Does anybody remember when these first came out?? Talk about early 2000s nostalgia. Check out the return of the NIKE PRESTO. They are described as sturdy in construction, yet very flexible and CRAZY COMFORTABLE... I would know, I had navy blue PRESTOs when I kickin' it in middle school (8th grade).
Too many HOTT SUPERMODELS, more than I can handle *LoL*. Anyhoo, check out model/actress Eva Marcelle Pigford out on the town with friends wearing a NECK-SNAPPING blue minidress, matching heels, a sequined clutch, and a wonderful complexion to play up her fun twist of a blonde haircut.
It's a hott look, but I wish she'd do something different to her hair...like toning down the blonde to more of a honey blonde mixed with brown... or somethin' like that.
Now to the FASHIONISTA (who wants to know exactly what Eva's items were): Eva wore a Naven silk party dress for $420, it has 'broad shoulders,' a full back opening, and an elastic hem. She also had a PRADA sequin clutch in her hand for $1,100 (remember what I said about SEQUINS comin' into style hard in 2011), and Christian Louboutin Mago Platform Pumps for $795.
BOSS, BOSS, BOSS!!!! I want EVA on my arms *LoL*
OH LAWD... look who it is on the left... it's that heels-wearing stylist Derek J from 'Housewives of ATL'
I came across actress Jurnee Smollett, of whom I had a serious crush on when I was younger (she played on Eve's Bayou back in the day, now 'Friday Night Lights'). She had a photo shoot and interview with Complex Magazine, wearing a HOTT HOTT HOTT 'zebra-inspired' dress matched up with her long locks (above). Jurnee is quite the talented actress and she's never too interested in being the 'IT' girl, but just more of an inspiration to others.
See more of her recent pics and an excerpt from Complex Magazine:
Jurnee is also married to musician Josiah Bell! I didn't even know that until I visited his sister's (who I'm friends with)Facebook page. Congrats to a beautiful couple!!!
See the COMPLEX MAG interview below:
I’d rather have critical acclaim than commercial success.
But actually, I just want to do performances that move people. So I don’t know if I care to have critical acclaim either, ’cause that’s just a bunch of critics. I try to give each performance my own soul, to bring a truth to my character. Hopefully, when I bring that much truth to a character, it resonates with somebody and it sparks some kind of emotion in them. I don’t really think about the critics or the commercial success.
I’d rather tell my partner my most intimate secrets than keep anything secret.
Honesty is the best policy. I tell my partner [her musician husband, Josiah Bell] everything. He knows me inside and out—whether I’m ashamed of it or proud of it. Everyone has a past, but I try not to let that affect the way I see them; I want to get to know who they are today.
Having recently taken a stroll down memory lane, I have been hit with the memories of some of the classic albums that have changed my life. I could list the majority out for you, going a bit into each one, but I'd prefer to stick with the reason you're all here right now, to hear the word of the amazing album The Grand Illusion by the equally amazing Styx, and why I think it as such. For it is this album that is more steadfast in my memory then any others. It was their grand opus, their gift to the world and its people.
The Grand Illusion is a loose concept album, not so much in story, but in overall message. Its a tale of accepting who you are, enjoying life, love, and not getting caught up in the small things in life. All of the songs are uplifting and powerful, ranging in themes from sci-fi/aliens, fantasy, and day-to-day life. The album also plays paramount in Styx's rise to fame and popularity. From their formation, the group had always played around with progressive rock themes and ideas. Their first albums are heavily entrenched within prog, but as the 70s grew, so did the groups gap from the genre. Their songs began to take on a more pop-oriented/radio-friendly feel, becoming shorter and simpler as the years went on.
While I would say that this would normally have been a bad thing, for I dislike when bands go soft or simple just to sell some more records, in Styx's case, I'll let it slide. They did their best work as a popular rock band. I've listened to their entire discography, so I've heard the prog days, and while it is decent, it's not the best when it comes to the 70s progressive scene. It is because of their average talents at the full-progressive level that I deem them more then able to move into radio-friendly sounds. That being said, although their progressive themes had taken a nose dive by the end of the 70s, it still was present at least somewhat, The Grand Illusion is proof.
