Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger

Artist: Soundgarden
Album: Badmotorfinger
Genre: Grunge, Alternative Rock
Unofficial Soundgarden Page: http://web.stargate.net/soundgarden/

Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger is by far my favorite grunge album. The tracks are all heavy and mellow at the same time. The guitars are heavy at some points, calm at another section. All the while, Chris Cornell's ever-distinctive vocals wail over the background music. There is no specific notable track on this album, because of them are pure bliss. This is the definitive album of Soundgarden's catalog.

Tracklist:
1. Rusty Cage (4:26)
2. Outshined (5:11)
3. Slaves And Bulldozers (6:56)
4. Jesus Christ Pose (5:51)
5. Face Pollution (2:24)
6. Somewhere (4:21)
7. Searching With My Good Eye Closed (6:31)
8. Room A Thousand Years Wide (4:06)
9. Mind Riot (4:49)
10. Drawing Flies (2:25)
11. Holy Water (5:07)
12. New Damage (5:40)

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The Original Slowhand & the Evil Minions

Artist: The Original Slowhand & the Evil Minions
Album: Bring Back The Funk. Please.
Genre: Funk, Blues, Soul

The Original Slowhand & the Evil Minions is a funk/blues band formed by Kiuas vocalist Ilja Jalkanen. It's rather odd, I think, that a power metal vocalist created an amazing funk album. The sound is an odd form of funk. Ilja plays guitars on the album in addition to playing the kazoo. The bass is funky but not slapped. Notable tracks include Why I Rule, You're Still Breathin', and Have You Ever Hated Yourself. This is an unexpectedly amazing album from a great power metal vocalist.

Tracklist:
1. "." (0:28)
2. Why I Rule (3:10)
3. Shelter From The Rain (3:43)
4. My Baby (3:25)
5. I've Got To Go (3:54)
6. You're Still Breathin' (4:17)
7. ".." (0:35)
8. Ever Since I Was A Young Boy (4:08)
9. I Don't Know The Man (3:43)
10. Sometimes It's Good To Be Mistreated (3:13)
11. Should Have (3:39)
12. Have You Ever Hated Yourself (3:54)
13. "..." (0:28)

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Gogol Bordello - Super Taranta!

Artist: Gogol Bordello
Album: Super Taranta!
Genre: Gypsy Punk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gogolbordello

Here it is! The brand new Gogol Bordello album! It's chock full of amazing songs just like their third album, Underdog World Strike. This album is a must have for those who like their work. I personally enjoyed it about 5 times as soon as I got it, and I'll be listening to this CD a LOT over the next couple of weeks. What are you waiting for? Get this shit! Notable tracks include Wonderlust King, Supertheory of Supereverything, and Forces of Victory.

Tracklist:
1. Ultimate (3:29)
2. Wonderlust King (3:57)
3. Zina-Marina (4:19)
4. Super Theory Of Super Everything (2:55)
5. Harem In Tuscany (Taranta) (3:32)
6. Dub The Frequencies Of Love (6:15)
7. My Strange Uncles From Abroad (5:19)
8. Tribal Connection (5:04)
9. Forces Of Victory (5:23)
10. Alcohol (4:54)
11. Suddenly...(I Miss Carpaty) (5:36)
12. Your Country (4:15)
13. American Wedding (3:37)
14. Super Taranta! (6:44)

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Ogre

Artist: Ogre
Album: Seven Hells
Genre: Doom Metal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ogre

Ogre are a Doom metal band that take their sound from both Traditional Doom and 70's Heavy Rock such as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. They're almost kind of Stonery in the way they've set up their guitar tone. Anyway, these guys are amazing. They weave tales of war and history going back to Vietnam. Their music is very bass/groove driven like most doom bands. The vocals also come from the bassist, who wails into his mic VERY similar to Deep Purple. A very good listen, it should be a staple in anyone's doom collection. Fuck, these guys are so groovy.

Tracklist:
1. Dogmen (Of Planet Earth) (8:31)
2. Soldier Of Misfortune (10:02)
3. The Gas (6:30)
4. Woman On Fire (6:55)
5. Review Your Choices (Pentagram cover) (3:21)
6. Sperm Whale (7:21)
7. Flesh Feast (13:44)

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Arcana

Artist: Arcana
Album: Inner Pale Sun
Genre: Darkwave
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/peterbjargo

Arcana are a very lovely darkwave band. Their music is similar to that of a Siren's song. It is sweet and soothing, yet it sucks you in and commands you. It uses synthesizer keyboards to create ambience and atmosphere while using violins and other stringed instruments to create the melody. The vocals are sweet, yet haunting. This album is very good if you're looking to just relax or chill while listening to captivating music. Notable tracks include We Rise Above, Season of Thought, and Closure.

