Never Turn Your Back On A Friend - Budgie

This is my first review of 2015. Now I didn't know what to do with this month. To finish almost complete reviews from last year, to just do them as I listen, or wait. Well.... This third album by the UK's hard rock group Budgie. This was released in June 1973 on MCA Records and was produced by the group themselves. Immediately when I see the cover I know Roger Dean did it. Another thing I know right off that bat is I'm diggin' these song titles. Whenever I hear that name I think of the line, in the Flight of the Conchord's song Leggy Blonde "I had a budgie, but it died. I like pie". I was asked to review this by a friend, who's blogger is here, back last year. Actually it's been at least a year. I think it was in February he asked me. Regardless, after finally getting a copy to listen to, I bring to you, Never Turn Your Back On A Friend (how fitting a title) by Budgie. 

1. Breadfan: This is a track that is probably most famous for being on Garage, Inc., a compilation which was basically a covers double album. It contains B-Sides and newly recorded tracks from '84-'98. That aside let's get to this song. This has the classic, thought not as powerful as on the later higher clearer Metallica cover. The singer actually sounds like a woman singing. It sounds like Janis Joplin singing this. The drum beat in the version I'm listening to is the clearest thing. But it's one solid thing. I'm diggin' the solo and love how it turns into a completely different song with the pretty acoustics. I love the whole entire acoustic section and love the way it sounds with this production. Then it goes back to the head. At over 6 minutes this is a promising opens {7/10}
2. Baby Please Don't Go: I don't think there is a blues based group that hasn't covered this song. From AC/DC in the 70's to Aerosmith in '04 I could go on and on, and that's off the top of my head. Digging this bass tone, and also the cries in the intro. I also like the gutiar's crunch which would probably be beautiful on vinyl. My only real complaint is it's 5:30 minutes long. If it was 3 it'd be a lot better.
3. You Know I'll Always Love You: I like the acoustic opening to this album, and it's a very pretty song. It's kinda mesmerizing. This is a great song, but I feel like this could be a better example of a fresh breath of air if the first track didn't  have that acoustic middle section.
4. You're the Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk: Killer drum fill opening. This is a pretty rocking track. I do enjoy this, and the other songs, it's just there is music that I've heard like this so many times before this isn't as enjoyable as it could have been. Thought I do really like that change in tempo with the bass "riff" and the part where it sounds like Uriah Heep. Actually I could have just done with that later half of the song.
5. In the Grip of a Tyrefitter's Hand: Honestly I don't have anything else to say here, solid song, solid playing... it just. It reminds me a little too much of Judas Priest's early stuff to get excited by it. It'd rather listen to a fuller more developed sound vs a trio. Also I think it's kinda long, thought the ending is pretty solid. I really like the drums at that part.
6. Riding My Nightmare: This song is very very pretty. It almost doesn't fit what was just happening. But again, I feel like they did a "hard rocker, ballad, hard rocker, hard rocker, ballad, hard rocker" and so on. It's very predictable and I've never listened to this before in my life. To be honest, if this is the same singer as the rest of the album, this is what his vocals are fit for most. I'd love this song, it's just I predicted it.
7. Parents: I'm guessing this to be a hard rocker. But it's 10 minutes long, so don't forget to add in an acoustic or softer part. It starts out rockin', not quite hard rockin', but rockin'. Then goes into a softer more acoustic oriented part for the first verse. It picks up for what appears to be the chorus, but still. To be completely honest, I feel like if Priest were handed this song Rob would sing this thing until it became his submissive. I am digging the squeals in the solo though. This is kind of too long for how mellow it is. I mean the solo doesn't take it out of this mellow ness. Mabye my copy is bad, but if it isn't then ....... Listen to the song The Messiah Will Come Again by Roy Buchanan for a better version of what they were going for in this track, a far better. The 1972 version is probabyl closer in production, but it doesn't really matter.

