Skinny Puppy

Obits, “I Want Results”

There’s an interesting comparison to make between Obits and Rocket from the Crypt. We know what John Reis and Rick Froberg sound like when they’re writing songs and performing together (great!). But their bands apart give a window into what they sound like on their own, and what they bring to the combined work. Outside of his distinctive yelp, it turns out that Froberg sounds like a more traditional blues and psych influenced rock band than anything else. It’s very well-done, of course, but it’s interesting to observe that the punk energy seems to be coming more from Reis.

Good one today!

Mr. Lif, “Mo’ Mega”

Mo’ Mega features a bunch of tracks produced by El-P, so you know I’m down with this record. This, of course, is one of them, which you could probably guess by listening to it. It has all of the sci-fi feel you expect from his beats. As Mr. Lif is also always good, this album is worth checking out.

(NB: this song starts at 28:19)

Another month, same old nonsense. Still having fun, though. Let’s listen to some tunes!

Skinny Puppy, “Dogshit”

Skinny Puppy returns with a track off of what I think is their second-best album, VIVIsectVI. What made the album great was how surprising it all managed to sound. Between the abrasive noises, sampled vocals, synth lines that would layer up, and Ogre’s variety of vocal attacks, it all manages to keep you completely on edge while listening.

Will I figure out how to schedule posts for this, a Saturday post written ahead of time? Probably not! At least music doesn’t really expire.

Ice Cube, “Record Company Pimpin'”

At his peak, Ice Cube was the best. Lyrical content aside, his rhymes were amazing, and his first three solo albums (and the Kill At Will EP) are all essentials. Things fell off pretty fast for Cube, though, with essentially everything from Lethal Injection on being skippable. This is a late-period track, with an interesting message, but is otherwise a pedestrian song.