to my material. I'm not afraid of the criticism I may or may not receive because I have "battled" with some real winners, I just don't feel,at this time, that I want to devote the little time that I do have to writing for free.
Don't get me wrong! BC is one of my favorite sites and they have been very good to me especially with some of the material that I received for free to write some of these reviews and the help I was given to get started. That's why I still come here and stir up shite...
16 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
*one more thing*
I am never going to apologize about my opinions because they are mine and because I don't stoop to personal attacks unless they are brought to me.
17 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
*one last thing*
FACT - It was because of the comment section that I got noticed by one of my favorite guitarists Ken Bonfield. I was, basically, very passionate about people lumping in Ken,Michael Manring,Will Ackerman,etc.. as "New Age" when each musician has done soo much progression for their respective instruments and their work is far from "New Age" that he noticed my comments and thanked me for what I was saying. Plus, I got to review some of his material and he used an excerpt from that review on his concert posters.
18 - Temple Stark
One last thing .. this hop, skip and a jump post is boring and poorly written (but mercifully short). It says very little about anything but that things are being released. What is it "breaking down"? The other Breakdowns, while suffering similarly have had more to say for themselves.
To pick just one, regarding Pat Metheny you say ::: I wish I had more to offer, but I haven't actually heard this album in either this version or its previous, shorter incarnation
What's the point of including this then?
You're a middle of the road, nostalgia rock kinda guy. Should've left Death Metal off the list, and if not, definitely shouldn't have led off with it and spent more words on it than any of the other releases you touch on.
When you're called, swallow your misplaced pride, and don't be defensive when you haven't earned it.
- Temple
19 - Mark Saleski
very classy temple, very classy.
geezuz.
20 - Temple Stark
One, the examples I gave show very poor writing and very little reason to get defensive when someone who knows what they're talking about challenges your weak, uninformed point. That requires a "You're right. i should have done better."
Two, you've overlooked way too many classless - not to mention fact-challenged - comments in other sections for your opinion on "classless" to matter, anymore.
Third, I'm not sure every comment has to have "class." All is not light and fluffy. There's a lot of shit out there in the world and it can't all be ignored for the sake of "class."
Temple
21 - Mark Saleski
There's a lot of shit out there in the world and it can't all be ignored for the sake of "class."
yes, and you've added to it. proud of yourself? yes, i'm sure that you are.
22 - Temple Stark
No, I don't enjoy it at all, save that type of whining reply for others who enjoy whining. But I less enjoy people who don't know what they're talking about - Tom Johnson in this case - get defensive for not knowing what they're talking about - after it's clearly shown.
I thought you'd come up with actual comments to support your own "classless" assertion. Please do so because so far you care enough to be empty in replying. Again, you've caved far too much in other areas for your opinions on debate and class to mean much but I had hoped to see some of that old spark where you reply with actual supportive comments of your own.
For instance, what did Tom Johnson do right in starting his piece with something he doesn't understand at all and what did he do right in spending any words on Pat Metheny in light of the above quote? Can you say this Breakdown is anything but a reiteration of release dates? If you can, please explain. Yet, Johnson still defends his ill-informed points.
Heck, perhaps Johnson will chime in with some humility that he could have done much better. After all, in my original comment I acknowledged that his other Breakdowns were more useful. i said that because it was true.
Say something Mark.
- Temple
23 - Mark Saleski
fine. i find it to be incredibly lacking in class to assert that something is poorly written when the person doing the asserting is supposedly a member of the community. in your case, your former membership in bc. you never, ever see this kind of thing in other online magazines, yet at bc it's quite common. ...and pathetic, i think.
if you've completely divorced yourself from bc, then fine.
as for the Metheny bit, it seems obvious to me. Tom has become a fan and is looking forward to a new (in this case, "re-") release. sometimes, a person just picks up something on a hunch.
and yes, i do think this breakdown is different than a plain enumeration of releases because i know tom from the body of his reviews....and if he's interested in something, i might be too.
24 - Glen Boyd
For whatever it's worth at this point in the debate, I think that the actual intention of the "Breakdown" column, is exactly what the title indicates. It is to "breakdown" some of the week's more interesting new releases regardless of whether or not TJ has yet heard them.
What I get out of it, is that Tom is writing from the perspective of a fan going to the record store on new release day, and looking at the display racks to see what most catches his eye as being a potentially interesting release.
In the other weekly new release columns here at BC, Saleski does much the same thing usually from the perspective as a listener, while I simply run down the whole week's list as a reporter in the "New CDs" column.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but in my own rather humble one, I'd rate TJ as one of our best music writers. Anybody who reads him regularly should be able to get a pretty good handle on his tastes, and should likewise be able to distinguish between an actual review, or when he is merely speculating about a potentially interesting new release.
In any case, I agree with Saleski that going after his "skills" as a writer is both uninformed since he is obviously a good writer, and not in the best taste as part of the wider BC community.
My $.02
-Glen
25 - Mat Brewster
I'm going to have to agree with Glen. The point of the breakdown doesn't seem to be to give in depth analysis of all the disks. It is more Tom's way of highlighting interesting new releases.
Would it be better if he gave a little more background on the releases he highlights? Sure, but what's the point in being rude about it?