0 [LIST MANIA] Nik's 20 Favorite Records of the Decade Part 4

List by Nik Christofferson

Yeah, it's belated and maybe a little anti-climactic but here's the conclusion to my decade list. I had to finish what I started. Collect and enjoy!

Helms Alee – Night Terrors (2008 – Hydra Head)

This late addition to my decade list might have you scratching your head a bit, but only if you aren’t familiar with the Seattle bands’ punishing yet melodic assault on the eardrums. ‘Night Terrors’ was my favorite record of 2008, and I can barely think of a more memorable show last year than seeing them for the first time at the Comet. It was mind bogglingly epic standing directly in front of one of the speakers for the length of their set (earplugs in of course). Songs like “Big Spider” and “Weirding Away” gave me a stoner metal contusion. 'Night Terrors' is equally fine, and captures much of Helms Alee’s signature powerful drum attack, fuzzy explosiveness, and melodic breakdowns perfectly. Does this stereo go to up 11?

Converge – You Fail Me (2004 – Epitaph)

There is no doubt that Converge has released 4 amazing albums in the last ten years, each one more brutal than the next; building on the previous release's conquests leading us to 2009’s triumph “Axe to Fall”. The choice to include Converge on my decade list is a no brainer, but choosing which record was a very hard decision. I chose ‘You Fail Me’ because this record marks my introduction to the band. Yes, I was a late comer, not by choice, but by some oblivious oversight as best as I can tell. The fact remains that the first time I heard 'You Fail Me' I was hooked, and that my friends is all that matters. From start to finish, songs like “Black Cloud”, “Heartless”, and even title track “You Fail Me” are a blistering display of rage and conviction. The destruction conveyed on “You Fail Me” was like nothing that had crossed my path previous, and with my hair blown back I bow in their greatness.

Pearl Jam – Binaural (2000 – Epic)

What a tough, tough decision this was to make. I almost decided to just include all 4 PJ records released last decade as one entry, but that I suppose would have been a cop out. The final race was really between decade opener 'Binaural' and decade closer 'Backspacer'. As much as I sincerely love 'Backspacer', 'Binaural' won the race due to the fact that it was a slow grower, one that evolved into a sincere favorite over the last ten years. I may not have loved it in 2000, but after time it resonated immensely. The record marked the first recordings with Matt Cameron, and saw the beginnings of the politically charged and pissed off Bush-era Ed we all know and love. The record marks a point in the bands career where they started the transition into the amazing live juggernaut they are today, not to mention just so happens to also contain some of my all-time favorite Pearl Jam songs including “Breaker Fall”, “Thin Air”, and “Parting Ways.”

3 Inches of Blood – Advance and Vanquish (2004 – Roadrunner)

2004 was all about 3IOB’s “Advance and Vanquish” for me. At 24, I finally moved my ass to Seattle from unmentionable surrounding areas, and immediately made venues like El Corazon my home. It was all metal all the time, and because of 3IOB's frequent local gigs, my right hand had pretty much hardened into Cam Pipes' inconcert metal claw by year end. 'Advance and Vanquish' is pure balls out metal with speedy riffs and some of the most unbelievable falsetto ever screamed by a bearded Canadian viking. It also contains the mother of all heavy metal anthems in “Deadly Sinners”, as well as a bunch of other rad songs about Orcs, pirates, cyborgs, and knights. “Enemies of metal, your death is our reward!”

High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings (2005 - Relapse)

From start to finish High on Fire’s third full length is a scorcher, pure and simple. Together with punishing riffs supplied by Matt Pike, and a mega-rumble courtesy of drummer Des Kensel and then bassist Joe Preston, “Blessed Black Wings” is bar-none one of the best metal releases of the entire decade. The production values at the hands of Steve Albini not only helped bring High on Fire to the metal forefront, but were also a vast improvement over the previous two independent sludge heavy releases. Songs like 7 minute epic opus “To Cross the Bridge” and flame throwing opener “Divilution” still remain crushing and amazing, setting the colossal tone for subsequent release “Death is the Communion” and the future of metal.

Nik's 20 favorite Records of the Decade Recap:

The Haunted - Revolver
Hermano - ...Only a Suggestion
Melvins - (A) Senile Animal
Cave In - Jupiter
The Cave Singers - Invitation Songs
Old Man Gloom - Christmas
Himsa - Hail Horror
The Black Angels - Passover
The Sword - Age of Winters
Joe Strummer and the Mescalaros - Streetcore
Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild Soundtrack
The Black Keys - Rubber Factory
Tool - Lateralus
Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf
Kinski - Down Below, It's Chaos
Helms Alee - Night Terrors
Converge - You Fail Me
Pearl Jam - Binaural
3 Inches of Blood - Advance and Vanquish
High on Fire - Blessed Black Wings

2 [LIST MANIA] Kick Ass Local Bands to Check Out in 2010

List and 5/6 videos by Nik Christofferson

My New Year’s resolution for 2010 is to become further engrossed into the local metal and punk scene than I already am in hopes of discovering and further championing the amazing bands currently playing in town. My only regret of 2009, was sleeping on a few of the bands that have me so pumped for 2010. I might need your help along the way, so if you know of any awesome bands that should be on my radar, please let me know immediately.

There are some local bands that I am extremely excited about right now. Some have been around for a little while, others are brand spanking new. All of them are amazing live! Last Saturday, KEXP held their monthly Audioasis broadcast and benefit at the Sunset Tavern. The all local music show benefit always features a couple live on-air performances as well as a stellar showcase of local up and coming bands. Audioasis host Hannah Levin, who incidentally is also the host of KEXP’s new metal show Seek and Destroy, booked an extra heavy lineup for the evening. Also, it just so happened I have been smitten with 4 of the bands on the bill including Dog Shredder, The Keeper, Vultures2012, and Android Hero, so needless to say I was extra stoked for the show and it didn't come close to disspointing.

