Pantera - Cowboys From Hell (1990)

Pantera

Genre: Heavy Thrash/Groove Metal

Forming in 1981.

Cowboys From Hell Released: July 24th, 1990. Every Metal head should own or know this album because it really did modernise metal history and influenced how it should be done with their unique fast angry raw style. Just listening to old Pantera records from when they were beginning makes me envy the way they could play at that age, the potential they give off is extraordinary and they were only (17, 19 years old) honestly listen to Metal Magic right now! Pantera may have been my first love for metal music with the fast catchy style of vocals Phil Anselmo uses. Plus Dimebag Darrell's awesome guitar riffs and solos that just makes you air guitar to the max!

Now Pantera fans are hardcore like any other, so I don't mean to offend anyone if I get anything wrong with facts so please submit information you wish me to add! This is just an album that means just as much to me as it does to you. The sound of Pantera to me is a release of anger and their music can help deal with that with their fast paced bashing. This album to me is just perfect to me with the way every song is designed, it has it's own unique parts and melodies and the vocal ability from Phil is just extraordinary with his rapping, grungy, high pitched influenced vocal ability. His talent is shown throughout the record and the lyrics are easily relatable.

Members within the band were:

Guitarist & Drummer Brothers: Darrell (Left III) and Vinnie Abbott (Left)
Bassist - Rex Brown - Who was a classmate of Vinnie's in high school (Right)
Vocalist - Phil Anselmo - From New Orleans, difference of a 676 mile journey between Texas to be a member of the band constantly touring throughout his youth. (Left II)


Artwork

Being portrayed as Texans within the photo within the wild west being famous for its iconic bars and Pantera a huge fan of alcohol themselves so why not be in a bar!

Track Listing

Track 1 - Cowboys From Hell

Just the repetitive opening riffs gets you loving this Pantera sound thats about to hit you. Song from the band, expressing the emerging status of a Texas band emerging on the scene of heavy metal. Which was uncommon for a group from Texas! Fast ripping melody which high energy from Phil within his vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i97OkCXwotE

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Track 2 - Primal Concrete Sledge

Can Phil Anselmo spit his lyrics any faster? Very fast song that is over in like two minutes which is a shame because it could of gone on longer!

Track 3 - Pyscho Holiday

The song just makes you want to jump up and down. Very emotional gripping song that has personal lyrics that you can relate to but with a great sense of anger within the sound.

Track 4 - Heresy

Yet again vocals and the whole band just nail this with the high pitched squeals of Heresy!

Track 5 - Cemetery Gates

Song to slow it all back down with an intimate feel to Pantera and exploring their emotion with this kind of light heavy intro that just explodes again into the heavy side again. Nothing more great than a vocal guitar off that proves Phil's vocal ability and range, battling against Darrell's high notes on guitar towards the end. Song meaning was from a previous female lover that lost her life and the hope of meeting her again in the afterlife.

Track 6 - Domination

"Fart stinks like a mother F**ker!" Fast ripping riffs from Dimebag that just explodes in your ears with wondering if the hardness will die down. Breakdowns towards the end of this song is just ripping with slow but hard battering, orchestrated from the band that gets you head banging.

Track 7 - Shattered

Maybe my favourite on the record! It just has that groove to it and the high pitched vocals make the track just awesome. I'm surprised their was no back up vocals after the howls of Phil's Shattered! Repeating the word if you will because it makes me do it. The co-ordination between the band is just perfect within the song and you can just feel the chemistry within the band that they've been doing this for years.

Track 8 - Clash With Reality

Pretty much meaning to face the truth and what happens when you do. The master of riffing does it again, following up from Vinnie's introduction on drums and just hammering into it.

Track 9 - Medicine Man

Very creepy song that could weird you out if your not used to the normal kind of intimate creepy sound that Pantera provide here. Very gothic sound and has a close relation to drugs and the dealers that manipulate to buy them with how easy it is to get addicted.

Track 10 - Message In Blood

Nothing better than being influenced from a serial killer like Charles Manson and idolising him with his prison number tattooed on yourself. Phil Anselmo wrote this after the man killed actress Sharon Tate and left a message in blood on the wall. Another creepy sound from Pantera if your not into the normal dark lyrics and sound.

Track 11 - The Sleep

Now I've tried doing the intro of this riff so many times on guitar, but I just can't do it. The fast technique Dimebag uses with his guitar is just mind blowing with his acoustic guitar that swiftly changes to a heavy electric. That pulls off the most remarkable sounds you wouldn't think would of come out of a guitar.


Track 12 - The Art Of Shredding

Exactly what it says in the track name. Pretty much starting of with an awesome bass riff from Rex to get the melody going to just awesome shredding from Dimebag Darrell and high vocals of Phil just  encouraging Darrell to riff even harder, which just shows how talented he is with intense energy throughout. Surely he has to give his fingers a rest!

Total Time: 57:39

Live Performances

Now I was never old enough to survive a Pantera concert at anytime before the time the band collapsed. If you don't know the history the band unfortunately broke up due to lack of communications and not knowing whats going on. The brothers formed another band called Damageplan and Dimebag Darrell got assassinated while playing onstage at one of the first shows on 8th December 2004. So a sad ending to what was a remarkable musician and person that gave us this beautiful masterpiece.

Merchandise

Their is loads of designs out the for the promotion of Cowboys From Hell and the designs are pretty awesome. Black shirts with what you could say standard metal style designs on the front with PANTERA in the most boldest for you can get. No real messages in what I can find but if anyone reading this can put forward anything I can post it up!

Rating of 10/10. Yes I am so into this album and can get through this piece of art with ease! tell me what you think if you can survive metal that is!

The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out (2006)

The Kooks 

Genre: Indie/Alternative Rock


A Four piece band from Brighton, UK that formed in 2004 releasing a debut album in 2006 titled Inside In/Inside Out. The main influences was 60's rock and songs that they stated "catchy as hell" music and trying to recreate pieces of the same art which is what they did but modernising that sound. Throughout the tracks the song is very guitar orientated with Luke Pritchard unique vocal contributions and relatable lyrics that are associated with romance themes. Kooks got this record deal through fluke and just being in the right place at the right time after 3 months of forming. The band name comes from a David Bowie song "Kooks" and genuinely the word sounded appealing to the rest of the band. They sent of a few demos to venues to get some shows and luckily enough they gave it to a manager or a record company that wanted to sign them.

Band members

Luke Pritchard - Singer/Rhythm
Hugh Harris - Guitarist
Max Rafferty - Bass
Paul Garred - Drums

Thing I love about the Kooks sound is they're so clear with the guitar just like it was in the 60's being very clean. The common theme is romance within their songwriting. Their success was overshadowed from Arctic Monkeys and the band were grateful in not being thrown straight into the spotlight when they released the album. 

 Artwork

Pretty straight forward cover of the bands premature getting together and constant jamming to quickly create this album, doing as many live performances as they could to develop material and finding their sound. 

Track Listing 

Track 1 - Seaside

To start the song of with a slow song does puzzle me because I would of put this at the end. Just quite a miserable song about wanting to go to the seaside to begin the album. Although very catchy for a very downbeat song just involving a guitar, it makes you anticipate what is actually going to come next and wanting more. The song meaning obviously a sad love song, wanting to reminisce going back to the seaside with a loved one. The fact the singer was brave enough to show his fragile side and weariness in his voice is very brave and unique!

Track 2 - See The World 

Finally the band plug in the guitar and start the song of with a bang. Obviously a song thats going to happen to the band now they're touring. Travelling the world and having this opportunity which is the perfect song to write about. 

