This is a weekly blog to let you in on what song and/or band that i've been feeling for that particular week. Music will always be a very important part of my life. I see it as the soundtrack for memories that bring you back to a certain place and time and new songs help to create new memories. Hope you enjoy!! :)
"Stratus" appears to be a song about finding love after love. I get the sense that even if a relationship doesn't work out, there will always be another love out there to find. The sunlight breeds new beginnings and new opportunities to find new love.
MOMENTS IN GRACE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2004 - Moonlight Survived (Atlantic Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON MOMENTS IN GRACE:
Moment In Grace formed as a band back in 2003, hailing from St. Augustine, Florida. Originally the band was called Postcard Audio and they released the "Postcard Audio" EP in 2003. Soon the band changed their name to Moments In Grace. Their debut full length album was released through major label Atlantic Records in 2004, titled "Moonlight Survived". This album featured the single "Stratus" which is clearly the band's biggest track of their career. "Moonlight Survived" turned out to be the band's only full length release of their short musical career. Their last release was an EP called "These Days Will Fade" which was released in 2004. By 2006, Moments In Grace had basically broken up. Moments In Grace was a straightforward, melodic rock band who's lyrical themes are very personal. I believe the first time I heard these guys was on a website called Purevolume where bands would post some of their songs. "Stratus" was definitely the first song I heard and is the band's true high point in my mind. I guess Moments In Grace lead vocalist Jeremy Griffith has gone into the production side of the music business. Other than that, this band was basically grounded almost as soon as it took off.
I couldn't find the lyrics to "Silence" on the net but when I listen to the song, the saying "it's the quiet ones you have to look out for" pops in my head. I have an image in my head of the vocalist standing in front of someone who is trying to push their ideals or views on to him but he doesn't blink. He just stares a hole right through him without saying a word. His silence is defiant and, ironically, it speaks volumes!
TRANSPLANTS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2002 - Transplants (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at #96 on the Billboard 200 on 11-9-02
2005 - Haunted Cities (La Salle/Atlantic Records)
* peaked at #28 on the Billboard 200 on 7-9-05
2013 - In A Warzone (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #58 on the Billboard 200 on 7-13-13
MY THOUGHTS ON TRANSPLANTS:
Transplants began as a little side project for Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong and his friend/roadie Rob Aston. In time, the band began to get more serious and they recruited Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker to join the band. Rancid's Lars Frederiksen and Matt Freeman have also contributed to the band without being official members. The band dropped their debut album in 2002, the self-titled "Transplants". The singles "Diamonds And Guns" and "DJ, DJ" proved to be very popular tracks for the band. The band returned for their sophomore effort in 2005, called "Haunted Cities". This would be the band's highest charting album, peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200. After touring to support this album, the band took a bit of a hiatus so that Armstrong and Barker could focus on their main gigs, Rancid and Blink 182 respectively. In 2013, however, the boys got back together to release "In A Warzone". Many people have called this the band's most raw album. The band's most recent release was 2017's "Take Cover" EP which featured several cover songs recorded by the band. Just the fact that Tim Armstrong is in the band and really the driving force, Transplants have the obvious connection to Rancid. But adding Rob Aston gives the group a hip hop feel as well and Travis Barker can switch from pounding hardcore punk drumming to headbanging hip hop old school beats in an instant. Like Rancid, the band sometimes incorporates a reggae feel as well, as Tim Armstrong is a big fan of that genre of music. At it's core, though, Transpants are a hardcore punk band. It's amazing that the Transplants are a side project! The group certainly sheds light on the seedy underbelly of society with song themes of guns, drugs and violence. Being a huge Rancid fan, I first heard the Transplants from their debut album. And I've had my tall can in the air ever since!! Here's hoping that these guys get back together soon to create more great music in between their main gigs.
Hot Water Music lead vocalist, Chuck Ragan, said he wrote "Better Sense" at a time in his life when he was reading the work of environmentalist author Daniel Quinn. "As a result, I found myself constantly searching and yearning for an understanding of our human origins as well as what brought our culture to such a state of chaos where we've drifted away from a predominantly hunter gatherer lifestyle. This song was written after hitchhiking home after a long night in the woods where I ditched my clothes, covered myself in mud to fend off mosquitos, climbed to the top of a live oak tree on Paynes Prairie till the sun came up and pondered the reasons and ways where humans started to live more as takers than leavers." For my song of the week, I chose the live version of the song on 2013's "Live In Chicago". If you want to check out the original, it can be found on the band's 1997 album, "Forever And Counting".
