Song Of The Week: 1/27/13

Song: "The Brews"

Artist: Rancid

Album: "BYO Split Series Volume III"

Year: 2002



"The Brews" is a parody type of song about the biggest baddest Hebrew punks around!! The song was originally recorded by NOFX and released on their 1994 classic punk album "Punk In Drublic". For those who don't expect Jewish people to intimidate or get all "punk rock" on you, well look out!! Here comes "The Brews"!!! Rancid covered this song as well as others for a split album with NOFX. NOFX also would cover several Rancid tracks for the same album. Rancid formed as a band back in 1991 out of the ashes of legendary punk/ska band Operation Ivy. Hailing from Berkeley, California, Rancid was formed when former Op. Ivy bandmates Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman decided to form a new band. They recruited Armstrong's roommate Brett Reed to play drums and Rancid was formed. The band would release their first EP through Lookout Records in 1992. Soon after this release, they signed on with upstart indie punk label Epitaph Records and in 1993, released their self/titled album. In 1994 Rancid dropped their second full length album, "Let's Go". This was the first album to feature new guitarist/vocalist Lars Frederiksen. Thanks to the success of their single "Salvation", Rancid became one of the bands, along with Green Day, Offspring and Bad Religion, to lead the punk revival movement of the mid-90's. In 1995, Rancid dropped their all time classic album, "And Out Come The Wolves". Though the album only reached as high as number 45 on the Billboard 200 charts, it was clearly the band's most successful album, thanks in part to the hit singles "Roots Radicals", "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho". More than ever, Rancid began drawing comparisons to The Clash for their meshing of musical styles from hardcore punk to ska/reggae and even some rock-a-billy. 1998's "Life Won't Wait" would draw even more Clash comparisons, many citing that this album is Rancid's "Sandinista". In 1999, Rancid formed their own record label, Hellcat Records, which was a sub-label of Epitaph. Their first release on Hellcat would be 2000's self/titled album, an album that was mainly hardcore influenced. 2002 saw the release of the band's famed split with NOFX and in 2003, Rancid released "Indestructible". Thanks in part to the hit single, "Fall Back Down", "Indestructible" became Rancid's highest charting album, reaching as high as number 15. In 2006, Brett Reed decided to part ways with Rancid and the band recruited Brendan Steineckert, formerly of The Used, to play drums. 2007 saw Rancid release a compilation titled "B Sides And C Sides", which contained several tracks that did not make it on to their full length albums. Steineckert's first album playing drums for Rancid would be 2009's "Let The Dominoes Fall". This album featured the single, "Last One To Die". There was word that Rancid was going to release a live cd/dvd in 2011, not sure if that ever came to light. In 2012, the band released a single called "Fuck You", which was slated to appear on a compilation record. Not only has Rancid been very active as a band, the members have also filled their downtime with various side projects, most of which feature all of Rancid's band members. Most notably of these projects are Devil's Brigade, which Armstrong, Freeman and Reed were a part of. Transplants which featured Armstrong, Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and Skinhead Rob. Lars Frederiksen and The Bastards, which Armstrong also contributed to. Frederiksen also formed the "oi" band The Old Firm Casuals. Armstrong has also recorded a solo album, and has been releasing songs under the moniker Tim Timebomb and Friends, these songs have also featured Freeman and Frederiksen at times. Currently, Armstrong has said that Rancid will be working on their new album in early 2013 in hopes of releasing it at some point that same year. He has said that most likely the new Rancid record will be released after the new Transplants album.

