2018: My top 10 album release picks!

It has been a heck of a year. This time last year, I fully intended to up my game and write more blog posts, but with a major surgery and the business of life, that didn't happen. Oh well. I still kept listening to new music and tried hard to seek out new sounds for myself, and see what directions those adventures took me. I still listened to a ton of stuff on Bandcamp and still purchased way too much vinyl, and CDs.

Coming up with a top 10 was a little more difficult this year. There were many releases that impressed me a lot even though the field I was exposed to was perhaps a little more limited compared with years passed. And, I still don't have a lot of rhyme or reason as to how I find music. Often it is browsing music stores, which is less efficient than ever. Or, friends recommend what they're into. Or, it is via internet searches. Or, it is because I like an artist's previous work and I find their new stuff, or something they're somehow connected to. It seems inevitable that I will find something from 2018 next year or beyond and wish I'd heard of it in time for this list. That's just the way it goes.

So, without further ramblings... in no particular order...

1. Tanukichan - Sundays

Here's an album I was exposed to via Bandcamp. I listened to it twice and then ordered the vinyl. With my only (that I know of) exposure to "shoe gaze" being shoe gaze metal, in the form of Horseback, perhaps I have more to learn in this genre. That being said, this album pretty much blew my mind. She is from Oakland, which draws me somewhat, but it also gives me some context, having some life history with Oakland, CA. Listening to this album provides a true album experience, all the songs fitting together well and painting a soundscape that can mesmerize and let you escape. It is a powerful thing.


2. Gygax - 2nd Edition

Gygax has managed to make an even better release for their second album. Of course, I love the D&D theme, but don't let that distract you from the magnificence of this album. I think, from the Gypsyhawk days (when I first heard of Eric Harris) to the start of Gygax, to now, there has been nothing but growth. The songwriting on this album is solid through and through, and the sound still reminds me of southern rock/metal, despite these dudes being based out of Ventura, CA. Bryant Throckmorton's guitar work is so frickin' stellar, it hurts. And, it is worth it to do yourself a favor and follow him on social media, to see his shred lessons. But, it is the way the guitars play off each other and the tightness of these songs that really set it apart from Gygax's first release. I got to see them live in Portland this year and, wow, what a show!


3. Sierra - The Mirror

I really, really liked Sierra's album, Pslip. I consider it an all time favorite. I didn't think it possible that they could top that, especially with a departure from their sound that reminds me of Mastodon in all the right ways, on Pslip. However, this is now my favorite Sierra album. The Mirror shows depth and maturity over Pslip, despite being more rock than metal (IMO). Sometimes less is more on this album. All of the musicians do their jobs well and shine through when they need to. The vocals are soaring. If anybody complains about this album, I would guess it is because they've departed so far from where it could be predicted they'd go. Instead of following a trend to make more commercially obvious metal, they've gone and turned creative and created something more unique, and special. I have endless appreciation for this Canadian band and hope they do a west coast tour at some point soon, and stop in my town.


4. Marcus Miller - Laid Black

Gosh, I just don't listen to much jazz. Sometimes I've felt like it is over my head or I don't know where to start. Even though, I've taken classes on jazz history and have listened to quite a bit over the years. Well, I heard of Laid Black via NPR this year and had to hear more. I'm not surprised that Marcus Miller has been a big deal for a long time, even though I'd never heard of him. He's a darn good bass player. Sometimes a musician forms songs, or an album, to just showcase a skill. Miller can do that. He can really play. Just listening to him riff on the bass is enough to sustain the listener's attention. But, that wouldn't have made the special album that we have here. He has written smooth and accessible songs that are easy and enjoyable to listen to, accompanied by bass that is shredding and will appeal to any technically minded musician or appreciator.


5. The Sword - Used Future

I've been a fan of The Sword for a bunch of years now and have always looked forward to their releases. Nothing has really got me excited, though, like Gods of the Earth did, especially the last couple albums (Apocryphon and High Country). To be honest, if it hadn't been for the acoustic release of Low Country, I'm not sure I would have even gone to check out Used Future. I enjoyed Low Country enough to think there was something interesting left with the band. I'm glad I stuck around because the band has rejuvenated my enthusiasm for their music with this release. (Don't get me wrong... none of their releases are bad, but some have given me that "more of the same" feeling that can get old). Used Future has a solid theme and the songs fit together well, and the band sounds fresh. I have to admit, I've had the same enthusiasm that I had for Gods of the Earth, although these songs don't smash you in the face like that album did. Instead, they're more calm and the energy is subtle. I've found myself humming them days later and wanting to return to this album. While it may not be necessary to own every album by The Sword, this one is an essential addition to the collection.


6. Yob - Our Raw Heart

I just love Mike Scheidt and pretty much anything Yob releases. I find myself listening and listening, and finding these nuggets of brilliance to appreciate. They are one of the biggest things to come from my home town and I'm proud of that, but what has impressed me most lately is how they've continued to evolve and develop, and get better. I would say they'd achieved a pinnacle when they released The Great Cessation. That was my favorite among their albums for a long time. And, I greatly enjoyed Clearing the Path to Ascend, thinking it was instrumentally and song writing their strongest, but it exhausted me to listen to it all the way through. With Our Raw Heart, the band has pushed through to the other side and built a musical project that is powerful and commanding, and has all the emotion of CtPtA, but with more of a positive feeling. It is arguably their best and you can tell that this line up has played a lot of time together and practiced their chops, and now they've delivered a masterpiece.


