Music To Your Ear Holes

Sometimes you need to take something in perspective to see how truly great it is.  Now with Linkin Park a completely different sounding band, many people have forgotten their original roots in rap and rock.  Now the album sounds like a lot of others.  But that's where perspective comes in.

What was on top of the charts in the year 2000?  BBMak.  Backstreet Boys.  N Sync.  Toni Braxton.  Jennifer Lopez.  Linkin Park's debut was a breath of fresh air.  And it still is honestly.  Yes a lot of the songs do sound the same.  But listen to tracks like One Step Closer and In The End.  Tell me that doesn't get you up and moving.

Great stuff.  Then and now.  A good addition to your collection.

Rating 4.7 out of 5.

Staind Zombie Their Way Back

Artist: Staind  Album:  V

Chapter V is not a big steaming pile of dog poo. There. I said it. And believe me after 4 Shades of Grey, it makes me extremely happy to say this. Just a few short years ago, I thought Staind was the greatest rock/heavy band known to man. Then they went pop on us. So when this new discc came out, I was worried. I'll admit it. I borrowed it from a friend before I decided to take the plunge and buy it. And happily it has been a good purchase.
On "14 Shades Of Grey", all the fire that made Staind = Staind, was gone. With the exception of "Price To Play" there was nothing with any zest at all. Now "V" has that in spades! From the hammering "Paper Jesus" to the in your face "Schizophrenic Conversations" this disc is a moving step in the right direction. The fire is partially back. Staind still do explore their new found pop sensibilities. For example "Falling" is enough rock to make you stand up and take notice. But still radio friendly.
So there you have it. Staind might never be the pure power house of rage and angst we so loved on "Tormented" or "Dysfunction". But you have to give kudos to Staind for every album being different. And cheers to them for finding their rock n roll voice again. Good cd. Worth buying.

PS:  I wrote this review before the last Staind album came out.  I'll admit I was wrong.  They did have some rage left!  But that review is for another time......

Rating 3.9 of 5