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MD Web Log Archives
MD Managing Editor Adam
Budofsky: His Latest Obsessions
2007-09-20
As a music junkie, I never tire of discovering new bands–and old ones–and turning on my friends to them. Say what you want about today's music scene, but there always seems to be at least a few new CDs to recommend–even beyond the numerous discs we talk about in Modern Drummer's Critique department every month. With that in mind, here's the first of my weekly Obsession blogs, where I'll be hipping you'all to some sounds that, imho, you should check out asap.
 First off, I've been all over the soundtrack to Dedication, the new movie featuring Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore. Honestly, I'm not even sure what the heck the film is about (though given her excellent performance in the film Saved, I'll watch anything starring the lovely and funny Miss M). But the music's what matters here, and drummers will no doubt love this particular soundtrack, due to the presence of two of the best alternative/art bands working today, Deerhoof and Lightning Bolt. Deerhoof actually has four songs included here, including two that beautifully highlight GREG SAUNIER's disparate strengths. The opener, "Matchbook Seeks Maniac (Dedication Mix)," opens the disc with a Phil Spector—worthy BIG BEAT, showcasing Greg's clean, soulful approach to pop forms. Greg's also got an unhinged side, though, which is apparent on "Hark The Umpire." If you've ever seen Greg play live, this track will immediately bring you back to that experience when you surely doubled over with laughter at the sheer audaciousness of his genius.
Lightning Bolt, who fans of Hella (with Zach Hill) will no doubt love, is represented here by the track "Forcefield." Not much I can do to communicate the aural explosion that is BRAIN CHIPPENDALE. Let's put it this way: Lightning Bolt is a duo that sounds like an octet, with Brian representing five or six players, plus the coffee machine down the hall.
 One constant obsession of mine is garage rock, a style that technique-oriented drummers too often scoff at. Among my favorite recent releases is Balboa Island, which represents the return of The Pretty Things. (Do some schooling on them; they're as important to the roots of classic rock as The Stones and The Who–no kidding.) Long-time drummer and legendary loon SKIP ALLAN is THE REAL DEAL, and so is his sound here. If my drums could sound like the way Skip's do here, I'd never touch another lug nut.
Legendary (if a group originating in the '80s can be called "legendary") garage band The Chesterfield Kings have a new one out, Psychedelic Sunrise. Ever wish The Stones could be frozen in time in, say, 1971? Check out this album. Drummer MIKE BOISE, who's been in the band for a decade, helps this well-worn territory sound fresh–and important.
 Britain's Stabilisers, featuring drummer FRANCIS BRAITHWAIT, have been given a push by garage maven (and Brooce sidekick) Little Steven Van Zandt, who has reissued their album from last year, Wanna Do The Wild Plastic Brane Love Thing?, on his own Wicked Cool label. This might be my favorite album of the season. A remarkably cohesive and exciting blend of original punk rock, garage rock, and some well-placed contemporary vibes, Wanna Do— is one thundering slice of riffage after another, from top to bottom. And check out track two, "Belinda." Love that unusual phrasing. Braithwait sounds great throughout.
 Finally, we have The Redwalls' self-titled long-player. BEN GREENO is the skinsman here, and he should be thrilled with this gig. Not only does Ben get to be all slam-happy on cuts like the garage-anthem-in-the-making leadoff track, "Hangman," but he can strut his pop chops on "You Can't Help Yourself" and other super-catchy songs that don't necessarily play nice next to today's sterile radio fluff. Greeno knows his pop mechanisms, and he knows how to use 'em.
Until next time, keep your ears open and an extra pair of sticks in the trunk!
AB
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