Album of the Week: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?

Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?

Of Montreal

Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? is the eighth album from indie pop band Of Montreal. It was released January 23, 2007.

Track listing:
All songs written by Kevin Barnes.

1. "Suffer for Fashion" – 2:58
2. "Sink the Seine" – 1:04
3. "Cato as a Pun" – 3:02
4. "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse" – 3:18
5. "Gronlandic Edit" – 3:24
6. "A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger" – 4:54
7. "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" – 11:52
8. "Bunny Ain't No Kind of Rider" – 3:51
9. "Faberge Falls for Shuggie" – 4:31
10. "Labyrinthian Pomp" – 3:21
11. "She's a Rejecter" – 4:02
12. "We Were Born the Mutants Again with Leafling" – 4:57

Why I Chose This:

Kevin Barnes is the David Bowie of our generation, using his glam rock lyrics about art, fashion and drugs mixed with song technology engineering available to the new-age producer to come up with Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?. This album took a few listens for me to like it, as the sounds were very different to what I had heard at the time (even only early this year...) - however once I did get a hard on for Barnes' voice then he didn't disappear from my ipod for a while.

Stand-out tracks for me are "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse",  "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal", "Bunny Ain't No Kind of Rider", "Faberge Falls fo.." - wait, everything after track 7 is cool lol. According to wikipedia, Barnes transforms into his glam rock alter-ego (Georgie Fruit) during track 7. 

The other reason I chose this album is because BotM hasn't seen an Album of the week for a while now, and I loved the section so much I decided to bring it back.

Get into this album, you won't be let down - and if you are, at least you know that glam rock isn't your thang.

- Russell

Album of the Week: Get Wiser

Get Wiser

Soldiers of Jah Army

Get Wiser is the fourth studio album by the reggae band, Soldiers of Jah Army that was released in January 2006.

Tracklist:

1. "Open My Eyes" - 5:08

2. "By My Side" - 4:12

3. "My Life Alone" - 4:02

4. "Faith Works" - 5:04

5. "What Would?" - 3:35

6. "Strong For Them" - 5:19

7. "Can't Tell Me" - 5:23

8. "Be Aware" - 4:10

9. "I've Got Time" - 5:09

10. "Sorry" - 4:51

11. "Bring Back Truth" - 7:08

12. "You Don't Know Me" - 4:25

13. "911" - 4:50

14. "Devils" - 8:58

Why I Chose This

Before I get into why I really like this album, I'll give you the story of how I came to first hear it. It was a Friday night about 2 months ago, and I walked from work on George St to Oxford St to meet up with a friend. After getting some delicious Indian food, we struck up a conversation with two middle-eastern men outside a pizza store, one of them was the owner. As he was telling us about his financial troubles (and with me standing on Oxford St getting people to come into his store), three of Anna's friends walked by with no plans of their own as well. Naturally, we bought a box of goon and drank it outside the pizza store. Cut to an hour later, and I was feeling the awesome effects from cheap cask wine. We strolled across the road to the Oxford Art Factory, and danced for a further two hours. Sitting on the curb at about 2:30 am having what we thought to be the last cigarette of the night, a small car pulled up next to us, inside were 4 Brazilians asking for a light. The night had just begun.

"Hey, you guys wanna come back to house in Bondi? - we have driiiinks and the smookes" - as soon as he mentioned that he had Jean-Claude Van Amsterdam my tiredness strangely disappeared, and before I knew it I was wedged in between two Brazilian dudes in a little hatch-back flying down Oxford St towards Bondi. We arrived at their house and greeted their many roommates. It was an awesome double story old house on Bondi Rd, with stuff everywhere as they were moving the next day. I followed Fuad (our driver, who I later found out had drank a bottle of whiskey before picking us up) into the living room - and continued to watch as he packed a large colourful apparatus  with whacky tobaccy. If you ever want a combination to make you really happy, drink lots of goon and breathe in lots of what this guy gave me. 

"Music!", Fuad requested as he fulfilled his own request by plugging in his ipod into large speakers that were standing on the floor. My ears were ready for a musical treat, and I was waiting in keen anticipation on what this dread-locked Brazilian would grace me with. The track "I've Got Time" begun, and I was instantly in love with this album. Fuad had Get Wiser on repeat the whole night, the perfect way of introducing me to reggae music. That night before I passed out on his mattress (with 3 other people next to me), I lent over and swiped a glance across the ipod screen, noticing that all the tracks were in Spanish (where's Eden when you need him!!) - luckily the artist was in English so I entered it into my phone so as not to forget.

Whenever I feel like chilling out, this is the perfect album. It has some serious soul power. After listening to it for about 7-8 times, I downloaded another reggae classic - Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1977 album Exodus. I could do a whole album of the week on that album alone because it is like God is cumming in my ears; it is a thing of beauty. Peace be with you all.

