Reverend Joe's Official Rock and Roll Thread

DISCLAIMER: I am an amateur who doesn't know **** about music, theory or otherwise, and who doesn't play any instruments. Therefore take all recommendations on your own terms and with a grain of salt; I just know what sounds good to me.

Yeah, I'm starting a thread for all my music posts; the individual ones are too messy and disappear too fast for my liking.

I will update basically whenever I feel like it, which could be a few times a week or once a month. It all depends. I will also sometimes recap bands I have already covered in the older threads, so forgive any repetition, but I want to try to consolidate my musical preaching as much as possible. Also, I will use Myspace to refer bands because, despite the fact that one person has complained that they "h8" Myspace's music player, it's still the easiest way to give everyone free samples of their studio sounds. Plus you can always just use Myspace to find their home page.

I'm gonna start with at least one recap because I feel like he deserves it, as well as several similar artists, the focus here being 70's style Metal-rock.

Firebird: the star of the show today. I would like to hear what someone who knows anything about music thinks of these guys, but I am sure they are something special. Firebird is a turn-of-the-70's rock band that sounds like they could have opened for Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple, but they also have a distinct sound that sets them apart from their stylistic counterparts. Bill Steer, the guitarist and vocalist, is the center of Firebird, as the rest of the power trio consists of a rotating cast of his friends from other bands who work with Steer in-between obligations. It's this shifting backing band, however, that proves to me that Steer is a gifted musician, as the sound is remarkably steady from album to album; the main differences are stylistic: the first album is definitely early 70's rock, but the third (No. 3) leans more towards the late 60's and the (slightly) softer 70's, and the fourth (Hotwings) is just heavy-duty blues-rock. Apparently Steer is going to be working with a previous metal band for a while, so it could be a while until another Firebird album, if another is indeed forthcoming; and trust me, it would be a shame if Firebird ends. They're my favorite band right now.
Edit: Firebird live. Just because I am really digging them right now.

Year Long Disaster: louder and meaner than Firebird, and not really as good despite being better known. More of a late 70's/early 80's sound, and the lyrics are distinctly threatening at times; nevertheless they are a solid rock band; dig "Leda Atomica" as a good example (and as a good example of "borrowing" another song -- I'll be damned if the lyrics don't sound just like "Gimme Shelter." Nothing exactly new, though.)

Gentleman's Pistols: definitely the worst band here; I'm including them because they still provide an entertaining sound, if not exactly a musical masterpiece. The riffs, after all, aren't all that bad. Their attitude reminds me of Def Leppard and AC/DC, although the sound is more 70's. They are, by far, the fastest, loudest band in this collection. "Widowmaker" is most representative of their sound, as well as being one of the two highlights on their first album, the other being "Mistress Mistrust" (not represented here, but you can find it live on Youtube.)

Witchcraft: definitely the most interesting band today; they draw from an era of music which I am entirely unfamiliar with (70's Swedish metal) but the sound on their latest album, The Alchemist, is more diversified than on previous albums. The sound on The Alchemist is absolutely perfect: it's definitely 70's metal, but it doesn't try to destroy you with pounding walls of noise; it's actually fairly quiet and easy-going. A great smoking album.

Dunno how many people are reading (much less caring about) this thread so far, but I'm an optimist.

I'm gonna do another recap, especially since an Indie band thread just appeared; note that these guys are not "typical" Indie rock, but they were on independant labels up until recently. Now, though, they have their own studio, and they are even helping other small-time bands out by recording them in their studio.

The Black Keys.

Probably already somewhat well-known around here, and for good reason. I once heard them described as a "B-side White Stripes," but that's really not a fair comparison; though the bands have some similarities, I like the Black Keys a lot more, and frankly, Dan Auerbach is a much better guitarist than Jack White.

Up until their latest album, they were a Blues-rock band in the purest sense; I have really not heard any other band that has made me think "Blues-rock" more than the Black Keys. They were damn good at it too. But after four albums of basically the same music, they seem to have grown tired of the same old sound, and their fifth album is worlds away from anything they have done before. It's a sort of weird psychedelic blend of blues-rock and unusual rap stylings, the result of their producer Danger Mouse.

If the stranger stuff doesn't strike your fancy, though, they still have four albums of solid rockin' music. Do be aware, though, that the fourth album, Magic Potion, has a much cleaner sound than the previous three; whereas their first three albums are perfect for garage-rock fans, the fourth is really better suited to classic rockers who will appreciate the slicker sound.

I like the Black Keys, good band. Almost at my current Internet DL limit for this month so I can't check the others out at the moment.

Kasabian

I love their music, lots of variety...

"...and you will know us by the trail of the dead"

Splendid name, awesome music. From orchestral arragements all the way to groovy behind kickin´songs!

"The Arcade Fire"

One of my bands of the year in 2007. Very good and new ideas on both of their albums.

Back with another band, this time a new one.

The Crack Pipes. Interesting name, I know, but a good group -- a surprisingly good group, in fact, considering what they named themselves after. The sound is a little hard to describe; they draw on punk, garage, rock n' roll and blues mainly. But what's best about the sound is its general range; no two records sound the same at all. You can still tell it's the Pipes on each record, but they all address a different combination of their roots. The website has a number of free songs under the "Music" section (just mouse over the church.)

Okay, just out of curiosity, how many people read this thread? Should I keep this up or not? I ask because this thread only has 55 views, whereas the average thread in the Frontroom has 2-300. It's a little disconcerting.

Okay, self-pity fest over. Time for another band. I think they're a respost, but it's been forever, si whatever.

Dollhouse. Don't be fooled by the name -- they're a heavy-duty Swedish MC5-style Soul-rock band. In fact, they're officially endorsed by the MC5. No joke: the official website is on the MC5's official website. Check it out.

