Ask 411 Music 08.08.08 Double the Fun!

Posted by Blake Lauderback on 08.08.2008

This week we are taking a look at a country legend, eerie song meanings, more VH1 lists gone bad, and more colorful albums than you can shake a drumstick at. Plus, I defend my comments last week and the Top 7 double albums of all time!

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Hey! It is so weird… we keep running into each other here at about the same time each week. Quite a coincidence, huh?

Welcome to another weekly session of musical brain food. I trust that you all received your 10-12 hours of sleep and a well-balanced meal in preparation of this learning experience. Or, if you are like me, 10-12 hours is approximately a week's worth of sleep, and a well-balanced meal frequently consists less of the four food groups (or is it five now?) and more #4 combo meal. What a world we live in! No time to linger on such things though, as we have quite a bit to cover this week. So let's get right to it with our weekly review…

- A couple of you pointed out that "Let Love Rule" isn't on Lenny Kravitz' Mama Said, and you are correct. I always seem to get it confused with "It Ain't Over Till It's Over." And no, I do not know why since they don't sound much alike at all.

- A few of you tossed out some solid guitar solos for the Top 7, but for the most part everybody seemed to be in agreement, which is somewhat surprising. I had braced myself for a little backlash. Though I wasn't disappointed for long, as a few of my other thoughts caused quite a stir. More on that in a moment.

- The debate over the greatest grunge band is continuing to be waged, though is seems to be a four horse race between Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. What do you think readers?

- There is also a surprising number of you that hate The Eagles. I personally hate them with the fire of a thousand suns. Stupid green uniforms and don't get me started on Donovan McNabb. I hope the Cowboys crush them this season. Oh, the band? I thought that they were pretty likeable myself.

Now, something came up as a result of last week's column that I believe deserves my undivided attention, so I will be pre-empting myself and my "Essential 70's Artist" section for the week. Don't worry kids, it will be back next week, and I can guarantee it to be 100% disco free for your enjoyment. On to the aforementioned issue.

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Last week I was asked a series of hypothetical questions by one of my favorite regulars, Steveo. One of the ones he shot at me was…

e) What if the Beatles never existed?"

I responded with a small list of things that I thought would be quite different had the Fab 4 never walked the earth, and in interest of saving space, feel free to check out my response last week.

Now, I received quite a few comments in regards to some of my HYPOTHETICAL theories, but none went quite as in depth as those of my fellow 411 Music Zone author and occasional friendly critic, Dan Halen. Here is a sampling of his thoughts…

"Sorry for the numerous posts this week, Blake, but one last thing. This statement regarding if Beatles never existed:

2. There would have been no Stones, Hendrix, Zeppelin, etc., virtually derailing the entire evolution of rock

No. Just no. I can appreciate your love for the band and I will give them their spot in the evolution of music and that they may have even influenced those bands in some ways directly or indirectly, but those bands would have come along, one way or another. I'm going to assume that is a joke because if not, I'd like to know what you're basing that statement on."

"Actually, I'm not a huge fan of debating about who is best, etc. nor am I fan of lists as they're all just subjective and opinion – there is no "right" answer. I try and find something positive in all music and while I agree some is better than others, usually if you look close enough, you can find the good in all. That said, I'm not above bashing something such as The Stones DVD, not because the music is bad, but because the concept is wrong.

With all that said, let's take a look at a couple of things:

Evolution, by definition, is:
A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.

If you're saying The Beatles are directly responsible for the evolution of music, then not only is that incorrect but you're also saying that pretty much most of what evolved was better than The Beatles, since that is the very definition of evolution... and knowing your Beatles obsession, I doubt you meant to say that.

With that said, would you say without Black Sabbath that heavy metal would not have evolved? Without King Crimson progressive rock would not have evolved? I'll grant you that The Beatles brought a unique twist to things and certainly influenced other bands, but they were not the starting point for the evolution of music nor were they the ending point for it. I mean we can go way back in time and talk about Robert Johnson if you want and what his influence on things was. We could say without old Robert selling his soul to Satan, music would not have evolved from there since most of what we know as rock and roll, including The Beatles, was directly influenced by blues. And what about Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry? Didn't The Beatles take something from them? Ultimately, it doesn't matter anyway because it's all opinion and anyone else with a column could write that The Yardbirds > Beatles or The Who > The Beatles or similar comparisons - that doesn't make it true.

