Infestation pt. 4

1966 was a very busy year in Rock & Roll but probably one of the biggest events was the release of The Beatles 7th album "Revolver."  This album pretty much screams drugs..but it still is probably one of my favorite albums.  This CD has songs raging from the satirical song "Taxman," to "Love You Too," both preformed by George to the ever famous "Yellow Submarine," (to be honest even though I now am a Beatles fan I still think that it's a really stupid song).   The song "Love You Too," began Georges' first and in my opinion best try at the Indian feel that The Beatles and other bands were experimenting with at that time.  Georges mastery of the sitar really makes this song what it is.

Another huge hit on this album is none other than "Elanor Rigby," sung by Paul, only accompanied by a double string quartet in the background adding to the somber and very serious mood created by the song itself.  This is also the first track in which no other Beatles were apart of or played on.  Another strange aspect of this song is that even though it is led my McCartney, the song is still depressing, something that is rarely seen by The Beatles, let alone Paul.

The second to last track on the album, "Got To Get You Into My Life," was another hit on "Revolver," eventually even being covered by the one and only Earth, Wind & Fire.  The two versions are very different from each others version yet still maintaining some similarity.  The Beatles version sung by McCartney introduces a prominent brass section like the Earth, Wind & Fire version but also takes a more bluesy route with the chorus.  Also a short guitar solo that is almost identical to the guitar riff in "Paperback Writer" appears right before the horns re-enter.  The Earth, Wind & Fire version seems to take a more "funky" role as that is what they do best. 

Another of my favorites from this album is a song called "And Your Bird Can Sing."  The reason this song is so cool in my opinion is that the repetitive harmonies of "...and your bird can sing," are never sung the same, always on a different chords.  The song also has great guitar playing with many solos along with a really technical and cool repeating riff.  And Your Bird Can Sing video link

Overall, this album is one of my favorite Beatles albums because of its diversity and the quality of songs that it contains.  In this album The Beatles are still transitioning into the psychedelic band they will become in the later 60's yet there are definitely moments of foreshadowing this change, making the album all the more interesting.

-Brooks Gonzales  

Don't Break Ben!

Breaking Benjamin, a band out of Wilkes-Barre PA formed in 2000, has flown to the top of my radar recently.  Their alternative metalish, hard rock feel is really accentuated and not possible without guitarist- Aaron Fink and bassist- Mark James Klepaski, along with lead vocalist- Ben Burnley, and drummer- Jeremy Hummel. 

They look like the kinda guys you don't want to get into a bar fight with...

Both bassist and guitarist, came from the alternative metal band Lifer (formally known as Strangers With Candy), a very surprising and unexpected decision, especially because Lifer was signed to Universal and Breaking Benjamin, well wasn't.  In my opinion, Breaking Benjamin is much better band in general and far from a copy of Lifer, taking a "radio friendly" approach with aggressive yet melodic songs.  Although they are all very talented men, the lyrics of their songs can be depressing yet Burnley finds a way to keep the songs energetic and really interesting.  There's a rough and engaging quality about his voice that really defines what a rock band should sound like.

One of my favorite songs "Into the Nothing," is no exception to this rule.  Its heavy guitar fits right in with Ben's rugged but very somehow soothing lyrics.  This song is off of their last recorded album to this date "Dear Agony" from 2009, also featuring killer songs like "Dear Agony" (a really depressing song but with amazing playing) and "I Will Not Bow," another great rock song.

The video synced up to the song (Dear Agony) is a clip from Seven Pounds, starring Will Smith.  I feel like this clip works perfectly with what the song is about.  Watch and listen and you'll know exactly what I mean.

This video is of the band actually performing; To be honest, I never would've thought that that sound could come out of that mans body.  But it does, and it sounds really good.

