Apr 28, 2015

Albums of the Week

Hi. 
Here are some things my hearing holes have found appealing this week.

Melvins- Houdini
This album has been posted on this blog by me more times than Chick Filet hates gay people. Anyone who says The Melvins are a sludgy band can suck a foot. The Melvins played a large role, but they are one of the most consistently eclectic bands. I know all bands try and "mature" throughout albums, but these dudes do it in extreme ways. This particular album just so happens to be the one most people know, so they associate the rest of their discography to be this sound. 

 Whirr- Pipe Dreams 
Anyone who said  they're tired of the whole "shoegaze" thing coming back in style is getting a text from in all caps lock. A perfect example of music your bones like just as much as your ears. My Bloody Valentine worship from members always involved with cool projects. Get into it! 

Tin Machine- Self Titled
Obviously Bowie has to be in here somewhere if I'm posting this, right? Tin Machine was not a Bowie album, but an actual band with the intent to reinspire Bowie's solo career in the late 80's. In interviews, members have said the music they were creating sounded like it was played in a tin machine, hence the name. I can hear the excitement in Bowie's voice he had during this project. In my opinion, this album saved his career and life by inspiring him in many ways.

Clint Mansell- The Fountain
This album is an old favorite. Clint Mansell is a producer and composer of various musical treats. One time member of Pop Will Eat Itself, he continued on to do several film scores. You can set me on fire and I wouldn't even open my eyes if the track "Stay With Me" was on. The new house I moved into has a piano I've been playing the shit out of lately, and this album is always a main source of inspiration for that. 

The Meters- Struttin' 
The Meters are the Kings of groove. Chris showed me these guys about a year ago and I've been hooked ever since. Doxa recently played a show near Detroit over the weekend and this is all we jammed the entire ride there. Mat was bummed.



-Novak

Interview With Myles

Myles McDonald
So to keep the interviews going, I sent my good friend Myles a few questions to answer. Myles and I made music together for years growing up. We played our first set of shows together and showed each other tons of bands and movies. Side note: Myles, Chislow, and I all got matching tattoos about 10 years ago too. He got a knife, Mike got a fork, and I have a spoon. I also really like mashed potatoes. 


What was the very first band that really grabbed your attention and why?
The very first band that grabbed my attention was The Clash, with their music video for “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”  This wasn’t my favorite Clash song, but it grabbed my attention…and it was the first Clash song that I had ever heard.  After that as birthday gift, I was given a cassette tape of their album “Combat Rock,”  and felt a strong connection to their sound and versatility.  At this time I believe I really discovered a love for music.  In fact, I still listen to that album quite regularly.

What band has a close to perfect discography?
Close to perfect for me would be the Velvet Underground’s studio album discography from ’67 to ’70.
They had earlier releases that are amazing as well, but their 4 albums they have completed are all masterpieces that have influenced myself, and almost every band I listen to today.

Is being sexy easy?
Its rather difficult to drug all of your friends to get them to believe and follow certain things you want them to, but it pays off in the end.


Does lighting have any impact on the room you're writing in?
Not really…  If its really dark I have trouble reading music or lyrics sheets, and my handwriting is messy.  I have very poor vision in the dark.

What is your most listened to album?
I have listened to Billy Bragg’s “Don’t Try This At Home” thousands of times.“London Calling” by the Clash and “Tim” by the Replacements countless times as well. I can listen to them over and over again.

What's one band I turned you on to that you fell in love with?
Without you even having to sell them to me, and just having them play in the background… I’m a big Depeche Mode fan because of you. Especially their first album “Speak & Spell.” That one is a masterpiece.









Who's a musician you would be "star struck" meeting?
Bill Clinton.  I missed my chance when he came to Parma Pierogies in 1992.

Is it more exciting working by yourself or with a band lately?
Lately its been more productive working by myself in a recording aspect…  but much more exciting working with friends just jamming and coming up with weird stuff.  I do think I put a little more work into writing song structures when working by myself… I like the natural changes that evolve when playing with friends.  Definitely, Definitely more drone music when jamming with friends.

What's the biggest turn off when you're playing with a musician or band?
I can’t stand anyone with a big ego.  I generally don’t like being around people who think highly of themselves.  I prefer depressed people who hate themselves and don’t think anything good will ever happen.

Favorite piece of gear?
My martin om acoustic.  It plays well and has held up to my poor handling for many years now.

Do you have a favorite format to listen to music on?
No favorite.  Whatever works.

What was the most recent album that came out you anticipated the release of?
2013 was a good year.  The Warlocks - Skull Worship,  Camera Obscura - Desire Lines, and Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the city.  Probably to my own faults I haven’t listened to anything newer…Though around the time these albums came out I had a mission to find new music.  I had never been a Vampire Weekend fan, nor do I like their other stuff quite as much, but I really liked their album Modern Vampires of the city.  Camera Obscura is a great band from Scotland that really did a good job on Desire Lines…I like every song on the album.  And the Warlocks albums is full of surreal face melting sounds, and whimsical lyrics.


