Released: Nov 17, 2009
Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock
Label: Sony BMG, DGC/Interscope, Columbia
Number Of Tracks: 13
While a heavy QOTSA influence exists on Them Crooked Vultures' debut record, there's a new chemistry that is undeniable in the Homme-Grohl-Jones combo.
Them Crooked VulturesFeatured review by: UG Team, on november 20, 2009 17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Sound: We’ve all seen many a supergroup come and go, but Them Crooked Vultures has the potential for staying power. Besides the obvious fact that vocalist/guitarist Josh Homme already has an established rapport with drummer Dave Grohl, there’s a familiar enough quality to the songs on Them Crooked Vultures’ self-titled debut record to not alienate any previous fans. To put it simply, if you’ve enjoyed the most recent work from Queens of the Stone Age, you’ll likely embrace TCV with open arms. And when you add in the wild card (i.e.. Led Zeppelin’sJohn Paul Jones on bass and keyboards), well, the cool factor has been solidified. It’s true that there are a few songs on the new record that veer into highly experimental and self-indulgent territory, but the vast majority of the 13 tracks maintain a good balance between melody and awe-inspiring arrangements.
Grohl and Homme have already made an obvious connection through their assorted collaborations, so one of the most interesting aspects was to see what Jones brought to the table. There are a few times along the way when the songs take a Zeppelin-type turn (and yes, Zeppelin’s influence is something found in a good deal of rock today), but for the most part it’s the dark, grooving QOTSA-like riffs from Homme that steer the way. “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” starts it all off with the trademark sexy-scary sound, and the song features a variety of musical sections (other than the obvious chorus and verse). Most of the 13 tracks pack in some sort of surprise or twist that you wouldn’t necessarily expect arrangement-wise, and that’s one of the most intriguing aspects to TCV.
The first single “New Fang” is infectious from the opening slide work to Homme’s amazing falsetto abilities. Behind the generally enjoyable root melody to tracks like “New Fang,” “Elephants,” and “Bandoliers” is the creative approach take to layering the instrumentation. QOTSA utilizes this technique often, but TCV takes it to the next level, which becomes extremely obvious when you listen to the intricacies through headphones. Some might feel it’s all overkill with so many instrumental sections smashed together, particularly in the closing experimental track “Spinning In Daffodils,” but by the same token this is a band that is attempting to go beyond the norm.
While Homme’s sonic guitar sound and capable vocals usually steal the show, Grohl and Jones have their moments. Grohl’s at his best in “New Fang” and “Gunman,” which both feature an unbelievably vibrant percussion section, as well as the uniquely timed “Mind Eraser, No Chaser.” The bass is always thick and is certainly a driving point to TCV, but Jones shines when he delivers a funky Stevie Wonder-like keyboard solo in “Scumbag Blues.” The sum total of instrumentation ends of being the key selling point, with Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle) often creating a head-scratching, but intriguing mix of the musical mish-mesh. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: There’s always an undercurrent of sexuality with Homme’s music these days it seems, and TCV keeps that tradition going strong. Of course, the key is to not make the topic mundane, and you don’t get the same old regurgitated lyrical content. Whether it’s the twisted and hilarious “Caligulove” (Hold me real close; Clap me in irons; Come on caligulove me”) or the tense “Reptile” (“Don't rest too long; It's a mistake we can't take back; Take one lying down for a change; And oh it's like cleaning up after an orgy”), it’s hard to not get sucked in to the unusual rhyme schemes that TCV devises. // 9
Impression: While there are a few moments along the way when TCV get wrapped up in what seems to be an extended jam session, for the most part the self-titled record is a satisfying one. There is no shortage of thinking outside of the box with song construction, and that’s refreshing in itself. From the slide work to the strong vocals to the often-changing rhythmic quality, the 13 tracks set the bar high. Again, there is an obvious extension from QOTSA that is undeniable, so your opinion of albums like Lullabies to Paralyze and Era Vulgaris will likely predetermine how you’ll respond to the Homme-Grohl-Jones trio. // 9
Them Crooked Vultures
Reviewed by:
americnidiot, on november 20, 2009 5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: Whenever news of a new supergroup comes out, everyone gets inevitably excited about how awesome the band is going to sound, the the album is released and a major letdown occurs. This is the case in nearly all of the situations, but the say Them Crooked Vultures is a let down would be perpetrating one of the biggest lies I could conceive. This album may be one of the finest debut albums ever produced and could contend for album of the year. The awesome sound, as expected, comes from Dave Grohl on drums, Josh Homme on guitar and vox, and John Paul Jones on bass. This supergroup came in knowing exactly what they wanted to produce from what I can gather from this epic disc and they executed with perfection.
