Korn - Self Titled

Normally when people think of 1994 they think of alternative rock. Grunge rock. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Soundgarden, STP etc.. What about Korn? Now I'd put them more in the metal category than alt rock, but these guys have had a ton of success and have been making really good music for a really long time. This album came out in 1994 and it doesn't get nearly the credit it deserves. A big thing for me is how songs begin. I love the way some songs build up and peek your interest to keep the track going. This record might have my favorite beginning of all time in 'Blind'. This was their first album, and it very well might be my favorite Korn work. I cannot say that I celebrate their entire catalog either, but I've heard almost everything that they've put out there. For the most part, I think they've stayed true to their metal roots over the years - they made some crazy videos and their album covers were always conversation pieces. If you're not a huge metal fan, some songs by Korn could probably be considered pop, mainly the ones that aren't super heavy. I know they got their fair share of play on MTV and on pop radio stations. You certainly wouldn't like the entire record if you're a pop fan - but check it out. You'll recognize a few songs and you may like the rest of them.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Blind
2. Ball Tongue
3. Need To
4. Clown
5. Divine
6. Faget
7. Shoots and Ladders
8. Predictable
9. Fake
10. Lies
11. Helmet in the Bush
12. Daddy

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Blind
2. Shoots and Ladders
3. Divine

FINAL RATING:
3.5 out of 5 stars

Green Day - Dookie

As much as I may talk about how much I love rap, mood music etc, etc...boy do I love the alternative rock revolution from the '90s. I've been jamming hard on this genre lately and it's amazing to me how great the music was - and how lucky folks in my age bracket were to grow up listening to this type of tuneage. Similar to Smash, this was the 2nd album I ever owned, and still am in love with it to this day. Green Day has since gotten fairly political and their albums are still really good - but I don't think they have the smash to your face that Dookie does. I'll of course eventually review their entire discography, but this is probably my favorite album of theirs. Insomniac was better than people give it credit for - and the only one I really don't like is 'Warning'. I say this a lot, but if for any reason you haven't heard this record - please, I beg you, go get it. I promise you'll enjoy this cd start to finish. Go right now, to any store that sells music - and buy it. Put it directly into your car cd player, and listen to it. Even if you've heard this 1,000 times already - put it back in. You'll remember just how awesome it is. There is no doubt that this will get your through your Tuesday in style!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Burnout
2. Having A Blast
3. Chump
4. Longview
5. Welcome To Paradise
6. Pulling Teeth
7. Basket Case
8. She
9. Sassafras Roots
10. When I Come Around
11. Coming Clean
12. Emenius Sleepus
13. In The End
14. F.O.D.
15. All By Myself (Hidden Track)

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. When I Come Around
2. Burnout
3. Longview

FINAL RATING:
4.75 out of 5 stars

Robert Randolph - Unclassified

Every week I try to put something on the blog that I label as "odd", and that simply means I'm hoping it's something that you've never heard of before. All of them so far have been random bands that I know of and enjoy - but at some point I'll end up putting bands on here that aren't as good. Keeping up with really good bands, enter pedal steel guitar playing Robert Randolph and the Family Band. This trio has been making very good music for almost a decade. They only have 2 studio album releases, and this one should be a mainstay on any music playing device. Another band that has an incredibly unique sound that you're not going to hear anywhere else. I think some of you will be surprised when you listen that you've probably heard one or two of these tracks randomly in your life somewhere. It's family friendly music that literally everyone can jam out to. No question these guys have a ton of talent as they've opened for some HUGE acts - including Eric Clapton at the Bradley Center when I went back in 2001. They also were on the Experience Hendrix bill at the Riverside last month. If I recall correctly, they played 'Purple Haze' and really performed well. Even if you never buy an album of theirs, if they come to your town - go to the show. It's a great atmosphere with great music and everyone in the building will be out of their seats, having a blast. Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Going In The Right Direction
2. I Need More Love
3. Nobody
4. Soul Refreshing
5. Squeeze
6. Smile
7. Good Times (3 Stroke)
8. Why Should I Feel Lonely
9. Calypso
10. Problems
11. Run for Your Life

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Going In The Right Direction
2. Calypso
3. Nobody

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

White Stripes - Elephant

Phew...thinking about it today, the first time I heard the White Stripes was on Last Night with Conan O'Brien a long time ago. I remember thinking they had a pretty unique style compared to other artists at the time. I think that still pretty much holds true, as they might blend styles - their sound is still a little different compared to what else is out there today. I can't portray myself as a big time Stripes guy - but I do like to throw them on every so often. I really have to be in a certain mood to enjoy them to the fullest. You can never get tired of 'Seven Nation Army' though, because that song is just outstanding. I feel like they put out an energy into their albums that is almost unmatched by other punk-ish style artists. They remind me of The Strokes from that standpoint. If you have never heard these guys, give it a go. I think you'll be interested in what they've got going on. Even if you don't rush out to pick up their records - you can at least respect the music they're making. I'd put myself in that boat. At the very least, check out the samples and see if it's something that peaks your interest. I think you might be surprised. Enjoy your Monday!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Seven Nation Army
2. Black Math
3. There's No Home For You Here
4. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
5. In The Cold, Cold, Night
6. I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart
7. You've Got Her In Your Pocket
8. Ball And Biscuit
9. Hardest Button To Button, The
10. Little Acorns
11. Hypnotize
12. Air Near My Fingers, The
13. Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine
14. Well It's True That We Love One Another