Tracklist:
1. My Cold Sea (4:28)
2. Lovelorn (5:23)
3. Icons (4:35)
4. We Rise Above (4:43)
5. Innocent Child (5:17)
6. Song of the Dead Sun (5:08)
7. Season of Thought (4:15)
8. Closure (5:05)

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Kultur Shock

Artist: Kultur Shock
Album: We Came To Take Your Jobs Away
Genre: Gypsy Punk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kulturshock

Kultur Shock are perfect if you want chaotic music. These guys specialize in alternative Balkan music. If you like Gogol Bordello, then you'll absolutely love these guys. They've toured with Gogol Bordello, and their live shows are crazy. They're like punk rock, traditional Balkan, and their own special blend of crazy. Notable tracks on this album are God Is Busy, May I Help You?, Istanbul, Duna, and Gino Loves You for the specific reason that it's a hilarious song. Put these guys in your CD player, crank it up to 11, and just plain rock out!

Tracklist:
1. God Is Busy, May I Help You? (3:22)
2. Tango La Victoire (4:08)
3. Duna (3:37)
4. Zumbul (6:11)
5. Gino Loves You (2:02)
6. Istanbul (4:19)
7. Poor Man's Tango (4:02)
8. Nano Mi Hermano (4:03)
9. Sarajevo (3:54)
10. Hashishi (6:29)

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Th' Legendary Shack Shakers

Artist: Th' Legendary Shack Shakers
Album: Pandelirium
Genre: Psychobilly
Band Website: http://www.cockadoodledont.com/

Th' Legendary Shack Shakers are a psychobilly band that will blow your mind. They sound like punk rock music had ravaging buttsecks with bluegrass. They're in the same vein as Rev. Horton Heath, who just so happens to play guitar on a few of these tracks. The album mixes punk, folk, polka, and hillbilly influences to create their frantic music. It is said that they have a pretty wild stage performance as well. These guys have surely made a name for themselves in this genre. Notable tracks are Ichabod!, Somethin' In The Water, and Monkey On The Doghouse.

Tracklist:
1. Ichabod! (3:15)
2. South Electric Eyes (2:46)
3. No Such Thing (3:34)
4. Iron Lung Oompah (3:10)
5. Bottom Road (2:07)
6. Somethin' In The Water (2:48)
7. Gipsy Valentine (3:29)
8. Thin The Herd (1:37)
9. Monkey On The Doghouse (2:01)
10. The Ballad Of Speedy Atkins (2:19)
11. Bible, Candle And Skull (3:00)
12. Nellie Bell (2:42)

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Maps and Atlases

Artist: Maps and Atlases
Album: Tree, Swallows, House
Genre: Indie, Math Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mapsandatlases

Maps & Atlases is a math rock band from Chicago, Illinois. They sound similar to their influences Don Caballero and Hella. The guitarwork is crazy good. They're technical and yet easy to listen to. The vocals are a bit iffy, but they sound typical of the indie style. They're currently not under any label, so this album was a self-release put out on January 10 of this year. If you like technical guitars with progressive time-signature changes, this music is perfect for you. They're better than I expected them to be.

Tracklist:
1) Everyplace Is A House (3:58)
2) The Most Trustworthy Tin Cans (3:58)
3) The Ongoing Horrible (2:05)
4) Big Bopper Anthems (4:42)
5) Stories About Ourselves (3:45)
6) The Sounds They Make (1:31)
7) Songs For Ghosts To Haunt To (4:08)

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Edge of Sanity

Artist: Edge of Sanity
Album: Crimson
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/edgeofsanity01

Edge of Sanity pushes the envelope with this release. Crimson is a single track of 40 minutes in length. But this isn't 40 minutes of repetitive riffs. It's almost like it's a compilation of ideas woven together. The song starts out slow, picks up pace, kicks into high gear with catchy riffs, then slows down again for the outro. The song features several guests including Mikael Akerfeldt on backing vocals during one part of the song. My personal favorite section is at about 12:40. For fans of Melodic Death Metal, this album is a staple in anyone's collection.