Song Of The Week: 1/20/13

Song: "Just Another Lie"

Artist: Flaw

Album: "Flaw"

Year: 1998



"Just Another Lie" appears to be a song about just being sick of the lies and untruths that are constantly being told to us, most likely as a society. I feel it's definitely being said about authoritative figures whether it be government, law or something along those lines. You sense the vocalist feels suffocated by the deceit of those who are supposed to have our best interest at heart. This song is a rare one in the Flaw catalogue, appearing on their 1998 independently released self/titled album. Flaw, a nu-metal band from Kentucky, formed back in 1995. After the grunge thing started slowing down a bit, a cast of nu-metal bands began coming out of the woodwork. Bands such as Korn, Staind and the Deftones. These bands definitely had a more metal feel to them than the more alternative sounds of the early 90's grunge movement. Flaw falls into that category. From 1996 to 2000, Flaw released three albums independently, 1996's "American Arrogance", 1998's "Flaw" and 2000's "Drama". Eventually the band caught the ear of Universal/Republic Records who signed the band. 2001's "Through The Eyes" would be Flaw's major label debut and their most successful album to date. The album eventually topped the Billboard Heatseekers Chart thanks in part to the singles "Payback", "Whole" and "Only The Strong". It also won them a spot on the 2002 Ozzfest tour. In 2004, the band released "Endangered Species". Though the album debuted at number 42 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, sales quickly fell off and it was a major disappointment for the band as well as their label, Universal, who wound up dropping the band. It was at this time that the band decided to part ways with each other. The break-up was short lived however, as Flaw reunited in 2006 with all four founding members. In 2007, the band toured for much of the year and intended to begin work on a new album. Internal conflicts began to tear the band apart once again however, and founding members guitarist Jason Daunt and vocalist Chris Volz decided to form a new band. This band was called Foundation, but soon they reclaimed the Flaw name. In 2009, Flaw released a new album "Home Grown Studio Sessions" which was only available as a digital download. 2010 brought more of the same internal strife as many more tour dates had to be cancelled putting the band in a bad spot, especially with their increasingly angry fan base. Volz set out to rekindle the relationships with his Flaw bandmates in hopes of releasing a new album, an EP, a DVD and a new tour in 2012. New tour dates were announced for 2012, but Flaw announced they would be with a new lead singer, Andy Paul. Almost as soon as these tour dates were announced, they were once again cancelled. Currently, the Flaw camp has announced that they are working on an EP which is scheduled to be released sometime in the Spring of 2013. The EP is said to have Andy Paul on vocals which should make the Chris Volz fans unhappy. Although, by now, what fans the band has left have most likely come to the realization that Flaw has been a trainwreck since just after 2004. I personally don't have too much hope for them in the future but they have left some pretty decent albums of post grunge/nu metal songs for listeners to enjoy.

Song Of The Week: 1/13/13

Song: "Crowded Elevator"

Artist: Incubus

Album: "When Incubus Attacks Volume 1" EP

Year: 2000



"Crowded Elevator" appears to be about wanting to profess something to someone, perhaps a secret or his love for her, but being in a situation where they are amongst strangers. The two are in a crowded elevator with many people and many floors to go and he's trying to decide if he is just going to blurt out everything he wants to say to her despite all the "unknowing" eyes that would be placed on him, or if he should just wait till they get to the lobby to tell her. Incubus, from California, formed as a band back in 1991. They started out having a funk/trip hop type of sound to their music. In 1995, Incubus released their very first full length album called "Fungus Amongus". As the band was developing a following, they caught the ear of Immortal Records which would go on to become Epic Records. Through Epic, the band released the EP "Enjoy Incubus" then in 1997, released their second album "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.". The band secured an unusual spot on that year's Ozzfest as well as a spot on the Family Values Tour alongside such bands as Korn and Limp Bizkit. Unusual tours in that there was definitely nothing metal about Incubus. 1999 is when I feel that Incubus finally captured the sound they were looking for as a band. While still incorporating a DJ, and having some funk elements, the songs on their next album, "Make Yourself", were much more straight forward rock songs as shown by their hit singles, "Pardon Me", "Stellar", "Drive" and "Privilege". "Drive" would actually be the band's first song to reach number 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Charts. In 2001, the band continued to ride the roller coaster upwards when they released "Morning View". This album debuted at number two on the Billboard Top 200 charts thanks in part to the hit singles "Wish You Were Here" and "Nice To Know You". In 2004, the band decided to work with famed producer Brendan O'Brien, who worked with such acts as Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. The band decided to record their new album live instead of working on the guitar, bass and drum tracks seperately. The outcome was a heavier, in your face feel to an album that was "A Crow Left Of The Murder". The lead single "Megalomaniac" definitely had that feel of urgency and chaos to it. Definitely one of the band's heavier tracks. In 2006, Incubus was showing no signs of slowing down. Their next album, "Light Grenades", debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 charts. "Anna Molly" was yet another successful single for the band as well. After touring in support of "Light Grenades", Incubus took a bit of a hiatus from writing and performing music together. In 2009, the band released their very first greatest hits compilation called "Monuments And Melodies". The compilation did contain a few new tracks such as "Black Heart Inertia" and "Midnight Swim". Finally, in 2011 Incubus returned to the music scene with new material with the release of "If Not Now, When?". The band spent the rest of 2011 touring in support of the new album. In 2012, however, the band decided to a year long break. Currently, Incubus has put it out there that after their break in 2012, expect new material from the band in 2013.

