Nelly - 5.0

I get so excited for New Music Tuesday. I hope you guys do too. Something about popping open a fresh album with no expectations and an open mind. Always fun. Well today, I was intending to review the latest Queen of hip hop - Nicki Minaj, but they delayed her release to next week. Which I think is silly, because Kanye is dropping his next week too - which has already seen AMAZING reviews on the pre release. Regardless of all that - Nelly dropped his first one in a couple years. Remember Nelly? Remember the SICK 'Country Grammar' and solid follow up 'Nellyville'? Remember that guy? Well don't get that guy confused with this guy. This isn't your fathers Nelly. This is some pop/r&b replacement. 'Just A Dream' being one of the most overplayed songs on the radio right now - which I'll admit, isn't a terrible song, but the rest...uhh, yeah. I loved when Nelly would show his sick flow on tracks and maybe have a couple poppy tracks to compliment. Well, that's gone. There are tracks where he seems like he's trying to be hard, but it's almost laughable. He was recently left off the Top 10 rappers of the 2000's by BET, and he was pretty upset because of all the albums he's sold. Which yeah, the only artist who has sold more was Eminem. But Em RAPS, Nelly - you've gone pop. Remember Grillz? Yeah, we all do. That's not hip hop. Neither is this album. For an R.Kelly/Usher style album, yeah - this is pretty solid. For a rap album, sub par at best. Since I'm basing my opinion off this as a pop record, I'm going to be generally positive. But I want the old Nelly back. Hot Ish!!

TRACK LISTING:
1. I'm Number 1
2. Long Gone
3. She's So Fly
4. Just A Dream
5. Making Movies
6. Move That Body
7. 1000 Stacks
8. Gone
9. Don't It Feel Good
10. Broke
11. Liv Tonight
12. Nothing Without Her

Listen To Samples

1. Just A Dream
2. Nothing Without Her
3. Gone

FINAL RATING:
3 out of 5 stars

Crystal Castles - Self Titled (II)

I missed Techno Tuesday last week - and miss techno in general. It's been a good month or two since I sat down to my techno jam playlist. Usually when I'm the busiest at work is when I put it on. There's nothing better to have going in the background and stay upbeat in order to get work done. I really encourage everyone to try it out. So recently - I was running through a favorite of mine - the techno artist Caribou - and found these guys. "These guys" are a pair of Canadians - producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass. Around 2004 - they got together and started laying down some funky fresh beats. Now - I'm no expert, but there used to be an old Atari game called Crystal Castles. Do you think their name came from that game? I'm not totally sure, but the sound they have is very similar to that from the game. No, not cheesy eight bit sound quality, but that really high pitched repeated backdrop. It's actually really cool. Anyone who played Atari or even the original NES - I guarantee there was one game you played that you'd be whistling or humming the music to after you were done playing. You didn't even know that it was affecting you, but all of the sudden you're singing the Mario Bros theme. They've gotten into some legal disputes over some copyright, but who cares. Techno and dance is all about sampling and turning good beats into great beats. I really enjoyed this album the couple times I've went through it now. It's different and fun. If you're in the mood to groove today - pick up this new find like I did today. You won't be depressed!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Fainting Spells
2. Celestica
3. Doe Deer
4. Baptism
5. Year of Silence
6. Empathy
7. Suffocation
8. Violent Dreams
9. Vietnam
10. Birds
11. Pap Smear
12. Not in Love
13. Intimate
14. I Am Made of Chalk

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Baptism
2. Fainting Spells
3. Empathy

