SolitaryMan's Blog

The 3rd Weekly Random Playlist Review

posted November 8, 2007, 9:44 pm | Log In To Post Comments | view comments (3)
Tags: Janus, The Raveonettes, Dj Spooky Starz, Tomahawk, Vater, Pretty in Black, Anonymous

Just sneaking this one in for the week. Been a bit under the weather and therefore unproductive, but I think I'll find more time soon.

 

 

Janus - Der Flusterer Im Dunkeln(From the 1998 album "Vater")

Here's a band I'm sure not many of you have heard of. They hail from Germany and their style is rather unique; blending neo-folk, dark electronic, ambient and progressive metal. Overall the atmosphere is dark and mysterious. The focal point seems to be the vocalist (who's name escapes me), but he's got an impressive set of pipes and despite the German lyrics, you still feel the emotional intent behind them. This is probably their best song, 10 minutes of guitar-driven heavy sections spaced out by melodic and exotic passages, complete with tribal drums and what may be a citar or something similar. 

 

The Raveonettes - Somewhere In Texas(From the 2005 album "Pretty In Black")

You know those bands who you get an image of in your head before ever hearing and sometimes shy away from for fear of hearing something totally awful? Well, The Raveonettes would have been one of those bands for me had I ever heard of them before being requested to review "Pretty in Black". Their style is totally retro, and we're talking 50's Soda Shop pop rock retro. Still, their music carries so much of that golden era's honesty and integrity, it's hard to argue with it. "Somewhere in Texas" is one of their more modernized songs, a very catchy rocker with country twang and grit. The vocal interplay of the two members (a guy and a girl) is wonderful on all their songs, their voices matching in near perfect harmony in the manner of so many great classic duos. For a trip down nostalgia lane, check them out.

 

DJ Spooky Starz - Paint It Black(Unreleased)

Haha, this is actually a cover a friend of mine made. It's not bad, musically, but he can't sing for shit, haha. The original song, of course, is a classic and one of my favorite songs from anyone despite the fact that I don't much care for the Stones, heh.  

 

Tomahawk - Mescal Rite 2(From the 2007 album "Anonymous")

While their previous albums did little to impress me, Anonymous has to be one of my finalists for album of the year. Created entirely around traditional Native American tribal, fire-side songs, the album is more or less possessed with the spirits of those who once called this country home. From the more rugged tribes of the North and East to the spiritual and shamanistic South and West societies, these songs seem glimpses into a confusing and influential past. "Mescal Rite 2" is, obviously, a continuation of a series of 2. The first is far more intense, almost as if representing the more chaotic moments on a mescal trip. '2' is softer, groovier and overall more bright. Centered around a simple three-beat melody and Mike Patton's dark vocals, there's a wonderful little passage at the end that makes the song; a return of the opening riff and what sounds like an infant, perhaps representing rebirth. Everyone should hear this album.

 

 

Another short one! Until next time... 

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