What's new in music from the folks at KWLC
Date 4/29/2004 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CulturePunk rockers attempt to mobilize voters against Bush.
Sam DrongThe first time I spun Rock Against Bush Vol 1 at the radio station, I felt inspired to write about it. I wasn't terribly inspired to explain the message behind the compilation; the title of the album does that for itself. I wanted to write about the idea behind it.
Last week Fat Wreck Chords released a 26-track compilation with songs all themed around the disapproval of our current administration. I didn't feel moved to write this review out of my political views, but rather write it because it gives me just as much reason to reflect on the status of punk rock in our culture as it does our current administration.
In the mid-70s, punk mobilized youth in both the United States and the United Kingdom by appealing to their feelings of social alienation and anger towards the establishment. Punk songs were, by and large, politically charged and threatened radical change. Some bands, like the Sex Pistols, were even seen as a serious threat to the well-being of the U.K. monarchy.
Rock Against Bush Vol 1 is a throwback to those times. Current groups like Alkaline Trio, The Offspring, Rise Against, The Ataris and NOFX all lend songs to the album stuffed with their sentiments towards our government and sitting president. In a time when mainstream music has become whitewashed from anything political, baring an exposed breast on a half time show, this album is a complete breath of fresh air. It is surprisingly nice to listen to an album that actually makes you think. If you don't like the message, that's fine. You can at least respect the process of what these people are trying to do.
What about the music, you ask? Buy it online for $6, it rocks. Take note: the sales from this album will help fund the "Punk Voter" project, a summer tour featuring many notable mainstream and alternative punk bands trying to mobilize youth to vote.
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Death metal with a side of peace and love
Lindsay KimballI think I've just found a new favorite band for fans of The Darkness and White Stripes.
Tending more toward eagles than death metal, The Eagles of Death Metal are a side project of Queens of the Stone Age's front man, Josh Homme. Actually, it's more of a side project of a side project because the first Eagles of Death Metal material appeared on the Desert Sessions, which is yet another side project of Homme.
Homme, under the name Carlo Von Sexron, lends his talent to his friend, vocalist Jesse Hughes, on the drums on their debut album, Peace Love Death Metal.
Complicated genealogy of the band aside, the album is overflowing with lo-fi southern blues guitars and shamelessly glam-poppy hooks and riffs.
Recorded in three days, the album starts out with the dangerously catchy, "I Only Want You," which could get stuck in your head on repeat. So be careful, because you might find yourself singing out loud and unknowingly propositioning a professor with the infectious chorus, "I only want you."
"Stuck in the Metal" is a dirtier indie, but classic rock style cover of Stealer's Wheel "Stuck in the Middle with You."
The intent of this album is to have a good time rocking out, and fortunately, that vibe sticks with you whether you are listening to it or not.
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