Overall I have to give this a 7/10. To be honest, beside the hard rocking parts and the acoustic variation parts, there wasn't much else here for me. This wasn't that adventurous of an album for me. It could have been an album that influenced bands like Metallica and possibly to a lesser extent maybe Megadeth but outside of the inner circle, there isn't anything that I would really return to here. To be honest, there was lots of things here I've heard before by Priest, or at least remind me of them. I'd rather listen to their original albums than this.

Santa Dog - Residents, Uninc.

Since Christmas is tomorrow I decided to indulge myself. In a good, and great way. I've been listening to this group a ton lately and even watched the Demons Dance Alone DVD today. Tomorrow, or later on tonight, I might watch Eskimo. Well anyway, this is the debut release by The Residents. At the time of the release, had yet to be named. Each track was credited to a different artist, in a kind of sampler-esque way. It was released as two 7" vinyl records. I recognize the name Arf & Omega from Vilness Fats, which is also mentioned in the liner notes this is "from" that film which is "coming soon to a theater near you". For those who don't know the move was never released, and was never finished. This was sent out to some hundred people and legend has it, it was sent back by Richard Nixon. "The Residents" name thought, came from a similar thing but it was the Warner Brothers album that was sent back to "The Residents". I could go on forever, espically since I've read up lately on the Pre-sidents history.

1. Fire: This track is credited by Ivory & The Braineaters and written by Wanda Play. The song starts out with an awesome bass riff and the words "Santa Dogs a Jesus Fetus". For being "failed movie makers" this song is very fleshed out. I mean it's great and for two minutes there's quite a bit that happens. I love the backing vocals; and I also love how it's has three parts before it returns to the head, so to say. Trust me, you wont be able to get this out of your head.
2. Explosion: This track is credited by The College Walkers. Unlike the last track, most people might want to skip this after the quote in the beginning. This song opens with a quote from Jingle Bells, but it sounds like Jingle Bells from Hell. Well, at least by 1972 standards. This really sounds like an explosion, and I love the strings in this track.
3. Lightning: This is a track credited by Delta Nudes. This opens with whisteling and seems friendly enough. The music on this is reminicent of their later 70's electronic music, before turning into something off Fingerprince. Then a guy comes in and starts talking in a very Residents simple way. Except it sounds like its on a megaphone, then an epilouge that reminds me a little of maybe an early version of Not Available's ending.
4. Aircraft Damage: This is by Arf & Omega with guests The Singing Lawnchairs. The song starts out with this march type vibe. Then some vocals come in. For whatever reason the singer on this track reminds me a little of Eddie of Flo & Eddie. I don't know why, but he does. Later it's a very well assembled musique-concrete type piece that I wish I could assemble this well. At least that's the feeling I'm getting parts sound backwards and forwards. The Singing Lawnchairs sound like they are singing backwards.

Overall I have to give this double single a 9/10. There is nothing wrong with this, and if you don't like it it's only like 15 minutes long. This is a great way to start off such an amazing legacy, and it sounds like they got their stuff together. I love this, my biggest problem was I didn't get a copy back in 1972.

MellowHigh

This is the debut release by MellowHigh. All but the 12th track were produced by Left Brain, the other was be Hodgy. I've already heard the album, and I didn't care much for it, but I figured I needed a review and this is a qucik one to do you know.

1. Goon'n: The beginning of this song vaguely reminded me of Echoes by Pink Floyd. Then when the song actually starts it sounds more like kind of cheesy electronic music from the late 90's or early 2000's. I mean it's ok, it doesn't sound like anything I couldn't find in other places.
2. Air: This sounds, instrumentally, an interlude from the Kardashians. Actually if this was less agressive, or less on this could be a Lil B instrumental. I've heard this album twice and I have to say this might be my favorite song
3. YU: This is anothe just Ok song, I mean there isn't really much to say in my opinion about his.
4. Extinguisher: I do enjoy the Arnold references, and think they have a solid flow through the song. Also this song is kind of long, I wish it was a minute or so shorter.
5. Nobody: ......... Well this is the first time that I can say I don't like, at all, the chorus of the song.
6. Self Titled: ......
7. Troublesome: uh
8. Get'n Drunk: I hope this track gets pretty deep for me.
9. Roofless:The opening line is how I'm feeling about this album at this point.
10. HighLife: This track features two rappers, Curren$y and Smoke DZA. This sounds like they sampled
11. Cold World: This track features Remy Banks and Earl. I've never heard of the former.
12. Cigarillo: Cigaro cigaro cigarooooooo
13. Remix: This track features Tyler. Maybe Tyler can help me like this song, you know just to get through that album.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. It starts out pretty good, but as it goes it starts to drag and I loose intrest. I'm not saying they are bad, but the best released by miles I've heard so far are Wolf, Bastard and Earl. Maybe there should have been more features to keep my mind off these repetitiveness of the flows and what not.

