Alkaline Trio - From Here To Infirmary

Alkaline Trio – From Here To Infirmary

Vagrant Records

4 Stars

Alkaline Trio are a punk rock band that don’t really sound like anyone else completely, they are punk, they are alternative rock, they are even a bit pop. From Here To Infirmary is the bands third album and first on punk rock label Vagrant Records and has a big hard rock sound but the punk rock basics are there and the songs are equal parts great rock n’ roll fury and amazing lyrics a trend that will stay with this band.

It’s hard to find anything bad to say about Alkaline Trio and this album works well for a lot of audiences. If you are on the edge of musical preferences and dabble in the punk scene but largely prefer mainstream alternative rock this album will work for you. This is the first album that I heard by the band and it kept me interested and wondering what was coming next and thankfully I was able to get more because the band had already released their next album Good Mourning.

Your best start here would be Private Eye, Stupid Kid, Crawl, Armageddon and You’re Dead which contains one of my favorite lyrics of all time “Cause if assholes could fly, This place would be busier than O’Hare” it’s a little crude but totally fits the mood of Alkaline Trio.

Suggesting other bands like Alkaline Trio is a little difficult sometimes I think maybe a little MXPX is in there but for me they always just sound like Alkaline Trio and if you like alternative rock played fast like good old punk rock with vocals that aren’t too over the top and have a sing along quality you need to get into Alkaline Trio and this album is a good place to start.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade
2006 Reprise Records
5 Stars

Emo rock opera is how I would describe the third album from My Chemical Romance. This album tells the story of a person dying of cancer. The album tells the sad tale at a rapid pace and with a catchy alterno-pop sound that grabs from emo, punk, rock, 1970’s era Queen and all that made the 1990’s alternative scene work. The first time that I listened to The Black Parade it blew me away and I instantly thought that it was going to be the album of the year for sure but only reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart and only Welcome To The Black Parade reached number one on the Hot Modern Rock Chart.

For an album that is loaded with songs that deal with depressing subject matter it makes you want jump and dance and even feels kind of good. This album keeps you interested from start to finish with songs that have many different layers with excellent musicians backing up the amazing lyrics. It may sound strange but an album that is filled with so much sadness in the end sounds really fun and almost happy.

I suggest you listen to the entire album in one sitting to get the best experience of The Black Parade it will rock you from start to finish. The best tracks on the album are DEAD!, This Is How I Disappear, Welcome To The Black Parade, I Don’t Love You, Cancer, Mama, and Teenagers and don’t forget the hidden track Blood.

This band needs no other to be compared with but I think if you like Queen, concept albums or rock operas you will enjoy The Black Parade.


Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Moist - Creature

Moist - Creature
1997 Arista Records
3 Stars

In 1997 Moist return on their third album right where they left off with a hard rockin’ huge sound. This time out the singles didn’t find the radio as easily but the album is still strong and will rock your 1990’s socks off. The album had four singles released and they all did well in Canada but US charts were not finding them this time around.

If you are looking for a song that you heard on the radio back in the 90’s you aren’t going to find it here unless you are from Canada or were lucky enough to have the music video channel MuchMusic. This album is for true fans of the band and those who just want to kick back with some rockin’ tunes.

Leave It Alone, Resurrection, Tangerine and Gasoline were the singles released and would be a good place to start.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Moist - Silver

Moist - Silver

1994 EMI Records/Chrysalis

4 Stars

Moist present a hard rockin’ huge sound on Silver. The time was right for a band like Moist, the alternative scene was in full swing and Canada was long overdue for new rock n’ roll heroes. Moist gave them that for a little while with two huge alt rock hits and an album that rock’s from beginning to end. David Usher’s vocals are big, Mark Makowy’s guitars are big, Jeff Pearce’s Bass is big, Paul Wilcox’s drums are big, and Keith Young’s Keyboards are just right and that equals a big album. Seriously though this album was as strong as any other early 90’s alternative rock band and should not be overlooked.

Push and Silver are the two big hits on this album and will rock anyone who is a fan of 1990’s alternative buzz band rock but check out Into Everything for a slower paced rocker this album won’t disappoint.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Jesus Jones - Doubt

Jesus Jones - Doubt

1991 SBK Records/Food Records

5 Stars

Jesus Jones succeeds with something that normally sends off red lights and alarms in my head and still made it work. Jesus Jones took alternative/indie rock threw in dance beats and a bit of techno and made something kind of wonderful. The songs on this album are what really brings this all together the lyrics are not just throw away dance songs they work without the dance beats. These songs would sound wonderful done acoustically or just straight rock versions but the added techno dance elements are not annoying and allow for a good dance party . . . an indie dance party.