Actually, on second thought, yeah, they're a repost; listening to them again, I remember that I was of the opinion then (and still am now) that they are in dire need of a keyboardist to take them to the next level. Every time they actually include an organ or piano, it proves my point: it just gives them that extra kick into a real rock-n-soul band.

IM reading!

By all means, keep posting. It's especially great when you can link to samples or videos of the music you're talking about, 'cause talking about music is liky dancing about architecture.

Keep it up!

I like Firebird, managed to find their first (Firebird) and fourth (Hotwings) albums, but I can't find the other two.

Didn't like Year Long Disaster. Left a bad taste in my ears.

Gentleman's Pistols is not bad, easy to listen too, just doesn't have any of that, "Yeh!" factor.

Witchcraft is interesting, some good songs.

Dollhouse is awesome, picked up The Royal Rendezvous a few weeks back. Plus the fact the Bassist's name is Yoda Chrome.

With the The Crack Pipes do the the albums sound like the sample song(s), or are the samples atypical. Since I liked some of the songs but not all.

Glad to hear some peopelare following, even if it's just a few.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rythmic

I like Firebird, managed to find their first (Firebird) and fourth (Hotwings) albums, but I can't find the other two.

Didn't like Year Long Disaster. Left a bad taste in my ears.

Gentleman's Pistols is not bad, easy to listen too, just doesn't have any of that, "Yeh!" factor.

Witchcraft is interesting, some good songs.

Dollhouse is awesome, picked up The Royal Rendezvous a few weeks back. Plus the fact the Bassist's name is Yoda Chrome.

With the The Crack Pipes do the the albums sound like the sample song(s), or are the samples atypical. Since I liked some of the songs but not all.

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If you can get to America's Amazon.com, the third Firebird album is available via download. Kinda different, but all their albums are.

YLD is kinda angry; can't blame you for not liking them.

As for the Crack Pipes, you really have to give them a go for an album or two. Their sound is very varied, even within their albums. Like I said, they draw on a lot of roots. Most likely, you will like most, but not all, of their songs on each album.

You may enjoy Les Georges Leningrad.

Vampire Weekend
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XC2mqcMMGQ

Kinda modern Peter Gabriel. Music that makes autumn more bareable.

Mr. Oberst sings some fine tunes with Bright Eyes...but who would have guessed he has running a splendid noise-rock band called Desaparecidos? They released a very good album called "Read Music / Speak Spanish" (Saddle Creek) in 2002.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desaparecidos_(band)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ7f...eature=related

Okay, I know it's probably a bad idea to feature a band after only listening to them for one day, but I'm gonna make an exception.

Edit: retracted, see below. I knew it was a bad idea.

StoneRider: a fairly new band, reformed from what was apparently a rather bad metal band, they play some of the best Southern hard rock I have ever heard. Not much else to say; they're just a really good hard-rockin' Southern band. Check out "Wild Child" and their cover of "Hair of the Dog" for some of their best work.

I like, pretty raw sound. Not a bad song so far.

Some great 70's band from the Netherlands with the great guitarist Jan akkermans is Focus. Some Progressive (mostly instrumental) Rock. Two of their best songs:
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=OznS7X9BOxs
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=bpV5InLw52U

Okay, I almost didn't say anything about this, but it's kinda weirding me out how much people are suggesting other bands to me. It's not that I'm offended; it's just that I thought this thread was for me to suggest bands to y'all, not the other way around. Now, don't get me wrong; I appreciate your enthusiasm. It's just that I would rather hear what you think of the bands I am suggesting.

Okay. enough pissing off my fans.

The Black Diamond Heavies. Bet you never heard of these guys before. They are a pretty strange band -- almost an industrial soul sound -- but they're one of my favorites. They have the energy and intensity of Wilson Pickett fronting the Stooges, and it;s all compressed into two crazy-ass dudes, one on drums and one on keyboards. The songs available on the Myspace, unless I am mistaken, are all from their latest album, which is more refined than their label debut; so if it isn't raw enough for you (:dizzy2:) then try looking them up on Youtube; their first album is even crazier. But the thing that really makes the band is their ability to pull off some of the best soul grooves I've ever heard; most notably, the 8-minute "All to Hell" and "Stitched in Sin" from the first album and "Bidin' my Time" from the second (and the last one comes complete with a kickass horn/sax section!) Definitely worth it.

Also, I now love ZZ Top. Just throwin' that out there. :2thumbsup:

Despite the singer's deep voice they sound too trebly, like what happened to MC5 in their second album. They need to throw in a handful of grit and bass. Looking at Youtube the singer's voice doesn't hold up live.

Edit: Stitched in Sin does have a good groove though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Also, I now love ZZ Top. Just throwin' that out there. :2thumbsup:

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Ha, what are you my dad? :laugh4:

Hello gentlemen,

I just posted this somewhere else, but well, here I go again!
Bavarian band called "La Brass Banda"...all of them got a classical music education, a love for beer, lots of talent plus on stage they rock big time. Trumpet Lederhosen-hippies!

Saw them last week and it was one of the best concerts I ever attended. I think they are kind of "rock and roll"....so...enjoy...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_tm...eature=related

Okay, two things today.

One, I'm retracting my support for StoneRider. They weren't bad at first, but then I read a reviewer who insisted that if I listened to them and couldn't see a WWF wrestler body-slamming his opponent, I must be deaf; and now I can't get that image (and various other associated ones) out of my head every time I listen to them.

I despise people who can't appreciate bad music that is still entertaining. They do nothing but make life harder for us all.

Two, I'm gonna bring back another band; but this time I have a legitimate reason: they have released their second album, and it doesn't disappoint.

