Frank Giaramita
10/22/05, 08:28 PM
There's enough band's recommended this week, so I figued I'd touch upon the topic of books.
Books:
I suggest reading anything pertaining to the TWA Flight 800 tragedy. The plane exploded 10 miles off the coast of Long Island on July 17th 1996 killing all 230 passengers on board instantly. Despite the 247 witnesses who claim to have seen a "missile-like" flare shoot across the sky prior to the 747's explosion, the government still claims the plane was downed by a mechanical malfunction. There is video, pictures, witness accounts, and other planes in the area who all claim to have seen this missle-like streak. There was even red/orange missle fuel residue found on the seats inside of the aircraft. Anybody who finds government cover ups and conspiracy's interesting, I'd suggest checking out the following books:
--"The Downing Of TWA Flight 800 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0821758292/qid=1130038970/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)
--"First Strike (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785263543/qid=1130038933/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)"
--"Night Fall (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0446576638/qid=1130038872/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)" (fiction story intertwined with events the author, Nelson DeMille, feels are true)
----------Kid Killowatt's Recommendations--------------------
Meneguar (http://www.purevolume.com/Meneguar)
You Say Party! We Say Die! (www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie)
Goldspot (http://www.myspace.com/goldspot)
----------Speyside's Recommendations-------------------------
Christie Front Drive (http://www.christiefrontdrive.com/) - I feel this band gets overlooked by most fans of the genre. If you're into early Jimmy Eat World, Mineral or the whole Chapel Hill sound, this band will change your life.
Anathallo (www.purevolume.com/anathallo) - You should already know about them by now, but in addition to being some of the most innovative songwriters I have ever heard these guys put on the greatest show I've ever had the privilege of seeing. They're in the process of recording a new album at the moment, but in the meantime, check out their stuff on PureVolume.
Fielding (http://www.purevolume.com/fielding) - Excellent Indie/Pop act out on The Militia Group. For fans of Counting Crows. Their self-titled album is out now.
Cap'n Jazz (http://www.epitonic.com/artists/capnjazz.html) - Despite their limited discography, it's hard to match the amount of influence these guys have had on the indie rock scene. Tim Kinsella is a golden god. Pick up Analphabetapolothology now.
The Exit (http://www.purevolume.com/theexit) - We're currently featuring them over at LeakMob (www.leakmob.com) and they deserve all the attention they get. For fans of The Clash and early Police, these guys bring the jam in a serious way. The rerelease of Home for an Island should be in a store near you now.
Man Alive (http://www.purevolume.com/manalive) - Another reason why The Militia Group is the most solid label in the scene. These guys run the gamut from punk-inspired indie rock in the vein of Motion City Soundtrack to anthem rock choruses and will not disappoint. Plus they're from Israel, so you they've got more street cred than NWA.
--------Tanooki Suit's Recommendations-------------
Rogue Wave (http://www.myspace.com/roguewave) - Descended Like Vultures: Indie pop is a wide and varied genre. On this second release, Rogue Wave prove that they can stand up to such competition as The Shins. The first two songs are very very good, even if "Publish My Love" sounds like an R.E.M. song that was never recorded.
Slowreader (http://www.fueledbyramen.com/bands/index.php?id=12) - Slowreader: Amazing album. Mellow, varied, emotional. This album has more emotion in 10 seconds than almost any other release I can think of. I will never tire of it. Thank you Eda, for introducing me to this amazing band. Check out their song "Every part Of Nothing" by clicking here (http://www.fueledbyramen.com/mp3/slowreader-every_part_of_nothing.mp3)
----------The Mafia God's Recommendations----------------
The Rakes (http://www.purevolume.com/therakes)
They released their Retreat EP on Dim Mak Records on October 11th. It's a collection of six songs off their full-length Capture/Release, which was released exclusively overseas. This UK band combines the best elements of The Streets with the vigor of Bloc Party in their vibrant sonic assault. The Rakes' dance-punk is something I've been rocking for the last couple of days nonstop. It's raw, edgy, and a helluva social commentary at the same time.
Archtype (http://www.myspace.com/archetypesite)
I'm not usually a hip-hop fan, but Archetype is a breath of fresh air. They mix personal lyrics with great beats and transcend the hip-hop and indie genre. Bleed For Them is available on Datura Records on November 1st. Go check them out.
-------------B1te2BreakSkin's Recommendations--------------
Bands (Note: All of these bands have pureVOLUME.com (www.purevolume.com) pages.
