#8 Three Days Grace - Ian Albrecht’s favourite albums thus far…

Album Number 8

Artist- Three Days Grace

Album- One-X

Genre- Hard Rock

Lyrics 89/100, Vocals 89/100, Instrumental 89/100

The Canadian rock band's (Three Days Grace) second album is a knockout. A dark and emotional theme is littered throughout the album’s lyrics and instrumentals.

The majority of the album was written by lead singer, Adam Gontier. His lyrics are extremely personal, clearly revealing his life experiences, especially his struggle with an oxycontin addiction.

                                  

        Ian Albrecht                                                              Adam Gontier

It is nearly impossible for me to narrow down, isolate and dissect the album’s tracks to a handful of memorable songs as I consider all the tracks to be amazing in their own right. Probably the most popular song on the album would be "Pain". I am a huge fan of this song because of Adam's raspy, gravelly voice wishing for true pain to break the numbness that is inevitably the rest of his life. This song relates to what teenagers appear to be experiencing today; that aimless lost and/or misguided direction.

Another kick-ass song on this album is "Let It Die". I love this song so much because it feels like a response to every breakup song written by a female. Let it Die is responding to those songs by declaring that the ‘girl’ gave up without even trying to make the relationship work. With ly . rics like "I swear I never meant to let it die. I just don't care about you anymore. It's not fair when you say that I didn't try. I just don't care about you anymore" It’s evident this is a man’s break-up song about his attempt at getting on without her

The final song worth discussion is my second favourite song, “Gone Forever”. The track revolves around Adam’s realization that a relationship he is in is truly dead and gone forever, However, Adam can’t fully let go of his feelings, which prevents him from allowing another to love him. Even though the lyrics state, “I feel so much better, now that you're gone forever. I tell myself that I don't miss you at all. I'm not lying, denying that I feel so much better now. That you're gone forever,” it’s implied that he’s lying to himself and he doesn’t want the relationship to be over. He goes on to sing, “So I’ll stay out all night, get drunk and fuckin’ fight. Until the morning comes and I’ll forget about our life.” If that isn’t a man suppressing his emotions and in denial, then I do not know who is.

The lyrics within the album are forthright and realistic (which I appreciate when it comes to songwriting). Adam Gontier’s vocals are just as strong as on his first album, if not better, and he is consistent throughout the album. You can hear his pain, vulnerability, and strength throughout his songs, and he sounds like a man struggling to share his experiences.

The instrumentals perfectly complement the vocals and the lyrics. This album is a gem of a package; tied with a beautiful bow Three Days Grace couldn’t have done any better.

Songs To Check Out: Never Too Late, Gone Forever, Over And Over, Let It Die, Get Out Alive

#9 Slipknot My Favourite Albums to Date By: Ian Albrecht

Artist: Slipknot

Album:  Iowa

Genre: Death Metal

Lyrics: 80/100, Vocals 93/100, instrumental 96/100

This happens to be the heaviest album on my list/ It’s not the heaviest album I have ever heard. However, my CDs don’t get a whole lot heavier than this one. At least not the albums I like.

Everything about this album is heavy. The lyrics are dark and disturbing. The instrumentals are distorted and violent-sounding. To top it off, Corey Taylor’s vocals full-out reside in my nightmares. This album was clearly made when they were all at angry/hateful points in their lives. This album embraces everything they’re feeling, including their hometown, Iowa.

The starting track, like their debut, is called “515” and it is creepy, eerie…  a soundtrack that immediately puts you on edge. All you can hear is Corey screaming something awful, (turns out to be “death” which is fitting, considering he sounds as though he’s being slowly murdered.)

The following track is “People = Shit” – a song that adequately fits the title. The band sings about why they hate the human condition. The song which comes after this tune is “Disasterpiece” which is the heaviest song and on the album (and also my favourite Slipknot song) bar none. The opening of this song is the coolest – Corey yelling at the top of his lungs. “Hold on to something!!!.” Then song then slides into a huge instrumental breakdown with some of the best riffing I have ever heard. This is pure Death Metal bliss, at its finest. This is what one needs to turn on when one is angry with the world. The opening lyrics sum up the entire emotional mood of this album, so if you are looking for pretty melodies and you don’t like the lyrics you’ve read thus far… well, I suggest you never listen to this album. For example, if you were to read on you'd come across, “I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound. I wanna push my face in and feel the swoon. I wanna dig inside, find a little bit of me, cause the lines get crossed when you don’t come clean.”

Another song on the album worth discussing is, “I am Hated”. Believe it or not, this song is fun to listen to. Corey’s vocals are once again very raspy and he spits out his lines so fast, it almost comes across as rapping. I love every second.

My biggest album complaint would be that the song “Iowa” is 15:04 minutes long! Other than that, it’s a classic and would probably be in my top 5 or 6. That long, boring, and tedious “Iowa” song affected an otherwise superb and well-put-together Death Metal album.

Other than that, I consider this an above-average Death Metal album. The lyrics throughout the album are good, but nothing special. What makes the lyrics appear outstanding is the application of Corey's raw, emotional, hate-filled pipes. And the vocals aren’t even the attention-grabber. By far, the instrumentals are what put the album into my top ten. I would classify the album’s music as ‘organized chaos’. Joey’s drumming is exceptional, especially on the songs “Disasterpiece”, “People=Shit”, and “Left Behind”.

A fun fact I recently learned about the album is that it peaked at #1 in Canada. (No surprise, really, as Canadians have always had good taste.) If you are a music lover who is into ‘heavier’ music, I highly suggest you purchase the CD, “Iowa” by Slipknot. It truly kicks ass.

Songs to check out: Disasterpeice, I Am Hated, My Plague, The Heretic Album

#10 Madeline by Tickle Me Pink. My Favourite Albums To Date Thus Far ...: by Ian Albrecht

My Favourite Albums To Date: By Ian Albrecht

#10 Madeline

Artist- Tickle Me Pink

Album- Madeline

Genre- Alternative Rock

Lyrics 90/100, Vocals 90/100, Instrumental 85/100

Tickle Me Pink is a relatively unknown band who released their third album, Madeline, on July 1st, 2008. The publicity of the album’s release was overshadowed by the overdose death of bassist/ guitarist Johnny Schou, aged 22, on the same day. The band temporarily broke up and lead singer Sean Kennedy formed the band, Talisker Skye. Tickle Me Pink still performed gigs until their final one, March 5, 2011. The following day, Sean released a message reading, “Farewell all. We love you and will never forget you.”

Madeline tackles a lot of touchy, subject matter. It covers basic topics such as: drug use, suicide, loss, and brutal breakups, as well as not so basic topics such as major issues of today's world, and morality. The opening track of this album, "Typical" is a simple kick-ass tune. It’s fun, fast, very rock style and has the lead singer telling off a girl. It sets a good mood for the whole album. The song, "Madeline" is easily the most emotional of the album. It’s about a girl the band was friends with and of her struggles with depression as well as suicidal tendencies. The song has a very guilty tone to it. With such lines such as, "Oh, I never said goodbye. I wish I would of tried. I couldn't hear her cries as she filled her veins with lies, until she saw the light." The raw emotion in Sean Kennedy's voice almost brings tears to my eyes, especially when he sings (my favourite line of all) "If I could turn back time, I'd find a way to remind you that somehow you could try to give in and fight the good fight. Oh, you didn't have to die, you filled your veins with lies, my precious Madeline."  

The singer, Sean, stated “It is somewhat ironic that many of our songs deal with death and a higher purpose. We want to let the world know how short life is…”

The rest of the album continues to be solid, with songs of many feelings. The next worthy stop on this album has to be the song, "The Answer". Now even though "Madeline" has my favourite line, “The Answer” is my favourite song. It contains a great beginning, all soft, but then quickly cut off by Sean's questioning of a girl's reason for loving him. Another great lyric from this song, "The answer deep inside me, is ripping me apart, the truth of who you are. The answer deep inside me, is eating at my heart, I don't know who you are!" Oh yeah, chills from that line. Sean's voice perfectly reflects the subject matter and the only thing I can do, when listening, is question Sean as to who it was who hurt him? 

The last song worth talking about (despite most of the album being worthy) would be, "Beside The Others". This song has Sean questioning how he could ever be loved, because of his many weaknesses and flaws. This song is his way of releasing this girl, helping her move on by saying leave me, because I'm only gonna drag you down. However, simultaneously, he's being selfish because he won’t let her go. It is a true battle within his head and his morality. The best line in this song is, "If I could tell you one thing, I think that you should know. I'm not afraid to love you, just of letting go." The lyrics throughout the album are top notch. It affects the listener but is not over the top with metaphors and symbolism. The vocals, as aforesaid, are perfectly matched with the lyrics. Sadly, although the instrumental is good enough to crack my Top 10, they are not different, or outstanding in any way.

Songs To Check Out: Madeline, The Answer, Beside The Others, Tomorrow's Ending, I Can't Breathe

Rules For a Couch Gypsy by Lannon Mcgregor

There are several steps to ensure that you get sufficient rest while sleeping on a couch. Trust me, I know, I've grown up moving from couch to couch – belonging to family and friends whose hearts are way too big for human chests.