The album begins with the title track, which sets the mood for the entire album. It's a grandiose piece, sounding like a carnival coming to life. The themes and melodies first laid down here would make a continual resurgence throughout the rest of the record - which directs me to see this as a semi-prog album. To quote a repeating line of the song: "So if you think your life is complete confusion, 'cause your neighbor's got it made. Just remember that it's a grand illusion, and deep inside we're all the same!" This line if the backbone of the song, acting as the framework for the album. This line pops up again during the last song, "The Grand Finale," seemingly book-ending the release.
"Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)," the album's seconds track and single, continues with the theme of being happy with your personal life. It's about a man, who has been given every shot to succeed, but he keeps getting into his own way. He could own the world, but he's too wrapped up in his own thoughts to do anything of the sort.
"Superstar" follows suit with "Fooling Yourself," but this time growing in scope. It's a story about love and ideology, and - I believe - a little bit of teenage delusion. It's about a famous man, a superstar, and one of his fans. Within the song, the Superstar is on stage, seemingly singing to the fan in question, calling out to him/her. The fan knows everything about the Superstar, staying up late fantasizing about their life together. Eventually the Superstar and the fan join forces, both becoming superstars, and falling in love.
This brings us to the driving force behind the album, the reason it became a mega-seller and an instant hit: "Come Sail Away." Even if you're not a Styx fan, or can't claim to know any of their music, odds are you can at least hum the melody of this one. This was their first single from the album, and their number one single of all time, catapulting The Grand Illusion up the sales charts. It's another song about love, but this time with adventure strewn in. The song is filled with metaphors, playing around a nautical theme. The pair will "search for tomorrow, on every shore" becoming a story of legend for others. The pair end up getting picked up by angels, who turn out to be aliens, who take them away.
Wait...what?
I know it sounds kind of stupid, but you have to dive deeper, read between the lines. As I said, the story begins with a pair sailing, looking for love and adventure, pretty straight forward so far right? After the third verse, the style begins to shift somewhat, subtly moving from the present tense into the past. The singer starts acting like the story is a fable, of a pair of explorers who get lost and/or perish without a word. This is reaffirmed when the singer claims to see angels, who call to him, for him to "Come sail away" with them. So far the song has turned from one of excitement and love, to one of woe. This idea is questioned with the next (and last) verse, wherein the singer, who he originally thought were angels, were actually aliens, coming to take his love to the heavens and beyond, so they can keep on exploring. It's an odd shift of lyrical style, but when you think about it, it makes sort of sense. That's the way I see it anyway.
One of the more straight forward songs on the album, "Miss America" is a tale of how heavy the head is that wears the crown. It begins with a women, a recent Miss America pageant winner, being the "apple of the public's eye." Within the first verse, it is shown that she loves the attention and praise she receives, going to functions and parties. But, by the second verse, the woman is starting to get tired of this life, this "roller coaster ride (she's) on." And within the third verse, she's realized that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be, being in a "cage at the human zoo." It's actually a neat song, really powerful and rockin' one of my favorites off the album.
After the quick and jumping "Miss America," one might expect the album to continue suit, for the following track(s) to be cut from the same cloth. This could not be further from the actuality; "Man in the Wilderness" is a slow and soulful song about personal reflection. It's about a man who looks back upon his life and realizes that he's never really accomplished anything - nothing that matters anyway. No matter how hard he tries, he is still lost in the wilderness, unable to find a home or help, because no one understands him. Another message I think we can all understand and respect.
Keeping with the slower theme, although a bit more uplifting, "Castle Walls" is another song that uses metaphor to spell out a point. While most of the tracks off of the album are about not overextending yourself or keeping realistic life goals and plans, this song is about the opposite. It's about not keeping yourself too guarded, to venture out beyond your 'castle's walls,' and look for adventure from time to time. I really like the last verse/couple of lines, where the vocals begin with a lot power, much more then what was heard for the rest of the song ( "Far beyond these castle walls, where I thought I heard Tiresias say"), instantly switching to a light and graceful style ('Life is never what is seems, and every man must meet his destiny") to end the song. Having the clash of energy and style makes this particular passage stick in my head.