Having seen all the bands on this post, some multiple times, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt they are some of the best Seattle has to offer at this moment. So here you go, some great local bands to keep your eye on. So support local music and get your ass to venues like the Comet, Funhouse, and Sunset Tavern where all the real shit in the city is going down.

AFCGT

The collaboration between the A Frames and Climax Golden Twins simply called AFCGT has generated some genuinely awesome mind melting cacophony on their new self-titled record due January 26th. Their first show since announcing the record took place at Chop Suey last December 18th. I was there and was completely dumbfounded by the wizardry displayed before me. It was simply an ultimate display in over your head psych mastery; an acid flashback within an acid flashback. It’s wild stuff maaan! Next show January 9th at the Funhouse.

Android Hero

I’ve had a chance to see these dudes live on a couple occasions recently and both times they firmly impressed with a bottom heavy punk sound that not only deserves a raucous pit, but a genuine listen with some good headphones as well. With bassist Eric Carnell’s groovy bass slaps, Jeff McNulty’s slicing guitar riffs, and Matt McGillivray’s thunder dome drum licks, Android Hero make some tough as nails music with an underlying sense of humor, and are responsible for one of my favorite local records of 2009 entitled, “Broken Hearted Love Songs for Sensitive Tough Guys”. They’ve been around since 2006, but are a must see in 2010. Next show January 23rd at Victory Lounge.

Dog Shredder

I’m probably going to get tired of talking about these Bellingham natives after 2010 is done but Dog Shredder is just too kick ass to not shove down your throat for an entire year and beyond. I have had the pleasure of seeing the band three of the four Seattle shows they’ve played in their short existence and let me tell you the guitar assault that comes at the hands of Josh Holland formally of Black Eyes and Neck Ties is not only impressive but pick your jaw off the floor amazing. I think these guys have nailed exactly what one should expect from a band named “Dog Shredder”, cunning and ferocious music for people who like it high-speed and heavy. Next show January 30th in Bellingham.

The Keeper

Do you like metal? Do you like D&D inspired metal about wizards and battles. Do you like heavy riffs and Dio-style synths? Then The Keeper is the greatest thing since 20 sided dice. Not only have they written kick ass horn worthy shout-alongs with titles such as “Sharpen the Axes” and “Witches Wind” but, they also put on one the best live shows in the city courtesy of vocalist Andrew Chapman’s up close and personal off-stage antics. The Keeper isn’t a new band either but they certainly are a band that deserves every bit of your attention in 2010. I’m blatantly stealing this from a comment I saw online but I couldn’t say it better myself: “The only thing more metal than The Keeper, is an iron bar up the wazzoo!” Next show February 11th at Hell’s Kitchen.

Cold Lake

As mentioned before this is a new project by USS Horsewhip guitarist James Burns and Corey Brewer of Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death, my first experience with the band opening for Murder City Devils left me wanting more, which is always a good sign. The band showcased an agro post-hardcore sound, with plenty of sweet riffs and pissed off screaming. These guys have friends in town, so they’ll probably be occupying some higher profile opening slots right off the bat, keep an eye out. Next show is January 16th at Comet Tavern.

Vultures2012

Brought to my attention by The Keeper’s resident screamer Andrew Chapman, Vultures2012 was impressive to say the absolute least last Saturday. Mixing crust punk, death, and stoner metal into a hybrid of epic proportions, Vultures were by the far the heaviest band on the bill. If High on Fire and Amebix had a baby and that baby listened to a lot of Swedish melodic death metal and then formed a band, it might sound like-- Vultures2012. They have a self-titled EP out produced by famed local producer Conrad Uno. Sky’s the limit with this band. Next show is February 11th at the Funhouse.

3 [LIST MANIA] Mark Ostler of Warning:Danger! Picks His Favorite Music of 2009 (New and Old)

List by Mark Ostler

Warning:Danger! :: Photo by Nik Christofferson

Hi, my name is Mark Ostler, and I am in a band called Warning: Danger! Big thanks to Nik for asking me to write this list of my favorite records of 2009.

I don't really know what year these CD’s were published, some in 2009. Mostly, it’s a list of my favorite music that I was introduced to during the year 2009.

10. A whole bunch of records

It's so hard to narrow down my ten favorite recordings of 2009, so here's a list of bands that were in my CD player a lot during the past year: Sonic Youth, Morphine, Phantom Surfers, Leonard Cohen, L7, Hole (early stuff), Liz Phair, Neutral Milk Hotel, Rev Horton Heat, TacocaT, Fugazi, Kent III, Blank Its, DJ Shadow, Neko Case, Mudhoney, and White Stripes.

9. The Bad Things - It'll All Be Over Soon

Vaudeville, cabaret, drunken alley cat music, I have a soft spot for these genres. The imagery conjured by The Bad Things, both lyrically and musically, transports you to the dirty streets and back alleys of a 1920's metropolis. Grab your whiskey and forget about your heartaches, cause these drunken clowns got your misery beat.

8. Yussuf Jerusalem - A Heartful of Sorrow

Imagine the country rumblings of a spaghetti western soundtrack mixed with aggressive punk rock, and you have this killer band from France. I imagine driving my madmax-mobile through the wasteland, while steadily navigating a broken road, and listening to their music. Don't ask me what's up with their name?

7. Iron and Wine - Around The Well

Sub Pop released a fantastic two disc set of rare, early Iron and Wine songs. I like Iron and Wine, don't care what you think. Their music is mellow, but sometimes an Iron and Wine song is the only cure at 3am when you got no more energy left.

6. Nine Inch Nails - The Slip

"The Slip" is not that great of an album, but it reminded me to listen to Nine Inch Nails’ older albums. When this album came out, I needed some good old fashioned angry music. "The Slip" has some angry songs, and some mellow songs. But remembering older songs like "Mr. Self Destruct" and "Terrible Lie" was the incredibly cathartic auditory illusions I needed this year to help expel my psychic bile.

