XV by King’s X (review 2)
Obviously we are reviewing the last King’s X record a couple of years after it came out, but it is still the most recent addition so I hope that is okay. This latest King’s X could have been a release full of singles in my opinion. Every track on this record was a stand out, sing-along good time! From the opening chords of “Pray,” to the last hammered out sing along strains of “Go Tell Somebody,” this record is a return to form of earlier King’s X in my opinion. These guys have been hammering it out for 30 years, and as musicians progress and change, obviously the music does as well. King’s X have always been stand-out at progressive metal with Beatlesque harmonies, and this record has that in spades. This is the kind of music that sticks in your head for days. Thirty years in and these guys continue to get better, it is odd that they haven’t seen more commercial success, especially since so many other acts cite them as an influence. If you missed this gem, get it today! There are also a couple of bonus tracks on the iTunes download 🙂
Holes In The Floor Of Heaven by Ric Alba
This is one of those records that was very defining for me as a teenager. I clearly remember getting it as a cassette, and I remember being blown away for a couple of reasons. I was stunned at the lyrical poetry that was inside, and I was excited at how different it was musically when compared to the Altar Boys (which was where I was familiar with Ric up until that point). I think this ranks in my top ten albums of the 90’s because it is so emotionally raw and honest that I can still be moved dramatically when listening to it. That’s what makes music great in my opinion. This was a cathartic record for me due to the lyrical content, and I think that mood and the images shared are so intense that the listener cannot help but be moved by them.
The players on here are well known in the music world: next to Ric there was Steve Hindalong, Derri Daugherty, Rob Watson and Greg Flesch. This one didn’t seem to get enough exposure when it came out, and if interested you will have to search eBay for it now because it’s not available anywhere at this point. Musically it doesn’t fit any one category, I understand the comparisons to The Cure that I have often heard, especially in songs like “Hold My Hand” and “Laughter.” There are also more stripped down tracks that really allow Ric’s vocals to shine like “Heaven (prelude),” “In The Heart Of God” and “See You In Person.” All in all the disc is varied musically, but the music provides a beautiful vehicle for the lyrics which at times feel like an exorcism, an admission or a truly “heart on the sleeve” cry for acceptance of oneself. This is a brilliant release that still holds up well after almost 20 years – find one and get it!
[1991 Glasshouse | Purchase: Ebay]Pain by Veil of Ashes
Originally intended as the first part of a trilogy, Pain was a worthy release by this band when they were just getting started. I still think it was an edgy decision to open the album with a Dylan song, especially in Christian music circles circa 1989. The thing I loved about Veil of Ashes was that they dealt with real issues and sang about stuff that affected most people. They weren’t with the “happy, go lucky” crowd of the day, they dealt with stuff that was real and sincere, and they asked the tough questions. With a name that was taken from a 77’s song (a little trivia there), you would expect great music with an honest message from this band. This line-up consisted of Sean Doty, Sterling (Brian Kirsch), Phil Meads and Lance Harris, with contributions from Steve Hindalong, Derri Daugherty and the sorely missed Gene Eugene. This was early alternative Christian rock from a band that put out several great releases, courted their fair share of controversy, and left the scene too soon. You can probably find this indie rock record through eBay, or you can check it out through Veil of Ashes Facebook page. They were kind enough to upload all their songs for fans to enjoy. Stay tuned to the Facebook page as well, there appears to be something on the horizon.
Queen Bee by The Langley Sisters
I have read many labels used to describe the music of The Langley Sisters: folk rock, country, show tunes, even roaring 20’s/30’s type pop show tunes. If you can imagine all of those rolled up into one style that really does work, then you have the sound of The Langley Sisters in a nut shell. I know it sounds a little weird on paper, but on vinyl it is beautiful.
Both songs on this album really do sound like they could have been recorded in the 1920s. Side A contains “Queen Bee”, the more upbeat number of the two. The B-side is “Someday In The Past’, a wistful song that is a bit more mellow, but just as sweet to the ears. I love it when groups like this can sing so well together.
This particular vinyl is limited edition and word is they are selling out fast. Rumor is that there will be a full length coming soon, but until then this release will have to fill that itch for roaring 20s pop show tunes that you didn’t even know you had…
[2010 Velvet Blue Music | Purchase: VelvetBlueMusic.com]Speechless by MAP
Josh Dooley and company return with a mostly instrumental album. A few songs contain some vocals, but this album is mostly focused on Josh’s guitar playing and song writing. And what a beautiful record that makes. The opening song “Avalon” is worth the price for the album alone. But MAP keeps the quality up for all 10 songs. This is one of those albums that I really hope gets a vinyl release.
Stylistically, MAP falls somewhere in the same region as Starflyer 59. All of the songs contain subtle nods of many different styles, so pinning down any one is difficult. One thing is for sure – there are hooks every where you listen on this album. Dooley’s sheer ability to write catchy hooks alone drives this album by before you even know it. Where as many instrumental albums get to the point of boredom with most songs all sounding the same, MAP keeps your interest going through every song at the same time they are creating a cohesive sound.