"The Grand Finale" sums up the entire album, using pieces of the melodies from several of the songs heard before it. It mostly uses themes from the first few songs; "The Grand Illusion," "Fooling Yourself" and "Superstar," but there are a few randomly strewn ideas from other areas of the disc. It's not a full song, being the shortest of the album (as well as using recycled music), but it's a nice wrap up of the entire disc.
Well there you have it, the entire album in a nut shell. I feel it's prudent to mention the reason why this song has such a strong hold on my psyche as it does. You see, when I was a child - 8 or 9 - my father and I would go on the occasional road trip/trip to the store (they are all road trips when you're that young). During these outings, he'd often have this album playing, to which we would belt out all of the lyrics, drums and guitar solos to "Come Sail Away." I mean the whole song. And once it was over, we'd do it again, mostly because I loved it. I'm sure I drove my dad crazy, with my incessant begging to hear the song over and over again, but it'll always play a high roll in my life, and one day I hope to do the same for my child.
Anyway, The Grand Illusion is an amazing album, obviously one of my favorite albums of all time (hell I just wrote about 3 pages about it), and easily the best Styx album they ever released. I was fortunate to have seen them live a few years ago (closer to eight at this point), and I saw the Styx cover band Light Up, which is just as good as the real deal ...except that you know you aren't seeing the real deal. But when I actually saw the band live there was only one original member, so it was almost a cover band itself... I don't know how that works. Regardless, I like Styx, would gladly see them live again, and I would be more then happy to hear The Grand Illusion played on repeat in my little slice of heaven forever and ever.
Premiere Online Destination for Bundled Vinyl & Lossless FLAC Products
Universal City, CA, Tuesday, April 5, 2011 – Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), the award-winning sales, marketing, and distribution arm of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company, today announced the launch of Groovetown Vinyl (www.groovetownvinyl.com), an exciting new online storefront specializing in high-quality audio products for the discerning music fan. For the first time, visitors to the site will be able to purchase “lossless” audio FLAC files bundled with collectible high quality vinyl at a discounted price.
“In recent years, there’s been a revolution in sound quality and consumers are clamoring for the richest experience from their audio collection,” stated Mitch Rotter, SVP Marketing & Product Development for UMGD. “Music fans have fallen in love all over again with the vinyl experience, from the packaging to the distinctive sound to the collectability, and the FLAC file provides the ease of digital listening without any of the sacrifice that normally accompanies digitally compressed audio files. Groovetown’s quality audio products will satisfy all types of consumers - the audiophile, the technologist, and the true music aficionado.”
For a limited time, visitors purchasing bundled FLAC and vinyl products will receive a 15% discount on all purchases and free shipping on transactions over $50.00. Visitors can also enter a sweepstakes to win a vinyl starter collection consisting of 1 copy of every LP available on the site. This promotion will run from April 5th to April 19th.
RIHANNA... boy... when she's in this kind of element (her subtle yet sensual dress) that contrasts beautifully with her fiery hair, she is almost UNREAL. Her beauty is staggering.
I usually have my say... but for right now, I'm at a loss for words. WOW.
She performed Thursday night (4/14/11) at the American Idol show. The whole ambiance was just breathtaking. See Rihanna's velvety, nude-colored outfit (also worn with nude-colored Louboutins) in different views:
friendship woman Mollie Kingxs saturdays 516 49752a jpgSaturday s birthday bashThe Saturdays Large PictureHome of America s National Specialty Best In Show Winnermollie jpg
Today, I just want to reflect on the beautiful women who are CEOs, fashion designers, actresses and/or models who have a great sense of style. So ladies, take note.
First up is the above pic of Kimora Lee Simmons, who has lost a lot of weight this year, sparking controversy on whether she was on an unhealthy diet but it was quickly shunned. Kimora was wearing this gorgeous pale pink draped short dress worn PERFECT with silver heels.