Track 3 - Sofa Song

Fast acoustic guitar which I love. The distinctive voice is something that makes Kooks recognisable. They bring their own style to the table and show off with their talents. Maybe about a girl you want your friends to accept, or maybe about a guy liking this girl for her riches or the other way round, yours. The song was a inspired from The Smiths being a playful melody but having this dark side towards it. 

Track 4 - Eddie's Gun

Song is about a man blowing his load to fast during sex and having a erectile dysfunction. This was about one of the members within the band and his struggles between his girlfriend.  

Track 5 - Ooh La

The song was inspired by model Audrey Linvdvall that past away prematurely at such a young age of 23. She was hit by a truck in the United States (Kansas City) destroying her potential promising  career that she was destined to have. 


Track 6 - You Don't Love Me

Track 7 - She's Moves In Her Own Way
A song inspired through jealousy to your ex thats just dumped you and your inspired to move onto better things. A song that involves a lot of sway involving melodic guitar sounds they use. The melody flows perfectly with the catchy lyrics and beat of the music. 

Track 8 - Matchbox
This is just a perfect song to feel like you belong to a group and your having fun with them getting up to all sorts of mischief as an adolescent. This of course after you've got rid of the girlfriend and becoming more free within your group of friends and being more yourself. Also a reference at the end "Oh my Julia, I'll never betray you my love" is of a scene in George Orwells "Nineteen Eighty Four" where the main character declares that he will never betray her, but in the story he does.

Track 9 - Naive

Catchy lyrics that went popular with its raunchy guitar and beat.
Track 10 - I Want You


"I want you back" Very self explanatory with what the singers feeling right here. 

Track 11 - If Only 

Fast rock song that gets its lyrics out to you fast. The pace is awesome in this song and has such a flow to you for a good alternative rock sound.

Track 12 - Jackie Big Tits

Awesome acoustic guitar intro then coming Luke's Brighton accent. If your not used to it by now its not going to work for you. The song is of a story of meeting a girl and the meaning could interpret of a girl who sleeps around the place while your obsessed with her but it could mean yourself. A very catchy melodic acoustic rock song! 

Track 13 - Time Awaits

I like the plucks of the guitar intro of this. 

Track 14 - Got No Love

Live Performances
I've seen the Kooks once in my lifetime and it was with my cousin in Portsmouth! They were pretty awesome and knew how to hold a stage presence. The band played a endless set and had high energy whilst performing and were very clear and interactive with the crowd. They still tour to this day and have recently just released an EP (2014) Don't think they've revived their rock sound like this album though just yet!
A song inspired from the break up of Katie Melua at the time that Luke Pritchard was dating her. He met her at Brit School in Croydon, London a performing arts institution with the likes of Adele, Amy Winehouse, Lilly Allen coming from there!


Merchandise 

The merchandise I have is of a standard black shirt with just a big red font of The Kooks on the front. None of them that I saw at the gig were that complex or outrageous. Just a simple brand with no real message of the bands name. You can get mugs, key rings, necklace and boxers with The Kooks name on it. 

Rating 

I remember giving this to my friend on his birthday but the annoying thing that his mum bought the same CD. How annoying! So I got a copy of it too and I loved every second of it! Me and my friend listened to it constantly and always stuck it on a background music or something to jam out together. This album means a lot to me and I'm rating it 10/10 for being something new and experimental which it is! 

10/10!

Green Day - Dookie (1994)

Green Day

Genre: Punk Rock

Rumoured to get their name from sweet Mary Jane because of the fondness towards it, the three Piece Punk Rock Band from California formed in 1987. The experimental and raw sound of Green Day is showed perfectly within the album! The sound is so progressive and putting forward so many influences to create this unique sound from surely the likes of The Ramones, Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols and loads of others. The Green Day sound is something special in its own right with the whole band getting a say in the song and the iconic bass riffs of Mike Dirnt which highlighted a instruments that can usually shy away behind the guitar. Green Day don't do that which I love, they're outspoken!

The album Dookie became a huge commercial worldwide seller in 1994 becoming their third studio album. To me this album is right up their with the likes of Nevermind and their success and impact within the 90's. The album is just so consistent with all the punk rock you can need with a hard hitting sound for a three piece band. The name Dookie comes from diarrhoea and the symptoms they were suffering while on tour because of all the junk food they were eating.

Billie Joe Armstrong - Frontman/Singer/Guitarist - Mike Dirnt - Bassist - Tre Cool - Drummer

Artwork

The artwork presents as if Green Day have just dropped this bomb shell of a record. The artwork depicts bombs being dropped on a city filled with civilians. Meaning must surely mean that Green Day have finely woken East Bay, San Francisco up, and the world with being noticed in the media with the success of their promotional single that was released. Thats the impression I get, or it could be one of the band taking a crap and exploding the city in a humorous way!

Track Listing

Track 1 - Burnout

Just the free roaming within the band is just awesome for a first track, if your a starting band and want to know how it's done. Like this. The band is well orchestrated to show off their talents perfectly with their instruments and the powerful gripping vocals of Billie! Meaning of this song can relate to any teenage or any person never wanting to grow up, being immature forever!

Track 2 - Having A Blast

Very strong song meaning that talks about a man committing suicide and killing civilians around him, well thats the impression I get. But also could have many meanings like having so much going on and pressures to do anything to get rid of them maybe even costing your reputation. The song is very catchy when you hit the chorus and the beat flows with personal lyrics that you could afflict with your own personal affections. The song is moderately heavy and has awesome guitar and nice breakdowns towards the end where the band knows when to halt their instruments before starting again.

Track 3 - Chump

Obviously a song that shows you hate a specific someone because they've pissed you off. A subject that surely everyone can relate too with someone if your own life. The solo is very experimental and very band orientated with just a erupt ending that slowly introduces the next song, a very nice flowing transistion. This song was written out of jealously of a ex-girlfriend that had found a new boyfriend and was written about him.

Track 4 - Longview

Iconic Bass Riff to begin the song that speaks about boredom, masturbation, drinking, smoking and lounging about. A very relatable song to a youthful teenager that appeals as a complete lonely loser and does nothing in his life. The bass riff was inspired through LSD and we can all thank Mike for sharing that with us! He also states that he can't actually remember how good it was when he first did it, so this was the best he can remember on the track. True to the punk style this was Green Days longest song on the record so far.

Track 5 - Welcome To Paradise

The song was inspired from a slum the band used to live in and wasn't the friendliest of places, infested with thugs, gangs, drug dealers and other punk rockers. The riff was created by the drummer Tre Cool and drums by Billie as this was tradition in the early days of Green Day when they were starting out swapping and sharing roles. The start of the guitar introducing the power chords has such a flow to it and the lyrics are easily relatable to the rock sound.

Track 6 - Pulling Teeth

The song is very comical in the way the stereotypical roles are reversed with the woman beating the man. The song has a inside joke because Tre Cool was sent to the hospital fight with his girlfriend running around but then tripping over and breaking both his elbows. Billie laughed all the way to the hospital he recalls and said he has to write a song about it, which he did. The song is very strong  from the rockers and has such a stop start feel to it which I enjoy. The song is made simple and nothing too experimental here and is just an easy relaxing punk song to listen too.

Track 7 - Basket Case

This is the song that got them noticed within the media. The verse getting introduced straight away, Without this track many of the songs on this album probably wouldn't of got picked up on. Very outspoken and in your face song that just eventually explodes on you. During this time Billie was having mental problems at the time and was inspired using a hospital mental institute within the music video. This song is about the tipping point where your about to go crazy and all of us can surely relate to it, to people who have suffered with anxiety issues. Having panic attacks and waking up in the middle of the night and freaking out. Basket Case means someone who is unstable and in others words useless.

Track 8 - She

Bass riff intro! With Billie sensitive vocals to open up the song. This is talking about a girl who doesn't know what to do with their life but yet everyone is telling her what to do, yet she's determined to take her own path. It was written about Billies girlfriend with who he is still together to this day!

Track 9 - Sassafras Roots

Sassafras is the main ingredients in your beer! The song is about being with someone and wasting time together something I'm sure everyones done and been an unproductive sloth. Such a great rock song for a stereotypical teenager because it's pretty much what you do.

Track 10 - When I Come Around

Basically the meaning within the song can show that your not ready for the next step in this relationship. He did break up with his girlfriend for a while but then realised the mistake he made and got back with her. (Adrienne Nesser) Such a awesome song that caught the eye of the media!

Track 11 - Coming Clean

Having the independence and becoming your own person. Even if it was not their perfect idolising way they though you'd turn out like. This song is rumoured to be inspired from a homosexual man and being afraid to come out of the closet.  The song has groundbreaking start to open up the vocals of Billie that then pulsate into a flowing rock song.

Track 12 - Emenius Sleepus

Awesome guitar riff to open up the song that involves simple power chords but yet has such a melodic flow and punk rock sound to it. Song meaning maybe from a friend he recently lost in the years and reuniting but then finding out things have changed completely to how he remembered of them. Or could be about himself and that the mistakes he's made just makes him sick. Probably my favourite song of the album which is a tough to make from all these great tracks so far!

Track 13 - In The End

This maybe be about people who care about their own image and convenience. Dating people so they have someone to look good with. Song is very quick and fast to get out of the way with, but yet has a very unique heavy structure within the song. Very fast with the lyrics Billie has. The beat having such a flowing melodic structure.

Track 14 - F.O.D

Fuck Off & Die if you wanna know the letters, this is the first acoustic song to end the album. This is a part of your life where you just wanna be alone and associating yourself as alienated from everything. Appealing to a teenager who can associate with this that can't stand being around someone. The song has two parts within the song. The quiet to then the loud and plugged in side! The structure of the song is perfect with your calm at first but then you explode within the anger of a moment because you can't take anymore. Towards the end their is a song from Tre Cool titled "All By Myself." Acoustic guitar song that sounds comical which I'm sure is how they were suppose to interpret the sound. Very quick album and I'm sure you won't get bored easily with this album.


Total Time 39:38


Live Performances

Band are still together and tour to this day! I saw the band in a intimate tent a Reading, they appeared as special guests and the festival didn't know they were coming till the very last minute! They know how to put on an amazing show. Billie has a famous toilet paper/water pistol that he shoots into the crowd and occasionally gets a rocker to come on stage and play his guitar! The stage presence they give off is extraordinary and the band are still going strong to this day! A very powerful band that have inspired many artists in todays music from this Dookie album!

Merchandise

I'm not sure what merchandise the band gave out on their Dookie tour. But I'm assuming the album artwork logo would of been printed on the front on a black top with all the tour dates that were announced on the back. If anyone can put forward any information on shirts during the tour, it would be very helpful! But anyway lush design and a message directed towards the youth of being yourself and fight to what you believe in with a punk rock attitude.

Rating

10/10! I just love this album. It's so punk rock and if you don't like tongue and cheek rock then it's probably not for. It's just so fun this album and is humorous with the topics they explored within this one album!

Pulled Apart By Horses Self Titled (2010)

Genre: Hard Rock

PABH
A band that has rose to where they're now through playing small pubs and clubs. Through their live performances they have recieved notable attention from their tireless perfroming sets. The band formed in Leeds, England that met each other through similar tastes in music. The band started off being a three piece band but found it more difficult creating material. Rated and tipped as the best live act in Britain with their reckless anarchic shows. The self-titled debut proves throughout, with pile driving riffs, relentless drumming and shrieking vocals from the main frontman Tom Hudson. During the lead up to the album the band toured with the likes of Muse, Biffy Clyro and blowing away audiences in their festival appearances. The album to me is straight out their with such raw energy and a band who have put everything into their first album. Something I admire from the band is the lyrics and how short the songs are, how easy it is to remember the words.

Self Titled album released in 2010
The album didn't hit mainstream recogntion but I think the album has enough material to captulate media attention and I don't know why they didn't hit more headlines. Maybe the anger within the songs was hard on some listeners and not everyones cup of tea. Their is definitely more promising things to come from this band in the future! Most of the songs on this album have live videos or promo music videos to promote the songs, they offer their fans with many videos online.

Artwork

The band if you watch all their official music videos have been inspired through wearing costumes and masks. The music creates very unique energy within their songs and the simplicity within their songs make it appealing to me. I enjoy the raw energy and thats why I'm inducting the album within my Music Masterpieces. The artwork shows a gothic style to the theme of the album with a simple coloured scheme.
Track Listing
Track 1 - Back To The Fuck Yeah
Straight in your face with the first track! Hugely powerful with the vocal ability from Tom! The energy just captures your within the song. The pounding rhythms from the guitar and the belting "Yeaaaaaah" from the singer. The music video is in a forest with band members being dragged on the floor with close up of their faces.
Official Music Video!

Track 2 - The Crapsons
Carrying on from their ferocious energy from the last track, they get straight back in your face again which they're so good at. The hard rock shines through the song and can keep you awake with what your doing. Check out the song below on the link. No official video was released so here is a lyric video to keep you entertained if you like what you've heard so far!

Track 3 - High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive
Simple catchy rock song that sounds comical, but yet has a unique fun sound to it with endless energy. Very destructive within the video breaking televisions, guitars and drum kits. The common theme of flares, masks and costumes is potrayed here first in their videos. If anyone know the reason for this please be kind and put it forward so we know the real meaning!
Official Music Video!

Track 4 - Yeah Buddy
Such a melodic soothing chorus! With a real nice breezy chorus and cool guitar work in the verses which has a unique structure to it compare to the others. Very playful aggression from the band and catchy screams of "Yeah Buddy"! Very progressive heavy rock sound that is probably my most favourite song on the album. Featuring the first planking before it went national and global! Maybe the video inspired such comical pictures!
Official Music Video!

Track 5 - I Punched A Lion In The Throat
The video is edited in a way of old fashioned cameras and editing styles within the 90's. The video quality is made poorly but it makes it that more exciting and unique is this apparent rare footage. The break downs within this song is very impressive and performing live audience members live can jump up and down to the sound of the song. "Ultimate Power, Maximum Life"! A ridiculous song but yet made fun and stupid with no real meaning but creation of a fun song. Thunderous song that has a destructive feel to it! Awesome guitar riffs and powerful hard drumming from the band!
Official Music Video!

Track 6 - I've Got A Guest List To Rory O'Hara's Suicide
Pounding energy again from the band to not give you a rest with your ears. Screaming vocals from the band probably not making it radio friendly to the average mainstream song. Music video inspired on the Biffy Clyro tour, with stolen navy costumes they somehow found or managed to pick up £150 worth! The whole video is performed on the 4 hour ferry trip and scenes in the arcade. Very comical video that is very random and spontaneous!

Track 7 - Get Off My Ghost Train
Very experimental song here that has a slower paced feel to it. I think if you saw this live you would be more into the structure of the song. Here below is a live performance warming up for one of their shows. Good quality video with clear vocals and nice camerawork of the band performing. The song provides intriguing sounds here with a darker edge that I wish the band explored more with their songs coming towards the end of the album.