Driving In Silence
As Cities Burn
A Perfect Kiss
Anathallo
Circa Survive
Chiodos
Saosin
Halifax
He Is Legend
Hidden In Plain View
I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business
Jack's Mannequin
Just Surrender
Neon Blonde
No Hollywood Ending
Northstar
The Receiving End Of Sirens
The Rocket Summer
The Rise
Say Anything
Say Hi To Your Mom
Sherwood
The Shins
Stutterfly
With Honor
Beloved
Before Today
Silent Drive
Socratic
The Sound Of Animals Fighting
Sound The Alarm
Trophy Scars
The Pilot
Games
Drivers Ed on addictinggames.com (http://addictinggames.com/driversed.html)... that game is so addicting
Candy
Pixy Stix
Trolli Brite Crawlers
----------------Vanity_Dearest's Recommendations----------------
Kinski (http://www.kinski.net/) -powerful post rock that is like nothing else out there right now. check it out, and be blown away by the music made. think a faster explosions in the sky
Ghosts And Vodka (http://www.sixgunlover.com/ghosts.html)- another kinsella project with close members of their musical family.take a rocking kinsella project, and take out the vocals. some may not like it, i adore it.
Hail Social (http://www.hailsocial.com/) - coming off polyvinyl, this is a band that sounds unlike anything else on this label. think something like, more creative dancier franz ferdinand....that you can't help but love.
Ratatat (http://www.audiodregs.com/ratatat/index2.html) - one of the catchiest projects, this duo last released a remix cd of fixups of gunit, various wu-tang members, to the large and in charge missy elliot. check out the song seventeen years by them, on their self titled debut...and wait for their new cd anxiously like me.
------------Slick W. Atatris' Recommendations-------------------------
The Lovesong (http://www.purevolume.com/TheLovesong)- amazing side project of Whence He Came
The String Quartet- makes good tribute albums
Elephant and Castle (http://myspace.com/elephantcastle)- one of the few good instrumental bands I've heard
drum:kan (http://www.myspace.com/drumkan)- they will be touring with Mae this December in Japan
----------FullCollapse3k's Recommendations-----------
Explosions In The Sky (http://rectangular.org/explosions/home.htm)- Great instrumental rock. New EP is titled "The Rescue". It's not their best work, but It's good. If you've yet to hear them, look into "Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever" and "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place".
Mineral (http://www.crankthis.com/mineral.html) - This won't be much of a recommendation because Mineral's well known, but I've been listening to them a lot over the last couple weeks. I recommend you do the same.
Zion I (http://www.zionicrew.com) - Bay area hip hop. Their newest album "True And Livin'" is very good, and features guest spots from guys like Talib Kweli and Aesop Rock.
Common (www.common-music.com) - He's found his way into the spotlight a bit with the release of "Be", but a lot of people who have heard and enjoy that album may not have heard the rest of his work. I recommend "One Day It'll All Make Sense", and "Resurrection" which is his best album in my opinion.
---------------IHateApril's Recommendations------------------
As Cities Burn (www.purevolume.com/ascitiesburn)- Son I Loved You At Your Darkest is beautiful. There is not a song that is not worth a listen. It seems like they get downplayed because of the huge band they're playing with (Emery, GAD, GCH), but it won't be long before they're headlining huge tours. I only hope this band gets all over real quick.
Cartel (www.purevolume.com/cartel)-Chroma is probably tied for my favorite cd of the year right now. Its pop rock/punk/whateverthefuckyoucallit with longevity and I love it so much. Not a dull moment on the cd, or in their live show at that. Songs like The Minstrel's Prayer show that they're not just a run of the mill band and A is probably one of my favorite album closers ever. This band deserves every bit of recognition it gets, and I'd like to personally thank the band for helping me get through a rough time.
Fear Before The March of Flames (www.purevolume.com/fearbeforethemarchofflames)- If you dont think they're beautiful or innovative, sorry, I probably disagree with you on a lot. They write gorgeous songs and 237 is just awesome. I'm so upset I'm missing this tour next week.
Saves The Day (www.savestheday.com)- Caught some of their show from the back, after getting tired out after seeing a TEN home show, at the Electric Factory and they were awesome and played some great stuff. In Reverie is one of my newer favorites despite what anyone else thinks. Tomorrow Too Late is another album closer I find so awesome.
Cynic With A Gun (www.purevolume.com/cynicwithagun)- I think they deserve as much praise as they get and much more, they're making awesome music that hits hard without being stale, and as far as people commenting on them being a 6 piece, keep it that way guys because it fucking rules how it is.
I recommend seeing Coheed And Cambria (www.purevolume.com/coheedandcambria) as many times as you can, as well as giving money to the poor, though the random guy who chiseled me outside of the electric factory may not have been poor, well nevermind, just be cool.