Another great CD their 2006 album Phobia.  This album picks up were "We Are Not Alone," (2004) left off, mixing hard rock aspects and a "moody demeanor" creating an amazing flow and killer songs.  Not only does this album have intense songs like "You," it also has uplifting songs (to a sense) like "Until the End," showing his resilient and never give up attitude "You" video link/ "Until The End" video link

Overall Breaking Benjamin is exactly what I think of when I think hard rock band containing a great mix of guitar and rough rugged vocal with an almost hypnotizing melody.  (RIYL- Three Days Grace, Crossfade, Skillet) 

 

-Brooks Gonzales

Oh Donald

Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover is a very talented man, ranging from his underground/alternative rap career to his success on NBC's hit comedy The Community to his stand up comedy.  He released his first studio album Camp in 2011, bringing his talents to the 2012 ACL festival. 

Glover started his career with comedy, preforming with his sketch group Derrick Comedy and eventually making it big on the show The Community.  Eventually his comedic success led to his first stand up comedy special that aired on Comedy Central entitled "Weirdo."  His absolutely hilarious topics range from AIDS vs. babies to homeless people to the ever popular rape 

(If you have an hour and nothing to do, this is absolutely hilarious!)

Other than his amazing comedy career, Childish Gambino is also an amazing rapper.  His first studio album Camp, encompassed themes ranging from relationships to his poverty stricken upbringings to his new experiences with becoming famous.  The headlining song from the album was "Heartbeat," using intense verses and crazy beats to talk about a broken relationship he was involved in.  Other songs like "Outside," and "Fire Fly," discuss his impoverished childhood using his miraculous and indie style of rap to kill the tracks.

  Two of his most famous songs, "Bonfire," and "Freaks and Geeks," expose his true side as an upcoming underground indie rapper, using his slick and refined lyrics to destroy his songs. 

(The bonfire video is a bit graphic and odd, but a killer song)

From being able to rap on tracks with Kid Inc., DJ Drama and School Boy Q, to acting on NBC's prime time comedy working with Chevy Chase, to preforming hilarious stand up, Childish really is the complete package.  I highly recommend listening.

-Brooks Gonzales

Try A Little Otis On The Dock of The Bay

One of the most influential R&B singers of all time, Otis Redding, influenced many of the great artists of the 60's and 70's along with those even in the 90's and today's music scene.  Preforming only in the 60's before his tragic death in a plane crash in Wisconsin in 1967, he not only gained the respect of African Americans throughout the country, opening them to his "deep soul," style of singing yet also gained the respect of many white people and groups including The Rolling Stones.  Redding wrote many of his own songs inspiring many groups along with leading to many covers of his songs.  The Rolling Stones especially took part in this act with their covers of Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is," and "Pain In My Heart."  Otis then returned the favor with his widely popular cover of the Stones hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."  

The soulfulness and gruffness of Reddings voice really engages the audience he is performing for including me, making me lean slightly towards Reddings cover.  His prevalent horn use is also what makes his recordings so unique and stylistically brilliant.  Not only did he influence the Stones but also one of the most talented and famous female R&B singers of all time, Aretha Franklin.  Otis wrote and recorded the song "Respect," first yet it didn't reach its full potential until the Queen of Soul covered it. Respect- Otis Version Respect- Aretha Version

Otis also wrote and performed a song entitled "Hard To Handle," covered by one of my favorite bands from the 90's, The Black Crowes.  Although Redding performs the song more slowly containing clear cut entrances and exits with the melody, it still is an amazing song, even though it isn't as fast or "rocking" as The Black Crowes version.

Not only were Otis' songs frequently covered in the 90's influencing the artists, they also were referenced in today's current music as well.  One of his greatest hits, "Try A Little Tenderness," one of his most famous throughout his career, was featured on Jay-Z and Kanye West's album , Watch The Throne, on the first single, "Otis."  

Try A Little Tenderness- Otis Redding

Not only did Otis Redding influence the current artists of his time, with his soulful sound and lyrics he also influenced artists of later generations and decades, still maintaining his captivating and soul-filled feel for over 40 years. 

Bringing It All Back to Bob

When it comes to folk music, I am usually not the biggest fan.  I'm not quite sure as to why, but it could be because of the sleepy sounding acoustic guitar or the usually rough vocals.  I feel the same way about Bob Dylan; his voice is uhhh less than desirable but I will admit that he is probably one of the best songwriters of all time.  His fifth album Bringing It All Back Home, is no exception to this rule.  Although the vocals aren't the best, this album pushed the "rules" of folk music.  Not only did it incorporate an electric guitar in songs like "Subterranean Homesick Blues," and "Outlaw Blues," it also kept true to its folk roots with softer acoustic guitar and deep, insightful, and very imaginative lyrics.

Album cover

The first song on the album, "Subterranean Homesick Blues," definitely isn't what I would think of when I think of a Bob Dylan song.  A bluesy feel is created by the use of the harmonica and the along with a slight Chuck Berry like into with the electric guitar.  Also the song doesn't have an actual chorus, something that wasn't exactly popular during that time, creating a style and structure that would, far into the future, lead to the beginning of hip-hop.  Another interesting thing about this song is that in 1987, The Red Hot Chili Peppers covered the song.  Their recording well actually sounds like...early hip-hop...how interesting. 

Even with all of his new found change, Dylan still stays true to his folky self with songs like "Tambourine Man," and "Gates of Eden."  Both of these songs using the acoustic guitar as the predominant instrument with just spectacular lyrics that contain meanings and symbolism's that are way above me.  (P.S. the lyrics are in the description if anyone wants to or is willing to check)

Even though Dylan doesn't have the prettiest voice in the world...by any means, this does not take away from his remarkable talent that is his masterful and eye-opening lyrics and ability to write his own music.

-Brooks Gonzales

Sublime...with Rome?

If I were to tell you that Nirvana was going to find a new singer after one of the most iconic rock & alternative vocalists had died, and make a new album and start touring again.  You'd probably say I was crazy or that'd never work.  Well Sublime has done just that.  After Brad Nowell's death, the remaining members of the band Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) retired the bands name for about 13 years and created another group entitled "the Long Beach Dub All Stars," before coming back to the group in 2009.  At this time the band had reached out and found a new lead singer with the name of Rome Ramirez, naming the band Sublime with Rome.  

Although not nearly as enthusiastic or crazy as Brad he still stays true to the sound that made Sublime a recognizable name, yet he has a laid back, "beach bum" style that gives the group a new feel as well.  

Still lookin' pretty chill if you ask me

The first and only album released ( so far) is entitled Yours Truly.  Although the album isn't quite up to par with the other Sublime albums in their "discography," I think it's still pretty good. The album covers many styles including the famous sublime reggae-pop and ska to even "So-Cal punk," infused with rock.  An example of their new found punk sound is the first track on the CD: "Panic."  I think it's a pretty good way to start the album with a great melody and a kickin' guitar solo about half way through.

Another song off the CD that I really enjoyed is called "Can You Feel It" (feat. Wiz Khalifa).  Definitely a combination that I had never previously thought about...but it works.  The song starts with a really sexy almost Latin style guitar riff leading into the reggae sound we all know and love.  

In about the middle of the album, there's a song called "Take It Or Leave It."  It's honestly like nothing I've ever heard from this band.  The song maintains the reggae feel yet the vocals and lyrics make me feel like I'm listening to a pop song.  In this case, it is not necessarily a bad thing , just very very different.  Very gutsy of them, especially because it isn't like much of anything Sublime has ever put out, and in this case, I think it worked pretty well and has really started to grow on me.  (not gonna lie, the music video is a bit...odd...)

At times I feel Rome is trying a little too hard to sound like Brad but others he tries just enough to really remind me of the old Sublime and to appreciate the new one.  Hopefully this won't be the only album they record because I am very curious as to where this band goes, and hopee they do well.
-Brooks Gonzales

Infestation pt. 3....i think

As The Beatles transitioned from Help (released in August of '65) and really all other Beatles albums to Rubber Soul (released in December '65), many Beatles fans were shocked.  Within the course of about 3 years the worlds most popular rock band went from singing about holding hands to using sitar and lots and lots of drugs.   Most of this influence came from none other than the great Bob Dylan, who introduced our favorite English lads to marijuana...great idea.



















Although the themes of the songs changed, The Beatles didn't stop writing and recording great music.  In their 1965 album Help, John's infatuation with Dylan continues with the song "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away."  Lennon tries his hardest to sound just like him not only vocally but also instrumentally with the acoustic guitar and hints at a tambourine.  The funny part is (in my opinion) Lennon didn't do a very good job at his impersonation because he still sounds better.    

Two other giant hits off of Help include the title track "Help" and one of the groups biggest hits of all time: "Yesterday."  The song was essentially a McCartney solo, wholly composed by the vocalist, even playing guitar on the track as well.  The song is also one of the most covered Beatles songs if not one of the most covered songs of all time.  The writing is amazing and I think it is unquestionably one of the greatest Beatles songs of all time.

On their album Rubber Soul, their sound changed.  Although there are still some up beat and happier songs like "Drive My Car," that hints of incorporating piano back into Rock and Roll.  There are also songs that are very different from what many Beatles fans would've remembered from their earlier years.  One of these songs is entitled "Norwegian Wood."  For the first time in Beatles history there is use of the sitar, a stringed instrument that many people in England and most likely the US had never heard before.  Although the songs' meaning isn't exactly clear cut, it definitely doesn't take away from the album.  One song called "In My Life" could be considered another one of the groups greatest songs of their career because it had the ability to show the numerous emotions that Rock and Roll singers and bands were allowed to show.  In other words, they didn't always have to be obsessed with girls or drugs. 

Regardless of their "transformation," of sorts, throughout the years, the band is still one of the best if not the best rock band of all time.  The change does not take away from them, but if anything adds a sense of diversity and uniqueness to the group, something that not a lot of bands during that time had.
-Brooks Gonzales

Do you practice Santeria?

(about the 3 chillest dudes you've ever seen right?)

One band I've been listening to a lot more lately is Sublime.  Although they are older, I feel like they still can hold their own with the newer bands of our generation.  Their mix of punk rock, reggae, and ska music creates a style that is unique to themselves that no one else has quite been able to duplicate.  The band came together in the late 80's rising to fame in the early 90's consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist- Brad Nowell, bassist- Eric Wilson, and drummer- Bud Gaugh, in Long Beach, California.  

Most people, if asked if they knew a Sublime song, would probably say "Santeria."  One of my personal favorites and probably the most popular, was released on their 1996 album "Sublime."  The last album the group recorded before Nowell tragically died of a heroin overdose.  Santeria incorporates reggae influence with the upbeat hits on the guitar with an amazing solo in the middle of the song.  Nowell also has a certain ruggedness yet really talented quality about his voice making the song even better.  Because Nowell passed before the creation of the music video, a hologram was used...pretty advanced for the time in my opinion. 

On their 1992 album 40 Oz. to Freedom , they released two songs entitled "Bad Fish," (bad fish link) and "Don't Push," (Don't push link) (the first song on the CD and in my opinion really starts it off well).  The songs, probably two of their calmer songs relying heavily on ska and reggae.  Nowell's voice sounding in some sections like the great reggae artists of the time including the Marley boys. 

Although not all of their songs were as nice and calm as the previous two, one of these being "Date Rape," off of 40 Oz. to Freedom.  The title leaves no surprises as to what the song is about; date rape... I agree the topic is a bit off but the melodic aspects of the song make up for the somewhat disturbing title.  After the first verse and chorus, there is an amazing guitar solo preformed by Nowell followed shortly by a call and answer section preformed by horns (used quite frequently by Sublime) and Wilson on bass.

Sublime definitely didn't lack talent as they wrote and preformed three great albums before Nowell's tragic death.  If he hadn't died, who knows what would've happened.  Maybe they'd still have the success they had before they hired a new singer? Unfortunately we'll never know, but we still can enjoy what Sublime gave us for 6 great years.

-Brooks Gonzales