Everything Will Be Alright In The End - Weezer

Following the pattern of the last review I did, this is the first review review of a band since March 2012. I did for these guys since This is the latest Weezer album, number 10, and to be completely honest after Pinkerton I have no interest in them at all really. This is their first in 4 years, since 2010's release of two albums Hurley and Death to All False Metal. This was also produced by Rick Ocasek, you know of The Cars.

1. Ain't Got Nobody: This opens the track and is kind of heavy, but I don't like that I can barely hear the vocals in the track. This song didn't do much for me the first time, but maybe it may grow more over time.
2. Back to the Shack: This riff reminds me a little of The Stripes. But the lyrics defiantly remind me of Weezer. This seriously sounds way to much like El Scorcho mixed with Beverly Hills. The latter of which was a terrible song back when it came out and I remembered it being played. I do enjoy the bridge, and the solo. The solo reminds me a little of, in the very beginning, blur.
3. Eulogy For A Rock Band: To be honest, this isn't that bad of a song. Thought I don't like the vocals mixing. But part of the reason is because the singer doesn't sound like Rivers so much, and that is a nice change for me.
4. Lonely Girl: She's a lonely little girl. And outside of that joke, there isn't much here for me to discuss.
5. I've Had It Up To Here: Few.... I thought for a second this was gonna turn into Pharell's idea of funk. "I'm a Hunter". I do like the synths on this track and like the change in the tempo. Kind of like how I really liked the song Dirty Rotten Bastards off Green Day's last album ¡Tré!.
6. The British Are Coming: I really like the bell that flows between the tracks and I like the intro to this track. The whole track is pretty great in a Across The Sea way, minus the chorus. That is just proof of why Weezer need a direction change.
7. Da Vinci: This is a country feeling song, mainly because of the whole.... DAMN IT!!!! Why do they always use the same exact chorus for every song!!!!!!! I mean when they do that it's like an erection. Let me explain, when you get excited you know what happens. Well what happens when you see something that's a turn off.... it just goes down and doesn't come back. It's gone, it's lost forever and isn't coming back (at least in the song length). Best analogy ever.
8. Go Away: "and leave me on my own"?. This track features Bethany from Best Coast on vocals and I like how she contributes. It's a different voice than River's right, but this song is still just.... Weezer is The Rolling Stones of the 90's.
9. Cleopatra: This is a change of pace, it sounds like a Dylan-esque track but more current. Ah, well at least the chorus isn't so overwhelmingly reused. This is a nice song though and I do give them props. While I don't love it it's by far one of the better songs here. The guitar solo hidden in the background and that whole part is great, the only thing is I don't like the lack of air at the "5, 10, 15 20" part. The solo is pretty great too here. {7.5/10}
10. Foolish Father: The part I like is the pre-solo and the solo. I really like the what sounds like string swells, but still it's too claustrophobic, or vice versa, for me. This was another decent track.
11. I. Waste Land: This is the first of a three part song, and I'm looking forward to this ambition. But this sounds very progressive rockish. The guitars in the intro drag me in. Pretty great track and by far the best here. Actually it kind of feels like The Black Parade's intro track. {8/10}
12. II. Anynomus: Finally, a piano ballad that isn't a let down. This track sounds like a outtake from the Black Parade. But sadly, they use the famous vocals, they song is so good and have so much potential, but it's just couldn't the drummer or someone else have sang lead. That really too me out of the song and it's hard for me to come back in. Though the maturation on these last three tracks is what Weezer needs. They're like in their 30's or 40's. Time to stop playing around and get serious, and just because you change sound doesn't mean you can't kid. Just don't use the formula you've been using foever. I also like last part of the song. It's awesome parts get {8/10} others get a {7/10}.
13. III.  Return to Ithaka: I like the harmonies of the guitars here, this reminds me a little of something Blur might do. The song just makes me wanna see if their next album will sound anything like the good tracks here. Also love the sweeps

