BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) FAITH NO MORE
I heard you really like Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down, Incubus, and Mindless Self Indulgence. If I’m right then you should listen to Faith No More and hear how it’s really done. Mike Patton is a genius. Let me repeat this, Mike Patton is a GENIUS. His vocal octaves are impeccable and outside of Trent Reznor he’s my favorite music mind post-Bowie. I’m sure you’ve heard “Epic” before and I’m willing to wager you’ve heard a few other tracks of their over the years but just didn’t know it was them. They’re “one of those bands” to a lot of people, but to the large fan base that’s “in the know” these guys are gods. Listen to them.
(THREE) A PERFECT CIRCLE
I love Maynard James Keenan. He’s a great vocalist, one helluva performer, and he’s bat shit weird. He’s most known for his lead vocal work in his “main project” Tool. They’ve put out some of the all time best albums and will go down as one of the best the 90’s and beyond has to offer. As much as I love Tool, I have to say I like A Perfect Circle a little more. “Judith” for one, but really the whole first “Mer De Noms” album was a piece of musical art. They didn’t let up from there. Some of the singles are a little more rock music formula based than Tool, but you can’t deny these songs aren’t awesome. Then the album stuff is Tool meets Nine Inch Nails meets a good night of wine. You know that rocks.
(TWO) THE DRESDEN DOLLS
I hate being “that guy”, but I really prefer The Dresden Doll’s old stuff. I’m talking about the “A is for Accident” and the self titled, which was mainly the same thing just a little looser. They had so much more life and grit to them. They weren’t perfect every take, but the emotion was there. I’m always going to be a huge fan of “Girl Anachronism” and “Half Jack” and the other tunes, but they lost me around “Sing” and “Yes, Virginia”. Still, I hold both times seeing them in concert in very high regards. Live they put on a freakin’ show, but in the studio the past few times out it feels a little “meh”. I’m not giving up on them yet and neither should you.
(ONE) SIMON & GARFUNKEL
They’re old school stuff, but definitely worthy of your ears. About a year or so ago I took my first real listen to the awesomeness that was this duo. They’re a folky rock band, but nothing too weird. I’d say it’s comparable to MTV Unplugged except the original tracks were stripped down to begin with. It’s simplified and classy. If you listen to “Sound of Silence” with real ears, not those cynical ones you use now, but real ears and tell me it’s not amazing then you have no place or right listening to any music at all. It’s THAT good. Other than that, they do have a lot of other really good tunes. I’m a fan of “Hazy Shade of Winter”, but most would say “Scarbough County Fair”. Either way… you listen and you decide.
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