Tracklist:
1. Crimson (40:01)

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If These Trees Could Talk

Artist: If These Trees Could Talk
Album: If These Trees Could Talk (EP)
Genre: Post-Rock/Instrumental
Myspace: www.myspace.com/ifthesetreescouldtalk

"Like the Six Parts Seven, another area group known for its rock soundscapes, Akron's If These Trees Could Talk proves in its self-titled six-song debut that you don't need vocals to ooze emotion. In fact, lyrics would only get in the way of the Trees' dense, flowing sound. This album emotes like Explosions in the Sky, rocks like Tool, and breaks and builds like Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The crystal-clear production and flawless musical performances make this a local instrumental album that stands high above the mire."
-Cleveland Scene Magazine

Tracklist:
1. Malabar Front (8:05)
2. Smoke Stacks (6:24)
3. The Friscalating Dusklight (4:32)
4. Signal Tree (5:24)
5. The Death of Paradigm (4:06)
6. 41°4'23n, -81°31'4w (3:30)

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Flatfoot 56

Artist: Flatfoot 56
Album: Jungle of the Midwest Sea
Genre: Celtic Punk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/flatfoot56

This is the brand new release from Flatfoot 56! Jungle of the Midwest Sea takes Flatfoot's usual sound (bagpipes, mandolin, etc) and turns it up a notch! The album is catchy and powerful which is typical of Flatfoot material. Highlights from the album are Loaded Gun and the title track Jungle of the Midwest Sea. Enjoy this brand new album from one of punk's best!

Tracklisting:
1. The Galley Slave (1:40)
2. Carry 'Em Out (2:38)
3. Loaded Gun (1:50)
4. City On A Hill (3:07)
5. Bright City (3:23)
6. Hoity Toity (2:26)
7. Pay Me A Dollar (3:47)
8. Chinatown Jail Break (3:50)
9. Warriors (2:11)
10. Cain (2:33)
11. Ollie Ollie (3:22)
12. Standin' For Nothing (1:46)
13. Jungle Of The Midwest Sea (4:12)
14. Same Ol' Story (3:11)

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Sterbend

Artist: Starbend
Album: Dwelling Lifeless
Genre: Black Metal
MySpace Fansite: http://www.myspace.com/sterbendfans

This is Sterbend. Haunting, cold, grim Black Metal. The guitarwork is raw, the vocals reminiscent of a choo-choo train. The songs are atmospheric and somewhat heavy at the same time. Overall a very good Black Metal release. Suggested for anyone who likes the genre, and even if you don't, this band might change your mind.

Tracklisting:
1. Intro (3:23)
2. Depressing Paths Through Fullmoon Forests (7:24)
3. Einsamkeit (7:47)
4. Left To Weep And Mourn (14:35)
5. Winterwald (6:01)
6. Dwelling Lifeless (6:19)
7. Mysteries (8:32)
8. Last and Dismal Chambers (8:44)
9. Endtime Sermon (8:37)
10. Outro (3:22)

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Stone Temple Pilots

Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
Album: Shangri-La Dee Da
Genre: Grunge, Hard Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/stonetemplepilots

Stone Temple Pilots was one of the most influential rock groups of the 90's grunge era. Their music is very unique mostly because of the genius Scott Weiland, who as always displays his magnificent vocal ability. This album wavers back and forth between hard, heavy rock and soft, eerie tunes. Highlights from the album are Dumb Love, Coma, Wonderful, and Black Again.

Tracklisting:
1. Dumb Love (2:51)
2. Days of the Week (2:35)
3. Coma (3:41)
4. Hollywood Bitch (2:43)
5. Wonderful (3:47)
6. Black Again (3:26)
7. Hello It's Late (4:22)
8. Too Cool Queenie (2:47)
9. Regeneration (3:55)
10. Bi-Polar Bear (5:04)
11. Transmissions From a Lonely Room (3:15)
12. A Song for Sleeping (4:15)
13. Long Way Home (4:32)

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Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
Album: Core

This is Stone Temple Pilots' first album, and it's by far their most famous. Released during the grunge era in 1992, it was seen as a copy of bands like Pearl Jam, but it has become known as one of the staples of the grunge sound. It features major hits like Plush, Wicked Garden, Creep, and Sex Type Thing.

Tracklisting:
1. Dead & Bloated (5:10)
2. Sex Type Thing (3:35)
3. Wicked Garden (4:05)
4. No Memory (1:20)
5. Sin (6:05)
6. Naked Sunday (3:55)
7. Creep (5:30)
8. Piece of Pie (5:22)
9. Plush (5:12)
10. Wet My Bed (1:35)
11. Crackerman (3:12)
12. Where the River Goes (8:20)

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Arathorn

Artist: Arathorn
Album: Niemals Kroenender Als Was Einst War
Genre: Black Metal
M-A Page: http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=3060

This band blows my mind. The atmosphere created by this band in overwhelming. The style is ancient and medieval, reminiscent of walking through the streets during the Plague years, dead bodies strewn across the land. The special thing about this sound is that, unusually, the tremolo-picked guitars lend to the background while the keyboards (sometimes a church organ) take control of the melody. The vocals sound like an elder wiseman weaving a tale of death and sorrow. I recommend this album for anyone who likes Keyboard-oriented Black Metal. Hell, I want everyone to get this. This album is a must-have for anyone's music collection.

Tracklist:
1. in spectren pulsierender todesrinnung (8:53)
2. O ultima privire asupra luptei din tinuturile Transivaniei (10:10)
3. die inthronisation (der koenig erwartet euch ...) (6:22)
4. Die Hymne des Winters Zorn (16:34)

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Shelter Red

Artist: Shelter Red
Album: Masters of the Universe
Genre: Post-Rock
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shelterrock

I must say, Shelter Red is the most impressive Post-Rock band I've ever encountered. If you like early Mastodon, you'll love these guys. Their sound is like a slightly less aggressive Mastodon, but the instrumentation is so much better. These musicians are much more talented than Mastodon's. The band is an instrumental band, so there's no typical Sludge hardcore vocal yells, which is good, but the band would probably sound just as good with vocals. Overall, this band will hit you like a tank. I highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of Sludge and Post-Rock.

Tracklist:
1. Eyes On The Floor (5:42)
2. A Fencing Match (4:33)
3. With Sabres (4:24)
4. The Legacy (5:24)
5. De En Kah (5:06)
6. The Whole Truth (4:11)
7. The Formal Challenge (3:59)
8. Few Words of Gratitude (4:00)
9. Little Heaps of Dirty White (4:19)
10. Errand of Mercy (4:46)
11. Lying in the Arched Room (5:40)

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Otyg

Artist: Otyg
Album: Sagovindars Boning
Genre: Folk/Viking Metal
Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Otyg

Otyg is a disbanded side-project of Vintersorg. The music is what you'd typically think Folk metal would sound like. It's rich in Scandinavian heritage and features instruments such as violin, lute, willow flute, jaw harp (boing boing!), and of course, guitar, bass, and drums. The songs are catchy and memorable, pretty much something you can easily dance along to. The album even features a cover of the legendary Dio song, Holy Diver. The vocals are nice and chanty with the occassional female vocal that tends to hide within Folk and Gothic metal. It's a very good listen, and I suggest it if you like catchy music, or if you're just looking for something to bounce along with while drinking! Damn, I love that jaw harp! *boing boing*

Tracklisting:
1. Trollslottet (3:42)
2. Vilievandring (4:00)
3. Galdershesjungen (3:54)
4. När Älvadrottningen Kröns (4:08)
5. Bäckahästen (4:28)
6. Årstider (3:40)
7. Mossfrun Kölnar (4:19)
8. Vättar och Jättar (3:22)
9. Holy Diver (3:47)
10. Lövjerskan (4:10)
11. Varulvsnatt (4:28)
12. Gygralock (6:16)

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Lamented Souls

Artist: Lamented Souls
Album: The Origins of Misery
Genre: Doom Metal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lamentedsouls

Hailing from Norway, Lamented Souls is an excellent Doom Metal band. Their sound is raw and heavy, with the vocals coming as haunting and emotional. The guitarwork is riff-heavy and the soloing is great. This album is a best-of/compilation of their tracks that have been recorded since their demo in 1993. The first 7 tracks were recorded in 1997 and have better production than the demo-quality ones that come last, which is why some of the songs are on their twice. Highlights from this album are Hybris, Var, and, my personal favorite, Eternal Existence.

Tracklisting:
1. Essence of Wounds (05:32)
2. Hybris (04:18)
3. Var (05:38)
4. Suffer Salvation (03:17)
5. Demon Baby (03:52)
6. Traces of You (03:54)
7. Sprukken Maske (02:59)
8. Var (06:31)
9. Eternal Existence (04:53)
10. Nemesis (04:08)
11. Hybris (05:15)
12. Sprukken Maske (03:08)
13. Eternal Existence (04:10)
14. Soulstorm (03:40)

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Chicosci - Chicosci [Enhanced]

Artist: Chicosci
Album: Chicosci [Enhanced]
Genre: Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Screamo
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/chicoscikills

This group from Manila, Philippine Islands, is nothing short of awesome. They mix punk, indie, and a little bit of screaming to make some catchy and memorable songs. This is a re-release of their 2006 album Chicosci and it has three extra tracks on it, which make it worth the listen.

Tracklist:
1. A Promise (3:05)
2. Chicosci Vampire Social Club (3:02)
3. 7 Black Roses (4:04)
4. Sweet Maria (4:19)
5. The Devil Made Me Do It (3:05)
6. Knives (3:19)
7. Manila Teenage Death Squad (2:44)
8. You're Killing Me (4:12)
9. Last Look (3:57)
10. Matinee (3:25)
11. Pink Hearts, Yellow Stars (Harlequin Lover) (3:18)
12. January Days (4:21)
13. A Promise (Quiet) (4:01)
14. 7 Black Roses (To Sleep) (4:21)
15. CVSC (The Graduation) (3:47)

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Johnny Hollow - Johnny Hollow

Artist: Johnny Hollow
Album: s/t and non-album tracks
Genre: gothic, electronic, dark wave
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/johnnyhollowmusic
Website: http://www.johnnyhollow.com/

Tracklist:

1. Bag of Snow          1. I'll Have You (Dk Thing Rmx)
2. Halfway to God       2. Motherless Child (Abandoned Remix)
3. Untitled             3. Shock Me Peter (Angry Egos Rmx)
4. Rasputin             4. Stolen (Bamboo Studio Remix)
5. Motherless Child     5. Tremor (Instrumental Short)
6. Gone                 6. People Are Strange (Doors Cover)
7. Stolen
8. Mary
9. Dark Thing
10. Shock Me Peter
11. Skeleton Song
12. Tremor

Note: Tracks 3 and 5 are missing because I couldn't find them. Track 3 is only 12 seconds long, and Motherless Child has a remix on the non-album tracks, so enjoy that instead.

From the dark depths of the soul I bring you Johnny Hollow. This band is nothing short of amazing. It mixes electronic ambiance with gothic and darkwave melody. Kitty Thompson plays the cello, and uses it in conjunction with several effects pedals. Janine White displays her beautiful yet haunting vocals over Vincent Marcone's electronic handiwork. The group produces a unique sound which is "sometimes uplifting and, at other times, deeply oppressive"(Urptsukidojis Pad webzine). This band is perfect for deep thought, creative inspiration, or even when you just feel the need for ambiance. If you like the group's sound, you should check out their website: designed by Marcone himself, it's every bit as breathtaking as the music.

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Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary

Artist: Sunny Day Real Estate
Album: Diary
Genre: Indie, Alternative Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/onedayistoppedbreathing

Tracklist:
1. Seven
2. In Circles
3. Song About An Angel
4. Round
5. 47
6. The Blankets Were The Stairs
7. Pheurton Skeurto
8. Shadows
9. 48
10. Grendel
11. Sometimes

Sunny Day Real Estate is an Alternative Rock band that helped with bringing the emo genre to a wider audience. It's somewhat gentle rock, with lots of emotional vocals ranging from out-of-breath yelling to soft singing. The guitar work is simple, but it does the job right. This is some seriously good stuff. I suggest everyone listen to them if you've never heard them before.

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Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike

Artist: Gogol Bordello
Album: Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike
Genre: Gypsy Punk/Folk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gogolbordello

Tracklist:
1. Sally
2. I Would Never Wanna Be Young Again
3. Not A Crime
4. Immigrant Punk
5. 60 Revolutions
6. Avenue B
7. Dogs Were Barking
8. Oh No!
9. Start Wearing Purple
10. Think Locally Fuck Globally
11. Underdog World Strike
12. Illumination
13. Santa Marinella
14. Undestructable
15. Mishto!

For my first post, I bring you Gogol Bordello! This is a gypsy punk group fronted by Eugene Hutz, a Ukrainian immigrant, and backed by a whole slew of immigrant musicians. The band features upbeat songs, with a kind of "punk rock meets folk" feel. Dominant instruments include accordians, violins, and even a fire bucket! You really need to see these guys live to get the full experience.

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Welcome, I guess.

Hey everyone. This is my new music blog. :D I'll either be using this to supply you with music (which you should promptly go out and buy if you like) *cough*copywriteinfringmentlaws*cough* or I'll use this to post on the Stormbeard Guild blog for the same purpose. So yeah, hail and kill!