Hear This...Arctic Monkeys' Brand New Single "Do I Wanna Know?"

Having earned the fastest selling record ever in Great Britain with the outstanding and dynamic debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not [2006], the Arctic Monkeys have since stood at the forefront of English alternative rock— without question one of Britain’s best outputs in recent memory. Despite the almost effortless legacy affirmed in their home country, the Arctic Monkeys have never truly equated the same impact across the pond. Whether labeled by American critics as just another over-hyped UK band or outshined by homegrown alt acts like the Foo Fighters, the Arctic Monkeys have certainly not received the credit they deserve in our land of the free and home of the brave.

And since that marvelous debut, the Arctic Monkeys have made few faults otherwise, hitting critical stride with each continued effort (though of course that is subject for discussion in the U.S.). Eleven years in, the Suffield boys are that no more, now confidants, even masters of their trade. And as Turner and company have grown up, so has their music, ever so slightly. Their dashing, red-blooded riffs have slowed down some, albeit never losing that deep, commanding sound evident on their under appreciated 2011 LP Suck it and See. And their latest single to be released, "Do I Wanna Know?," moves forward in that same direction; a slow burner of a song, fit with steady heartbeat of a drum, fuzzy guitar riffs and a bellowing chorus. Chances are Do I Wanna Know? will be the lead single for their fifth album, which Turner has added could be out later this year. If so, it’s a strong start.

Check out the track along with the official music video over on YouTube

Audiovisuals...Arctic Monkey's "Fluorescent Adolescent"

One of the best aspects of music is its ability to mesh the most unlikely disparities into one very pleasing tune.  Think about the new Jack White song, “Love Interruption.”  He sings longing for love, but that request comes the most an array of unromantic desires- “I want love to roll me over slowly stick a knife inside me, and twist it all around...” to name one.   Another example goes by the name “Pumped Up Kicks,” the popular Foster the People song.  [Check out those lyrics.]  These two songs share the perverse ability to turn such shocking statements into a something far from unfavorable. 

That isn't the exact case of the Arctic Monkey's song "Fluorescent Adolescent."  No, its lyrics doesn't demand any such ill mannered requests; here it’s the visuals that are called to questioning.  The music video for "Fluorescent Adolescent" involves a man and his posse dressed up as clowns trying to bash the brains of a rival group.  Other than the unfortunate association these characters have with serial killers and messed up B-horror films, clowns used to be seen as symbols of impeccable joy and childlike entertainment.  Bu these clowns share none of these qualities. 

When I first watched this, I immediately called to mind a comparison with a scene from Stanley Kubrick’s 1971film adaptation of “AClockwork Orange”- you have a bunch of weirdoes dressed up in outlandish clothing trying to kill each other.  But unlike the mindless chaos brought forth by Alex in “Clockwork,” our clown here seems to acknowledge his wrongdoings.  Working in stride with Turner’s lyrics- “Where did you go?” the clown puts down his fists for a moment to think.  He looks back and remembers what he was once-a sweet-hearted and innocent young boy, now grown up and dressed up as a clown mindlessly whacking people’s brains out.  “The best you ever had is just a memory...”  Something he realizes a bit too late.

                                  

Hear This [Audiovisuals]...Arctic Moneys- "R U Mine?"

      Why can't everyone be as cool as the Arctic Monkeys? Once again, my favourite British  band have done it again producing yet another uber-cool song to rock out to.  "R U Mine?" is the band's latest work, but from what I've heard, its not an early release of any upcoming LP nor is it a b-side from their latest album, Suck It and See.  They just felt like releasing another song, and we can all be thankful for that.
      "R U Mine?" stuck me as an interesting title choice for a band who has made their name on being the bad boys of rock 'n rolls.  I thought for a second the Arctic Monkey's dropped off the deep end and teamed up with Ke$ha for a sequel single to "We R Who We R."  Thankfully I was wrong.

      "R U Mine?" comes as no shock for Arctic Monkey fans as the song reaches back to the traditional heavy rock sound the band veered away from on their last album Suck It and See.  It's a surly combination of heavy guitar chords and drums that we all came to love in the Arctic Monkeys.  As always, Turner's dyamic vocals sit above all the noise pushing the song forward. 

      Sure I would prefer "Are You Mine?" over the abbreviated title, but that just goes to show you how the Arctic Monkeys can make anything cool.  Don't believe me? They prove it to us by pulling off one of the most misused and abused fashion statements with ease- sunglasses at night [while driving].

Hear This...Bass Drum of Death "I Dunno"

      Without hearing any of their music, a band with the name Bass Drum of Death would quite easily render an assumption that they are of the black metal, death rock type.   By the name, comparisons to bands like Death, Napalm Death, or my personal favorite, Dying Fetus, come easy and lead to a common misnomer about this this terrific band.

      Started by one kid in a basement in Oxford Mississippi, Bass Drum of Death began as a solo project of John Barrett’s as he juggles the singing, guitar playing and bass drumming all on his own.  But very quickly, John Barrett’s left foot was replaced by drummer Colin Sneed tagging them as a full-fledged rock band.  The duo released their debut LP, GB City last April and has since then toured the U.S. as well as Great Britain and Australia.  Far from anything like Dying Fetus, Bass Drum of Death has found success through simple garage rock noises like drums, fuzzy guitar riffs and even fuzzier lo-fi vocals. 

      “I Dunno” is the first song from Bass Drum of Death since GB City.  Along with its release last October, John Barrett gave it the following introduction- "hope you guys enjoy…this is just a rough mix and unmastered, so you may hafta crank it.”  In my opinion, John Barrett couldn’t have hit it more spot on.  “I Dunno,” like the rest of their songs is short and sweet.  Sometimes, Barrett awards himself with a quick little solo in his songs to show off his guitar mastery but finds no use for it here.  Instead, the spotlight falls upon Sneed’s drumming.  It’s nothing to awe at, but in no time, you will find yourself tapping along.  Simplicity is the key here.

      Other than bands like The White Stripes and The Black Keys, it seems like most artists have moved in the opposite direction as they look for new and more technical ways to approach music.  Being the first to do anything is usually cool.  Bass Drum of Death doesn’t care about that instead falling back on the simplistic approach to rock ‘n roll.  And with the recent success and international touring they have begun, why do anything different?

Hear This...Jack White's First Solo Single "Love Interruption"

      Jack White may have founded more rock bands than the entire state of North Dakota has ever turned out.  He quickly achieved worldwide success with his brother-sister duo, TheWhite Stripes, in the late 90s and at the peak of their popularity, White decided to start two more groups, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs.  And before the recent breakup of The White Stripes, he was juggling all three bands at once.

      To say that Jack White started a fourth band would not be a surprise to anybody, but actually, his latest project has him going solo.  White’s first solo album, Blunderbuss, is to be released on April 24 of this year and in preparation he released his first single “Love Interruption.”

     White, who made himself famous through the distinct, stripped down rock ‘n roll style of The White Stripes, is taking a different approach with his new stuff.  “Love Interruption” sounds much different than the fast-paced, symbol crashing noise of The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs.  It’s a pretty placid sounding song, but because it’s Jack White, he finds a way to ask love to “roll me over slowly, stick a knife inside me and twist it all around.”

Useless Clatter..."Lonely Boy" vs. "Gold On The Ceiling"

      For all that really mattered, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney could have named their band "The Black Sheep."  Besides being relatively close to their actual name, The Black Keys, the band has always seemed to be the weird sibling in the family of modern rock 'n roll.  Not distinctly alternative rock that's heard on the radio or what used to be the antithesis of radio rock, indie rock- no The Black Keys are more intractable than that.  Along with Jack White's White Stripes, The Black Keys emerged as one of the top outputs of the 90s generation.  Their music was of the simpler sound, bent on catchy riffs and basic drum taps, echoing the early days of blues rock.  Both seemed to get by on the bare bones of rock 'n roll.

      And with the recent break up of The White Stripes, and Jack White constantly managing a handful of other projects, The Black Keys appear to be the front runner of this modern off-beat rock, until recently.   The Black Keys remained primarily under the radar through their first five albums but found recent mainstream success in 2010's Brothers and their latest album El Camino which recently held the #2 spot on the Billboard 200.  While The Black Key's made their name on raw blues-like rhythms, their latest efforts, especially El Camino, seem to be merging their old selves with styles reminiscent of  some of today's pop music.

      The two songs I had in mind were actually the album's two singles, "Lonely Boy" and "Gold on the Ceiling," and I can see why they were selected. If pop artists like Lady Gaga can have successful, catchy songs, why can't rock bands have the same?These two songs are faster, more up beat tracks that have you tapping your foot along in rhythm before you realize it.  To add, the lyrics seem more frequent and casual where singing along is encouraged and with that going you have a hit.  In this case, The Black Keys have two, those of which I can't decide which I like better.  Which do you prefer?