Track 8 - Meat Balloon
The song has a very simple structure towards it and simple lyrics made for the song. I like the way they change the beat towards the end and appearing to cease the song towards the end. Very unique ends to their songs they produce to devastate and destruct the end of the song with simple breakdowns. Here is a very experimental music video with all sorts of colours involved within the song and random spontaneous objects put in on the band performing the song live.

Track 9 - Moonlit Talons
The song is very cordinated with perfectly timed deliverances from the rest of the band when to stop at a precise time. Very heavy simple song again! Heavy song again not ceasing their raw energy and calming down your ears!
Here is a live performance from 2000Trees Festival In 2010!

Track 10 - The Lighthouse
Very quick punk influenced song that ends in under two minutes. The band screams it out at you very fast and the song is pounded out at you fast. If you don't like your ears pounded with heavyness this is not for you. Since "Meat Balloons" Their seems to be lack of harmonies to what the album started out like and the album seemed to havae faded towards the end with the ideas and material the band have. Still a great album with a handful of great tracks. The melodic side to which I'm attracted too ends around here but yet I think I got all the energy from the beginning.
Here is a unofficial music video from the album


Track 11 - Der Horn
Very similar to a RATM song with heavy bass lines but ending a seven minute finale to what is a unique raw sound of Puled Apart By Horses. The song could easily end sooner and does appear to be too repetitive. Maybe from the influences of Biffy Clyro who also cam drag their sound out more to make contagious sounds yet to me annoying. Very dragged out song that could of been cut and probably making it less of great album! Tell me what you think of the album, if you enjoyed the album and what annoyed you about it?
Unofficial Music Video Here

Live Performances
When I saw Pulled Apart By Horses at a festival appearance I knew a few of their songs to begin with, by watching them live you saw they had something different to what other bands have. The stage presence they gave of was unique and the pulsating energy they had on stage was amazing. Without seeing them live I don't think I would be heavily involved with this band that I am now. I think I'm lucky enough to see the band three times supporting Deftones on a few of their tours becoming great friends!
 
Merchandise
I don't own any merch from the band but the font they use on the front of the T-Shirts is pretty awesome, this was one of the first shirts they had on sale.

I Rate This 9/10
The raw energy for the first album is amazing and they have such a playful attitude towards this album! If anyone knows stories or facts about the band that I haven't included please get in contact! I wish for everyone to learn more about the band.

Buy It or Download it Here!

Biffy Clyro - Puzzle (2007)

Biffy Clyro
Genre: Alternative Rock, Punk Pop

Label: Warner Music

Formed in Kilmarnock, Scotland in 1995. The three piece rock band released this 4th studio album in 2007 that caught the eye of the mainstream media with these popular songs! The name Puzzle was inspired from the state of mind the band was in, mainly from the lead singer Simon Neil. After suffering a lot of losses and frantically touring constantly, they produced what I consider a Music Masterpiece.The progression within the band is what I admire and listening to the whole album throughout, I was satisfied in what I stayed to the end of.

I was not a huge Biffy Clyro fan till I came to this album and this opened the door for me to the band. The music they create has a rush and urgency towards it. Every song is something new being uniquely structured with anthem sing along tunes, for audiences at live shows and yourself. I think with this album the band really found their own unique sound and capitulated it into this album, which they have yet to have done being heavily influenced from other bands and sounds.
A new change of style for the band of Biffy Clyro with more personal lyrics and more of a intimate sound with a different approach to newer fans of the band. The bands name was influenced through the mockery of merchandise Cliff Richard distrubutes and somehow that turned into Biffy Clyro. The
album is deemed straight forward with their sound structure and melodic overall sound.

Members
Brothers James (Drummer) & Ben Johnston (Bassist)
Frontman: Simon Neil
Album Artwork
Featuring a man who is not fully together and has a jigsaw piece missing. A very empty room that shows a very unique piece of art and something you could easily see being in a museum. Strong message from this piece of art! Album of the year was awarded to them by Kerrang in 2007! What this artwork represents is Anger, Grief and Sanity.



Track Listing
Track 1 - Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies
Intense song to start the album. The timing is very essential here and does anticipate the audience to know what's about to happen. Soon as it captulates you, your quickly sucked into the quick high pulsing melodic chorus of the song. On the album features violin introductions with the guitars and choirs introducing the song. Perfect choice for a album opener with it's lower tuned guitars. I remember fondly as they perform this live they do a quick neck twist to the beat a awesome song to start the album with. "Don't wanna waste no more time, times what we don't have".

Official Music Video

Track 2 - Saturday Superhouse
Heavy powerful sounds, with heavy verse and choruses that stays consistent within Simons vocal abilities. Fast paced song that gets straight into the BIffy Clyro sound. Intro of a gently plucked guitar then getting the whole band involved after a few seconds to captulate the sound. Pure melody is what I can describe with the sound and having well worked structuring within this one song. Dynamics with great cordination from the band makes this song successful. "Your not the lucky ones". Very relatable lyrics and performed with passion and energy!
Official Music Video

Track 3 - Who's Got A Match?
This song is very radio friendly and has such a well fluent structured beat. The band created such a bouncy song and has a real essense of a pop song. It's simplicity is what makes it great song that everyone can sing along too. "I'm a fire, and I'll burn, burn, burn tonight"!
Music Video!

Track 4 - As Dust Dances
This song has so much progression and you get taken away thorugh the song and takes a while to return to what you first remember of the song. A truly unique song that you don't know where it's going to lead you too. Perfect mystery song that changes it's dynamics frequently. Here below is a live performance on BBC Radio 3!

Track 5 - A Whole Child Ago
The progression towards the chorus is very fresh and has such a unique structure towards it. The song is very bass riff focused within the verse with a repetitive guitar sound. The song is very radio friendly and easy listening to you as a listener and can easily grow on you over time. Listen here below with this lyric video.

Track 6 - The Conversation Is
Very peaceful song despite the heavy intro, it slows down and creates a relaxing melodic song. The flow of the song is very unique with Simons comforting voice. "What will I do if I'm wrong, will I blame on everyone"? Just the simple structure of the song makes it a powerful song to relate too! If this isn't to your taste, I don't know what other Biffy Clyro songs will. Their really should be a music video for this song beacause it's a powerful song that has so much flow to it and harmonic.
Unofficial Video That Just Plays The Audio *LISTEN*!

Track 7 - Now I'm Everyone
Most of the guitar structure is very much picked with unique riffs and sounds which makes the Biffy Clyro sound unique. A very annoying yet catchy melodic beat with the vocal melody. The song does tend to be very repetitive especially with the guitar sound. It just sounds like it will go on forever! The song eventually ends with the band chanting "This Is The One"! If your a big fan of a progressive song than you will enjoy this one.



Track 8 - Semi- Mental
According to Simon this was one of their straight up rock songs about numbing the pain when your sad, something to do so you can escape. Everyone has a different way of escaping. "You shine a light on my life"! A song dedicated to his late mother and the memories he had of her and the effects the recent events that have affected Simon. Very catchy chorus for the listener to comfortably enjoy. A intimate Piano outro, ending the sensitive side of Biffy Clyro.
Official Music Video

Track 9 - Love Has A Diameter
Very slow song that has alot of emotion packed within and alot of meaning within the song. The song is understanding the person you are and standing on your own two feet, instead of getting taken away through fame and the media. A strong soft rock song that may take you a few listens to like the song.