01. No One Loves Me and Neither Do I: starts the album with a little bluesy type music. You get into right from the start, feel the need to move around a little bit, then the sound builds to a climax around 2:44 where it kicks into balls to the walls rock mode and refusing headbanging is nearly impossible.
02. Mind Eraser, No Chaser: continues right where track one left of. The intro is very reminiscent of Velvet Revolver but Homme's vocals make the song quite distinct. This track isn't one of my favorites but it's still solid nonetheless.
03. New Fang: the first single off the album is a pretty solid choice for it. This one also has a certain groove to it and is amazingly fun to play along to no matter what instrument you play.
04. Dead End Friends: is one of my favorites on the album. This one is probably most like Homme's past work in QOTSA, but the sound is by no means a copy, it just has a similar vibe, which is fine by me.
05. Elephants: also starts out with a great guitar riff. Another of my favorites on the album because it's like nothing you've heard before.
06. Scumbag Blues: is just what the title implies. It's some nice gritty blues with a catchy groove to it. This stretch of the album is about as solid as it gets.
07. Bandoliers: starts with a simple guitar riff, but the tone on it makes it seem almost personal to the listener, as if they knew the intentions of the song exactly. It's melancholy and Homme's vocals only drive home the mood. A great piece of music.
08. Reptiles: sounds like a quazi mix of a piece of slide-guitar country music and some beat that came straight from hell. It's got some great quality I can't quite place my finger on, but the song makes you want to get up and dance.
09. Interlude: with Ludes really does sound like a cornerstone from the soundtrack of a carnival in Hades. Homme's lyrics are really haunting. At first, this song didn't really do anything for me, but it has grown on me a considerable amount. It's actually a bit scary, both in terms of fright and how exceptional a band this really is.
10. Warsaw or the First Breath You Take: features a really low, perfectly distorted guitar riff which makes you feel slightly dirty after listening to it. Then the chorus kicks in and reassures you that it's not so bad, considering the church like choir backing Homme.
11. Caligulove: starts out with some guitars and organs and keeps a simple but heavy guitar throughout. Not one of my favorites, but the song still is interesting and doesn't at all warrant a skip, especially for the fact that Homme's vocals are so intriguing.
12. Gunman: is the irresistible dance track of the album. It has such a catchy drum beat to it coupled with a funky bass/guitar line. Sitting still during Gunman is impossible.
13. Spinning in the Daffodils: starts with a beautifully haunting piano piece then some scratching leads into a nearly equally haunting guitar and vocal work. A perfect way to end the album. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: While I haven't delved into the lyrics in depth, it's clear Josh knows exactly what the group wanted and he executed. They compliment the mood of the music perfectly. There's not much else I can comment on in the category, except that they're brilliant. If you like Homme's work in QOTSA, then you'll inevitably like his work here. If you've never heard QOTSA or don't like them, this album is in a style that you'll enjoy nonetheless. You have to respect what he has done on this album in comparison with most mod. rock singers. It's unique in a grand way. // 10
Impression: I would recommend this album to any rock fan. While I thought that no album could compete with Muse'The Resistance for album of the year in my mind, Them Crooked Vultures has come along and put something out so unheard of, so amazing, that it may warrant that honor. Rolling Stone called the the greatest supergroup of all time and I'd be hard pressed to disagree with them. Them Crooked Vultures is a must buy, you will not be disappointed. I would love to give the album something other than a 10, but I cannot find any flaws severe enough that makes the album less than perfectly enjoyable for me. // 10
Them Crooked Vultures
Reviewed by:
KurdtStaley, on november 20, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: I'd say the band has a classic rock sound but a bit heavier, faster, and funkier. There are also some psychedelic/progressive influences. The guitar tones are very similar to those used in QOTSA. Parts of the record are very very reminiscent of later works by the Beatles. For example there is a weird ending to Mind Eraser that I believe is just a trumpet. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Josh Homme has a very unique lyrical style which has really grown on me, especially on this record. A few of the songs seem to be about sexual attraction. I would call them love songs but they're more about lust than love, which I like since love songs are usually pretty corny. My favorite songs lyrically and otherwise are Mind Eraser and Dead End Friends. To me Dead End Friends seems to have many meanings but I think mainly it is about Heroin and those who use it. Lines like "nights in these veins it's calling me, racing through these arteries" lead me to believe that. Parts of the song seem like Homme is the user and Heroin his Dead End Friend, while other parts give the feeling that he is talking about someone else.
