I Know It’s Called The Street Of Dreams

Song: “Street Of Dreams (a.k.a. The Blues)”

Artist: Guns N’ Roses

Album: Chinese Democracy (2008)

… Los Angeles, United States …

Well Chinese Democracy has finally been released and it’s nothing special (but who actually thought it would be).

“Street Of Dreams” has been nagging me for weeks now, it reminded me of another song and for the life of me I couldn’t think what that song was. That’s until this morning when it all came flooding into the forefront of my cranium.

Its Peter’s Dracula song from the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”.

Where Do Bad Folks Go When They Die?

Song: “Lake Of Fire”

Artist: Meat Puppets

Album Meat Puppets II (1984)

…Phoenix, United States…

COWPUNK…

Most people recognise this track from the cover version that Nirvana made many moons ago on the MTV Unplugged in New York album. But the original will always hold a special place in my cavernous heart.

I Don’t Know How We Were Created

Song: “Created”

Artist: Portugal. The Man

Album: Censored Colors (2008)

…Alaska, United States…

After spending the morning listening to the new Guns’n'Roses album I needed something decent and melodic to flush out my ears and in steps Portugal. The Man’s “Created”.

A simple, uplifting song in its entirety. I just think it gets around to say that we all are eventually going to die. Possessions and money are useless to us then so maybe all that really matters in life is how we treat others.

Your Roofs Blow Out Into The Stormy Seas

Song: “Gobbledigook”

Artist: Sigur Ros

Album: Með Suð I Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust (2008)

…Reykjavik, Iceland…

Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust – translation “With a buzz in our ears we play endlessly”

I always find this such an amazingly, uplifting track to start an album, shut your eyes and you can even feel the sun come out. As always Sigur Ros’s albums are magnificently crafted and this album has plenty of beautiful moments to make me stop whatever I’m doing at the time, sit back, listen and just try to absorb it all in.  

I Am Just A Worthless Liar

Song: “Sober”

Artist: Tool

Album: Undertow (1993)

…L.A. United States…

Tool’s first full length monster that they unleashed and let scamper out of the hole in which they kept all their secrets in. Dark and menacing the music, even early on has been able to create a landscape which is both forbidding and seductive. But still manages to capture one of tools more powerful messages. That through introspection, in everything that you do, who you are and what you are becoming you can realise your true potential.

To me this track is about an artist who’s true creativity comes through their addiction (alcoholism). The works of art are incouraged by society, wanting more hense fueling the addiction. In the end the artist feels worthless, manipulated and is trapped in a downward spiral.

The Unmagnificent Lives Of Adults

Song: “Mistaken For Strangers”

Artist: The National

Album: Boxer (2007)

…New York, United States…

Its a record of dark beauty, that on a knife edge manages to mix the right amount of tension and elegance. Its an impressive record that deals with observations of a city, friends, lovers and strangers.

To me “Mistaken By Strangers” is about growing into adulthood and starting to move in different circles than current friends who are quite happy not to embrace change. Experiencing the world/city through your own eyes, and developing into someone new to the point that you become anonymous to these old friends.

God Hates A Coward

Song: “God Hate A Coward”

Album: Tomahawk

Artist: Tomahawk (2001)

…California, United States…

Tomahawk was the band that Mike Patton said would carry on the legacy of where Faith No More left off. It’s beautifully dark, melodic but my only complaint is that it isn’t entirely fresh sounding. 

What this album did manage to do was cement the genius that is not only Patton but every artist that he chooses to associate himself with. 

I have a number of favorite songs on this album, “God Hates A Coward” is just one of them plus the clip is fantastic.

We’ll Burn In The Sun And We’ll Fall To The Moon

Song: “Water Is Not Enough”

Artist: Neurosis

Album: Given To The Rising

…Oakland, United States…

A return to heaviness but still incorporating the atmospheric elements from the last 2 previous releases. ‘Given To The Rising’ batters the listener one minute with tuned down guitars and guttural vocals, slowly grinding down your inner ear bones to nubs until they open up into a landscape of lush, atmospheric sounds.

“Water Is Not Enough” is just one of my personal favorites.

Cause We Find Ourselves In The Same Old Mess…

Song: “Drunken Lullabies”

Artist: Flogging Molly

Album: Drunken Lullabies (2002)

…Los Angeles, United States…

Fire up your day with this little Irish tune, your belly with a little Irish whiskey and before you know it your foot will be tapping out a jig and you will be looking under stones for leprechaun’s.

A song about finally making peace with your enemies.

Guinness soaked fun.

Its A Big Dark World Now, Its A Big Dark Hell.

Song: Nightgoat

Artist: Fantomas Melvins Big Band

Album: Live from London 2006 (2008)

…Hollywood, United States…

The Fantomas Melvins Big Band – Live in London 2006 DVD flew into my hot little hands yesterday after many painstaking weeks of waiting. So after the days dust had settled and a cold beer was wedged firmly in my hands I sat down to watch this monster growl.

With Buzz Osborne, Dave Lombardo, Trevor Dunn, Dale Crover, David Scott Stone and Mike Patton at the helm you can imagine the beast that unleashed. I mange to catch Fantomas, Fantomas Melvins, Melvins and Tomahawk a few years back and still to this day it is one of the best shows I have ever witnessed.