Here is a live performance at the Radio 1 Weekend

Track 10 - Get Fucked Stud
Although starting heavy the song calms down and has a great structure towards it, I think the Biffy Clyro sound works with getting the heavy intro out the way to capture you, but then slowing it all down again is great cordination and production. Although not a radio friendly song title the sound is packed with anger within the lyrics. The song to me may represent himself and how he is dealing with his late mothers death and friends around him wanting him to loosen up, maybe by taking substances to forget mentally, having no emotion because he's bummed about the recent happenings.

Track 11 - Folding Stars
This pop anthem was inspired by Simon, unfortunatley from the late passing from his mother, Elenor. He describes it being easy to release his emotions through writing and this song was dedicated to the memory of her.

Track 12 - 9/15ths
Very gothic with the use of choirs and pyscho-stlye strings from a orchestra but be relieved nothings going to happen even though the intense sound is intimidating! Repetitive song that gets you in a trance if you listen to it too much. The song progressives and rises thorughout!
Live Performance @t Wembley!

Track 13 - Machines
Slow acoustic song that was recorded on the last day in the studio. The band wanted to end the song on a positive vibe. Hopefully bringing a message of no matter what you go through there's always hope. You can make yourself happy. A very bummed out song but yet can capture any emotionsyou have about something. The song was inspired again from Simons late mother and how he will try rebuild his life again but being without her.

Live Performances
I'm lucky enough to have seen Biffy Clyro a few times. They're a band that deserve every success for how much they tour. They're so relentless when it comes to performing and doing what every rock artist should do. They are really connected to their fans and have offered so much music to us as listeners. They have finally worked their way up the ladder and are destined to go further. I watched them during festival appearances and not a intimate closed in gigs, but they were such good performer when it comes to them and have a lot of presence for a three piece band.
Merchandise


Rating
I rate this album 10/10 just because there are so many catchy songs in the album that you can relate to and connect with.

Buy, Stream or Download here!
Amazon | Itunes | Play | Last Fm | Youtube
Rating
I rate this album 10/10 just because there are so many catchy songs in the album that you can relate to and connect with.

Blink 182 - Enema Of The State (1999)

Blink 182

Genre: Punk/Pop Rock

Blink 182 a Three piece band from Poway, California, US beginning in 1992. Originally called Blink they eventually found out a band in Ireland were named that anyway so they added the 182, for no reason that I can find. The two frontman were Mark and Thomas who put together a album that was lyrically about breakups, alien conspiracies and adolescent frustration. Transformation between the group happened during this third studio album. The band embarked on changing Scott Raynor who couldn't handle the constant touring, therefore finding Travis Barker from The Aquabats who did one album with them and was currently working as a trash man.

Band Members
Travis Barker - Drummer: Mark Hoppus - Bass, Vocals: Thomas DeLonge - Guitar, Vocals
Released: 1st June, 1999

Album Artwork of Pornstar Janine Lindemulder which also features in the 'What's My Age Again' music video. She was picked at random by the band.

Track Listing
The main vocals are changed between Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus in each track starting with Tom on the first track.

Track 1 - Dump-weed
The song was written by both the front members with DeLonge singing the whole track. The song is about a guy that has a great girlfriend half the time but the other times it can be very difficult, which I'm sure everyone can relate too and understand. ("She's a dove, She's a Fu**ing nightmare"). The intro is very catchy a has a real fast paced heavy sound from the drums of Travis hammering away.
Live Performance here to start the album off!

Track 2 - Don't Leave Me
This song according to the bass player Mark Hoppus was written in 5 minutes. The song has a very stop/start feel to it with Mark's soft clear vocals within the verses. Lyrics very much based on romance and girl problems.
Another Live Performance in Sydney!

Track 3 - Aliens Exist
Very different subject to what they've sang about up to this far. The band come accross to express their feelings about alien conspiricies. They like to pretend things like aliens exist or maybe they really believe in them. The last line of the song, "Twelve majestic lies," refers to a government conspiracy group who supposedly cover up UFO and alien activity. They're called Majestic 12. Very catchy song that also features on Lego Rock Band the video game , the song has its very own unique structure with Travis Barker creating this unique drum riff to start the song.

Track 4 - Going Away To College
The song was written on Valentines Day after watching the movie Can't Hardly Wait. The song is of a man coming back home to his loved one and hoping she'll remember him. Very catchy tune!

Track 5 - What's My Age Again?
The song was inspired by Mark Hoppus who was often told in his own experiences that he was immature and was often told from his girlfriends. By the end of the song it becomes clear to himself that he can't change the way he is. The song title was originally to be called "Peter Pan Complex" but yet the record company changed it, the band wasn't very happy with the decision.
Iconic music video of the band running round the busy streets in broad daylight in the nude.

Track 6 - Dysentery Gary
Very repetitive guitar riff to start the song off! The meaning behind, is of a man whose had his heart broken from a girl who liked someone else. He's very upset, and taking out his anger on Gary. Who he thinks is a loser and has no idea why she chose him. Dysentery meaning is a condition where the patient suffers frequent diarrhea.
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Track 7 - Adam's Song
The song deals with the themes of depression and suicide. Theirs a controversy theme with a 17 year old columbine survivor named Greg Barnes that may of influenced taking his own life by commiting suicide. The band still strongly put this song out as a anti-suicide song. The song is labelled as very dark and includes lines from Come As You Are and Mark Hoppus dealing with his loneliness on tour of not having someone waiting for him back home. Unlike the other bandmates who had girlfriends back home.
Official Music Video!

Track 8 - All The Small Things
The song that got the most attention and became a huge selling point for the band getting huge recognition becoming such a teenage anthem. The bands music video was made as a mockery to boy bands like N-Sync and Backstreet Boys which people may not have understood if they didn't know. It yet had a standard professional style towards it and people thought it was a standard music video. The song was inspired from The Ramones and its catchy choruses, Tom was inspired from simple words being repeated over and over again and making one song that would be a radio/commercial success, so it can promote the rest of the album.
Official Music Video!

Track 9 - The Party Song
The song is inspired from a girl who tries too hard to get attention making her then repulsive. Obviously the scene being at a underage school house party that is not in his scene or taste. The song is very in your face right from the beginning with a catchy melodic chorus.

Track 10 - Mutt
Featuring in American Pie that was used in the movie! The word is inspired from a old fashioned word for a girl, a guy in this case has no standards in life. They just go through life not caring at all. Living the high life and having not a care in the world. Oh the joys of youth!

Track 11 - Wendy Clear
Very repetitve guitar riff to begin with! Very catchy lyrics with the chorus that ends with the introduction of the riff they began the song with.
"I Wish It Didn't Have To Be So Bad".
Live Performance from the band performing the song!

Track 12 - Anthem
This song was inspired by being in the suburbs in waiting for that day you turn 21, so that you can have freedom and beer, thats if your living in the United States. Like many of the Blink songs it expresses the way teenagers feel and has been the main reason to their success within their songs. The song to end the huge commercial success of Enema Of The State. They've since released a second part of this song!


Total Time: 35:17

Live Performances
I'm lucky enough to have seen Blink 182 live and it was one of my best concerts! The band were so energetic throughout and so many good songs have been made by them that you can instantly sing along too!

Buy, Stream, Download here!
Amazon | Itunes | Play | Last Fm | Youtube

Merchandise
Blink 182 have loads of iconic logos that get the band instantly recognised to their trademark.

Rating
I rate this 10/10 just for the most catchiest songs in a album that can connect you to the band so instantly.

Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue (2003)

Yellowcard

First time I heard Yellowcard was on the game Burnout 3 and I'm so glad I found them! They've changed my life and always give you such an uplifting feel! They have produced so many amazing albums, but if I was to choose one that started it all it has to be this one! Obtaining a platinum sale and reaching huge commercial success within the states and having such a thunderous rock sound. Still around today, the band are still touring, producing studio albums and have been around since 1997. From Jacksonville, Florida is where the five piece band began their journey.

Left: Sean Mackin (Violin), Alex Lewis (Bass), Ryan Key (Vocals, Rhythm), Ben Harper (Guitarist), LP (Drummer)

After meeting in high school they discovered their name through parties and having a a rule that if you spilt a drink or doing something stupid you will receive a yellow card. The unique side of the band is featuring a violin and it incredibly works in the way they produce their music! Starting out as hardcore punk band, which obviously paid of with the experience they gained. They swiftly changed to more of a pop punk but still having this raw rock sound within them, which introduced a new wider fan base to them! The bass player Peter Mosely left the band with other intentions on projects such as Inspection 12 and didn't know what was yet to come when the band hit a mainstream explosion. He was quickly reinstated as bass player after he saw the success the band had peaked. Thus getting rid of Alex Lewis whose sister did contribute on the vocals of "View From Heaven".

Fourth studio album released in 2003. Hoping to make a name for themselves in the Southern California scene. The artwork of a girl with the sun piercing behind her as she poses. Relating to the song of Ocean Avenue.

10th Year Anniversary!
Recently the band have rediscovered the album by producing all acoustic tracks of the album and they still made it awesome on this 10th year anniversary. I don't know if all the acoustic stuff left drummer (LP) in the dark in not being used as heavily and this probably led to his departure of the band.

Track Listing:
Track 1 - Way Away

Catchy hard song to start the album. The lyrics and vocals on this album has dramatically changed from what was on previous studio albums! Ryan Key the singer is more outspoken and sings about the destiny he is now in control of and this inspired from dropping out of college and pursuing his dreams as a songwriter. Ryan Key is probably my favourite singer and performer out their today. The lyrics and heart he puts into his songs is powerful and he really delivers this warm feel for us. The lyrics are so easily relatable and you really can apply them to your own life and struggles you maybe dealing with.

Track 2 - Breathing

Appearing on Burnout 3! This song is just catchy as you can get!
"And I can hear you breathing!! And it's keeping me awake!"

Fast guitar and pounding drumming that create such an epic song! It was about the breakup with Ryan Keys girlfriend and knowing it was the right thing to do but not knowing for sure why. He knew it was a good decision but struggled to understand it.

Track 3 - Ocean Avenue

The song that got them noticed and gained loads of popularity. Ocean Avenue is describing the place where they originated from and instead of talking about a girl, they described a place. Such a ground breaking tune! You know what, the song speaks louder than words that I can so check it out with the link below. This was also Alex Lewis last appearance in a Yelllowcard music video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9fLbfzCqWw


Track 4 - Empty Apartment

This song was about a band member leaving because of personal reasons. The song is emotional for the group and this song shows the acceptance of his decision. (Warren or Pete?) The song is very slow and sad, everyone can easily relate to the lyrics into their own personal afflictions. Such a powerful song that calms down the album and gets you closer to Ryan Key.


Track 5 - Life Of A Salesman

Awesome weird riff to start the song, that brings out Ryans repetitive lyrics based on a play called Death Of A Salesman. A son who is always trying to impress his father and be like him. The song is so in your face with the energy within it and fails to ease throughout. The consistency is groundbreaking and the structure within the song keeps me listening. All these songs are too catchy for me and I'm easily drawn to this band.


Track 6 - Only One

Same theme as Breathing, it was about Ryan making a decision to leave his girlfriend. Knowing it was the right thing to do. This song has a lot of meaning within it and the melody within the song is breathtaking and it is vocally sang beautifully to instantly get you connected.
"There's just no one who gets me like you do, you are my only one"


Track 7 - Miles Apart

The way they let LP have a free roll in drums with just smashing it gives another great feel to the band. He introduces his own introduction solo on the drums to start the song. The band easily connects well within in their music and they all have free roles to express themselves on their instruments being as noticed as possible with iconic riffs and patterns structuring awesome songs. The song can mean anything to you that you've recently lost or moved away from. Easily relatable songs makes Yellowcard so successful and endearing. Whether this is about back home in Florida for Ryan Key or his ex girlfriend. It's another powerful song with catchy lyrics.
"I'll keep you deep inside, your always in my heart."

Track 8 - Twentythree

Awesome lyrics within this song on his anger with a girl that he recently left and displaying her immaturity, even though she probably has her reasons too be angry at him. Another thunderous song from the band and keeps it's consistency throughout. I really try to do LP's drum solo in the bridge it's just so EPIC!! The technique he applies is just so fast and so in beat with the tapping on the side of the drum kit. I'd love to learn or witness him do it!

Track 9 - View From Heaven

If you had a song to cry at. I would happily pick this one. Song meaning is from a band member that was sadly killed in a car accident. Scott Shad drummer of Inspection 12 was dedicated to his memory. The song has just pure emotional quality to it, the violin in their music makes it so moving with the tempo of the song and is perfect essential to slow rock song along with a hard one.

Track 10 - Inside Out
Not heavy but not slow. Just the perfect mix for a good song that contains a lot of dynamic changes. You could say it's quite different from the rest of the songs. Jealousy within the lyrics that Ryan must of had over his ex-girlfriend having something special then losing it. You may find lyrics relating to your lover quite original but Ryan takes it to another level and the melodies he creates with the lyrics makes it that extra powerful.


Track 11 - Believe
A song that can really uplift your mood with the lyrics and the sound. The song is that of 9/11 in New York. Which is a fragile subject to be talking about, Yellowcard totally nail with the emotion that is heavily involved within the subject. It is spoken from the point of view from a fireman, but not knowing he's going to be coming down alive. Although a sad song, it has a sense of heroic deed within a failed cause. The song can bring a positive energy around you but a sense of sadness, knowing that it all ends up bad and the person leading to his death is yet to know their fate. He just keeps going and reassuring people that it's going to be okay.

Believe it or not the violinist Sean Mackin was in one of the buildings at the time of 9/11. He remembers being reassured by firefighters and finding out later that day those same firefighters died trying to save lives in the building. Such inspirational lyrics within this song and memorable energy and emotion within. Strong fast violin intro that opens up the song and telling us how valuable our lives are and taking every chance you get and making a difference. "Make Your Sacrifice Worthwile"
Great song for staying strong and getting through hard times you maybe personally going through!

Track 12 - One Year, Six Months
Slow acoustic song that has such a nice flow to it. Reminiscing about past relationships and how good it used to be and how life has dramatically changed since. Easily relatable if you've just been through a breakup or a personal love situation.

Track 13 - Back Home
Great acoustic song! Although admiring where they are, the band are still remembering their roots and talking about how great their lives our in California.
"Another sunny day in Californ-I-A, sure back home they'd love to see it"


Live Performances!

I've seen Yellowcard 3 times on tour after their two year hiatus. Even went to a show where they supported All Time Low in London. I was really unimpressed by who they had to support because they're so much better than that. Because they were on their label they had to be put with them and assuming because they're good friends from that All Time Low band. UK Headline tour was yet to come and I had to be patient for a year for this to arrive, getting a better longer set from this awesome band! I went to their signing in Coventry and got all their signatures on all the merchandise of Yellowcard that I own! Probably the only time I've been utterly starstruck around a idol of mine and a band that has helped me get through dark times.

I rate this Album 10/10 on just pure consistency throughout!

If you've never listened to Yellowcard. Please do! Because they're such an inspiring band that can really uplift your mood. The lyrics have got more powerful throughout the studio albums that they've done. An incredible unique band that we still have gracefully on this earth!

