Track One: Fiona Apple- Sleep To Dream

Back in 1996 there was a debut album that was released and it was one of those albums that would go on to influence and inspire countless other artists and bands. The album I’m referring to is Fiona Apple’s, Tidal. This album is not only a game changer. It’s one of those classic albums that sets a standard. When you listen to this album it’s fully immersive as everything about it hits you the moment it starts. Which brings me to track one, “Sleep To Dream.” The way this song sets the tone and vibe for the next nine songs is astounding. The intro has this bit of tension with the drums and subtle bass line that is gently caressed into a sweet melody that introduces us to the glorious voice of Fiona. Interestingly, supposedly “Sleep To Dream” was reportedly Apple’s first lyric, penned when she was 14. Which at 14 writing a song like this is pretty damn exceptional. One of the things I love most about this song is that it it’s a perfect one to kick off the album. “Sleep To Dream” is a song that at times is often overlooked due to the success of the song “Criminal,” but, I do think this song is an absolute standout and even a better song than “Criminal.” If it’s been a minute since you put on Tidal, I highly recommend that changes for you. This is one of those albums that should be celebrated and regarded as not just a great debut but a quintessential album of the 1990’s.

Fiona Apple- Sleep To Dream (Official Video):

Fiona Apple- Sleep To Dream (Live On The Howard Stern Show 1997):

Memorable TV Performances: Placebo- Blind on The Henry Rollins Show (2007)

Way back in the mid 00’s on IFC, Henry Rollins had a really great talk show. It was a really good show with interview guests as well as musical guests. The majority of the episodes are quite good and Henry always had really interesting questions for his guests. One of the best parts of the show was the musical guests. Henry had a plethora of great music guests including Slayer! There is one episode that I’ve always been fond of and that happened back in 2007 when Placebo was the musical guest for the show. During their stop on the show the band played 2 songs “Blind” from their amazing album, Meds, as well as their cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which is still the best cover of this song! I do have to emphasize that the performance of both songs are exquisite but, “Blind” takes the cake on this one. I’ve seen Placebo live a few times in my life but, I’ve never seen Brian Molko sing “Blind” quite like this. It’s otherworldly! This is genuinely one of my all time favorite TV performances ever! Enjoy!


Placebo- Blind (Live on The Henry Rollins Show- 2007):

Placebo- Running Up That Hill (Live on The Henry Rollins Show- 2007):

New Release: MAL- Come To Light

This is really exciting. One of my favorite bands I’ve written about here, MAL, have released “Come To Light” the first single off their upcoming new album! MAL are a very unique band that will absolutely capture your attention. Combining different genres and elements, MAL’s sound is otherworldly. When you listen to this band you hear all sorts of different things from 90’s alt rock, art rock, prog rock, and even a tinge of post-hardcore but the combination of all this and more is what makes MAL special. They aren’t your run of the mill rock band and this song without a doubt proves that. I’ve had the pleasure to hear this song live a few times now at Cobalt Presents shows and let me tell you, it’s an absolute certified banger. I look forward to what’s to come from MAL and when they are coming through to your town, make it a point to see them live!

MAL- Come To Light:

On Other Streaming Platforms:

Cover Song: Nirvana (The Velvet Underground)- Here She Comes Now

I keep finding myself going on these artist catalog deep dives and finding things I’ve forgotten about. I love when that happens. Recently in the past few days, I wound up going on a Nirvana deep dive. I’m not quite sure how I wound up here but, while going through all sorts of their songs, albums, demos, etc, I remembered that they did a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Here She Comes Now.” When I listen back to the Nirvana version, it’s kind of interesting that at moments, Kurt really does sound like Lou Reed. The cover is a pretty solid and good version. As a huge fan of both The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed, I can get behind this version. Plus it gives me an excuse to take a break from my Nirvana deep dive and go listen to The Velvet Underground!

Nirvana (The Velvet Underground)- Here She Comes Now:

Nirvana- Here She Comes Now (Live 1991):

The Velvet Underground- Here She Comes Now (from the album White Light/White Heat):

Album Review: Common Wounds- Common Wounds

A few weeks back I was introduced to the band Common Wounds and from that point I’ve been hooked. At first I had only heard their song “Phantom Limb” but, that was enough for me to know that this was a band right up my alley. Their style of post-hardcore, part noise-rock and full on crushing rock is just what the rock world needs. The five songs that make up this fantastic EP, are hard charging, heavy and fully inspired songs. This is the type of record that when it ends, you immediately want to start it over. Common Wounds are the type of post-hardcore band that really gets it. They have the ability to mix the right amount of heavy with a side of emotional hardcore. Take the right parts of Fugazi and Rites Of Spring and add a bit of Helmet (Strap It On/Meantime era) and what you have is a recipe that Common Wounds have come storming out of the gate with. Each song on this EP, has a life of its own. There is a natural aggressive tone to it but, there’s also a bit of a melodic sensibility that gives the songs the space they need to explode. The production on this release is exceptional. Being able to hear the instruments with the right tones and having a mix that encapsulates the entire sound is the perfect harmony. It’s also very refreshing to hear a band like Common Wounds. There are so many bands out there that straight up copy their influences verbatim but, when you hear Common Wounds, it sounds inspired and fresh. I look forward to what Common Wounds have coming up and seeing this live. Do yourself a favor and take this EP for a spin!

Overall Rating: A

Common Wounds- Common Wounds:

Videos:

Hit Or Miss:

Phantom Limb:

End Of Album Songs: Pixies- Gouge Away

For the past few weeks I’ve been on a big kick of listening to the Pixies. In my deep dive into their catalog, I’ve come to the conclusion many others have as well that Doolittle is one hell of an album and highly influential to so many bands. There really is something special about this album. One day in the near future I will put it all into words but, for right now I just want to focus on the absolute perfection of the final song on the album and that is “Gouge Away.” Every time I hear this song, I don’t want it to end. Sometimes I wish it had a 10 minute solo in the middle of it just because this song is so damn great. Interestingly this song is based on the story of Samson and Delilah. Some think Frank Black is referencing his relationship with bassist Kim Deal, as Frank represents Samson and Kim, Delilah. Other’s think it has to do with heroin addiction. Either way, this song is one hell of a gem and ends Doolittle in perfect fashion. Cheers to the Pixies and their absolute classic album, Doolittle!

Pixies- Gouge Away (Album Version):

New Release: Tunic- Whispering

I was recently introduced to a band that really has me intrigued. They have a sound that is experimental while at the same time very hard charging. The “noise-rock” genre has been really exploding more and more lately and this band should be on your radar. Allow me to introduce you to Tunic. Hailing from Winnipeg, Canada, Tunic is armed with a sound that features an assault of pummeling drums, distorted bass, discordant guitar, and wild-eyed vocals. After listening to this band, I get a bit of an early Helmet vibe from the Strap It On era mixed with a little bit of Fugazi. So if you are into those two bands, this is right up your alley. The bands new single “Whispering” is chock full of bits of all the things that make this sub-genre what it is. The way they take experimental parts and add interesting melodies and thought provoking lyrics makes Tunic a must listen. Their new album Wrong Dream will be out on April 28 via Artoffact Records. I have to say, it’s really nice and refreshing to hear bands like Tunic try new things and get deeper into the sounds, inspirations and realness of what rock music is all about.

Tunic- Whispering:



PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM BELOW:

https://tunicband.bandcamp.com/album/wrong-dream

PLAYLIST: The Audioeclectica Playlist- March 2023

I’ve been working on bringing back Audioeclectica Radio but, in the mean time I thought, why not make a playlist of some of the songs that I’ve really been digging on. What you have below are 20 songs from bands/artists that stretch across many different genres and styles. The one thing I did do while making this playlist is I made it one that if you start it from track one and go all the way to the end, you’ll definitely feel like you are immersed in it as it takes you on quite a ride!

ENJOY!



The Audioeclectica Playlist- March 2023:

Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WQcBu77l4q0cNbo7hae3V?si=89527cde586143e3

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Tracks (Albums In Parenthesis):

01) Bush- Heavy Is The Ocean (The Art Of Survival)
02) Greg Puciato- Never Wanted That (Mirrorcell)
03) Iress- Ricochet (Ricochet- Single)
04) Arc Angles- Absurdity / Atrocity (Daisy)
05) Common Wounds- Phantom Limb (Common Wounds EP)
06) Botch- One Twenty Two (One Twenty Two- Single)
07) Black Magnet- Wolverine Dreams (Body Prophecy)
08) Alphamega- Annhilator (Between Light And Shadows)
09) Stronger Than Machines- Gravedigger (Undivided)
10) Know//Suffer- Iron Sharpens Irons (Winter Two Piece)
11) Turbid North- The Road (The Decline)
12) Converge & Chelsea Wolfe- Flower Moon (Bloodmoon: I)
13) Holy Fawn- Sightless (Dimensional Bleed)
14) SOM- Clocks (The Shape Of Everything)
15) Baroness- Tourniquet (Gold & Grey)
16) The Smashing Pumpkins- Empires (ATUM Act II)
17) Billy Howerdel- Ani (What Normal Was)
18) The Baby Goats- Two Shakes (Two Shakes- Single)
19) Centershift- Fade Away (A Different Shade Of Color)
20) MAL- Ritual (Ritual- Single)

Running Time: 93mins

New Release: Centershift- Fade Away

One of my favorite albums of 2022 was Centershift’s A Different Shade Of Color. It’s one of those albums (notice how I said ALBUM) that takes you on quite the journey musically, lyrically and tells a pretty potent story. The way the album flows, gets into the nitty gritty of life and all its trials and tribulations. I have a few favorites off the album but, there is one song in particular that I’ve had a deep affinity for and that is the closing track, “Fade Away.” Through the darkness of this song and the lyrics, you find a sense of hope and light within that connects on a deeper level. “Fade Away” is one of those songs that will sit with you and make you contemplate life and how you can get through the moments that can tend to keep you down. The visualizer for this song is absolutely stunning and it takes the song to another dimension as you are captivated by the way the music, lyrics, melody and visuals encompass everything. Enjoy this!

Centershift- Fade Away:

Centershift- A Different Shade Of Color:

SPOTIFY


APPLE MUSIC

Memorable TV Performances: Radiohead on Late Night with Conan O’Brien

The date is September 14, 1993 and it’s the debut show of Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The music guest for the night is Radiohead. What a debut show! Radiohead’s performance of “Creep” is pretty classic. Looking back on it almost 30 years later, and where Radiohead has gone since is pretty astounding. It’s performances like this that you can look back on knowing that they were memorable for more than just the usual reasons. This one stands out as a definite highlight for Late Night performances.

Radiohead- Creep (Live on Late Night with Conan O’Brien- 09/14/93):