Now go pour a bowl of chili on someone you don't like, or go back to pissing your pants.   
-Novak

Apr 13, 2015

Interview with Joe Reed. Part 2

Way back when, Joe and I used to be somewhat active with awkward video blogs, interviews, and other posts no one reads. I asked Joe a set of questions while we were playing in a band together and I had the itch to scrape through his hairy head again. 


When I sent you the link to your old interview, what was your reaction to your answers back then?
Joe: I wasn't necessarily surprised or blown away by them. That was an exciting and fun time, it's unfortunate it ended abruptly but the project I'm currently singing for To Dust I feel is the best representation of my personal tastes musically. We have a split 7" with Bent Sea on Give Praise Records that should be coming out in the next couple of months.
Has having a kid made any changes with your views on music? 
Joe: Having a son was definitely a life changing event and thus far the best thing I've done with my life but as far as music is concerned the only difference is my Spotify shuffle goes from Brutal Truth to Classic Baby Lullabies. 


What's the most exciting genre of music to you right now?
Joe: As of right now the most exciting genre of music to me is synth pop / industrial. I recently came up on a deal for a keyboard / synthesizer that I'm getting in June for my birthday so I hit you up for some recommendations on good synth music and I was blown away by most of what you sent. Gary Numan is heavier than any band going right now.

Have you gained any interest yet in being anything other than a singer in a band?
Joe: I'd really like to do sampling or synth / noise in a band at some point. I don't really even know what that means or entails but I think that's what's exciting and appealing about the idea. I really would like to do something maybe like Zombi with you Novak, just drums and synths.

Who is the last band you saw live that blew you away? 
Joe: The last band that really blew me away live was Full of Hell a little over a year ago. They played the Foundry in front of maybe 25 people and by the end of their brief set the crowd was backed up against the wall begging for mercy. It was loud, pissed, violent, and abrupt.


Favorite Cleveland venue and why? 
Joe: Now That's Class for a few reasons, primarily because it's one of the few punk rock / underground spots devoid of any inclination that they will ever cater to the gentrified Ohio City crowd. Also the venue (specifically Paul) treats bands with respect, keeps show prices fair, puts on local shows regularly. Now That's Class really is the best thing to happen to the Cleveland music scene in a long time.
If Kurt didn't die in 94, what would he be doing in 2015? 
Joe: I firmly believe that Nirvana would have broken up in mid 1995 and that Kurt would have either joined Earth with Dylan Carlson or started a ghost solo career. I don't believe that any project with Michael Stype that would have garnered major label attention would have appealed to Kurt in the 90s. Fast forward to 2015 and I think Kurt is painting and not involved in music at all as of the early 2000s. Kurt famously scoffed at seeing The Who live on TV and said that he never understood being that into playing in a band nearing his 50s so I think by this time he would be wowing us in other ways.


You've told me before that the project you're in doesn't want to play Cleveland. Why?
Joe:  It's not that we don't want to play Cleveland, it just isn't feasible. To Dust is comprised of myself, Tom Haywood, and Zach Gibson of Mutilated and a host of other bands. Since the band is spread out all over Ohio and Michigan, we are working on putting a record out, and Tom is starting two labels right now (Redefining Darkness and Seeing Red respectively), it is simply impractical for us to get everyone together to play local shows frequently. Perhaps things will change in the future but right now we have other things we are focused on.
Do you have any pre-show Rituals?
Joe: Typically I smoke a cig or several half cigs, drink a few beers, and pace around which, if you know me, isn't a ritual as much as an all day thing for me. I do try to spend a lot of time by myself before I go on stage. I'm either alone or people watching before I play. I guess in my mind I'm sizing up the people I'll be yelling at momentarily since I've always viewed my relationship with the audience as adversarial. I never wanted to be some happy go lucky rock guy...I wanted to be the guy who looked like he hates you on stage.
Any updates on the Severed Remains reunion? 
Joe:The Severed album is a slow work in progress with really no exact deadline. There will be a second record and Tom Haywood (also of To Dust) and Michael Wilson (ex-Aborted) are in the early writing stages but at this point it is hardly a reunion since the only original members are myself and Anthony. Since everyone who was originally involved backed out we decided to do another record because we want to. Shows? Merch? Don't know at this point but I'll let all four of you who are interested know in a group text.
What's the first album you will show your son when he can play on his own?
Joe: If Dominick will learn anything from me he will learn to think for himself, a valuable lesson music helped teach me. I won't play him anything, he'll know where the records are or how to find them himself.

Apr 8, 2015

Hullo?

I forgot I even had this blog. Here's some shit I've been listening to as of late.


Stars of the Lid
The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid
Stars of the Lid definitely isn't something you show your friend while driving to get food. It's music that can be on in the background without you really even noticing, almost meditation soundtracks. Just about every day, I work early until around 7pm, drive out to my studio to play music, eat a late and very unhealthy dinner, and then crawl into my bed around 2am. I don't have a lot of down time throughout the week at all, so when I finally lay my ass down in my bed, this album goes on. After an entire day of talking to patients and beating the shit out of my drums all night, this album centers me back to my home planet. 

I've recently secretly been working on a huge installation of material very similar to this. This is the only album that you would be able to directly hear my influence from in something I've done myself.