Radiohead - The Bends (1995)

Radiohead.

Released in March 1995 from a English 5 piece band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire! This second studio album really came in with a kick. When I first heard this album I wanted to listen to over again. It just has so much emotion within the songs and can really calm you down with the sounds they provide. The bands name comes from the title of a song in The Talking Heads: True Stories album. Coming out of the Britpop scene that did dominate Britain at the time with the likes of Blur and Oasis, the band conjured up some success and stole some spotlight being on the outside of the musical sound. Radiohead are such a unique band to me, they can really reach into your soul with their sound and the solid emotion they portray in the songs.

I think many people assume Radiohead to have this hated haze within their lyrics, but I see them as questioning life. The Bends made a huge leap with the sound, they inherited from the experiences and performances from the previous Pablo Honey album.

Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway

The Bends

Coming from their debut album of Pablo Honey (1993) the band did have pressure on them to reproduce the material they did. The band were so close to breaking up. With their song "Creep" it became a late chart success and the band spoke out about being smothered by the success. The Bends refers to a condition divers get when they come to the surface to fast. It is a commentary on Radiohead's sudden fame. Radiohead have a sound of being heavy but then slowly calming it all down again, their style is unique and with this album. Heavily involving a lot of catchy guitar riffs along with lyrics that take you away from your mind. The melodies within this album should be greatly admired! The album is slightly grunge inspired you could say, in the era of music they found themselves in.

The cover is of a mannequin that is practised for people learning to CPR. This relating to the condition in what you receive when you have The Bends. Quite simple idea and keeps in with the theme of the bands material.

Track Listing

Track 1 - Planet Telex - 4:19

First track on the album with intense keyboard intro to begin the song. Then ripping vocals of Thom Yorke with a awesome guitar lick to follow up. Interesting information here, is that the band wrote this in one night while extremely intoxicated. Thom sang all the vocals lying on the floor, it took just one take. (http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1540) Suppose to be titled Planet Xerox but trouble through issues with copyright stopped them.

Track 2 - The Bends - 4:06

As I talked about earlier. The Bends is a medical condition that happens to people that come out of the water too fast. Metaphor of the band becoming these instant rock stars without a chance to adjust to fame and the spotlight, questioning life and for us as listeners to relate to the feelings and emotions the bands going through. The lyrics talk about the newly found fame and popularity. The songs on the other hand has quite a repetitive band sound to introduce Thom's high pitched vocals, then slowly the band halts soothly Thom's verse vocals.


Track 3 - High And Dry - 4:17

Within the song it really portrays the vocal ability of Thom especially within in the chorus and the demand for recognition you could argue! The band has never appreciated their own work on this song, thinking that it sounds like a Rod Stewart cover is very bizarre. Lead singer Thom really didn't want this song on the album being recorded in the Pablo Honey sessions. It was dismissed but was later remastered here and I'm glad the band kept this content alive because it really became a successful song for them among the charts. A very soothing song from the band that heavily involves a repetitive acoustic guitar, along with gentle tapping of the drums.


Track 4 - Fake Plastic Trees - 4:50

Another slow acoustic song that Thom admits to crying too whilst trying to perform it. Not once but twice and surely more after watching a Jeff Buckley gig. The song has such progression, becoming heavier throughout and grasping the unique vocals and emotions of Thom. Such a chilling out song and can be put on in the background if you want some calming reassurance which is what Radiohead provide. If you had a sad scene in a film and you wanted to present it hugely. I'd use this and that's what the film Clueless (1995) did.

Track 5 - Bones - 3:09

Plugging the guitar back into the amp, the song brings out the gentle heavy sound again. The bass line picks up the limelight with a faster pace beat and distortion of the guitar that is strummed once so often. The style of the song is introducing a bluesy-boogie beat that just has awesome groove to it.

Track 6 - (Nice Dreams) - 3:53

A very slow acoustic based song. I can't imagine it being easy to pour your heart out so easily as Thom does. As a listener the feelings within the song is alienation and finding a way to deal with the problems. Inspired from George Harrisons song 'My Sweet Lord' recreating the ambience in their own unique way.

Track 7 - Just - 3:54

This is Radiohead at it's best! Just the changes and co-ordination from the band makes this a powerful unique song. The use of both acoustic and the electric guitar and not knowing where the song is going, which is probably why it's my favourite song on the record!


Track 8 - My Iron Lung - 4:36

Now people may argue with what I'm going to say here. The song sounds very similar to Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana in the chorus. Obviously unintentional but has similarities between each other. The song was written after the band pulled out of Reading Festival because of Thom's strained vocal cords. Such an awesome song that can keep you going through the day!


Track: 9 - Bulletproof.. I Wish I Was - 3:28

Another slowed chilled out acoustic song. Thom wishing he wasn't so sensitive but the huge theme of sensitivity within the song. The high pitched voices and howls are unique within the song and can take your mind of for a wonder while you get lost in the music.


Track 10 - Black Star - 4:07

Moderate rock song. "Funny enough the song is about sex in the morning, it's the best time to have it especially if you've brushed your teeth before". Quoted from lead singer Thom. Song was recorded without the producer and probably why it sounds more improvised from the rest of the album and has a raw edge to it.


Track 11 - Sulk 3:42

Repetitive guitar sound that traps you in the melody. Something that I'd admire about Radiohead is that the riffs get caught into your head, you just get lost picturing all sorts of inspirational visions. The song is inspired about the Hungerfood massacre in which 16 people were killed in a shooting spree. A lyric which was involved in the song was "Just shoot your gun." It was left out due to Kurt Cobain's suicide recently and thought audiences may interrupt it as a crude cash in. This was the last song to be completed and was written in the Pablo Honey sessions.


Track 12 - Street Spirit (Fade Out) - 4:12

Another repetitive song with the guitar licks that experiments with the vocal ability of Thom. A song that was highly received with its melodic and peaceful sound. Not one of the bands favourite songs to perform live! Many people going to the show were in high demand of seeing this song performed live! Song is inspired from Ben Okri's 1991 novel The Famished Road. Although maybe sounding peaceful, it's one of Radiohead's darker, saddest song.

Live Performances

I was lucky enough to see Radiohead at Glastonbury Festival on their secret set! I should honestly say that I didn't know much of their material. I am glad I watched their performance and discovered Radiohead and seeing how they interacted with the fanatical masses of audiences at the front of the stage!

Merchandise
Since The Bends album, the band have done numerous albums and have so much new merchandise that have promoted all of their new albums. This is one shirt I found online, I'm not sure it's official but pretty much just promotes the album cover.

10/10 Of Rating!!

This album is just awesome and you can stick it on and I'd be content. It's so chilled out the whole way through and soothes me. If I was to do a album it would be like this! If you have anymore information on facts and knowledge about Radiohead don't hesitate to contact me! I'm a big admirer of this album and I'm sure a lot of people have the same opinion as me and should be rated among the greatest albums of our time. If not, it is my greatest album of all time!

Third Eyed Blind - Self-Titled (1997)

Third Eyed Blind.

Self-Titled
An American Four piece rock band from San Francisco with a debut album that just totally rocks! For a first album that really just throws everything out of you it's exactly what I want as a listener! Just the raw rock sound they provide. The album was a commercial success and so it should of been. Leading up to the album they were getting all sorts of attention to sign to a major record label. They finally made a decision with the record label Elektra that had the likes of Metallica and Motley Crue.