5. Theresa Andersson - Hummingbird, Go!

Theresa Andersson was a substitute music guest on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", after some unnamed band cancelled. Her performance stunned me. Picture this: one woman standing barefoot on a white rug surrounded by about a million foot pedals, guitars, percussion instruments, and a beat up old record player.

With the help of several loop pedals, Theresa Andersson creates enchanting, unusual, groovy music. "Birds Fly Away" is a great song full of complex layers. "Hi - Low" is a fun song about having sex in your backyard.

4. Roxy Epoxy and The Rebound - Bandaids on Bullet Holes

Best show I saw this year with less than 50 people in the audience was Roxy Epoxy and The Rebound. Whoa! Roxy Epoxy has such incredible energy. One minute she's kicking like a ninja, cardio dancing like Molly Ringwald, or jumping super high in the air. She doesn't seem tired and still keeps singing.

This release is great, it’s not as synthesizer based as her previous band Epoxies, much more guitar based. But Roxy Epoxy is still singing about stuff like technology invasion and nuclear destruction.

3. Pierced Arrows

I was first introduced to Dead Moon's music on CD, and thought, meh, they're alright. But then I saw Pierced Arrows LIVE and now I understand. Even though Fred and Toody >>>>>>>>>> are kinda old, they still rock out ten times harder than most youngsters. The husband and wife team are on such an amazing wavelength together, their voices and guitar harmonies swirl and bend then punch you in the face.

I still haven't found a recording that captures their live sound. But because I finally figured out why Dead Moon / Pierced Arrows are so respected, they make my top ten list.

2. Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil

I swore off the Black Lips in the mid 2000's. I heard all these stories of a band called Black Lips that played at The Funhouse. According to rumor, one of the Black Lips dudes, pissed into his own mouth while on stage, and then spit his pee into the audience.

Dude, that's not cool. How would you like to go home with someone else's regurgitated pee in your hair and on you jacket? I swore I would never like this band.

Then the CD "Good Bad Not Evil" came out and "Bad Kids", "Katrina", and "Cold Hands" are such darn good songs. Then I saw them live at Neumos last March. All I could do was jump around, now digging on the band I once swore off.

1. The Spits - S/T (Album IV aka Schools Out)

On July 4th, 2009, the best record of the year was released - The Spits 4th album. The cover looks like a messed up junior high yearbook. Get it if you can find it. Songs about your girlfriend sleeping with some asshole or setting your teacher's car on fire. Awesome.

Here are some bands you should watch out for in 2010:

Hex Dispensers, Woven Bones, Thee Headliners, Los Explosivos, Android Hero, My Bones and Organs, Hunab Ku, Dead Vampires, Rat City Ruckus, The Keeper, Los Straightjackets.

I read that M.O.T.O. is playing shows again on the east coast, maybe another 7 inch in 2010?

The Mummies played 2 shows in 2009. Please, please let The Mummies go on tour again in 2010. The world needs The Mummies now more than ever!

0 [LIST MANIA]: Nik's 20 Favorite Records of the Decade Part 3

List by Nik Christofferson

Despite the fact that the end of 2009 was officially over last night, I am still going to finish my 20 favorite records of the decade list. I have been infinitely busy planning for what turned out to be a successful NYE DJ gig, but here are the next 5 for your reading pleasure.

Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild Soundtrack (2007 - J Records)

For years leading up to this first solo release, EV has treated fans to uncountable occasions that featured him spilling his guts with an acoustic guitar or ukulele, usually in the form of stripped down Pearl jam classics or carefully selected covers of his idols live in concert. We all knew he could pull it off, and of course he did by putting together one of the most thoughtful and beautiful records of the decade. Everything about this record screams pack a bag, get in the car, press play, and just drive. From the gorgeous mandolin of “Rise” to delicate finger picked “Guaranteed” to the plugged-in “Hard Sun”-- it’s perfect! Some select songs were featured in my Hawaiian sunset beach wedding. Nuff said.

The Black Keys – Rubber Factory (2004 - Fat Possum)

The first time I heard the Black Keys was actually at Bumbershoot on the Mural Amphitheater Stage. They were of course on tour in support of their new record “Rubber Factory”, a fine collection of catchy blues rock that instantly resonated. Of course, later on down the road stand out tracks like “10AM Automatic” would be used in iTunes commercials, but it was only a matter of time before the Akron, Ohio duo made it big, and they have. Their preceding records were of the same caliber musically but not necessarily in the song writing category. On this release they seemed to be firing on all cylinders and crafted a memorable and in my opinion still their best record to date.

Tool – Lateralus (2001 - Volcano)

When digging in my mind trying to figure out what records still are relevant from the beginning of the decade only a few come to mind unfortunately. One of them is surely “Lateralus”, which came at a time of heightened confusion in heavy music. Nu-metal was being force fed and metal was sort of…well…soft. Then like a glowing sigh of relief news came of the next saga in the Tool discography. A long 5 year wait unveiled another heavy progressive rock album that may not have quite reached "Aenima" status but was surely a welcomed collection of untouched musicianship. Highlighted by tracks such as “Ticks and Leeches”, “The Grudge”, and “Lateralus” this record helped fill the quality heavy music void. Tool was all that mattered for months before its release courtesy of a bootlegged copy of their first show back in NYC and after its release with a string of shows that are still among my favorite to this day.

Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (2002 - Interscope)

If I were to rank my top 20 of the decade this record would definitely be number 1, after that it gets a little blurry hence no rankings. “Songs for the Deaf” is the almost perfect mix of stoney hard rock that propelled QOTSA from a critical darling to critical darling with mainstream appeal. This may be in part to the recruitment of Dave Grohl on drums, but the songs on this release have been unmatched thus far due to Josh Homme’s superb guitar work, and one the catchiest riffs of the decade contained in ”No One Knows”. After two descent records since “Songs” it has become apparent how much of an influence vocalist/bassist Nick Oliveri had on the group as a song writer as well as a performer, so this record stands as their masterpiece and will continue to be that nagging voice in the back of Josh’s head. I also love the fact that the record became such a huge hit with a mainstream audience even despite Queens’ signature odd arrangements. I bet the folks who were drawn in by “Go With the Flow” had no idea they would be hit over the head with awesome tracks like “First It Giveth” and “The Hanging Tree”.