WOOOOW...
Next is LaLa Vasquez, wife of Carmelo Anthony and reality star who, too, wore a draped tan-grey skirt that complimented her smooth-lookin' top. It is adjoined beautifully in the middle by a tan belt. Check out the platform heels. Got to give a girl her props; note how she stands for the pictures to show off a beautiful hourglass figure leading down to her legs...
...And MORE PICS:
...Singer Kelly Rowland and Model Jessica White
...UMM... what are they... *Sideways look*... movin' on....
...And WHOA!!!! The Rihanna look-alike TIKA SUMPTER in this HOTT purple jumpsuit with those delicious and sultry black boots. DAAAANG, givin' my girl Rihanna a run for her money...
And there's more! Wanna see it in entirety. Visit Necole B***hie for more.
tankinis swimsuits Black and Yellow One Piece Halter Swimsuit with SkirtLook stylishly cute in this adorable black and white polka dot one piece halter swimsuit. Features skirt bottom with daisy trimming and elastic back.
Many of us already know the 'red bottom' company CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, who creates highly sought-after and formidable shoes for majorily women (now MEN are grateful to join in on 'LOUBOU LOVE' with sneakers and dress shoes). So this morning, I visited one of my fav websites, UpscaleHype, and found these...
These are unisex Christian Louboutin Alfred Flats for $795. Much too dope. Much too classic. Much too me to like *LoL*.
Do you like it too, ladies and gents??
Check out the other colors (I don't really like the bottom ones. They look more like tap-dancing shoes).
An interesting combination, really: Murder the Mountains, in my mind, emerges as an attempt (not entirely successful, but not entirely un- either, which really says something) to radically detune the White Album.... Pop hooks with clever, legitimate songwriting....
Red Fang put songs first (there's a clear continuing vocal melody, with narrative lyrics that seem to thematically match the mood of the music-- when was the last time that happened?), and only THEN riffs...
...though fear not, riffs there are, and all the way down to C-- bravo for writing riffs that subsonic, that seismic, that respectably de-tuned, while actually being memorable.
"Murder the mountain"-- sounds sinister, but not sure what that entails-- some sort of deforestation project? They're coal miners of some kind? ANYhoo....
"Hank is dead" QOTSA-ish riff and vocals... vibes like the Partridge Family as backing band for sludge band in 2011-- there's a suspiciously-wholesome vibe to gang chorus....
"Throw Up," at 1:55 fires up a riff that sound like sonic spaghetti you might've eaten at some important dinner date: it just kept coming, and coming, and coming, winding itself around your fork....
"Painted Parade" has a cool Blink 182-gone-wonderfully-wrong vibe: surf rock for tsunamis... "Number 13" has a great, lazy, THC-dripping version of a Stevie Ray Vaughn riff: then trots back into 1950s strut territory with the verse....
"Into the Eye"-- very swank, cool opening riff in only two notes (Eb to C#), then into a 6/8 time thing like something from the 1950s or Danzig's "She Rides."
Bloodiest: Swans-y (not the place in Wales)-- extremely heavy pop music-- manages to be heavy, sludgy and intense with no or little distorted guitar....
Nutshelled: David Bowie's backing band, en route to a concert, can't make it and the only musicians on hand are Swans....
OR!
Til Lindeman (Rammstein singer) writes scores for Bowie's backing band... OR!
Godflesh unplugged.
Highlights:
"Fallen" sounds like Eddie Vedder's alterna-sludge project.... "Dead Inside" starts with the identical drum fill from 1988's Operation: Mindcrime track "Spreading the Disease," yet slower and more sinister, and is quickly revealed to be the only thing those tracks have in common/ singer sounds like Til Lindeman, both in his timbre and his manner, which sounds like the exhortations of a semi-psychotic yet charismatic shaman or druid priest over his followers (and there is a tribal/ teutonic vibe to the songs, the energy is distinctly brooding Visigoth-ly, like a warriored tribe sitting around caves and cookfires, waiting for a battle...)... at around 5:00 the songs drops into an ugly funk'd groove, guitar and bass pounding in alternating riffs like a giant unholy piston in Kali's engine of death...