The band started in 1993 and had alternative band member changes throughout that period. They finally got their sound and got signed to produce this album that was released in April, 1997! The influences they put into the album is very varied within each song and they do bring a unique style that justifies the sound of the 90's alternative rock scene.

Kevin Cadogan (Guitar), Stephen Jenkins (Singer), Arion Salazar (Bass), Brad Hargreaves (Drums)

Trivia
Michael Urbano from the band Smash Mouth, performs drums on the first four songs in the album. His band yet to make mainstream success till 1999.

Stephen Jenkins has a lisp, you can spot it in live performances.

Album Artwork

The first 500,000 sales of the album were in gold and the bands logo was in red. Vice versa here below after these sales at the band request when their popularity went berserk and in need of more copies! Don't think much meaning went into the artwork that pictures a yelling character with one eye covered with three fingers. This becoming their trademark within the bands name of Third Eye Blind (Obviously)

Track Listing 

Track 1- Losing A Whole Year

Soft intro riff of a guitar that you expect to carry in for longer but just gets straight into the track. The range of vocals from Stephen Jenkins is excellently produced. The use of his high pitched, fast paced vocals is unique in it's right.  The meaning of the song is pretty simple. A past relationship reflecting and wondering what made you take that path. The words can be transformed into your own experiences with the lyrics put across in the song. Such a good song to start the album being progressive and experimental, yet simply laid out.


Track 2 - Narcolepsy

Has such a edge to it. Being so calm at the start with soft guitar licks and vocals to just progressively exploding your mind with overdrive of hard rock! You probably would of thought this could of easily been the first track to wake you up. The progression of this song is amazing, it just doesn't ease slightly till the end of the song. If you wanna know what Narcolepsy means, its a condition to fall asleep whenever in relaxing surroundings. Very similar to a Ramones sound!

Track 3 - Semi-Charmed Life

Where to begin in this song? Just the fast awe of Stephens fast rapping and not giving him a chance to breathe till after the chorus. The different styles of genres put into the song is extraordinary. This song was a response to Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side" but from a San Francisco perspective with the growing interest on hip-hop. The simple doot, doot, doot they stole from Lou Reed which is involved in the intro that may turn some listeners away, being so catchy and repetitive. Once you get the whole feel of the song theirs no way you can't fall in love with band. The songs meaning is about crystal meth and being addicted. This time Stephen wants to try something else and begin something new with his life that includes romance. The catchy melody within the song is very uplifting and it takes you away from the dark lyrics.  


Track 4 - Jumper

First acoustic track that has such a catchy melody with simple guitar. Easily connected with suicide Stephen in a interview spoke about demons that we have, people then understanding your problems and have to make time with them so we can move on from these past situation. Very uplifting song if your feeling alienated from this world. The song was built on a young homosexual man that was having a difficult time at school being pressurised into a military family to then sadly taking his own life. This song can have so much meaning to yourself and a simple song that you can sing along too. This song was considered the most powerful influential 90's alternative rock sound with the powerful messages within.

Track 5 - Graduate

Obviously a song to show you've achieved something and finally proven yourself. Awesome live performance below of the band changing the chorus lyrics to "Can I Masterbate" instead of "Graduate." They were cut for a few seconds while on live air at the 1997 AMA awards. The song is moderately heavy and has lush breakdowns in-between the verses with great co-ordantional sound from the whole group. This song can have a mass appeal to the teenage angst within school and the feelings of finishing studies and questioning if you will succeed. Very uplifting song and can help you pull through the pressures of upcoming deadlines and exams. The energy bodes well within the song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2WUyaNgFH8

Track 6 - How's It Going To Be?

Taking it back down a notch, the song starts off with chilled guitar riff being a slowly paced rock song, that has Stephen pouring his heart out. Very powerful song in trying to understand the future and dealing with things that are changing and the people around you, that were once close but now drifting away from what you and how it used to be. This song does just transform your mind into memories of your past surely! It just has that type of atmosphere within it. Something everyone can easily relate too within the same subject, of having fear that times are changing that were once good and not knowing, going into the unknown.

Track 7 - Thanks A Lot

Just the high pitched shrieks within the songs chorus of Thanks A Lot grabs you. The song has the same structure as the first track with the soft guitar introduction but then showing its experimental guitar side within the song.

Track 8 - Burning Man

Moderate rock song with high pitched vocals to introduce the song describing that life is too short and not wasting it. It progressively takes it's time to reach the repetitive chorus. The theme is very similar that of the other songs in the album, being love themed.

Track 9 - Good For You

Hard song but yet feeling delayed with the guitar that keeps it at a awesome tempo. Kickass song thats its a gothic rock song about a stalker. "Grabbing you" part gives it away and asking whether if it's good for you. The solo at the end is just awesome and the diverse sound they put into the song is very dynamic and unique.  

Track 10 - London

Repetitive chorus of "I don't wanna go to London" Very different song compared to the others for sure. The drums start the song this time and have a guitar that uses bends very frequently. The lyrics seem to be about another romance story but not wanting to travel long distances for unworthy cause. But could easily be related to cocaine and a girls addiction to the drug.

Track 11 - I Want You

"Well you do, you do, you do. Your making me want you!" Catchy awesome song. Acoustic song that gets you really involved into the lyrics and melody. The song can drift you away and in your own interpretation of the simple young love lyrics. Creating your own meaning towards the sound if you fully concentrate.

Track 12 - The Background

I just love the sudden fade in of the song. The background perfectly describing the song title being a background song thats so delicate that you can peacefully relax to as you do your thing. Having such transformations within the songs for this band just makes them that extra awesome because they're so diverse with this studio album. Soon as it hits halfway the hardness picks up from the rest of the band and you can get this ear ripping solo.


Track 13 - Motorcycle Drive By

Nice finger picking of the acoustic guitar that Stephen describes as a story of a trip to see a girl in New York, travelling from San Francisco but not working out then releasing that negativity by going surfing and feeling alive again. We'll never know if thats correct but the song again is about something that made him sad but then releasing that emotion back by doing something that makes him feel alive again.  I like the quick change in his feelings because instead of being so miserable you should be enjoying small things in life.

Track 14 - God Of Wine

Very surreal song that talks about everything ending within space and what we create will eventually be nothing due to the universe collapsing. The use of alcohol can help us diverse us away from the fear of death and normal life itself thats the meaning I take away with me here. A slow paced song that has a very structured process like the others of a catchy chorus "Can't keep it all together."Such an awesome song to end the album with the relation of ending everything like this album has just done.



LIve Performances

3eB still tour to this day but not so much towards the Europe side of the water! Even though the band had their difficulties with success after this album they still advertise their music throughout the states. Problems with copyright among the band members and taking each other to court over ownership stakes. People online say how bad they're at performing and this band can be either your thing or not. If you have one bad performance as a band, compared to 10 good performances, your always going to be labelled bad overall so I have to experience them myself because I have yet to go to a 3eb show. Hopefully one day I will but it won't feel like the tour they did when they released this album. Just a shame I wasn't in this generation, but as a young audience you can easily relate to the songs because nearly 20 years on, I do. With this album it's sounds so perfect that it was never going to be perfectly recreated live. All of their songs are so powerful and have so much enthusiasm within it, plus I think the singer Stephen struggles with his lisp.

Merchandise

Not much of a message from the band promotional side of it. The iconic logo still lingers on the shirt as a trademark of the 3B, with a small E in the B within a ringed circle. The shirts are average priced and designed well for you to proudly walk down the street with.

Rating

I rate this album 10/10! Just an action packed album for me to stick on when I'm bored. I don't get bored of the sound from Third Eye Blind and they produce such a fresh experimented raw rock sound!