Buffalo Killers: No "The" for some reason, but I laways think of them as "The Buffalo Killers" anyway. They're a rather difficult band to explain, but if you can understand all the references, they are kind of like a 70's stoner rock version of The Band. They are an offshoot of the now-defunct "Thee Shams", including the primary writing team (the Gabbard Brothers) and their drummer. They're basically a beautiful Psych-Americana Rock band, and they remain one of my favorites at the moment, especially when a six-pack and a nice sunset are nearby.

Not much of them on Youtube, but their Myspace has more songs if you are interested or uncertain.

Hi preacher and all you fellow rockers,

It was probably destiny that brought me here, I saw the faint flickering light of rock-magic from far away... I have been slaugthering my way over here thru the eternal horde of hip-hop vermin ever since. Sorry for the mess outside thou. I’m a rock-warrior too, the order of St. Hendrix in case you guys are wondering, and I usually attend the electric church regularly, but I'm a long way from home and was wandering alone in the great wastes of hip-hop. Only with holy St.Hendrix as my guardian here, I saw the light and I needed to heal my wounds from the boring unispirered use of drum-machines, crappy rhymes and annoying samples with the magic sounds of solid rock and stratocasters.... :laugh4:


Now as far as I checked things out here:

Firebird: I like. Solid and and possibly slowish rock and that won’t hurt anybody. Strike me as very traditional and old school. Good stuff essentially I think. I would not object if any would start playing the stuff I heard on the stereo (yes a stereo! The kind of thing that used to be around in the good ol’ days). “Hardened sole” was my favorite of the stuff I heard.

Year Long Disaster: Me also like, also like but I probably liked firebird more (at least of what I heard). They don’t seem to have the same nerve/”presence” as the Firebirds do. And there was some heavy metal traces there and I don’t like that at all. And the vocals are possibly slightly weaker than the Firebirds.

Gentleman's Pistols: Actually reminds me of the early days of Deep Purple when they had Rod Evans on vocals. Its quite ok and nice. No objections here. If I got nothing better to do I would see these guys live.

Witchcraft: Well, I don’t like. Too much pop-factor there (won't heal my wounds properly). If you are going to listen to Swedish rock from or inspired by the seventies, there is probably only one thing to bother with and that’s “NOVEMBER” there are several things on these guys over at “you tube”. Other stuff which sure is worthy of interest is guitarist Claes Yngvesson and SKY HIGH, particularly live (seen them live 6-7 times by now and I am always are happy for doing that). Also plenty of available clipps over at "you tube".

The Black Keys: well the tune “strange times” actually have a glam-rock-vibe to it thus my love for it slightly drops, but overall I still think it’s quite ok. “I got mine” is bit more Sabbath-ish (or possibly more adequately early Monster Magnet-ishy) oriented and I probably like that a little bit more, actually I like it straight up. The more rock-psycadelia there is the more happy I usually get.

DollHouse: I actually never heard of these guys. But I must admit that they play some straight on, old school rock. It’s quite nice and it’s rock alright. Not that heavy (I do like heavy) but raw and straight up rock. I’m actually surprised and positive about these guys. Very raw sound. And particularly good for Swedish standards in my book.

Stonerider: Well there is little problem with the rock it self here, its pretty straight forward but they also got those “heavy metal” influences that sure drags down my experience of it. If they could throw that out of the window and possibly get more powerful vocals then I would have little problems with these guys.

The Black Diamond Heavies: Its little unexpected here but its quite ok I think. It sure got charm. There is some real raw sound going there as well. I kind of like it, and these guys seems to fill a void since their style strikes me as unorthodox and different. It actually reminds me of Tom Waits “when he goes ogre”, If you all understand what I mean by that. Its quite cool I think.

Buffokillers: I heard two tracks of these guys, and I like those without any objections what so ever. Good stuff! These guys I would like to hear some more here! There are some Real 70’s influences there no doubt, almost a bit Uriah Heep sometimes but then that’s no quit right either, there is other things there as well…. No matter I like it and it is slow and sluggish – and I do love that fact. Good vocals that works well and some great phrasing too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

It's not that I'm offended; it's just that I thought this thread was for me to suggest bands to y'all, not the other way around. Now, don't get me wrong; I appreciate your enthusiasm. It's just that I would rather hear what you think of the bands I am suggesting.

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Well in that case rock-preacher, how about I suggest that you suggest to the rest of us to focus a bit on the magic chapters of “CLUTCH” (USA) in the holy scrolls of rock and roll...

(Just in case you might have missed out on these guys. Its one of the greatest powerhouses of rock still active in the world. Hard-ish, Heavy, massive and overwhelming. In short freaking excellent and obligatory to at least check out and form a opinion about. I don’t like much their earlier stuff but from the Album “Pure rock fury” (2001) they are just freaking outstanding. My fave Album is "Blast Tyrant" (2004). There is plenty of stuff on them over at you tube, just stay clear of the live stuff, the quality is awful. Stick to studio recordings.).


Well Reverend Joe, you got a good track-record going here, keep it up! I’ll stick around when I'm not busy killing hip-hop vermin.... :grin:

- Cheers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Axalon

Well in that case rock-preacher, how about I suggest that you suggest to the rest of us to focus a bit on the magic chapters of “CLUTCH” (USA) in the holy scrolls of rock and roll...

(Just in case you might have missed out on these guys. Its one of the greatest powerhouses of rock still active in the world. Hard-ish, Heavy, massive and overwhelming. In short freaking excellent and obligatory to at least check out and form a opinion about. I don’t like much their earlier stuff but from the Album “Pure rock fury” (2001) they are just freaking outstanding. My fave Album is "Blast Tyrant" (2004). There is plenty of stuff on them over at you tube, just stay clear of the live stuff, the quality is awful. Stick to studio recordings.).

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I got Clutch's Transnational Speedway League ages ago, which I guess is what you don't like, but it's good stuff. They started as a local band around here. I never really got into their newer offerings, but that's just a style thing, but they are definitely under the radar and should be more well known.