Overall I have to give this album a 7.0/10. Nerd culture is a joke, but that doesn't mean I don't like Weezer's Blue and Pinkerton albums. While there are some high points on this album, I don't think this is anywhere near as good as those two album. That being said, I don't want to compare other albums.... if their next album pushes their comfort a little more then I'll probably like it even more. And write another chorus PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! Also if you wanna get into 90's music get into their first two albums, Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Nirvana (minus Nevermind), anything Blur, Radiohead I can't think of anything else right now.

The Gold Experience - O(+>

Wow it's been over two years since I did a review of The Purple One. This is the 17th studio album by Prince, first to be with the Love Symbol title, released in September 1995. Thought this follows the album released in July 1995 titled Symbolic Beginnings, with recording from 1977ish from the 94 East band. Then you had November 1994's The Black Album (note The Gold Exp was originally named the Gold Album) which was originally intended for release in December 1987, so in reality his last album before this was August 1994's Come. That album is just..... Not very good. But you know, I've already heard this thing too, and sadly it lives up to the follow up for Come.

1. P. Control: Pussy Control, for a title like that you know of expect it to be a good track, but sadly, it doesn't reach any expectation of mine. This song opens with a woman talking in Spanish (?) but Prince raps in this track, and honestly I like the International Lover reference, but still this track would fit snugly on the Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. This track reminds me a ton of Tick Tick Bang.
2. NPG Operator (Segue 1): This I guess sets the theme or tone or concept for the album. I guess after she says the word "come" a sample from the song Come appears until the end of the track.
3. Endorphinmachine: This has the energy (esp the end of this track) of Let's Go Crazy, but doesn't hit that high. I do like the rhythm on breakdown part. Other than that part and Prince's scream there isn't anything that sets this apart and makes it great. I also wish that peaceful part would last longer.
4. Shhh: This track, unlike most of the album, dates to June 1992 (but was rerecorded in 1994) because of it's original use for Tevin Campbell. The little kid who dances around and sings Round And Round. That was a song that kind of pissed me off because it was kind of annoying. This is a very appropriate title for this track. It's a kind of slow jam that it very 90's to me. Thought I do like when it picks up and kind of plays harmony notes together right before the solo comes in
5. We March: This is one of two co-written tracks on this album. It was co-penned with Nona Gaye, you know Marvin's daughter. This song's intro sounds a ton like a later Queen song. Up until the GB sound comes in. You know the 1990 soundtrack album (hint)
6. NPG Operator (Segue 2): wow The Dawn, it covers everything a young boy can ask for, courtship, sex, commitment, fetishes, loneliness, vindication, love and hate. The segues are there to go to different "experiences" or "themes" for group of songs.
7. The Most Beautiful Woman In The World: This was originally released as a single in February 1994, 19 months before this album was released. It was released on an Ep as The Beautiful Experience in May 1994. Thats kind of just laziness to reuse a almost two year old track for an album in my opinion. The other thing is that this is another clunker for me. I don't know why but it just.... doesn't work. So to reuse it a year and a half later is just kind of pointless to me. This is seriously the 90's version of The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room) by Flight Of The Conchords. Wonder if they were spoofing this song?
8. Dolphin: This is another uneventful track :( Actually I'm waiting to turn on "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" and this to be in a scene.... well period, anywhere.
9. NPG Operator (Segue 3): This track goes into the Now experience which also contains Irresistible Bitch, Housequake, and Sexy M.F. but according the the Operator that was then, this is NOW!
10. Now: This song is pretty much in the "experience" I got from P. Control. I don't think that should have been the intro track. Honestly, I would have rearranged the tracks a little to make the concept more clear, but whatever. I like the reggae, Rastaman voice.
11. NPG Operator (Segue 4): Welcome to the beautiful experience, why the hell is track seven not in there. But anyway this covers courtship, sex and commitment
12. 319: This is another track that I just can't get into really. Maybe if it was a blues song
13. NPG Operator (Segue 5): This is saying to enter a different experience, Ok
14. Shy: This track is pretty nice, and relaxing, but I'm getting a folksy feeling from this track
15. Billy Jack Bitch: This track was co-written with Michael B. Nelson. This also features an uncredited backing vocal from Lenny Kravitz and honestly the chorus is kinda annoying an too much like Delirious for me to give the time of day to. It's also a little too long for me.
16. Eye Hate You: This is a very 90's song. It's got a cool Zappa-esque solo to the end, but still it's just okay first time through. Also it is listed with the eye symbol
17. NPG Operator (Segue 6): This is supposed to be the computer going haywire. And guess what, I entered the Gold Experience.
18. Gold: Not great, but a good way to end this album. This is a kind of ballad, but you know the strings on this remind me of tons of other tracks from 90's/00's like this.

