Song Of The Week: 3/15/15

Song: "By Crooked Steps"

Artist: Soundgarden

Album: "King Animal"

Year: 2012



"By Crooked Steps" is a song that appears to be about vengeance in some way. Perhaps it might possibly be about a guy who believes that he is what will make a particular girl whole. Problem is, she may not see it the same way. In fact, she may not even know who this guy is and she is already happily with someone. It definitely sounds like it's coming from someone with a twisted mind. He believes they will be together, no matter what happens to her current mate and he does not seem to mind if he himself is the one to get him out of the picture. One way or another, he will complete her, at least that's what he thinks in his own psychotic mind! Soundgarden formed as a band back in 1984, with Kim Thayil on guitar, Hiro Yamamoto on bass and Chris Cornell on drums and vocals, hailing from Seattle, Washington. In 1985, Scott Sundquist was brought in to play drums to allow Cornell to focus on vocal duties. Soundgarden appeared on the now famous Deep Six compilation, featuring them as well as other underground Seattle bands. In 1986, former drummer of Skin Yard, Matt Cameron joined the band. 1987 saw Soundgarden hook up with Sub Pop Records and release the single/b-side "Hunted Down/Nothing To Say". They also released the "Screaming Life" EP as well as the "Fopp" EP. In 1988, Soundgarden signed up with SST Records and released their full length debut album, "Ultramega OK", featuring the lead single "Flower". In 1989, Soundgarden was signed by major label A&M Records and they released "Louder Than Love", featuring tracks like "Hands All Over", "Big Dumb Sex" and "Loud Love". It was at this time that Yamamoto left the band. Jason Everman, formerly of Nirvana, joined the band for their support tour of "Louder Than Love" but was let go right after the tour finished. In 1991, Ben Shepherd joined the band on bass. Shepherd was like a breath of fresh air for the band because of his songwriting and creativity. It showed as the band released "Badmotorfinger". With singles and concert staples like "Jesus Christ Pose", "Outshined" and "Rusty Cage", "Badmotorfinger" was among the top 100 selling albums of 1992. That same year, Soundgarden joined what would become a now legendary Lollapalooza Tour along with Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Pearl Jam and Ministry. With the Seattle scene exploding by now and "grunge" being the craze, Soundgarden would release their holy grail of music, 1994's "Superunknown". Featuring the singles "Spoonman", "The Day I Tried To Live", "Black Hole Sun", "My Wave" and "Fell On Black Days", "Superunknown" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts, won two Grammy Awards and has been certified 5X platinum in the United States alone! Trying to live up to that proved to be a daunting task for Soundgarden. "Down On The Upside" was released in 1996, featuring the singles "Pretty Noose", "Burden In My Hand" and "Blow Up The Outside World". Though it was received well critically, it did not live up to "Superunknown". I personally believe it to be a great album, but the band was becoming burnt out and increasing internal tensions were pulling the band apart. In 1997, Soundgarden announced that they were disbanding. As a thank you to fans, they released the greatest hits compilation "A-Sides" which featured an unreleased track from the "Down On The Upside" sessions called "Bleed Together". From 1998 to 2009, the band members all did their own thing. Cornell released solo albums and also fronted the supergroup Audioslave with members of Rage Against The Machine. Cameron worked on his side band Wellwater Conspiracy then joined Pearl Jam as their full time drummer. Shepherd worked with Mark Lanegan while Thayil stayed mostly behind the scenes, working on various artist's material. In 2010, Cornell announced to the world that Soundgarden was back! They played their 1st live show on 4/16/10 at the Showbox in Seattle, the first time they played live in 13 years! "Telephantasm: A Retrospective" was released, basically another greatest hits compilation and featured the unreleased song "Black Rain". In 2012, Soundgarden contributed the song "Live To Rise" to the "Avengers" movie soundtrack. This was the first new song the band recorded since their reunion. 2012 also saw the band release a brand new original album called "King Animal". This album featured the singles "Been Away Too Long", "By Crooked Steps" and "Halfway There". In 2014, the band released "Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path". This is a three disc set that includes rarities, b-sides, cover songs and live tracks all in one package. Currently, Thayil has mentioned in several interviews that Soundgarden should have a new album out sometime in 2015. What can be said about Soundgarden? This band is bad ass! As one of the bands that was in the forefront of the grunge/Seattle sound of the early 90's, time and longevity has made them so much more than that. In my mind, Soundgarden is one of the best hard rock bands of all time. They were the darker Seattle band, the heavier Seattle band, the most technical Seattle band. If you could take a pot and mix in some Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and underground hardcore, you'd probably come out with something resembling Soundgarden. Their use of odd timings makes their music totally unique and Cornell is arguably one of the top 5 male rock vocalists of all time! Totally bad ass band!!