Song Of The Week: 1/6/13

Song: "Patricide"

Artist: Eighteen Visions

Album: "Lifeless" EP

Year: 1997



"Patricide" appears to come from the mindset of a murderous person. The word itself's meaning is to kill one's father. The vocalist is definitely the killer in this song and his stare is cold and his motives are evil. He actually wants to relish in his victim's demise and watch him die in a pool of his own blood. Eighteen Visions, from Orange County, California, formed as a band back in 1995. When their "Lifeless" EP was released back in 1997, the band was very much a metalcore band, full of heavy metal riffs and gutteral vocals. The band released their first full length studio album in 1999, entitled "Yesterday Is Time Killed". This garnered some interest from upstart label Trustkill Records who went on to sign Eighteen Visions. Their first release with Trustkill was a 7" called "No Time For Love". Then in 2000, the band dropped their second full length, "Until The Ink Runs Out". The band's next move would be to re-record some tracks from their early EP and 7" and package them in an album called "The Best Of Eighteen Visions". It was around this time that the band began to steer towards being more accessible to the masses and their style was less and less metalcore and more and more melodic hardcore. Their 2002 release, "Vanity", definitely began to show signs of the band's stylistic change but it was even more evident in their 2004 album, "Obsession". "Obsession" spawned three singles, "Waiting For The Heavens", "Tower Of Snakes" and "I Let Go", all of which helped Eighteen Visions have their most successful album to date. It would also prove to be their last album with Trustkill Records as the band went on to sign with major label Epic Records. In 2006, using the slick production provided by a major label, Eighteen Visions released their self-titled album. They decided on the heavy rocker, "Victim" to be the album's first single. It was at this stage of their career that they were more often compared to bands such as Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine than some of the metalcore bands that they were associated with in their early years. Epic Records did not really push to promote the band or the album however and they basically wound up falling through the cracks of rock and roll mediocrity. After finishing up a tour of Australia in 2007, Eighteen Visions decided to call it quits as a band. Currently, most members of Eighteen Visions are focused on several different musical projects and the book appears officially closed on Eighteen Visions as a band. Though they lasted for twelve years, which is a long time for any band, they just couldn't quite get over the hump no matter which style they tried to adapt. Perhaps the drastic change in styles was the very reason they didn't find quite the success that they had hoped to attain as a band.

Song Of The Week: 12/30/12

Song: "If You Could See Into My Soul"

Artist: Silverstein

Album: "Arrivals And Departures"