Books:
I suggest reading anything pertaining to the TWA Flight 800 tragedy. The plane exploded 10 miles off the coast of Long Island on July 17th 1996 killing all 230 passengers on board instantly. Despite the 247 witnesses who claim to have seen a "missile-like" flare shoot across the sky prior to the 747's explosion, the government still claims the plane was downed by a mechanical malfunction. There is video, pictures, witness accounts, and other planes in the area who all claim to have seen this missle-like streak. There was even red/orange missle fuel residue found on the seats inside of the aircraft. Anybody who finds government cover ups and conspiracy's interesting, I'd suggest checking out the following books:
--"The Downing Of TWA Flight 800 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0821758292/qid=1130038970/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)
--"First Strike (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785263543/qid=1130038933/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)"
--"Night Fall (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0446576638/qid=1130038872/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3367078-3327366?v=glance&s=books)" (fiction story intertwined with events the author, Nelson DeMille, feels are true)
----------Kid Killowatt's Recommendations--------------------
Meneguar (http://www.purevolume.com/Meneguar)
You Say Party! We Say Die! (www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie)
Goldspot (http://www.myspace.com/goldspot)
----------Speyside's Recommendations-------------------------
Christie Front Drive (http://www.christiefrontdrive.com/) - I feel this band gets overlooked by most fans of the genre. If you're into early Jimmy Eat World, Mineral or the whole Chapel Hill sound, this band will change your life.
Anathallo (www.purevolume.com/anathallo) - You should already know about them by now, but in addition to being some of the most innovative songwriters I have ever heard these guys put on the greatest show I've ever had the privilege of seeing. They're in the process of recording a new album at the moment, but in the meantime, check out their stuff on PureVolume.
Fielding (http://www.purevolume.com/fielding) - Excellent Indie/Pop act out on The Militia Group. For fans of Counting Crows. Their self-titled album is out now.
Cap'n Jazz (http://www.epitonic.com/artists/capnjazz.html) - Despite their limited discography, it's hard to match the amount of influence these guys have had on the indie rock scene. Tim Kinsella is a golden god. Pick up Analphabetapolothology now.
The Exit (http://www.purevolume.com/theexit) - We're currently featuring them over at LeakMob (www.leakmob.com) and they deserve all the attention they get. For fans of The Clash and early Police, these guys bring the jam in a serious way. The rerelease of Home for an Island should be in a store near you now.
Man Alive (http://www.purevolume.com/manalive) - Another reason why The Militia Group is the most solid label in the scene. These guys run the gamut from punk-inspired indie rock in the vein of Motion City Soundtrack to anthem rock choruses and will not disappoint. Plus they're from Israel, so you they've got more street cred than NWA.
--------Tanooki Suit's Recommendations-------------
Rogue Wave (http://www.myspace.com/roguewave) - Descended Like Vultures: Indie pop is a wide and varied genre. On this second release, Rogue Wave prove that they can stand up to such competition as The Shins. The first two songs are very very good, even if "Publish My Love" sounds like an R.E.M. song that was never recorded.
Slowreader (http://www.fueledbyramen.com/bands/index.php?id=12) - Slowreader: Amazing album. Mellow, varied, emotional. This album has more emotion in 10 seconds than almost any other release I can think of. I will never tire of it. Thank you Eda, for introducing me to this amazing band. Check out their song "Every part Of Nothing" by clicking here (http://www.fueledbyramen.com/mp3/slowreader-every_part_of_nothing.mp3)
----------The Mafia God's Recommendations----------------
The Rakes (http://www.purevolume.com/therakes)
They released their Retreat EP on Dim Mak Records on October 11th. It's a collection of six songs off their full-length Capture/Release, which was released exclusively overseas. This UK band combines the best elements of The Streets with the vigor of Bloc Party in their vibrant sonic assault. The Rakes' dance-punk is something I've been rocking for the last couple of days nonstop. It's raw, edgy, and a helluva social commentary at the same time.
Archtype (http://www.myspace.com/archetypesite)
I'm not usually a hip-hop fan, but Archetype is a breath of fresh air. They mix personal lyrics with great beats and transcend the hip-hop and indie genre. Bleed For Them is available on Datura Records on November 1st. Go check them out.
-------------B1te2BreakSkin's Recommendations--------------
Bands (Note: All of these bands have pureVOLUME.com (www.purevolume.com) pages.
