I listen to so much new music, I couldn’t even begin to come up with the number of songs I listen to on a weekly basis. And hey, I’m not complaining, not by any means.
This is a pretty sweet gig. However, sometimes in the midst of all that new stuff, you remember how great all your favorite old stuff is. I have to admit, I actually feel a bit guilty sometimes for neglecting to give some of my favorite classic albums the love and attention they deserve, so I took some time out this week to do just that.
Needless to say, the theme of this week is “The Classics”, with the exception of one new release in there that you should really check out…just saying.
Doomcakes’ Most Listened: November 12th
Dozer – Through The Eyes of Heathens
Dozer’s sound has changed a few times over the years, especially with their two most recent albums. In the early 2000s, I’d call these guys a stoner/desert rock band for the most part. I feel like they’ve always kind of flirted with the space rock sound a bit, which was really apparent on their 2003 album, Call it Conspiracy. Dozer returned in 2006 with the album Through The Eyes of Heathens, in which they reverted back to their original sound. Dozer always brings big energy, but I think it’s most palpable on this album; I love every single song.
Favorite track: Born A Legend
The Pixies – Doolittle
Seriously, where would alternative rock and grunge be without The Pixies?
While I adore all of the albums by this amazing band, nothing is as chock-full of gems as 1989’s Dolittle. With jams like Debaser, Wave of Mutilation, Here Comes Your Man, Hey, and Gouge Away, there’s no denying the massive influence the Pixies had on the budding alternative and grunge movement of the time.
The Pixies are a band that never shies away from being experimental and doing whatever seems natural as far as artistic expression; and that attitude that has undoubtedly worked for them over the years. In a nutshell, this is an album I would put in a time capsule.
Favorite track: Hey
Kyuss – Wretch
Ripple Music’s re-release of Hermano’s album Only a Suggestion has me going back to some classic Kyuss and the bands that rose from its ashes, such as the aforementioned Hermano, Brant Bjork’s solo career, and Unida.
Now, this is perhaps a super unpopular opinion, but my favorite Kyuss album is actually Wretch. The best reason I can give for this is I adore the raw, unfiltered energy of the album. Wretch is arguably a bit more unrefined than the albums that followed it, particularly in production quality and simplicity of composition, and that is exactly what I love about it. I can almost feel the energy emanating from this young band in 1991, blasting onto the scene, ready to rock. And rock they did.
Favorite track: The Law
Monster Magnet – Superjudge
Ready for another potentially unpopular opinion? There is only one Monster Magnet album that I like, and that is 1993’s Superjudge. I think it’s pretty safe to say that the band’s sound changed pretty drastically, mainly to be more mainstream and fit in with the Rob Zombies of the time. And hey, I can’t blame them. You do what you gotta do to make it, and maybe the band truly did want to evolve their sound. I do wish their early sound would have caught on much sooner, perhaps urging the band to give us another album or two worth of that Superjudge sound.
Favorite track: Cyclops Revolution
Melvins – Ozma/Gluey Porch Treatments
Man, I warned you: I’m full of those potentially unpopular opinions this week. I’m a big fan of the Melvins, but I’m an even bigger fan of the super early Melvins. Ozma/Gluey Porch Treatments in particular is filled with primarily very short and noisy songs that follow the same formula for the most part: Chaotic, yet trudging instrumentals for the first half of the song, with chaotic, trudging vocals joining in around that halfway point. There is such a jaded, cynical mood here combined with a punk rock energy that, to me, sums up the vibe of the early 90s alternative scene.
Favorite track: At a Crawl
AcidSitter – Make Acid Great Again
I’ve been talking a lot about this album lately, and it’s worth talking about.
When you hear of a band called AcidSitter, you immediately think psychedelic rock, right? AcidSitter is that, yes, but they are so much more. The songs are often complex in structure, utilizing a lot of progressive techniques. This style helps drive home the lyrics, which really make the listener think and can tackle some relatable and deep subject matter.
My favorite song from the album, Staywatch, is about trying to save someone who is (metaphorically) drowning. Despite many rescue attempts, the person just doesn’t want to be saved, causing the rescuer to eventually give up.
Oof.
I think we’ve all been in a situation like that, throwing the proverbial life preserver at someone who just won’t take it.
As I was listening to the album, I kept saying aloud, “This is smart,” upon hearing how well the lyrics and music work together to create a mood. Make Acid Great Again is an incredibly well thought out composition, created by some remarkably talented musicians. A very refreshing and thought-provoking listen, indeed.
Favorite track: Staywatch
