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!! :)
The song "Mye" by Sparta has multiple interpretations, but the core theme revolves around perseverance, self-reliance, and the acceptance of mistakes as part of the journey towards achieving goals.
SPARTA DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2002 - Wiretap Scars (DreamWorks Records)
* Peaked at #71 on the Billboard 200
2004 - Porcelain (Geffen Records)
* Peaked at #60 on the Billboard 200
2006 - Threes (Hollywood Records)
* Peaked at #83 on the Billboard 200
2020 - Trust The River (Dine Alone Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2022 - Sparta (Dine Alone Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2024 - Live 2023 (High Wire Visions)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON SPARTA:
Sparta formed as a band back in 2001 out of the ashes of the band At The Drive-In. When At The Drive-In broke up, the members splintered off into 2 bands, The Mars Volta and Sparta. At The Drive-In members Jim Ward, Paul Ninojos and Tony Hajjar formed Sparta in El Paso, Texas. After dropping an EP, "Austere", in early 2002, Sparta released their debut full length later in that year called "Wiretap Scars". The band's follow up to that album, 2004's "Porcelain", would be the band's highest charting release, peaking at #60 on the Billboard 200. 2006 saw the band release "Threes". After touring in support of this album, Sparta went on a hiatus in 2008, mostly because Ward wanted to concentrate on solo and side projects. In 2011, Sparta reunited, mostly playing live shows up until 2013. Then the band went on another hiatus that lasted until 2017 when the band permanently reunited. In 2020, the band released their first full length album in 14 years, titled "Trust The River". In 2022, the band dropped "Sparta", which is the band's last release of all new, studio material. Their most recent release would be 2024's "Live 2023", which, as the title refers, is a live album. Sparta's a really cool post-hardcore type of band. They are much less abrasive than At The Drive-In was, much less use of distortion, but they can still bring it, don't get it twisted! Actually, I wasn't much of a fan of At The Drive-In back in the day. Sparta's sound is much more in my wheelhouse. Though their first two releases were put out on major labels, DreamWorks and Geffen respectively, my favorite release from the band is 2006's "Threes". "Taking Back Control" is my favorite song by the band and really made me get into Sparta much more. Sparta is a solid band. Dare I say, very much underrated. It's great to see this band back to making new music cuz it looked pretty dicey for them after 2008.
ALBUM: "Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path"
YEAR: 2014
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Seattle, Washington
YEARS ACTIVE: 1984 - 2017
WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:
Soundgarden's cover of Green River's "Swallow My Pride" revolves around a critique of blind patriotism and a sense of disillusionment with a partner's unwavering national pride. The lyrics express a desire to reject this forced patriotism, symbolized by the act of "swallowing my pride." The song originally appeared on Soundgarden's 1988 EP "Fopp".
SOUNDGARDEN DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1988 - Ultramega OK (SST Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1989 - Louder Than Love (A&M Records)
* peaked at #108 on the Billboard 200
1991 - Badmotorfinger (A&M Records)
* peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200
* certified 2X Platinum
1994 - Superunknown (A&M Records)
* peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200
* certified 6X Platinum
1996 - Down On The Upside (A&M Records)
* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200
* certified Platinum
2011 - Live On I-5 (A&M Records)
* peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200
2012 - King Animal (Republic Records)
* peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200
2014 - Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path (A&M Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2019 - Live From The Artists Den (Universal Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON SOUNDGARDEN:
Soundgarden is a legendary band from Seattle, Washington that got it's start back in 1984. Chris Cornell (drums/vocals) and Hiro Yamamoto (bass) founded the band. Soon guitarist Kim Thayil joined the band. In 1985, Scott Sundquist joined the band as the drummer allowing Cornell to focus on vocal duties. Sundquist would only last a year in the band and was replaced by former Skin Yard drummer Matt Cameron. In 1986, Soundgarden was part of a compilation release called "Deep Six" which featured other artists Malfunkshun, Skin Yard, Green River and The Melvins to name a few. In 1987, Soundgarden signed a deal with Sub Pop records and released the EP's "Screaming Life" in 1987 and "Fopp" in 1988. Also in 1988, Soundgarden released their debut full length album "Ultramega OK". This album was nominated for a Grammy award. In 1989, the band dropped their sophomore album, "Louder Than Love". Hiro Yamamoto would leave the band following this album, stating that he felt like he wasn't as involved with the songwriting process any longer. He would be replaced by Jason Everman of Nirvana fame. Everman would only last a year and in 1990, Ben Shepherd took over on bass and the classic Soundgarden line-up was now in place. In 1991, Soundgarden released "Badmotorfinger", their first album on a major label, A&M Records. This album started gaining momentum with the singles "Rusty Cage", "Jesus Christ Pose" and "Outshined". It would be the explosion of success by Nirvana's album "Nevermind" later in that year which would give "Badmotorfinger" a lift off! By the time Soundgarden would release their next album, 1994's "Superunknown", the grunge movement had already exploded and Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains were all