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!
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Half-Way House
Evening folks! Being we're officially past the half way mark of 2010, I thought I'd have a look back at some of my favourite tracks from this year so far. So without further ado, here are my personal Top 5 songs of 2010; and no Justin Bieber in sight. (I'm still not entirely sure who he is)
5. Ghost: Slash feat. Ian Astbury
The opening track on Slash's debut solo effort. Slash decided that rather than take the mic himself he would collaborate with a revolving door of vocalists for the album ranging from Motorhead God Lemmy to Black Eyed Pea Fergie. After much thought however I picked this collaboration with Cult singer Ian Astbury and fellow GN'R alumni Izzy Stradlin. The song was originally intended for Velvet Revolver before the group's ugly split with Scott Weiland but still sounds vital and current performed by both Astbury and Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy who is performing it during Slash's current world tour.
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4. Los Angeloser- Meat Loaf
'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' has been called Meat Loaf's best album in 20 years and in some ways it's hard to disagree. What is certain is that it's arguably the first time since the 1986 pop rock of 'Blind Before I Stop' that he hasn't tried to follow the Jim Steinman formula. 'Los Angeloser' is a prime example. The closest you'll get to hearing Meat Loaf rapping... hopefully.
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3. Spark- Amy Macdonald
Let's face facts. Amy Macdonald was THE best thing about 2007. Her debut album 'This Is The Life' tore it's way to the top of the charts and I took great joy in playing tracks from it when I briefly presented on Durham FM. Her new album 'A Curious Thing' is more polished and grand with the maturity and great songwriting that we've come to expect. If 'Spark' is any indication, Amy will be around for years to come. (Look out for my gig review of Amy at the iTunes Festival in a couple of weeks)
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2. Do-Wah-Doo- Kate Nash
I understand this is likely an unpopular choice as Kate Nash is the UK music scene's equivalent of Marmite. Her new album 'My Best Friend Is You' demonstrates a struggle between the piano driven pop of her first album and the emergence of a courageous and daring artist. 'Do-Wah-Doo' has some serious 60s vibes going on with one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear in the charts this year but still quintessentially Nash.
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1. Stylo- Gorillaz
'Plastic Beach' is the undisputed album of the year so far. Who would have thought in the days of 'Park Life' and 'Country House' that Damon Albarn would be producing such beautiful and thought provoking music years later? To be honest this was a toss up between 'Stylo' and their current single 'On Melancholy Hill' but it's the AMAZING cameo from Bobby Womack that takes this song to the next level. Plus any song with Bruce Willis in the video needs at least a mention.
Thoughts? I'm off to watch 'Uncle Buck'!
Mike :-)
5. Ghost: Slash feat. Ian Astbury
The opening track on Slash's debut solo effort. Slash decided that rather than take the mic himself he would collaborate with a revolving door of vocalists for the album ranging from Motorhead God Lemmy to Black Eyed Pea Fergie. After much thought however I picked this collaboration with Cult singer Ian Astbury and fellow GN'R alumni Izzy Stradlin. The song was originally intended for Velvet Revolver before the group's ugly split with Scott Weiland but still sounds vital and current performed by both Astbury and Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy who is performing it during Slash's current world tour.
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4. Los Angeloser- Meat Loaf
'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' has been called Meat Loaf's best album in 20 years and in some ways it's hard to disagree. What is certain is that it's arguably the first time since the 1986 pop rock of 'Blind Before I Stop' that he hasn't tried to follow the Jim Steinman formula. 'Los Angeloser' is a prime example. The closest you'll get to hearing Meat Loaf rapping... hopefully.
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3. Spark- Amy Macdonald
Let's face facts. Amy Macdonald was THE best thing about 2007. Her debut album 'This Is The Life' tore it's way to the top of the charts and I took great joy in playing tracks from it when I briefly presented on Durham FM. Her new album 'A Curious Thing' is more polished and grand with the maturity and great songwriting that we've come to expect. If 'Spark' is any indication, Amy will be around for years to come. (Look out for my gig review of Amy at the iTunes Festival in a couple of weeks)
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2. Do-Wah-Doo- Kate Nash
I understand this is likely an unpopular choice as Kate Nash is the UK music scene's equivalent of Marmite. Her new album 'My Best Friend Is You' demonstrates a struggle between the piano driven pop of her first album and the emergence of a courageous and daring artist. 'Do-Wah-Doo' has some serious 60s vibes going on with one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear in the charts this year but still quintessentially Nash.
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1. Stylo- Gorillaz
'Plastic Beach' is the undisputed album of the year so far. Who would have thought in the days of 'Park Life' and 'Country House' that Damon Albarn would be producing such beautiful and thought provoking music years later? To be honest this was a toss up between 'Stylo' and their current single 'On Melancholy Hill' but it's the AMAZING cameo from Bobby Womack that takes this song to the next level. Plus any song with Bruce Willis in the video needs at least a mention.
Thoughts? I'm off to watch 'Uncle Buck'!
Mike :-)
Monday, 28 June 2010
Album Review: Kate Nash: My Best Friend Is You
Released: April 19, 2010
Charts: 8 (UK)
So you win a Brit award after a rather successful debut album. What do you do next? Rather than take the oft-travelled route of going straight into the second album, Kate Nash wisely sat out for a while and watched the world go by. Some say that you have a lifetime to write your first album and only a few pressure filled months to write your second. Kate Nash decided to take that step back and live life, hoping the music would come to her. What comes from ‘My Best Friend Is You’ is that the music did just that.
The opener ‘Paris’ is bold and confident and shows that Nash still has plenty of the wit and observational humour that her first album was littered with. What’s immediately apparent however is a sense of maturity. ‘Kiss That Grrrl’ and the aforementioned ‘Paris’ have much more going on than Kate’s piano. There is a true sense that she has taken her time to make sure these songs sound just as she wants them rather than a paint by numbers approach that would have been much easier. Fans of the Kate of old will love ‘Don’t You Want To Share The Guilt?’ A good half of the song is a revealing monologue about Nash’s inner thoughts and feelings. It’s just the sort of thing that her detractors hate but she seems to get away with quite convincingly.
However there is almost a schizophrenic feel to the album in some places. It is obviously that Nash’s influences for ‘My Best Friend Is You’ are ranging from 60s girl groups such as the Shirelles right through to Sonic Youth. While the single ‘Do Wah Doo’ is ridiculously feel good and accessible, a track like ‘I Just Love You More’ will surely divide her fanbase. It certainly takes a couple of listens but comes out the other side. If anything the track and the album as a whole is an example of climbing out of your comfort zone and trying to experiment, something that should absolutely be commended when it works on tracks like ‘Take Me to a Higher Plane’
Sometimes however it can be a complete misstep. ‘Mansion Song’, a spoken word piece is simply weird as Nash talks about how much she wants ‘to be fucked and rolled over’. All of this while an opera singer wails in the background. It’d be nice to say I knew where she was going with this one but I didn’t. Never mind eh? However ‘Later On’ brings the album back on track with a 80s synth feeling and a ridiculously catchy chorus, something she seems to be getting very good at crafting. Finishing with a comfortable sounding ‘I Hate Seagulls’ we’re right back with ‘Made of Bricks’ era Kate Nash again. It’s almost as if this album is a battle between what Kate Nash thinks her fans would like to hear and what she wants to record. The production by Bernard Butler makes it flow far easier than it should; that and Kate’s obvious confidence in the material. It makes it a fun album to listen to and proves that like any good artist, Kate Nash isn’t going to stand still. Hopefully the third album will be more of the same time… or rather something completely different.
7.5/10
Best track: Later On
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