Mind Eraser seems to be very much about ignorance and happiness. It features some of my favorite lines ever such as "give me the reason why the minds a terrible thing to waste? Understanding is cruel the monkey said as it launched to space"
I'd say in general Homme's lyrics are sort of all over the place. At times he makes it difficult to see what the subject of the song is. This may bother some people, but I personally like it more, as I find lyrics that are too literal to be boring since there's not much to interpret from them. // 9
Impression: I love this album and would replace it if it were lost/stolen. I find the the first four tracks to be significantly better than any others. Those are No One Loves Me & Neither Do I, New Fang, Mind Eraser, and Dead End Friends, after those my next favorite track is Bandoliers. I think this band sounds most like QOTSA, I don't think they sound the least bit like the other artists (Grohl, Jones) previous acts. I also think they distance themselves from previous acts and their influences enough that I wouldn't really compare them to any other band. Aside from maybe QOTSA only because the vocals and guitar tone is similar (as to be expected).
Overall this is a great album, one of my top three of the year along with Daisy (Brand New) and BGWTB (AiC). I would recommend the album to anyone who likes QOTSA and/or anyone who likes semi-heavy music that's got a lot of energy. // 9
Them Crooked Vultures
Reviewed by:
mattiscool7337, on november 20, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: One thing that is really impressive about this album is its diversity in its sound. It's not your "Ok, we have three guys that can play these instruments, let's make a band." These are highly talented musicians, and it shows. Josh Homme is one of the only people that could've pulled off the singing on this album, and his somewhat abstract vocal style really contributes to making this CD fantastic. John Paul Jones (yes, THAT John Paul Jones, the one from Led Zeppelin) plays a variety of instruments, including bass, mandolin, keytar, slide guitar, keyboard, and the occasional piano-riff. His contributions to the diversity of the sound is incredible, and it really shows off the bands ability to step out of the comfort zone that says, "Will they think we're weird if we do this?" My only complaint is Dave Grohl's drumming. It's not that he's not a good drummer, it's that he just didn't stick out a lot! In places where he beats out crazy-fast fills, he sounds great, so I'd say that if there were any future TCV albums, he should definantly go for making himself heard a lot more. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Ok, ok, the lyrics aren't the greatest in the world. But the focus of this album is NOT the lyrics! It is on everything else that's going on while Josh Homme sings. The lyrics aren't terrible, though. They're just abstract, and this really contributes to what the band was trying to get at in the first place. Josh Homme isn't the best singer in the world either, but his voice was key to making this album sound the way it does. So I'd say, "Don't worry about it, guys, just keep doin' what you're doin', 'cuz it sounds great." // 8
Impression: This is one of the most diverse albums that I've heard this year. There's never a dull moment, and there's always something going on. The musical style IS VERY DIFFERENT; that is what makes it so great, but it's also a vice for some listeners, who will think that the album is strange. Being strange is what makes it a success in my mind. Why create something if you're not going to create something new? The order of the songs is also a winner. A majority of the catchy songs are at the beginning to get you hooked, and the really crazy, in-depth tracks follow, giving you a chance to get used to the style. Overall, the album is great, the musicians are great, and (eh) the lyrics are pretty good, too. But most of all, the music is AWESOME. And that's all that really matters. // 10
Yes it sounds super tight. Yes the songs are great. No it's not a Josh Homme solo-ish project: you can definetly hear some similarities with some early Desert Sessions material, but Grohl's groove adds a whole new flavor and JPJ is all over the place >
I mean, i liked the Chickenfoot album but if you replaced even Joe Satriani with another virtuoso I wouldn't be able to tell the difference because most bits sound kind of replacable. With this band tho you can DEFINETLY hear it's the bassist from Led Zeppelin you're listening to
Still, you know they can always write better songs, which is probably the only thing left to improve. Just by listening to the album you can tell these guys took this project pretty damn serious and it would be a waste to throw it all away after just one release. Plus, they still have to release their "Songs for the Deaf"... Good times
i really liked this album. but i think Rolling Stone said that they recorded this really quickly. I think if they put more time in it, it could have been better.
