Album Review: Them Crooked Vultures

Another year, another super group?

I must admit that I have been following the progress of Them Crooked Vultures since the news first broke of their inception. The combination of Josh Homme, John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl had such vast potential. A list of their combined bands (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana etc.) reads like a list of the most influential bands spanning the last four decades. Apparently I was not the only one whose musical heart rate increased with the announcement of Them Crooked Vultures. Music fans and critics alike waited with baited breath for the release of the album.

So is the album good and does it live up to the hype? Yes and no. While the three musicians have clearly meshed well it is quite clear that the driving force for the project is Homme, whose tones and trademark harmonies create a very 'Queens-esque' atmosphere. The opening tracks of 'No One Loves Me and Neither Do I" and "Mind Eraser no Chaser" set this tone and drive through incredibly accomplished hooks and song writing. This is continued throughout the album with songs like 'Elephants' and 'Bandoliers' maintaining an exceptional level of production and craft. While Homme may be the leading figure in the project the influence of fellow band members is obvious on songs like 'Reptiles' where Homme pushes well beyond previous ground. Overall, the album sounds amazing and is a real testament to the power of modern rock music.

The second question I posed was in relation to the expectations surrounding this album. A common criticism seems to be the previously mentioned control of the project exercised by Homme. Many people seemed to have expected Grohl to take a more centre position in the band with far more vocal duties than are actually on the album or for Jones to completely overthrow the project with his musical mastery. While these people were certainly disappointed with the end result, it is their own fault. Each of the three musicians in this project expressed how happy they are with the album and the roles that each of them took. I love these musicians and as such, I love listening to what they want to play.

That is why I'm excited to have Them Crooked Vultures in these crooked times.

-The English Student

Why PJ Harvey is Amazing

Musician and songwriter Polly Jean Harvey deserves our respect. Here's why:

PJ Harvey is dedicated to her art. Over the past eighteen years, the English rock star has released no less than ten albums. While these works have seen a varied response from the public, Harvey has never backed away from the opportunity to share her creativity with the world. It is very clear that in a time when many musicians are pre-occupied with monetary issues, this particular musician is recording for the sake of her art and supporters.

PJ Harvey is innovative. Not only does this artist record many albums, but she also concentrates on keeping them fresh and interesting. Each collection represents an original approach to music. In addition to this, the vast versatility of Harvey's talent is on show in her many collaborations. Her work with Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Nick Cave and Thom Yorke has produced some wonderful songs that augment her already rich back catalogue of music.

PJ Harvey is a constant in my life. As life goes on, it seems to get more complicated and fraught with potential pain. But with any issue that I face there is also the knowledge that Polly Jean will be there to play her music and soothe my soul. Her melodious voice and beautiful music secures me in a place beyond reality and for that I am in her debt.

An artist who can achieve one of the previous feats is impressive. But by achieving them all, PJ Harvey should be celebrated as the amazing muse that she is.

-The English Student

Queens of the Stone Age: Concert Review

Objectivity is not always a useful writing stance. For true appreciation of art, a personal style is essential. Consequently, I begin this "review" knowing full well that I am a completely biased fan!

However, I do find it hard to believe that there were any unbelievers left after Queens of The Stone Age rolled into my local area. Following the release of their fifth studio album, Josh Homme and his latest rabble of rockers have taken to touring, bringing their brand of guitar fuelled, robot rock mayhem on the road.

My city was no exception to the coming of their elegant chaos. After beginning their set with the Era Vulgaris opener, there was no letting up as Josh Homme, buoyed by hardcore Queens Joey Castillo and Troy Van Leeuwen ripped the venue down around us. Powerful drum work and piercing guitar riffs pounded across the crowd, allowing fresh rookies Michael Shuman and Dean Fertita to fill in the gaps with style.

Jettisoning more popular songs such as "No One Knows" allowed room for the real fan favourites that varied from the beautiful depression of "In The Fade" to the evil carnage of "Infinity", with the highlight of the night being "You Can't Quit Me Baby". By augmenting these unusual set choices with classics such as "Go With The Flow", Homme successfully created an experience that, while full of diversity, still epitomised everything that the band has been doing since their self-titled debut.

Journalism is not about callous factual records. The passion and fire elicited by this amazing concert simply cannot be forced into a neutral framework. I leave that, to the hacks...

-The English Student

Evil Music

“Sweet soft and low, I will poison you all” - Joshua Homme

With the variability of music genre that we are exposed to regularly, there is one that transcends time and artist. An inescapable feeling of dread is thrust forth by musicians concerned with this style. When they record, they do so firmly within the realm of evil music.

Artists such as Josh Homme, Radiohead, Trent Reznor and The Mars Volta all engage with the darker aspects of life. Death, despair and depression become the basis for these musicians as they endeavor to create an investigation of a human nature tainted with evil.

The sharp stab of a piercingly malevolent lyric resonates with that string of malicious essence found in us all. The resonance that can ring out from the depths of one’s soul often seeps through when assaulted by these dark undercurrents of vice.

Listen to this music, enjoy and understand it, but most of all: fear it.

-The English Student