Is Corrosion of Conformity still doing music? Good southern metal from Raleigh.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by drone

I got Clutch's Transnational Speedway League ages ago, which I guess is what you don't like, but it's good stuff. They started as a local band around here. I never really got into their newer offerings, but that's just a style thing, but they are definitely under the radar and should be more well known.

Is Corrosion of Conformity still doing music? Good southern metal from Raleigh.

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Hi there Drone,

With the risk of temporarily highjacking the good 'ol preachers rock thread here (sorry); yeah it pretty much what I was talking about. That stuff are above all hard, usually fast and screamy (actually it makes me think of Hardcore-band Helmet to some extent). I personally like it heavy, massive and slow and more melodious, which their later stuff sure are by comparison. Fallons excellent vocals don't really get the chance to do what he does best until Elephant riders possibly in my opinion (thou I missed out on the the '95 album). Then again diffrent strokes for diffrent folks. For me Clutch are primarily "Pure Rock Fury" and "Blast Tyrant" which I personally regard to be their best work to date. The other later albums like "Robot Hive" and "Beagle street"-thingie are great but not freaking excellent, if you understand what I mean. Regardless, I'll give Clutch :2thumbsup: any day....

I know, I know.... This is the preachers official opinion place so I'll shut up now. Again, sorry for the "Clutchamania" here reverend (but you really should check those guys out. And I would be delighted to read your opinion on 'em right here). :laugh4:


- Cheers
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As for the CoC Drone, the only thing I know is that powerhouse and hardrock-band Down
released their 3rd album in 2007 (very good I think) and one of those guys are otherwise
active CoC when not playing with Down. I dont know any more than that.

Been a little while.

First, I don't really like "Clutch." Their songs are loud alright, but they're either too metal for me or they lack a certain... something... soul, I guess. Their blues isn't all that bad, but they sound like they know how to play it, but not how to love it.

Second, I'm lining up some more bands, and I'm going to release them slowly to give me time to find some more. I went through a real dry spell where I wasn't finding anything, but I've found several new bands just recently that should keep me going for a while.

Pride Tiger: I dunno about the way these guys dress (they look kinda nerdy to me, definitely not how rock-and-rollers ought to look) but they sure know how to rock. Their first album is a real classic rocker; some of the songs are straight-up hard rock, but most show a heavy Thin Lizzy influence (as well as other mainstream rockers, such as Boston and Foreigner, but Thin Lizzy is definitely the most prominent.) The album also shows some coherence as a whole; while the songs are definitely 7" worthy for the most part, the album still sounds like an album, not a collection of singles. It's a great choice for beer-swilling, hard-rocking parties.

(In case you're wondering, I included a youtube link instead of a myspace because they're pretty well covered on youtube; that should make it easier for people who have problems with myspace.)

Edit: They're Thin Lizzy. Period. Plus... I dunno... every Post-1997-Alt_Rock band ever. Kinda weird. But still not bad.

I;m gonna do something abssurd because I'm drunk. If you understand the absurdity of this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, you NEED to read this post.

CREAM

If you only listen to one band in your entire life... well, then that band should probably be Frank Zappa and the Mothers. But if you only listen to two bands in your entire life, make the second Cream. They are one of the greatest blues-rock/psychedelic bands in musical history, and the best part about them is their ability to make your ears ring and mellow you out with the same song. A song that sounds calm and mellow in the studio becomes an eardrum-bursting beast onstage. Now, this was nothing unique to Cream during the 60s (pretty much every band sounded much better live back then) but Cream took it to a whole new level.

OK, cheap shot over. Go smoke some grass and dig some badass live Cream.

Hehe. I agree with the above post. :thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

CREAM

If you only listen to one band in your entire life... well, then that band should probably be Frank Zappa and the Mothers. But if you only listen to two bands in your entire life, make the second Cream. They are one of the greatest blues-rock/psychedelic bands in musical history, and the best part about them is their ability to make your ears ring and mellow you out with the same song. A song that sounds calm and mellow in the studio becomes an eardrum-bursting beast onstage. Now, this was nothing unique to Cream during the 60s (pretty much every band sounded much better live back then) but Cream took it to a whole new level.

OK, cheap shot over. Go smoke some grass and dig some badass live Cream.

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Yeah cream is indeed a band everyone should check out. And it's no wonder they are better live, as all the three members (Clapton ahead) were great improvisers. And when one decided to took of, the others just followed. The hard thing was to stop playing, which resulted into Interstellar like (Pink Floyd for those with a very large hole in their culture) results.


And of course I second that about Zappa.

Next post. Very simple.

Airbourne; Australia; 70's pub rock; what AC/DC SHOULD be.

And yeah, they MIGHT be a ripoff band. But honestly, what would you rather listen to, "Rock and Roll Train" or "Diamond in the Rough"? Honestly, AC/DC should just donate their band name to these guys and let them rock on the way AC/DC should, and has not since after Bon Scott's death.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Okay, I almost didn't say anything about this, but it's kinda weirding me out how much people are suggesting other bands to me. It's not that I'm offended; it's just that I thought this thread was for me to suggest bands to y'all, not the other way around. Now, don't get me wrong; I appreciate your enthusiasm. It's just that I would rather hear what you think of the bands I am suggesting.

Okay. enough pissing off my fans.

The Black Diamond Heavies. Bet you never heard of these guys before. They are a pretty strange band -- almost an industrial soul sound -- but they're one of my favorites. They have the energy and intensity of Wilson Pickett fronting the Stooges, and it;s all compressed into two crazy-ass dudes, one on drums and one on keyboards. The songs available on the Myspace, unless I am mistaken, are all from their latest album, which is more refined than their label debut; so if it isn't raw enough for you (:dizzy2:) then try looking them up on Youtube; their first album is even crazier. But the thing that really makes the band is their ability to pull off some of the best soul grooves I've ever heard; most notably, the 8-minute "All to Hell" and "Stitched in Sin" from the first album and "Bidin' my Time" from the second (and the last one comes complete with a kickass horn/sax section!) Definitely worth it.