"Lonely Boy"- A Black Keys album has never started off sounding like this.  For El Camino  "Lonely Boy" replaces the drawn out, woeful sounding riffs in exchange for a flashy, confident set of notes that seem only appropriate to dance to.  Melodic chants and catchy yet simple refrains made this song an instant radio hit and setting the bar high for the album's remaining tracks.

"Gold on the Ceiling"- "Lonely Boy" really met its match with this song.  Dan and Pat revert back to their traditional garage rock sounds with a little bit of flair. Synthesized guitars lead the way while an organ chimes out subtly behinds its chorus.  Just like "Lonely Boy," this song's distinct and powerful refrain has a sing-a-long feel to it that'll have your approval in no time.

Useless Clatter...2012 Album Releases (Jan-Mar)

      What many people look forward to in the New Year is the idea of a fresh start.  The physical act of swapping last year’s calendar, covered in ink and scribble marks of varying importance in exchange for a brand new, never been touched replacement can be both reassuring and gratifying.  Resolutions are made and become one’s priority for the next couple weeks (or days...) in an effort to begin the new year on the right foot.  Regardless, the new year always comes forth with its fair share of optimism. 

      For me, the joy of a new year comes in the form of music.  New artists will be found, making their mark on 2012, as well as albums from old time favorites discovered in years before.  I was in sixth grade when I was first introduced to the idea that the only two things certain in life are death and taxes.  Be that as it may, I have compiled below a list of albums whose release dates have been certified by various sources around the web.  The albums below are those that I am most looking forward to in the first three months of the new year- albums from bands that already make up my IPod. 

Of course, recommendations of similar artists not found on this list are always appreciated as the whole point of this blog is discovering music.

+ Updates, singles and other album previews will surely follow

Hear This...The Black Keys- Run Right Back

On the eve of their highly anticipated 7th full length album, El Camino, the Black Keys released a fantastic new track 'Lonely Boy' alongside a similarly fantastic video showcasing some of the best dance moves I've ever seen.  On that note, listeners were given another single of the new album titled 'Run Right Back.' With a similar upbeat tempo to 'Lonely Boy' and in contrast to some of their previous work, we can get a sense that the new album will be something a little different. But with these two singles to show for what's ahead, I don't see this as a bad thing at all. Unfortunately, no new video for this one.

Useless Clatter...Mysterious Black Keys Dancer Revealed

A few weeks ago I posted the Black Key's new single 'Lonely Boy' with a goofy video of a man dancing and lip singing the entire song to perfection. Well fame arose from this man's moves as he appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show recently for an interview and dance demo with Ellen. His name is Derrick Tuggle and apparently he is a struggling actor pursuing his dreams and trying to make it big in Hollywood- quite a guy. I still say he's an excellent dancer. See for yourself.

Hear This [Audiovisuals]...The Black Keys "Lonley Boy"

Here's the latest single from The Black Keys titled "Lonely Boy."  This is their first release since the highly-acclaimed Brothers album came out in May of last year landing itself in the top tier of most "Best of the Year" lists (always behind My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy- no grudges though) .  Its been a while since we've heard these guys but this song was well worth the wait.  "Lonely Boy" is the first single off their seventh album, titled El Camino, due out on December 6th.   Its much like the same edgy, blues sound the Black Keys are known for, but with a faster tempo.  Overall I love the song and think its just the right amount of new that these guys needed.  Lastly, rumor has it there's one more single to be released before off the album before 12/6 titled "Little Black Submarine," so be on the look out.

+ need new dance moves? look no further 

Rock 'n Roll the Camera...Pearl Jam Twenty Premiere

Be sure to tune into PBS this Friday, October 21 for the world-wide premiere of Pearl Jam Twenty.  Celebrating and glorifying one of the most prolific bands of rock 'n roll, director Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Fast Times At Ridgemont High), follows the band from the beginning through various interviews, concert footage and much more.  Lots of what's seen in the film are rare or previously unseen footage compiled together making it a truly unique and new experience for even the most die-hard Pearl Jam fans.  Check out the trailer below.

Useless Clatter...R.E.M. Calls It Quits

Unfortunately its true, after 31 years, legendary rockers R.E.M. officially disbanded today via a post on their website. Here's a quick stint of what was said-
 "To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

More can be heard from each of the members at their website-                                           http://remhq.com/news_story.php?id=1446

Members of the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, R.E.M. definitely made their mark on the rock scene. To many, they are cited as the ones who developed rock into "alternative" defining themselves amongst New Wave and Post-Punk counterparts of the '80s. In total R.E.M released 15 albums, most recently "Collapse Into Now" (2011) and have won 3 Grammy Awards.