Chevelle

The Arsonists, “Underground Vandal”

The Arsonists’ debut album, released in 1999, was very much a throwback record. Not just in sound, but in the way it was created. By 1999, hip-hop had moved into an era of producers being stars separate from rappers. But the Arsonists did everything as a group, including the production, which was unusual for the time.

Times New Viking, “My Head”

There’s something so abrasive and unhinged about Times New Viking’s particular racket that listening to them really kind of scrambles your brains. Strip away the fuzz, the overdriven amps, the squalls and washes of feedback, and what you get is pretty simple pop songs at the center. Personally, I don’t find the artiface all that convincing, so this is the only album I ever picked up from them.

Music!

Bob Marley, “Exodus”

From the album of the same name, Exodus was recorded in London after Marley lived there for a couple years after surviving a murder attempt. It’s a strong album, featuring some of his most famous songs, and should be on the list for anybody interested in reggae.

Chevelle, “Prove To You”

This is a pretty convincing Helmet impression.

Ice Cube, “Until We Rich”

This is from War & Peace, Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc), a very late career album, about which the less said, the better. It’s amazing how much less dangerous Cube sounds here than in his prime.

Four day weekend? You know what that means around here at Five Songs? IT MEANS…HANG ON…TWENTY SONGS! HERE’S FIVE OF THEM! ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!!!

Chevelle, “Peer”

I was sure that shuffle was going to pull up something distinctly un-rock. Well, I bought this album (Point #1) based entirely on Steve Albini recording it. I thought it was fine, and didn’t really go any further. Imagine my surprise when reading a bit about this band to discover that they lasted forever and apparently became huge sellers. Huh. Wouldn’t have guessed.