7. Haunt - Burst Into Flame

The more time that goes by, the more it seems to me that Trevor William Church is just plain underrated. I can remember playing early Beastmaker for friends a couple years ago and hearing, nah, they sound too much like too many other bands. I didn't think so. But, maybe time has done good things with practicing the craft and honing the skills, because this album stands out. If it must be argued that it sounds like other bands, then Church has gone and taken the best elements and put them together to put create such a solid straight up metal album. It is hard to stand out in the scene today, but this album has done it. Everything is well done. The tone, the solos, the song writing, it is truly a total package.


8. Floater - The Thief

Floater is another band that I've enjoyed for many years and just seems to be getting better with age. With this album, the core members of Rob and Dave seem to be taking the whole being in a rock band a little less seriously, the album has a relaxed feel about it in some regards. However, they're such talented musicians and have such amazing synergy that I have the feeling even a practice jam sesh with these two would be amazingly tight. The song writing and cohesion of the band on this album is still the best it has ever been. Markedly, this is the first album without the other core member, Pete, but the drumming slot filled by Mark Powers has been filled well. Also, there are some additional instruments present on the album, such as slide guitar, a rarity on their releases. I will always love Sink and some of the older albums, but The Thief is a worthy addition to their discography. Floater remains one of the most creative and interesting bands out there.


9. Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer

Janelle Monae has been a bright spot on the pop music scene from me, one of those musicians who challenges others because she raises the bar. She blends many genres on Dirty Computer, including pop, jazz, R&B, and hip hop to put together a project that maintains throughout, never getting dull. In an age where pop music is too often about the hit or the catchy sound, without focusing on the song writing, she has refused to do that. Encompassed within is also music that is personal and heart felt, and illustrates messages felt by a generation. I heard of her through an NPR interview, which is definitely worth checking out, as she's an interesting person with interesting stories. She put tremendous work into this album and it shows.


10. Mark Knopfler - Down the Road Wherever

Where has Mark Knopfler been lately? I'll admit that his last album (Tracker) was so boring for me that I think I listened to it twice. I purchased his new album, Down the Road Wherever, as a present for my dad off Amazon. I was fearing the worst, but hoping for the best. The purchase came with a digital download, so I listened to it right away. Now, I need to pause and say that I don't personally need every release by an artist to be amazing and I recognize not everything is gonna be for me, even when it is someone I tend to be drawn to like Mark Knopfler. I mean, I've been listening to him since Dire Straits, and since I was a little kid, I usually love his stuff. I actually felt bad for not really liking Tracker because I wanted to like it so much. Well, with Down the Road Wherever, Knopfler is back to playing the kind of music I love from him, the album kicks ass. It has made me want to go back and listen to some of his older stuff that I love, but more importantly, it gets me excited. It gets me excited to listen to music with my dad and maybe reminisce a little about being younger, but also excited for what Mark Knopfler is gonna do on his tours and what he'll release in the future.


Other notable releases I enjoyed this year included:
Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis - Wild! Wild! Wild!
King Tuff - The Other
Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods
Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy
Hyborian - Vol. 1
Visigoth - Conquerors Oath
The Midnight - Kids
Steve Perry - Traces
Judas Priest - Firepower
The Jayhawks - Back Roads and Abandoned Motels
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats - Wasteland
Venom - Storm the Gates

Greta Van Fleet - Anthem of the Peaceful Army

You know, basically any of the above albums could have easily made this list. Who knows, maybe I'll talk about my views on them in another post. I actually considered doing a top 20 for this year. Well, cheers for 2018 and happy new year! I'm looking forward to all the new music to be released in 2019!

til next time
-Jason

2017: My top 10 album release picks!

  Admittedly I've had less of a finger on the pulse of the music scene this year. There have been so many distractions with the political climate and life events. Still, there have been some great releases that I've picked up on and I'm excited to share them. As always, I miss a lot too. It seems like for the past couple of years, after I make this list, I find a few more albums that I wish I'd heard of before the year's end. If you have a favorite album release this, please feel free to share in the comments. Here goes, in no particular order:

1. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Murder of the Universe

What have these guys been up to all year? I'll tell you what, recording and touring. There is no other way possible for a band to have so many releases in one year and have them all be darn good (all told, there will be 5 I've heard!! So far I've heard 3, I think...). Well, this one is great. It feels like a concept album to me. It is more distinct than some of their other releases over the years and is also heavier. They stick true to their roots, though, you'll find the psychedelic and improv sections fans have come to expect. It's also a doomy release, but accessible enough to appeal to rock fans as well.

2. Sanctifyre - Immortal Champions
 

I've been waiting a long time to hear a studio release from these epic metal warriors, from Eugene. They've put on killer live shows for a while now, opening for touring acts that come through town, and never disappoint. It seems like the band is on break or broken up now, but that didn't stop them from releasing Immortal Champions. I do hope there's more to come from them, but for now I'll be content to enjoy this shredding metal masterpiece. The song writing and instrumentation is all top notch and you can tell these guys honed their craft before recording. It will remind you of the 80's epic metal the genre is known for.

3. Elder - Reflections of a Floating World

Do you want to go on a journey right now? Put on Elder's Reflections of a Floating World. It's psychedelic and weird at times, but memorable, and a complete album. I've been working on a list of top metal albums all time for myself, and this is on there because it is very good. I know little about the band except they've released a few albums so far and are improving with each release. I look forward to seeing what their future holds.

4. Kadavar - Rough Times

The German stoner retro rock band Kadavar has done it again, with Rough Times. Their signature perfect guitar tone accompanying a new lineup of songs that are sure to impress, is a great new release for 2017. I would say, it is my second favorite of their albums (behind Abra Kadavar). My favorite track? "Die Baby Die", which  has been getting stuck in my head at least once a week, it's so catchy and fun to sing.

5. Myrkr - Mareridt

You're probably asking yourself, it this release more like M or more like Mausoleum? In my assessment, it's is a blending of the styles present in each of those releases. It has more of the operatic singing present in Mausoleum, but definitely a metal album, as is M. So, I find that it appeals to me in ways that both of those albums do. I'm not surprised by the direction Myrkur is going, but I'm pleased. She is so good and continues to bring something new to the metal genre that I find refreshing.

6. Greyskull - Eighties Kids

Yea, I don't only listen to metal... I listen to all kinds of stuff, including eighties inspired synthwave. This album is one I stumbled across on Bandcamp, probably somehow roundabout because I like The Midnight so much. Anyway, Eighties Kids has a nostalgic feel, if that isn't obvious, and makes me want to go watch Kung Fury or Turbo Kid, or some episodes of Stranger Things, again.

7. Queens of the Stone Age - Villains

I'm going to go see QOTSA for the second time in a few weeks and I hope they play a lot from Villains. When I initially heard the album, I had my doubts. It's different from their other releases and almost has a dance feel to it (although I wouldn't play it at a dance party!). The song writing is similar to what you might expect from them, but the rhythms in the background are different and make you hear the songs in new kind of way. It's really very cool. I think some part of me has been resistant to becoming a full blown QOTSA fan due to how I felt about them years ago, Dave Grohl playing with them so their just another Fu Fighters... or Nirvana wake band... or something that's been done before, or something... I don't really know. It's time to let all that go and just enjoy the fact that they're making really good music worth listening to.

8. Prophets of Rage - self titled

 Yes, they're a super group and super groups are notoriously mediocre. I know, Tom Morello can only play guitar to sound one way... and we've heard it all before with Rage Against the Machine. Yes, B-Real has some sort of bizarre draw to creating rap rock when all we really want him to do is keep doing whatever he did on Temples of Boom. Now that we got all that out of the way, let's discuss Prophets of Rage. I think these guys found a recipe that works. I think it's the Chuck D factor, he must be the glue for this group. In the political climate and time of change, and unbelievable injustices, and frustration about the country in general, this was the album I wanted to hear. It encapsulates my feelings about patriotism and some immense disappointment, and frustration, that I've felt this past year. I'm not sure that's what they were going for (part of me thinks they just knew they could stand to make some cash with a release like this). Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised with this release.

9. Beck - Colors

I've been a Beck fan for many years, ever since I heard Odelay. I've never been sure what he would come up with next. I think Colors stands out. It's creative and unique, and immediately accessible to the ear. The dance beats are catchy and nearly perfect, as Beck's songs often are. It's different from any other Beck release, yet will remind you of his past releases. This is an example of a musician who is at the top of his game, it does not get any better than this, folks.

10. Robert Plant - Carry Fire

 Whenever Robert Plant comes out with a new album I'm reminded of a thought I've had many times over the years... after Led Zeppelin and the eighties happened, Robert Plant had a choice to make... he could have ridden the Led Zeppelin wave forever. He could be playing the Lane County fair every year. And, that would have actually been fine. However, he made the harder choice, the choice of a true artist. He decided to keep being creative and to keep trying to make better and better music. And, that he has done. This album is no exception. His song writing, if anything, has only improved and he has the chops that he's always had, showing the high notes off sparingly, but effectively on this album. And, his words have weight, he's thoughtful and poignant. Not to mention, he still surrounds himself with a darn good band. Check out "Bones of Saints".


Of course, I need a few honorable mentions of other releases from this year that I enjoyed thoroughly...

The Obsessed - Sacred
Stoner metal headed by Scott Weinrich.

Spaceslug - Mountains and Reminiscence
Psychedelic stoner music

Amethyst - Oraculo Del Tiempo
Fuzz band from Argentina

Mastodon - Emperor of Sand
Heavy metal legends return with a great release

Kimberly Freeman -  Secret Lullaby
Dark songwriting that will make your skin crawl

Beastmaker  - Inside the Skull
Up and coming metal warriors continue to do what they do best

Egypt - Cracks and Lines
One of my favorite bands, stoner doom band

Wintersun - The Forest Seasons
 Jari Maenpaa has returned with another technical masterpiece

Freedom Hawk - Sunlight
Stoner rockers


Thanks for reading. Peace, love, and support your local music store.

-Jason

15 Acoustic (mostly) Albums to Make You Wanna Play Guitar

Recently I was remembering back to the days when I was first getting into playing guitar and songwriting. Over the years certain albums have stood out as encouraging that process. In every case, the artists make it sound easy to deliver great music, it is often simple, and they're all masters at their craft. These are great albums, all things aside. Something about each one of them made me want to pick up my guitar and at least try and learn a song or two. I hope you have the same feeling.

In no particular order...

1. John Lennon - Acoustic

First off, the version I have came with chords printed along with the lyrics in the CD booklet. Wow, I wish this happened more often! It makes Lennon's songs so accessible. These tracks make you feel like anybody can pick up a guitar and learn the songs and I like to think maybe John Lennon felt that way. It's a great album featuring stripped down versions of many songs you'll recognize and a great place to start with learning chords and singing. (Start with: Working Class Hero, God)


2. Nirvana -  MTV Unplugged in New York

 Getting into Nirvana would have been impossible for me without this album, I was absolutely not ready for anything as heavy as their studio albums when I first heard of them. Thankfully, when I was in high school, I heard this and had a chance to hear what great performers they were and what great songwriters they were. Then, later when I transitioned into their other stuff, I was able to access it and enjoy the heck out of it. Also, some of the cover songs on this album were the gateway to me learning about other bands (Leadbelly, The Meat Puppets). I was young when I heard it the first time and the album has traveled with me in life. It's powerful and one of the best albums ever. (Start with: Come As You Are, Where Did You Sleep Last Night)


3. Beck - Stereopathetic Soulmanure

I had a tough time choosing between this one and One Foot In The Grave, but I've definitely gone to want to play songs off of Stereopathetic Soulmanure more often. The other thing this album accomplishes for a songwriter is that it makes you feel like you can take things from your world, record them, incorporate them into songs and come up with something cool and interesting. The songs are simple and very fun to play. The sounds and interludes are unlike anything else I've ever heard and add a lot. One step beyond acoustic songwriting/performing, get out a sound recorder and some basic sound editing software and go make some weird cool songs. (Start with: Satan Gave Me A Taco, Ozzy)


4. Bob Dylan -Blood On The Tracks

Blood on the Tracks was the first Dylan album I had. I was fortunate to see him live in 1999 and hear him play Tangled Up In Blue. Dylan is the master at writing a song with basic chords, structure, and vocal range, and yet making it so hard to perform well. I played some of the songs off this album quite a few times while in my dorm room, Westfield State College, with my friend Erik as we both struggled to pick up basic guitar skills. (Start with: Tangled Up In Blue, You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go)


5. Page and Plant - No Quarter

This album was basically the unplugged version of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's tunes, although it wasn't quite that and was never officially called that. I think most of the fans called it that. I saw Page and Plant on tour in 1997 and they were anything but unplugged, wow, they rocked and Plant could definitely still hit the high notes. This album stands out to me because it shows how classic Led Zeppelin songs could be rearranged into mellow versions and still be amazing. I've listened to this album countless times and, if ever an opportunity arises, I'm going to play songs with a full orchestra. These songs are not as easy to learn as some on my other entries, as Page has a hard to learn style that is sloppy and technical at the same time and since it isn't one person singing and playing at the same time, sometimes the songs are hard to to that with. Still, these songs are worth checking out. (Start with: Gallows Pole, The Battle For Evermore)


6. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker

I had the incredible fortune to see Ryan Adams live in New York, playing solo acoustic, shortly after this album was released. I was just getting into his music and had no idea he'd become so big. I shook his hand at a bar, he made some jokes, that was my interaction. I sat on the floor in a tiny club and was blown away by his command of his voice, the perfect songwriting, and his finger picking style. These songs sound great with just a guitar and voice and this is still my favorite of his releases. If you get a chance, see the video that comes with the deluxe version of Heartbreaker. I was at that show and you'll get a chance to see what I mean. (Start with: Come Pick Me Up, Oh My Sweet Carolina, Damn Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains))


7. Wilco - A.M. 

 Arguably Wilco has gone on to create bigger and better things than AM. They were still firmly grounded in their alt country roots at this point and the album lacks the expansive creativity that is present in their newer releases and I appreciate that they've continued to push the envelope creatively. However, these songs are great to play. I like the simple riffs that are present in most cases and the little tricks that can be discovered while singing the songs. They're fun to play over and over. Also, Tweedy is lyrically clever in places that I enjoy.  (Start with: Pick Up The Change, Passenger Side)


8. Billy Bragg - Back To Basics

 Perhaps it is fitting to follow up Wilco with a Billy Bragg entry since they did the albums together, but I find I much prefer Back To Basics. The songwriting is strong and the performance is basic. Bragg uses some reverb and electric clean tone to put on a show with this album. He doesn't try any fancy tricks, which I find appealing as I try and learn new songs to play. The title describes the album perfectly. The style almost reminds me of punk, although it's not that. Is there such thing as alt folk punk? If so, I wanna play that. (Start with: A New England)


9. The Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music

With the absence of Mark Olson, Gary Louris was front and center for this Jayhawks release and it came out great. Louris is a total package (the rest of the band is pretty good, too!), being able to song write, sing, and shred the guitar. The challenge I have with playing some of these songs is that I can't quite hit Louris' notes with the vocals at times. But, a capo or just taking it down an octave can be an easy fix if you encounter that (he's got a great range). Also, I've found that sings songs can often be played in a simpler version, or with Louris' sweet riffs added in. I got to see The Jayhawks on this tour and they were impressive, on tour with The Thorns, so it was cool to hear both of the bands perform Blue in the same show! (Start with: Angelyne, Save It For A Rainy Day)


10. Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison

 Johnny Cash was a master at using his amazing and unique voice to make up for less guitar skill. He was also a great song writer. He played guitar just enough to deliver his songs, it also helped that he often had super talented lead guitarists backing him up. He was one of the best front men of all time and nowhere is that showcased more than on At Folsom Prison. Cash's songs are often simple to learn, though nobody could ever perform like him. His songs are great to make your own, do your own version. If you want to learn how to do that, Cash is a great template for that too. He did great covers and made them distinctly Johnny Cash. Check out his American Recordings records for inspirado in that department. (Start with: I Still Miss Someone, The Long Black Veil)


11. Tom Petty - Wildflowers

Tom Petty is another performer with an unmistakable sound. I like a lot of his stuff, but always find myself coming back to Wildflowers. It is timeless and features Petty at his best. It is one of those albums and made me want to give up on my own songwriting because Tom Petty had already made the perfect album. After a while I just tried to use his performance to springboard my own creativity, which is what I imagine all great artists hope for their admirers. Recently, with Petty's death, I've heard some of the broadcasts of interviews with him (thanks NPR) and he sounds like he was such a humble, interesting, and inspiring human being. This album has all the ingredients for greatness. (Start with: You Don't Know How It Feels)