Song Of The Week: 3/8/15

Song: "Emitter"

Artist: Reverse The Curse

Album: "Hither & Yon"

Year: 2011



"Emitter" is a song that appears to be about how when you were younger, you tried to change yourself and who you were. Now, as you've grown older, your taking most of your time trying to find out who the person it is that you once were. It's kind of the irony in thinking that you have to be something or someone you're not, changing yourself to be that way and then realizing, you really didn't need to change at all and you wish you can go back and just be yourself. Reverse The Curse formed as a band as far back as 2002, hailing from Hiram, Ohio. While the band's roots date back to 2002, it wasn't until 2009 that they released any music, being the EP "Paths" on Lock And Key Collective Records. In 2011, the band hooked on with Paper + Plastick Records and released their debut full length studio album, "Hither & Yon". This album featured the singles "To Dig A Whole" and "Emitter". 2013 saw the band release their second album, "Existent". This album was released through Escapist Records and featured the singles "Carer", "Deliverance" and "Holding Water". The band also released a video of an acoustic version of "Carer" that was not on the album. Currently, Reverse The Curse is doing the touring thing, trying to promote their band and get their name out there to build an audience. There is no current news as to any new material on the horizon, it seems that being on the road is the band's current state. Though they have been featured on a punk rock label like Paper + Plastick Records, Reverse The Curse isn't exactly what I'd call a punk band, maybe progressive punk or indie punk and toss in a little post-hardcore for good measure. I'd say if you meshed bands like Hot Water Music, Thrice and Cave In, you might get a band that sounds a bit like Reverse The Curse. They do seem to be a band that is not afraid to experiment with their sound and to evolve musically in whatever direction their creativity will take them. Could be a band to take notice of in the next few years.

Song Of The Week: 3/1/15

Song: "Man Of The Hour"

Artist: 98 Mute

Album: "After The Fall"

Year: 2002



"Man Of The Hour" is a song that appears to be about being cautious when it comes to those who you put complete faith in, total trust in or blind admiration towards because some of these people you deem as heroes are actually full of deception and are just using you for their own financial gains. Not everyone is exactly what they seem to be so it's important to use caution before you trust and to know that those you idolize are human and have flaws. 98 Mute formed as a band back in 1993, hailing from Hermosa Beach, California. They have an obvious connection to another Hermosa Beach punk band, Pennywise, in that 98 Mute's drummer is Justin Thirsk, younger brother of the late Jason Matthew Thirsk, original bass player and founding member of Pennywise. In 1995 the band signed on with Theologian Records and in 1996 they released their debut album "98 Mute", which featured the song "Another Boring Day". 1997 saw the band tour with Pennywise and Blink 182 and in 1998, they dropped "Class Of '98", featuring tracks like "Breakdown" and "Picture This". In 2000, 98 Mute hooked up with Epitaph Records and released "Slow Motion Riot", featuring the song "Slow Motion Riot". 2002 saw the band release "After The Fall", featuring the songs "Bullet For You" and "M.A.D.". This would prove to be 98 Mute's last record as the band broke up soon after it's release. Currently, 98 Mute is no longer an active band and hasn't been for more than 10 years. Justin Thirsk is seen quite often at Pennywise shows and often comes out on stage with the band during their closing anthem, "Bro Hymn" which has been transformed into a tribute for Justin's late brother Jason. 98 Mute is most often compared to Pennywise. Both bands hailing from Hermosa Beach. Both bands playing a hardcore, skate punk style of music. Both bands featuring political and social themed lyrics. Also, Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge has co-produced all four of 98 Mute's albums. Some would consider 98 Mute to be Pennywise's little brother. In the end, 98 Mute was not the band that Pennywise was, both musically and lyrically, so while they did have similarities, Pennywise was in another league while 98 Mute eventually dissolved under the pressures of trying to stay afloat in a music industry that tended to swallow struggling acts.