According to TMZ, Kim Kardashian got mad at Cosmopolitan Magazine because they used her image (above) for the Turkish division of their magazine--without her permission. It's a sexy image and Kim has a great relationship with Cosmo Mag, so why be mad?
Here's the KICKER--
Kim takes her Armenian heritage seriously. The Turks committed genocide against her culture several decades ago so she doesn't feel right about 'helping boost sales' for Cosmopolitan's Turkish division. So... both sides talked it out and now all is well.
After exploding onto the scene June of last year, Ripple Music continues its path as one of the fastest growing Independent Record Labels in America.
Following a year that saw the signing and releasing of new and vintage material from Stone Axe, Poobah, JPT Scare Band, Fen, Modern Day Moonshine, Mighty High, Grand Atlantic, Sky Parade, and Kevin Beadles, Ripple Music followed up by adding such bands as Mos Generator, Iron Claw, Grifter, and Tripdavon to their roster, and joining with Small Stone Records to release new material from Sun Gods in Exile. And special projects are in the works for more Poobah, Stone Axe, JPT Scare Band, and special releases from this year's Fuzzapalooza.
Now, Ripple Music will celebrate Records Store Day with their own Ripple Store Day. As a thank you to their fans and supporters who’ve allowed Ripple to unleash all this musical mayhem onto the world, Ripple will be applying special 15% discounts on everything ordered from the Ripple Store from April 15 to April 17th.
And when Ripple Music says “discount on everything” they mean everthing, including special collectors packages of Stone Axe I deluxe CD/DVD, vinyl and 7” single, the new Heavy Ripples double 7” package, and the best-selling Poobah “Let Me In” double 12” LP. In the store, you can also find classic non-Ripple albums from Ripple artists Stone Axe, Mos Generator, and JPT Scare Band. All of which will get the additional RSD discount.
It’s all just Ripple’s way of saying thank you for allowing them to keep doing what they love, bringing the best music your way and putting the guts back into rock and roll!
"Ripple Music - a rising underground rock label." -- Sleazegrinder
I like the work that YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) is putting in on their material. It's a breath of fresh air, it's rugged, it's earthy.... It's just plain COOL. I came across Highsnobiety and spotted these YSL sneakers for this Spring's collection.
Check out more colorways and styles:
HOTT and versatile shoes for many occasions. Wear it well, guys....
She's gettin' closer.... and closer.... for all of you QUEEN BEY fans!
The 'Single Ladies' and 'Halo' legend, Beyonce Knowles, started being spotted doing a music video; it's been going like crazy for a few weeks now. But this is the 3rd day of Beyonce's shoot for her 'GIRL' music video and from the pics, I can tell she's going all out for this one!
Jennifer Lopez, affectionately known as J-Lo, has been in movies and steaming up the stage with her Latina prowess, most recently in her 'On The Floor' music video and being the HOTT-HOTT replacement of Paula Abdul on American Idol.
But Jennifer isn't in her 30s; She's 41. Of all the beautiful and much younger women in the world, Jennifer puts it all to SHAME by being named THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN of People Magazine. And she is. After having twins, her body is so RIGHT and age-defying, and she said that owes it all to her 'personal lifestyle and the love of her husband, children, and family.'
I just say it's plain GOOD GENES, GOOD FOOD, GOOD EXERCISE, AND (fill in the blank).
Is Loafass the best punk from Philadelphia since Homo Picnic? Most likely, seeing as there’s not much competition in the city of brotherly lunch these days. Loafass has been around for many years and they’re not getting any better looking or mature, but they are kicking more ass than ever before. Smoke & Mirrors is their latest and greatest release in a long history of juvenile punk rock noises.
If you’ve ever been to Philadelphia, you’ve no doubt seen these ridiculous duck shaped buses that can also go in the water. They take tourists around the safer parts of the city. Loafass chose to open their new album with their opinion of these vehicles on the song “Duck Boat.” Starting off like a vintage Cheap Trick song it shifts gears into a flat out punk burner and includes a hot rubber ducky solo. Keeping in the transportation theme, the next song is called “Septa Sucks.” Loafass is not too fond of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and get their revenge by lifting some riffs from Black Flag’s “Six Pack.”