12. Ween - The Mollusk

The Mollusk stands as my favorite Ween album and it is possibly their mellowest. 12 Golden Country Greats is also great for learning some songs on guitar. I stuck with The Mollusk because many of the tunes are a little more to my preference and I find the album overall to be more interesting. The band definitely uses some effects and pedals, and stuff like that, but it's really not necessary to learn many of these songs. (Start with: Cold Blows The Wind, It's Gonna Be (Alright))


13.Tom Waits - Heartattack and Vine

When I moved back east to go to school in my undergrad, one thing I didn't anticipate was homesickness. I know, I should have seen that coming, but I was young and hadn't experienced such emotions before. Well, the cure for some of it came int he form of Tom Waits and this was the album I ended up connecting with. Waits has some albums that are more acoustic and they're great to check out, but this is the one that resonated with me and made me want to pick up my guitar. It's raw and dirty and makes you feel like you're doing something a little wrong by being a fan of it. It's music from dark alleys and rainy streets. I love it. Of course, Waits is a piano player so not all his songs work great for guitar... be warned. (Start with: Ruby's Arms, Jersey Girl, Saving All My Love For You)


14. Rodriguez - Cold Fact

 Rodriguez is most well known for the Searching For Sugarman ST and you'll find some of those songs on Cold Fact. I like his regular albums better than the soundtrack album, as I find they have more cohesion. He is straightforward with his playing and singing, and songwriting. It's politically tinged and a little dated with some of the accompanying instrumentation, but the quality shines through. With minimal practice, these songs can be picked up and performed. It seems many haven't heard of Rodriguez, so watch as your friends ask you "who wrote that?" and you can impress them by knowing about him and then introduce them to some new stuff. Go for it! (Start with: I Wonder, Like Janis)


15. Neil Diamond - 12 Songs

 
I'll be honest, before 12 Songs, I thought Neil Diamond's best days and albums were behind him. His few releases before it had not been impressive and he'd seemed to be on a steady decline as far as new albums was concerned. I've been a fan of Diamond for as long as I can remember and his hits are classic, some of the best songs (I love Hot August Night). When I heard this, though, I thought... wow. This is great. Diamond can still write songs and he showcases top notch ability on this album. His chord structures are basic enough (look at him hold that G chord on the cover!), it's the writing and unmistakable voice that stand out. His songs are fun to learn and usually pretty quick. Learn a few, show your friends, sing and play them together. Have a great time with it. (Start with: Captain of a Shipwreck, Save Me A Saturday Night)


That's it. I hope you enjoyed my list. If you have albums that have inspired you to pick up your guitar and play, feel free to mention them in the comments. 

Nautical Dooooom

Metal has so many sub-genres that it can be difficult to keep track. One of my favorites is doom, and with in that, nautical themed doom. Certainly themed albums or concept albums have been a thing for a long time in the music world, but I find it fascinating when bands wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to a theme. Nautical doom, while certainly sometimes just a theme that a band can try for an album or two, has at times been the whole focus for certain bands. I'm always on the search for more albums and bands, but here you'll find some of the good ones I've found so far.

What was important when selecting for this list was the impression and feeling I got when listening to the album. If it reminded me of the ocean, was doomy and dark, and had some reference somehow to the ocean, it could have made the list. I understand that some people might disagree or think a particular album is not themed enough. The thing is, this is such a specific genre, that there isn't a lot out there that I've found. But, what is out there is super interesting and worth thinking about. 

In no particular order... here are my favorite nautical doom albums


Ahab

The Call of the Wretched Sea

 Ahab's Call of the Wretched Sea was the first nautical doom band and alum I heard of. The genre is printed right on the side of the case! "Nautical Funeral Doom". I was captivated. When I put it in, I was hooked quite quickly. The sound is super heavy, like a wall of ocean, and the music can suck you in. The band is from Germany and since releasing Call of the Wretched Sea, they've released a few more albums, all of which stick to the nautical themes. I still find that I prefer The Call of the Wretched Sea, but they have been consistent with their sound and their other releases are well worth a listen for any doom fan. Fans of Moby Dick will enjoy the constant nods to the literary classic throughout the music, besides the obvious one in the band's title.


Graves at Sea

The Curse That Is

Graves at Sea, with a name like that, I include them with my nautical doom section of my music collection. They don't seem to be as strictly nautical as some of the other bands or albums on this list, but have enough songs that fit the theme for me. They're from Arizona and Oregon, and I first heard of them through a split they did with Asunder, which is awesome. I saw Asunder live, wanted some of their music, found the split in a quirky music store that has since gone out of business (RIP) and then was quite excited when I heard about the full length, The Curse that Is. It's a solid album through and through, reminded me somewhat of Ahab. It's heavy and doomy and sure to please any fan of sludgy doom.


Adrift For Days

The Lunar Maria

 A psychadelic doom band from Australia, Adrift for Days captured my attention with The Lunar Maria. In actuality, they may not be so ocean themed throughout their music, but I sure get the feeling of being out in the middle of the ocean with no help in sight when I listen to their music. It goes from mellow and serene to dramatic and intense, and everywhere in between. Since finding them on bandcamp, I've kept up and been ordering their albums as they are released. Good stuff.


Sea Witch

The Blackened Sea

This Canadian two piece, Sea Witch, truly is nautical themed and doomy as hell. I've only recently come across them, but so far have been impressed. I've listed here their full length, but they've also done splits with other bands. All the songs are solidly nautical themed and the band gets loud, especially for a two piece.


Grond

Howling From the Deep

Another solidly dedicated nautical themed doom band, Grond has another album called Worship the Kraken. Initially I was not as into this band, but their sound grew on me quickly. I had to get into the vocals, which are a little more forward in the mix compared to my usual tastes. But, it's not a distraction and I did find myself listening to this album repeatedly after making the purchase. They are from Moscow, Russia and admittedly, are probably the first Russian metal band in my collection. Definitely check out.


Shipwreck A.D.

Abyss

I bought this album out of a discount CD bin at a local record store and found myself really enjoying it. I didn't know what to expect, but am the kind of music collector that's willing to take a chance that looks interesting. The album has a dark and doomy nautical feel throughout, and it's heavy stuff. When I looked up info on the album I found Shipwreck A.D. listed as being similar to a bunch of bands I don't usually care for (punk, hardcore), which surprised me. Maybe that means they'd not want to be on the kind of list I'm constructing here. Who knows. Anyway, I like 'em and hope they keep producing music along these lines.    

 
 
 Mastodon

Leviathan

  While not necessarily a doomy band or a nautical themed band, this list could not be complete without possibly the best nautical themed metal album ever made. Leviathan. Based loosely on Moby Dick, this album changed how I listen to metal. The first time I heard it, I thought, no way. I had a friend that was insistent that I give it another try and we blasted it throughout his house that day. I needed more. Now Mastodon is one of my favorite bands, period. They do a lot of different stuff across their discography, something for every kind of metal fan. This album delivers for the nautical metal fan, and might I even say it... it's pretty doomy. Enjoy.

So, that's all I've got for now in the sub, sub-genre of nautical doom. Check it out, let me know what you think. If you have nautical doom albums in your collection that you think could fit on this list, let me know in the comments below. Rock on.

-Jason

 

Is there a place for CDs?

Recently, my roommate and I got in a discussion regarding buying music. I've been told that I'm a bit of an anomaly with how many physical albums I own. Yes, I'll admit that growing up in the nineties made me collect CDs... and maybe a few tapes. Also, it's hard to live in Eugene without at some point scouring through vinyl at local thrift stores. So, yea, I've got a bunch. Also, in my undergrad I was music director for the campus radio station and I heard about so many interesting bands during that time, and surely my music collection grew due to that exposure.

Back to the point. Robert has made the argument that the CDs are being squeezed out. With space online becoming cheaper and cheaper (if not free), the mp3 serves less of a purpose and it's totally reasonable that in the future digital music will only be of high quality sound files. Mp3s were great because they sounded okay and took up very little space, right? Hard drives are bigger, too, now than ever before and it's easy to store music. So, digital music is convenient. And, it's no longer just the shitty mp3 version of that great album that you own on CD or vinyl.

Then, there's vinyl. Vinyl sales are up. They'll probably never be what they once were (music sales in general will probably never be what it once was!), yet, there is a collectable market here. Hell, I like to think that there's more than just a collector's market. Will vinyl grow in appreciation? Will the minor annoyances of having to flip records and handle them carefully be outweighed by their wonderful sound, listening to albums in their completed package, and having all that amazing art and liner notes? I sincerely hope so. That is how it is for me.

For these thoughts, I don't want to go into the subject of online radio stations, streaming services, and other similar forms of music delivery. I fear to be drawn off on too much of a tangent... and, so...

Where do CDs fit in? I could include tapes in this, too. I've heard (but not confirmed) that there is even a company in Portland that will manufacture tapes. That is so cool. They do have some sort of appeal to the nostalgic. I'm not sure what it is, exactly, and am personally not so fond of them... so I'll leave it at that. CDs on the other hand, I have grown to love. I have many of them and do not want to give them up. While I've made plenty of digital purchases and own tons of vinyl, and have put most of my CDs digitally onto my computer for digital access, it is the CDs themselves that I reach for most often when listening to music. Why is that?

Well, Robert would say that I'm just old fashioned and because of my generation, or old habits, or just plain refusal to enter the modern age, I just simply refuse to adapt. The thing is, I have adapted to new forms of music access (even digital streaming... thanks Google Play), I just love CDs and still find them valuable. I love holding an album in my hand and looking at the art and/or little book while I listen. Music enjoyment for me is not complete by just listening (I mean... sometimes it is... but, sometimes not!), I want to think about all the parts of the art form. With digital music I find myself forgetting songs or album titles unless I'm constantly reminded. When I have the tactile accompaniment of the physical album, I do remember and find myself accessing it more, or thinking about it more. I want to loan a CD to a friend and have them loan me theirs.

Then I can hear Robert saying, right! That's why you have vinyl! And, I know he's completely right. He's so right. Many of my friends have vinyl record players and I could bring vinyl over. The art is bigger anyway. They sound better, too (according to many).

So, where does the CD fit in? It's in between. It's smaller and inferior in some ways to the vinyl. Yet, it's easily possible to digitize a CD if you want to. One foot in the digital world and one foot in the analogue. It's an in between, like the hybrid car, something temporary. Something only to be remembered by the nineties generation that relied on it. Maybe this is so. Hmmm.

I'm going to make a couple arguments in favor of the CD....

First, it's incredibly cheap to manufacture. It's way cheaper to produce them, than vinyl (look up on youtube how vinyl records are made and you'll have a new appreciation! And realize why they're so darn expensive!). If you're at a concert (or putting on a concert), CDs are still the way to go to get your music out there or pass it around. You may be thinking about download codes or website directions? First, concert goer is gonna want or pay for that. Touring bands need something to sell! Also, somehow the extremely simple steps of going to a website and entering a download code are often too much when somebody gets away from the live performance. I don't know why, but it truly is. A CD is gonna get listened to, at least once, if it is bought. CDs still need to come down in price dramatically on the commercial level, the markup is simply too outrageous, but this is starting to happen from my casual observations. 