Going back to the influences, let's look at this statement

"The Beatles felt threatened musically by the genius of Brian Wilson, and although most of the Beach Boys catalog was silly enough in lyrics and form not be considered anywhere close to The Beatles' level, when Pet Sounds was released, The Beatles panicked".

I didn't make that shit up. And that's not the first time I've heard that, either. For me, that says maybe The Beatles evolved THEIR music from The Beach Boys, at least in the latter part of their career.

And while we're talking about music evolving, aren't you forgetting Elvis?

Now ladies and gents… my rebuttal:

The most prominent complaint or query about my comments was when I said that I didn't believe that there would be a Rolling Stones or a Led Zeppelin without The Beatles. I will fully admit that I should have worded that bit a little better. It is not that I question the existence of these bands, but rather that I question whether you and I would have ever heard of them and their masterful career's worth of work without The Beatles.

Let's take a look at a few things that The Beatles did that allowed things to change, and opened things up for these other bands (and countless others.)

So, how big was the British Invasion before The Beatles crossed the pond? Yeah, not so big. There were certainly a few artists that predated them, but do you think that for even a moment that the influx of Brits would have continued had The Beatles not blown up and every record exec in the world running across the Atlantic in hopes of recreating the phenomenon? No! The Stones, The Who, The Byrds, The Kinks… how many of these bands would have seen such a massive jump in their careers if not for The Beatles?

What about breaking down the religious right wing? How receptive to the likes of Zeppelin and the Stones do you think that the general public would have been had The Beatles not "warmed them up" a little? As you all most likely know, The Beatles were persecuted greatly by some sects for things as silly as their hairstyle, not to mention the drug use, the adoption of Eastern religions, and of course, John Lennon claiming the band was bigger that Jesus Christ. These events and countless others would have spelled doom for the career of most bands, but The Beatles managed to survive because of their massive popularity, the likes of which no band or artist has ever been able to approach. How do you think the public would have reacted to Jimmy Page and his satanic home and obsession with Alister Crowley? What about the persistent drug problems and arrests of The Rolling Stones? Could the world handle the smashing guitars from The Who? And don't even get me started on whether or not the world would have accepted Black Sabbath or Jimi Hendrix.

What about changing the style of popular music? You make it seem as though Zeppelin and The Stones could have coasted in to town and rock the world because they knew how to play the magical style of "American Blues." There were plenty of people that could play the style… they were called blues musicians. What you are not seeing is this… who took rock and roll away from it's original mainstays and their "Jailhouse Rock" and "Good Golly Miss Molly" and brought in an edgier style that made it okay for rock and roll to be something more than great dance music? Could The Stones have found work? I am sure they would have… but it may have just been down at the local corner bar like so many other blues musicians of the day.

This is only the tip of the iceberg in regards to what was changed by these guys. What about concept albums? Recording techniques? Guitar effects? Song structure? I am not going to get into an argument about whether or not the guys created all of these things, but you cannot deny that they played a significant role in them.

Now, the part that I found especially interesting was when Mr. Dan Halen chimed in about evolution. I have reread my answer somewhere between three and seventy-five times and I have yet to find where I made mention of evolution. (Plus, I went to school in the Bible-Belt… what is this evolution that you speak of?) If you want to look at it from an evolutionary perspective, I am not opposed.

To begin with, I never claimed that the band was responsible for EVERY change that ever happened, nor do I think them responsible for every aspect of the "evolution" of rock. However, if you cannot see that they are responsible for a note-worthy part of it, it is not me that is incorrect. Like them, love them, whatever… no sensible person with at least a BASIC knowledge of rock and roll can claim that these guys didn't change the industry.

Next up… you seem to be under the impression that things only improve as they evolve. What about mutations? They are certainly a part of the evolutionary process, and I would like to present my first piece of evidence that we shall call "Exhibit Hair Metal." If all metal sprang from the proverbial loins of Sabbath and Zeppelin and Hair Metal is a form of, well, metal… are you saying that Zeppelin is inferior to Poison because Poison came after? (If so… I have already won my case here.) More importantly, why do we feel like evolution leads us to the best option? Because it got us here, and it is important for us as the human race to feel as though we have peaked as the perfect creature on our planet. How do you think the freaking platypus feels about evolution? Not so good one would assume. Evolution is, more acuratly in my mind anyway, change over time for a reason or response. That reason, however, does not have to be inherently good, nor does the change itself. (Exhibit #2 – Emo)

I am sure that you are also familiar with the concept of the "Butterfly Effect." (Not the movie with Kelso and the dude from "My Name is Earl," though it is related) The theory is based in the story that should humans go back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and cause so much damage as squash a butterfly, the world's results would be exponentially different from that moment onwards, and even the most staunch Beatle-hater would be hard pressed to say that they are less significant to the world of music than a butterfly is to our society.