The song titles almost make you wish there were some lyrics, though. With titles like “Her Mom Wore St. John (All the Prozac in the World Couldn’t…)” or “Souvenirs From A Dead Empire” or even “Killing People On The Television” (one of my favorite riffs on the album) – you can’t help but wonder what was going through Dooley’s head when writing these songs. Other than a few hints in some interviews here and there, I don’t think we will ever know. But with songs this fun to listen to, you really don’t care.
[2009 Velvet Blue Music | Purchase: VelvetBlueMusic.com]Live at Eddies by The Vigilantes of Love
I listen to a lot of Bill Mallonee, and recently I went back and gave this download another spin. This was the last incarnation of VoL before Jon Guthrie passed away so suddenly, and man I tell ya, these guys (and gal) were tight! This live recording was pulled directly through the soundboard at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA. The songs here are mostly favorites from Audible Sigh, Blister Soul and Welcome To Struggleville, and although you are sure to have heard them before, hearing them in the live setting with this line-up gives them new life and vigor. If you miss the band, this one is for you and it also is available as a very inexpensive download through Bill’s website (only $4.50). Make sure to check out our other review of Bill’s latest, Eternal Dawn and Gloaming.
http://www.billmallonee.net/
http://www.myspace.com/billmallonee
http://www.myspace.com/worksprogressadministration
http://www.myspace.com/muriahrose
War of Ages by War of Ages
I chose to review War Of Ages first full length record for three reasons. One, Dave Quiggle (who we interviewed) did the cover art. Two, it’s Easter and this is what I consider praise music, and three, this record opens up with one of the best quotes ever; “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Those words penetrate every time I hear them. War of Ages is an amazing hardcore band that has been pummeling listeners for 6 or 7 years. This record nailed me upon first listen with the heavy double kick drumming, the furious thumping of the bass and the guitars that vacillate between hardcore breakdowns and metal riffs! The lyrics are positive, praise worthy and standard for the hardcore community with the focus on purity, community, respect for oneself and others and the quest for things that are right and holy. These guys continue to put out tremendous music, if you like heavy music, this will not disappoint!
Nostalgia Ain’t What It Used To Be by Gasoline Heart
I can’t say enough about this band, they’ve changed my life. It was what my musical appetite was craving at the time I bought it and it satisfied like a piece of chocolate after a meal. It’s first and foremost rock, it’s Americana, it’s punk, it’s spiritual, it’s folk, it’s lyrical, it’s raw, and passionate. Not for the faint of heart, cursing casual as a sailor, it’s working class all the way. I love this album start to finish, a step up from its predecessor You Know Who You Are, which is a fantastic album, better than most bands out there. My highlights on this album are “Can’t Keep A Good Kid Down”, “Backbooth”, and “Eager Seas”. This one might be my favorite album of 2009. These guys are running with the torch of the greats of the past; let’s pray they don’t end up forgotten like many of the artist covered in this ‘zine. Find it, buy it, I promise you’ll like it, unless you have bad taste…..
The Grape Prophet by L.S. Underground
This is considered by many to be the quintessential release by LS Underground, I think the newest PTSD is just as good (if not better), but we reviewed that too. THE GRAPE PROPHET IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AGAIN, that’s why I thought we should cover it here. This release was what made music in the alternative early 90’s so amazing! A layered canvas with musical textures and ideas that was so innovative and unique that they defined an era. The players on this one were (of course) Knott and Brian Doidge, Caryn Colbert, Chuck Cummings, Mike Sauerbrey, Steve Hindalong and Dan Michaels. If you don’t know the story of The Grape Prophet then you have been hiding under a rock, but it was a concept album the Knott recorded about his interactions with a particular church, and he transposed it into a story about an orange picker in the Southern California orange groves named Ellis (or L.S.). This is the record that introduced fans to notable favorites like “Wino of the Red Is Stained” and “English Interpreter Of English.” If you never had this one, you can get it again, or if you’ve never heard it before you definitely need to check it out. It is a must have record, I know, the Grape Prophet told me so…
For a detailed explanation of the concept of this album see:
http://www.michaelknott.com/articles/luuchi.html
[1992 Blonde Vinyl | Purchase: BandCamp.com]Spiritual Songs by The Wayside
The Wayside is back. If you like Americana, Rock, or folk in any kind of combination, then that one statement should make you rejoice. Starting off as Vag and Vague and a few other band names that I can’t remember back in the 1980s, John and Michelle Thompson and their merry rotating band of minstrels finally settled on their current name in the 1990s and have been releasing quality albums ever since. Now, I am not saying that they are releasing those albums at a rapid pace as Spiritual Songs is only their third studio album. Throw in a couple live albums and you have their entire catalogue.
Spiritual Songs finds The Wayside covering, well… spiritual songs. These are all songs written by someone else – often even classic hymns and spirituals. You can listen to the entire album streaming at BandCamp.com. (I swear someday the Internet is going to make album reviews obsolete…) Fans of the last Wayside album Farm (which came out in 1852, I believe) will find many sounds here to love. The Thompson’s both have great voices that work incredibly well together. As usual, they have surrounded themselves with excellent musicians.
Spiritual Songs is available in many formats – downloads, special editions, physical CDs, and streaming. There is even a bonus vinyl 7” if you are so inclined. The special editions are going fast, so don’t miss out on those. But no matter how you get one, get your copy today and support the finest in independent music.
[2010 Independent | Purchase: BandCamp.com]