Sail Away - Randy Newman

So I am using this month to finish up some albums that can be finished either fast, or are in various stages of completion and are..... Basically I'm cleaning out my draft folder on the site. That doesn't mean I'm shitting out reviews, I am just doing ones I know I don't need to spend as much time on or i have spent the time and just need to type it out. The album I picked first is this. This is the only, besides possibly Trouble in Paradise, Randy Newman record I'll ever review. The reason being I like the title track and Political Science.  That's really the only reason, I guess that and to give this maybe another chance, considering how much I love PS. And honestly, that the only reason to do this review. Oh yeah this is album number 4th studio album.

1. Sail Away: For this record, I feel this to be a great tone setter and terrific open to the record. It's got that wit, and the cynic inside me loves the tone. So basically this song's story is a slave trader talks to the slaves, on the boat, about how great America will be and all the great things that lie ahead. The one thing he decided to leave out, is the fact they won't get any of those opportunities because they are slaves. Kinda dark, he doesn't have an aside or anything, he just withholds that part. It makes you think a bit, I wonder if they actually did that to make the slaves less irritable or more willing to submit. I don't know, and you probably don't either (we weren't there). But still, if a song can make you think, and not about something stupid, Damn! Man I wish I came up with that. The strings on this thing are great and it just feels American, it feels like it could fit in as a Nationalist type song, though it's not really. I don't know, I just know I love it. Also Ray Charles actually did a solid more gospel inspired cover of this tune, which I'm not sure if I prefer to this version, off his 1975 record Renaissance. If I do a review of that I'll go into more detail about the song, on the Ray side of things. 
2. Lonely at the Top: Hahaha, this was written for Sinatra. I do quite like the creeping feeling of this song. There is also a cabaret feeling to the song, if I'm not mistaken. I think this works, unlike that one song... *cough* Who Needs the Young *cough*. I wish I had more to say, but I do quite like this track and think it works for what it is. Plus this is some what smarter than some of the other songs Sinatra would sing. And it doesn't seem that pityful. I mean I like No One Cares and other tracks like that, but look at that cover.
3. He Gives Us All His Love: Originally written for a movie, and I don't think the joke works unless you have the back story. Unlike God's Song or Sail Away this is not as clear what its about. In the movie they were saying this and it was kind of point out the foolishness of believing. I don't really know how to explain it without you looking it up or making it sound like I don't believe in God. I do, but I love this song. It has a very strong standard feeling and I think it should be. While the lyrics are simple its kind of supposed to be. 
4. Last Night I Had a Dream: There is a slide guitar, played by Ry Cooder, present. This is a solid song, but his vocals remind me of what I think he's funny to laugh at. But this is an odd enough rocker that I think if someone else did it it'd be fucking phenomenal. Maybe someone with a larger range of vocals. Really everything else works here. I love the guitar ton, the building feeling and the anticipation I feel in my blood when the song builds to the chorus. This is also a rocker.
5. Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear: This song is about a guy who, by use of dancing bear. There's more to the story, but I feel like this has a sort of fun feeling to the song. The piano playing is very impressive and I like the changes in rhythm. While its not as grand as I could picture it, or rearrange it in my head, it is solid. I'm not completely sold on the track, but I do enjoy it. I really think the worst part of the song is the vocals, there's a part at the end that hurts my ears. Also I guess its a bit of a let down that there aren't other instruments like horns or woodwinds and strings. That would certainly add to the track. 