CDs are more convenient than vinyl. Sometimes getting out a record seems like too many steps, give me a CD. I want the complete album. I want it to sound good. I want the art. I want to carry it around with me. I get out the CD. I want a similar to vinyl experience, but am not quite up for the vinyl commitment. This argument would not work for Robert... he'd just look up the album on YouTube. It does work for me.

You can still browse through bins of CDs at the local store and find "gems". I don't want to rely on what Amazon recommends to me or on what Pandora decides belongs on the same playlist as some band I like. These are too limiting. I like the chance that I'll come across something new and wonderful at the CD store. Robert would say, that's what vinyl is for. And, looking through vinyl is a joy in itself. However, even if you look at a vinyl and it looks unscratched, it could be messed up enough to not play. That is frustrating. Or, sometimes you pull out a sleeve only to realize that the record within is too scratched to purchase. Vinyl is fragile. New vinyl is expensive. CDs are cheaper and if the disc looks clean, it's pretty much guaranteed to play right. I'm often willing to take a chance on a CD that I wouldn't take on vinyl. It is true that sometimes vinyl can be much cheaper than CDs, but this is becoming less and less the case. And good vinyl (or popular vinyl) is always pricey. So, I appreciate the CD.

So, you can decide for yourself if there's a place for CDs. Thankfully they're so easy to manufacture that they'll likely always be available on demand, similar to how old out of print books are sometimes available. I find appreciation for all delivery forms of music... there's a time and place for each of them.

My Top 10 Albums To Stop And Pay Attention To

Over the years there have been certain albums where I had to stop all activity and just listen to. I have found this profound in its own right, the power of music to just captivate. These have definitely been albums that struck me at the time and, generally, remain some of my favorite albums. I'm not saying they're my all time favorites, or anything, there's music for all occasions and different ways to enjoy it. For example, right now I'm rockin' some Bryan Adams and while this is some fun good stuff, I'm not gonna stop everything and just listen to it. It's great for what it is. It makes me feel good and want to do house chores... or something. I don't know. Anyway, you get the point... stuff like that.

1. Led Zeppelin - IV: I first heard Zep early in my high school years. Up to that point I'd never listened to anything that heavy. Also, Robert Plant's voice struck something deep inside that I haven't heard since. The band played with reckless abandon, an untamed sense that I admired. I had a friend at the time that told me, first you'll get into Hendrix, Zeppelin, Sabbath, then metal. Well, that's pretty much what happened. The point is, when I got that Led Zeppelin album for Christmas I played it and my jaw dropped. I could not be bothered. It was there to be absorbed and took everything I had just to listen to it. What a killer album.

2. Beck - Odelay: I first heard Odelay around the same time I heard Led Zeppelin IV. I heard it in a friend's car and can remember thinking that I'd like to hear some more of that, but didn't really have a chance to listen to it closely. I saved up, purchased the CD, and played it in my living room. The first thought I had was that I'd just wasted my money. The music was all over the place and too disorganized. It was only a short time before I changed my mind on that and decided that it was one of the most creative and intelligent, and wonderful pieces of music ever made. I listened to every note. I played that album over and over. P.S. I also got to see Beck at the Salem Armory in '97 and what a great show.

3. Wintersun - Time 1: Yea, yea... everybody knows that Time wasn't as good as Wintersun's debut album. But, what about the hype? What about the multitude of tracks? The processor needed to make the album in the first place? Wintersun is an undeniable talent. When Time finally came out, I took it home and immediately played it, laid on my bed, and didn't move for the duration of the listen through. It's a solid album, no doubt. I got to see Wintersun perform live around this time, they put on a good show, but I could have listened to them for about 10 more hours.

4.The Beatles - Revolver: When I was too small to remember I was listening to the Beatles. It was the music of choice on long family car rides and in a lot of other situations too. However, I was still not quite prepared when in my teens my dad brought out his vinyl collection. Among the piles was every Beatles album, worn out from lots of play, yet sounding great on our stereo. I put on Revolver one day. My vision of the Beatles was still of the British pop invasion brand, I did not know what they morphed into by the end of their decade of dominance. In my opinion, Revolver was the middle, the crossover. The riffs are heavier, the songwriting a little more out there. It's my favorite Beatles album to this day. It blew my mind.

5. The Dandy Warhols - Come Down: Hearing this album led to a big expansion in my musical tastes. The sound and drone of the album could put one in a trance and make time pass quickly. The songs are catchy at the same time. After hearing this, I think I was more open minded to what I heard through my radio station music director college days. Before this time, I was zoned into a dozen (or so) albums and the style they conveyed as my definition of good music. After hearing the Dandy Warhols, I thought... what if other stuff is good, too? And, now I'm into so much music, so many different styles, genres, sub genres, etc etc and I'm always looking for more.

6. Johnny Cash - American IV: The Man Comes Around: Johnny Cash taught me so much. I'm not religious in the sense that he was, but I respected his religious songs. He has so much feeling and meaning behind his music, and such a presence that he can't be ignored. His voice is timeless. By the time I heard American IV I was already into the American Recordings, but I think he saved the best for this one. It was a culmination of so much of his life and career. He seemed to be leaving his audience with a parting message of hope, but also a warning if we couldn't get our act together. The album stops you in your tracks. It's powerful in a way only music can be, yet rarely is.

