Thursday, September 2, 2010

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

YOURZ

One part Led Zeppelin, one part Foo Fighters and one part Queens Of The Stoneage...  Fuck me, what is there not to like about this band?

This band is the epitome of a super-group: massive riffs, a huge rhythm section and the sort of kick-arse, take-no-prisoners attitude that would cause any pretty-boy bands calling themselves rock to crap their pants so hard, they'd shit their tongues.  (If you're eating while reading this, I apologise for causing you any discomfort).

I'm a big fan of Josh Homme and Dave Grohl and their various music projects.  But I have to say, my favourite member of TCV is, without a doubt, the amazing Mr John Paul Jones.  Not only does he rock harder and better than most guys at least half his age, he makes it seem so effortless.  Not only this, but he is amazingly well-preserved for a man in his 60s.  We can all only hope to be the same when we're his age.

I'm not going to go on about the tracks or the sound or any of the usual reviewer-y type stuff.  I was bitterly disappointed to miss out seeing them here earlier this year and won't let that happen again.  By all accounts, their live show was a flawless example of what a rock show should be.  And the rumours of their followup album are so rife in the blogosphere, it has to be true. 

So, it looks as thought I'm going to end this year as I did last year, eagarly awaiting the release of a Them Crooked Vultures album.  I can hardly wait!

VERDICT: TURN IT UP and check out Dave Grohl's Fresh Pots on YouTube - you'll laugh until you cry!


MINE

Sometimes I wonder if there's ever going to be an end to bands that wanna be Led Zeppelin.  And to give them their due, Them Crooked Vultures do it better than most.  Recruiting an original member helps with the Zep cred.

So here I am, wondering why I can really like it when Wolfmother does it, and I'm just a bit - meh - when it's TCV.  It's partially because this band produces what I call the "clever" part of that kind of rock. You know, with the swinging key/tempo changes, the heavy-on-the-syncopation riffs - it's all designed to show off just how interesting they can make the songs.

And really, while I'm a fan of layering and lush arrangements, when it comes to beats I like mine simple.

VERDICT: TURN IT DOWN


6 comments:

  1. It's funny you reviewed this today, because today was the first time in a long time that I listened to this album. Given the cast I figured there would be no way I wouldn't love this album. However, I just find it to be alright. The music is interesting, but I feel like the melodies are lacking and I start to become bored relatively quick. I thought that maybe this album would take a few listens to get into, but even a year later I still struggle to get through this album in its entirety.

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  2. I liked this album, but I didn't love it. And honestly I haven't found reason to listen to it since its original release last December. And as far as supergroups go they are/were much much better than Chickenfoot.

    I am, however, looking forward to the debut album of that other supergroup Black Country Communion. While they didn't get a member of Led Zep, they did get a Led Zep offspring in the band-- Jason Bonham. It will be interesting to hear the blues rock guitar of Joe Bonamassa mixed with the vocals of Glenn Hughes, drumming of Bonzo Jr., and the keyboard playing of Dream Theater and Alice Cooper alum, Derek Sherinian. Sept. 21st can not come soon enough!

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  3. Like Jeff and Perplexo mentioned above, I like the album as well. The music on it quite good and filled with talent, but it does take some time to get used to it.

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  4. Jeff, I've been listening to it pretty much once a week since I first got it and it hasn't dulled for me yet. But then, my feelings regarding Josh Homme, particularly, as well-documented here.

    YourZ

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  5. Perplexio, the mere mention of Chickenfoot makes me cringe. I mean, sure, the band has some pedigree but what a dumb name. But I suppose I shouldn't be so judgemental given I used to be in a band called Scruff Lovely (I kid you not).

    YourZ

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  6. Drew, I was pretty much into it with the first listen and that hasn't changed. Maybe it might become dull when they release their new album but I doubt it.

    YourZ

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