6. Old Man: I assume this is about an old man or his old man. I think ths song is a pretty sad song, and I has to have some personal meaning to it. There is something in the inflection if his voice where it sounds like a child singing to his father who is on his death bed. Honestly I could see this being a Sinatra, the string arrangement is beautiful enough to be on In the Wee Small Hours or another of his best records/ballads. There is something's very touching about this and the sole piano and vocals for one verse then the next having strings makes it more effective. I read somewhere he said after his father passed, years later, he revisited this song and pictured his father. Its funny because I hvemmave written songs where they either came true or they were more insightful of my ownself than I could have imagined. 
7. Political Science: Quick, straightforward and to the point, possibly Newman's best song. Really, another hit to Americas ego. This is how good Rednecks should be, but it isn't. This song makes me laugh more and more with each listen. There is a sort of Toy Story feeling tie this track, but I like this a lot. I cove the brushes and the horns that are in the background. A favorite part of mine is the Australia part. This really is a phenomenal track and the ending gets big and just works so fucking well. Great, funny, and on point.
8. Burn On: and on and on and on and on and on. This is a very piano oriented in the beginning and it has this weird cabaret feeling to it. Then the other instruments come in and I really like the um pa feeling I'm getting form the arrangement. The string/woodwind/brass arrangement on this is spectacular. Honestly I can't find flaw in it. It really is a fucking great track and I think his vocals even work well for this track. This is a pretty silly feeling song but I am pretty sure there is a son what deeper meaning. Maybe it was a topical song about Cleveland like Baltimore. 
9. Memo to My Son: I am surprised that I would love this thing, but I do. There is a sort of country vibe to this track. I can't exactly point my finger on what to call it but I do quite like it. It has a sort of honky tank piano and a rocking back and forth feeling. Like I could see this being in a movie from the 70s, maybe in a sort of flashback sequence. Or it could be the theme to a TV show about a single dad who has a son. It has a sort of sentimental feeling too it. I don't have a really reason why but I just can. There is also for whatever reason, Eagles pop in my head.
10. Dayton, Ohio - 1903: You know, this title pisses me off. It's not a bad song, it's actually quite sad, but it's also a sort of predecessor to Baltimore. This is a very mellow song and it kind of reminds me of Short People if it was depressed. I don think its that great, but it aint half bad. I could see it being in a movie or something when its someone pondering something maybe. He isn't the greatest player but he is far better than I. 
11. You Can Leave Your Hat On: I never liked this title, that's not saying the sing it self is bad. Just my feelings of the title. There is a sleezy feeling to this song, but I kind of like that. I like guitar in this and the sort of bar band feeling with the piano. Like a sort of piano blues feeling to it. Though I woukdnt say its exactly like Eddie Boyd or someone like that. Its nice and it is not half bad. I like guitar on the track or whatever is playing that sort of motif in the verses. The bass? I don't know for certain but the only real complaint is it goes a bit long for what actually happens in the song and looking at the length of the other tracks. 
12. God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind): Funny idea, but I guess I feel like this is pretty dark. Its kind of like God does these horrific things to us, but we still love him. I understand that its probably pointing out people are foolish but I think its worth pondering. I also think the music is perfect for this and its a great opposition to the opening. The opening was much more cheerful and hopeful, in feeling not message. This is just a dreary and kind of straight forward song. Like it is kind of fucked to imagine like God just doing stuff to fuck with us because he doesn't actually care. I mean I myself don't think people should find value in themselves to the point if them being above someone else, but there is a part of me that makes me feel like yeah. I don't really think God owes us anything. That's a bit of a way off front the song. But the music is phenominal and his singing works very well. A great track that grows with each listen. 

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. I don't care for Randy, his albums are structured in a similar way and his music is very samey. There are some songs here that are okay, but most are average or boring elsewhere in his discography. But the upon meditation, and the cynicisizing (?) of my heart I kind of grew to love this. It's far from the greatest thing ever, but I laugh at it and contemplate what it talks about. It's funny, it's satire, it good. The only negative is these aren't really the definitive versions of some of these songs for me. But the template here is great, and the songs are all solid and have high potential to be re-imagined. I know most of these have been redone or covered in the last 40-50 odd years, but still. This album is great and its got solid song writing, but there are other versions of the songs far more realized. I hope that nukes sense, but ill say this. If I can make something as good as this ill be happy you know. So, yeah, as we all know, Randy Newman's the best. Also as a side note, I think I might do a De La Soul review. I mean I was disappointed by The Chronic and Reasonable Doubt, so maybe their debut will fill that void. But hopefully up next was a surprise favorite of mine from last year. I was not expecting to dig it as much as I did and continue to. 

Part One - The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band

This is the second release by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. I've heard of these guys before but I never really took the time to check them out. Recently (In like 2014) I thought I'd give this cover of Help, I'm A Rock a spin on the ole computer. Needless to say that inspired this entire review and I honestly need someone to know what if feel for the album. I'm not just basing it off a single cover, but that was the inspiration.

1. Shifting Sands: Opening the album we get a track that isn't half bad. I mean it isn't amazing, but it isn't bothering me. This is a pretty decent opening, and you know if you like psychedelic rock I'm sure you'd dig this. My favorite part is the guitar tone, though the sort of waltz feeling beat is pretty nice too.
2. I Won't Hurt You: This is the first track that appeared on the earlier Vol. One from 1966. This opens with a sort of heart beat and a guitar. I mean I get the whole idea of counter rhythms but I think this beat is too loud and over powers everything else in the beginning.I get this is sort of a nice short little number, or transition, but this isn't impressing me. Also when you get to the actual vocals and lyrics......... Well, let's hope the next track is better.
3. 1906: To be honest, at this point, I kind of know where this is going. This isn't horrible, it just isn't impressing me. I feel like this might as well be a loop of it's self.
4. Help, I'm A Rock: This is the real reason I started this review. Why, well this is such an underwhelming cover of this fah-nominal Zappa track of the classic Freak Out!. They didn't do this song any justice and it's, to be as nice as possible, probably the worst Mothers cover I've ever heard in my life. To be honest, I'd try to cover this cover up. :(
5. Will You Walk With Me: Let's just hope the rest of this album does a good job of not letting me revisit the prior track. Opening rather promising, it's not until the vocals come in and to be honest I could see this being a pastiche attempt at making this flower power sound baroque pop on an album like Spinal Tap or something like that. It's pleasent to listen to, but much like some of the new Coldplay record, I won't remember it once it's over.
6. Transparent Day: Oh what a happy tune, this ins't half bad but the vocals are so boring.
7. Leilya: The beginning isn't that great, but that acoustic section that fades in and is over the track is nice. But this isn't anything special. I wish that would have lasted longer.
8. Here's Where You Belong: Another song that is just Okay.
9. If You Want This Love: This track also appeared on 1966's Vol. One. Suprise, this is just okay. To be honest this sounds like it could be a re-write of Love Potion No. 9. And that solo is too short to be awesome.
10. 'Scuse Me, Miss Rose: This ain't half bad in the beginning. It has some promise. To be completely honest, get a different singer, and this would be a keeper.
11. High Goin': That as a decent closer, I was gald when I heard it.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I mean this is pychedelic rock/pop. What do you expect, it isn't anything mind blowing or breathe taking. I'll never revisit this, and really don't care either. I think the best part is the thing that looks like a girl as Bowie on the Hunky Dory cover in that picture. The only difference is she's cute.

Clear Spot - Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band

This is the album seven by Beefheart. This is the follow up from The Spotlight Kid released earlier in 1972. This was released in October and recorded in Autumn of that year. This is a part of his unloved period and I decided why not take a crack at it. I know that TSK wasn't all that bad, so why not do the album that it has since been paired up with on CD reissues of the album. And after this will probably be.... well a surprise. The album was, for commercial reasons, co-produced by Don Van Vliet and Ted Templeman. It was also released in October 1972 on Reprise Records.

1. Low Yo Yo Stuff: This song is kind of cool. It's kind of slick. I think it has a groove to it. It's a good way to start out the album. It has a drive along the lines of Bat Chain Puller. 
2. Nowadays a Woman's Gotta Hit a Man: The drum beat in the beginning of this thing reminded me of Ballroom Blitz by Sweet. Then comes in that harmonica. This song isn't anything special that isn't kind of redundant after hearing The Spotlight Kid. The solos kinda cool in this song. 
3. Too Much Time: This sounds like it could be Beefheart backed by Chicago. Then the female vocals in the background damn, I see how he "denounced" these albums. This is very radio friendly and I could see angering the Trout fans. This is a decent song though that I could play for my mom with few complaints though. 
4. Circumstances: This guitar reminds me of that one commercial in the beginning. Then the harmonica takes over. Then during the normal verses I can honesty say it feels like it never quite lined up, but that drum roll. I think that's kinda cool they did that, and love the guitar distortion. The harmonica reminds me a little of Bat Chain Puller. I really like the drum roll part. 
5. My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains: The best part of this song is definitely the vibes. Other than that little thing that reminds me of Ruth than there isn't really much positive I can say. In all 100% honesty based off this album, and this song, this is the type of artist I'd only listen to the album once and probably never regret never hearing it more than once. Forgot to mention that The Tubes covered this in 1977 on their album Now, which Don also plays on the track Cathy's Clone.
6. Sun Zoom Spark: This is a little more colorful with the vocals, bass, and cowbell thing. The cowbells keeping the rhythm of the song, and this song is more in the vein of Circumstances. It's interesting, but probably because its on this album were there isn't much to keep one's interest. 
7. Clear Spot: The title track, and well I  don't know what to say. After 7 tracks deep I can't say much good about this LP. The chorus is kind of cool when it sounds "bad" and out of sync. I like that, and that beeping in the background. I also like the guitar and bass. I like it, not love. 
8. Crazy Little Thing: This song could be a cover of Funk #49, but with female backing vocals in the track. I'm literally not kidding on the sound, the solo is neat up against the James Gang idea, but yeah, it's charm might only last so long. To be honest, this is the only track I'm keeping thus far. 
9. Long Neck Bottles: This song is pretty epic power chords in it that remind me of 21st Century Schizoid Man or some other where it has a powerful strum. Won't Get Fooled Again is another example, though I can't quite pick what song it reminds me of exactly. This album is starting to pick up its slack. 
10. Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles: This is kind of pretty, it's got a neat acoustic arpeggios that kind of remind me of Spanish flamenco music. This is a decent track, definitely one of the best here. Part of it reminds me of Dear Prudence. 
11. Big Eyed Beans from Venus: The guitar is pretty current sounding. The mix I'm listening to sounds like what a blues guitar sounds like today. I do think its neat this is kind of heavy, like conventionally heavy. This gives me hope for his other hated albums, there are hidden gems in the rough. I can tell I'll love this [track] with a few more listens. 
12. Golden Birdies: This seems like an outtake from a more ambitious Captain. The guitar and marimba harmony is just great. It is also in that Zappa vein. Possibly he best song here on The Clear Spot.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. Damn Capt why did you do this to me. There isn't much for me to say about this thing. I know it was headed in a more commercial direction, but you kind of have up your personality in the process. Don't worry, I actually am a fan, just not huge on these ones. Though it starts to pick up towards the end. PS figured get the bad ones off my iPod first. Oh yeah, it's only this high because of the second half. Oh yeah, Roy Estrada and Art Tripp from The Mothers played on this album.

The Spotlight Kid - Captain Beefheart

This is the, in his lifetime, only album credited to a sole Captain Beefheart. This followed the more mature Trout Mask the 1970 album Lick My Decals Off, Baby. (Note in 1971 Mirror Man was released, but that's hardly an album, it's of outtakes from the 60's). This is a HUGE change of pace from Lick My Decals. By a more mature Trout Mask Replica I meant it's even odder and more developed. It's Aladdin Sane is to Ziggy as Decals is to Trout.

1. I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby: The way this song is it reminds me, vaguely, of Ice Cream For Crow. I do like the growl vocal thing he's doing. That also reminds me of Boris The Spider. This is a slick song. It's pretty easy to listen to compared to Trout, as called by the BBC1 Doc I saw, or Lick My Decals. He does do a Beafheartian vocal, but only vaguely. If the entire albums like this, it won't be that terrible.
2. White Jam: This reminds me of Blue Jeans & Moonbeams. This is a, kind of, pretty song. At least in the beginning. This song has, in his voice in the beginning, some muffin remnants of She's Too Much For My Mirror. You can use your white jam all you want. As long as its not Raspberry Jam, because Lone Star already has that taken Don. 
3. Blabber 'n Smoke: This is actually a great track. I really was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I like this songs title. This song has a drive to it. I also like the way he sings this song. I think the xylophone sounding instrument is cool. I saw the Family Guy the other day where Louis models. The part when she "plays" her ribs cuz she's so skinny. It's at the end of the episode. Regardless, that reminded me of that. But I also like how it's kind of weird.
4. When It Blows Its Stacks: You can always expect bizarre, I did that on purpose, song titles on Beefheart albums. I love that though. This track isn't as good as the two it's between, but that's ok. This song is solid. I like the crunch of the guitar in this song. 
5. Alice in Blunderland: I like the title to this track. I think it's pretty cool. This is an instrumental, featuring that xylophone I was mentioning before. But get this, there's a Zappa-esque guitar solo in this track. It's really cool hearing this. Damn!, and this goes by too fast. This could be part two of the previous track. The melody could actually be a Zappa melody. This could be one of his songs from the Zappa / Mothers period, from '73-'75. This is a great song. It's cooler though as a follow up from the last track. 
6. The Spotlight Kid: The title track to this LP comes in the middle. Though this album is technically slower and simpler, that doesn't mean there isn't anything happening. Like on this track, it's odd. This seems like he found that xylophone and tries to use it as much as possible. (I've done that before). Also I  do like how the instruments do play the same notes. It sounds sick. 
7. Click Clack: This song has a harmonica and is fast. It's kind of upbeat and exciting. But at the same time it's kind of overwhelming. That's whats great about him. Lots of his songs make you feel confused. I like the train vibe to it and also the megaphone thing he did. 
8. Grow Fins: A great box-set of outtakes and live recordings Beefheart songs is named after this track. I like this track too. The lyrics in this song are ok. I think that this is a good track too. I don't really know how to describe it different from any of the other tracks. This song has a type of like island thing I'm imagining. Kind of, but that's just me.
9. There Ain't No Santa Claus on the Evenin' Stage: As the title suggests there are sleigh bells in the song. This is an odd track. I could see this being on Shiny Beast. Though this is easy to listen to, it has that weird guitar slide thing Don loves. I like the "ho ho ho's" in the song. It's kind of funny. And it's not too long. It's a pretty quick track too. 
10. Glider: This closes the album. I'm glad I'm finally getting this up. This track kind of drags for me, but that probably because its almost over. 

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. For a more commercial direction this ain't that bad. This is "slower" (in terms of tempo) and "simpler" (in terms of performance) but still good. I'd suggest this to people who aren't, and probably never will be, into avant-garde. Blame the sound on his wife, she contributed in writing (she's credited at least). The album gets better as it progresses. Art Tripp and Elliot Ingber both play on this album.

¡Tré! - Green Day

I have done Green Day's ''trilogy'' albums ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and now ¡Tré!. The last two I wasn't huge on. I wasn't expecting to love, or even like this one. I'm not being debby downer, but I didn't expect much of this. Also I think that I'm just gonna try to do 5 a month. I want to do 10 a month, but I'm gonna at least get 5. This is also the longest of the 3, at 44 minutes. the second longest, is the first and it's 41, and the second is 36.

1. Brutal Love: This song starts out with arpeggios. It kind of sounds like a lullaby. This song kind of fits Christmas, December time. This isn't anything special, but I do like that they have horns in this song. It's nicer than "Kill the Fucking DJ". If if was on the radio I might leave it to hear it.
2. Missing You: This just sounds like a song from one of the last two. Maybe more so ¡Dos!. I don't think this is anything that I'd probably want to listen to just by choice. So to say
3. 8th Avenue Serenade: This song reminds me of ¡Uno!. But at the same time this doesn't really sound like Green Day to me. The lyrics might be more like "adolescent" but, I'm a Youth and I think that he kind of should sing about more mature stuff.
4. Drama Queen: This song isn't that bad, but it's too mellow to be Green Day.
5. X-Kid: I don't know.... ewh.
6. Sex, Drugs & Violence: I hope this song isn't as ''cool'' as it's title, that'd be mind blowing. This is a stupid song title. I don't know, whatever. I'm kind of spacing out a little. I kind of just want this to be over. :(
7. Little Boy Named Train: ..............
8. Amanda: Billie really has something for naming songs after girls who's names start with A or something. This is better than the last few.
9. Walk Away: The riff reminds me, a little in the beginning, of Sweet Jane by The Velvet Underground off, I believe, 1968's? Loaded. This song isn't horrible, but maybe that's just the Sweet Jane in my head.
10. Dirty Rotten Bastards: This song title reminds me of Johnny Cash's song Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog off, the only album that I know that it's off, Folsom Prison. FUCK NO! IT"S 6 MINUTES LONG!!!!!! This song isn't so bad at the start. It kind of has a little of the same feeling as Brutal Love. And the tempo changed. :) The Bass riff :), by far, on these three albums, the closest to Green Day I think I've heard. :) This song kicks ass. {8/10} :)
11. 99 Revolutions: This song isn't a let down, its just a "¡Dos!" ahahahahaha!
12. The Forgotten: This isn't that bad of a song either. The piano is actually pretty cool. It's like their version of Let it Be.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. I don't like hating on this band, but I just wanted to give them chance. I'm not a hating on Green Day, I just want to be able to say that they have a few songs that I like, beside the few off Dookie. I kind of think that, along with almost every 80's heavy metal band, time to throw in the towel and call it quits. Track 10 & 12, maybe there's a ray of hope.

¡Dos! - Green Day

I think it's actually pretty funny. Why may you ask, we'll I forgot about the release date of this album. I went to pick up the Trilogy and Music From Another Dimension! and I see the new Green Day album, titled ¡Dos!. It is also the second of three albums coming out between September, 2012 and January, 2013. I did the review of the last one ¡Uno!, and I will probably do one of the next one ¡Tré!

1. See You Tonight: This is the intro to the album. It's like a minute and a half long. This song kind of reminds me a little of Sublime. Like on the 1998 compilation Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends.
2. Fuck Time: Really?
3. Stop When The Red Light Flash: This song wasn't so bad, it kind of reminds me of Know Your Enemy off 2008's 21st Century Breakdown.
4. Lazy Bones: This is a decent song. I has this surfy vibe that I'm getting from the song. That might just be me, but that's kind of what I'm getting from this song. It also reminds me of These Animals EP.
5. Wild One: This song reminds me of a Weezer type of song. This is an Ok song. I could see it being on The Blue Album. So far this thing isn't pissing me off like the last one. Either that of Them Animals.
6. Makeout Party: I didn't really think anything special of this song.
7. Stray Heart: I could see this song being in a Christmas movie. The song's bass line totally reminds me of Jet's 2003 hit Are You Gonna Be My Girl, off Get Born.
8. Ashley: I actually couldn't tell the difference between this song and the next song.
9. Baby Eyes: This is a song I could see being in a Tony Hawk Pro Skater.
10. Lady Cobra: This song is another song I could see being in that game
11. Nightlife: This song is way different from the other songs. It has a vocal distortion on it making it sound more ';psychedelic''? There is also a girls voice. I think they were going for a dance floor song.
12. Wow! That's Loud: This is another song I could see being a Christmas song.
13. Amy: This song has like finger picked at the beginning. I think it's probably a song that most comparable to These Animals. This song isn't that terrible. I'm not crazy about it, but I think it's ok. It also has that Christmas vibe.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. I don't like hating on this band, but I just wanted to give them chance. I liked this, but I flew by. Not in a goodway, but more of in a this is kind of boring way. I am going to do the next album though.

¡Uno! - Green Day

This is the new Green Day album, titled ¡Uno!. It is also the first of three albums coming out between September, 2012 and January, 2013. I did this review, thought I'm not a Green Day fan, but because I knew it would be a quick review. And also I could check this new album out. This album was produced by Rob Cavallo. That guy also did Eisley's 2005 full length Room Noises, and Paramore's 2009 Brand New Eyes.

1. Nuclear Family: This album, thus far, isn't that bad. I don't really like or dig it, but It's not terrible. It's Green Day. It's Ok, I'm not obsessed with it. I don't think it's anything special.
2. Stay The Night: So far on this album this is more quiet than the Green Day I know. The one I know is more Punky, this is more like a 90's album, not really punk, but more like. I don't exactly know how to explain it. It's more toned down. It actually kind of reminds me a little of The Cure.
3. Carpe Diem: This song is, I could picture these songs being on the radio. But even if they weren't Green Day songs.
4. Let Yourself Go: This song starts out sounding a little like the song Highway Star off 1972's Machine Head by the legendary Deep Purple. I don't think the "Fuck" in this song is necessarily needed. But this song is louder and faster than the past 3.
5. Kill The DJ: This is such a stretch. This isn't really anything I could have pictured them doing. I guess it's a kind of funny song. But It's not at the same time. I think that it's a decent. But "Shoot The Fucking DJ". Seriously. :(
6. Fell For You: This song didn't really make up for the kind of disappointment from the last song.
7. Loss Of Control: WHY DO YOU SWEAR. ONLY SWEAR IF IT MAKES A FEELING OR BRINGS A POINT ACROSS. I LIKED YOU SWEARING ON AMERICAN IDIOT MORE THAN ON THIS! Songs like this ruin the power of a curse word.
8. Troublemaker: I could see this being a Weezer song. It's funny, they have a song titled Troublemaker off 2008's The Red Album.
9. Angel Blue: I'm not even going to take this song seriously. "Fucking"
10. Sweet 16: If he swears then I think that I might tune the rest of this album out. This song kind of reminds me of These Animals. Actually, this whole album reminds me of These Animals EP. That song wasn't terrible.
11. Rusty James: This song could be a song that some New York indie band made.
12. Oh Love: This is the last song. I don't care for this one much.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. I feel like I will probably give any album by these guys that. I didn't really enjoy this, but I didn't not. I didn't really hate it. I read about this album, and what Billie Joe said about this album and he said that they were going for more of a Early Beatles and something else kind of sound. I can see that, in a way. But I don't like it because of that. Billie needs to wash his mouth out, or at least know how to swear for emotional reasons. Curse words are supposed to being forth an emotion. He didn't even come close to even showing an emotion with that word. Listen to Avenged Sevenfold's title track to the 2010 album Nightmare. It's not you're nightmare "Its Your Fucking Nightmare". There is emotion brought with the way he delivers that, but not Billie. It's almost like it wouldn't make a difference if he even swore or not. 

Harakiri - Serj Tankian

This is the third, and first album of four that were planned to be released by Serj, solo album by Serj Tankian lead singer of System Of A Down.  I'm not a huge fan, currently, of System of a Down. I can't really say I've given them a chance though. Part of the reason for that is that most of the fans, that I know, are "losers". Not all fans, just most that I know. Now that really doesn't attract me to a band. But after hearing about this album coming out back last April via Rock It Out Blog. Then I heard Figure it Out and I really wanted to get this album after hearing that song. Well I'm sick of not posting, so I'm going to post a review every day for the next 7 days, and then do Elliott Smith's sophomore self titled 1995 album that was released on July 21st on my birthday.

1. Cornocopia: This song kind of remind me of Paramore. And I think that this is a good way to start the album. This song has this cool style that reminds me of either 2005's All We Know Is Falling or 2007's Riot. Listen to some of the songs on either of those and tell me if you agree with the style of the song.
2. Figure It Out: This song is fast paced and just a sick song. I love the way that he sings this song, and then the verses sound sick. The double bass in the song at the verses, that sound like he has he has a radio that he's talking through. It reminds me of Mike Patton of Faith No More, my 6th favorite band, and Mr. Bungle, my 3rd favorite band, among others. The part right before the solo, is really cool. This is a good example of how solos don't have to be over complicated to be cool. Another example of that is Coffee & TV by blur off their March 1999 album titled 1999. {9.5/10}
3. Ching Chime: I think that this song is kind of funny the way that he says Ching Chime. I don't exactly know why, but I think its humorous. The chorus to this song is also cool. I don't like this song as much as Figure It Out but I still do like it. The more I have heard this the more I like it. This has this Japanese type of feeling to it going on. This is a solid song. I like the electronics going on to. One thing though, I wish I was a little shorter. No big ordeal, but I just kind of wish it was.
4. Butterfly: This song isn't exactly like Figure it Out but its more fast than the last track. I like that it isn't slowing down after the 2nd song. This song is interesting. Maybe because of the title Butterfly but this song brings to my mind the Pinkerton album cover. This doesn't really sound like Weezer but the name of the title does. Serj kind of reminds me of Frank Zappa for the fact that he speaks his mind and is kind of "vulgar" about it. Example he says, in this song, "We are being sacrificed by our own suspicions, we are being sodomized by repetitions." I respect that about him.
5. Harakiri: This song is, from what I heard, a SOAD type of song. This is kind of a slower song. But that's kind of whats neat about it. I think that this is a pretty song. The lyrics to this song are also really kind of touching along with the music. This kind of remind me of the quieter parts of the song I Won't See You Tonight Prt 1 by Avenged Sevenfold's 2003 sophomore effort Waking the Fallen. This also, for some reason, reminds me, at the "choruses" of Paramore. I don't know why, but I do. This is a really cool and pretty song. And the song ends with just piano. So kind of like a reverse I Won't See You Tonight.
6. Occupied Tears: This reminds me of the new Linkin Park album Living Things. Now I've never really been interested in Linkin Park, except What I've Done, because of Transformers and Bleed It Out, and No More Sorrow. Beside that I could care less. So I gave that Living Things a chance, its pretty damn good. This song kind sounds like it might fit on that album. There is a little cabaret style part in the song. And it, lyrically and feeling wise, reminds me of Weird Al's single Christmas at Ground Zero off his 1986 Polka Party!. The ending reminds me of Living Things too.
7. Deafening Silence: This song starts out with a pretty acoustic guitar arpeggios being finger picked. Then theses electronics come in. This song, more than the last, makes me feel like it could be on Living Things. Its kind of uncanny to me about how much it would fit on there. He even kind of raps at a part in the song. He sings along with a woman and its touching, like the song Castle of Glass.
8. Forget Me Knot: I really like this song. This is a piano driven song. More of a ballad. This song is basically a power ballad. This song is a really good and sweet song. I really like the fact that he kind of makes this louder and more intense at the chorus.
9. Reality TV: This song, like Deafening Silence starts out with acoustic guitar finger picks and electronic sounds in it. One of then kind of sounds like Safety Dance but you really have to listen for it. Like REALLY HARD AND HAVE THAT IN MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I think that the lyrics to this song is kind of true. I think that the lyrics are funny. I don't think that I can say that not often enough.
10. Uneducated Democracy: The song to start the wrap up is a fast paced song. This is a fun song that got me pumped for the final song. The lyrics are true to. I think that this is a solid song to. I think that this is probably going to be a good music video. I like the way the chorus sounds and the pre-chorus sound almost a sick.
11. Weave On: This song is a total, for me, Paramore-esque song. This song is a really good and I think that it's a good way to end the album. This song sound like everything fits together perfectly. This also reminds me of Beelzebub (The Final Showdown) by Tenacious D off the 2006 soundtrack to The Pick of Destiny. That is one of my favorite songs ever. Later on in the song there is a part where he is singing along with the bass and drums and this, what I think is, a trumpet. 

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. This was a surprise to me that I enjoyed it so much. I never would of thought that I like this as much as I did. Though this album kind of progressively slows down and gets more electronic, it gets almost "better". All I can really say is that this is a solid album and you should check it out for yourself. Also the 1st bonus track is really silly. and the second one is pretty cool.