The entire album is great with one huge hit Right Here, Right Now taking them to number 2 on the charts. You’d do well to seek out this album out songs to start with International Bright Young Thing, Right Here Right Now, Welcome Back Victoria, Trust Me, Blissed and Real, Real, Real.

If you like Jesus Jones you may want to check out Plan B, EMF and Pop Will Eat Itself.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Rooney - Rooney

Rooney - Rooney

2003 Geffen Records

4 Stars

Rooney = alternative rock, indie pop, Beatlesesque rock n’ roll. This album is one of those sit back and chill great at a party kind of albums. The songs are catchy and poppy but feel like they belong as the soundtrack to a movie like Juno or Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist pretty much anything with Michael Cera in it. Rooney is not loaded with hit songs but it won’t leave you wanting more either.

Shakin’ the biggest hit on this album is a sing along alternative rock gem that feels like a drive with the windows down on a summer day with a few good friends. Daisy Duke is another great power pop song and could have easily found its way onto a Weezer album. Sorry Sorry is a get up and dance apology song that you won’t soon get out of your head and may be the best song on the album.

This album is well worth your hard earned cash if you love Weezer, The Beatles, and The Cars you will want to check out this album. Start with Shakin’, Daisy Duke, Sorry Sorry and That Girl Has Love.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

theSTART - theSTART (EP) a.k.a. Death Via Sattelite

theSTART – theSTART (EP) a.k.a. Death Via Satellite

2002 New Black Recordings

5 Stars

This CD has been released through New Black Records as theSTART but was re-released later through Nitro Records as Death Via Satellite which includes the video for the 1234. Wikipedia says that the CD was released by Smallstone Records before Nitro but it is only credited as New Black Recordings on the CD.

theSTART are an alternative rock band with punk rock and new wave roots and on this six song EP they rock with fast paced guitars, throbbing bass and thundering drums but what stands out is the voice of Aimee Echo which could only be compared to an early Gwen Stefani. Aimee and the boys rip into their six song effort and leave you wanting for more. Death Via Sattelite, Big Shot and the 1234 are the biggest will leave you bouncing off the walls while Los Angelos, High Flyer and Trinity will set the tone a bit darker. This is a one of a kind band and they should not be missed.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Peabody - Heroine

Peabody – Heroine

1996

4 Stars

Peabody returned in 1996 with a bigger rock sound. This did not hurt the New Orleans based band one bit. The entire band stepped up and gave us a band that evolved from the soft spoken band that recorded Lost In Old Rivers to an energy laden force to be reckoned with. Karen Protti’s voice although sounding bigger is just as beautiful and seductive as she has always been. With Steven Dennis playing more rockin’ guitars the drums by Chris Bailey and bass by Jimmy Legnon stepped up and made this album sound huge and wonderful. Throw in some strings and brass and this is an album not to be missed.

Tell Him, Wouldn’t You, Heroine, Where’s The Time? and Two Reason’s Why are great starting point’s but this entire album is not to be missed. A band that should have been able stand next to the Cranberries in rock n’ roll history is our little New Orleans secret . . . spread the word its never too late.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Peabody - Lost In Old Rivers

Peabody – Lost In Old Rivers

1994

4 Stars

New Orleans based Peabody is a local 1990’s gem. Playing alternative rock behind Karen Protti’s wonderful heartfelt vocals this is a band not to be missed. Lost In Old Rivers has a mellow feel but the band Steven Dennis (guitars), Lou Carollo (Bass), Chris Bailey (Drums) show you that they can rock on Lower Line. This album simply just feels good and fits in quite well along with other female led 1990’s alternative rock bands. Fans of bands like The Cranberries, Belly, and Sixpence None The Richer should not be without Peabody in their collection.

Songs to start with You’ll Never Know, Lower Line, Selfish Self and Colors Never Seen. This album is complete from start to finish and it is a shame that the band never broke through to the mainstream . . . but then again having them as our little secret is kind of nice too.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge

My Chemical Romance – Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge

2004 Reprise Records

4 Stars

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge My Chemical Romance’s breakout album that proved this band would be a force to be reckoned with. This album is alternative, it is emo, it is punk it is so many things and the songs are great. The biggest single would be the fast paced Helena along with I’m Not Okay (I Promise) being an underrated but charting single My Chemical Romance became a recognizable name amongst music fans.