Song Of The Week: 2/22/15

Song: "What I'd Give Up"

Artist: The Classic Crime

Album: "Phoenix"

Year: 2012



"What I'd Give Up" is a song that appears to be about how the vocalist would give up everything to be with the girl he loves, including giving up what he loves most, his band, playing live, touring and making music. That is how much she means to him and how much he wants his world to revolve around hers. The Classic Crime formed as a band back in 2004, hailing from Seattle, Washington. In 2006, the band signed with Christian punk label Tooth & Nail Records and released their debut album, "Albatross". With the lead single "The Coldest Heart", "Albatross" had the highest debut sales in the history of Tooth & Nail Records. In 2007, the band released the all acoustic EP, "Seattle Sessions". 2008 saw the band release "The Silver Chord". Featuring the singles "Abracadaver", "5805" and "Grave Digging", this album proved a heavier and darker effort from The Classic Crime". In 2010, "Vagabonds" was released featuring the singles "Four Chords", "Solar Powered Life" and "A Perfect Voice". By 2012, The Classic Crime was no longer on the Tooth & Nail roster so with the assistance of a Kickstarter fundraising project, the band released "Phoenix", featuring the lead single "Beautiful Darkside". Due to their success using the Kickstarter fund, the band once again decided to go that route with funding their next effort, "What Was Done, Vol. 1: A Decade Revisited". This album featured acoustic and re-tooled efforts of the band's songs spanning their entire catalogue, including two bonus tracks, "Selfish" and "Where Did You Go". Being that this album came out in late 2014, currently there is no news of The Classic Crime coming out with a proper release with all new material. I wouldn't be surprised if new material didn't surface sooner rather than later. The band has established quite the "do it yourself" work ethic, funding their projects and working with distributors with a very hands on approach. Though labeled Christian punk, the band does not agree with that label, as not all band members believe in the same things. They do believe in individual religious freedom and respect other's beliefs. I wouldn't call them "punk" either, maybe hints of pop punk. To me, they have a lot in common with their former label mates Anberlin when it comes to musical style.

Song Of The Week: 2/15/15

Song: "Modern Man"

Artist: Bad Religion

Album: "Against The Grain"

Year: 1990



"Modern Man" is a song that appears to be about how mankind has ravaged the Earth and destroyed her land, robbed her of her minerals and extinguished it's wildlife. Mankind has to be stubbornly proud as they consume their wealth and meaningless material things while the very thing that gives it life is being destroyed by it. Bad Religion formed as a band back in 1979, hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band featured Greg Graffin on vocals, Jay Bentley on bass, Jay Ziskrout on drums and Brett Gurewitz on guitar. In 1981, the band released the "Bad Religion" EP on Gurewitz' newly formed record label Epitaph Records. In 1982, Ziskrout was replaced by Peter Finestone and the band released their debut full length album, "How Could Hell Be Any Worse". This album featured the songs "We're Only Gonna Die" and "Fuck Armageddon...This Is Hell". 1983 saw the band release the odd, keyboard driven "Into The Unknown". At this time, Gurewitz left the band to enter a drug rehab and was replaced by former Circle Jerks guitarist Greg Hetson. In 1985, the band released the EP "Back To The Known", a return to a heavier sound, but not quite the punk rock that the band is known for. In 1988, Bad Religion had an epic return to form with the release of "Suffer", which was Epitaph's best selling album until the release of The Offspring's "Smash" in 1994. 1989 saw the band release "No Control", featuring such concert staples as "Change Of Ideas", "Big Bang", "No Control", "I Want To Conquer The World" and "You". In 1990, "Against The Grain" was released featuring one of the band's most popular tracks, "21st Century (Digital Boy)". At this point, Finestone left the band and was replaced by Bobby Schayer. 1992 saw the band release "Generator". This album featured the tracks "Generator" and "Atomic Garden", the latter which was the band's very first single, as well as their first song in which they shot a music video for. In 1993, Bad Religion signed to major label, Atlantic Records. That same year they released "Recipe For Hate" which reached #14 on the Billboard Heatseekers charts, thanks in part to the singles "American Jesus" and "Struck A Nerve". In 1994, "Stranger Than Fiction" was released. Featuring the songs "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Infected", this was one of the most successful Bad Religion albums to date. At this time, Gurewitz left the band once again, this time to focus on his now emerging Epitaph label. He was replaced by Minor Threat's Brian Baker. In 1996, "The Gray Race" was released, produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek. This album featured the tracks "A Walk" and "Punk Rock Song". 1998 saw the release of "No Substance", an album that received mixed reviews from both critics and fans alike. 2000 saw the return of Gurewitz and the release of "The New America". This album featured the song "Believe It", the 1st song co-written by Gurewitz and Graffin in years. At this time, Schayer was replaced on drums by Brooks Wackerman of Suicidal Tendencies fame. 2002 saw Bad Religion return to Epitaph Records and release "The Process Of Belief". In 2004, the band released "The Empire Strikes First", featuring the single "Los Angeles Is Burning". In 2006, the band released a live DVD called "Live At The Palladium". 2007 saw the release of "New Maps Of Hell". Featuring the singles "Honest Goodbye", "Heroes And Martyrs" and "New Dark Ages", this album peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 charts. To commemorate the band's 30th anniversary, they released the live album, "30 Years Live" in 2010. At the end of that year, they also released the album "The Dissent Of Man". This album reached #6 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. 2013 saw the band release "True North". This album reached #18 on the Billboard 200 charts making it Bad Religion's highest chartest album of their career. At this time, Hetson left the band to deal with some personal issues and was replaced on guitar by Mike Dimkich. The band released "Christmas Songs" later that year, a punk rock take on some Christmas classics. Bad Religion spent the summer of 2014 touring with label mates Pennywise and The Offspring. Currently, as far back as 2013, band members have confirmed that they are planning, and working on new material for a future release. Is 2015 the year we see it? That remains to be seen but Bad Religion has been as consistent as any band, if not more, especially one that has been around for more than 30 years. Influential? That's an understatement. You listen to any punk rock band that came out in the early to mid-90's revival and you'd be hard pressed not to hear some Bad Religion influence. Their songs are fast paced, melodic and full of social and political views that the band is not ashamed to wear on their sleeves and bring to the forefront. The should be Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers, Bad Religion could easily be on the Mount Rushmore of punk rock bands!!

Song Of The Week: 2/8/15

Song: "These Wings"

Artist: The Darlings

Album: "The New Escape"

Year: 2010



"These Wings" appears to be a song about the hopelessness and despair of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The horror that these people faced during the disaster was unfathomable, people stranded on rooftops and the blood of the dead filling the flooding waters. The terror of the storm was one thing. The blind eye and disturbingly slow response by our government had some of these victims questioning not only their country, but their own faith in God as well. Hailing from the Southbay in California, The Darlings formed as a band back in 2005. Before they even released any music, The Darlings honed their craft by opening up for some legendary bands including Pennywise, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Youth Brigade, TSOL, Strung Out, Face To Face and the Circle Jerks. In 2008, The Darlings released their first EP, "The Darlings", which featured the song "Where Did We Go". In 2010, the band released their debut full length album, "The New Escape". This album featured the tracks "American Dream", "The Hard Goodbye" and "Broken Heart Still Beating", the latter which stayed at #1 for several weeks on famous Los Angeles radio station KROQ. In 2011, the band signed up with Gadsen Records before embarking on a 59 city American tour. That very same year, The Darlings were named a Featured Artist by Billboard Magazine. In 2012, The Darlings frontman, Buddy Darling, and Strung Out frontman, Jason Cruz, formed an Americana side project called Jason Cruz and the Howl. This side project did not deter The Darlings from making new music, however, and in 2014, the band released their latest album, "Made Of Phantoms" in July of that year. To support the album, The Darlings embarked on a tour with Jason Cruz and the Howl and The Pullmen. Currently, it appears that The Darlings are still in support mode for their latest album, "Made Of Phantoms". The band has really made a name for itself, mainly because of it's live shows. The raw energy and passion of the band, and their tightness musically, makes them an act worth seeing live. Musically, although they are lumped in with the many punk bands that they've toured with and are influenced by, you cannot really just throw the "punk" label on them alone. They have a bit of a 90's alternative rock feel to them as well. At times they're melodic, Bouncing Souls type, energetic punk and at other times their music is punk rock laced with a rock and roll vibe, ala Social Distortion. Either way, this is a pretty solid band that's worthy of attention.