- Russell

Album of the Week: Moving Pictures

 

Moving Pictures -

 Rush

Moving Pictures is the most well known and commercially successful album by Canadian prog-rock band Rush, it was released in February 1981.

Tracklist

1. "Tom Sawyer" – 4:31
2. "Red Barchetta" – 6:10
3. "YYZ" – 4:23
4. "Limelight" – 4:20
5. "The Camera Eye" – 10:59
6. "Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear)" – 4:44
7. "Vital Signs" – 4:46

Why I Chose This

Brendon Giles said to me one day, "hey man listen to this, you can see where Opeth got the intro for Deliverance from!". I popped one of his head phones in my ear and clearly heard it, Opeth's Deliverance uses a similar intro to Rush's YYZ (ok, it's a ripoff). Awesome. I only heard this album a handful of times back then in High school and I really liked it. When I saw "I Love You, Man" for the second time just a couple of weeks ago, I knew this had to be my next AOTW. Enjoy!

- Dogman

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Album of the Week: Pablo Honey

 

Pablo Honey -

 Radiohead

Pablo Honey is the debut studio album by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released in February 1993.

Tracklist

1. "You" – 3:29
2. "Creep" – 3:56
3. "How Do You?" – 2:12
4. "Stop Whispering" – 5:26
5. "Thinking About You" – 2:41
6. "Anyone Can Play Guitar" – 3:38
7. "Ripcord" – 3:10
8. "Vegetable" – 3:13
9. "Prove Yourself" – 2:25
10. "I Can't" – 4:13
11. "Lurgee" – 3:08
12. "Blow Out" – 4:40

Why I Chose This

When I decided to give Radiohead a go (probably one of the greatest ideas I have ever had mind you) I made an effort to listen to them chronologically. So first up was Pablo Honey and I listened to it once, maybe twice and then heard The Bends. The Bends instantly blew me away and with OK Computer and Kid A to follow, I didn't really take the time to look back ( I actually ended up looking too far forward and hearing In Rainbows next but that's not the point). The point is that I love everything that they produce and in the last few weeks I decided I should go back and give Pablo Honey a real chance. If nothing else it will provide an interesting insight into the early sounds and styles that helped mould Radiohead into one of my favourite bands.

- Eden

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Album of the Week: All The Pain Money Can Buy

All The Pain Money Can Buy

Fastball

All The Pain Money Can Buy is the second album by Austin, Texas band Fastball. It was released on March 10, 1998.

Tracklist:

1. "The Way" – 4:17
2. "Fire Escape" – 3:21
3. "Better Than It Was" – 2:48
4. "Which Way to the Top?" – 3:50
5. "Sooner or Later" – 2:39
6. "Warm Fuzzy Feeling" – 1:55
7. "Slow Drag" – 3:37
8. "G.O.D. (Good Old Days)" – 3:31
9. "Charlie, The Methadone Man" – 3:17
10. "Out of My Head" – 2:32
11. "Damaged Goods" – 3:02
12. "Nowhere Road" – 3:25
13. "Sweetwater, Texas" – 3:53

Why I chose this:

I remember my art teacher trying to warn me off drugs (and good music) by telling me that Fastball was the name of a concoction of drugs. I guess he'd never heard of reverse psychology, because all I could think was, Cool! Not only do these guys write amazing songs, but they take good drugs too!

With beautiful harmonies, great musicianship and actual songs (a rarity nowadays), it's one of those albums that is equally great with headphones laying by the pool or blasting out of the car with the windows down. 

 - Lee

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Album of the Week: Between the Buttons

Between the Buttons

The Rolling Stones

Between the Buttons is the fifth (British) studio album by The Rolling Stones, released on 20 January 1967, in the United Kingdom.

Tracklist:

All songs by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards

Disc one

#	Title	Length
1.	"Yesterday's Papers"	2:04
2.	"My Obsession"	3:17
3.	"Back Street Girl"	3:27
4.	"Connection"	2:08
5.	"She Smiled Sweetly"	2:44
6.	"Cool, Calm & Collected"	4:17

Disc two

#	Title	Length
1.	"All Sold Out"	2:17
2.	"Please Go Home"	3:17
3.	"Who's Been Sleeping Here?"	3:55
4.	"Complicated"	3:15
5.	"Miss Amanda Jones"	2:47
6.	"Something Happened to Me Yesterday"	4:55

Length: 38:33

Why I chose this:

Along with Sticky Fingers, this is my favourite Rolling Stones album. It still has that early 60s pop feel to it, but also displays the radiant talents of the band to produce an artistic masterpiece. Brian Jones is at his musical supreme, with multiple contributions on each song through a variety of instruments, proving why he is a legend of rock n roll. The chemistry between Mick and Keith is displayed not only in their song writing, but in the dynamic that they add to the group and to these songs. I haven't heard this album as much as the Stones later works (namely Beggars Banquet through to Exile on Main St.) but there is nothing quite like laying back and letting Brian Jones and Keith Richards duel their guitars for the prize of my heart.