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From the samples, they sound good, but really mediocre songs and a bit raggedy playing and hoarse vocals. It's typical electric-church music, which is electric, gospel-inspired music, lol.

Over two months, and just one page has been filled. The battle of conversion to the Church of Rock and Roll rages on.

Poets and Pornstars. My choice here might disappoint some, because, in all honesty, these guys are commercial rock. But, let me qualify that by saying, they are not what commercial rock is, but rather what it should be. They are a fantastic, rock-and-roll obsessed 70-s style rock group. And yes, they are over-produced on several tracks; but for the most part, they just make for a good, old-fashioned rockout session.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Poets and Pornstars. My choice here might disappoint some, because, in all honesty, these guys are commercial rock. But, let me qualify that by saying, they are not what commercial rock is, but rather what it should be. They are a fantastic, rock-and-roll obsessed 70-s style rock group. And yes, they are over-produced on several tracks; but for the most part, they just make for a good, old-fashioned rockout session.

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They have some cool grooves from the samples. And I think I'd like them if I could edit out the singer's voice. His lyrics suck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Honestly, AC/DC should just donate their band name to these guys and let them rock on the way AC/DC should, and has not since after Bon Scott's death.

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I agree. :2thumbsup:

The new year's here, and I feel like starting with one of my absolute favorite bands.

The Brought Low: Another repost, but these guys really deserve it. They are probably the most perfect-rocking 70's style band of all time. The combine the perfection of Boston (sans the arrogance), the hard-rock fury of AC/DC, and the honest-to-goodness rock and roll of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and in so doing they create something that is very familiar, yet has never really been heard before. They also follow Boston's policy of "quality over quantity," but unlike Boston, they actually make it work: they have only produced two albums since 2001, but both of them feel like they were hand-picked chord by chord to be perfect, out-of-this-world rock masterpieces. Of course, this sort of 70's perfection will turn some people off, but I personally couldn't ask for anything better; in fact, these guys got me interested in 70's music to begin with, and I still return to them for a baseline, much the same way as I regarded Jefferson Airplane as my 60's baseline.

Also, I recently sent these guys a (drunken) letter praising them and asking them if they are still plugging away, and indeed they responded the next day, saying that they have six of the songs on their next record recorded, and expect it to be out, if not this year, then the next. So, if you like them, keep an eye out; more rock perfection may not be long in coming.

A slight change in musical direction, but not very drastic.

Radio Moscow: when I was playing these guys full-blast last year, everyone thought I was playing Hendrix. And no wonder: they are a heavy psychedelic blues-rock band steeped in the Cream/Hendrix/Mountain tradition. Granted, they aren't quite as transcendental or as good as Cream or Hendrix, but I would say they are definitely on-par with Mountain and the other second-tier heavy-duty blues-rock bands of the late 60's and early 70's. Their only problem is a slight excess of instrumental songs on their first album; they could do with more lyrical songs, as the ones that appear aren't bad at all.

If you like them, stay tuned; their second album is, as the site says, due out in early '09.

I'm fairly sure this will be my last repost.

Lions in the Street: another band not so well liked when I last posted them, but I must stand by them. Every song I hear of theirs is beyond kickass (with the notable exceptions of "Ruthless" and "Still the Same," which sound like the exact same song to me.) Other than those, though, Lions in the Street sounds to me like a Rolling Stones that actually worked, and didn't just crank out soulless, lifeless music. These guys, if nothing else, have soul.

Back with another band, and this one's a doozy. Make sure you set some time aside to listen to them very loud.

Litmus: Currently one of the most popular space-rock band in the U.K., from what I've been told (and for what it matters, what with the roaring popularity of space rock at the moment.) Just think heavy-metal Hawkwind, and you've got Litmus pegged, although their second album sounds more like space-rock Motorhead because the band decided they didn't like just about anything the keyboardist had recorded for the songs. Their only problem is an excess of pointless jamming in a few songs -- the last song on the first album is a particularly large failure on this part -- but they're still a good classic metal/spacerock band

Ah, good old Litmus, not quite as good as Hawkwind. But, they're great nonetheless

I really like Radio Moscow. I enjoy instrumentals though. Hehe.

Lions in the Streets have some really cool tunes.

I like all of the above. :thumbsup:

Rock and roll's gonna take a little break for this entry.

Scott H. Biram: a feral blues-country solo performer from Texas. Biram's studio recordings are good, but frankly they can't capture the true appeal of Biram, which is quite clearly live; just take a look on youtube for proof. It's a probelm that most performers in Biram's territory have: their furious live energy never really transfers in the overly clean studio. However, the music he has put to record is still worth buying, as it preserves the down-and-dirty atmosphere even if you lose the energy. Save it for a long night alone in the country when it's a hundred damn degrees at 10:30 at night and there's nothing to do but empty all the whiskey bottles in the house.

Time for another installment.

Supagroup: a slightly unusual hard rock band; in most ways they are a classic 70's style rock-and-roll band, with a slightly more lighthearted attitude. However, they are also from New Orleans, and their myspace lists their styles as "Rock, Zouk and Spanish Pop." :dizzy2: The forementioned attitude also means they are not afraid to express their awe of Rock and Roll, which they do in at least three of the songs on their latest album; it's still done with pure love and without any intended irony, so it's not nearly as bad as it could be, but the repetition of the subject does seem to lower the "intelligence" of the record a bit. I haven't really looked at their live shows on Youtube too much, but I expect they would make an entertaining band live.

Two bands, two days, but mainly because I have to get these guys out of my system.