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks
1. Seven Nation Army
2. Hypnotize
3. Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine

FINAL RATING:
4 out of 5 stars

Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole

It's techno Monday here at the B Side, and today features The Chemical Brothers. Last week they announced they'll be putting out another album sometime in 2010. This was the first Chem Bros record I heard, and it came out back in 1997. I've only listened to one other record by them and they actually have quite a discography. Some of their stuff is just so groovy you have to move to it - other stuff is just so odd you kind of scratch your head listening to it. They are by no means my favorite dance group, but sometimes they cure the techno hangover. After hearing some of their other stuff in bits and pieces, it's possible that this might end up being my favorite work of theirs, but who knows. I'll be certain to give it all a shot someday. Do check out the Top 3 tracks, as they'll get you out of your seat and moving. I know I'm going to rock this out all day, and by the time I look at the clock again - it'll be lunch! Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Block Rockin' Beats
2. Dig Your Own Hole
3. Elektrobank
4. Piku
5. Setting Sun
6. It Doesn't Matter
7. Don't Stop The Rock
8. Get Up On It Like This
9. Lost In The K-Hole
10. Where Do I Begin
11. Private Psychedelic Reel

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Block Rockin' Beats
2. Private Psychedelic Reel
3. Get Up On It Like This

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation 101

From Aqualung to Young Jeezy - that could be my new slogan for the blog. Not only is it close to spanning the alphabet, but it's such a change of music pace - which I'm all about. This is another record I bought in 2005, same as S&B. I picked this up as pretty much an impulse buy when I was at Target one day. I had a bunch of errands to run and I didn't have any cd's with me in the car. Since I pretty much loathe the radio (as most of you know), I had to pick up something. I think I'd heard 1, maybe 2 tracks from this album. I had only heard Jeezy one other time, which was on a Trick Daddy track from his Thug Matrimony record. I remembered thinking this guy could blow up, but boy did I underestimate him. I tossed this record in, and I never put it down to this day. One of the best hip hop records of all time start to finish. He's put out 2 more albums since TM101, and will soon be releasing TM103 this year. I'm sure you've heard a couple singles from this, but those probably are the less solid songs here. The ones I like most never saw any real radio play. If you at all enjoy rap, you'll honestly love this album. Even if you're not a hip hop fan, I think you'll groove to a couple tracks on here. Who knows, you may even get up and shake ya groove thang!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Thug Motivation 101
2. Standing Ovation
3. Gangsta Music
4. Let's Get It/Sky's the Limit
5. And Then What
6. Go Crazy
7. Last of a Dying Breed
8. My Hood
9. Bottom of the Map
10. Get Ya Mind Right
11. Trap Star
12. Bang
13. Don't Get Caught
14. Soul Survivor
15. Trap or Die
16. Tear It Up
17. That's How Ya Feel
18. Talk to Em
19. Air Forces (Bonus Track)

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Thug Motivation 101
2. Go Crazy
3. Standing Ovation

FINAL RATING:
4 out of 5 stars

Aqualung - Strange and Beautiful

Happy Easter B Side fans!! I figured I'd introduce first something a little slower that everyone in the family can enjoy. I'm sure many of you were introduced to Aqualung via Brighter Than Sunshine back in 2005. However, most of you probably didn't run out to check out the rest of it either. This is where I swoop in and tell you, CHECK THIS OUT!! This is really a great record. I was a little leery that this would end up being too popish and I wouldn't like it, but man I was wrong. Aqualung did a show with The Fray back in 2006, Aqualung totally stole the show from the headlining Fray. He has put out 3 albums since this one, and for some reason I haven't gotten to any of them yet. Shame on me, as I'm sure they're all very solid. If any of them are half as good as S&B, I'll be more than satisfied. Check this out today while you're eating delicious chocolate bunnies - you won't be disappointed!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put a Spell on You)
2. Falling Out of Love
3. Good Times Gonna Come
4. Brighter Than Sunshine
5. Breaking My Heart
6. Tongue-Tied
7. Left Behind
8. You Turn Me Round
9. If I Fall
10. Easier to Lie
11. Extra Ordinary Thing
12. Another Little Hole

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Strange & Beautiful
2. Brighter Than Sunshine
3. Good Times Gonna Come

FINAL RATING:
4.25 out of 5 stars