Song Of The Week: 2/1/15

Song: "Whatever"

Artist: Godsmack

Album: "Live & Inspired"

Year: 2012



"Whatever" is a song written by Godsmack vocalist Sully Erna as a direct response to his then girlfriend when the band was just starting out. It was damn near impossible to keep a relationship at that time in the band's history because when they weren't jamming and rehearsing, they were working regular jobs and when they weren't working regular jobs, they were rehearsing. It was his response to her when she was vying for time with him. His band was his passion and nothing was going to get in the way of that. The original version of "Whatever" appeared on Godsmack's 1998 self-titled album. The version I chose for my song of the week appears on the band's 2012 live album "Live & Inspired". Hailing from Lawrence, Massachusetts, Godsmack formed as a band back in 1995. Erna, who was a drummer in previous bands, decided to form a new band and act as the lead vocalist. In 1996, the band released their debut album "All Wound Up", which cost the band $2600 and was recorded in 3 days. The song "Keep Away" gained the attention of local radio station WAAF in Boston who began rotating the song on a daily basis. In 1998, Godsmack signed to Universal/Republic Records and released "Godsmack". This album basically featured re-mastered tracks from "All Wound Up" and their new single "Whatever". The album debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and by 2001, was certified 4X platinum. "Whatever" was and still is the band's signature song. 2000 saw the band drop "Awake". This album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 charts thanks in part to the singles "Awake", "Bad Magick" and "Greed". Godsmack's song "I Stand Alone", which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie "The Scorpion King", became the #1 single at Rock Radio. It became the most played Active Rock song in 2002. 2003's "Fearless" was the band's 1st album to debut at #1. It sold over 269,000 copies in it's first week and featured the singles "Straight Out Of Line", "Serenity" and "Re-Align". In 2004 the band released an all acoustic EP called "The Other Side". In 2006, Godsmack released "IV", their second straight album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. This album featured the songs "Speak", "Shine Down" and "The Enemy". To celebrate the band's 10 year anniversary, Godsmack released the greatest hits package "Good Times, Bad Times...Ten Years Of Godsmack". This album featured a cover of the Led Zeppelin track "Good Times, Bad Times". The band's next release was 2010's "The Oracle". Behind the singles "Cryin' Like A Bitch", "Love-Hate-Sex-Pain" and "Saints And Sinners", this album became the band's third to debut at #1. In 2012, the live album "Live & Inspired" was released. It came with a bonus EP of four cover songs. 2014 saw the band release "1000HP". This album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 charts and featured the singles "1000HP" and "Something Different". In support of "1000HP", Godsmack headlined the 2014 Uproar Festival. Currently, Godsmack is most likely still in the support stage of their latest album "1000HP". They normally release albums every 2 to 3 years so I wouldn't expect a new full length until probably 2017 or so. Godsmack is one of the biggest hard rock/metal outfits that are out there as of today. They are often compared to Alice In Chains because of their brooding, dark themes and sound. Erna's vocals are eerily similar to that of Alice In Chains former frontman, the late Layne Staley. When Erna growls, his vocals are often compared to Metallica's James Hetfield as well. Despite the similarities and some critics knocking the band off as cheap imitations of those 2 bands, Godsmack has definitely carved their own niche in the rock and roll landscape. Godsmack, as well as fellow Massachusetts band Staind, are the current faces of heavy rock/alternative metal/post grunge music.