You may also notice that since I never said that John and the boys were responsible for every aspect of the music industry, I also never disregarded the role of any of those other artists you mentioned. How could I, as a Beatles fan, think that Elvis Presley wasn't crucial? The Beatles have said it themselves on multiple occasions that without Elvis, there would be no Beatles. (Which, had I been asked what would have been different had The King never strummed a guitar, would have certainly been one of the results.)

I also never claimed that the Beatles were without influences. I think that they are geniuses personally, but I am not under the misguided impression that they pulled every note and idea they ever had directly from their collective ass. George Harrison has cited Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins as critical influences on countless occasions, and yes, the band was massively inspired by The Beach Boys' album Pet Sounds. However, just because albums like Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band had influences doesn't mean that they are any less impactful on every musician that followed.

Now please don't anyone take this response as anger towards anyone for questioning me or my beloved Beatles, because I actually loved that you all inquired about my reasoning, and here it is… all spelled out in front of you, and regardless of whether or not you agree with my logic or not, it is my opinion and I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter as well. After all, that is the entire purpose of this column.

Class is in Session

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" You say you want a revolution / Well, you know we all want to change the world. / You tell me that it's evolution / Well, you know we all want to change the world!" - Revolution

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Q: Few Singers or groups in Country Music are truly considered as 1 of a kind or Untouchable. Elvis Presley, Alabama, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks come to mind. is there anyone that could possibly emulate or imitate any of these legends, and who do you guys think will join them of the current Music Generation?

- Anonymous

A: I hate to break it to you, but I am just about as anti-country music as they come. I certainly maintain a great deal of respect for many of the storied singers over the years, but growing up in Texas I learned to dread that country twang like fingernails on a chalkboard (*shivers uncontrollably*) That being said, I think there are a couple of names that you could add to this list that are far from new artists.

I think that Willie Nelson deserves a spot, and depending on who you ask, some consider Carl Perkins to be country. The most notable name that I see missing from the list is the man in black, Johnny Cash. You can't over look The Eagles and their country side, or maybe even a little Flying Burrito Brothers?

Sorry bud, I am sure that wasn't really what you were looking for, but let's see what kind of help we can get from the peanut gallery. Readers, any body out there have some suggestions for this list? Enlighten me on the ways of country… though I make no promises about enjoying it.

Q: hey blake, i'd like to get your opinion on this list done by VH1, (not a good sign), of the 40 greatest metal songs of all time

* 40. "Breaking the Law" - Judas Priest
* 39. "I'm Eighteen" - Alice Cooper
* 38. "Balls to the Wall" - Accept
* 37. "Smoke on the Water" - Deep Purple
* 36. "Wait and Bleed" - Slipknot
* 35. "Metal Health" - Quiet Riot
* 34. "Paranoid" - Black Sabbath
* 33. "High 'n' Dry" - Def Leppard
* 32. "Thunder Kiss '65" - White Zombie
* 31. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" - Scorpions
* 30. "Epic" - Faith No More
* 29. "Caught in a Mosh" - Anthrax
* 28. "The Beautiful People" - Marilyn Manson
* 27. "Run to the Hills" - Iron Maiden
* 26. "Refuse/Resist" - Sepultura
* 25. "Cowboys from heck" - Pantera
* 24. "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" - AC/DC
* 23. "Freak on a Leash" - Korn
* 22. "Enter Sandman" - Metallica
* 21. "Paradise City" - Guns N' Roses
* 20. "I Wanna Rock" - Twisted Sister
* 19. "Man in the Box" - Alice in Chains
* 18. "Slave to the Grind" - Skid Row
* 17. "Live Wire" - Mötley Crüe
* 16. "Walk" - Pantera
* 15. "Bulls on Parade" - Rage Against the Machine
* 14. "Toxicity" - System of a Down
* 13. "Rainbow in the Dark" - Dio
* 12. "Bring the Noise" - Anthrax & Public Enemy
* 11. "Peace Sells" - Megadeth
* 10. "Ace of Spades" - Motörhead
* 9. "Crazy Train" - Ozzy Osbourne
* 8. "Raining Blood" - Slayer
* 7. "The Number of the Beast" - Iron Maiden
* 6. "Detroit Rock City"-KISS
* 5. "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" - Judas Priest
* 4. "Back in Black" - AC/DC
* 3. "Master of Puppets" - Metallica
* 2. "Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns N' Roses
* 1. "Iron Man" - Black Sabbath

what do you think? what should be higher, lower, taken out, included etc.

thanks!
- Justin G.