i got caught up in this albums hype.
it's absolutely gash.
what with homme on vocals it just sounds like tunes that were left off of QOTSA albums.
i'm quite a big fan of QOTSA but for this; ALL the stops should have been pulled out.
which they weren't.
3/10
I'm totally in love with this album. I haven't listened to any other band since I got the album a week ago, it just blows my mind! What an amazing combo of musicians, brilliant idea. =]
This is such a great album. It feels so much like the 'garage rock' of the '60s & '70s. Just amazing! It's a sound that I feel mainstream music has been missing far too long.
man i love grohl on drums and jpj on bass, but still not sold on homme on vocals/lead guitar...seems they could've gotten someone a lot better to fill that position. only heard the song "new fang" so far (been getting plenty of air time on the radio, and it doesn't sound to shabby. i'll still probably check this album out
When I first heard about this band, I kept comparing them to Chickenfoot and Monkey Steals the Peach. But now that I've listened to the record, I firmly believe that these guys blow every other supergroup away with their amazing QOTSA-Blues style
I think that Josh should not sing. This sounds too much like QotSA for me, while I wish it was a bit more different. A different singer would change that.
Definitely a must buy album. I'd say Homme is irreplaceable in this band on guitar and vocals. I wasn't that big of a QOTSA fan but I gained a lot of respect for him through this album.
This is a great album, my only criticism is that it's a little too much QOTSA sounding. For the most part though, it's great. I love the feel of the album though, it's pretty incredible and I think Dave Grohl shines the most even though they all add something great to the mixture. All in all, I'd say 8/10
i got caught up in this albums hype.
it's absolutely gash.
what with homme on vocals it just sounds like tunes that were left off of QOTSA albums.
i'm quite a big fan of QOTSA but for this; ALL the stops should have been pulled out.
which they weren't.
3/10
definitely think this is one of those albums where you either get it or dont.... I for one... get it, and have to admit it dethroned AIC's new album for best of th year... awesome album, very QOTSA-ish, but still, I'm diggin it for sure!
Does anyone else think that interlude with ludes kinda sounds like 'Im Designer'. Well, the lyrics at least... Great album though, really fresh!
I thought that the first time I listened to it. That song should not be on the album. I love the record otherwise. Scumbag Blues if ****in tits! Fuck Rolling Stone and Fuck Pitchfork. 3 1/2 stars and 6.3 rating.
By the way, for those that can't stand Homme's singing: at least Dave stay's behind the drums with backup vocals. It could've been worse. 8/10
Destroys everything on the market now. Quotsa is legendary and Grohl and Jones are amazing in their own rights, and I love this album alot, but I have to agree with chewychuckles that it could have been a bit better if more time was put into it. Not to put it down at all +10
Just bought it and gave it a listen through. I like this style. Only heard a few from QOTSA but I really like this album, it's a nice change from what most bands have been coming out with lately so it's a winner for me.
Love this album. All three of these guys are of that classic rock mould thats missing in todays music. Most people these days, as Alice Cooper put it a couple of days ago, are pussys "in gap t-shirts." Would have quite liked a track or two with Dave singing but hey. Im not a massive Fan of Homme's voice but the lyrics in this album are amazing.
+ Just listened to mind eraser no chaser again and in the chorus you can make out Grohl's backing vocals more clearly. It sounds really good and is a nice contrast to Homme. Kinda made me a bit sad they didn't use it more.