Kinski – Down Below, Its Chaos (2007 - Sub Pop)

Seattle band Kinski was all but perfect on their most recent release on Sub Pop records. The band seemed to hit stride releasing a great record of fuzzed out driving stoney rock infused with psychadelia. Kinski’s duel guitar attack led by Chris Martin allows for some dense layering and of course a massive power chord attack great for any occasion. The opening combination of “Cryout Baby” and “Passwords and Alcohol” hits the sweet spot every time, and “Dayroom at Narita Int’l.” is still one of my favorite songs of the last few years. “Down Below, It’s Chaos” is a must for your turntables, and believe me almost nothing is better than these songs played at extreme volume.

0 [LIST MANIA] End of Year Lists from Andrew of The Keeper

Lists by Andrew Chapman

Here is another guest contribution from the frontman of one of my favorite local discoveries of 2009-- The Keeper. Andrew Chapman was gracious enough to compile some of his favorite shows and records of the year as well as reminisce on his favorite Keeper shows of the year too. Very cool stuff! The Keeper totally rules, and you should make it a point to be at the Sunset Tavern Saturday January 2nd as part of KEXP's Audioasis benefit. The lineup features some of Seattle's best bands with The Keeper, Vultures2012 and Android Hero all on the bill. Now that's starting the year of right. Thanks Andrew!!

Best Live Bands I Saw in 2009:

Smooth Sailing
Sunn 0))
Vultures2012
Bacchus
Them Crooked Vultures
Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth
Jesus Lizard
Brother Raven
Mico De Noche
Yob

Top Ten Releases:

Mastodon, Crake The Skye
Sunn 0)), Monoliths & Dimensions
Sleepy Eyes Of Death, Dark Signals
Om, God Is Good
Six Organs Of Admittance, Luminous Night
Russian Circles, Geneva
Shrinebuilder, s/t
Zombi, Spirit Animal
Wolves In The Throne Room, Black Cascade
Blue Scholars, OOF! EP

Top Five Shows I’ve Played in 2009:

Reverb 2009 (10/3/09):

Reverb is a killer festival that happens every year in Ballard thrown by Seattle Weekly. The 2009 edition had 70 local bands playing ten venues in one day through out downtown Ballard. The Keeper was asked to play The Bit and we gladly took the gig. The fest rules, the crowd ruled and the set ruled. In addition to all the raddness surrounding Reverb, this show was also the first our new guitarist, Izzy Guymon, played and devastated. I fully endorse Reverb and suggest that no one miss it next year.


Hannah Levin’s Birthday Party at The Sunset (9/21/09):

Helms Alee, The Ruby Doe, Dyme Def and The Keeper? All at the best venue in town? For one of our favorite people? Hell yes! This show was unstoppably killer and we were very glad to be there. Sound the feasting horns!

WWU EndFair 2009 (5/16/09):

Playing outdoors is a different animal completely from playing inside a bar. This fest was put on at Western Washington University’s dorms and featured us along with Common Market. It was great to play Bellingham and excellent to experience an outdoor set. We were joined by a trombone player for this show. The day was completely varied and that suites us just fine. Plus drinking beer in my sister’s dorm room is a total blast.

PAX pre-party at The Comet (9/3/03):

Penny Arcade is a video game enthusiast website that throws a huge convention is Seattle every year in September. We love the vid life so we booked a killer pre-party with our brothers in Mobile Slaughter Unit and two 8-bit bands. The party was excellent and everyone in attendance went nuts. I swear the ground was bouncing up and down during out set. Hopefully PAX will book us for 2010!

Mobile Slaughter Unit, Madrasso, Bad Ghost, The Keeper (1/30/09):

Have you heard Madrasso’s latest LP? It is fantastic. Go get it!

Killer Video! The Keeper @ The Comet (12/8/09)

0 [LIST MANIA] Best of Decade from Ben of Lesbian and The Abodox

List by Benjamin Thomas-Kennedy

I thought it would be sweet to have a few local musicians chime in with some lists to close out the year. I was totally pumped that Ben from Lesbian and The Abodox signed up and man did he put together a great list of the music that has resonated in his life over the past decade. Some very interesting stuff, and the reason why I love different perspectives. Go see Lesbian and The Abodox already, they are easily two of Seattle's best metal bands. Ben will be the guy beating the drums like a Neanderthal. Thanks Ben!!

The Abodox :: Photo by Nik Christofferson

Artists/Records that meant the most to me this decade...

Gris Gris:
A beautiful psychedelic time warp.

Coil:
Perfect for nearly 20 years. never a lull.

Brad Dunn:
Brad hasn't released anything; but he has given me some incredible shit that he made at home. go here and make him give you some: www.myspace.com/modocos

The New Year:
If I had a list like this for the 90's, bedhead would be at the top. the new kadane project deserves equal props.

Heatwarmer - Heatwarmer:
Right now this is my favorite album on earth. Hear it here for FREE: heatwarmer.bandcamp.com

Secret Cheifs 3:
All styles executed with skill and style.

M. Ward:
He has the same name as a guy who used to beat me up in junior high.

Christian Fennesz:
This guy can make anything on his lap sound great.

Pan American:
The perfect amount of dirty sleaze.

Pajo / Papa M:
David Pajo changes his name a lot. he is worth the hunt at the record store.

LESBIAN:
I am in this band. It's my medicine.

Susumu Yokota:
Yokota likes to dance more than i do. when he calms down its gorgeous.

Om:
Less is massive.

Wooden Shjips:
One time i confused these guys with Spacemen 3; and Spacemen 3 is, like, my favorite band.

Warning:
My friend dan gave me a warning record because it was too dark for him...and he is a dark-ass dude.

The Black Angels:
it sounds like other shit that you love and it sounds really good.

The Abodox:
I am in this band too. no one likes it; but its my favorite: http://trdmrk.org/tm21/

Earth:
Earth was great loud and even better twangy.

Blouse (u.s.a.) - Blouse:
This is me. I listen to too much Jean-Michel Jarre and get bored at airports: blouseblouse.bandcamp.com

The Marrying Type:
Nathan Smurthwaite is a genius songwriter and an even better guitar player: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/MarryingType

0 [LIST MANIA] Nik's Favorite Shows of 2009

List by Nik Christofferson

I was fortunate to make it out to a lot of shows this year. My estimate is right around 100 as far as I can tell. Shear number of bands is a whole other story, especially when you factor in 3 festivals. These are my favorite shows/performances of the year with honorable mentions. Rock!

10. Jesus Lizard @ CHBP (7-24-09): The announcement of Jesus Lizard and Sonic Youth as headliners for the annual Capitol Hill Block Party was quite the awesome news this year. The entire festival was a blast and chalked full of amazing bands. I chose the Jesus Lizard set because it was balls out fun. As the crowd thinned after Built to Spill, I made my way into the pit just in time to help David Yow on one of his many stage dives. They were unrelentless and didn’t give a fuck that all the pussies in the audience were off watching some crappy local hip hop instead of taking in their legendary agro sound. Needless to say, I went ape shit for “Nub”.

9. Mastodon/Converge/High on Fire @ Wamu Theater (10-3-09): This was the best metal lineup of the year. Mastodon played a seamless performance that ended with the mother of all Melvins covers “The Bit”. As great as Mastodon was though, this night belonged to Converge who by no stretch of the imagination destroyed all. I just remember standing there and thinking “Holy fuck, is this for real?” Mind blowing intensity and musicianship, and better than any previous time I have seen Converge live. High on Fire also killed but was hampered by an extremely short set time. I don’t care about Dethklok.

Couldn't find a Converge video from this show.

8. Murder City Devils @ The Gorge (Sasquatch 2009): This performance beat out an earlier show from Jan of 2009. Known now as the infamous Spencer Moody rant performance, it easily ranks as one of the greatest rock frontman performances I have ever had the pleasure to witness. Moody basically told everyone to fuck off, while the band effortlessly made the Animal Collective tweens cover their little ears and run for cover. It was beautiful and was surely the kick in the nards that the Sasquatch needed. Just watch the video.

7. Melvins/Green River @ Showbox at the Market (5-22-09): The crazy guy I am, and huge Melvins fan that I am there was no way I was going to miss their 21+ 25th Anniversary show even though I was headed to Sasquatch early the next day. Green River destroyed for almost an hour as an awesome primer and the Melvins played two sets: one as the Melvins of ’83 with Mike Dillard on drums and Dale on bass. Then Buzz, Dale, and Trevor Dunn proceeded to play “Houdini” in its entirety. Every single time I hear “Night Goat” live I am quickly whisked into the happiest place known to man.

6. Sunny Day Real Estate @ Crystal Ballroom (PDX) (9-18-09): One of the biggest surprises of 2009 was the reunion of Sunny Day Real Estate. Immediately I jumped at the chance to see the band in their first announced show as part of Musicfest Northwest in Portland. The Crystal Ballroom was a sweet venue, and the band sounded perfect. Every tune I had loved from “Diary” was spot on and Jeremy Enigk’s voice was flawless. It was a sweet road trip, and I was pumped to see the band before most had the opportunity in Seattle. Their show in Seattle a month later was great also but had nothing on the PDX show.

5. Mastodon, Kylesa, Intronaut @ Neumos (4-22-09): Crack the Skye was out and I was in the midst of realizing what an incredible album it was. If I hadn’t made up my mind before this show, I surely had after. I mean Mastodon at Neumos? It was an amazingly intimate performance from one of the biggest bands in metal. The show featured “Crack the Skye” from start to finish as well as an awesome selection of cuts from their previous records. It was pure and simple an awesome peformance. Kylesa and Intronaut were also impressive in their supporting roles.

4. Alice in Chains @ Moore Theater (9-24-09): Having seen the rebooted lineup on several occasions prior to this set, I knew full well what they were capable of with William Duvall at the helm. Something was in the air on this occasion and though I expected an awesome show, it was quickly obvious this night was going to be very special. The band was firing on all cylinders, and you could feel the intense love in the room. Hearing a few new tracks and very nice ode to Layne complete with solo Jerry, and an empty stool made the night something to remember. In the words of Frank Constanza “They’re Back Baaby!”

3. Pearl Jam x2 @ Key Arena (9-21/22-09): Pearl Jam rocked Key Arena two nights in a row in support of “Backspacer”. Night 1 leaned heavier on the new material and was a great but proved to be merely a warm-up. Night 2 was spectacular and showed the band in tip top form. From start to finish the set list was a fan’s dream including ‘Yield’ rarity “No Way” and “Supersonic” complete with lyric change directed at the Seattle Supersonic fiasco. It was a magical two nights anyway you put it.

2. The Knitters @ Tractor Tavern (1-20-09): It was Inauguration Day, Obama had done it and spirits were high at The Tractor for what was sure to be a fun celebration with John Doe, Exene, DJ Bonebrake, and Dave Alvin-- The Knitters. The night quickly turned into one of my favorite concert experiences of all time when Eddie Vedder jumped on stage to help with “New World”. He then proceeded to hang out for the remainder of the show amongst the crowd and for a time rocked out shoulder to shoulder with my wife and I. Jeff Ament and Mike McCready also were in attendance.