A: Oh VH1 and their lists. Though I will say that this one sucks a bit less than many of their other attempts. However, that said, the same thing plagues this list that plagues many of their others, and that is their desire to slip in current artists just for the sake of doing so.

I have no beef with System of a Down, and quite frankly, I like "Toxicity," but to say that it is a better or a more important metal song than "Paranoid," "Enter Sandman," and "Paradise City?" That is beyond absurd.

I also think that while "Detroit Rock City" and "Welcome to the Jungle" are certainly welcome on the list, I think they might be a bit high up there at number 6 and 2 respectively.

Other tunes that I don't think deserve a slot? "Balls to the Wall," "Bring in the Noise," and "Live Wire." Have I ever mentioned that I can't stand Motley Crue? In case I haven't… I think they are one of the worst metal bands of all time, and that Tommy Lee is a horrible drummer. I would elaborate, but I will save that rant for a while.

I would also have liked to see at least a nod to Zeppelin, and maybe a little more respect for Deep Purple, but it is nice to see that they at least got some of it right like Black Sabbath at number one with Metallica. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and AC/DC finding spots at the top.

All in all, I hate VH1 a lot less than I usually do after seeing their lists. At least they didn't try to sneak in too many flavor of the week acts as is usually par for the course.

Q: Hey,

I probably love the Beatles as much as you do so I appreciate the respect still shown to an "old band".

In my opinion Abbey Road is the best Beatles album made (Of course I could 5 of their albums and any of them could be #1) because of how it culminated their career. It seemed like they knew that it was almost the end of the long and winding road for them (pun SO intended). My question is this.... how much do you think Abbey Road influenced the music in the 70's? I hear a lot of 70's rifts on that album.

Also, are there any Beatles songs you just can't stand? For me it's Penny Lane.... the sound just kills me.

Also (again), if you don't put the White Album on the list of top Double Albums of all time then there is something wrong with this world.

Thanks,
- Dan C

A: Dan, you right on the money, because Abbey Road ranks as number one in my book as well, and you are correct, there are quite a few precursors for what would come down the pipes in the upcoming decade. You have the much heavier-then-normal "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", the beauty and grace of George Harrison's classic "Here Comes the Sun," and nearly all of side two, from "Because" all the way up to the blaring climax of "The End," could be looked at as an early prog. rock piece as the band seamlessly integrates song after song into one another. Not to mention two little songs called "Something" and "Come Together," which are two absolutely classic tunes.

I am little saddened that you can't stand "Penny Lane," because I think it is a great song. However, it actually took me a while to appreciate it as such. It is certainly one of the more pop-driven songs in their bag of fun. There are two Beatles tracks that get under my skin. Number one is "Piggies" on The White Album, though it is fairly short and inoffensive. I just don't quite get that one song. Number two is the one that is guaranteed to get me up to hit the skip button, and that would be "Revolution #9." Apparently I am not alone, as a few Beatles themselves have declared it their least favorite as well. I just don't really dig the avant garde/random sound scene. To me, it really only serves as an interesting footnote in the "Paul is Dead" theory. Interestingly enough, the reason it is #9 and not the more sequential #2 is because nine is John Lennon's favorite number.

Now… read on to see whether or not there is "something wrong with this world."

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This week's list…(Insert mental drum roll here)

The Top 7 Double Albums

Disclaimer:I only took studio albums in to question here in order to simplify things, and I am basing this on albums that were double disc upon their release. With the advent of Cds, many albums that were released as a two-parter were able to be squeezed on to one CD.

HONORABLE MENTION: Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin. I really do think that this is a fantastic album, but I had to disqualify it for somewhat cheating. There are really only eight original tracks on this album, and the rest is made up of lesser known or unreleased (although classic) material. This isn't intended to be a knock on it what so ever, but it is enough to keep it out of the Top 7.

7. Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones – This is a double portion of nasty, down and dirty rock and roll, and it is a wonderful experience. Few Stones' albums have captured the raw, bluesy edge of the band like this album, as Mick Jagger and company really let loose here as the bring the dirt and sex to the forefront in both their lyrics and their sound. In my mind it was a bit of a gutsy effort by the band because it steers clear of much of the pop sensibilities that had been a major part of their earlier work and focuses on their roots. While this is one of the album's greatest strengths, it is also a double edge sword, because it would seem that it is oft forgotten because of it's lack of single material.

6. London Calling by The Clash – It is funny to me that so many people see this as the pinnacle of all things punk, because it my mind it shatters the punk image and sets a standard for what punk music could and SHOULD be. Then again, the album is so diverse in its tone that many a critic has denied that it is punk at all. Split hairs all you like, either way, it is a fantastic album with can't miss tracks like "Rudy Can't Fail" and "The Guns of Brixton," not to mention the title track's greatness as well.

5. Electric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience – This would go on to be the third and final installment from this legendary act. Jimi was growing a bit bored with what he felt to be the limitations of his three piece outfit (though it was an incredibly talented trio) and he was experimenting with guitar sounds like never before. The result? An album filled with some of the most memorable guitar moments in rock's storied history. "Crosstown Traffic" is one of my favorite Hendrix tunes and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return) rounds out the end of the album with one of the most iconic riffs of all time. Plus, this is the album that includes Jimi's amazing interpretation of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower."

4. Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan – I am sure that calling this (or any) Dylan album his greatest would spark controversy because of the amazing catalogue that this man has created, but I will say that there are quite a few listeners out there that feel that this album is the end all, be all of the singer/songwriter and folk rock eras. My personal favorites on the album are "Rainy Day Women #12," "Pledging My Time," and "4th Time Around."

3. Tommy by The Who – I had a challenging time choosing between this album and Quadrophenia, but I felt that I should only include these guys once, but I am sliding in a little mention of the latter anyway. While the album in question was designed as the world's first true "Rock Opera," and recorded for the movie featuring the likes of Tina Turner and Elton John, I much prefer the original album, which I believe to be one of the most awe-inspiring efforts ever produced. How can you not love an album featuring "See Me, Feel Me," "Pinball Wizard," and one of the most underappreciated songs by the band, "I'm Free."

2. The Wall by Pink Floyd – There are few albums in history that can even begin to match the scope and the magnitude of this album. The album is pretty much an autobiography set to music for bassist and songwriter Roger Waters, as the album deals with his past troubles and the intense sensation of feeling completely alone even when you have millions of people dying to be near you. The album has a much darker tone than Floyd's already serious repetoir, and the album proved once again what was already known after Dark Side of the Moon, that Pink Floyd is one of the true greats and that when they put their mind to it, there is no stopping what they can create.

1. The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatles – Now, while many of these double disc albums are united by a common thread, this is an album defined by how completely unrelated all of the material is. Written in a time when the band was beginning to pull apart, the album is crammed with songs, many of which were written by the band members on their own before the other members could add much input. The result is one of the most eclectic albums of all time. While not all of the experiments are homeruns (Including the aforementioned songs that aren't that high on my personal list), the vast majority are masterpieces. "Blackbird," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Happiness is a Warm Gun," "Back in the U.S.S.R.," "Yer Blues…" this is only a sampling of the classic rock and roll on the album. Not to mention, it was the recording sessions for this album that brought the world the single featuring an "A Side" of "Hey Jude" and a "B Side" of "Revolution."

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Forgotten Classic In the last few weeks over in the MUSIC ZONE TOP 5, we have discussed the genres of metal and progressive rock, which brings us to the band, Uriah Heep and their second album, Salisbury. These guys, occasionally referred to as The Beach Boys of metal because of their tight vocal harmonies, were one of the first to combine metal and progressive rock together resulting in a brand new genre filled with heavy hitting yet musical acts. Heep's debut album was certainly the beginning of the transition, but it was this one that really hammered home their place in prog rock with the 16+ minute title track that also featured a twenty four-piece orchestra. I highly recommend giving this album, as well as the rest of their catalogue, a try.

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Q:
Hey, I just want to chime in a say what a great article you are putting out. Now I am about to sound very jaded, but I just don't like the music that is being released these days. I tried to listen with an open mind, but it's just not doing anything for me. Now having said that it is nice to read a music article with a little flavor for the old school. With that said, I am a HUGE Led Zeppelin fan. Now, I would like you to defend your position on how the beatles helped shape the mighty Zep. This is not a challenge just more of a personal interest question as I do not see it that way. Also, what is your opinion on Johnny Cash, I believe him to be one of the greatest storyteller/songwriters of all time, but then again I am usually a miserable bastard so there. Keep up the good work.

- Truffles

A: Hopefully I covered your desire for logic stated in the first part of your question. That said, I will move on to the second part of your question.

I believe Johnny Cash to be a true legend and a brilliant musician. The man had everything… talent, passion, heart, an iconic voice, and one hell of a powerful mystique. When you are talking about influential artists, there is no ignoring his impact. How many other solo artists can lay claim do being a crucial stepping stone in the history of country, rock, blues and damn near every aspect of American music.
Here is hoping that his work is recognized for generations to come.



Q: I really enjoyed your "Paul is Dead" explanations from many weeks back and wondered of other myths related to songs or albums. I've heard the urban legends surrounding James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" (wife dying in a plane crash) and Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight" (witnessing a murder, giving the guilty party front row tickets to a concert and singing the song directly to them). Are there any other interesting myths that you can relate? (not about Elvis and Jim Morrison faking their deaths and opening a bait shop in Key West)

Thanks,
- Craig

A: Hmm… tough.

Let me first say that the two legends you mentioned are both untrue according to the artists, though I can definitely see where they got it from.

Here is a couple of song meaning legends to keep your head spinning…

- "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival - Many people claim that this song was actually written about former VP Al Gore, though there is nothing to support it.

"Some folks are born silver spoon in hand / Lord, don't they help themselves, oh. / But when the taxman comes to the door / Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes

It aint me, it aint me, I aint no millionaires son, no. / It aint me, it aint me; I aint no fortunate one, no. "

- "#9 Dream" by John Lennon is thought by many to be a prophetic song as the dream in question shares several eerie coincidences with the circumstances of Lennon's murder.

"So long ago / Was it in a dream, was it just a dream? / I know, yes I know / Seemed so very real, it seemed so real to me

Took a walk down the street / Thru the heat whispered trees
I thought I could hear (hear, hear, hear) / Somebody call out my name as it started to rain"

There you go bud… hopefully you can ponder those to for a while. I will dig around and see what else I can find to "blow your mind."

Q: Hey Blake,

A couple of months ago you answered my question about Weezer's Pinkerton and Blue by going into detail on how you felt about all Weezer albums. Well since the Red Album has been released, I wanted to get your thoughts on it and where it would stand in your ranking of Weezer's albums.

- Richie

A: Nice to hear from you again Richie.

Alright… now to the topic at hand, Weezer (The Red Album). I personally really enjoy this record. It seemed to do pretty much what their last couple albums have commercially. They come out to some big sales numbers behind a catchy-as-crap single before they kind of slip a bit.

The album certainly has it's moment of greatness. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" sounds like it could have been right at home on Pinkerton with it's harder edge and spoken vocals. Meanwhile, "Troublemaker" and "Dreamin'" are the kind of top-notch alternative rock that we have come to expect from the band, and as always, the tongue in cheek humor shines through big time on tracks like "Pork and Beans." I appreciate the fact that the boys went back to a little heavier sound than their last album, as I think that Weezer is at their best when the rock a little harder.

As far as ranking the album goes, I am not sure that I have had enough time with it to be one-hundred percent certain about where I would stick it, but if I had to narrow it down I would put it in either the number 3 or 4 spot. It is a solid effort, but there is no way that it can overtake Pinkerton and Weezer (The Blue Album) for the top two. Right now I would have to say that I would slot it behind Weezer (The Green Album) because of my love for tracks like "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun," but we will have to see how it grows on me.



Alrighty, to quote Mr. Plant, "let's bring it on home tonight."

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This week's drop of band name knowledge is…

Faith No More - This innovative alternative band has a somewhat provocative name. So where did it come from? Was it a social commentary on the role of the church in today's society? Or perhaps it was a comment on their deteriorating faith in a higher being? Nope… they saw it on a racing form at the track.

See you all back here next week… and send me some freaking questions.

Class Dismissed.