Three Dudes Music Corner
David Desnoyers, Ian Marsan, Ted MacDonald
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Artist: Mitch Hedberg
Album: Do You Believe In Gosh? 2008 Comedy Central Recordings
Genre: Comedy/Stand-Up
Alright, so it's not music, and I guess technically that negates it from being part of this particular section, but come on! It's Mitch Hedberg! Do You Believe in Gosh is a post humus comedy album from Comedy Central that showcases some of Mitch's last jokes. Recorded in January before his death, at The Improv in Ontario, Canada, with masterful one liners and brilliant comedic timing, the jokes sell themselves. Covering topics from hot air balloons to belts, and some improvisation about a man named Phil, Hedberg's latest will have some serious staying power. It's also a perfect way to remember a favorite comedian. Hedberg's death in 2005 from "multiple drug toxicity" was tragic and it is good to hear his voice and his unique stage presence once again.
Favorite Tracks: Phil, Improv Fairy Tale, and Belt
Overall Rating: A+
Artist: The Gym Class Heroes
Album: The Quilt, Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
Ready to listen to this album with open ears, considering the "catchiness" of Gym Class Heroes last album, I was sorely disappointed. I tried as hard as I could to enjoy the new album, but I found the rhymes ridiculous and the beats lazy. I mean, I guess SOMEONE has to like this music or else they wouldn't put it on a CD. But if you are writing a song about your phone, and how much you like to "txt msg" (which must be aimed at the 12-16 teenage girl demographic) then you will actually like the CD. I guess the one redeeming track on this album, "Peace Sign/ Index Down" Feat. Busta Rhymes is pretty good. I enjoy the sentiment and I like the rhymes and the piano backing is really catchy. But if you're going to base your fourth full length album on one track about flipping people off, you're going to have a tough time.
Favorite track: ?
Overall Rating: D-
Artist: Dub Pistols
Album: Speakers and Tweeters Sunday Best 2007
Genre: Dub/Rap/Reggae
I was given this album by my friend with the highest expectations. I am not a huge fan of rap, but the Dub Pistols have tickled my fancy. This group of Brits has been pumping out reggae infused club rap for nearly 10 years, with this, their third album, "Speakers and Tweeters". The lyrics are quick and witty with a catchy reggae beats quietly following in the background. That being said, the album leaves you wanting a greater diversity. Sure this band is out of left field and a terrific name drop when discussing the underground Dub scene, but the songs are almost generic. That, on top of the almost disco/funk feel of half the album, would easily scare away a casual listener. WBIM has this CD so call up and ask for them to play it before you buy it.
Favorite Track: Speed of Light Earth, Wind, and Fire meet
Gym Class Heroes Level: Almost a complete match
Overall Rating: B
Artist: The Pietasters
Album: All Day Indication Records 2007
Genre: Traditional/ Two Tone Ska
I went in listening to this CD with an obvious bias. I love the Pietasters and this genre of Ska is my element. That being said, "All Day" is better than I could have hoped. This CD is a shining example of the staying power of ska. The Pietasters have been making music since around the time most people that will read this were still in diapers. Harkening back to the roots of ska, "All Day" brings notable tracks and heartfelt lyrics from start to finish. For the most part, two-tone and trad ska spews forth, but on top of that, a 1960's soul vibe rides out as well. The Pietasters have successfully written another infecting album that will no doubt bring all kinds of new fans to ska. This is their latest album and it only gets better the further back you listen. Think about it and give this album a listen. Once you're convinced, I'll see you at their next concert.
Favorite Tracks: Change My Ways, Don't Wanna Know, Triflin'
Ray Charles Approval: 9 out of 10 Sunglasses
Overall Rating: A
Artist: All That Remains
Album: Overcome, 2008 Prosthetic/Razor & Tie Records
Genre: Metal
This had been one of the most anticipated albums of this year as far as metal, or even rock, is concerned. "The Fall of Ideals" was a near flawless album from start to finish. The album was filled with gems like "Six," "The Air That I Breathe," and "This Calling," pumping for thirty-nine minutes straight. It was the first thing I would prescribe (sit in an empty room with this album) to any friend in need of a relief from anger or stress. But the follow-up "Overcome" hasn't done much but given me these very feelings. The music is still up to par with their previous album, but there is something about, lead vocalist, Phil Labonte's voice that has changed. This change is not for the better as the lyrics don't seem to have the same bite or muscle to them. The rest of the band, led by guitarist Oli Herbert, still manages to put out superb work, but the intangible auditory details, that have brought the band to where they are today, have faded with their newest release. Anyway, this record and, especially this band, are worth the listen for any rock fan.
Favorite Track(s): Before the Damned, Two Weeks, Chiron
Bear Voice Rating: Dull Roar
Overall Rating: B -
Artist: Bayside
Album: Shudder, 2008 Victory Records
Genre: Alternative/Punk/Rock
Often, in my mind, this band's name is directly correlated with most things I frown upon in this genre. This trait being, possessing more photo-friendly qualities than the likes of ear-friendly (see: Pussycat Dolls). Admittedly, this was a vast prejudgment, having never listened to Bayside before. Hearing their new release "Shudder" had me utterly shocked to hear sounds I was familiar with and actually liked a lot. Sounds of Weezer, Motion City Soundtrack, Say Anything, and even The Living End, arose from my speakers. This album was not nearly as hard to listen to as I had dreaded; in fact, I kind of liked it. Creativity isn't the staple of their songs, but they certainly aren't "just another pop-punk band." You should give it a listen if you're sick of listening to "Pork and Beans." "Shudder" will be hitting the shelves September 30th.
Favorite track(s): Boy, No One Understands
Kelly Kapowski Dancing-in-the-Hallway Compatibility: 82%
Overall Rating: B+
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