7. The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over: If you remember when this album came out, I'm certain you remember what a big deal it was. My dad couldn't stop talking about it. The Eagles got back together! And, wow, arguably they sounded better than ever. I can remember sitting at the desk top computer (the only CD player in the house at the time) and listening to this repeatedly and not being able to believe how crisp and good it sounded, how tasty the solos were, and how perfect the singing was. It's still a favorite album.

8. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker: This album sounded so good to me when I heard it that I actually got jealous and couldn't listen to it for a while. I got over that quick enough, but it resonated because it sounded the way I wanted to sound when I play music. I can't really do it like Ryan, but dang it if I don't try sometimes. I was fortunate enough to be in New York city for the CMJ festival shortly after this album was released and see him twice. His solo acoustic show is still one of my all time favorite live shows that I've seen. He's captivating and you will not find a finer example of songwriting, finger picking, and song delivery than Heartbreaker.

9. Mastodon - Crack The Skye: When they made Crack the Skye, Mastodon made their album for me. I was already into their music when they came out with the album, but I couldn't have predicted that they'd make such a great piece of music. Of the three times I've seen Mastodon live, seeing them perform Crack The Skye in its entirety (on tour with Dethklok)  was by far the best. Sitting up stairs in the Roseland, they were mesmerizing. The album has that effect on the listener.

10. Neil Diamond - Hot August Night. There is this certain "thing" that comes to mind whenever Neil Diamond is brought up in conversation. While I think most people who pay attention to his music eventually wind up being big fans, he can sometimes get criticized for being cheesy or hokey. Whatever. Hot August Night is not cheesy or anything, except awesome. Even for Neil, he was having a spectacular night. He put on an amazing show for that crowd and showcased what a good songwriting he really is. He also played some songs that are rarely presented, especially on his hits lists, because he hadn't written that much back then. Put this album on, people will be blown away if they haven't heard it before... they'll be saying, "who's this guy who sounds kinda like Neil Diamond?" and you'll respond, "that is Neil Diamond. See how $%@#ing good he is?"

The retro futurist in me

Recently my roommate encouraged me to do some home rearranging, with the supreme idea of putting a record player front and center in my living/dining room off my kitchen. This room gets the most use in my house and having a way to play vinyl more conveniently made a whole lot of sense. So, now vinyl is getting spun on a daily basis at my house and it has been a musical reawakening around here. All kinds of stuff that has been too long neglected has found the light of day and I've been realizing how good a lot music is that I only have on vinyl, and how I need to listen to it more often.

This brings me to my next point, the importance of the Retro Futurist record subscription I had for two years. If you haven't heard of Retro Futurist records, it's worth looking up. A lot of the music they sent me as part of the subscription didn't grip me initially, but I tried to pay attention to their philosophy of signing talented bands... regardless of genre. The members of Kylesa could have been assumed to only sign metal bands, specifically those that fit their own stylings. They did more and I appreciate it, especially now as I'm revisiting all these gems from my music collection. The bands that Retro Futurist signed, in my opinion/from what I can tell, are still not getting the exposure they deserve. So, I'm gonna mention em' here and if you read about something that sounds interesting to you, go seek it out. You can find most (if not all) these bands on bandcamp, anyway.


These bands...

Sierra - Pslip: This Canadian rock band did grip me instantly when I put it on. It reminded me of some of the other bands I've been into (Mastodon's Crack the Sky, Baroness). This was the first record I received from Retro Futurist and I played it a lot for a few weeks. It is doomy, yet with good instrumentation and interesting riffs. When Sierra came out with their next album (72), I picked it up instantly.

Jagged Vision - Harvest Earth: This band has a punk/metal blend, with an almost serene guitar tone. The vocals are harsh, but not too in your face. They're appreciated, rather than abrasive. I would love to see Jagged Vision tour with a band like Toxic Holocaust or 3 Inches of Blood (RIP).

Burnt Books - Where There's Ashes There's Fire: This album immediately captured my attention when I opened the box, it looked like somebody hand made the record jacket in a basement. It reminded me of zines from my high school days. Listening to the album, it's dark and heavy, downtempo and growly. At first I was not into it, but it has grown on my tremendously. It is more approachable than bands like Indian or early Neurosis, but reminds me of them.

Dark Entries - The Make Believe: I listen to Dark Entries and then I want to put on a Dimu Borgir album afterwards, then go back to Dark Entries. My only challenge with this album is that I wish it was longer. They truly have a good thing going. The songwriting is good and the band is solid. When I initially listened to it I thought it was too mediocre. But, I wasn't paying attention. Eventually I listened to it more closely and made sure to focus a bit more... made sure I was free of distractions. Time flew by.

Caustic Casanova - Breaks: This might be the favorite of all the albums I got from the record subscription. Caustic Casanova, from DC, is mostly a rock band, but not your typical rock band. They get weird sometimes, in the best way possible. The songwriting surprises me because it's predictable only until it is not. I went online and ordered all their older albums and a t-shirt after hearing Breaks.

Crazy Bag Lady - Hunks: This album took a while to grow on me. I think that's because I couldn't find a category to put it in. It's sort of punk and sort of just loud, and sort of metal. Honestly, this one was the hardest to like. With that said, I put it on quite often now I feel like I've gotten to know it better. Also, when friends come over, I've a few times found myself asking what they think of it and it gets a pretty darn positive response.

So, there you have it, some of my thoughts on some of the albums I got from the Retro Futurist record subscription. Maybe you'll go on bandcamp, or someplace, and listen for yourself. Or, better yet, maybe one of these bands will come through your town and you'll get to see a show first hand. I'm appreciative that these bands have helped to expand my musical horizon and find more new music to enjoy.

Rock on.

-Jason