HOT WATER MUSIC DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1995 - Finding The Rhythms (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1997 - Fuel For The Hate Game (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1998 - Forever And Counting (Doghouse Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1999 - No Division (Some Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1999 - Live At The Hardback (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2001 - A Flight And A Crash (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2001 - Never Ender (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2002 - Caution (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2004 - The New What Next (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2008 - Till The Wheels Fall Off (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2011 - Live In Chicago (No Idea Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2012 - Exister (Rise Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2017 - Light It Up (Rise Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2017 - Keep It Together (Rise Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON HOT WATER MUSIC:
Hot Water Music formed as a band back in 1993, hailing from Gainesville, Florida. The guys in the band, Chuck Ragan (vocals/guitar), Chris Wollard (vocals/guitar), Jason Black (bass) and George Rebelo (drums), all played in local bands most notably Thread and Fossil. The four came together as Hot Water Music and started releasing several 7" singles most of which were compiled on the 1995 album, "Finding The Rhythms". Their first full length album was 1997's "Fuel For The Hate Game". The band released two more albums but by 1999, the strain of touring relentlessly almost dissolved the band. Their live album, "Live At The Hardback", was initially going to be a farewell album for the fans. Luckily, the guys decided to stick it out. In 2001, the band signed with legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records and released "A Flight And A Crash". 2002's "Caution" turned out to be the breakthrough album for Hot Water Music thanks in part to songs like "Remedy" and "Trusty Chords" which have become staples of their live shows and true fan favorites. The band followed up "Caution" with "The New What Next" in 2004, another solid album. In 2005, however, Ragan decided to step away from the band citing personal reasons. Though the band announced a hiatus, Wollard, Black and Rebelo formed the band The Draft at this time while Ragan focused on his solo career. Luckily for fans, Hot Water Music got back together in 2008 and announced a tour plus a b-sides and rarities compilation called "Till The Wheels Fall Off". By 2012, Hot Water Music was now signed to Rise Records who released their next two studio albums, "Exister" and their most recent release, 2017's "Light It Up". During this time, Wollard was forced to step away from the band for health reasons. Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners and Chris DeMakes of Less Than Jake filled in for Wollard during Hot Water live performances but Wollard has continued to perform with the band during their studio sessions. On November 11, 2021, Hot Water Music released the song "Killing Time" which is the first single off of their upcoming album, "Feel The Void", which is set for release in early 2022. Hot Water Music is a great post punk/hardcore punk band. These guys are especially known for their high energy live performances. In my mind, Chuck Ragan is one of the best punk rock frontmen of all time. Just a great, commanding vocal. Check out his solo shit and that will prove my point. Awesome vocalist and songwriter. Also check out some of the work all the guys did outside of Hot Water. The Draft released a great album. Chris Wollard has a side band called The Ship Thieves. Ragan's solo stuff is phenomenal. Jason Black played with Senses Fail for a few years and George Rebelo played with Against Me! and The Bouncing Souls as well. I got into Hot Water Music around 2002 when "Caution" was released. I believe I saw the video for "Remedy" and they had me hook, line and sinker! This is just an awesome band that is held in the utmost respect in punk rock circles.
"Privilege" is a song that appears to be about the freedom you have in America. Your privilege is that you are born free, but it's what you do with that freedom that gives your life true meaning. Sometimes the search for your purpose can feel like a chore. But should you stumble upon that purpose for yourself, and you put your time and energy into reaching that purpose, then your life can become enlightened. I chose the live version of "Privilege" for my song of the week. You can check out the original version on Incubus' 1999 album, "Make Yourself".
INCUBUS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1995 - Fungus Amongus (Stopuglynailfungus Music)
* peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200 on 11-25-00
1997 - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (Epic/Immortal Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1999 - Make Yourself (Epic/Immortal Records)
* peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200 on 9-9-00
* certified 2X platinum
2001 - Morning View (Epic/Immortal Records)
* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 11-10-01
* certified 2X platinum
2003 - Live At Lollapalooza 2003 (self-released)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2004 - A Crow Left Of The Murder (Epic/Immortal Records)
* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 2-21-04
* certified platinum
2004 - Live In Japan 2004 (self-released)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2004 - Live In Sweden 2004 (self-released)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2004 - Live in Malaysia 2004 (self-released)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2006 - Light Grenades (Epic/Immortal Records)
* peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 on 12-16-06
* certified gold
2011 - If Not Now, When? (Epic/Immortal Records)
* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 7-30-11
2012 - HQ Live (Sony Music Entertainment)
* peaked at #100 on the Billboard 200 on 9-1-12
2017 - 8 (Island Records)
* peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 on 5-13-17
MY THOUGHTS ON INCUBUS:
Incubus formed as a band back in 1991, hailing from Calabasas, California. The band formed when the members were still in high school. Early on, Incubus incorporated a lot of hip hop and electronic elements in there music. This was definitely prominent on their first two albums, 1995's "Fungus Amongus" and 1997's "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.". It was the band's next two albums that cemented them as bona fide, headliners. Starting with 1999's "Make Yourself". This album didn't exactly blow off into the stratosphere instantly. In fact, it was an acoustic version of the song "Pardon Me" that began to get serious radio play across the nation. If that song was the spark, the single "Drive" set the world ablaze! "Make Yourself" would eventually be certified double platinum. Their 2001 album, "Morning View", would also become certified double platinum, thanks to more hit singles such as "Wish You Were Here" and "Nice To Know You". The success of these two albums coincided with the band straying away from the hip hop/electronic elements and honing a more straight forward, melodic, alternative rock style. Success continued to follow the band with the 2004 release, "A Crow Left Of The Murder". 2006's "Light Grenades" became the first and only Incubus album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. It would be five years before Incubus released their next full length studio album, 2011's "If Not Now, When?". It would be an even longer gap till their next full length which was released in 2017. "8" would be the band's first album to be released through Island Records after the band's long relationship with Epic/Immortal Records. The band's most recent release was 2020's EP, "Trust Fall (Side B)". Incubus is a highly successful and influential alternative rock band. They have sold over 19 million albums worldwide. Their style is super melodic and vocalist Brandon Boyd is an excellent vocalist and songwriter. I first got into Incubus around 1999 when their "Make Yourself" album came out. I remember catching the "Pardon Me" video and I was intriqued with the band. Much like a lot of people, when I heard their acoustic version of that song I was hooked. I thought their acoustic version of "Drive" was incredible as well. I really fell in love with the band on their 2001 "Morning View" album. I just love "Wish You Were Here" which is probably my favorite song by the band. Incubus is just a top notch band. They've been a little sporadic lately with their releases, but these guys have always been super consistent musically. Great band!