Danko Jones. Okay, frankly, I don't get these guys. They're weird. They are an even mixture of -- get this -- punk and classic rock. :dizzy2: If that don't mess with your head, nothin' will. I often find myself listening to them on impulse, and each time I alternate between loving and hating them with each passing second.

I hope y'all will be able to make up your minds on Danko "WTF" Jones.

Edit: I also want to give thanks to the only person who, apparently, is still actively following this thread. Thanks, Rhythmic. You are the breeze beneath my wings that is keeping me barely aloft.

Perhaps not posting much, but a topic like this always gets my constant attention. Can't listen right now as everybody is asleep and I don't have a working pair of earplugs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

I alternate between loving and hating them with each passing second.

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I know what you mean. I can't decide whether I like them or not.

Can't really listen right now, I went over my net limit an have been plunged into dial-up speeds. :laugh4: :no:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Two bands, two days, but mainly because I have to get these guys out of my system.

Danko Jones. Okay, frankly, I don't get these guys. They're weird. They are an even mixture of -- get this -- punk and classic rock. :dizzy2: If that don't mess with your head, nothin' will. I often find myself listening to them on impulse, and each time I alternate between loving and hating them with each passing second.

I hope y'all will be able to make up your minds on Danko "WTF" Jones.

Edit: I also want to give thanks to the only person who, apparently, is still actively following this thread. Thanks, Rhythmic. You are the breeze beneath my wings that is keeping me barely aloft.

---

I read the posts and checked the links. These bands are melodic & guitar-driven and really different from rhythm-based, percussive sounds I like.

Ok, finally got round to listening.

I like Supagroup. They rock, lots of powerful tunes.

Scott H. Biram, Johnny Cash gone nasty. :2thumbsup:

I think Danko Jones is missing something, I can't put my finger on it, but there's something lacking.

Edit: I change my judgement on Witchcraft. WOW! I love these guys now.

Radio Moscow recently posted a new song from their new album. [edit: they have 2 new songs now, and they're FAR OUT!]

That's all I got, though; I'm going through a dry spell, and it might be a while till I post again.

Also, thanks for all the appreciation, but I kinda figured my audience was mostly silent to begin with. I was just messin' with y'all last time.

Well I'll be damned, their new album comes out on my Birthday. Excellent, stuff is always better when it's a gift. :laugh4:

Back from the dead. I just found a band too good not to share.

Bang Camaro: Anthemic, Classic, Douchebag Rock. I've been looking for another band that could rock like The Brought Low, and frankly, although these guys don't quite reach the same height of musical perfection, they're probably the closest I'll ever get. I found them entirely by accident while trying to wiki the definition of "Camaro Rock" and, ironically, I think I just found it. Try to imagine Molly Hatchet, Queen, Boston and AC/DC all playing at the same time. If it sounds like a rather polarizing, love-it-or-hate-it, you're right. And frankly, they do kinds ride that fine line between ******* awesome and incredibly cheesy and bad; it's through sheer force of will and musical love that they save themselves.

What a confusing band. Some really nice songs and then some others that made me gag, (The Hit for example).

Back, and I just found another band to post about. Kinda awkward because they have no published material as of now, but I'm hoping that changes soon.

Taddy Porter: weird name, I know, but believe me, they more than make up for it in musical ability. As of now, I'm listening to their third song, and I'm already hopping ready to buy their debut album. They are a classic rock band in the best way possible, playing the timeless sound that Tom Petty, Zeppelin and Aerosmith have dominated for decades. Granted, they've got a slight modern bend to them, but it fits in well with the slow-moving bluesy timeless rock they play, and if music heads in the direction I'm hoping it will, they will still be accessible 20-30 years from now.

:2thumbsup:

I think I just found an assload of good bands. It's like finding a bee's nest and having the bees just give it to you.

I don't own any of them yet so I don't want to review them yet, but I'll be back later with a review of the band that led me to them.

Mastodon- Oblivion

mastodon is a great band, plus they are local. they have a concert tomorrow, but i have a previous engagement.
their newest album, Crack the Skye, is exemplary.

(Sorry about the delay.)

Ladies and Gentleman, do you wonder what happened to good rock? Are you constantly searching for quality party rock only to come up short? I have The Answer!

OK, so they aren't the greatest band in the world. Frankly, their guitarist could use some real work with his solos, though I must say these are still much improved from their first album (or what little I have heard.) But for the most part, these guys are ******' awesome hard rock, perfect for late-night frat parties and blasting out of the windows of your '77 Camaro while tearassing down main street, drinking straight out of the keg in the back and trying to pick up chicks by screaming obscenities at them.

It's difficult to say who exactly they are inspired by; they draw from a lot of 70's and 80's hard rock bands and, while they aren't the greatest band of the new wave of Classic Rock, they can still boast a rather distinctive sound. I guess the closest approximation would be GnR, AC/DC and Aerosmith, thought hey also have some aspirations towards Zeppelin and the 70's Arena Rock scene.

Anyway, as soon as you have a chance, crack open a Milwaukee's Beast, crank up the volume and rock out.

Pretty solid. I agree with you about the guitarist, he's a little weak. But, nonetheless they're good, great for pumping iron to.

Got another band for y'all to chew on.

Dirty Sweet: their lyrics are occasionally questionable, but only because I would occasionally expect better from a band this good. They are a Southern Rock band in the tradition of the Black Crowes, but frankly I think these guys do it a lot better than the Black Crowes (I think they're kinda boring, frankly.) Their music has a true American rock sound to it; you can hear plenty of classic influences as well as later, 60's-70's sounds filling out the songs. Sometimes this is a little detrimental, as their songs occasionally blend into the Americana background, but overall they rock hard enough to be memorable. Best contrast here: "Come Again," a clever enough lyrical song but not enough to make it a stand-out; it just sounds like another song from the genre; as opposed to "Goldensole", which sounds like it could be a hard-rockin' outtake from an Allman Brothers album.