I think you have all gotten caught up in the hype. I think you came in with a preexisting bias which makes you want to hear a more consummate aural experience than what you actually hear. I haven't ever listened to QOTSA before so I don't have this bias. From what I can hear, this band's sound is too heavily dependent on what little I have heard of Josh Homme's work. I'm not saying that he isn't a good musician, but so far I have listened to the first three tracks and I can tell you it's not very good, and mostly because of him. It's mediocre at best; it's just not impressive, nothing that draws you in or inspires a cerebral awe. I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that - well, if I could drum, that is. The album is also not mixed very well, but I don't know if it could have saved this if it was. I know Moulder's reputation precedes him, but he didn't do a very good job. The band members may have chemistry and all be fine musicians, but the arrangements are far less than what I would have expected from a band of this caliber.
Heard the song they been playin on the radio. its not bad but i just have one thing to say... Metallica is this generations Led Zepplin LMMFAO This is a joke, if you don't get the joke please dont get bent out of shape. Im poking fun of an older thread that was a major point of contention with Zep fans and Metallica fans not too long ago.
If you happen to encounter any qualms with this record, bear in mind this is a three piece band. I really enjoyed this record, approach it with an open mind and it will blow your mind.
i got caught up in this albums hype.
it's absolutely gash.
what with homme on vocals it just sounds like tunes that were left off of QOTSA albums.
i'm quite a big fan of QOTSA but for this; ALL the stops should have been pulled out.
which they weren't.
3/10
i couldn't agree more
This is what i thought initially but it really is a great album if you listen to it a few more times. There was a lot of hype but this was all a marketing scheme. I enjoy Kyuss and all of Queens stuff. The album is similar to QOTSA, but there is nothing like this collaborative sound if you realize the actual parts and sounds of the music.
9/10
Great album! I read the first two reviews and agree entirely with both except about one song, caligulove. It's one of my favourites and there is a clear bowie influence there.
A slow-burner, like Lullabies to Paralyze I suppose. Not the most amazing album ever (as some people on here would have you believe), but very good nonetheless.
Love the production - sounds very 70s. Some great tracks, some not so great.
'sexy-scary sound' was such a brilliant way of describing some of the tones on this album, and generally Homme's work. Not a 10, because they do get a bit carried away with themselves 'supergroup style' sometimes, but the reason this album works so well is because each member doesn't feel the need to get regular 'supergroup' carried away all the time and just contribute brilliantly to each song.
Great album, but a little too much qotsa in it. It's too bad, with more input from Grohl and Jones (you can tell it mostly came from Josh Hommme) it could have been legendary. Leaves you wanting for more though, so maybe for the next album we'll have the perfect merge?
I think you have all gotten caught up in the hype. I think you came in with a preexisting bias which makes you want to hear a more consummate aural experience than what you actually hear. I haven't ever listened to QOTSA before so I don't have this bias. From what I can hear, this band's sound is too heavily dependent on what little I have heard of Josh Homme's work. I'm not saying that he isn't a good musician, but so far I have listened to the first three tracks and I can tell you it's not very good, and mostly because of him. It's mediocre at best; it's just not impressive, nothing that draws you in or inspires a cerebral awe. I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that - well, if I could drum, that is. The album is also not mixed very well, but I don't know if it could have saved this if it was. I know Moulder's reputation precedes him, but he didn't do a very good job. The band members may have chemistry and all be fine musicians, but the arrangements are far less than what I would have expected from a band of this caliber.
finally, a reasonable comment! and yes, like "chickenfoot," this band is a marketing scheme: throw together a couple of musicians from bands that are either defunct or way past their prime, name drop in every review, build up hype and the kids will buy it no matter how boring it actually is.
I think that the expectations for this album where too high. Everyone expected an epic album that was better then the work of led zep, foo fighters and qotsa together. I think it's not epic but it's still one of the best rock albums that came out this year together with cosmic egg from wolfmother!!
For me i agree on both ways. Yes this is an awesome album, featuring 3 of rocks greatest bad asses, but then again, i feel alot more time could have been on this album. but hey, its only their first one, give em some more time, and theres bound to be greatness com along. so far, i do like it, but i dont necessarilly love it.
pretty sure. alain johannes does backing vocals, not dave, says in the cd insert, if any of you actualy bought it.
If you go to a show you'll get to see Dave and JPJ sing backing vocals. Alain sings the chorus on Warsaw basically himself which is why he gets CD credit.
I think you have all gotten caught up in the hype. I think you came in with a preexisting bias which makes you want to hear a more consummate aural experience than what you actually hear. I haven't ever listened to QOTSA before so I don't have this bias. From what I can hear, this band's sound is too heavily dependent on what little I have heard of Josh Homme's work. I'm not saying that he isn't a good musician, but so far I have listened to the first three tracks and I can tell you it's not very good, and mostly because of him. It's mediocre at best; it's just not impressive, nothing that draws you in or inspires a cerebral awe. I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that - well, if I could drum, that is. The album is also not mixed very well, but I don't know if it could have saved this if it was. I know Moulder's reputation precedes him, but he didn't do a very good job. The band members may have chemistry and all be fine musicians, but the arrangements are far less than what I would have expected from a band of this caliber.
finally, a reasonable comment! and yes, like "chickenfoot," this band is a marketing scheme: throw together a couple of musicians from bands that are either defunct or way past their prime, name drop in every review, build up hype and the kids will buy it no matter how boring it actually is.
best album of the decade? are you serious?
If you are on the fence of buying this CD, don't listen to these people, they came in to the CD with a predisposition that the album was gonna bomb. And you can't get an impression by listening to just 3 songs.
I bought the album with the bonus live track and insert, and the album was VERY good. I could definately listen to the whole album straight through multiple times. You should definately buy this album.
Does anyone else think that interlude with ludes kinda sounds like 'Im Designer'. Well, the lyrics at least... Great album though, really fresh!
I thought that the first time I listened to it. That song should not be on the album. I love the record otherwise. Scumbag Blues if ****in tits! Fuck Rolling Stone and Fuck Pitchfork. 3 1/2 stars and 6.3 rating.
By the way, for those that can't stand Homme's singing: at least Dave stay's behind the drums with backup vocals. It could've been worse. 8/10
Dave didn't lay down the backups on the album. Read the credits. Oh wait, you probably didn't even buy the album.
Does anyone else think that interlude with ludes kinda sounds like 'Im Designer'. Well, the lyrics at least... Great album though, really fresh!
I thought that the first time I listened to it. That song should not be on the album. I love the record otherwise. Scumbag Blues if ****in tits! Fuck Rolling Stone and Fuck Pitchfork. 3 1/2 stars and 6.3 rating.
By the way, for those that can't stand Homme's singing: at least Dave stay's behind the drums with backup vocals. It could've been worse. 8/10
Dave didn't lay down the backups on the album. Read the credits. Oh wait, you probably didn't even buy the album.
Sounds like Grohl on Mind Eraser, No Chaser. You can hear that foo fighter sing along
Could it be that Alain Johannes only contributed additional vocals to Dead End Friends, Reptiles & Interlude with Ludes?
I'm pretty sure JPJ has some back up vocals as well, don't quote me on the track, but I've heard at least four different voices.
I think you have all gotten caught up in the hype. I think you came in with a preexisting bias which makes you want to hear a more consummate aural experience than what you actually hear. I haven't ever listened to QOTSA before so I don't have this bias. From what I can hear, this band's sound is too heavily dependent on what little I have heard of Josh Homme's work. I'm not saying that he isn't a good musician, but so far I have listened to the first three tracks and I can tell you it's not very good, and mostly because of him. It's mediocre at best; it's just not impressive, nothing that draws you in or inspires a cerebral awe. I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that - well, if I could drum, that is. The album is also not mixed very well, but I don't know if it could have saved this if it was. I know Moulder's reputation precedes him, but he didn't do a very good job. The band members may have chemistry and all be fine musicians, but the arrangements are far less than what I would have expected from a band of this caliber.
Dude, in the time it took you to write your review, you could have done the honourable thing and listened to the whole album. I'm practically high on "cerebral awe" every time I listen to this album; it's risky (and clearly quite divisive) and full of some of the best music that's come out in years. Looking forward to their second album already!
I like Foo Fighters, I like QotSA, but this album just okay.
This group just doesn't mesh well. The style is interesting and different, which I like, but a lot of it just wasn't great. I would expect musicians of this caliber to be creating spetacular music, but nothing is spectacular about this album. All of the songs are good at first, but get repetitive and boring.
