So nu-metal pioneers KoRn have just released their latest album 'KoRn III: Remember Who You Are' and it seems that they have done just that! It's much more akin to their now classic debut album 'KoRn' (There is no KoRn II for anyone who thinks they're missing an album) and is a huge return to the cathartic, angry despair of their earliest work. I'll be sure to review the album here too but for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of listening to JD and the gang (or you're just giddy with excitement) here are my Essential 10 KoRn Tracks along with some fucking awesome videos!:
1. Here To Stay- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The lead single of the first KoRn album of the new millennium and it's an absolute barn burner! It's the song that got me into the band and marked an industrial slant becoming a part of their sound. The established themes are there; regret, anguish and as ever a truly visceral anger. As Jonathan Davis sings "This shit's gone way too far!" you can't help but feel energised while lyrics such as "So I take my time, guiding the blade down the line/Each cut closer to the vein" show that this song is anything but throwaway.
Link
2. Freak on a Leash- from 'Follow The Leader' (1998)
If you've ever heard a KoRn song it was probably this. The song that defined how nu-metal should sound even if the band did try to shake off that particular tag. Hinted at being about "the mixed blessings of fame" the song became an MTV mainstay thanks to what is arguably the greatest music video of the nineties. (below) The scat refrain in the middle followed by all hell breaking lose on the word 'Go!' make this song not only an essential KoRn song but essential metal full stop.
3. Thoughtless- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The second single from 'Untouchables' boasts some vintage JD moments including lyrics such as "So why the fuck do you make fun of me!" The aggression with which it's delivered takes it beyond a plea or a question. The song's defiance is perhaps it's greatest quality. "I will not be drowned by your thoughtless scheming" isn't simply a wish. It's a promise.
4. Falling Away From Me- from 'Issues' (1999)
This particular song premiered on an episode of 'South Park' (KoRn trivia fans) and conjures up images of helplessness, panic and anxiety. It would be the perfect soundtrack to a panic attack as it oozes the desperation felt in such a situation. It's telling therefore that the song is about domestic abuse. A setlist mainstay for the band it is certainly one to seek out.
5. Tearjerker- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A huge change of pace for the band. While the themes are familiar; loneliness, despair and isolation, the song for the most part is solemn, restrained and hauntingly beautiful. Tucked away at the end of the album and never released as a single it is certainly a hidden gem. The phrase "Saturated Loneliness" stayed with me for days.
6. Daddy- from 'KoRn' (1993)
Another one tucked at the end of an album, this time their debut effort. Admittedly this song isn't for everyone. Not because of it's length but because of it's difficult subject matter even by KoRn's standards. Hearing JD sob towards the end of the song is uncomfortable at times but only showcases the raw emotion of the entire album.
7. Blind- from 'KoRn' (1993)
The debut single. Not much to say here. Just listen. Particularly the rousing cry of "Are you ready?!?" at the start. Clearly none of us were.
8. Twisted Transistor- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A change of pace in some ways for the band. "Don't give up, because the music do" is more uplifting than "Something's raped and taken from me" but the track is one of KoRn's catchiest and no doubt introduced them to a new group of fans. (KoRn Trivia here is that the song was used as the theme song for WWE Taboo Tuesday 2005. FACT! Look it up.)
9. Comin Undone Wit It- Original track from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
While the original track is more akin to what you expect from KoRn, this mash-up of 'Coming Undone' and 'Lean Wit It Rock Wit It' by Dem Franchize Boyz is simply inspired. Rarely do mash-ups work this well. "KoRn and the motherfucking Franchize Boyz!!". Classic!
10.Oildale (Leave Me Alone)- from 'KoRn III: Remember Who You Are' (2010)
After what some deemed a poor effort (Their 2007 untitled album), fans were hoping for a return to form. Once they heard this they realised the time had come. Crunching guitars, pounding drums and a huge chorus of 'Why don't you just leave me alone?' heralds a vitality and urgency missing for years.
And if you haven't head your KoRn fill yet, check out this performance uploaded by the band on to Myspace as they perform tracks from 'KoRn III' inside a crop circle. KoRn amongst the corn if you will... ... ok I'll get my coat...
Click here for 'KoRn: The Encounter' on Myspace!
No comments:
Post a Comment