The Stage - Avenged Sevenfold

This is new studio album from Avenged Sevenfold. It happens to be album number 7 and is their first for Capitol after a stint of 4 albums with Warner. This is also their first with new drummer Brooks Wackerman, brother of Chad Wackerman who drummed with Zappa for almost the entirety of the 80's (81-88) but then also did some overdub work from him I believe in 1993. Whatever he was Zappa's last drummer. I'm kinda glad they dropped in in October instead of December, though... the name is kinda... it's really stupid. Once I saw the credits I'm glad they have a nice variety of instruments that's probably a stupid thing to note but I think it works.

1. The Stage: So the first time I heard this I was not really excited. I saw the title and the single cover and though it was kinda dumb. Once I heard the song I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. I mean it isn't a bad song... but it felt like they were doing what they've already done before but not as effectively. Like where are the "chances" being taken and what not. I hear the melodic direction, and the aggression but I don't really feel the aggression or the punch. I really do like the ending though, with the nylon string guitar. Thought I feel like that could have been worked into the song better maybe. Like I don't know, it flows but not as well as it could have.... I don't know. The biggest fault though, imo, is the vocals. They don't really work with the delivery for this track. The opening reminded me of Not Ready to Die, played by Jason Freese, and the song portion kinda reminds me of Carry On or Flash of the Blade at first. The song isn't a travesty but I just don't jive with it the way I do with even Heretic. While Requiem is a song I still dig, and needed a dozen or so listens to appreciate.... I'm not getting anything here. The introduction should pump you up and take you there and it should only grow in its awesomeness. This just kinda doesn't go anywhere and the more I listen to this the less I feel a connection to it. Though I like the drums. The solo is pretty solid and I like how it slows down for a sort of feeling that I've heard on, Victim if memory serves. But again it's okay, but does nothing for me. And most insulting is I barely remember anything once it's over. Even right after I hear the album. I also wish the transition into the nylon string guitar was done a bit better maybe. 
2. Paradigm: This is pretty aggro, but again I'm finding error with the vocals. The feeling I get is there should be a swagger with the vocals in that intro, but I'm not quite feeling it. The drumming sounds great, and that growl sounds tasty but one of my initial impressions was "I feel like this needs more listens". The solo is pretty nice though, even though the first part doesn't do much. The second part has a punch and some power behind it, but it seems too buried in the mix for it to be fully aggro. I definitely think it should be turned up in the mix. 
3. Sunny Disposition: This introduction reminds me a bit of Waking the Fallen. I'm thinking Radiant Eclipse but heavier. The first time thought it seems a bit dizzying and I'm assuming this is intentional. The horns are a nice touch you wouldn't expect, though I feel strings could also add to the song at accenting the vocal line. There's also this Planets feeling to it a bit. Like it feels like a few different songs mixed together and blended to make this song that I don't know if it's a mess or if it's weird in a good way. I mean I get they wanted horns but not sure if they fit this track. It almost feels like ALPoH. It's kinda a jumble fuck. But worst of all it's too long. 
4. God Damn: What a bland song title. Whatever happened to Warmness on the Soul, Desecrate Through Reverence, Clairvoyant Disease, Lips of Deceit. While you may go, corny or lame, you can't deny those paint a picture in your head and make you think for a second. God Damn makes me go " okay, well I don't know if this'll be good but I don't care for the title". The song part is okay and the music isn't half bad. In fact the music during the chorus I've even warmed up to. I'm just not feeling these chorus lyrics, though as I've said I do like the harmonies and the sort of contrast to the verses music. It's lightens up, apposed to the aggression. And they just pulled on my nostalgic heart strings ah-lah, Desecrate Through Reverence/Heretic. Those fucking drums. I don't mind the solo, and I don't mind that Spanish Sidewinder section. But again this doesn't really do anything. 
5. Creating God: I can feel the weird feeling of this, and I like the four on the floor but I'm feeling like I've heard something like this somewhere else. This reminds me of a radio friendly type song, that while not really that weird people might go.... hey that's weird. I feel like, this'll be single. I'm calling it, this sounds like it was written for the radio. Especially the chorus, even though I think it's probably one of the weaker songs and isn't really challenging to me. I know I haven't read the lyrics to this song but the words I hear are having me scratch my head. Not in a I don't get it, but more of a I don't like this. The solo works, but I'm not feeling this one overall. The vocals are what kill it for me, the music is just okay, but the vocals kind of put it in this coffin. Though I guess that riff doesn't work to my savor. That's correct use of that right? Who cares.
6. Angels: This song, I don't know. I do like the eerie atmosphere to this one, it's kind of something I didn't expect and I'm glad they kinda keep in for the entire track. The solo is a nice solo, this could have used strings though. The second solo, played by the good old Papa Gates, is much more interesting I think than Syn's. I will say this track would benefit from that nylon string guitar at the ending more than the title track did. Though I'm not sure they would have worked with the next track as a segue. I want to point out the thing that kind of warms my heart a bit is that chorus, it sounds a bit like a mellotron is being used. I'm pretty sure they aren't using one, but it reminds me of one a bit. Like sampled strings, but a primitive one.
7. Simulation: So I do like the sound effects and the sort of electric piano sound that happens during the verses and the whole atmosphere that is created here. It sounds more like an organ, but whatever. It works for this type of album cover, well the intro at least. Now I feel like the two sections should flow better. Like the effects sound hold over into that drum roll for a few seconds before he starts talking. I think the whole drill sergeant thing doesn't really work that well, but they're going for chaotic. I'm not sure if this works though...... the idea is a cool idea and it kinda of reminds me of a variation of the Nightmare music video. Like maybe what they were saying but you couldn't hear because of the song. The nurse is actually Val, Matt's wife. I wanna point out the more I hear that part the more I cringe. I do think they achieved chaos in the song but I kind want more. I've recorded more chaotic stuff, though it's not complete yet, in my basement. They say that River James Sanders, who's Val and Matt's son, and Tennessee James Baker, who I assume is Zacky's son are backing vocalists on this track. I didn't hear their voices the first time though. I assume it might be mixed in though to the chaos. I guess the whole AI thing has to do with this track, whatever I'm not really digging into that bullshit. I'm more interested in the music and the profound nature of the lyrics. The most upsetting this is like nothing, I mean yeah the chaos sounds cool, but like I'm not feeling anything. I mean, to be honest, I'd much rather listen to Oxygen or For Adolphe Sax or I don't know something more chaotic. I will say though, after Val talks that solo is fucking tasty. Top notch and it is almost worth playing this song to get to it. Almost, but again, not completely. I mean I guess the evil prayer on Requiem is cheesy, but that song is not only bad ass but it works.
8. Higher: I don't think this works on spotify, you can't have interruptions in the middle of the songs. Like I feel like that completely ruined my impression of this song, given how it started. Fucking asshole commercials. I do like the song, but I didn't get the full impact until I picked up my CD copy. I did like the ideas going on and what was happening in the song, like the different flavors mixed in there. The piano and the multi tracked vocals work I think. I mean there is a bit where I'm like... eh, but for the most part I liked that introduction. Now the song starts and I'm not feeling that as much, I do like the sort of odd time to the riff. I can't pin the time signature, but it sounds like there is an extra 8th or 16th note. I like it. The chorus is nice, but first time thought it's too short. The vocals though, like they hurt my ears at parts. I like the sort of choir that is behind the prelude to the solo. I could be wrong, but did I correctly count 4 over 3. The choir that sound like its out of an 80's or 90's song. It kinda reminds me of Like A Prayer a bit. I don't really approve of the effect on his vocal, but I think it works. I like that piano that has a little part for just like two seconds. There are a lot of nice details in this song. It isn't prefect, but I like parts. And the piano towards the ending reminds me of Epic. It's a decent track {7/8}.
9. Roman Sky:  This opens promising, with a guitar that hark-ins to the ballad off the last album. So why are they fucking with his vocals. This feels like a shitty version of Crimson Day, or at least a version that doesn't click. I will say, the guitar is still pretty solid and I wonder what key or mode or scales he's using for this. But the strings are a bit irritating me, like the best part of the song is getting burried. And I guess as it progresses the instruments balance much better and the song unfolds into a solid track. But that first minute and a half or so is like a bit cluttered. The balance is all fucked. And I guess I could nit pick the balance with those strings are very fucking. Okay it's supposed to be gorgeous and heartfelt and pretty, and it feels generic. They are pretty, but it's not pulling on my heartstrings the same way Acid Rain does. It has it's moments, like during the solo, the arrangement works very well. In fact I hear some Malmsteen in the solo. But like I don't know, I don't think I can bold this track, there are to many moments it's off for me. And those two songs I compared this two, I actually went back and revisited them to hear why they work and it's because the lyrics are much better first, the vocals also are more effective. But you feel the emotion and the guitar doesn't come in and out it kind of plays it quite, until the solo. It's kinda like too much at once isn't good. Both of those ballads have phenomenal arrangements, this isn't really. Simple but effective, this is not simple and not effective.
10. Fermi Paradox: The drums introducing this song has a nice feeling to them and I like energy of this track. The intro also reminds me a bit of a not stripped version of something off Hail to the King. I still think the guitar should have more punch, but it works..... But I'll admit, the second the vocals started I made a fact that was like "did someone just shit down here". The vocals ruin this song, and the energy just dies. Like instantly, though I do like they guest guitar work from Yngwie. That's a joke by the way, but it sounds like something I could hear on one of his record. I like the vamp for the solo, and the solo itself works fine. Also I am aware of the Fermi Paradox, but I forgot what it was called. Like I have heard of it, I just didn't recall what it was called... if that makes any sense. The whole, we can logically assume this exists but if it does then why don't we have enough proof to suggest that it even could exist. Also I can't be the only one to cringe when I hear those "AMSR" vocal part. No, not good.
11. Exist: This albums sonic attempt at making a Save Me, or rather an epic closer kinda. I will say it's a pretty solid track that needed multiple listens, it's much more effective than Book of Souls.  longer cuts, and the composition is pretty nice. There are lots of sequences and classical touches and I think it's a well arranged track. There are parts in that intro where I feel it's up to the power of Save Me.The dual lead in the one descending riff is awesome. I also like the other descending riff, even though it also ascends. The horns reminds me a bit of Planets. Actually this could be a mix between Save Me and Planets. There is this sort of solo before the vocals section come in and it give me goosebumps. Loving that tone, and then I really love the electric "acoustic" guitar that leads introduces the vocals. I think the vocals are fine here, and this part in and of it's self is a great song. Kind reminds me a bit of Gunslinger. It's also a nice contrast and way more relaxed, and is a nice contrast of what happens later. Everybody sounds good here, though I am not crazy about the effect on Matt's voice. It doesn't ruin the vocals though, just a slight nit pick more than a real problem. I also love when the strings come in and I'm glad they had them come in... thought I'm not crazy about the drums at that part before the chorus. It kinda felt odd, or maybe off a bit. Like kinda oh lets put something rather than work I guess. I don't know. I really like the bass line in the track and everything works together to progress the song and the details are really nice. The transitions and developments into the solo are nice too, thought I don't think the solo is mixed loud enough, but that's just me. I do like the keyboard sequence here, the guitar also has a nice accent feeling. And I really like what's happening here. When I saw Neil deGrasse Tyson I kinda rolled my eyes. I was like wow, they would.... or anyone would really. I understand what he's saying works, but I don't think it sonically sounds that good. Like the way it is like it was over the phone in the background. Not really feeling that, but I think the words work I guess. The only thing is eventually there should be a part where Syn just fucking shreds. They probably kept it out to have the focus on the the words, but I don't know I kinda what that solo to add so there's something more to hear beyond listen 3 or 4. Also I mean I get what he's saying but I kind of disagree. Basically people are very shitty and self absorbed partially because we only see us. We need to realize how truly insignificant we actually are, and maybe then we'd "grow up". He uses bigger words to convey what he's saying, but I don't think people'd be less shitty if we did that. Maybe I'm misunderstanding that, maybe he's just saying he doesn't get caught up in the retardation that is us. But people have been around for how long? We still have many of the same problems like war, corruption/manipulation, intolerance, pride, ignorance, willingness to be ignorant among many others. So I doubt that'll ever change. If it somehow did, it would eventually crumble and we'd be fucked in the ass again, its only human. Well never be a Star Trek society unless you force us to be against our will. But this is a great tune and probably the best one here. The 15 minutes is justified. {8/10}

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. My initial listen I was unsure if I liked, it was okay and I was satisfied. The one thing though is it didn't feel like Avenged. That's not a bad thing, but that's also not a really good thing. After a few listens, like enough to where I was like... "Okay, this is what I think" I realized something. I don't think I'm gonna be listening to this album by the time the next one comes out. Hell two months from this review I probably won't. There is something about it that just doesn't click for me. The other bands I've out grown almost completely, I like this more than them. But like, Brooks is a solid drummer, but I'm not sure he should have wrote with them. Though they kind of have to change their sound because they don't have The Rev anymore, and Arin's gone, so I don't know. I will applaud them for kind of throwing me off the trail of predicting what will happen next. So many bands make albums and I can listen to 10 seconds or 30 seconds and know what's gonna happen or have the basic idea. In fact, most of those bands you can listen to three songs and you've gotten more out of that than listening to the 11-15 tracks. I respect they aren't going back, or stripping down, they're pushing ahead. There's a lot of good ideas on this record, but like so close. I wonder if they were trying to do a more complex version of the last record. But they also made a less effective one, the tracks on that that are good still are good. I don't know, I think I'd rather revisit "We got it from Here.... Thank You 4 Your service." or for sure Blackstar and maybe untitled unmastered. I guess it's just depressing I bought two CDs this year, and one of them I only have to complete my collection. Ill probably do the next album by these guys but my stance on my fan hood has been shook. Maybe l'l do my favorite album of their next.

Beauty Behind the Madness - The Weeknd

This is the sophomore album by Abel Tesfaye. This follows the very disappointing Kiss Land, which had two songs that I liked (and it was just like). But the thing is I have to be completely honest. That song, Earned It, that just came out I loved it. I honestly think that is the best song he's done yet. I can't believe that how gorgeous the strings are and how good it sounds. I was excited to see he added Often, I love it. I also like the title, though not huge on the cover. When the track listing came out I didn't feel any more excited really. The only thing I was pumped for was an official album for Often and that Lana Del Rey track.

1. Real Life: The first time I heard this I though it'd be perfect as a 90's song. I dig it, its a solid track. I mean it's not a 10, but at least a 7. Even though I think it's kinda cheesy sounding. I mean I like the guitar in the intro, and the fuzz. The strings then come in and you get a different direction feeling. On all prior releases most of the instruments were sampled or in the background. This is more in the forefront. This is a good track, that I think is pretty nice chorus. I like the harmonies on this and it gives this feeling of new. I was glad, and still am glad this is on here. This gives your a very hopeful feeling for whats to come. And lyrically there isn't anything that rubs me the wrong way.
2. Losers: This track features Labrinth. This is a solid track. The piano reminds me of How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore. This song has the best part as the sole piano (well mostly sole) and vocals. I like the transition and the resolution into the chorus, but the chorus is not as great as I want. The whole off feeling is neat, and the horns make it have this New Orleans feeling.... maybe. But It's just a bit too off. The breakdown/bridge I could do without. I like that it's there, but I could personally do without it. The part where it bothers me the least is at the ending, but I think the ending isn't anything that is blowing me away. I feel like this should have more emotion and "soul".
3. Tell Your Friends: this track features someone named Carlos and was produced by five people, one of them being Kanye. I'm going to be 100% honest, that intro reminds me of Lil B. Either that or Bound 2. But the song, well the lyrics are a lot more understandable and basically that, plus the chorus of the song...................... The song is kind of ruined. I like how he did something different, but still. I don't like this. And that distortion at the ending, sounds like a talk box fucked a vocoder.... Not digging it.
4. Often: I actually really like this song, and it is better than anything on Kiss Land. Though it doesn't hold up as well as Enemy, for me. And about its inclusion; even though it's been out for over a year, I can let it pass. As long as there are great deep cuts, this will be a solid record. Some of the lyrics aren't very good. For whatever reason, when the album was released, I began to loose interest in this song. The lyrics here are kind of dumb, but they don't ruin the song for me.
5. The Hills: I was surprised by this song, I liked it. I still don't think that it is on par with Earned It. But you know, idk. Then, thought I kinda feel like this should effect the music aspect..... I don't like the lyrics. Maybe I've grown up, and grown out of the shallowness of lyrics like "I want to leave the Friendzone", thought I never really gave two fucks. There was a shallowness on Houses that appealed to me, not knowing it was shallowness. I still do enjoy Houses, but this is like that with the pointlessness of Kiss Land. By the time this reviews going up I am tired of this song. Like to the point of not liking it at all. Like to paint a better picture, when I hear this song now I get irritated and just want to change the station.
6. Acquainted: I don't know what to make of this track, maybe it's the last track or the loss of interest, but I don't think this is anything that I'll remember. I don't really care though to remember this track. It's not like, I want to remember this.
7. Can't Feel My Face: A very poppy song, that isn't half bad. In all honesty its one of the better songs of the year, I have heard. It's probably the best new one I've heard on the radio for sure. I mean, is this song played a lot and lost some of its enjoy-ability a bit.... Yes. Do I still like this song, 
8. Shamless: or a theme to the ShowTime television show of the same name. :) not really, but the second this starts I get nervous. That acoustic guitar, and this style don't really often go over well with me. This really goes in one ear and out the other.
9. Earn It (Fifty Shades of Grey): I am a little pissed that this is on the album, so I'm not counting it towards the score. To me, this will always be a b-side from the 50 Shades of Grey album. The track is an 8 but it doesn't count towards the score, because of it. I mean there was tons of things they could have done, a remix (N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton had 2 remixes of songs from N.W.A. and the Posse). They could had also done a rerecording, tons of people from David Bowie to Steve Reich to Reel Big Fish. Thought I doubt the end product would be better than  the original, but you never know. The only difference is there's an intro that is 30 or 40 seconds and it ultimately amounts to nothing. But I should talk about the beautiful string arrangement, the awesome vocal performance of Abel and the chamber pop vibe. While I loved this at first, I've progressively fallen out of love with it. It's still one of the best here, its just.... Not the same as it once was. The thrill is gone, if you will. 
10. In The Night: This has a MJ feeling.It's fun, but again I'll forget this by the time the tracks over. I'm not being a dick I just don't find this interesting enough to remember.
11. As You Are: As a Friend? As you want me to be? What about if it's as a memory? This kind of reminds me of a track off KissLand.
12. Dark Times: This track features Ed Sheeran. And honestly, this is another decent track. I mean I enjoy it, but again........ much like the other tracks after I listen to it I can't remember any of it. :(
13. Prisoner: This track features Lana Del Rey. And I like it, I don't LOVE it but it's a solid track. I read some where someone said Lana's verses gave them chills.... Yeah, I'm not remotely feeling that. The closest to chills is that, oh this movie will scare you shitless.... And then you feel the feeling like your about to shit yourself.... Before, nothing. But I understand this song, the chorus kinda hands the meaning to you on a silver platter. I feel like it's so watered down. I like South Park, I've been watching it a lot lately. I've come to notice the best episodes are the ones where they don't tell you what it's making fun of. You know from the story or plot instead pf them handing it to you. There's a difference between explaining the problem, or making it easier to understand, vs telling people what it is. Like the movie, I read about it while I was watching it and I was like, the whole Terrence and Phillip thing I didn't pick up on.... that was until he devil explained it. Then someone else did and if you don't get the joke by the end of the movie you never will. This just feels very watered down to appeal to people who have "shallow" forms of "depression". I mean why not let people understand on their own rather than basically spelling out your depressed. 
14. Angel: "come and save me tooonight". This song isn't that bad, its a nice ending. "It took me by surprise, I must say when I found out" Vinnie Colaiuta was drumming on this album the time I did that one "day". When I listen to this album its kind of like the end of an era. I'll probably repeat myself after this but this truly is the " last straw" that was me in High School and me now. This song could somewhat symbolize the death of the old me, and my music marks the birth of the more mature me. I probably sound high, but its almost like a dirge. While I wish the dirge was better, it kind of can't be too good or else I would still live in "what if". This truly is, the last Weeknd record I'll probably ever hear and last I'll review (in terms of release date, I'm still doing the prior releases).

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. If I'm being honest this is much better than Kiss Land and of the five releases he's put out this is his 4th best. The thing is I lost hope in him with the last LP. The singles on here revitalized my faith in his music. And the thing is its not like I put grew his music. I still like tracks off the mixtapes, but honestly, that's the best material he's put out. Anything prior to his studio debut is really still petty solid. I don't think he's gonna be able to recapture that excitement for me. Maybe it could be nostalgic reasons, but I still love the mixtapes, they did after all play (and were on play) a huge part in (and during) my senior year. I don't know, at least there was ambition here. I feel this will be my last hurrah with my High School " hero". It's what I imagine to be going to a party with the cool kids, then realizing "wait..... These people have no personality, why am I spending time with these jerks? They aren't cool, they are just shallow and dull people". In all honesty, if I'm being objective, the lyrics are what kills the album (though the songs don't help). Well not kill so much as hurt its from being better. The music is good to decent, but the words.... Thumbs down. I also need to say I'm not any better, or any worse off, than anyone else. I'm white, middle class, I have it pretty good. So I'm not saying I'm any more depressed or in touch with real emotions than anyone else. Now back to the lyrics. I feel they way they are presented he's tortured, depressed, doesn't want to be a star. The type that drinks to repress their emotions of self loathing, which whatever if he doesn't want to be. (I'm in no way qualified to diagnose anyone with anything, by the way). But outside of the substance abuse, I have the whole self loathing thing in common. I can't say if he truly feels that way, because I'm not Abel. But the way he presents his pain, through his lyrics, its someone who thinks he's depressed. Someone who thinks he hates himself, not someone who truly hates himself, not someone who feels the self loathing to its worst. Not someone who has bursts of crippling depression and has to learn to deal with it. I feel like there are tons of movies where it seems to be hip to do the self loathing/depressed writer or entertainer. It's almost like people are too afraid to do "exploitation" films about anything else. And these have become the newest form of exploitation.... Here is the best illustration I can give. If you hate the fame, don't go along with it. Don't do stupid shit that promotes your album. In fact don't even promote music, just drop it. If you really are that depressed, and your aware of this drinking thing not helping, why drink? I feel like a lot of this isn't a hurt person as much as a hurt character, or a person who believes they hurt, when in reality its because they didn't get the newest iPhone... Catch my drift. 

Ungrateful (Deluxe) - Escape The Fate

Because Spotify is an asshole (and changed Hate Me to (Deluxe) I have to download the album), I decided to finish this album. Also I have a job now, so I won't be able to put stuff out like I've been the last two months or so. Cool, this is album four, by one of my favorites, Escape The Fate. We were last left with 2010's Self Titled album. Minus G3 and World Around Me the album sucked dick. You can like it all you want, but it wasn't a "Gorgeous Nightmare"...... That would be a Zorn or Yamantaka EYE record (hahahahahahahahahahaha). That wa, on a more serous note, their darkest record to date. And I don't really think people would argue with me on that. Now 3 years later, no Max and two new members, kinda, here we are..... also the new record blows.

1. Ungrateful: This is a pretty great opener. This is catchy, heavy and everything that's great about Craig's part in the group. This sounds like it would fit very comfortably on the follow up to, hypothetical, This War Is Ours. I've heard this song tons of times and it's still pretty great. I mean the riff is there, the vocals are pretty angry and this might be angrier than past releases. I mean I could just be imagining it, but I feel like there is an anger when he screams, he isn't just screaming. And while not the best solo in the world, it certainly is memorable and fits.... and while it doesn't go to long, it is a tad on the short side. But I mean, I don't think it'd fit for it to be longer in this given song. It might just be me wanting . Plus I can honestly say the electronics here sound much better than on the last album.
2. Until We Die: This intro reminds me a shit ton of As I Lay Dying. I can't think of the song, but seriously. It's almost lifted from the song I'm thinking of. I want to say Nothing Left or Repeating Yesterday but there may be one where it is quite literally quoted from. While this song is pretty solid, I think the weakest link here is the chorus. Don't get me wrong, I think this is pretty great.... it's just the last song was much better all around. I'd give this anyday over Hate Me, but still. I think the piano section is very tasteful, and sets a distinct section.... but I think it was done like 100 times better in World Around Me and G3 (If I'm remembering correctly).
3. Live Fast, Die Young: This is very close to the sound I didn't care for on the last record. And the worst part is the lyrics are kinda stupid. I mean all the lyrics be this stupid, but at least they aren't so overtly dumb to my ears when I hear them. This is almost like he bashed his head in and then wrote the songs. Now this isn't overtly terrible, but I just don't like it. Like if I wasn't reviewing this I'd click skip. 
4. Forget About Me: This is a return to a tasty lick. But then he starts singing, and after the stop I began to get nervous. I don't think this is bad, it's just.... It isn't clicking with me. But all can be forgiven when I hear that solo. It's easily one of Montey's best. It's so good the song I didn't give two shits about I'm all the sudden listening far more attentive.
5. You're Insane: This is another decent track, and another single released from the album. I liked it far more when I first heard it. Upon re-visitation it doesn't hold up at all. Although I can pull another AILD thing. Though the main riff reminds me a bit of Avenged Sevenfold. The vocals reminds me a tad of Girl I Know and there is something that makes the Self Titled record pop in my head. The more alternative parts of that record.
6. Chemical Love: *Sigh*. The digital distortion waves would bother me regardless of how much I like the song. They don't ruin it, I just notice them. But even if they were taken out this song is so..... I just don't like it. I think it's too poppy, ha I know I like music far poppier, but it's just like trying to appeal to a broader audience. They could completely be doing this of their own choice, for artistic reasons, but I just can't get behind this. I can tolerate, but not support (defend is a better word).
7. Picture Perfect: The beginning of this doesn't really sound like this band. While I may not have liked it at first, it isn't half bad. It's pretty relaxing and pretty. I think the melody is nice and its easily one of the best songs here. It doesn't blow my mind, but its an example of a nice change. While it's more in line with the electronic tracks, its different enough to where I can say its different. 
8. Risk It All: This is a generic rocker that is on the album. Not a heavy rocker, more of a alt rocker. I mean there isn't anything to report about that sticks out to me. 
9. Desire: Nice riff, but then the song goes into this vibe I don't jive with. It's really not insanely different from the prior track. 
10. One for the Money: This, now in 2015, isn't the worst song they ever put out. No that award belongs to Let Me Be. But if this was don't in 2013 it would take the cake as their worst song, in my opinion. The lyrics are horse shit, and music is just ..... it's the worst of what the Self Titled had to offer. The solos has this epic feeling, and has a like build up that doesn't pay off at all. It's just.... trade this with any of the bonus tracks.
11. Fire It Up: The best way to end the record would be with a Picture Perfect or a Father, Brother. Instead we get a Black Tide track, kinda. Do I think this is bad, not necessarily. I just don't agree with this as the closer. It's not as satisfying as it should have been, and I mean seriously it's not like the electronics are not in the picture. So why not re arrange the tracks.

Now on to the bonus tracks, I'm going to include the iTunes and Japanese bonus track just because I can. Yeah I said it, I CAN.

1. I, Alone: This feels like one of the more alternative tracks on TWIO. It's not half bad, but I feel like this is best as a bonus track. This could actually be an outtake, be it recording or it was written, from that period. It's kind of a nice little treat you know.
2. Father, Brother: I don't really have anything to say I haven't said before. It's a nice track, good as an extra though. While I didn't look into the lyrics, I like the idea of what I picked up on. About relationship with his family. While it's been done before I can always support someone writing to someone who played a huge part in their life. The ending would make for a very neat ambient piece. I wish this would have been in the record just to end on that. 
3. Losing Control: The second I heard the drum machine drums I rolled my eyes. And then the vocals come in and I just close my eyes and take it. The more of this track that reveals itself to me, the less I like it. And the more I feel like it's dug it's grave deeper.
4. Apologize: This introduction isn't half bad. This is a quicker song, and it's pretty nice. While the chorus is pretty light, I still would trade this over any of the ETF-esque album tracks. This isn't the best track, thought the solo is tasty. I don't know, it feels like a bonus track. The ending also reminds me of Welcome to the Black Parade.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. This album is best described as the album that was unreleased and bridged the change in sound between This War Is Ours and Escape the Fate. There isn't any other way of describing it, other than maybe some parts are darker than the second album. I also want to mention, I plan to do Just Like You this month.... as in finish it up. And hopefully Chasing Shadows too.

Mandatory Fun - "Weird Al" Yankovic

This is the latest ALbum.... get it? Well this features 12 new tracks that I was hoping that would blow Alpocylapse out of the water. Overall it wasn't a terrible album, but way to underwhelming considering, while 2006's Straight Outta Lynnwood was just sub-par (for me), I've dug further and 2003's Poodle Hat is fricken' awesome, at parts, setting a bar for post 90's Al. In fact I've both warmed up to that album, 2011's, and (for lack of a vast vocabulary) repulsed by it at the same time. Now repulsed is a strong word, but where repulsed is a 8/10 or higher on the scale of pushed way, I'd say I'm more of a 5/10 for my stay away-ness. But I really hope this is great. Let's just say it's better that I expected it to be. A LOT!

1. Handy: The album kicks off with a parody, far superior than, of that Fancy song. I really don't listen to the radio, so I heard this first. Still, this is funny and better in general. Though this song don't grow on me after a while, it doesn't quite fade. It may with more time, but I still think it's far superior to the original.
2. Lame Claim to Fame: This is a style parody of some group I never heard of until today, July 14th 2014. That group being Southern Culture on the Skids. I looked them up on Spotify and they look like people from MST3K. But I like this song, and think it's pretty good.
3. Foil: This is a parody of Royals. I think it's funny but I wonder if its a satire about conspiracy theorists or a real statement done humorously. Every time I hear this I laugh.
4. Sports Song: This is one of, no more than two or so, songs that I don't care for here. While I think it's funny, and great and kind of a song I'm glad was written, but I don't care for "band" music. Obviously it wouldn't be as funny without it, but I'm just not that into the music on this track. 
5. Word Crimes: This is second only to Got To Give It Up by Marvin. And unless you lived under a rock you heard of the law suit. Regardless of anything, Thicke's song was over glorified and Gaye's song was also kind of making fun of disco. That's another story, but this is a hilarious song. It's kind of like a sequel, in a way, to White & Nerdy. It's kind of a stretch, but look at this. It's kind of like a nerdy song about the Internet. Not that he didn't have nerdy songs before that, but in the age of Internet I think it fits. The reason i cant give those people crap is because I do that sometimes. I try not to, and after listening I want to learn proper English. And I love the "Nevermind I give up" line. {8/10}
6. My Own Eyes: This is a style parody of an overrated band, I think, Foo Fighters. It's not that their not talented or they suck, I just haven't really heard any songs that I've either liked at all or for longer than a few listens. This is the other song that I am not huge on. The riff later sounds just like Slither. But if this is an edificational track the I know I'd go "insane" if I saw half of this stuff. 
7. NOW That’s What I Call Polka!: The saving grace of every ALbum is his polka songs.Well with a few exceptions, the Bohemian one and Hot Rocks one. The only one that I though was bad was Polkarama!. And Damn, this is as good as the best track on Alpoclypse, Polka Face. And something I need to say is that "this is really awesome". I really don't know how not to look up to him. Not as a religious figure, but as a hero. The track begins with the best version ive ever heard of Wrecking Ball. This is followed by the best version of Pumped Up Kicks. The sad thing is that "self awareness" and "humor" in pop songs aren't really that funny. Why? Well those songs are by people who don't have any sense of humor, nor do the artists. But I laughed at that One Direction part where he makes the sounds. I mean he does literally a 1000000000x better job than they could ever at making that a joke. Al is, at the end after this it's followed by Polka Gagnam Style, Call Me Maybe, Scream & Shout, Somebody I Used To Know, Timber, I'm Sexy And I Know It, Thrift Shop and Get Lucky. This truly shows why Al is above anyone who has ever made a humorous song. He uses no profanity and he makes better and far superior versions of tracks than the originals. These last two polka tracks are fricken great.  
8. Mission Statement: This is a style parody of Crosby, Stills & Nash. I'm not familiar with the group very well outside of a few Déjà Vu and Woodstock. The back words guitar, or back-masked sounding guitar reminds me a ton of I'm Only Sleeping, a favorite of mine off Revolver and my favorite part of the track. Either that or the "do do do do" part. I'm not laughing, but I mean seriously with other great tracks not everything is on the same level. 
9. Inactive: This is a parody of a song that until this parody I couldn't sit through. It was boring and to radio pointless for my ears. This is great and is a sister track, of sorts, to Couch Potato. And in many ways this is a far superior track. Actually in just about every aspect it's better. 
10. First World Problems: This is a style parody of Pixies. There is a girl voice who I think may be Popeli.  I love how it pokes fun of the "poor me, I can't get the new iPhone" people who are like teens. I mean come on, I "literally" want to "smash a crow bar against your head". 
11. Tacky: This is a far superior parody of Happy. Where the originals happy and upbeat, it is truly kind of "tacky" and "cheesy". Not in a, funny/enjoyable unintentional way, but in a you were of RAM so he kept up that 70's sound. Hilarious in every aspect. 
12. Jackson Park Express: This is a style parody of Cat Stevens. I believe this is the 3rd longest song he's released at 9 minutes, the 1st being Albuquerque at 11:23 and Trapped in the Drive Thu at 10:55. I feel this will progressively became a favorite among the ranks of Buy Me A Condo, Albuquerque amoung others. Actually the morbidity of the latter is present here. And it just gives me the chuckles. I think that this guy would Creep Me Out instead of the other guy. I also fantasize about things, not to his extent, but I do about my future. And just everything in this song, minus the morbidity, can directly relate to me at one point or another. The only problem I have is its 9 minutes and when I drive it takes up most of my driving time. But really, that's not a real complaint. Just looking for something to say negative about the track. Why? Too much good here to find anything else wrong. I'd like to note that, this is possibly the greatest style parody Al ever made.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.5/10. I honestly, in my life, have not really heard a new Al song in my life and actually laughed. Usually it's either I enjoy it or a chuckle, even some of his older stuff I don't LOL. But gosh, I laughed over this album, but kept it in so I could hear it all. Another thing I want to give him credit for is he did every album track gets a video in 2011, Blue Ivy's mom did it over two years later. Also I should mention that anther thing I didn't like his last album was that it had 5 tracks released on an EP two years before AP. I think that's just kind of lazy on his part. But he definitely stepped it up on this album. The promotion of this album was perfect, no singles so you hear the album all at once. PS Beyoncé didn't invent that, look at Death Grips last few albums, they popped out of nowhere. Hell, Government Plates was released out of the blue the same year as Beys self titled, but a month before (and had a music video for every song come out the day of). Lets just hope if Al sees this review, there aren't any grammatical errors within the post. I've listened to this album a bunch of times in the course of three days. By far the best album since Running With Scissors. Also do you know why Al's still making worth while music, he writes his songs. There aren't outside song doctors. All lyrics are by him, half of the music is by him. Minus the parodies

Hail to the King - Avenged Sevenfold

This little thing here COME ON!. I've been waiting since Not Ready to Die for you (especially since before that I really wasn't even thinking of their next album following Nightmare). I'm not dissing the album but I finally get to hear this. And it's in my hands. My precious. I wish the cover was a little cooler, but it's cool enough. I also heard about the no double track vocals. And heard the title track. If the whole album is like that, this is gonna be a long review. :( Here is song quick facts, first album with Arin as a member (though his first drum performance was on NRTD). This is also the first album without The Rev. By that, he didn't write anything off this. This is also Avenged Sevenfold's sixth album and is, in the US, released a day late (08-27-13) of being released on the 10th anniversary of the release of Waking The Fallen (08-26-03). If that's on purpose, I don't know, but I wanted to say that. [Note: I basically had to redo this entire review]

1. Shepard of Fire: This song, from the start, reminds me of something they would have put on City of Evil. More of that hard rock sound, vs the experimental elements of the Self Titled and the darkness of Nightmare. I can't quite put my finger on what the horns remind me of, I need to re-relisten to City and some other albums. The more I hear this song, the more the magic goes. It fades kind of. This song, after even gaining a new respect, I don't like it any more. I always kind of liked this song, but I didn't have as much of a revelation about this song as Requiem. This song is a pretty good intro. The chorus in the song is pretty cool. I like the horns in the beginning and think that this is a song that has a sludge to it. Not sludge metal, but kind of slightly slowed down version of some of their past songs. The bass heavy song reminds me a little of the intro to Save Me.
2. Hail to the King: The intro is pretty cool, when I only heard it as an instrumental. When I heard the vocals it sent this song to the shitter. The more you hear this the better it gets. But, on the other hand, it loses that little magic it had to appeal to it. The intro kind of gets boring, though the vocals aren't as bad. This is just an average song, with nothing special about it. I love this band, but I can't stick up for them with this song at all. Then after discussing this album, as a whole, I gained a new respect for this song. Though this isn't what I wanted, this is still a pretty decent track. Once you learn to overlook the whole weird vocals thing, it's a pretty fun song. Kind of like a Almost Easy or somethings along these lines that follows up the intro track on an A7X album. This is another groove track, just like the last. It isn't high speed, but its tempo is fast enough. I almost feel the tempo this songs at is too simple for Syn. I mean, yes that might be on purpose, but it just seems like it might be too simple. The "hey's" remind me of Critical Acclaim. The solo might be more exciting if it was a little faster, but it fits the way it is.
3. Doing Time: Though this title sucks the music in the beginning is pretty cool. But the "poem" in the beginning isn't really doing anything for me. His singing reminds me a lot of Axel Rose in a song like Bad Obsession or when he uses that type of thing with his voice. This could actually be a Guns N' Roses song, but not an Avenged Sevenfold song. After hearing this song I went to look for what GNR song it reminded me of. This song actually reminded me of Perfect Crime, at first. This song though is much better when you hear the whole context of the album. They wanted to make a raw sounding album like Sabbath or Zeppelin and use their influences. Daft Punk did that with RAM they celebrated their influences of music and did a great job at it, Avenged did the same thing, and I tip my hat to them for that.
4. This Means War: This is a pretty sick song. First time through, I'm not huge on this lyrics or singing. This song could almost be a cover of Sad But True. I'm serious, just listen to this than that (or vice versa) and tell me what you think. Well the only difference is that this song isn't an "gritty" and "rough" as that Sad But True. That song has a type of force behind it that makes it "tough" and a song that can be proudly called a Metallica song. But this song, well, is kind of like a not so "tough" song. Maybe like a side kick. "Batman's" the best and this song is more of a "3rd Robin". (Note: Just take this song with a grain of salt).
5. Requiem: The whole Latin Chant in the beginning isn't cool. The way it sound it just comes off as cheesy. It'd be different if it was cheesy sounding and from 1970 or 1980 at the latest 1990, but this is 2013. Come on! I enjoy the song, but not enough to like it or that it sticks out. After relistening [and meditating with a convo] after a day or two break, I learned the it's sick. I still am not found of the chant in the beginning, but that changes. This is one hell of a dark song, almost evil. I could see, in a movie, this being the part where they are calling upon satan to do as he does. And that prayer kind of makes it a little creepier. The singer's praying to Satan in the song. This song almost drags you to hell and it keeps you down there. This is probably, you could say, their evilist song. And he doesn't even scream on this song. The "In flames" part reminds me a little of one of the parts in The Wicked End. Just the riff in this song is just sick. I just love this, and this song has a riff that's just kind of hard to just have quiet. IT NEEDS TO BE LOUD!!!!! {9/10}
6. Crimson Day: This intro reminds me of like a mix of Fade to Black and Don't Cry. It also reminds me a little of Buried Alive. Now I can see what they were doing on this track. This is like a non-explosive Buried Alive. This song isn't evil, like the others, but it is still pretty great. This is a pretty song, and I love how it's about Matt's son. This is a pretty solid ballad in its own respect. I tip my hat to them for that. I like this more than So Far Away.
7. Heretic: This is probably the sickest song title off this, though there isn't much competition. You know, partially because of the album M produced called Requiem for The Confession back in 2007. This is another CoE (city) track. The part where it goes in to the acoustic guitar arpeggios reminds me a ton of the ending of Turn The Other Way. The verses of this song are just ok, and hard. But the shine of the song is that whole acoustic arpeggio. It even could be compared to something off Waking The Fallen. And that's at just over the halfway mark. The second half, that and the solo, are the best part of the song.
8. Coming Home: Though the riff sounds like a riff that Iron Maiden might use?, I still think this is a solid song. The way each instrument comes in after each other reminds me of Smoke On The Water. The guitars in this song kind of remind me a little of Carry On. There is something that is off about the chorus that pulls me in. Not off in a bad way, but it doesn't sound pretty. It is pretty, but for me, in more of an IFHY way. The solo in the song is pretty sick too. There are parts of the solo that remind me of Judas Priest. There are also parts that I think are just sick in their own respect. {8/10}
9. Planets: This song, when I saw the title, kind of made me think that this song would be like Acid Rain. I didn't know, but the kind of ballad before the ending. I saw "Melancholia" and this song reminds me of it. As my cousin suggested, and in an interview M. Shadows and Syn mentioned that movie for these song. I love that movie, and it's very touching. But this song is just a raw two part ending to the album. This is the albums Sgt. Pepper's Reprise and Acid Rain being A Day In The Life. The prefect book closer to the album. And also it's kind of like the two different perspectives of the inevitable end. "Mother of all, your time is coming". I love how the chorus is three lines, or four, and the first two have a vibe that you want to sing along to, and then the refrain of the tracks title "Planets Collide" is very powerful. The type This Means War was missing. It still has power and he doesn't even scream it. There is power in this album, and it's neat that there isn't any screams. {9/10}
10. Acid Rain: This is is by far the best track. Though St. James reminds me a tad of 4:00 AM this is still a good song. This isn't really an average A7X song. In fact this is a pretty unique song. The lyrics, and strings, and overall vibe bring me to where I went while listening to Perfect Day. This is a beautiful song and makes this album worth at least 2 listens (1 being the first time, two after hearing it again). This song is cool to hear after hearing the entire thing through. This song is much better too if you can imagine what going on, or if you can picture the movie "Melancholia". It's a beautiful movie both visually and message wise, but it makes these two songs even better. I assume the rain is in reference to the title track off 1970's Black Sabbath, but whether they copied it or whatever I didn't even think of that at first. {10/10}

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. After hearing the first track, not Hail to the King, my faith in this album was somewhat restored. I heard this and didn't like it that much. I did some research and had some talks, and I put those perspectives in mind. I needed that to get this. It's actually pretty good. In a way, how Nightmare is dark and a "nightmare" this is just raw and pure Evil.

Fashionably Late [Deluxe Edition] - Falling In Reverse

This is the second album by Falling In Reverse. Now, I loved the hell out of The Drug In Me Is You. I loved it to the point of me buying it the day it came out and listening to it a few time's before I bought it, cuz I was on their mailing list. I didn't realize this at first, but there was a Deluxe Edition. Well I picked it up. It came with a slip case that held the Cd, and a pretty big poster. and two bonus tracks too, and a remix of Rolling Stone.

1. Champion: This song's beginning reminds me of when he was in Escape the Fate. It also kind of reminds me a little of As I Lay Dying. Back on There's No Sympathy For The Dead and Dying Is Your Latest Fashion.
2. Bad Girls Club: Really? This is like a faggy version of Tragic Magic. This is supposed to be cutesy, but it's really not. This doesn't even sound like them. It sounds like a song that would be played on the summer radio. Or, well, shit.
3. Rolling Stone: This song isn't that terrible. I kind of like the beginning. The way the voices are. This song isn't like that last "gay" song. The drums reminds me of the last album. Now I'm not huge on the whole dubstep part of the song, but it's not terrible. I can tolerate it.
4. Fashionably Late: Though the lyrics on this song aren't anything special, this is much better than the other single Alone. That kind of blows. It's the sad truth. With songs like that, how can I keep sticking up for you. This song reminds me of their first album. Kind of like the self titled track of The Drug In Me Is You. It's not half bad. So far, since I'm starting the review and going as I hear the tracks, I hope that the album will be more like this than the next track on the album.
5. Alone: I don't really know what to say about this. Other than it's like a shittier version of Escape The Fate's 2010 Self Titled album. The chorus isn't half bad? :(. I like some rap, but this isn't even trap-rap, it's shit-rap. Let's hope this is like Tattoo.
6. Born to Lead: This song is like, WOW! I can't believe that this track follows Alone. Talk about a makeup track.
7. It's Over When It's Over: I don't know why he want's to be a rapper. I don't think he's that good of an emcee.
8. Game Over: Why?
9. Self-Destruct Personality: This song really doesn't do much for me. I know that it's style is good, but the chorus kind of ruins the song for me.
10. Fuck The Rest: Based of the title this can't be that good of a song. And well,.......... yes :(
11. Keep Holding On: My favorite part of Trapped Like A Fly is the piano part. This song is kind of like that, more or less, but the entire song pretty much. It's really nothing special either. It's better than the last song.
12. Drifter: This starts out like a country song. With the slide guitar and all. And it talks about life on the road. This actually isn't that bad of an album closer.

Here are the deluxe edition bonus tracks.

1. Where Have You Been: This is a pretty heavy, compared to some of the others, song. This could be so much better if it was actually on the album. I think this is a good song. I'm not praising it, but I'm saying it's better than 10 out of the 12 song on the album easily.
2. Goddamn: This isn't as good as the last track, but it's still better than 80% of the album. The math probably works out to more than eighty percent, but still.
3. Rolling Stone (Shy Kidx Remix): This isn't anything special. Trust me, unless you're a fan of dubstep.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. This was a surprise. I didn't really know what to think, I mean look at Alone. Seriously, I don't care if it was a "Joke" or whatever, it sucks. That's being nice about it too. I give him credit for experimenting. But I don't think that what he did everywhere is good. At the end of this review, I think I'm going to Westerner.

Yeezus - Kanye West

This is the new Kanye Cd. I picked this up the day it came out and also Fashionably Late [Deluxe], Random Access Memory, and Sounds of Silence and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Deluxe]. I was waiting for this album, I believe, since the day it was released. Now, after a few listens I believe that I have a decent idea of what I think of this album.

1. On Sight: I think this song isn't very interesting. I know that I do like the way that No Love Deep Web is very minimalistilicism, but that doesn't mean I like when Kanye does it. I do like that sample in the middle though. I think it's the best part of the song. I'm not hating on this song, but I'm not a huge fan of finding out "My Spouse" likes "Chocolate Men". I do like the Judge Joe Brown reference, but that's because I just recently referenced him to something.
2. Black Skinhead: This song reminds me of Marilyn Manson's song Beautiful People. I don't like Manson, but I do like this song. I could almost, beside the whole rapping part, being one of his tracks. There is a part where the beat reminds me a little bit of Come Up And Get It. But more of it just reminds me of Beautiful People. This is an angry song. The more I listen to this song, it kind of loses it's "shock". Even though it wasn't that shocking at first.
3. I Am God: This song reminds me, the beat, a little of Death Grips. Not an extreme amount, but just enough to where I could recognize it. This song is pretty angry. I wonder why he is so angry, and why he chose this album to be this angry. Part of the beat actually reminds me of, like the synth part, some Lil B beats on Myspace mixtape thingy.
4. New Slaves: When I heard this song, I rolled my eyes. Kanye would write a song about this. This song reminds me a little of Death Grips. I like the beat on this song. The soul sample in this song is awesome. I like the way that it leads into that. I know this is a political-esque-type song, but I think it's good that he at least has one political song. The ending to the fade is definitely the best part. Months later like this song a lot more. My biggest complaint is the instrumental punch tthat has no punch to it. If it was stronger then maybe I'd enjoy it more, but you know what ever. And I also like Frank Ocean's part here.
5. Hold My Liquor: The beginning of this song reminds me of The Weeknd. The song I'm thinking of is The Fall. The way the beat is in the beginning, before he starts singing. After the auto-tune is over, I do think this isn't that bad of a song. I think it's kind of cool. I really like the way it is. It kind of has an eerie feeling to it. The music in this is actually pretty. I kind of think it's music where you could think to it. If that makes any sense.
6. I'm In It: I like the Careless Whisper reference. The sample reminds me of how Lil B sampled some of his samples on I'm Gay or Gods Father. Though the latter is a gift from heaven, that doesn't mean I like it when Yeezy does it.
7. Blood On The Leaves: I could see how people might find this obnoxious, but I like it. It reminds me of  808s & Heartbreaks. I'm not huge on the use of auto-tune, but there is something about how Kanye uses it. I'm not saying he is a "God", but I think sometimes his auto-tune is interesting sounding. But the Nina Simone can get a little obnoxious, but yeah. I do like the piano in it; but the rest of the song, beside what I complimented, isn't very good.
8. Guilt Trip: This track is nothing special either. It's actually kind of boring. 
9. Send It Up: Nah
10. Bound 2: This is actually a pretty decent track. This is much better than the last few tracks. This is kind of like a book closer. But what's with the sample that's abruptly cut. :(

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I wish Rubin didn't do what he did. I wondered what theses songs sounded like before they were stripped down. Like Daft Punk's production on Black Skinhead. I wonder what it sounded like before it was stripped. I'm not saying the minimalism, but I think there are other artists who do a much better job at it. This was ok, I don't understand the whole big ordeal about it though. There isn't any question that "I can't handle the noise". I listen to John Zorn, Mr. Bungle, Death Grips, Naked City, Hanatarash and there is other "noise" that I listen to. Even with the new apperciation, I'd only give it nore more than a 6.

The Next Day [Deluxe] - David Bowie

This is the latest, first in 10 years since 2003's Reality, studio album by the "Thin White Duke", "Ziggy Stardust", "The Goblin King" no one other than David Bowie. This is studio number 24, excluding the Tin Machine albums (in which case would probably be 26 then). Whatever the case he announced this album back on his 66th Birthday, earlier this year. I was surprised to hear this. I didn't expect much, but I NEEDED to buy at least one Bowie CD the day it comes out before I die. Now the only CD version they had was the deluxe version. Well I feel like I should explain how he has inspired me. I wrote a fucking concept album, at least the outline and had the songs arranged to it. Not written but I knew what I wanted. But I did it with a very Stardust inspired concept. I also wrote Captin Dave, inspired by Space Oddity, hence Captin "Major", Dave "Tom". And the line in return to space, "funky monkey junkie". This album was produced by Tony Visconti. He produced Space Oddity, The Man Who Sold The World, and some other things for David. Now, finally, This bitch is going up. I also figured, lets get this out of the way so I could do a Bob Seger System review.

1. The Next Day: I wasn't that crazy about this song the first few times I heard it. But after a few listens it kind of grew on me. This kind of reminds me of his 80's music. I don't know why, but it kind of does. But this song doesn't get as exciting with his vocals. Like he doesn't really excite like before. And the chorus of the song isn't really anything special. There is definitely an atmosphere to the song, but it doesn't really get me pumped, or relaxed. I don't think that this song really goes on for me other than just the beginning of the album. NOTE: 10/25/13; This song is one of my favs. I like it more than its original Beauty And The Beast. 
2. Dirty Boys: I kind of like the horns on this song. When I first heard it I thought of Dr. John. The only FULL, that's every track, album I've heard by him is Locked Down. I think it's Ok, but yeah this song totally reminds me of him. I think it's kind of cool that, thus far, there have been different styles. It's not just 17 sound a likes. I'm not saying I'm in love with this song, but I still think its cool. And I like the Japanese sounding thing during the chorus. The more I hear it though, the slicker it gets. If that makes any sense. I could see, maybe, The Thin White Duke singing this song.
3. The Stars (Are Out Tonight): The first time I heard this song was along with the music video. I thought it was odd, but I liked how his past "selves" were there. Just like Where Are We Now?'s music video, which was odd too, I enjoyed them. The only thing is that I wish David sang a little higher. You know, like on some of the older stuff. But it's not the end of the world. I wish the girl's voice "Out Tonight" was a little louder. I didn't pick up on it until I had headphones on. I also like the little "solo" part. Though there isn't really a solo.
4. Love Is Lost: This track hasn't really much for me. I don't know why, but you know, I feel like with more listens it has potential. I think this is a decent track, but it's not having the effect on me that Where Are We Now? has had. I do like the ending of the song a lot, I think it's really cool how it kind of gets epic.
5. Where Are We Now?: I didn't care for this song until I checked out a review of the album. I saw it the day before it came out in America. Consequence of Sound is awesome. I read that they mentioned that if "They could be "Heroes" just for one day" then this would be the next day. Something along those lines. And well then I listened to it again. And I liked it, a lot. From a different perspective  I thought it was like "Where am I now since I've not released an album in a decade". But I was wrong. This song has a bunch of Germany places mentioned. They were right. Now I'm gonna try to talk about myself. I think the keys are pretty and I like how he is singing the song soft. It does kind of remind me a little of "Heroes". This song is a song that I could see someone using for "That Love Song".  You know, when you're in love and you split up. Being a teen I kind of, more or less, know what that feels like.
6. Valentine's Day: I think it's kind of funny that the songs after "Where Is Our Relationship Currently" is Valentine's Day. The holiday for lovers. This song is good, but it's not amazing. There's just something there in this song that keeps me from falling for the track. This song will forever be the track you hear after you hear one of your favorite tracks on the CD to me. This song just seems like its about a boy who isn't very big, and in his "scrawny hand" he holds a Valentine card for someone. He want's to tell someone he love her, but he can't. It's kind of a sad, emotional (for me at least), song. I love the ending I like the "yeah's" and I like the way the song ends. That's a pretty cool sounding solo. It isn't Where Are We or So She but it's one of the best on this album.
7. If You Can See Me: This reminds me of like Earthling or something around that time period. This really reminds me of '90s music my parents used to listen to. I was born in '95. So I had 5 years of the 90's. And the 90's music didn't die in 2000 for my house. I don't think the music was as complex and had so much going on, but it vaguely reminds me of it. I also kind of think of hours..., thought I've never heard that album. I know, I should, but I haven't yet. I don't think this track is anything special.
8. I'd Rather Be High: He mentions something about war, and trading in guns. I think this somewhat relates to the theme on, I'm not 100% sure what song, but I think it's Running Gun Blues off 1970's The Man Who Sold The World. I know as a fact it's on that album, but I'm pretty sure it's that song. But yeah, I don't think anything special of this song either. I'm not knocking it, or the album, its just it hasn't really sparked my interest yet.
9. Boss Of Me: This reminds me a little of Heathen. I don't have a specific reason, but I could see this song being written at that period. Maybe more of less then or the 90's. I like the slap bass in this song, and I think it's cool how it's got this weird first impression on you. This reminds me a little of Dirty Boys too. And the sax reminds me of his glam period. I think the bridge of the song is pretty cool too.
10. Dancing Out In Space: This is like a weird version of Modern Love. It also reminds me a little of Yassassin off 1979's Lodger. The way the vocals are kind of odd, and it has a dance vibe to it.
11. How Does The Grass Grow?: The title of this song reminds me of Zappa's 1979 album Joe's Garage, Vol. II & III and the song He Used To Cut My Grass. Not musically, just title-lley. I really didn't think much of this song, based on the title, but with more and more listens, yes. It's a pretty good song that just needed to "grow" on me. This is a weird, and silly, song. But for some reason I love it. {8/10}
12. (You Will) Set The World On Fire: The way this song starts out I could see it being an 80's Glam Metal band song. It's actually pretty sick. I think that you don't necessarily have to like Bowie, but it is a harder song. Then the chorus reminds me of Never Let Me Down. Which I'm effie on that album, but whatever. This is still a "strong" song on this album.
13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die: This kind of reminds me of doowop. It pretty much is a doowop song. It actually reminds me a lot of One More Minute by "Weird Al" off his 1985 Masterpiece Dare to Be Stupid. There is obviously parts where it doesn't but the main verses reminds me of that song. This is a pretty good song. This is kind of a romantic vibe to it, but the lyrics aren't so romantic. It's kind of angry. I like the drum rolls and the choir in the background. It's a good song. It also, with the backing vocals, reminds me of Still The Same by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and the part where it's the chorus and the female backing vocals come in and say the title of the song. The instrumental outro is pretty cool too.{8/10}
14. Heat: I'm not huge on this title of this song, but what am I gonna do. Call up Davie Jones and complain. No, I couldn't do that because that's stupid. When I first heard this track, I didn't know what to expect. It was one of "those". It actually, with the acoustic guitar buried, reminds me of Pink Floyd's 1977 song Dogs or 1979's classic, more so than the last, Comfortably Numb. This is a very eerie and bone chilling ending to this album.

Then here are the bonus tracks to the album. I'm glad that I got the deluxe version. Just like how I got the special editions of Disarm The Decent, Awakened, Ungrateful, Shadows Are Security, I still need the special edition of the oh so bad Music From Another Dimension.

1. So She: This is the only songs I fell in love with first time through. UGH! This song has actually become a sentimental song for me. I really like it, and it really means a lot to me. This is such a dreamy song. You could get lost in it, kind of like how you could get lost in Perfect Day off 1972's classic glam album Transformer. This though, is more Berlin Trilogy dreamy. Because of the ambience going on with the music. This reminds me a little of the how you could get lost in the "Heroes" album. That is the one, for me, that I think I get the most lost in.
2. Plan: I almost feel like this is a filler, but it's a bonus track?. But I think it's kind of supposed to be an instrumental prelude to the final bonus track.
3. I'll Take You There: This song seems like it's robotic. It's nothing amazing, but it's a decent track. I like the keys on the song. I do really like the part where it's kind of like the bridge. It's pretty sick, but the rest of the song isn't good enough for me to sit through the song to get to it. I just skip to that part.

Overall I have to give this, after much time listening and thinking, a 7.4/10. This album is an album that kind of needs, at least for me, to grow on you. Or you might have to digest it. This isn't a one time love it type of album. I've heard all the songs about a few dozen times and I finally feel I can give a good review. Hence me starting the review the day it came out and it going up today. And that's part of the reason it took forever. But this is a decent album and I'm glad it was released.

El Camino - The Black Keys

This is the seventh album by garage rock duo The Black Keys and I was kind of looking forward to it. It came out December 6th, 2011 (I bought the CD the day it cameout). Albums like that I have conveniently labeled "Bought on day of release". To be honest I wasn't really looking forward to doing this. I've been literally putting this off since February. I'm a lazy bastard, not really, but I'm finally doing this album.

1. Lonely Boy: Either this or Little Black Submarine are my two favorites. The first time I heard this song I liked it. I thought that it was a had this Southern Rock/Blues feeling that you can dance to. I don't know exactly what band it reminds me of but the part where it says "oh oh oh" it kind of reminds me of The Stones in their early 60's days. You know, when they still did a lot of covers. I do though think this song is a song that it's hard not to like. The female vocals help that feeling of the song. I feel like I'm shooting myself in the foot if I say this, but I can picture like the Allman Brothers doing something like this. I don't understand why, but they just come to mind.
2. Dead And Gone: I think that this is a decent follow up to Lonely Boy on the album. I am not huge on this song, but I still like it. I don't know what to think of the little chimes in the intro. I feel like it'd be better without them, but then again it might take away too. You know what I mean. But this is a simple song to get into and an easy on to like.
3. Gold On The Ceiling: I like this song, but I think there is too much synth. Why can't it be more guitar driven or at least more dirty. I feel like this is trying to sound gritty, but it is more poppy than dirty. Like a cleaner version of the grit. What happened from Thickness Freak's title track to Gold On The Ceiling. Do you know what I mean. I do like the little part though where it says "I could never doubt you". I like the way the vocals sound.
4. Little Black Submarines: This song is like their Stairway. The song starts out acoustic and then kind of builds. Then it goes into a White Stripes/Old school Keys/Zeppelin type of feeling when the song goes hard. i with that it was a though. Like there isn't enough of a solo to say it's like Stairway's solo. But the solo is probably realistically based on the solo in the classic Stairway to Heaven.
5. Money Maker: Though I liked this song at first, it kind of didn't "wear off" on me. That actually makes no sense. What I mean to say is it didn't stay with me. I don't really like the chorus. I think that it's actually kind of lame. Not in a terrible way, just in a "they didn't even try" to make it good. This song does remind me of The Black Crows 1990 album title Shake Your Money Makers. I do like the way the Wah-Wah solo sounds. I wish it was more creative though.
6. Run Right Back: This song has a groove to it and it think that it is pretty enjoyable. I don't think that it's AMAZING, but I do like it. I like the way the riff to the song sounds. It is a good song, but I think that it isn't as good as once I thought. I don't like as much as the first time I heard it.
7. Sister: I really never liked this song. I don't exactly know why, but I just never did. I do think that it's a decent song, but I just don't really think this is a Keys song. This might be a stretch, but I could see people roller skating to this song if that ever came back. This has this unapealling Disco vibe to it. I don't hate disco, I really like some of Santa Esmeralda's stuff, and the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack has some good tunes on it. But I much more like Grease, but not side 3 with Sha-na-na. Anyway, I think this isn't a song that they actually wrote, and if they did, shame on them.
8. Hell Of A Season: This is another song that I don't really go crazy for. I think it's kind of like a knock-off, this is my opinion on the song (just to settle the facts), version of Lonely Boy. I don't know why, but I feel like it is just a reworked and messed around version of that song, with different lyrics. The solo is kind of Ok thought.
9. Stop Stop: This song starts out with this distortion that kind of reminds me of an attempt at a Jimi Hendrix sounding tone. But not a good one. This song is a song that is not the band. Damn you Brian Burton. Why'd you ruin this song and other songs on this album too.
10. Nova Baby: This is like a songs that I could see being on a sound track to some popular album. This is more of a novelty song then a blues song. I think it's decent, better than the last couple tracks.
11. Mind Eraser: The riff in the beginning of this song isn't as cool as it was the first time I heard it. I do like the solo at the end, not a ton, but I still think that it's ok. I wish there was more for me to enjoy on this album.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. When I first heard it it would have probably gotten like a 9/10. I used to like this a ton, until I heard some songs off Thickness Freak & The Big Come Up. Back before they teamed up with Danger Mouse. In fact, my least favorite Keys songs that I've heard to date were the ones I heard off 2008's Attack & Release, the first to have Danger Mouse on production. I do remember being told, from a bigger Keys fan then myself, that they feel like they kind of sold out with this record. I don't know, if I listen to this, unless it's front to back thing, I'll probably listen to tracks Lonely Boy, Little Black Submarine. Actually, I almost forgot about Mind Eraser. One of my favorite song by this band is on Brothers called Tighten Up.