the rage! Soundgarden, not to be outdone by any of those bands, dropped a masterpiece in "Superunknown". Backed by hit singles like "Spoonman", "The Day I Tried To Live", "My Wave", "Fell On Black Days" and arguably their most successful single and popular song, "Black Hole Sun", this album would debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts and has ultimately been certified 6X Platinum! In 1996, the band followed up that monster with the highly underrated "Down On The Upside". After touring to support "Down On The Upside", the members of Soundgarden were exhausted and dealing with lots of internal strife about the musical direction of Soundgarden and more. The members thought it was best to just disband and ensure they don't put out a half ass effort which would tarnish the band's name and legacy in any way. After the band disbanded, the members were all active in other projects, most notably Cornell joining forces with the guys from Rage Against The Machine (minus Zack) and forming Audioslave. As well as drummer Matt Cameron becoming the full time drummer for Pearl Jam. Luckily, in 2010, Soundgarder would reform and in 2012, they dropped a brand new album for the first time in 16 years, "King Animal". In 2014, the band released "Echo Of Miles" which featured most of the band's rarities. In 2015 and 2016, there were rumors that the band had been working on new material. Matt Cameron would confirm that the band had 6 or 7 tracks that were pretty much good to go. On May 18, 2017, while the band was on tour, Chris Cornell was found dead in his hotel room. He died of an apparent suicide. What an unbelievably tragic loss. Chris Cornell, in my mind, had the greatest rock and roll voice of all time. Especially hard rock. He could effortlessly wail in incredibly high octaves or he could melt you when he would sing in a lower register. I love all four of the "main" grunge singers and they're all awesome. Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell are arguably four of the best lead singers in rock history. But I always found Cornell to be the most dynamic of the four. He was just a beast so his passing is just such a huge loss for the entiee music community and it's fans. So tragic. Soundgarden will always be one of my favorite bands. I consider Pearl Jam to be my favorite band, but Soundgarden is right there. The beauty of the Seattle "grunge" bands, especially the top 4 was that they were all so different. Sure there were similarities, but they were four different bands. It was after their success that all the record labels were trying to imitate their sounds and the market got saturated with cheap copycats. But those four were and are still legendary rock bands that have stood the test of time. Soundgarden is just a monstrous band. What else can you say?!
"Goodnight Goodbye" is a b-side for Taproot and I can't find the lyrics out there anywhere. After listening a few times, It appears that the vocalist is being left behind by someone he cares about. Maybe an end of relationship type of song? Not sure.
TAPROOT DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2000 - Gift (Atlantic/Velvet Hammer Records)
* Peaked at #160 on the Billboard 200
2002 - Welcome (Atlantic/Velvet Hammer Records)
* Peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200
2005 - Blue-Sky Research (Atlantic/Velvet Hammer Records)
* Peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200
2008 - Our Long Road Home (Velvet Hammer Records)
* Peaked at #65 on the Billboard 200
2010 - Plead The Fifth (Victory Records)
* Peaked at #107 on the Billboard 200
2012 - The Episodes (Victory Records)
* Peaked at #156 on the Billboard 200
2023 - SC/SSRS (THC Music/Amplified Distribution)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2023 - Best Of Besides (THC Music)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON TAPROOT:
Taproot formed as a band back in 1997, hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan. After independently putting out a few demo's in the late 90's, Their music got in the hands of Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst who wanted to sign the band to Interscope Records. Taproot, however, would go on to sign with Atlantic Records, thanks in part to the band System Of A Down. Durst, being the piece of shit loser that he is, lambasted the band through voicemails and even kicked System Of A Down off of his tour! Let's cut through the chase here, Taproot made the right move by not linking themselves to that turd Durst! Taproot's debut album, 2000's "Gift", started to generate some buzz for the band. It was their next release, 2002's "Welcome" that put Taproot on the map! This album is the band's most successful release, thanks mostly to the singles "Poem" and "Mine". The band followed that album up with 2005's "Blue-Sky Research". This was their last album with Atlantic Records. In 2008, the band released "Our Long Road Home". 2010 saw the band sign a deal with Victory Records and they released "Plead The Fifth". The single "Fractured (Everything I Said Was True)" is my favorite song by Taproot. In 2012 "The Episodes" was released. There would be an 11 year span between studio albums for Taproot after this release. This was mostly due to lead singer Stephen Richards continued health issues. They did drop a b-sides box set called "Besides" in 2018. Their most recent studio release would be 2023's "SC/SSRS". Taproot is an alternative metal/post grunge type of band. Interesting tidbit about Taproot, clearly their sound is highly influenced by Alice In Chains. Word has it that Layne Staley agreed to lay vocals on a song called "Kevin Spacey" that was slated to be released on Taproot's 2002 album "Welcome". Unfortunately, as we all know, Layne Staley lost his battle with addiction and passed away in 2002. Taproot's a pretty solid band. I got into them when I heard "Poem" in 2002. As I said earlier, I really love the album "Plead The Fifth" by them. I think that's their best work to date.
The song "Yakisoba" by Avoid One Thing appears to be about a couple's intense love and commitment, symbolized by the desire to live by the ocean. While the relationship is desired, the lyrics also acknowledge the potential for the intensity of devotion to create stress or confusion.
AVOID ONE THING DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2002 - Avoid One Thing (SideOneDummy Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2004 - Chopstick Bridge (SideOneDummy Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2019 - Right Here Where You Left Me (Big Rig Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON AVOID ONE THING:
Avoid One Thing formed as a band back in 2002, hailing from Boston, MA. The band is Joe Gittleman's baby. For those who don't know, Gittleman is the bassist for Boston ska punk band The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Gittleman pretty much recorded everything on Avoid One Thing's debut album, 2002's "Avoid One Thing". This album features the song "Lean On Sheena" that some may know from the great cover of the song that The Bouncing Souls did on their 2006 album "The Gold Record". For 2004's "Chopstick Bridge", Amy Griffin joined the band on guitar and even provided some lead vocals on that album. After completing a tour in 2005, Avoid One Thing went on a hiatus. Gittleman rejoined the reunited Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Avoid One Thing was very much on the back burner. In 2019, Avoid One Thing ended their hiatus and released their most recent album, "Right Here Where You Left Me". I'm not much of a ska punk fan. I like some songs here and there but I would take Avoid One Thing's more straight forward punk rock over The Mighty Mighty Bosstones any day of the week and then some! I understand that Gittleman has his loyalties. And, the Bosstones I'm sure benefits him more financially than Avoid One Thing. But Avoid One Thing is a really good band. I got into these guys right off the bat. I'm pretty sure the first song I heard by the band was "Every Second Of Every Day" and they had me hook, line and sinker! I'd love to see Gittleman put more time into Avoid One Thing but what are ya gonna do?! I just appreciate when they do drop new music.
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a cynical commentary on the human condition, contrasting the beauty of the world with the potential for pain and betrayal in relationships, and rejecting the traditional sources of comfort and hope.
EVERCLEAR DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1993 - World Of Noise (Tim/Kerr Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
1995 - Sparkle And Fade (Capitol Records)
* Peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
1997 - So Much For The Afterglow (Capitol Records)
* Peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum
2000 - Songs From An American Movie Vol. One: Learning How To Smile (Capitol Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum
2000 - Songs From An American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time For A Bad Attitude (Capitol Records)
* Peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200
2003 - Slow Motion Daydream (Capitol Records)
* Peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200
2006 - Welcome To The Drama Club (Eleven Seven Records)
* Peaked at #169 on the Billboard 200
2008 - The Vegas years (Capitol Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2009 - In A Different Light (429 Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2011 - Return To Santa Monica (Cleopatra Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2012 - Invisible Stars (eOne Records)
* Peaked at #119 on the Billboard 200
2015 - Black Is The New Black (The End Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
2023 - Live At The Whiskey A Go Go (Capitol Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON EVERCLEAR:
Everclear formed as a band back in 1991, hailing from Portland, Oregon. They released their debut album in 1993 called "World Of Noise" but it was their sophomore release, 1995's "Sparkle And Fade" that thrust Everclear on the musical map! The single "Santa Monica" quickly had Everclear all over the radio and MTV. The band continued success with the 1997 release "So Much For The Afterglow". 2000's "Songs From An American Movie Vol. 1" probably marked the peak of Everclear's success. The single "Wonderful" is the band's most successful single to date. Though the band's popularity would begin to wane after this album, the band continued to be active. 2000 would also see the band release "Songs From An American Movie Vol. Two". 2003 saw the band release "Slow Motion Daydream". Following a support tour for this album, long time band members Craig Montoya (bass) and Greg Eklund (drums) both left the band leaving lead vocalist/guitarist and chief songwriter Art Alexakis to ponder the band's future. Alexakis decided to continue Everclear with a new cast of band members and in 2006, the band released "Welcome To The Drama Club". From 2008 to 2011, Everclear released three albums that were basically a covers album, basically an acoustic album and an album of re-worked versions of some of their older songs. In 2012, Everclear released a proper album of all new material called "Invisible Stars". 2015 saw the band release "Black Is The New Black" and the band's most recent release was the 2023 live album, "Live At The Whiskey A Go Go". Everclear was part of the mid 90's alternative wave of bands that flooded the scene soon after the grunge explosion. Though some critics panned them as Nirvana rip offs, I don't really see it. I think Everclear definitely had their own style, mostly because of the vocal delivery of Art Alexakis. I got into Everclear when "Sparkle And Fade" came out in 1995. To this day, "Heroin Girl" is probably my favorite song by the band. "Learning How To Smile" is a great tune too though. I always loved Everclear but I think they lost a little something when Craig Montoya and Greg Eklund left. I know Art Alexakis basically writes all the songs for the band but Montoya and Eklund kinda gave the band a little snarl. Either way, It's great to see this band is still at it and hopefully they're working on some new material. They're way overdue for a new album!