Apparently all of these transit problems delay Loafass’s main interests that are covered in an excellent triumvirate of songs “Party,” “Cold Beer” and “Super Stoned.” These songs also feature an early Black Flag/Fear influence mixed with other obnoxious punk losers like Angry Samoans, Murphy’s Law, Adrenalin OD and D.O.A. If those songs don’t piss off your old lady then “Tea Bag’n” will for sure, but your friends will love it when you blast it in the car on your late night White Castle run. But the standout song on the album has to be “Escape From New Jersey.” The lyrics are perfect and the 65mph speed limit rock groove provide the perfect soundtrack as you power over the Pulaski Skyway.
Loafass is a very tight, kick ass punk band but are also grounded in classic rock. Most of the songs are fast but usually don’t break into hardcore warp speed. The guitar sound on the album is killer, the drums pound mightily and the bass playing rocks. Vocalist Fish yells harder than former Philly mayor Frank Rizzo when he failed his lie detector test. Hopefully Loafass’s brand of immature punk fury will annoy the lightweights in your life so you can have drink their beer. Play loud, be rude.
Recently was the NEW YORKERS for CHILDREN GALA in Manhattan. It is considered one of the largest charity events in New York and it's all about New Yorkers (and other U.S. residents) who care about children. Many models and actresses were there and just looked simply beautiful.
See who was there and gracing the red carpet at this amazing event (I love charitable functions; it's so enriching to the soul):
Arlenis Sosa
Designer Rachel Roy
Actress Kerry Washington
All these great beauties and colors; Spring is DEFINITELY in the air!
...And we have another one! Check out these CAR SHOE grey suede sneakers that I found on Selectism. I really like sneakers like these because it's very versatile and can be worn with almost anything, even a suit (preferably a summer canvas suit). I have 4 or 5 pairs of these kinds of shoes (Pro-Keds and Aldo) and I can wear them to work in the morning and then out to dinner with a blazer, later in the evening.
There's nothing like chillin' with your friends---friends in massive SWAG. Check out ballers Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, who were spotted at an afterparty a few days ago. dwyane Wade (far left) wore a Gucci belt with matching Gucci sneakers for $295 and $450. Lebron James wore a YSL logo shirt for $285.
After waiting patiently for several hours, my opportunity to gain entrance to the room finally arrived. Those hours had been spent shuffling forward a couple of steps at a time every few minutes in a seemingly endless queue. I begrudgingly accepted that the hundreds of people in front of me, each of whom had made their own pilgrimage to this revered place, deserved to receive their reward ahead of me. It was only fair. They had arrived before me. Of course, the joke was on them. I knew with complete certainty that they would all be leaving disappointed. There was no way around the fact that I was right…about everything…and therefore they must all be wrong.
What was exceedingly interesting to me was the palpable tension running like a live current through the mass of people assembled around me. In all seriousness, the overriding emotion was thick enough you could have cut it with a knife. I’m not sure if the societal laws governing libraries and classrooms in session applied to this place of answers, but very few noises broke up the silent procession. The sound of shuffling feet would rarely be broken by a cough here, or an impatient toe tap there. Often when I made eye contact with others in line they would take a moment to analyze my expression, and proceed to become visibly aggravated that I did not seem to share their worries and trepidations. I suppose my smug disposition expressed itself plainly upon my face. It came as quite a surprise when one of my line mates actually vocally challenged my state of mind.