Pick and choose as you will.

Finally got round to listening, some good songs there. Good solid rock. Their rhythm guitar really could and should be stronger/louder to beef them up a bit though. All in all good sound.

Federale.

I may or may not be back with a better description. For now, all I'll say is that these guys are what I hoped the Black Keys would be when I discovered them. Also, they're ******* awesome.

Edit: maybe not... more like a surreal mixture of Delta Blues, Metal and slow Funk. REALLY wierd.

Hello Rev. Joe and fellow rockers,

How are things in the church of rock these days? I checked out these Federale-dudes. I saw among their influences “Captain Beyond” (and bunch of others that are real good; R.Trower- the 70's stuff are excellent rock, Band of Gypsys etc.) and kind of reminds me of that but heavier, slower and dirtier (right up my ally actually). Come to think of it: Monster Magnets first album had similarities here and there with this, minus the blues of course. Good solid rock anyhow, personally I would not go that far as call this “metal” but you always seemed a bit touchy about harder and heavier-stuff and seem eager to label it as "metal". I would call this rock and hardrock myself but then again - I am from the another church and not a regular in your flock, so perhaps that's why.... :laugh4:

Anyway, according to the website the “sound”-description of these boys was and I think its pretty accurate:

Quote:

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"Heavy acid blues smothered in a delta boogie gravy"

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Personally I would throw in slight splash of psycadelia to top it off along with slowish old-fashioned hardrock in that description – but that is just me.... Listened to all songs, excellent stuff… Well, I’m off to hunt some hip-hop vermin I saw here close by – and we can’t have any of that, now can we? :wink2:

Hold the fort and keep 'em coming Rev...


- Cheers

Axalon, glad to see you reading. I mostly labelled Federale as "Metal" because they reminded me of a Delta-Blues-influenced Black Sabbath. Granted, though, most people wouldn't call the 70's Sabbath metal anymore.

Quote:

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Well, I’m off to hunt some hip-hop vermin I saw here close by – and we can’t have any of that, now can we?

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:laugh4: Heheh... honestly, though, I'm friends with a few "hip-hop vermin" myself, and here at my church we prefer to try to convert them first. Doesn't work a lot of the time, though. The only "vermin" we shoot on sight are people who listen to Pop "music."

They've got an awesome sound.

Dirty sweet is well dirty sweet if you ask me!

A bit of a change in focus (as if this thread ever had focus):

Black Mountain: a sort of modernized psychedelic-progressive band in the tradition of Pink Floyd, Hawkwind and ELP; in fact, they very strongly remind me of the classic 70's Pink Floyd, minus the awesome guitar solos and plus some great synth work. Generally very good songs, ranging from rumbling and heavy ("Stormy High") to lighter fare ("Stay Free") and downright far out ("Wucan.") My only complaint is with the female singer -- she sucks. Sucks. But other than that, a solid group with at least one solid album, In The Future.

THE BROUGHT LOW HAS 3 NEW SONGS UP! THIS IS THE 2ND GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!

(Be warned, if you're interested, they are live cuts, so the sound quality won't be as good as their regular studio work. But it's still THE BROUGHT ******* LOW!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Black Mountain
[...]
My only complaint is with the female singer -- she sucks. Sucks. But other than that, a solid group with at least one solid album, In The Future.

---

Sounds a bit like Zep with synth. Their songs could be longer. I agree on the female singer, I'm almost tempted to load the songs into Audacity and see if I can reduce the levels.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychonaut

Sounds a bit like Zep with synth. Their songs could be longer.

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Longer? Really? I find them to be fairly succinct as they are. To each his own, though.

"Zeppelin with Synths" is an interesting comparison, though. Hadn't thought of that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Longer? Really? I find them to be fairly succinct as they are. To each his own, though.

---

I sort of mean, I enjoy the longer songs more, the shorter ones, 4-5 minutes didn't really appeal as much. Lacked a little dynamically.

Back to basics.

Blood of the Sun: probably the heaviest band I've posted yet. Their latest album sounds like a thrash-metal Deep Purple, and from what I can tell it's a little more melodic and organ-based than their previous efforts. Good solid party band, especially if you're bringing over a few bikers.

I'm liking the organ. (No innuendo intended, :laugh4:)

You know you know it when you hear it.

Shame Club: classic rock. Not quite as good as the Brought Low (I swear, their main writer must be a genius,) but definitely the same combination of heavy classic rock and southern rock. A little simplistic at times, and I could use a little more skill at the guitar noodling, but they're a great classic rock band overall. Kinda like a super-heavy Southern rock Aerosmith.

Also, I gotta give my love to "Alicia Circles," a nice Zeppelin-style aucoustic-rock interlude.

Oh, yeah, almost forgot -- the first album is free on their website!

Edit: OK, the first album sounds like it has some Motorhead mixed in. Still cool to me; I lovez the biker rock.

Edit 2: Rhythmic, you don't have to respond to every post if you don't want to; at this point I assume people are reading without responding.

I felt like posting a quick review of Radio Moscow's second album.

Briefly, it's good, psychedelic and heavy, but it doesn't quite have the same distinctiveness of songs that the first had. I like that Parker Griggs has really found the band's sound, and he's a damn good musician (it certainly doesn't hurt that he plays every instrument except the bass, and produced/edited the album all by himself) but at the same time I think it could use a little more variety in its sound. All the songs are great psychedelic-infused 70's style rock songs, but they all sound the same, too; they kinda end up flowing into each other. The second half shakes this off somewhat, but I still feel like the first album had more variety. It's still worth buying as a background album; I am actually enjoying it more now that it's hot out, and I'm watching the sun set while drinking a beer to try to get rid of the sticky heat (unsuccessfully), than when I first bought the album. I would just really like to hear more straight-up rockers and slow blues numbers like I heard on the first album.