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Looper - Geometrid

I think I've mentioned before how odd it can be sometimes finding new music. Back around the 2000 timeframe - there were some DARE or anti drug ads on television that used this sick beat and crazy vocals. Back in 2000, I think for most people they were just turning to the internet for their music questions. You know, because most people were just getting high speed internet at that point. I'd have it for a couple years, so I remember immediately going to the computer and trying to find out what and who this was. Turns out, it was a band known as Looper that was comprised of two Scottish fellas. I can safely say that if I put this song on for someone in the car or something, they'll recognize it, but have no clue from where. If not the drug free ads, it's been used in multiples commercials, tv shows and movies. They had one other track, 'My Robot' that has seen some success too. Much lesser scale though. Anyhow, I picked this album up a long time ago - but for some reason don't listen to it very often. I think it's a solid 'mood' type record - mainly because it's so out there. It has some elements of rock, techno, blues, pop and flat out indie-ness. I was checking my iTunes and realized I hadn't shared this with you guys yet, and how selfish that had been. I'm not sure if you can find this at a store or not, it's pretty rare. BestBuy.com lists this at a sickening 50 dollars for purchase. No cd is worth that much. But it's a fun listen. 'Mondo' is flat out amazing, and the rest all fit the part. This is certainly worth a go today - just so you can say you tried something new. Pass it along and Happy Monday!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Monder 77
2. On the Flipside
3. Modem Song
4. Uncle Ray
5. Puddle Monkey
6. These Things
7. Bug Rain
8. My Robot
9. Tomorrow's World
10. Money Hair

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Mondo 77
2. Tomorrows World
3. My Robot

FINAL RATING:
3.5 out of 5 stars

George Strait - Carrying Your Love With Me

B Siders - it's Monday. The cure for a tough Monday ahead is always a little tuneage right? Exactly. Blog devotees will recall I reviewed George Strait WAY back in April. Hard to believe it's been so long. His 'Blue Clear Sky' album received a generally positive review from me. That album was requested by JenInTosa - and oddly enough, this album came out directly after that one (1996 and 1997 respectively) but this album was requested by Shaqwanda. By the way Shaqwanda, this was the last of your country based suggestions - so if you have more, let me know. Now, I recall being positive about Strait because it wasn't an annoying country music. He switches up the melodies and arrangements and also doesn't keep up the same tone while singing. I wasn't sure back then if it was just one album, or if I'd maybe grow to enjoy Mr. Strait since that had been the first album I'd ever listened to by him. Well, I think he might be growing on me. This record is also very tolerable. Country never will be my go to genre, but every so often I throw on some Cash - and I'd always be willing to add an artist or two to that rotation. Strait would now be on my list. A couple tracks on this album are very captivating lyrically - which I don't frequently identify with this brand of music. I'm impressed. I highly recommend giving this a shot today. If you're a country fan, I have to think you've already got this someone tucked away. If country isn't your thing, give it a shot. I'm surprised Strait doesn't get more publicity than he does. He's worth it.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Round About Way
2. Carrying Your Love with Me
3. One Night at a Time
4. She'll Leave You With a Smile
5. Won't You Come Home (And Talk to a Stranger)
6. Today My World Slipped Away
7. I've Got a Funny Feeling
8. Nerve, The
9. That's Me (Every Chance I Get)
10. Real Good Place to Start, A

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. The Nerve
2. Carrying Your Love With Me
3. She'll Leave You With A Smile

FINAL RATING:
2.5 out of 5 stars

B Side Presents, "Friday Gut Check - Run Forrest Run!"

I've been going strong on the Friday Gut Checks - and Heidi has been great helping me out. Today, an Anonymous reader suggested that I review the Forrest Gump Soundtrack. Now since it was without identification, I don't know if this person has been a long time reader or stumbled upon lately, so I'll add a little narrative. Back a while ago, Heidi and I did a Gut Check on soundtracks. Forrest Gump was my third favorite of all time. So, I'm a fan. When they asked me to review, I wanted to take it one step further...

I'm going to give you my Top 5 songs off the soundtrack (there are 32 songs total) and then my Top 5 favorite parts of the movie. (a film that I do enjoy quite a bit) Here is a complete list of the songs first - in case you don't recall:

Disc One
Hound Dog performed by Elvis Presley
Rebel Rouser performed by Duane Eddy
(I Don't Know Why) But I Do performed by Clarence "Frogman" Henry
Walk Right In performed by The Rooftop Singers
Land of 1000 Dances performed by Wilson Pickett
Blowin' in the Wind performed by Joan Baez
Fortunate Son performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) performed by The Four Tops
Respect performed by Aretha Franklin
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 performed by Bob Dylan
Sloop John B performed by Beach Boys
California Dreamin' performed by The Mamas & the Papas
For What It's Worth performed by Buffalo Springfield
What the World Needs Now Is Love performed by Jackie DeShannon
Break On Through (To the Other Side) performed by The Doors
Mrs. Robinson performed by Simon & Garfunkel