- Russell

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Album of The Week: Embryonic

Embryonic
The Flaming Lips

Embryonic is the twelfth studio album by The Flaming Lips, released on October 13, 2009. It is the first double album to be released by the band.

Tracklist:

Disc one

#	Title	Length
1.	"Convinced of the Hex"	3:56
2.	"The Sparrow Looks Up at the Machine"	4:14
3.	"Evil"	5:38
4.	"Aquarius Sabotage"	2:11
5.	"See the Leaves"	4:24
6.	"If"	2:05
7.	"Gemini Syringes" (featuring Thorsten Wörmann & Karen O)	3:41
8.	"Your Bats"	2:35
9.	"Powerless"	6:57
35:41

Disc two

#	Title	Length
10.	"The Ego's Last Stand"	5:41
11.	"I Can Be a Frog" (featuring Karen O)	2:14
12.	"Sagittarius Silver Announcement"	2:59
13.	"Worm Mountain" (featuring MGMT)	5:21
14.	"Scorpio Sword"	2:02
15.	"The Impulse"	3:31
16.	"Silver Trembling Hands"	3:59
17.	"Virgo Self-Esteem Broadcast" (featuring Thorsten Wörmann)	3:44
18.	"Watching the Planets" (featuring Karen O)	5:17
34:44

Why We Chose This Album:

Because it is The Flaming Lips!

- Beatles on the Moon

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Album of the Week: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan is singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's second studio album, released in May 1963.

Tracklist:

1. "Blowin' in the Wind" – 2:48
2. "Girl from the North Country" – 3:22
3. "Masters of War" – 4:34
4. "Down the Highway" – 3:27
5. "Bob Dylan's Blues" – 2:23
6. "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" – 6:55
7. "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" – 3:40
8. "Bob Dylan's Dream" – 5:03
9. "Oxford Town" – 1:50
10. "Talkin' World War III Blues" – 6:28
11. "Corrina, Corrina" (Traditional) – 2:44
12. "Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance" – 2:01
13. "I Shall Be Free" – 4:49

Why I chose this:
A wise man once told me to get into Dylan so here I am. I wanted to start with something from his early period so this album seems like a good choice. Nothing much to say until we've heard it, so.... off you go.

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- Lee

Album of the Week: SMiLE

SMiLE
Brian Wilson

Smile is a solo album by Brian Wilson, with lyrics by Van Dyke Parks released on 28 September 2004 on CD and two-disc vinyl. Wilson, Parks and Darian Sahanaja completed the legendary unfinished album project, started in 1966 for Wilson's former band, The Beach Boys.

Tracklist:

1. "Our Prayer/Gee" - 2:09
2. "Heroes and Villains" - 4:53
3. "Roll Plymouth Rock" - 3:48
4. "Barnyard" - 0:58
5. "Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine" - 1:04
6. "Cabin Essence" - 3:27
7. "Wonderful" - 2:07
8. "Song for Children" - 2:16
9. "Child Is Father of the Man" - 2:18
10. "Surf's Up" - 4:07
11. "I'm in Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop" - 1:56
12. "Vega-Tables" - 2:19
13. "On a Holiday" - 2:36
14. "Wind Chimes" - 2:54
15. "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" - 2:27
16. "In Blue Hawaii" - 3:00
17. "Good Vibrations" - 4:36

Why I chose this

Well a few weeks ago I picked Pet Sounds, the classic brainchild of Wilson and long time favourite of mine. All were impressed and since then I have been listening to it's spiritual follow up SMiLE. I think that anyone who loves Pet Sounds will also love this and I really want someone to share the album with, because every time I hear it, it grabs me even more. I can't say much more without actually partially reviewing the different aspects of the record, but I love it and everyone should hear it.

- Eden

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Album of the Week: Are You Experienced

Are You Experienced?
Jimi Hendrix Experience

The debut album for the English/American rock band. Are you Experienced was released on May 12, 1967.

Tracklist:

1. Foxy Lady
2. Manic Depression
3. Red house
4. Can You See Me
5. Love or confusion
6. I Don't Live Today
7. May This Be Love
8. Fire
9. Third Stone From the Sun
10. Remember
11. Are You Experienced?