Driving In Silence
As Cities Burn
A Perfect Kiss
Anathallo
Circa Survive
Chiodos
Saosin
Halifax
He Is Legend
Hidden In Plain View
I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business
Jack's Mannequin
Just Surrender
Neon Blonde
No Hollywood Ending
Northstar
The Receiving End Of Sirens
The Rocket Summer
The Rise
Say Anything
Say Hi To Your Mom
Sherwood
The Shins
Stutterfly
With Honor
Beloved
Before Today
Silent Drive
Socratic
The Sound Of Animals Fighting
Sound The Alarm
Trophy Scars
The Pilot
Games
Drivers Ed on addictinggames.com (http://addictinggames.com/driversed.html)... that game is so addicting
Candy
Pixy Stix
Trolli Brite Crawlers
----------------Vanity_Dearest's Recommendations----------------
Kinski (http://www.kinski.net/) -powerful post rock that is like nothing else out there right now. check it out, and be blown away by the music made. think a faster explosions in the sky
Ghosts And Vodka (http://www.sixgunlover.com/ghosts.html)- another kinsella project with close members of their musical family.take a rocking kinsella project, and take out the vocals. some may not like it, i adore it.
Hail Social (http://www.hailsocial.com/) - coming off polyvinyl, this is a band that sounds unlike anything else on this label. think something like, more creative dancier franz ferdinand....that you can't help but love.
Ratatat (http://www.audiodregs.com/ratatat/index2.html) - one of the catchiest projects, this duo last released a remix cd of fixups of gunit, various wu-tang members, to the large and in charge missy elliot. check out the song seventeen years by them, on their self titled debut...and wait for their new cd anxiously like me.
------------Slick W. Atatris' Recommendations-------------------------
The Lovesong (http://www.purevolume.com/TheLovesong)- amazing side project of Whence He Came
The String Quartet- makes good tribute albums
Elephant and Castle (http://myspace.com/elephantcastle)- one of the few good instrumental bands I've heard
drum:kan (http://www.myspace.com/drumkan)- they will be touring with Mae this December in Japan
----------FullCollapse3k's Recommendations-----------
Explosions In The Sky (http://rectangular.org/explosions/home.htm)- Great instrumental rock. New EP is titled "The Rescue". It's not their best work, but It's good. If you've yet to hear them, look into "Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever" and "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place".
Mineral (http://www.crankthis.com/mineral.html) - This won't be much of a recommendation because Mineral's well known, but I've been listening to them a lot over the last couple weeks. I recommend you do the same.
Zion I (http://www.zionicrew.com) - Bay area hip hop. Their newest album "True And Livin'" is very good, and features guest spots from guys like Talib Kweli and Aesop Rock.
Common (www.common-music.com) - He's found his way into the spotlight a bit with the release of "Be", but a lot of people who have heard and enjoy that album may not have heard the rest of his work. I recommend "One Day It'll All Make Sense", and "Resurrection" which is his best album in my opinion.
---------------IHateApril's Recommendations------------------
As Cities Burn (www.purevolume.com/ascitiesburn)- Son I Loved You At Your Darkest is beautiful. There is not a song that is not worth a listen. It seems like they get downplayed because of the huge band they're playing with (Emery, GAD, GCH), but it won't be long before they're headlining huge tours. I only hope this band gets all over real quick.
Cartel (www.purevolume.com/cartel)-Chroma is probably tied for my favorite cd of the year right now. Its pop rock/punk/whateverthefuckyoucallit with longevity and I love it so much. Not a dull moment on the cd, or in their live show at that. Songs like The Minstrel's Prayer show that they're not just a run of the mill band and A is probably one of my favorite album closers ever. This band deserves every bit of recognition it gets, and I'd like to personally thank the band for helping me get through a rough time.
Fear Before The March of Flames (www.purevolume.com/fearbeforethemarchofflames)- If you dont think they're beautiful or innovative, sorry, I probably disagree with you on a lot. They write gorgeous songs and 237 is just awesome. I'm so upset I'm missing this tour next week.
Saves The Day (www.savestheday.com)- Caught some of their show from the back, after getting tired out after seeing a TEN home show, at the Electric Factory and they were awesome and played some great stuff. In Reverie is one of my newer favorites despite what anyone else thinks. Tomorrow Too Late is another album closer I find so awesome.
Cynic With A Gun (www.purevolume.com/cynicwithagun)- I think they deserve as much praise as they get and much more, they're making awesome music that hits hard without being stale, and as far as people commenting on them being a 6 piece, keep it that way guys because it fucking rules how it is.
I recommend seeing Coheed And Cambria (www.purevolume.com/coheedandcambria) as many times as you can, as well as giving money to the poor, though the random guy who chiseled me outside of the electric factory may not have been poor, well nevermind, just be cool.