“Hey man, what are you so happy about?” “Hmm…sorry, you caught me off guard. What was that?” “I asked why you look so happy?” “Ah, I see. Well I wouldn’t describe the way I feel as happy, but I would certainly say that I am content.” “Happy. Content. Whatever! Look around you man. You are the only person that I can see whose not visibly fretting over what they will be told when they get to the room. Why?” “Oh that’s easy. I already know the answer to my question.” “You already know your answer? How? Have you come here before to ask the same question?” “No, not at all. Look…I don’t want to offend you or anything, but I’m not here for the same reason that brought you and all of these other people. I’m not here to ask any specific question really. I’m just here to obtain confirmation about something I already know.” “You’re sure about that? That whole confirmation thing?” “Absolutely!” “Dude, you’re full of it! Keep up the attitude man, because I can’t wait to see your face when the room’s answer causes your world to come crashing down around you!” “Now that’s not very nice.” The man just laughed at me and turned away.
I hoped that guy was not under the impression that he could affect my mental state through a brief conversation. If that was his goal he was grossly mistaken. Yep, my confidence remained unshaken and I went right on grinning like an idiot. I was comfortable enough to let myself zone out for a while, and when I returned to reality it was my turn to enter the room. Great! I had other things I needed to do today. The white, featureless door opened and let me into a white, featureless room. I walked in and the door shut behind me. With the door closed, it seemed to me as if I had been swallowed into a great white void. Nothing caught my eye as I cast my gaze in all directions. Not knowing proper procedure, I began to speak.
“Hi there. My name is Penfold, and I…” “SILENCE! EVERYTHING YOU BELIEVE IS A LIE.” My world imploded.
This, my fellow waveriders, brings us to today’s music discussion. Let’s talk about a little band called Monsterworks. This band originally hails from New Zealand, but the four assembled musicians currently call London home. I’ll be totally honest with you all. I had never heard of this band until I was assigned the task of reviewing their latest album. Upon doing a little research, I was shocked to discover how prolific they have been. Unleashing their debut album in 1998, Monsterworks has gone on to release one EP and seven more full length albums up to this point. And it’s my understanding that they already have one new album in the can, and another ready to record! Wow! Now, allow me to explain why the prospect of all these tunes excites me so.
According to their facebook page Monsterworks play ‘progressive thrash supermetal’. While I do agree with that statement, I believe that it only tells a part of the overall story. Yes, there are definite progressive and thrash elements strewn throughout this music. But the band doesn’t stop there. Oh no! Take a listen to some of their work and you’ll hear elements of classic rock, black metal, death metal, and even folk music popping up here, there, and everywhere. Perhaps all of that other stuff is intended to fall under the ‘supermetal’ banner? It does make sense. After much listening, I’ve been unable to locate a weakness in the band’s musical armor. No kryptonite here! So let’s focus the microscope and investigate further.
The name of the musical thrill ride that has me so excited is The God Album. It is a concept album dealing with the failings of organized religion. If that concept bothers you, well…perhaps this isn’t the album for you. That being said, you’ll be missing out on some terribly interesting, and invigorating music. Honestly while I hear the lyrics and understand the meaning behind them, the instrumentation is what I really focus in on during every listen. For me the vocals are there to convey attitude, aggression, and passion that complements the raging torrent of rock this band generates. What I’m trying to get across is that the music is intriguing enough to take the listener’s attention away from the lyrics if need be. So what about the songs?
“Everything You Believe Is A Lie” is the epic opening salvo. It screams epic from the word go! First of all you’ve got the two guitarists conjuring up some potent magic, with the rhythm guitar laying the distorted foundation and the lead guitar plaintively wailing away, pulling on the heartstrings with sweeping, beautiful lines. Secondly the band switches back and forth from classic rock inspired, harmonious passages to thrashy, whiplash inducing segments at the drop of a dime. This song singlehandedly sold me on the rest of the album. It’s a good thing the rest of it is so incredibly solid. There are unrelenting sonic assaults like “Let It Go”, and “Monomythic”. There are the slow building juggernauts of “God” and album closer “(Hymn Of) Fire”. There are the wonderful acoustic, folksy numbers “Reprieve” and the first third of “False Miracle” that ease the listeners into the next bludgeoning rocker (such as the other two thirds of “False Miracle”). Bottom line, this is a fantastic album from start to finish. It flows exceptionally well and it never loses steam. Once you begin listening to The God Album, you won’t want to stop. You’ve been warned.