Year: 2007



"If You Could See Into My Soul" is a song that appears to be about two people that cannot co-exist together in a relationship anymore. It seems the vocalist has put up with her lying ways for too long. But, he's not just breaking up with her, he has some information that would scar her to her soul. A "dagger" if you will. He's letting her know that he has something juicy on her, but he's kind of just dangling it out there. It doesn't seem like he broke the news to her yet but it's something he's kept in his back pocket. Most of the songs on "Arrivals And Departures" are said to be about Silverstein's lead vocalist, Shane Told's tumultuous relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Silverstein formed as a band back in 2000. They are from Ontario, Canada. In 2000, the band released their very first EP entitled "Summer's Stellar Gaze". They followed that up with another EP in 2002 called "When The Shadows Beam". These two EP's caught the ear of Victory Records who signed Silverstein in 2002. Their very first full length album with Victory was released in 2003, called "When Broken Is Easily Fixed". It was their second album, however, that garnered the band it's most critical success. That would be 2005's "Discovering The Waterfront". Thanks in part to the hit single, "Smile In Your Sleep", Silverstein definitely secured a spot on the rock and roll map. 2005 also saw the band release "18 Candles: The Early Years". This was a compilation of songs, including the band's old EP's as well as several remixes, demos and acoustic tracks. In 2007, Silverstein released "Arrivals And Departures". This album saw Silverstein stray away from their post-hardcore/punk style and was a much more straight forward rock and roll album. Critics and fans were not very happy with the abrupt change in style. The band did however have their first tours of Australia and Japan in support of that album. In 2008, Silverstein played their 1000th show, which was performed in Paris, France. 2009 saw the band release their fifth studio album entitled "A Shipwreck In The Sand". This album was a return to the style that their fans accustomed to. In 2010, Silverstein recorded some live shows in Toronto, Canada that eventually were to be made into a live cd/dvd. That live album was called "Decade (Live at the El Mocambo". The band also left Victory Records in 2010 and signed with Hopeless Records. Their first release with Hopeless was 2010's "Transitions" EP. In 2011, Silverstein released their sixth album, "Rescue", through Hopeless Records. In 2012, Silverstein recorded an album of eleven original songs as well as eleven cover songs, all the songs being no longer than ninety seconds long. This album was called "Short Songs". For the past twelve years, Silverstein has been going non-stop it seems. They release new material at least every two years, sometimes even quicker. They also seem to be endlessly touring. Currently, it was announced in November of 2012 that their new studio full length album will come out in February of 2013. This hard working band just doesn't seem to sleep!!

Song Of The Week: 12/23/12

Song: "Doesn't Remind Me"

Artist: Chris Cornell

Album: "Unplugged In Sweden"

Year: 2006



"Doesn't Remind Me" appears to be a song about perhaps taking a step back and appreciating the small things in life. It seems the vocalist wants to get away from all those things in his life that he held very sacred, things he's invested so much of himself in. Some which have caused joy and some which have caused pain. He just wants to appreciate the small things in life that maybe don't mean much to anyone, but to him, they are little things that he enjoys. The original version of "Doesn't Remind Me" comes off the 2005 Audioslave album "Out Of Exile". This version was recorded in 2006 on one of Chris Cornell's solo acoustic tours. The concert was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden at O-Baren's on September 7, 2006 and was made into a bootleg recording, never officially released. Chris Cornell is one of the greatest hard rock singers ever and one of the forefathers of the Seattle grunge movement. In 1984, he helped form one of the greatest band's of all time, Soundgarden. From the mid to late 80's, Soundgarden was very much in the Seattle music underground, but right around 1990/1991, the music from the great northwest began to explode on the music charts. Soundgarden, along with Nirvana, Alice In Chains and Pearl Jam changed the musical landscape forever. It was also around this time that Cornell and the remaining members of Mother Love Bone (Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard) would hook up with an aspiring guitarist, Mike McCready and a San Diego surfer, Eddie Vedder and create the Temple Of The Dog, which began as a tribute from Chris Cornell to Mother Love Bone lead singer Andrew Wood, who passed away from a heroin overdose. Soundgarden would continue on until 1997, dropping five full length studio albums as well as various live albums, compilations and EP's. Internal conflicts caused Soundgarden to disband in 1997, much to the dismay of their fans and the rock world in general. Cornell would begin to focus on a solo career in 1998. In 1999, he released his very first solo album, "Euphoria Morning". This album showed a "lighter" side to Cornell, but his vocal range remained impeccable. In 2001, Chris Cornell joined forces with the remaining members of Rage Against The Machine after their frontman Zack de la Rocha left the band. The supergroup Audioslave was born. For six years Audioslave stood atop the rock and roll world, releasing three Grammy nominated albums and embarking on several successful tours. Internal conflicts would once again rear their ugly head in the band setting and Cornell departed Audioslave in 2007. Cornell would again focus on his solo career, releasing "Carry On" in 2007. This album featured the Grammy winning song "You Know My Name" which was featured in the James Bond movie "Casino Royale" along with a cover of Michael Jackson's hit song "Billie Jean". In 2009, Cornell teamed up with R&B producer Timbaland and created the album "Scream". This was quite the departure for Cornell as this album drifted away from his rock roots and focused more on R&B and soul music. Critics panned the album as fans called for Cornell to get back to his rock roots. Fans would have reason to rejoice in 2010 as rumors of a Soundgarden reunion were found to be true. The long time grunge giants reformed and were set to headline the 2010 Lollapalooza festival. In 2011, Cornell donated the new song "The Keeper" to the movie "Machine Gun Preacher". He also embarked on a solo acoustic tour which resulted in a live acoustic album entitled "Songbook". 2012 was a year to focus on Soundgarden. They released a song for "The Avengers" movie soundtrack called "Live To Rise" as well as releasing their long awaited new album, "King Animal". Currently, Chris Cornell is embarking on a major tour with Soundgarden in support of "King Animal". Not sure if or when Cornell will do any more solo stuff but for now, it's time to enjoy the Soundgarden wave. Hopefully, it lasts for many more years!