This album combines its emo roots and punk rock attitude with wondrous pop sensibility without being cheesy throwaway radio rock. My Chemical Romance will rock you and even if you want to be sad about the emo lyrics the pace and the rockin’ style of Three Cheers will make you bob your head and shake your booty and leave you wanting more.

Try out Helena, Give ‘Em Hell Kid, I’m Not Okay (I Promise), Thank You For The Venom and the wonderfully titled It’s Not A Fashion Statement, It’s A Death Wish.

This band needs no other to be compared with but I think if you like A.F.I. you will enjoy My Chemical Romance and vice versa.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.
Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

The Sort – Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements

The Sort – Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements

2008 Black Bag Records

4 Stars

The Sort is an alternative rock band with indie and punk roots with pop sensibility in their sound. Lauralam Thomas’ vocals are wonderful providing an exciting sing along vibe. The band has a heavy but not brooding sound and the vocals tower over the sound. The guitars shine and provide the party while the bass and drums bring the sound that makes you want to move. You could as easily dance around your living room or a mosh pit with this album. Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements is consistent and wonderful from beginning to end. There is not a bad song on the album but at the same time this isn’t typical radio fare it’s the kind of CD you rock out with your friends at a party or on a long car ride.

Although all the songs are great check out Found, Minus One, Mistletoe and Thursday to get you started.

Fans of Veruca Salt will love this band.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Marcy Playground - Sex and Candy (Single)

Marcy Playground – Sex and Candy (Single)

1998 Capitol Records

5 Stars

Sex and Candy a huge hit for Marcy Playground which reached number 8 on Billboard’s Top 100 contained two bonus tracks on the single The Angel Of The Forever Sleep and Memphis. Both of these songs could have and should have been included on the Marcy Playground album. Sex and Candy was that great fun song that you could even find PTA moms singing along with their kids but The Angel of the Forever Sleep and Memphis are beautiful acoustic ballads that should not be missed. Memphis is also available on the album Leaving Wonderland . . . in a fit of rage.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Marcy Playground - Shapeshifter

Marcy Playground – Shapeshifter

1999 Capitol Records

5 Stars

Marcy Playground continued there trippy heavily acoustic sound on Shapeshifter but had little success outside of the hit It’s Saturday. The album is still a wonderful ride. Only two singles were released from this album It’s Saturday and Bye Bye and an in an interesting twist the band included the videos for four songs on the enhanced CD. All three singles from the Marcy Playground album Sex and Candy, Sherry Frasier, and Saint Joe on the School Bus and something quite odd the video for the wonderful song Comin’ Up From Behind which is at present only available on the Cruel Intentions Soundtrack and was not included as a regular song on this album.

This album is full of great songs that just as the previous album unfortunately suffered from their Alice in Wonderland-esque trippy lyrics. If anything Marcy Playground provide fun songs that tell great stories. If you are buying your music digitally don’t miss out on It’s Saturday, Bye Bye, Secret Squirrel, Wave Motion Gun, and Sunday Mail but you might want to get the entire album its well worth it.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.

Marcy Playground - Marcy Playground

Marcy Playground – Marcy Playground

1998 Capitol Records

5 Stars

From the first sound of the guitars on Poppies this CD is an instant classic. Marcy Playground are the guys who brought the world Sex and Candy which reached number 8 on Billboard’s Top 100 but they are much more than that one hit wonders the songs on this album had heart and soul and often a sense of history made into cool alternative rock perfection. Saint Joe On The School Bus and Sherry Frasier were released as singles Saint Joe did well on the charts but of its 12 tracks this album seems like it would have had more singles. I believe it suffered from its trippy Alice in Wonderland imagery but the lyrics are completely wonderful and full of imagination and creativity.

Start your Marcy Playground adventure with Poppies, Sex and Candy, Saint Joe on the School Bus, A Cloak of Elvenkind, Sherry Frasier and The Vampires of New York. It would be a shame for you to not buy the entire album it is well worth every second.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson all rights reserved.

Album art and song titles and lyrics are used as fair use for review purposes and will be removed at the copyright holders request.