Disc Two
Volunteers performed by Jefferson Airplane
Let's Get Together performed by The Youngbloods
San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) performed by Scott McKenzie
Turn! Turn! Turn! performed by The Byrds
Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In performed by The 5th Dimension
Everybody's Talkin' performed by Harry Nilsson
Joy to the World performed by Three Dog Night
Stoned Love performed by The Supremes
Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head performed by B. J. Thomas
Mr. President performed by Randy Newman
Sweet Home Alabama performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It Keeps You Runnin' performed by The Doobie Brothers
I've Got to Use My Imagination performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips
On the Road Again performed by Willie Nelson
Against the Wind performed by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Forrest Gump Suite composed and conducted by Alan Silvestri

I'm even going to take it one step further, here are songs in the film, but not on the soundtrack:

Lovesick Blues - Hank Williams
Sugar Shack - Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballs
Hanky Panky - Tommy James and The Shondells
All Along the Watchtower - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Soul Kitchen - The Doors
Hello, I Love You - The Doors
People Are Strange - The Doors
Hey Joe - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? - Pete Seeger
Love Her Madly - The Doors
Let's Work Together - Canned Heat
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree - Tony Orlando & Dawn
Get Down Tonight - KC & The Sunshine Band
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Running On Empty – Jackson Browne
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Okay, so here we go. Top 5 in each category - GO!

5. Ping Pong With Son - Toward the end of the film, Forrest is letting the audience know how things are going with his son. They have a part where they cut to them playing ping pong, and little Forrest smacks a point right past him. Funny, because he was a world class player for the US Army. Cute scene and fun.

4. Black Panther Fight - Jenny and her boyfriend at the time were at a Black Panther Party, showing their support for minority rights. Forrest came along in his Army uniform, which already riled up the attendees who didn't support an Army that allowed minorities to die on the front line, but not have equal rights back home. Well, the boyfriend slaps Jenny, Forrest rushes in and bloodies his nose. Shows Forrest's passion and his love for Jenny.

3. Not Enough Rocks - Forrest getting back together with Jenny, he takes her back to the shack she grew up in. Jenny stops, you can tell she's getting emotional just looking at the house. She picks up rocks, throws them in fury. Get one to break and window and collapses. There is a line, "sometimes there just aren't enough rocks". A great quote, great scene.

2. I GOTTA FIND BUBBA! - War in Veitnam. Charlie all over the place. Forrest runs out of the jungle to find he's outran everybody. He has to go back and find his dear friend Bubba. I just love this scene. He keeps going back, finding more army mates that need his help. Gets Lieutenant Dan out and then Bubba, who doesn't make it. Touching stuff.

1. You'll never sink this boat - Dan versus God. A battle of a man who lost his faith because he lost his legs and the big guy above. They're out on the shrimp boat and a nasty hurricane hits. Dan is perched up in the sails cursing at any power that exists above him. Bottom line, Dan finds his faith again - shrimp boat is the only one left standing.

Now on to the good stuff - the music. Here are my 5 favorites:

5. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield: Comes out hard with the beat and and backdrop. Lyrically one of the better songs from its time too. I remember hearing this song when I was a kid and was hooked. Still enjoy it today.

4. Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix: It's Jimi. This was the song that came on during the Black Panther scene too. The passion that Jimi brought forth when playing this track, always made me wonder what the real story behind it was. Hearbreak and revenge, to things that can make a song amazing.

3. Mrs. Robinson - Simon And Garfunkel: Yeah yeah, this song is also what made a certain Dustin Hoffman movie huge. I get it. But it's really good in this movie too. I think it simply speaks volumes of the song in general, very good and very identifiable for its time.

2. Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd: Okay, so you all know I adore this song. It's not a secret. It also was PERFECT for when Jenny seemed to be contemplating suicide jumping off a high balcony at a hotel. If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?

1. Against The Wind - Bob Seger: I'm a sucker for this song. It can be very emotional if you listen to the lyrics and take it all in. I think this came on when Forrest was running for no real reason across the country. I equate what he was going through an this song and it's just perfect. Hard to imagine a better song to sum it all up.


Well B Siders, I love this soundtrack and I love this movie. What do you think?

NIN - Pretty Hate Machine

Oh hard rock. You're a mysterious friend of mine. For a while I love you, then for a while I hate you. You toy with my emotions and make me feel great when times are good and horrendous when I get to my lowest. A band like NIN can bring out emotions that you never thought you could feel. I think I talked about that a little bit with Downward Spiral when I reviewed that a couple of months ago. This album is right up there on the same plain. This album dropped back in 1989 - and is a nice 3x platinum in the states. For as huge as 'Spiral' was, it only sold an extra million compared to this. With less of a monstrous hit. Whenever I listen to a record by old Trent, I seem to be incredibly impacted by the music. It's like I feel what he wants his audience to feel. It isn't so much just they lyrics, it's also the music accompanying the lyrics. If he wants you to feel down - he has a way to make it so. It's almost as if a spell is cast over you when you put it on your headphones. It's kind of crazy. When I gave very high praise in the last review, follower janis! asked that I get to this one as well. And I'll say, I own this album - have for years. It's VERY hard for me to listen to it a lot - simply because of the emotions it brings out in me. Depending how my mood already is, it could be anger, sadness or even a little motivation to get something done. A track like 'Something I Can Never Have' and the way it haunts me - it always puts me on the path to thinking. Thinking about anything really. I guess you could probably tell - I enjoy this quite a bit. I completely understand that it isn't for everybody - but if you can get through it, it's worth it everytime. If nothing else, see if it has the impact on you as it does me and others I know enjoy it. Listen to it straight up too, no shuffle and no skipping. See how you do. Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Head Like a Hole
2. Terrible Lie
3. Down in It
4. Sanctified
5. Something I Can Never Have
6. Kinda I Want To
7. Sin
8. That's What I Get
9. Only Time, The
10. Ringfinger
11. Get Down Make Love

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Something I Can Never Have
2. Head Like A Hole
3. Sanctified

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

The Cure - Disintegration

Thursday brings a fresh peak into the Suggestion Box - and as always, keep 'em coming - but Shaqwanda noticed that I'd never reviewed any Cure. Probably the biggest reason for that, I honestly don't know much by them. I mean, I've heard of them - heard a few songs in passing, but never really sought them out before. UNTIL TODAY! Big dramatic caps entry there! These guys have been around literally forever. They come from England and have been making music since the '70s. They went almost two decades without seeing any mainstream success - which I give them huge props for. It's very easy to pack it in and call it quits when you don't feel your music isn't reaching anyone. Kudos. People always want to crown Nirvana as the kings of alternative rock music. Well, I think that title goes to the Cure personally. As much as I don't know by them, I do know about them. They really changed the view of alternative rock when it was a time of super heavy riffs and big hair. Imagine listening to Van Halen and then The Cure. What a drastic change in styles. Obviously, the Cure didn't have the same cultural impact as Nirvana, and hence the reasoning. Plus, Nirvana was all about the grunge movement, we label it alternative. Anyways, I like this album. I picked it because it's their best selling at a nice 2x platinum. Hard to believe, but they don't have any other platinum selling records. Craziness. This has a really dark, almost gothic rock style feel to it. Shaqwanda mentioned she'd only been jamming to their greatest hits, and I have no clue if any of these tracks are on her GH album. I hope a few are, because there are a few tracks that would seem worthy. Happy Thursday B Siders!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Plainsong
2. Pictures of You
3. Closedown
4. Love Song
5. Last Dance (Bonus Track)
6. Lullaby
7. Fascination Street
8. Prayers For Rain
9. Same Deep Water as You, The
10. Disintegration
11. Homesick (Bonus Track)
12. Untitled

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Love Song
2. Fascination Street
3. Closedown

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars