More Suggestions for Your Holiday Listening
by Ken Geiger
by Ken Geiger
Hey this is Ken from Altered Cross/GPP/ex-Uncommonly Good. Thanks for letting me actually say something. It’s cool.
Anyways, when I think of what makes for a great record, I tend to think of the emotional impact it can leave on you. This year, I remember my favorite records from a very strong time in the year, or just by the sheer power and influence they had on me as a songwriter. I want to quickly shout out The Battery Electric and Hot Blood for both putting out great records this year. They didn't crack my top 10, but they were great. Plus, I give them a lot of headaches; so this is me being serious finally haha.
Anyways:
1.) Baroness, Purple and Cattle Decapitation, The Anthropocene Extinction
My God, this was a tough choice. I could not pick between the two. Not only are these two my favorites for this year, but they also are two of my favorite records to be made in the last 5 years easily. They are like yin and yang honestly. On one side, we have the really emotional and high flying Baroness, who are making their first record after overcoming a horrible bus crash. This record is definitely a healing process, and I feel that. On the other hand, Cattle D. are trying to warn us about our man-made apocalypse in the most brutal way possible. Both of these albums floor me. I could write way more about them, but I will restrain myself because I have 8 other records.
3.) Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Our president’s song of the year is from this album. How can you not love it? Seriously though, I still remember the first time I heard this. Late at night in March, Kendrick dropped it on Spotify, and I remember "Wesley's Theory" really caught me by surprise. I swear I skipped school just to go buy it the very next morning, and I listened to it for at least a month straight. I'm listening back to it now, and it's power still keeps up. It definitely lived up to its hype.
4.) Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss
Ah, another fantastic record with so many memories. I listened to the singles practically every day at my summer job when I had the chance. Her voice is so powerful, and she refuses to pigeonhole her music. Each album of hers feels like an even darker and more messed up step than the last one. Yet, her voice is gorgeous and keeps a hint of beauty to it. Definitely my favorite female vocalist at the moment. See her live if you have the chance!
5.) Faith No More, Sol Invictus
If Mike Patton is on it, I've listened to it. That's just the way of the world for me. Truth is, Faith No More changed so much of how I perceive music that I was a bit nervous about whether this record could live up to the classic albums by them (especially Angel Dust and King for a Day). Then, I realized, I shouldn't think that way. These five men have grown since 1998 (their first break up). Obviously, this record was going to be different. It was, but it still fit perfectly into the grand scheme of what Faith No More is about. They still do not care what you want them to play. Patton still does not care if you can't stand his oddball vocal tendencies, which range from beautiful crooning to demonic yells. I'm just inspired by the fact that faith no more did a comeback on their own terms, and that I managed to witness them put on such an inspiring show in May.
6.) Steve Von Till, A Life Unto Itself
If you don't know about Neurosis, you definitely need to. Sometimes I think they're just more of a spiritual entity than a band. Yeah, they're that powerful.
Anyways, Steve Von Till sings and plays guitar for them. I heard this record during some very dark times this year, and it really spoke to me in the same way the Neurosis records Steve plays on do. If you want to hear something on the softer side but still can use heavy emotion, check this out.
7.) Napalm Death, Apex Predator- Easy Meat
When heavy bands go at it for 30 years, they tend to soften up. Whoever made up that rule forgot to tell it to Napalm Death, because they're still heavier than most of their peers and contemporaries. It's actually frightening sometimes that they're making their best and heaviest records this late in their career. It's something to be inspired by. You need an early morning wake up call? Let "Smash a Single Digit" play as your alarm. I guarantee you'll think there's a drone strike going on.
8.) Retox, Beneath California
If there were one band that inspired the initial steps of The Uncommonly Good, it was Retox. Hardcore is so boring for the most part nowadays, in my opinion. For every Black Flag, you have a million imitators. It doesn't feel that way with Retox though. There's no real band that's come before that sounds like them. They progress their sound each record. I would even go as far as to say this record has some Prog Rock influence. Plus, these dudes are the nicest men to talk to ever. I'm glad to say we are on a friendly level, and I still look to them for inspiration to this day.
9.) Melvins/Le Butcherrettes, Chaos as Usual
Of course I had to include my all time favorites, The Melvins! This EP was made in honor of the tour they embarked on this summer, which was AMAZING. Never heard of Le Butcherrettes until this summer, but I think everyone should by now. They're making some kick ass garage rock type music and their live show is chaotic. The two songs here are great representations of that. As for Melvins, everyone should see them live in my opinion. Its required to live a fulfilling life. The two songs from their side are, well… Chaos as usual!
10.) Lamb of God, VII: Sturm Und Drang
Apparently all Lamb of God fans are alcoholic rednecks who wear wifebeaters, according to some ignorant Facebook comment. Well, I guess I'm guilty if that’s the case. I think this record is a great introduction for anyone who wants to know what they're about. It's actually the record that got me into them. Another great summer record, as I was listening to this and reading singer Randy Blythe's autobiography heavily in August (I will say that book is worth the read, even if you're not a fan of the band.). Just a really heavy and dark record. Makes me feel mighty powerful, though; and that's why I feel like it should be on here.
That's really it. I could say a lot more about these 10, but I won't. That would spoil the fun for anyone who actually wants to make their own memories with them. There are other records I could mention on this list, but I won't. I don't like to dwell too much on the past, as I'm already waiting for 2016 to come give me some more great music. Hope you all have had a great 2015, musically.
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