Song Of The Week: 12/16/12

Song: "Duality"

Artist: Bayside

Album: "The Walking Wounded"

Year: 2007



"Duality" appears to be a song about a relationship that is starting to dissolve but it seems like the battle is more with the vocalist himself rather than between him and his partner. He realizes that she is the only thing that makes him feel alive yet he is torn as to which way he should be to make the relationship last. He's fighting with himself, almost as if he's two different people or has a dual personality, hence "Duality". Bayside is a band that formed back in 2000. They are from Queens, New York. In 2000 the band managed to pass along a demo tape to the band New Found Glory. This allowed some strings to be pulled so that they can release their very first EP called "Long Stories Short". In 2003, they released a split EP with the band Name Taken. They also garnered enough attention to be signed by Victory Records. In 2004, Bayside released their Victory Records debut entitled "Sirens And Condolences". This album featured the single "Masterpiece". 2005 saw the band release their second full length album, the self titled "Bayside". While on tour to support "Bayside", tragedy struck the band when their touring van was involved in a serious accident which led to the untimely death of the band's drummer, John Holohan. Bayside would release an acoustic cd titled "Acoustic" which featured a new song "Winter" which was written as a tribute to their fallen bandmate. In 2007, with a new drummer in toe, Bayside released "The Walking Wounded". This album saw some success due to the hit single "Duality". 2008 would see the band drop their fourth album, "Shudder". They would also release their very first live album, "Live At The Bayside Social Club", in 2008 as well. During this time Bayside was a featured act on such festivals as Bamboozle, their third stint on that festival, and the Vans Warped Tour, their fourth stint on that tour as well. When 2010 rolled around, Bayside had fulfilled their commitments to Victory Records and decided to move on and sign with Wind-Up Records. In 2011, they released their fifth album, "Killing Time". This album spawned the singles "Already Gone", "Sick,Sick,Sick" and "Mona Lisa". In 2012 Bayside was once again featured on the Warped Tour and lead singer Anthony Raneri would also show up on the Warped Acoustic Basement Stage and perform some solo acoustic sets as well. The band also created their very own record label at this time called Gumshoe Records. Their very first release on Gumshoe was an EP titled "Covers Volume 1". This EP contained songs that Bayside covered from artists such as Van Morrison, Elvis Costello and Billy Joel. The band also intends to release more volumes of cover songs in the future as well. Besides all the frequent touring and releasing of new music, Bayside frontman Raneri also managed to find some time to perform some solo acoustic tours and even released a solo EP called "New Cathedrals" in 2012. Currently, Bayside is on tour supporting the band Taking Back Sunday on their "Tell All Your Friends" 10th anniversary tour. Raneri has also stated that Bayside will go in the studio to work on a new album in January of 2013.