I think you have all gotten caught up in the hype. I think you came in with a preexisting bias which makes you want to hear a more consummate aural experience than what you actually hear. I haven't ever listened to QOTSA before so I don't have this bias. From what I can hear, this band's sound is too heavily dependent on what little I have heard of Josh Homme's work. I'm not saying that he isn't a good musician, but so far I have listened to the first three tracks and I can tell you it's not very good, and mostly because of him. It's mediocre at best; it's just not impressive, nothing that draws you in or inspires a cerebral awe. I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that - well, if I could drum, that is. The album is also not mixed very well, but I don't know if it could have saved this if it was. I know Moulder's reputation precedes him, but he didn't do a very good job. The band members may have chemistry and all be fine musicians, but the arrangements are far less than what I would have expected from a band of this caliber. finally, a reasonable comment! and yes, like "chickenfoot," this band is a marketing scheme: throw together a couple of musicians from bands that are either defunct or way past their prime, name drop in every review, build up hype and the kids will buy it no matter how boring it actually is.
best album of the decade? are you serious?
Yes, a marketing scheme. QOTSA is probably not so profitable, Foo Fighters are awful, and JPJ HASN'T been offered hundreds of millions of dollars to reunite with Zeppelin in one incarnation or another.
Oh wait.
And to Hells.Mascot Kalamari is right, you should have listened to the entire album before judging it. Although you seem like there isn't much that would get you out of that headspace. I'm okay with that, I'd rather you not listen to it if you don't enjoy it. Also, don't treat something subjectively and then objectively state that you "could write better material"...totally detrimental to your post quality.
I was expecting more variation on this album. Homme's guitar tone doesn't change for the entire album and that makes it a bit tedious. It's just one groover after another, a bit more experimentation with sonics would have made me a happier person.
However, I did enjoy the album, it has some great songs on it with some very competent musicianship. I give it 7/10
Hopefully the second album is made in the down time of the members' respective bands, I wouldn't take this over Foo Fighters or QOTSA.
just because the groups got dave grohl and jpj doesn't mean i have to like it... i gave it a listen and i'm honestly not impressed. the whole thing seems real generic to me, its got no depth.... cool idea tho i'll admit.
Wow lots of haters in here. You need to listen to the album with an open mind, not judge it by only hearing a few tracks. Some are exceptional, others are ok, but to say its not good cuz you dont like QOTSA or FF..well thats retarded. Oh and this: "I could write better material than most I have heard so far, and I really mean that.." wow really??? Lets hear it superstar!
Does anyone else think that interlude with ludes kinda sounds like 'Im Designer'. Well, the lyrics at least... Great album though, really fresh!
I thought that the first time I listened to it. That song should not be on the album. I love the record otherwise. Scumbag Blues if ****in tits! Fuck Rolling Stone and Fuck Pitchfork. 3 1/2 stars and 6.3 rating.
By the way, for those that can't stand Homme's singing: at least Dave stay's behind the drums with backup vocals. It could've been worse. 8/10
I think Dave has a much better voice than Josh.
The album was pretty great, they were incredible live at the Roxy.
I think Jack White would've worked better for the band than Josh Homme though
Why is it that all the people posting here who don't like it are stating that it is objectively bad. It's just your opinion, m'kay? Yeah, it sounds more like QOTSA than Led Zeppelin or Foo Fighters, and personally I think that is a very good thing. I really like the album, it's got a great sound (in my opinion!).
I have this album and saw them when they came to the Fox Theatre in Oakland. It was a good show, but since I wasn't too familiar with the material it was harder to get into. Now that I've listened to it more. I can say that I'm not much into it except for a few songs, such as "Elephant" and "Nobody Loves Me..." I'm not much into Josh's voice, and there's something about his style that I just can't get into. Grohl tears it up on just about everything he comes across, and of course JPJ is always there to add his musical expertise. It's an interesting album and definitely worth a listen. I'd say just go out and see what you think for yourself!
I saw the reading festival on tv a few days ago, and they were the mystery act. They were amazing! Such a tight band,and the riffs were excellent. Can't wait to get the album.