Bonus Tracks on the version I have

Hey Joe
Stone Free
Purple Haze
51st Anniversary
The wind Cries Mary
Highway Chile

Why I chose this:

Ever since the Beatles first caressed my ears with the magic of music and taught me the wonders of the 60s I have been keen to hear some of the other great acts of the 60s and 70s. This led me to the likes of The Beach boys, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others. However, I always wanted to get into Jimi Hendrix but never seemed to get around to it. So I decided I would use AotW to kick start my Jimi Hendrix Experience. Their first album is Are You Experienced? and my answer to that question is: No. But in a few weeks I will be!

-Eden

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Album of the Week: Making Movies

Making Movies

Dire Straits

Making Movies is the third album released by Dire Straits, it was released on the 17th of October 1980.

Track listing:

1. Tunnel of Love

2. Romeo and Juliet

3. Skateaway

4. Expresso Love

5. Hand in Hand

6. Solid Rock

7. Les Boys

Why I Chose This:

I heard this album many times when I was about 13 years old. My stepdad used to play it a lot on the weekends when he'd be driving my step brother and I out to ride dirt bikes. I really liked it then, and it was only a couple of years ago that I thought I'd listen to it again. I gained a new appreciation for it, Mark Knopflers vocals and guitar playing is just so infectious. You'll know from the very first track, Tunnel of Love (which happens to be an 8 minute epic) that this is album is purely and simply great rock music.

- Dogman

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Album of the Week: Marquee Moon

Marquee Moon

Television

The debut studio album from the legendary but short-lived rock group Television, Marquee Moon was released on February 8, 1977.

Track listing:

1. See No Evil

2. Venus

3. Friction

4. Marquee Moon

5. Elevation

6. Guiding Light

7. Prove It

8. Torn Curtain

Why I Chose This:

I first heard Marquee Moon when I was 17 years old. It features some of the best guitar playing I've ever heard, and it never gets old. I could go on for a long time about this album, but I'd rather wait until the comments before the discussion starts. But I will say that I once lent this album to someone, and when I found out that they lost it, I went and bought a new copy as soon as I found one, which is saying something in this age of downloading albums. Marquee Moon means a hell of a lot to me, I can only hope more people get turned on to this masterpiece.

- Lee

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Album of the Week: Pet Sounds

Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys

The eleventh studio album from The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds was released on May 16, 1966.

Track listing:

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
2. You Still Believe In Me
3. That's Not Me
4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
5. Waiting For The Day
6. Let's Go Away For A While
7. Sloop John B
8. God Only Knows
9. I Know There's An Answer
10. Here Today
11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
12. Pet sounds
13. Caroline No

Why I chose this:
Pet Sounds has been one of my all time favourite albums ever since those first few listens. It is laced with magical melodies, and an amazing array of sounds. AotW is about taking the time to indulge in an album, and when indulging in Pet Sounds I surrender myself not just to the music but also the emotion that Brian Wilson has poured into it.

-Eden

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Album of the Week: With The Beatles

With the Beatles
The Beatles

The second studio album (UK discography) from the fab four released on the 22nd of November, 1963.

Track listing:

1. It Won't Be Long
2. All I Gotta Do
3. All My Loving
4. Don't Bother Me
5. Little Child
6. Til There Was You
7. Please Mister Postman
8. Roll Over Beethoven
9. Hold Me Tight
10. You Really Got A Hold On Me
11. I Wanna Be Your Man
12. Devil In Her Heart
13. Money


Why I chose this:
I selected this fine piece of work because I'd never heard it before. Simple. This being the second album is also the second album for me in my Beatles journey, as I'm listening to all the Beatles albums in order of release (though I did listen to Magical Mystery Tour first to be honest). Anyway, this album is just great. The songs are short, tight and super catchy. They make the covers their own and better than the originals. I've only heard Chuck Berry's original of Roll Over Beethoven and it's great, but the Beatles cover is something else. Their original songs are more amazing, a taste of whats next I suppose. If you haven't heard this and you want half and hour of music that will make you happy, tap your toes and is just plain good... this is for you.

- Dogman

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Album of the Week

This is a poly-weekly online album club. Whenever we so desire we take turns in choosing an album for all of us to listen to. We then discuss it when we hang out and also in the comments section on this blog. The idea behind this is to listen to more music, embrace music in album form, to take the time to fully absorb each album, and most of all share and experience the album together.

Feel free to join in on the fun. Give the album some spins, get to know it and comment with us or even write a review if you feel like it. Check in every third Thursday (or so) for the new edition.

Click on any of the links below to discuss!

This week's album

Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? - Of Montreal

Catch the old stuff!

Get Wiser - Soldiers of Jah Army
Moving Pictures - Rush
Pablo Honey - Radiohead
All the Pain Money Can Buy - Fastball
Between the Buttons - The Rolling Stones
Embryonic - The Flaming Lips
SMiLE - Brian Wilson
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan
Are You Experienced? - Jimi Hendrix Experience
Making Movies - Dire Straits
Marquee Moon - Television
Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
With The Beatles - The Beatles