There was the Radonich era. Now THAT, was a couch. Double-wide, soft and nicely broken in. And faithful Buddy, my best friend, occasionally sleeping right at the foot.

Then there were the Riders’ Pub days. First with Jaymie, my cousin who occupied a bachelor suite. Coulda been trouble, but we were often too drunk to care.

And Chris down the hall. His couch was not quite as comfy, but a classy one nonetheless. (That is, until a lady friend and I had an accident and broke it. Sorry Chris).

Which brings us to Jenna and Ryan (who hold the glory of coining the phrase "couch gypsy"). These were (at least) four months of the most unforgettable couch surfing the world has to offer.

More recently, and not to be forgotten, the Topnik residence.

 So here’s some couch gypsy rules:

The first step is:



1. Forget it's a couch. It's really just a giant pillow of surreal comfort.



2. The backrest is your friend. Sure, you don’t have the full room of a bed in the conventional sense, but if you put yer leg up on that baby – POW - queen size!



3. Try and have clean clothes to slip into. This goes double if you've been drinking ‘cause you'll sweat like a bastard.



4. Always respect and honor those who have giving up their private comfort for your night of sanctity. Trust me, I've been on the other end, and it can be a real sacrifice.



5. Fold the damn blanket after you use it. These people were kind enough to share their space for the night, so do your best to clean u

p after yourself.



Follow these quick and easy rules for a night of unforgettable sleep. Whether it's a hide-a-bed or a love seat, just remember, it beats fighting off junkies in an alley for a piece of newspaper to lay on.

Peace out.

Little Miss Whalley

Through skin and scabs, 


In hopes of finding a vein; 


Beneath the bathroom’s light, 


Maybe this hit might, 


Kill off all her pain. 


The blood looks black,


But she pours it back, 


Through a hole between her toes; 


She rolls her eyes, 


With a pleasured sigh, 


Forgetting everything she knows. 


She awakes,


To hunger pains,

But not ones for a meal; 


So she walks the streets,


A piece of meat, 


What she'll do just not to feel.

Terry Lowe's John Butler Trio Concert Review (repost of 2008)

As most of our readers are aware, Terry Lowe is no longer with us. However, Terry's words and photographs will always remain with swanktrendz. I have reposted Terry's John Butler Trio concert review, as, in 2008, he had never heard of the group and was very reluctant to go. Fortunately, I cajoled him into attending and by the end of the evening, he had commented several times about the obvious talent each of the band members possessed.

In hindsight, I am pleased Terry went with me; I'm relieved he enjoyed the music, and content with our pizza stopover. I was pleasantly surprised that he wrote his article the moment he got home, rather than take a break from an evening that had been 'forced' upon him.

We are reposting Terry's article because the John Butler Trio played last night in Victoria, and they're finishing up in Salmon Arm, Sunday night! (That should be amazing as it is a small city.)

I know a lot has happened to JBT since 2008, e.g. new bassist and drummer; as well as an album release - April Uprising - in 2010. Two of its songs reached the top 5 in Australia. I anticipate the songs, Close to You and One Way Road will be performed, and I would appreciate a post detailing what other songs from JBT 2010's album were played. In general, if someone would like to share Victoria's set list, that would be appreciated.

I'd like to think that Terry's concert review is still relatively applicable (re: talent). I'd like to thank you for indulging me with a memory of a friend.

Commodore Ballroom, Apr 12, 2008 - Sold Out

Visit Swanktrendz

Live Nation Listings

An email from Christine instructed me to meet her in front of the Commodore at 10 p.m. to see the John Butler Trio. "Who's the John Butler Trio?" I wondered, turning to Google.

I soon found that they are a platinum-selling band from Australia, best known for wide-ranging, eclectic, and somewhat improvised stage shows. Their best known release, to date, is 2003's Sunrise Over Sea. I also saw many plaintive queries on various message boards asking "Where can I get a ticket for this show? I NEED a ticket!" and so forth.

Here's what we saw: a giant drum set, a standup (i.e. acoustic) bass, and an amplified acoustic guitar. They were joined occasionally by a keyboard player, and I was certain there was a second electric guitarist in the background, but was informed it was a guitar tuning tech.

The word "trio" is usually reserved for jazz ensembles, and there were some similarities here: the upright-bass player, who also played a standard electric bass guitar, at times played his acoustic bass with a bow; they played extended instrumental pieces; and the musical range was all over the map. There, though, the similarities ended.

They are excellent musicians, far more instrumentalists than singers/"rock stars" who revel in mixing and matching genres and making it work. They are very versatile, imaginative, and well-rehearsed. John Butler is a superb string player (who also plays a banjo), and can coax an amazing range of sounds from an amplified 12-string acoustic guitar. The drummer was also very good, and even had a Jamaican steel drum that he played with pom-pons. And the bass player stood there and held it all together, as good bass players should.