I think the album is great, but I'll admit it, It doesn't blow my mind or anything. There isn't anything on here that was just amazingly creative or innovative to me. Just a straight up rocker, and that's what I like about it.
I saw them live on 11/19, and they put on a hell of a show. So much energy, and dave grohl is still a beast behind those drums.
I think this CD holds a great rockin groove to it. For the people hatin on this album I think maybe you should remove from your mind the band members and listen to it as something entirely new instead of having high musical expectations. Listen to it as it is maybe you can appreciate it a bit more. Take it in, it groovy and has a lot of interesting riffs, drum beats etc... that being said it isnt a full 10 out of 10, but its a killer cd none the less!!
I think Jack White would've worked better for the band than Josh Homme though
Jack White would have shat on the riff work of this album, as he does not have the technical proficiency that Homme has. Replacing Homme with White would have changed everything about the style of the music.
I think Jack White would've worked better for the band than Josh Homme though
Jack White would have shat on the riff work of this album, as he does not have the technical proficiency that Homme has. Replacing Homme with White would have changed everything about the style of the music.
how much jack white have you actually heard? He's an incredible guitarist. Check out "blue veins" live at coachella. BEAUTIFUL guitar work. I've seen Jack 5 times live and he was far more impressive than Josh Homme live
i agree Jack would have changed the chemistry of the group, but I've always felt that the three of them would perform wonders together.
Does anyone else think that interlude with ludes kinda sounds like 'Im Designer'. Well, the lyrics at least... Great album though, really fresh!
I thought that the first time I listened to it. That song should not be on the album. I love the record otherwise. Scumbag Blues if ****in tits! Fuck Rolling Stone and Fuck Pitchfork. 3 1/2 stars and 6.3 rating.
By the way, for those that can't stand Homme's singing: at least Dave stay's behind the drums with backup vocals. It could've been worse. 8/10
Dave didn't lay down the backups on the album. Read the credits. Oh wait, you probably didn't even buy the album.
i agree Jack would have changed the chemistry of the group, but I've always felt that the three of them would perform wonders together.
was jack really considered for this??
are you serious?
it would have been amazing if he was in it, i dont' mind Homme, but jack white is a way better singer/guitarist/awesomedude.
I don't think anyone was considered for this besides who was in it. Homme and Grohl have collaborated already and Grohl asked JPJ if he was interested in working in a project with him and Homme. And I'm not sure how well Jack White would have fit in...
I, personally wouldn't take Homme out because I like his style... I can understand where people are coming from who don't like it, but I didn't either when I got Lullabies to Paralyze back in 2005. I listened to it again in '08 and it had grown on me a ton. Also if you weren't expecting the band's sound to lean toward the sound of the lead singer/lead guitarist, I'm a little confused by your logic.
I honestly was starting to lose interest in this album until I saw them live (which was awesome) and I haven't been listening to much else since. And those of you who weren't expecting a jam-oriented sound, two of the people are from bands who tend to jam quite a bit in their performances.
I think Jack White would've worked better for the band than Josh Homme though
Jack White would have shat on the riff work of this album, as he does not have the technical proficiency that Homme has. Replacing Homme with White would have changed everything about the style of the music.
+1 I'm with The Pickle Man on this, Jack White would of shat on the record, I think Jack White would have ruined the album altogether.
Great album. It wasn't on my list for Christmas, but I'm SO glad my cousin decided to pick this up for me anyway. I have a new album in my top 10 all-time
very very gud instrumentally but homme's voice jus totally and completely ruins it for me n as for some1 else saying jack white wouldv ruin the record i say hell no n i wish i cud travel to a parallel universe where he was on this album and then id buy it
Different strokes for different folks. i personally loved the album. Josh homme's style takes a bit of getting used to I guess (personally I think its awesome.) saw them live on the 30th of January in Auckland. Amazing show. Grohl was on form. its all a matter of opinion.
this is actually absolutely brilliant. i love elephants, scumbag blues, and reptiles. i'm not so keen on warsaw but otherwise brilliant. 9/10 (only because i don't give tens)
Easily the best album of 2009,though i thought the new Alice in Chains was great and the new Megadeth, this was something completely new that has kept me interested since i bought it. This is in my top three favorite albums of all time, i love Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Queens of the Stone Age and this is just great.
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