1. Tadgarden @ Crocodile (3-24-09): Tom Morello’s Justice Tour made a stop in Seattlewith Kim Thayil and Ben Shepard both listed as guest musicians so it was a no brainer to be at the Croc this night. About half way through the evening Matt Cameron pokes his head out of the back stage curtain, at that moment a chill went down my spine and the hugest grin ever grinned was plastered on my face. I then knew something was up-- the rest is history. My wife and I stood right next to Tom Morello and watched in utter jubilation as 3/4 of Soundgarden with Tad on vocals tore through “Nothing to Say”, “Hunted Down”, and “Spoonman” for the first time in 10years.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Pissed Jeans / Suck Machine @ Chop Suey (8-21-09)
2. Butthole Surfers @ Showbox at the Market (10-13-09)
3. Dungen @ Neumos (9-3-09)
4. Jeremy Enigk with Orchestra @ Neumos (5-14-09)
5. Pig Destroyer @ El Corazon (3-28-09)
6. Meat Puppets / Dead Confederate @ Chop Suey (9-23-09)
7. The Moondoggies @ Crocodile (5-9-09)
8. Russian Circles @ Neumos (11-18-09)
9. Alice in Chains @ EMP/SFM (8-26-09)
10. Android Hero / Madraso / Dog Shredder @ Sunset (11-20-09)
11. Mudhoney / Brothers of the Sonic Cloth @ Neumos (11-13-09)
12. Eyehategod / Akimbo / Samothrace / Lesbian / Grey @ El Corazon (12-4-09)

Only Show Regret of 2009: Them Crooked Vultures

0 [LIST MANIA] Jerry's Top 10 Records of the Decade

Top 10 Albums of the Decade

10. Fugazi, The Argument. Possibly the last album from one our country's greatest bands. A solid effort that truly demonstrates the power of Fugazi.

9. High on Fire, Death is this Communion. This past decade saw a resurgence in metal and I loved the direction of this band in particular. Looking forward to hearing their new album in '10.

8. The Spits, The Spits. One of the best punk bands of the decade. These guys rock and allowed the Taco Cart to use their jam "Rat Face" in Vampire Hunter Hank! TAKE BACK THE ALLEY! TAKE BACK THE ALLEY!

7. The A-Frames, Black Forest. Erin allowed us to use the song "Negative", but then we ran into a problem with Sub Pop. The problem: they wouldn't return our messages. This album is brilliant. It is an awesome mixture of sci fi, punk, and madness! Love it!

6. Jurassic 5, Power in Numbers. Hip Hop took a dip this past decade. Cut Chemist put out a solid album, along with a handful of other acts like De La Soul, The People Under the Stairs, Ugly Duckling, Blackilicious, and Mos Def to name a few. But to be honest, I think Hip Hop needs a shot in the arm. It has fallen flat, similar to metal back in the late 80's, early 90's. Someone needs to come along and kick it in the pants with something different and fresh a la the Wu Tang Clan back in '93. Prediction: this will happen in the next decade.

5. Mastodon, Crack the Skye. Just an unbelievable album that gets better every time I listen to it.

4. The Black Keys, Rubber Factory. Couldn't choose what Black Keys album I loved the most, so I chose this one. Seriously, close your eyes and pick. These guys kill it!

3. Ozomatli, Street Signs. If you have not witnessed the greatness of Ozomatli, then you must get off your ass and go check these guys out. They rule.

2. Mastodon, Leviathan. Just an unbelievable album. These guys just keep getting better. The only band to grace my list twice!

1. System of a Down, Toxicity. A blistering follow up to one of the best debuts ever. SOAD, please come back.

I would also like to touch on a few highlights and lowlights.

Highlights:

-Mastodon and the resurgence of GOOD METAL!

-Hey, Metallica put out a listenable album, Death Magnetic. Where the fuck have you assholes been for the last twenty years? Oh yeah, I remember, up Bob Rock's crack.

-Pure Filth in Nottingham, UK. Stay filthy you bastards!

-Mos Def joined at Bumbershoot with a live band consisting of Dr. Know (Bad Brains), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), and Doug Wimbish (Living Colour). There were others too, but these are who I remember.

-Charli 2na and DJ Numark setting up outside the HUB while I ate my lunch, then proceeded to play some jams. Just what the doctor ordered.

Lowlights:

-Aerosmith and KISS still exist.

-Lack of commentary relevant to the two wars going on now.

-Rap.

-The death of Cramps front man Lex Interior.

-The breakup of Zen Guerrilla.

-The death of Joe Strummer.

-The Black Eyed Peas.

0 LIST MANIA: Matt's Top 10 Rock and Metal Records of the Decade Part 2

List by Matt Abramson

The conclusion of Matt's rock and metal decade list. Excellent picks if I do say so myself, and I do.


5. Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (Interscope – 2002)

Perhaps the only stoner rock album to achieve significant critical and commercial success, due in no small part to putting Dave Grohl back where he belongs – kicking ass behind a drum kit, the tandem of Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri completely killed it with ‘Songs for the Deaf’. Queens had been flirting with success prior to this album and were catapulted into the stratosphere with its release. Not only that, it was a really fucking good album cover to cover – making it one of the few times that fans, critics and the commercial public all agree on an album. It takes every once of self-restraint I have to keep from starting a mosh pit whenever I hear “Go With the Flow”.

4. Deftones – Saturday Night Wrist (Maverick – 2006)

It was really hard to pick between this and ‘White Pony’ for a spot on the list. After careful consideration, I decided that ‘White Pony’, even though it was released in 2000 and is an undisputed classic, was more of a capstone for 1990-1999 than 2000-2009. The Deftones are consistently good, but ‘Saturday Night Wrist’ was such a surprisingly passionate work of ethereal heaviness that even long time fans like myself were caught off guard its greatness. I still get shivers when I put this album on.

3. Botch – We Are the Romans (Hydra Head – 2000)

Here, in fifty-three minutes, is the blueprint for exactly what heavy music should be. ‘We Are the Romans’ is a dense, brutal, atmospheric assault on your psyche that leaves you scratching your head wondering what the fuck just happened. The delay-pedal tapping guitar heroics of Dave Knudson may stand out the most, but every member of Botch kills it. Matt Bayles, who has produced too many great albums to mention, does an awesome job of wrangling in and presenting the destruction of waveforms that is Botch. This album was introduced to me as “the soundtrack to the apocalypse” – almost ten years later, I still agree.

2. Mastodon – Leviathan (Relapse – 2004)

Guitar fireworks. Mastodon sounds like guitar fireworks. The first time I ever heard this concept album based on ‘Moby Dick’ I remember yelling “Holy shit! Are you fucking kidding me!” at my car stereo. The riffs are sheer brilliance and the musicianship is immaculate. Mastodon is the band that makes me feel like Metallica made me feel when I was twelve, which is completely in awe of the awesomeness that is metal. There is no band that can touch what Mastodon does, and when you reach the guitar solo at the 10:30 mark of “Hearts Alive” – a track easily in the same league as “Freebird” and “Stairway to Heaven” – you will be a believer.

1. High on Fire – Blessed Black Wings (Relapse – 2005)

I have lost so many fucking eBay auctions trying to get this thing on vinyl. High on Fire sound like a herd of charging rhinos on acid, and this Steve Albini-produced gem is their finest hour. Matt Pike is without question the best metal guitarist on the planet, an unshaven, tattooed sage in the vein of Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest samurai ever. Musashi lived in a cave and fought his last duel with a giant piece of wood. He fucking killed the guy. Matt Pike could kill you with a Les Paul. See the similarity? If there were such a thing as the quintessential metal band, it would be High on Fire. If I could only give someone one album to teach them what metal is, it would be ‘Blessed Black Wings’.

0 LIST MANIA: Nik's 20 Favorite Records of the Decade Part 2

List by Nik Christofferson

Here is the next installment of my 20 favorite records of the decade list for your reading and collecting pleasure. I present to you the second 5.

Old Man Gloom – Christmas (2004 - Tortuga)

In my mind this 2004 standout was the holy grail of experimental sludge and doom metal of the time. Featuring the roaring vocals of Converge bassist Nate Newton as well as a stellar cast of musicians including Aaron Turner of ISIS and Caleb Scofield of Cave In, this particular OMG record weaves seamlessly between psychotic brutality to experimental drones and back again. From the devastation of opener “Gift” to the oddly fascinating voiceovers of “Something for the Mrs.” to the molten spew of “The Volcano”, “Christmas” is an all around compelling listen with epic bi-polar highs and minimalist lows.

Himsa – Hail Horror (2006 – Prosthetic)

After humble beginnings as primarily a metalcore outfit, Himsa took a step away from possible mediocrity and unleashed Hail Horror. It took an extra excruciating year for this killer slab of melodic death metal to finally become available to fans but it was worth the wait. Swedish producer d’jour Tue Madsen was a significant factor in the vast improvement in Himsa’s sound on Hail Horror. Brutal tracks like The Destroyer, Wolfchild, and Pestilence showcased John Pettibone’s newly found vocal prowess as he moved away from a mere hardcore shouter to full on agro-giant. The tight shreds on Hail Horror courtesy of Kirby Johnson and short-timer/ troublemaker Matt Wicklund were mountains above anything the band had accomplished before, and Chad Davis’s impressive demolition style drum attack along with Derek Harn’s “I’m metal as fuck” bass riffage laid a sturdy foundation on this local metal gem. Hail Horror unfortunately marked a high point for the band that has seemed to suffer unbelievably bad luck over the years. Himsa should be alive and destroying right now, but instead they succumbed after bashing it out for a tough 10 years.

The Black Angels – Passover (2006 – Light in the Attic)

Nobody does psychedelic rock quite like The Black Angels, at least nobody playing psychedelic rock in current times. Of course they take extensive cues from the acid psych movement of 60’s bands like 13th Floor Elevators but their debut full length “Passover” is still a breath of trippy reverb drenched fresh air. Tracks like the bluesy “Black Grease” or the driving “Better Off Alone” march full force into ones collective conscience, high stepping with muddy rhythms and menacing vocals perfect for a stroll through a distant time where drug fueled mind expansion was all the rage.

The Sword – Age of Winters (2006 - Kemado)

I had no idea that when I went to see the "Kill’em All" era Metallica hacks Early Man at the old Crocodile; I would end up seeing one of my favorite discoveries of the decade-- The Sword. The first notes of the instrumental “Celestial Crown” leading into the explosion that is “Freya” instantly sent me to the fucking moon in a stoney thrash metal rocketship. The Sword’s promising throwback sound definitely spread into 2008’s “Gods of the Earth”, but “Age of Winters” is one mighty fine debut. Does it really get better than “Iron Swan”?

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Streetcore (2003 - HellCat)

This posthumous release was sadly the best collection of solo material ever recorded by the former Clash front man. Pretty much a far departure from anything The Clash did and more realized than the previous two world music infused attempts with the Mescalaros, "Streetcore" is a more straight ahead rock effort with hints of folk, and reggae. Stand out tracks include opener “Coma Girl”, a cover of Bob Marley’s ”Redemption Song”, and “Burnin’ Streets”. I suppose because of the circumstances the record might seem slightly introspective and melancholy but at the same time it gives all the reason in the world to honor this influential musician and revisit his work from start to finish.

0 LIST MANIA: Matt's Top Rock and Metal Records of the Decade: Honorable Mentions

List by Matt Abramson

Just to leave you in suspense here are a few honorable mentions, the top five are coming soon!

Torche – Meanderthal (Hydra Head – 2008)

What the fuck is Torche? They put out the heaviest shit I heard in 2008, but it was also the most melodic. ‘Meanderthal’ is an album beyond any description except for “kick ass” and “good”. To say the album is stoner metal, or doom metal, or even just plain metal is doing it a disservice. I reckon that if mainstream radio got a hold of a track like “Healer” it would be fucking huge. In the meantime, I guess all of us who are in the know will get to keep the awesomeness that is Torche to ourselves.

At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command (Grand Royal – 2000)

The breakup of At the Drive-In was a difficult pill to swallow, only made easier because we got Sparta and the Mars Volta out of the deal. Neither band never captured the ferocity of their predecessor, though. ‘Relationship of Command’ sounds like it’s going to train wreck and burst at the seams at any minute, at times you have to wonder if the band members were playing different songs. Whatever it was they did, it worked, and it was awesome. Maybe it’s a blessing that the band sort of imploded following this record, because it’s highly questionable whether or not they would produce anything as good again.

The Sword – Gods of the Earth (Kemado – 2008)

A picture-perfect representation of blending new-school heaviness with old-school ideals made The Sword major players in metal with their sophomore release. It was actually really surprising how much ass was kicked by The Sword on this album. It’s really got everything that metal is about: fire, dragons, harmony guitars, other fantastical shit and groove for days. This did not leave my CD player for several weeks after I got it.

Nine Inch Nails – Year Zero (Interscope – 2007)

Nine Inch Nails is a personal favorite, and Trent Reznor’s output in this decade has been tremendous. This album stands out because of sheer weirdness. It’s some of the most challenging, glitchy yet melodic NIN material ever released. Throw in an all-too-strange viral marketing game that involved USB drives left in arena bathrooms and decoding binary exposed on the disc itself which could only be seen after heating… yeah, it was printed with weird heat-sensitive ink… it all makes for one of the most original albums of the decade.

Mudvayne – L.D. 50 (Epic – 2000)

Debut albums are usually mere harbingers of the greatness that a band could possibly achieve in their career. ‘L.D. 50’ is one hell of an ambitious debut though, because it pushes seventy minutes and is entirely about hallucinogenic drugs. Tagging Mudvayne as nu-metal is a travesty, anyone who gives a serious listen to the precision that is the rhythm section of Matt McDonough and Ryan Martinie will recognize this shit is pure, brutal math metal.

0 LIST MANIA: Nik's 20 Favorite Records of the Decade Part 1

List by Nik Christofferson

The last 10 years have been filled with constant musical discovery, I mean shit I’m only 29. Prior to age 19 I was a huge music fan but in a very different way than now. For the last ten years I have been defining and redefining my musical tastes. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way for sure…remember nu-metal? I have also made plenty of great choices as well this decade including discovering outside of the box resources like KEXP and they’re appreciation of the eclectic side of life, as well as also continuing to explore and grow my taste for heavy music. Needless to say it’s been a sweet decade for music, it started rocky in my opinion but much good has come from it. Now without further adieu, here is the first 5 of my 20 favorite records of the decade in no particular order since I couldn't decide on the exact value of each, only that they have had more spins than any other records from the years 2000-2009.



The Haunted – Revolver (2004)

Many have said that “Made Me Do It” is the best Haunted record. I couldn’t disagree more. This record is great for many reasons but most of all the return of original vocalist Peter Dolving is the deciding factor. His melodic insane asylum howls are very unique and on stand out tracks like “No Compromise” and “99”, Dolving sounds like he’s possessed. The thrash guitar attack by Anders Bjorler and Patrik Jensen and the tight technical bass and drums by Jonas Bjorler and Per Möller Jensen reeks of a more melodic At the Gates. The apple continues to not fall far from the tree and that rules.


Hermano - …Only a Suggestion (2002)

Let’s see, here we have some excellent stoner rock directly descending from the band that started it all, Kyuss. The best part is Hermano is ¼ Kyuss with legendary frontman John Garcia on vocals doing what he does best. From the ashes of Unida and Slo Burn came Hermano and slew of groove heavy tunes best heard with a few beers down the hatch and a doobie for good measure. Standout track here is opener “The Bottle” but the entire record is solid from start to finish. John Garcia is the man, that’s all there is to it.


Melvins – (A) Senile Animal (2006)

After releasing a slew of rather experimental records to which only a band like the Melvins could conjure up. They made a huge come back to the sludgly rock they are famous for in 2006, adding Big Business as their rhythm section and releasing their most accessible record since the mid-nineties Atlantic years brought the 3-peat-- Houdini, Stoner Witch, and Stag. The record is choked full of Buzz’s signature huge riffs and interesting tempo changes not to mention Jared Warren’s mammoth bass, and count’em not one but two of the biggest hitters available Coady Willis and Dale Crover sharing drum duties. For some reason Buzz and Dale decided to come out of experimental obscurity, and wallow a bit on the edge of mainstream heavy music again. Of course they’ve been coming and going as they please now for 25 years, and so I’m sure they’ll get bored again and crawl back into their fuck you cave.


Cave In – Jupiter (2000)

Cave In has been scrutinized more than any one band I can think of at this exact moment. They began as a sweet metalcore (yes, some metalcore was good, but the genre turned to shit shortly after Cave In and Converge revolutionized it) band in the same Massachusetts scene as their friends Converge, and of course changed their sound drastically just prior to this release. The giant space rock sound that Cave In so sonically conveys on this record is like nothing else around. The experimentation on Jupiter took balls, and despite the constant attacks by old school fans and lame-duck music writers Cave In has persevered. In 2009 they reunited after a short hiatus, released an EP and currently touring again. All I can say is either you get Cave In or you don’t and I feel sorry for those who don’t.


The Cave Singers – Invitation Songs (2007)

It was an eye opening experience the first time I heard Peter Quirk’s odd vocal style, the simplistic yet amazing acoustic melodies by former Murder City Devil Derek Fudesco, and timely percussion by Marty Lund. The Seattle native’s debut received more spins than any record in my collection in 2007, and still remains a trusty standby today. This record marked a year that I discovered many new bands that didn’t necessarily warrant the devil horns. Haunting tunes like “Helen” mix oddly well with foot stompers like “Dancing on Your Grave”. It just works.