The audience was thoroughly familiar with the material, even if I wasn't, and they loved it. This band is definitely original, and I was left wishing I'd known more about them going in (there's always time to learn), and was puzzled by the crowds' reaction at times.

I've been to any number of jazz shows over the years, and seen some famous players (Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Frank Zappa, and even Captain Beefheart). I've also been to classic punk shows and seen The Clash, Iggy Pop, DOA, and so forth. At jazz shows, the audience applauds solos, but there's no mosh pit and no one EVER pogos. At the punk shows, no one cared about solos ("Wankers!"), or even cared much about music - there it was all rebellious attitude.

Here, the crowd's reaction was a strange merger of the two. They both applauded the solo instrumental and pogo'd. I've never seen anything quite like it. And, outside of jazz shows, I'd never seen any band sit down and play an instrumental piece (Ocean) that went on for 15 minutes, yet still keep the crowd's rapt attention.

Image from smh.com.au

I was very impressed by this band, and admire their virtuosity and originality. If you're as clueless as I am about under-the-radar musicians, the John Butler Trio might just be the best band you've never heard of.

Members of the band are: John Butler, Michael Barker, Shannon Birchall

Thanks to Aaron for supplying the following set list:

Company Sin
Used To Get High
Somethings Gotta Give
Treat Your Mama
Caroline
Thank You
Gov Did Nothing
Good As Gone
Ocean
Satisfy
Groovin' Slowly
Zebra
Good Excuse
(encore)
Losing You w/Mama Kin
Better Than
Funky Tonight

Enter Shikari By: Ian Albrecht Band Review

Enter Shikari is an electronically influenced/ enhanced, hardcore ‘screamo’ rock band who have received a lot of play on my ipod during this last year.

Enter Shakiri formed in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, in 2003. Since then they have released three albums: their debut, Take to the Skies, Common Dreads, andDestabilise. Their label, Ambush Reality (est. 2006) currently only lists Enter Shakiri in their stable of artists. (The band recently noted that much of their stock was affected by a fire started during the 2011 England Riots.)

The members of the band are: Roughton “Rou” Reynolds (lead vocals, keyboards , acoustic guitar, synthesizers and programming); Liam “Rory” Clewlow (backing vocals and guitars);Chris “Batty C” Batten (backing vocals and bass), and finally, Rob Rolfe (drums and percussion). Their individual abilities and sounds mesh together into a perfect musical blend, similar to the group Story of the Year's members.

As I mentioned, I've been playing this CD consistently since last Fall and I consider each of its songs to be ‘gold’. (A hard feat, given how critical I can be.) Two songs I’d like to highlight (for anyone new to the band) are Mothership and Sorry, You’re Not a Winner.

Mothership has an all round cool, haunting sound combined with unnerving structure; reminiscent of System of a Down. Mothership charted as “single of the week” when released on itunes. It has an unpredictable blend of trance and hardcore. You cannot settle into an Enter Shakiri song, predicting the upcoming melody ‘cause they’ll deliver something totally unexpected.

Sorry, You’re not a winner (my favourite) is simply… awesome – great vocals, amazing guitar, wicked bass, thrashing drums, mad hook, intelligent lyrics and a good mix up of trance electronics. As well, another interesting feature is the band’s incorporation of the audience/crowd. Gamers should recognize this song from 08 NHL’s EA Sportsvideo, and Madden 08.

(Interestingly, Enter Shakiri’s released songs continue to chart high, despite not being released in a physical format e.g. CD or on vinyl. This was purposely done at the band’s request.) Another unusual fact - Enter Shakiri is the second unsigned (by choice) band to sell out a concert at London’s Astoria. Clearly, this is a band we’ll be shadowing for some time to come.

Get Destabilised today - you won’t regret it (you might regret the time you wasted not knowing of their existence).

Here is a sampling of Enter Shikari’s nominations and awards.

2010: Nominated for “Best British Band”

2009: Nominated for “Best Live Band”

2007: Won Breakthrough Artist of the Year

2007: Won “Best Band Live”

2007: Won “Spirit of Independence”

2007: Won Rock Sounds magazine’s poll for “Who’s going to make it?”

2007: Won John Peel Award for Musical Innovation

2006: Nominated for Best British Newcomer

Don’t be surprised if Enter Shakiri’s next release is less synthesizer and more post hardcore. They got our attention by blending two unlikely sounds (trance and hardcore); now wait for them to discover yet another spiraling, uncharted soundscape.

Enter Shakiri's quote: "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything."

www.entershikari.com