Death From Above 1979
The Physical World

Death From Above is an old favorite. They're a pretty straight shooting band for what I typically get into, but it's done in a unique sounding way. Few bands can pull off being unique enough that within seconds people know who they're listening to while still writing good songs. These guys nail it. I saw them open for Nine Inch Nails in PA back in 2005 in a massive arena, and it was horrible. They played well, but this is a band you need to see in someone's bedroom. Their newest album is fucking amazing. I always get sucked into personal stories bands have, so I was of course sucked in hearing they rekindled the band and friendship. 

I have a massive gear boner for Jesse Keeler's bass tone. The best part.. no pedals for the sound you hear! I actually found that out not too long ago from a gear interview Jesse had done for Maximum Guitar. Pedals and plug-ins are cool, but I myself always prefer the ultra basics of just having a bad ass amp and cabinet.


Breach
Venom

This is an album I was initially drawn to from the artwork. I remember it was one of my many nights in a wormhole of youtube interviews and related artists that I came across these guys, and holy shit was I glad I did. The aggression and sheer volume of this record is fucking unbelievable. It made me feel like I was stuck in an insane asylum with these guys while they violently tore through each track. Just about everything this band put out from day one was flawless, and they only got meaner and darker as their albums progressed. The main thing that stood out to me were the drums and the overall rawness to the production. The guy is a monster and is the perfect amount of technical while making sure you can still bash your head through the concrete. 

Even with extensive touring with several US hardcore bands throughout the years and being on Relapse records, these Sweedish dudes never really got the attention and respect they deserved.


Terra Tenebrosa
The Purging

And to immediately follow is these guys. Sharing members, this band took the darkness and anger to an entirely different planet. I know the cover is super numetal, but the music speaks for itself. It's layered, pissed off, catchy, chaotic music. This one man band was post Breach. Much like the story of another Sweedish band Ghost, the identity of the members was never revealed. Tomas Hallbom did not people to think this was where Breach had left off by any means. One of the nameless ghouls of Ghost actually slipped up in an interview at one point and mentioned being involved with Hallbom at one point.

 In my opinion, this was the "legit" Ghost. These guys just didn't have the huge label to fund their ideas or poppy, polished sound to make it as huge as Ghost did.  


I think I'll start writing in here a lot more frequently...


-Novak

Cool Albums Cool People Told Me About

This was just sitting in the blog drafts for months. I could easily add to it at this point, but none of this really matters, so here it is:

This could be an endless, wordy rant because 96% of my friends are avid musicians or huge music fans. I've been given countless CD's, playlists, and verbal recommendations over the years, but these albums turned out to be some of my favorites! Cool music from cool dudes. And... GO!


This is the newest band I have completely fell in love with, thanks to Bolles. It captures everything exciting to me in a band. I describe it as a heavier My Bloody Valentine. It's got the great song writing, the tones, and the lyrics that completely fucking blew me away. I'm in the middle of finishing an album on my own, and these guys are nailing the sound I was aiming for in a much better way. A good musical ass beating is healthy for inspiration and these guys have took my own music to an entirely new level. So it's exciting hearing this album as well at it fueling my own creative process.


This was always Myles' band to me. He always had these guys on or the Clash whenever we'd hang out or get food back in the day. I suppose it could be strictly nostalgic reasons behind why I grew to love these guys, but the songs are too fucking great to think that it has anything to do with it. Get into it!


 I remember Woods always have this album on so loud that I thought his tires were going to pop. I don't really know what that means, but it was loud.. you know? I always said this just straight up sounded like slowed down Slayer. If you don't like music that kicks your ass, don't listen to this. Go eat a waffle or something.


This was another band recommended by Woods back around 2009 or so? He described it as "instrumental Novak music" so I was sold! I bought it with him at My Mind's Eye without even hearing it, and it's in my car stereo right now. It was great! I've posted about this album in various forms on this blog before. If you like good music, you will enjoy this!


Chris showed me this album and I was hooked within seconds! He has a collage of amazing records and bands that everyone should hear, but this one was an important one to me. I felt pretty stupid not knowing anything about this dudes extensive discography, but I was rock hard once I found more of it! 

 Sean showed me these guys while him and I were in the middle of writing really cool music. It's definitely a perfect example of a band I heard and was immediately blown away by within seconds. It's like having a certain kind of food and your mouth explodes with tastes you never knew existed before. I honestly don't find myself listening to them TOO often, but they are PERFECT example of what I wish more bands did. It's completely brand new yet catchy and weird. A+ to this band and to Sean for showing me them!! 

This may be the oldest cool thing a friend showed me. I can remember this night very clearly. Jonathan listens to shit music in my opinion and he of course hates everything on my phone as well. When he tells me he has a band I'll like, I usually hate them and vice versa. He showed me this band and my fucking head exploded. Each instrument was so intensely unique and the entire sound of the band was woven together with pure fucking magic. The artwork sucked me in even further. I grew to love these guys almost as much as that little prick Jonathan. 


Ok, now go slam the door shut on your head until you don't see anything anymore.. but buy me tacos first.