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. Wanna know how you can kind of tell it's kinda weak, Christgau gave it an "A". He's an idiot, but regardless I give Prince props for making a very cohesive album, but it's also not very adventurous or exciting. It works, but for me, I didn't really enjoy this album that much.

Ghost Stories - Coldplay

This is the latest album by Coldplay. I previously did their review for their Mylo Xyloto album and I plan on doing this too. This album was released on May 16th, 2014. Well I heard the singles, and to be honest the single don't even live up to anything. So after the dreaded Midnight I kind of lowered my standards for this album. And I did for a good reason.

1. Always In My Head: This isn't that bad of a song, thought I don't get anything out of it.
2. Magic: This song is another track that is just kind of OK. There isn't anything that makes me like it, but you know... so far out of the single and what not this is the best. I do find my self returning to this track, but not because of love, but because its a good enjoyable song. 
3. Ink: Hey, this is a cute song. Not really, but this really doesn't sound like Coldplay.
4. True Love: This is an Okay song. I can't think of what the strings remind me of exactly. This is one of the better tracks, but still I think I like it because I want to figure out what that cheep string sound is. The music in this song reminds me of a bunch of different..... Radiohead, that's who it is. Now what song? Well point is, OK Computer is much better than this or really any track here.
5. Midnight: Ok, If you've ever read any of my reviews what do you expect me to say about this song. With all due respect this song sucks. There isn't a single redeeming quality about this track.... sorry Chris. That is how I'm gonna say it, and as mean as I'll get. 
6. Another's Arms: .........
7. Oceans: There isn't anything here that I can find any type of pleasure out of.
8. A Sky Full of Stars: There isn't really anything about this track that makes me want to revisit it. It's a ballad but it's pretty bland. I mean it isn't nearly as infectious or catchy or even, dare I say, heartfelt (i cant connect emotionally with this track) as anyone off Parachutes. And Chris talks of how he doesn't like that album.... That's probably, and AROBTTH their best albums. 
9. O: In my opinion I don't like its title, especially since two tracks prior is Oceans. This is kinda like a lulaby, but one that I really don't care to ever hear

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. They furthered the sound of Mylo but in a bad way. Eno probably would have helped the album. I know that the whole divorce thing may be present on this album, but you can still make a great LP. Look at Dylan's 1976 Desire, Fleetwood Mac's 1977 Rumours (kinda) and possibly the best example I can think of Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye. The last one I named was being recorded while he was in court, listen to Is That Enough. Just this didn't turn out the way it should have been, or could have been. If he's happy with it then ok, I'm just not personally satisfied with it. Lets just put it like this, every time I see it at the Cd store, I just kind of roll my eyes and pass up buying it. 