Edit: Important notice:

I feel like I alienated some people by discouraging other people, early on, from posting their own music. That was kinda selfish and I apologize. If you want to post your own rock-and-roll here, go ahead.

Cheers for the review, I might hold back on getting it for a while then. (I bought their first album a while back, and I think they set a pretty high standard for a debut album).

Have ya'll stumbled upon the youTube acapella versions of oldies? Someone must have got hold of the original tracks and stripped out the voice-only tracks. Very nice, I think.

Here's "I Wish It Would Rain", Temptations LINK. There are several others on the page.

I'm not gonna post for a while, as I need to catch up on my band finding. So, without further ado:

Bad Wizard: a good band, but with several bad records. On the other hand, their first and latest records are amazing. The first, Free and Easy, is a wild, rollicking, heavily riff-based MC5- style rocker; good for protopunk lovers. The others following the first aren't really as good or striaghtforward; but the 2006 release, Sky High, is a major turnaround; for some reason it reminds me of a classic rock Beastie Boys, with a constant badass attitude throughout, but with some great tunes and expert studio work to back it up. (Say what you will about studio-based bands, but it still requires real skill to pull off a slick sound like this and still sound good.) Unfortunately, they have had no recent news as per their upcoming records, so I fear the worst (not a breakup, but rather some sort of limbo.)

I'll probably return in a month or two, depending on what I can find.

Hi Rev and all you rockers…

I thought it was time to pay this thread a visit again and your earlier note is welcome news indeed! Now this thread might very well become the official free rock-exchange-corner/part of the Org – that is just…. “Far out” as they would say back in the good ‘ol days! Peace, free-love and all that other crap. :laugh4:

Let me be the first who offer my big fat approval for your decision to widen the scope for this thread and the new liberal and generous stance for all rock-lovers out there! Great call! Even if you are about to embark on a mission from god searching for new bands, lets see if we can not hold the fort here while you are away!

Anyway, I’ve checked out the Bad wizard-dudes that you put the spotlight on. Here is my opinion on ‘em; its decent enough rock for me but it hardly is the best stuff I ever heard. Meaning, if somebody put ‘em on I would not complain but I would not be the one who put ‘em on – if you get my drift here. The Federale-boys are more my cup of tea – to take a band spotlighted by you earlier.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Edit: Important notice:

I feel like I alienated some people by discouraging other people, early on, from posting their own music. That was kinda selfish and I apologize. If you want to post your own rock-and-roll here, go ahead.

---

If you got any reservations or problems about me and others hijacking this thread from now on with our own rock-suggestions (within that framework of course) for others to check out. Now, is probably the best time for it to be known - before it happens here. I am just making sure here that you have none second thoughts about this, it’s the least I can do for you man. After all, you built this place with your own “sweat and blood” (with the blessings of St.Hendrix of course). If you do give that go ahead - there is no turning back. It might very well be the rocked up version of Pandora’s box…. I'm all for it, but are you sure...? :grin:


- Cheers

I misread the title as 'Reverend Joe's Official Rick and Roll Thread'... but I'll spare you :P

@Axalon: Well, thank you, sir. I appreciate the support. As for the suggestions problem:

Quote:

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If you got any reservations or problems about me and others hijacking this thread from now on with our own rock-suggestions (within that framework of course) for others to check out. Now, is probably the best time for it to be known - before it happens here. I am just making sure here that you have none second thoughts about this, it’s the least I can do for you man. After all, you built this place with your own “sweat and blood” (with the blessings of St.Hendrix of course). If you do give that go ahead - there is no turning back. It might very well be the rocked up version of Pandora’s box…. I'm all for it, but are you sure...? :grin:

---

I'm sure. I'm actually gonna check Clutch out again, as a matter of fact. Tastes change (and widen,) and first impressions are often wrong, and I'm trying to rectify those problems.

I'm back momentarily. I've had trouble finding really good bands... I hope I didn't find them all.

Metallica, eat your heart out: Sasquatch is the loudest band in the world. Okay, maybe not, but they're damn good, and they've got a true Hard Rock soul. Kinda like an ultra-Heavy Sabbath; it's basic stoner rock, but also really good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Metallica, eat your heart out:

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in the center of town at dawn, guns draw, 10 paces.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hooahguy

in the center of town at dawn, guns draw, 10 paces.

---

:laugh4:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hooahguy

in the center of town at dawn, guns draw, 10 paces.

---

If you manage to survive Revs shot you’ll have to deal with me…. Since I am too old fashioned or stupid to understand novelties like guns - your choices are between swords or spears. The way true warriors fought back in the good ‘ol days – when combat were still an art.... :laugh4:

- cheers
-----------
Iv'e got nothing against the boys in Metallica personally, they seem nice enough –
I just don’t like their music, that’s all…. :wink2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Metallica, eat your heart out: Sasquatch is the loudest band in the world. Okay, maybe not, but they're damn good, and they've got a true Hard Rock soul. Kinda like an ultra-Heavy Sabbath; it's basic stoner rock, but also really good.

---

Amen, and praise the lord and St.Hendrix! This is da way to go! Probably among my absolute favorites of all the bands spotlighted here! Five stars! The deeds you can do to this music! Simply great hardrock/stoner-rock cross over (best part? No heavy metal! It’s pure!)! :2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

I’ll try to get back here soon (I usually don’t visit this area that much) with some suggestions of my own… Rock has not died yet, Sasquatch stands as a good proof for it! :beam:


- Cheers
-----------
How the hell can anybody believe that anything like Metallica are even close to excellent stuff
like this?!? It's like saying Madonna does rock better than Led Zeppelin! It's just fupped and silly! :laugh4: