Song Of The Week: 3/25/12

Song: "Better Living Through Chemistry"

Artist: Queens Of The Stone Age

Album: "Rated R"

Year: 2000



According to Queens Of The Stone Age frontman, Josh Homme, "Better Living Through Chemistry" is an anti-drug song. However, it's not an illegal drugs anti-drug song!! It's more a shot at the government issued drugs, i.e. prozac, etc., that are deemed "okay" to take daily because they are legal and supposedly good for you. Homme stated basically it's like the government telling you it's ok to become an addict on "their" drugs, but God forbid they catch you with marijuana. Queens Of The Stone Age has been a band going back to 1996. Without going so much into the history of the band, which I did on my very last blog post (i've been on a bit of a Queens kick lately!), i'll kind of just go back to the time when the band released their second album "Rated R". In 2000, Queens Of The Stone Age released their second album, "Rated R", which would prove to be a breakthrough album for the band. While not being the mainstream crossover success that the band's 2002 release, "Songs For The Deaf" would be, "Rated R" was the first album for Queens Of The Stone Age to start generating a buzz around the band. People were starting to notice this band from California and their unique style of rock music. It was hard to categorize Queens to any form of music out at the time. They weren't quite grunge, definitely not mainstream rock, perhaps alternative in a sense that they were definitely on to a different sound. Their songs were big time riff orientated, maybe a little Zeppelin-esque without having as much crossover radio appeal. This mesh of styles gave Queens a sound that set them apart which is probably why people started to gravitate to them. It was fresh and new and appealing. "Rated R" would be the first album to feature bassist Nick Oliveri, who played with Homme in their former band Kyuss, as well as the first time Mark Lanegan of The Screaming Trees would appear on a Queens record, a relationship that would last throughout future Queens recordings. In 2010, Homme reworked "Rated R" and re-released it in a "Deluxe Edition" package which included the whole "Rated R" album as well as b-sides and live tracks. Currently, as of November 2011, frequent collaborator Alain Johannes stated that Queens was hard at work in the studio and that he was really excited about some of the things that they were working on, calling it some amazing stuff. So, with that being said, look out for some new material from Queens to be coming out in the near future.

Song Of The Week: 3/18/12

Song: "I Wanna Make It Wit Chu"

Artist: Queens Of The Stone Age

Album: "Over The Years And Through The Woods"

Year: 2005



"I Wanna Make It Wit Chu" is a song that appears to be about a relationship that's all about the sex. The vocalist doesn't appear to be about to candy coat it either. He's not about love songs or giving her the stars or the moon, he's about giving her sex... again and again!!! "I Wanna Make It Wit Chu" or just "Make It Wit Chu" was originally recorded and released on Queens Of The Stone Age's 2007 album, "Era Vulgaris". It was the third single off of that album. The version of the song I chose was taken from Q.O.T.S.A.'s live album/dvd "Over The Years And Through The Woods". All the recordings for that album were taken from Queens' performances at London's Brixton Academy on August 22, 2005 and at KOKO on August 23, 2005. Queens Of The Stone Age formed as a band in 1996 after the break up of lead vocalist Josh Homme's former band Kyuss. Queens is known to be a big riff band. They play a style of rock music that can sometimes be called "robotic" in that sometimes they'll just ride a groove throughout a song without many changes. During the band's career, they have released five studio recordings, their most successful being 2002's "Songs For The Deaf", thanks to the hit singles "No One Knows" and "Go With The Flow". That album was also helped out with the drumming of ex-Nirvana and current Foo Fighter, Dave Grohl. In fact, Queens Of The Stone Age would be somewhat of a revolving door when it came to band members. Josh Homme would always be the constant as lead singer, guitarist and chief songwriter but several key musicians worked with Queens at various times throughout the years including the aforementioned Dave Grohl, Mark Lanegan of The Screaming Trees, Nick Oliveri of Kyuss, Troy Van Leeuwen of A Perfect Circle and Alain Johannes of Eleven. The band's last studio release was 2007's "Era Vulgaris". Since then the band members mostly worked on other side projects most notably was Them Crooked Vultures which featured Josh Homme on guitar and vocals, Dave Grohl on drums and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin on bass. That band released an album and toured for much of 2009 and 2010. In 2010 and 2011, Homme reworked and remastered Queens' first two albums, 1998's self titled and 2000's "Rated R" for release featuring several b-sides as bonus material. Currently, as of the beginning of 2011, it has been confirmed that Queens Of The Stone Age have been in the studio working on new material for what will be their sixth studio album. No date has been confirmed as of yet for a release of this record nor has any title been given.

Song Of The Week: 3/11/12

Song: "Running Behind"

Artist: Sense Field

Album: "Living Outside"

Year: 2003



"Running Behind" appears to be a song about depression. It seems the vocalist feels that his life has been stuck in place or in a rut while the rest of the world just keeps on moving past him. You sense his loneliness and his fear. He seems to be in a constant fight to save his life as well as his soul in a world that's leaving him behind. Sense Field formed as a band back in 1991. They are from California. Sense Field is very much an indie band much like bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Jimmy Eat World. When they first came on the music scene, they had a very grungy/alternative feel to their music. Over the years, Sense Field has seen their music shift from alternative to almost emo to a little bit of pop/punk. They never quite seemed to find themselves musically. Even through some of the challenges of finding out who they are as a band, as well as some problems with their record labels, Sense Field still released five studio albums, six EP's, and also appeared on a few compilations during their thirteen year career. In 2004, after touring to support their last album together, 2003's "Living Outside", Sense Field decided to call it quits. They were a band that just couldn't get over the hump. Their only moderate success came with the song "Save Yourself" and even that didn't crossover huge for them. In 2004, Sense Field lead singer Jonathan Bunch joined the band Further Seems Forever and provided vocals for their 2004 album "Hide Nothing". Bunch parted ways with Further Seems Forever in 2007, however he and fellow bandmate, Derick Cordoba would perform acoustic tours under the moniker Fields Forever. At these shows they would play acoustic versions of Sense Field and Further Seems Forever songs. Currently, it's all but official that Sense Field has been put to rest as a band. There has been no activity since 2004. The most fans can hope for is that Bunch continues touring as Fields Forever to at least still hear some of their favorite Sense Field songs, at least in a live setting.

Song Of The Week: 3/4/12

Song: "Even Better Than The Real Thing"

Artist: U2

Album: "Achtung Baby"

Year: 1991



"Even Better Than The Real Thing" is a song by megagroup U2 that appears to be their most sexually driven work. The lyrics definitely conjure up what seems to be a steamy relationship between the vocalist and a woman. It may also be about all the excesses that were afforded to the band over the years. Their fame allowed them the opportunity to live the "rock star" life if they so chose. This song is almost like them giving in to it and accepting it. Bono himself said of the song, "It was reflective of the times the band were living in, when people were no longer looking for the truth, they were all about instant gratification." For just over thirty-five years, Dublin, Ireland's U2 have composed some of the biggest hits in music that has allowed the band to be held in the same conversation as fellow Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen. "Achtung Baby" was probably the most pivotal point in the band's history however. This album was ironic in that it almost broke the band up. There was a definite shift in the band at the time of making this album. The Edge and Bono were working more closely with each other leaving Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. kind of looking in from the outside. They were not happy with the musical experimentation that Bono and The Edge were working on. It was at a breaking point when the band decided to work on the song "One". That song, possibly the band's finest song in their arsenal, saved U2 and even made the band a stronger unit. Hence the irony of "Achtung Baby". The one album that nearly destroyed the band, actually allowed them to grow tighter and continue on. And continue on they did, releasing more successful albums through the 90's and 2000's and performing on some of the most successful tours in the history of rock and roll. Currently, in fact the band has just wrapped up their 360 Degrees Tour which basically started in 2009 and ended in 2011. The tour grossed $736,137,344 and had a total attendance of 7,268,430 people. Both of these number are record setters for one single concert tour. As for new material? I'm sure the band is taking a little break after embarking on such a massive tour but I wouldn't be surprised to hear about the band working on new material in the near future.

Song Of The Week: 2/26/12

Song: "When Love Comes To Town"

Artist: U2

Album: "Rattle And Hum"

Year: 1988



"When Love Comes To Town" is a blues song from the band U2 which features blues legend B.B. King on guitar and vocals and was recorded at the famous Sun Studios in Memphis, TN, the very same studio where Elvis Presley's early recordings were made. The song itself appears to be about finding one's faith again, whether that's faith in God, faith in love or faith in life. The vocalist seems to be recognizing his past sins or mistakes but sees his future as being much brighter now that he's found love or faith. U2 formed as a band back in 1976 hailing from Dublin, Ireland. At the time, they were heavily influenced by the punk scene and bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols. However, they seemed to find their niche more in the new wave sound that was happening in the early 80's. Even at that time, U2 seemed to distinguish themselves amongst the rest of the bands that were out at the time. You sensed something special about this band early on. Soon, it was apparent that U2 was going to become one of the biggest bands in the world. They have released twelve studio albums to date. Highlights include 1987's legendary "The Joshua Tree", 1991's "Achtung Baby" and 2000's "All That You Can't Leave Behind". That's three major albums in three different decades that always kept U2 relevant in the music world. Their list of singles read like a greatest hits or greatest songs of all time. Just some tracks include "I Will Follow", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day" , "Pride" , "With Or Without You", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" , "One" , "Mysterious Ways", "Beautiful Day", "Vertigo" and "Where The Streets Have No Names". Those are just a few of the many songs in the U2 arsenal that so greatly affected those with a passion for music. It's songs like those that helped U2 sell more than 150 million records worldwide while winning 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band to date. In 2005, U2 was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in their first year of eligibility. The amazing thing about the band is that it still features it's original line-up of Bono on vocals, The Edge on guitar, Adam Clayton on bass guitar and Larry Mullen Jr. on drums. That is trully an accomplishment in this day and age of ever-changing band members in rock groups today. Even now, U2 is one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of all time. Currently, U2 always seems to be embarking on record setting tours between releasing new material. In fact, they just completed a major world tour but there is no news on whether they are working on a new album as of yet. I'm sure we'll be hearing from the band in the near future.

Song Of The Week: 2/19/12

Song: "Emily"

Artist: From First To Last

Album: "Dear Diary, My Teenage Angst Has A Body Count"

Year: 2004



"Emily" is a song that has been said to have been written by former From First To Last frontman Sonny Moore about his girlfriend. It's a song that appears to be about how their relationship has become long distance, mostly because of the constant touring that a band does. But to Moore, she is the beacon of light and the strength that keeps him going and leaves him yearning to be by her side again. She makes everything around him and about him right and he can't wait for the day that he is back with her again. From First To Last formed as a band back in 1999, hailing from Georgia. When they recorded their first EP, 2003's "Aesthetic", Phillip Reardon was their vocalist. By the time of their debut full length, 2004's "Dear Diary, My Teenage Angst Has A Body Count", Sonny Moore would be added as the band's new lead singer. That album and 2006's "Heroine" was probably the most famous line-up of From First To Last. They began to develop their screamo/post hardcore sound with Moore featured on vocals. Performing these songs began to really put a strain and a stress on Moore's vocal chords however. Several tours had to be cancelled due to Moore's condition and eventually he would have to have some surgeries to correct his vocal chords. By February of 2007, Moore decided to leave the band. The strain on his voice was just too much for that style of music. The band decided to push on and founding member, guitarist Matt Good decided to front the band. Ironically, when Good originally formed From First To Last, he was going to be the lead singer, but he wanted to focus more on being just the guitarist. He felt just a frontman could connect with the crowd better. Good was a solid vocalist as well as shown on the band's next two albums, 2008's self-titled and 2010's "Throne To The Wolves". Though both were solid efforts, I believe many of the fans of the band missed Sonny Moore as the vocalist. All in all, for eleven years From First To Last would create four full length studio albums as well as an EP and they toured relentlessly during the years. In July of 2010, Matt Good sent a message to fans of the band saying that From First To Last was going on an indefinite hiatus. Currently, the members of the band are focused on several side projects though Good has not yet closed the book on From First To Last. He told fans that the band has been and will always be his life and to not count out the band working together in the future. They just needed some time to step away from it for a while.

Song Of The Week: 2/12/12

Song: "Night Train"

Artist: Bouncing Souls

Album: "Anchors Aweigh"

Year: 2003



"Night Train" appears to be a song about a relationship that must part ways in order for both people to move forward in their lives. Sometimes when you're chasing your dreams, your partner in life might feel more like an anchor to you than someone who is pushing you to attain your goals. Sometimes, as much as you love and care for that person, you have to sever ties in order to fulfill your dreams. The Bouncing Souls formed as a band back in 1987, hailing from New Jersey. The band received much support in the New Jersey college scene when they were just starting out. College radio really backed the band in those early years. The Souls were all about fun and having a good time with their brand of punk rock. Many people credit them with being the band of the "pogo" punk fans because at their shows, the fans would often jump up and down as if they were on pogo sticks!! The best years of the band in my opinion were between 1999 and 2006. In that seven year span, the band released four punk classics, "Hopeless Romantic", "How I Spent My Summer Vacation", "Anchors Aweigh" and "The Gold Record". I think that the bands songwriting, musically and lyrically, really developed strongly over those four albums and is a major reason why the band is so heralded and respected among punk circles today. The Bouncing Souls are a tireless band. In twenty four years as a band, they have released eight studio albums, twelve EP's, six live/compilations and two dvd's. All the while, they have toured constantly and relentlessly, always staying true to themselves and the fans that follow them. Few bands can stand the test of time the way the Bouncing Souls have and still remain relevant. Few bands also can last as long as the Souls have without crossing over with huge success. They were never a band that caught the wave like a Green Day. They were more just the constant cog in the punk wheel, almost like a Pennywise in that they were crucial without having the huge waves of mainstream success. Currently, the Bouncing Souls are on tour with Boston stalwarts, the Dropkick Murphys. They are also writing new material for a brand new studio album which they hope to release in 2012.