Song Of The Week: 6/28/15

Song: "Pantomime"

Artist: Incubus

Album: "HQ Live"

Year: 2012

Place Of Origin: Calabasas, California

Years Active: 1991-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Pantomime" appears to be a song about actions being louder than words. The vocalist is saying that feelings and touch sometimes say more than anything that is spoken. Expressing yourself, especially through a loving touch or showing emotions and feelings without speaking a word to each other is somewhat an even more powerful experience between two people, especially two people who are connected emotionally, physically, spiritually and even sexually. Silence is beautiful when your actions speak louder than your words! The original studio version of "Pantomime" appears on the 2004 "Alive At Red Rocks" DVD. The track appeared on a bonus disc that came with the DVD.

INCUBUS' DICOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1995 - "Fungus Amongus" (Stopuglynailfungus Music)
1997 - "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." (Epic/Immortal Records)
1999 - "Make Yourself" (Epic/Immortal Records)
2001 - "Morning View" (Epic/Immortal Records)
2004 - "A Crow Left Of The Murder" (Epic/Immortal Records)
2006 - "Light Grenades" (Epic/Immortal Records)
2011 - "If Not Now, When" (Epic/Immortal Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF INCUBUS:

Incubus formed as a band back in 1991 when all the members were still in high school. Their early years and first two albums featured a style that was kind of a mix between hip hop, rock music and groove orientated riffs. Almost like a mash up of Red Hot Chilli Pepper and maybe a 311 type band. 1999 saw a shift in style and sound to a more melodic, alternative rock format while still maintaining some of their groove. This stylistic change proved to be the right way to go for Incubus as 1999's "Make Yourself", 2001's "Morning View" and 2004's "A Crow Left Of The Murder" went double platinum, double platinum and platinum respectively. The past ten years have been a little more on the quiet side for Incubus as they have only released two albums in that time, 2006's "Light Grenades" and 2011's "If Not Now, When". Along with their 7 full length studio releases, Incubus has also released several live albums, EP's, video albums and a few greatest hits compilations. Currently, the band has just released an EP called "Trust Fall (Side A)" in 2015 and they plan to release "Trust Fall (Side B)" this year as well. They are touring the U.S. this summer in support of these two EP's. Incubus has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide, making them one of the more successful melodic, alternative rock acts in the music world. They perfected their style on their 1999 breakthrough "Make Yourself" and really, have a definitive sound that is all their own. While they have moments of a heavier sound, as shown on their single "Megalomaniac", they are more known for their groove.

TEN INCUBUS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Talk Shows On Mutw
2. Nice To Know You
3. Megalomaniac
4. Anna Molly
5. Wish You Were Here
6. Love Hurts
7. Adolescents
8. Drive
9. Make A Move
10. Pardon Me

Song Of The Week: 6/21/15

Song: "82"

Artist: Stone Sour

Album: "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Des Moines, Iowa

Years Active: 1992-1997, 2000-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To understand what this song is about is to know that "House Of Gold & Bones" parts 1 and 2 are concept albums. "82" is sort of like the catalyst to the whole story. It's the main character, "The Human", looking back to his childhood and remembering his stepfather that was hateful and abusive to him. He sees that year, 1982, as the year when he lost his innocence as a young boy. He vowed to run away from that person and that pain and make sure he would never be like his stepfather. Looking back on his life now, however, he finds that he's just like his stepfather. It's quite a sobering and startling moment for the man but it is also a reminder that he can change who he is and he must change who he is because he doesn't want to be full of hate and be abusive to others. He wants to be a better person. "House Of Gold & Bones" parts 1 and 2 is basically the story of this man and his journey to evolve as a better human being.

STONE SOUR'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2002 - "Stone Sour" (Roadrunner Records)
2006 - "Come What(ever) May" (Roadrunner Records)
2010 - "Audio Secrecy" (Roadrunner Records)
2012 - "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 1" (Roadrunner Records)
2013 - "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2" (Roadrunner Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF STONE SOUR:

Stone Sour's origins go back to 1992, when vocalist Corey Taylor and drummer Joel Ekman formed the band. The band recorded several demos together, some of those tracks would later appear on the band's debut album "Stone Sour" in 2002. In 1995, however, Taylor became the lead vocalist for nu metal band Slipknot and Stone Sour was eventually put on the back burner. In 1997, Stone Sour basically disbanded as the prime focus shifted on Slipknot and the success that band was having. In 2000, Taylor enlisted guitarist Josh Rand and decided to re-form Stone Sour. While Slipknot is the more aggressive, more metal outfit, Stone Sour is more of an alternative metal/hard rock band, along the lines of bands such as Staind or Taproot with hints of metal/grunge icons Alice In Chains. Since the early 2000's, Stone Sour has become one of the more successful hard rock/metal outfits on the music scene. 4 of their 5 full length albums have reached the top 10 on rock music charts and they have been nominated for three Grammy Awards. Currently, Stone Sour has released "Meanwhile In Burbank" in 2015. This EP is the first in what will be three EP's to be released known as "The Burbank Trilogy". The other two EP's set for future release will be called "Straight Outta Burbank" and "No Sleep Till Burbank" respectively. All three EP's feature cover songs of bands that Stone Sour like and are influenced by.

TEN STONE SOUR SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Gone Sovereign
2. Through Glass
3. Say You'll Haunt Me
4. Tired
5. Absolute Zero
6. Get Inside
7. Bother
8. 30/30-150
9. Do Me A Favor
10. Inhale

Song Of The Week: 6/14/15

Song: "A Part Of Everyone's Disease"

Artist: Sic Waiting

Album: "Anchors Astray"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Oceanside, California

Years Active: 2005-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"A Part Of Everyone's Disease" appears to be almost like an anthem for slackers. It's an ever-growing group of people, the un-enthused, the non ambitious, the "it's better to just sleep than to get things done" people. To me, the vocalist almost has a "if you can't beat them, join them" attitude and by the end of the song, he seems to be falling in line with the slackers. He became a part of the "disease" if you will. Definitely seems like a lack of ambition or a lack of energy song.

SIC WAITING'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - "Your Name In Lights" (self released by band)
2010 - "Anchors Astray" (self released by band)

CURRENT STATUS OF SIC WAITING:

Hailing from Southern California, it wasn't a far stretch that the guys in Sic Waiting would be influenced by several of the 90's skate punk bands from neighboring cities, bands like Pulley, Strung Out, No Use For A Name, Lagwagon and Bad Religion. Those influences definitely helped Sic Waiting hone their style of punk rock, while incorporating some of their own style as well. Along with two self released full length albums, Sic Waiting also released two EP's, 2013's "Vices" and 2015's "Highway Miles", the latter which was only sold at the band's live shows. Since 2012, Sic Waiting has been signed to Dang! Records. Lead vocalist, guitarist and chief songwriter Jared Stinson also does a solo acoustic project under the title Dead Frets when he isn't working on new music or touring with Sic Waiting. This is a throwback skate punk band. If you are into that 90's style, Fat Wreck, skate punk bands, then you should definitely give Sic Waiting a listen. Solid band, you will not be disappointed!

TEN SIC WAITING SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. This Town Is Burning
2. The Salesman
3. Long Island Sound
4. The Price Of A Good Night's Sleep
5. A Part Of Everyone's Disease
6. Last Line Of Defense
7. Lines In The Road
8. Active Alumni
9. Victims
10. It's Not Rocket Science

Song Of The Week: 6/7/15

Song: "Savagely Attack"

Artist: 7L & Esoteric (featuring Inspectah Deck & Ghostface Killah)

Album: "Czarface"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Boston, Massachusetts

Years Active: 1996-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To know what "Savagely Attack" is about is to know what the album "Czarface" is about. It has a Marvel Comics/superheroes theme about it. All three verses are sort of an ode to the "golden age" of hip hop when it was more about your lyrical skill to kill other emcee's on wax than about your gold, your cars or your money. It's refreshing to hear hip hop like this nowadays. This is how it sounded when it was raw and really from the streets and lyricism was an artform that earned you your respect in hip hop circles. Respect wasn't earned by how much money you had in your pocket or how many albums you sold. It was earned by how good your flow was.

7L & ESOTERIC'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2001 - "The Soul Purpose" (Landspeed Records)
2002 - "Dangerous Connection" (Brick Records)
2004 - "DC2: Bars Of Death" (Babygrande Records)
2006 - "A New Dope" (Babygrande Records)
2006 - "Dope Not Hype" (mixtape)
2010 - "1212" (Fly Casual Creative Records)
2013 - "Czarface" (Brick Records)
2015 - "Every Hero Needs A Villain" (Brick Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF 7L & ESOTERIC:

7L (the DJ) and Esoteric (the rapper) first met each other back in 1996 as they both worked at a college radio station in Boston, Massachusetts. They gained a reputation in the underground hip hop scene in the Boston and Cambridge area and eventually began putting out albums. They are both influenced by their love of comic books of superheroes and villains as well as their love for the "golden age" of hip hop and their style really represents those two interests. Both 7L and Esoteric are also members of underground hip hop groups Demigodz and Army Of The Pharoahs. The group also formed a musical relationship with legendary Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck, a relationship which dates back to 1999 when he appeared on 7L & Esoteric's EP "Speaking Real Words". In fact, Deck is a featured artist on their 2013 album "Czarface" and the trio are currently gearing up to release their next collaborative effort, "Every Hero Needs A Villain" in the summer of 2015. If you are a fan of old school Wu-Tang Clan or other "golden age of hip hop" artists such as EPMD, Kool G. Rap or Gang Starr then you should check out the work of 7L & Esoteric. It's clear that they respect the game and are true hip hop artists, not anything like the crap that's on the radio today masking itself as rap or hip hop.

TEN 7L & ESOTERIC SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. 12th Chamber (feat. Inspectah Deck)
2. Speaking Real Words (feat. Inspectah Deck)
3. Rise Of The Rebel
4. Call Me E.S.
5. Savagely Attack (feat. Inspectah Deck & Ghostface Killah)
6. Deadly Class
7. Be Alert
8. Secret Wars
9. Graphic Violence
10. Mic Mastery

Song Of The Week: 5/31/15

Song: "Spinning Over The Island"

Artist: Funeral For A Friend

Album: "Welcome Home Armageddon"

Year: 2011

Place Of Origin: Bridgend, Wales, United Kingdom

Years Active: 2001-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To me, "Spinning Over The Island" appears to be about how some people are just satisfied with being content. Whether that is with their life or in society. These people do not learn from past mistakes and they don't take control of their lives or their surroundings. Their failure to evolve or to change or alter their direction in life leaves a feeling that they have their heads buried in the sand. They are content to drown in their lives instead of doing something to change the status quo.

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2003 - "Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation (Ferret Records)
2005 - "Hours" (Atlantic Records)
2007 - "Tales Don't Tell Themselves" (Atlantic Records)
2008 - "Memory And Humanity" (Join Us Records)
2011 - "Welcome Home Armageddon" (Distiller Records)
2013 - "Conduit" (Distiller Records)
2015 - "Chapter And Verse" (Distiller Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND:

Funeral For A Friend, while doing well in the United States, is a much bigger deal in their home country of the United Kingdom. When you think British post-hardcore, Funeral For A Friend resides at the top. Their debut album, "Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation", was hailed by fans and critics alike and really set the bar for the band. Their second album and major label debut, "Hours", was probably their most mainstream and successful release of their career. The band shifted styles on many of their albums, from post-hardcore, to shades of emo, to metal influences. Funeral For A Friend cites Iron Maiden, Deftones and The Get Up Kids as their main influences and if you factor the sounds of those bands as well as some of Funeral For A Friend's touring mates, such as Atreyu, Thrice, Hawthorne Heights, The Used, Rise Against and Story Of The Year, you get a sense of the style of rock music that they put forth. This is a very active band. Funeral For A Friend basically releases a new full length album almost every 2 years. They have also released a slew of EP's as well as 3 live albums. Most recently, the band dropped their 7th full length album, "Chapter And Verse", in January of 2015. Look out for this band on tour supporting their new album and giving fans a taste of what British post-hardcore is all about. FFAF is the real deal! An amazing and well respected band.

TEN FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Juneau
2. Streetcar
3. Monsters
4. Into Oblivion (Reunion)
5. Kicking And Screaming
6. Front Row Seats To The End Of The World
7. Best Friends And Hospital Beds
8. The Distance
9. 1%
10. Pencil Pusher

Song Of The Week: 5/24/15

Song: "These Pretty Pleasures"

Artist: Swingin' Utters

Album: "More Scared: The House Of Faith Years"

Years: 1996

Place Of Origin: Santa Cruz, California

Years Active: 1987 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"These Pretty Pleasures" appears to be a song about getting away from the every day things in life that seem to drag you down or are just monotonous. These are things that you cannot get away from totally, whether it's your job or your home life or whatever, but just for a moment or just for a few hours, it seems the vocalist wants to get out of his normal everyday and enjoy something that he doesn't always have a chance to do. A guilty pleasure, or a "pretty" pleasure if you will.

SWINGIN' UTTERS' DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1992 - "Scared" (Quality Of Life Records)
1995 - "The Streets Of San Francisco" (New Red Archives Records)
1996 - "More Scared: The House Of Faith Years" (SideOneDummy Records)
1996 - "A Juvenile Product Of The Working Class" (Fat Wreck Chords)
1998 - "Five Lessons Learned" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2000 - "Swingin' Utters" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2003 - "Dead Flowers, Bottles, Bluegrass And Bones" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2004 - "Live In A Dive" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2008 - "Hatest Grits: B-Sides And Bullshit" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2011 - "Here, Under Protest" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2013 - "Poorly Formed" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2014 - "Fistful Of Hollow" (Fat Wreck Chords)

CURRENT STATUS OF SWINGIN' UTTERS:

Vocalist Johnny Peebucks originally formed this band back in 1987. For the first 7 years of the band's existence, they were known as Johnny Peebucks and the Swingin' Utters. It wasn't until 1994 that they just took the name Swingin' Utters. As a band, the Utters were highly influential to the many Celtic punk bands that would form, including the likes of the Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies and Flogging Molly, though the Swingin' Utters don't go with the full on bagpipes and what not. They themselves haved likened their songs to loud, aggressive country and folk songs. In 1996 they established their relationship with a then upstart punk rock label, Fat Wreck Chords. Together with NOFX, Lagwagon and No Use For A Name, the Swingin' Utters represented that "Fat Wreck" sound of skate punk anthems of the mid to late 90's, albeit with a folk/punk style. There wasn't a lot going on with the band during the years between 2004 and 2010. They did release a live album and a compilation album of b-sides and rare tracks but did not enter the studio nor play many, if any live shows. The Swingin' Utters did come back with a vengeance in 2011 however, and dropped three full length albums in a 4 year span. Currently, the Swingin' Utters are on tour with NOFX and Lagwagon as part of Fat Wreck Chords 25th anniversary celebration.

TEN SWINGIN' UTTERS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Five Lessons Learned
2. The Next In Line
3. Brand New Lungs
4. Windspitting Punk
5. Pills & Smoke
6. The Librarians Are Hiding Something
7. Brazen Head
8. Teenage Genocide
9. Fifteenth And T
10. '39

Song Of The Week: 5/17/15

Song: "Start Walking"

Artist: Off With Their Heads

Album: "Home"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Years Active: 2002-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Start Walking" appears to be about someone who's depression has taken full control of him. He has shut down basically, succumbing to the depression. He no longer feels that he can go back to who he once was and he no longer feels anyone can have love for him as they once did. He talks of the awful feelings he has deep inside that are basically guiding him, perhaps they are leading him to suicide. Perhaps that will take him to a place where he can finally feel comfortable in his own skin. The vocalist in this song seems as though life has defeated him and perhaps the afterlife is his only answer to get out of his depressive situation.

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS' DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - "Hospitals" (Rock Bottom Records)
2007 - "All Things Move Toward Their End" (No Idea Records)
2008 - "From The Bottom" (No Idea Records)
2010 - "In Desolation" (Epitaph Records)
2013 - "Home" (Epitaph Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF OFF WITH THEIR HEADS:

Off With Their Heads is very much the baby of vocalist/guitarist Ryan Young. He is the one constant member of the band and the chief songwriter. Other members, Justin Francis (drums) and Zack Gontard (guitar) no longer tour with the band, but they do still record on the albums. Despite the revolving door of touring musicians, Off With Their Heads continues to try to establish themselves as a punk band to be wreckoned with. The strength of their songs and their high energy live shows earned them a spot on the roster of famed punk rock label, Epitaph Records. Ryan Young's lyrics are often very personal and often peel away the layers to show the open scars of a painful existence. He's not afraid to express himself by any means. Their style is kind of that "gruffy" punk where the vocals are hoarse and scratchy and their songs are energetic and anthemic. Along with their full length releases, the band has also put out a slew of EP's and splits, many of which were released together on the compilation record, "All Things Move Toward Their End". The band wanted to put out a second compilation featuring more of their EP and split songs but did not due to a conflict with their then label No Idea Records. Most recently the band had to cancel several tour dates in Europe due to some issues back home in the States. That being said, look for Off With Their Heads to continue to be Ryan Young's mouthpiece in the years to come. Solid, solid band!

TEN OFF WITH THEIR HEADS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Fuck This, I'm Out
2. Keep Falling Down
3. Drive
4. Clear The Air
5. Nightlife
6. Seek Advice Elsewhere
7. Start Walking
8. Don't Make Me Go
9. Janie
10. Die Today