Lazaretto - Jack White

This is the sophomore solo effort by Jack White. I started this review before the album was released so the singles will have more time to grow on me. The White Stripes are a pretty great band of the last decade or so and his solo stuff is also pretty interesting. I wasn't in love with Blunderbuss, but I love that he didn't just do what everyone expected/wanted him to do. Continue on The Stripes, he's on his own now and doing his own thing. It's what he wants and no one can influence it like other band members. Also as before, the shades of blue on this album cover are great. And the day has come, June 10th so lets go into this Review.

1. Three Women: This is a cover of a track by Blind Willie McTell. I don't know the original so I can't compare the two, though it was by a delta blues artist so I can assume it's in the vein of Robert Johnson. This song is pretty enjoyable and odd, and I like that it's odd. I might not love this song, but I enjoy that it's a little odd.
2. Lazaretto: This was the second single released and it's pretty interesting. The song has a feeling that reminds me of the rock/hip-hop crossovers of the 90's. This is like Jack singing and soloing over Rage Against The Machine. I like the change in pace, but it reminds me far too much of the Tomahawk title track off their last album Odd Fellows, but not as interesting or cool. Interesting song I can see growing on me with multiple listens possibly. This song is very reminiscent of Salute You Solutions. I like the electronic elements added in the song, and the thing is it adds a little to the song. It doesn't kind of kill the song like some other artists or songs. My favorite part is the Odd Fellows part. Also dig the violins.
3. Temporary Ground: This is another just ok track. I've heard the LP a few times and each time I'm, ultimately, disappointed. Why? Well because of an over abundance of material that is just kind of not keeping my interest. It's better than Ultraviolence but all in all just nothing. 
4. Would You Fight For My Love?: I like the intro to this and the piano. This songs intro vaguely reminds me of an Egyptian version Aladdin Sane's title track and The Supermen. I think this is a pretty good track, but you know the best part is the "choir" thingy in the chorus. Then it turns into a hip hop-esque song.
5. High Ball Stepper: This was the first single released for this album. I like the backwards intro to this track, but I think that this screech may get a little old if it were through out the entire track. I also Love the piano in this track. This is a bizarre track for someone who was in a blues duo from the late late 1990's to the late 2000's. I also like that this is an instrumental, but I wonder if during that "oh ah oh" if there was a vocal in there and the "oh ah oh" was a little quieter and the no singing part was more the piano part or hard to sing with parts.
6. Just One Drink: This song is ok. I think that female vocalist is the same from Love Interruption. You can almost look it as a sequel to that track. It's ok, but I prefer the other one.
7. Alone In My House: This sounds like a Get Behind Me Devil track. Well almost any track in the vein of that track. I can't quite think of it, but this is a great track, on the LP.
8. Entitlement: This reminds me of a country track that I'm kind of bored of by now. I think a little country is ok, but you know. This is kind of like a country version of The Stones.
9. That Black Bat Licorice: The backing track is pretty good, but I kind of feel like it may have been looped instead of being played straight. Though I do like the "tape" distortions. Also whenever I hear violin I almost need to hear it being played at the level of Jean Luc-Ponty.
10. I Think I Found The Culprit: This kind of reminds me of a little less exciting version of Forever Dolphin Love. Well then the chorus is ok, but you know, I just don't think the odd parts fit as naturally as they should.
11. Want And Able: This is the sequel to another Stripes song, I can't think of.

Overall I have to give this album a 5.8/10. First time through I can't say that I was much more than a 6 on it. While I don't think that it's as good as I want it to be I have to give him credit. While there is variety the production makes all the songs kind of sound similar. If I wasn't paying attention all the songs would probably blend together. I just think that the album only instead of growing on me it ungrows or grows against me. The reason it took so long to upload this review is because of lack of motivation and interest in returning again and again to the album.