The only thing heavier than tonight's show...

Tonight is kind of a mellow night so I'm going to try to snap out of it by listening to some new Whore of Tijuana in our artist focus along with other heavy favorites such as High on Fire and The Atomic Bitchwax.

But nothing really comes close to the magic this week's video has. Over the summer, the big viral phenomena was the Double Rainbow Guy, while this may be one the of the funniest videos of the year, it is not the greatest rainbow. That award goes to the Reading Rainbow, a rainbow that has educated children and showed Levar Burton's face (sans the Star Trek visor thingy) for years, and now you can enjoy is and feel like you just got dosed! 

See you tonight!

Album Review: Masters of Reality - Pine/Cross Dover

Masters of Reality - Pine/Cross Dover

Release Date October 12, 2010 (United States)

Brownhouse/Mascot Records

It has been six years since the United States has seen a release from Masters of Reality and nine years since their last studio album. Granted, during that time the internet was graced with The Ballad of Jody Frosty, the unreleased third album. However, Masters front man Chris Goss has been busy with Goon Moon and producing The Duke Spirit, Mark Lanegan, and Queens of the Stone Age, but the time has come for another Masters album. After a seemingly endless string of delays, Pine/Cross Dover hit U.S. record store shelves yesterday. Teaming up with long time Masters drummer John Leamy  and several guests such as Eagles of Death Metal bassist Brian O'Connor, earthlings? guitarist Dave Catching, Masters alum Brendon McNichol, and others, Goss creates another album, in traditional Masters style, different than previous releases, but with the same unique Masters vibe.

With inspiration stemming from Presence era Led Zeppelin, the darker side of rock 'n roll shows through on Pine/Cross Dover, it seems as if it is a natural progression from the spacey Deep in a Hole. However Pine/Cross Dover is more in the Troposphere than in the Exosphere. 

                                                      Get it?

There are no acoustic guitars or shuffle beats on this album, it's a far cry from Sunrise on the Sufferbus and The Ballad of Jody Frosty.  

The album is broken into two parts, if you haven't gathered that by now.

Pine begins with "King Richard TLH", a traditional guitar driven rock track that really doesn't set you up for the rest of this part of the album. As a matter of fact, to me this is the most out of place track on a "side" that seems to be very focused. Don't get me wrong though, this is probably one of my favorite cuts on the album. It is co-written by Dave Catching of earthlings? I'd like to point out resemblance in tone in the intro guitar tone of the earthlings? song "Stoner Rock Rules" and this song. Or maybe I'm just crazy. 

"Absinthe Jim and Me" is a down tuned crawler with sprinkles of big synthesizer that Goss likes to use on occasion (think "Boymilk Waltz" but in shorter spurts). Repetitious rhythms is the theme to this album and this song is no exception. The drum and bass really take the lead in most of these songs as you will probably notice while listening to the album. 

Next is "Worm in the Silk" which has one of the best bass lines and tones on the album. With the rhythm as the driving factor in this song and the occasional dreamy guitar piece on top of Goss' drone, this "Dub-Steppy" song was an early favorite of mine. "Always" is a stomping, lumbering track with all the instruments harmonizing  in the chorus. The guitar tone sounds like a bee on LSD. "Johnny's Dream" is a short jam that closes the Pine section of the album. It's spooky, crank it up for Halloween.

The Cross Dover section of the album kicks off with head bobbing "Up in It", another straight forward rock track with a Homme-esque riff that dominates most of the song.  "Dreamtime Stomp" is defiantly the "single", so to speak, of this part of the album. The title of the song is exactly what the song is, a dreamy, rockin', stomp with a fun little lead. There's even a "woo".

"Rosie's Presence" is probably the most direct nod to Zeppelin. Vocals that sound like they're coming from 10 feet down in a well, a dirty riff, and slide guitar. It may as well go along side "Candy Store Rock" or "Hots on for Nowhere" off of Presence. Split into three parts, "The Whore of New Orleans, The Pharacies Fall, and The Wicked Flood" suite is, obviously, the prog track on the album.  Clocking in at only 4:43, the song treks through those parts pretty quickly, though it all seems to meld really well.

"Testify to Love" is kind of a strange track. The intro is probably the "doomiest" the Masters have ever been while the chorus is sort of a cheery sing-a-long of the line Hooooold On. The song is like a Cream and Black Sabbath in a blender. "Alfalfa" is a twelve minute free form jam between Goss, Leamy, McNichol, and Mark Christian. If you dig jams, you'll like it. If not, the album is over for you when the tiny bell chimes at the end of "Testify to Love". Personally, I love tracks like this. If you like to sit and zone out  like I do, this is for you.

Overall, this is another solid Masters release and well worth the wait. However, this album may be a grower for some of you. I was unsure how I felt about the album after the first few listens, but a year later (I got the import) I believe that Pine/Cross Dover is an excellent addition to the Masters discography.  Goss went a little spooky with some tracks and there are a lot of nods to a wide range of musicians but it all kind of works out in the end. Granted, this album does not top my all time favorite Masters release Welcome to the Western Lodge, but because of the Masters diversity in albums this could be the Masters you've been waiting for. On a scale of "Loves it" to "Not so much" I give it a "I like like it".

Pine
1. King Richard TLH (4:20)
2. Absinthe Jim And Me (3:03)
3. Worm In The Silk (4:23)
4. Always (3:24)
5. Johnny's Dream (4:38)

Cross Dover
6. Up In It (3:43)
7. Dreamtime Stomp (3:59)
8. Rosie's Presence (3:12)
9. The Whore Of New Orleans (4:43)
10. Testify To Love (4:16)
11. Alfalfa (12:07)

Length - 51:48

http://www.mastersofreality.com/

Episode 62 Recap - Chris Goss Interview

This week I was joined by Chris Goss of Masters of Reality. If you missed the interview, it's posted below. The entire first hour was dedicated to Chris and the new Masters of Reality release Pine / Cross Dover which is finally available everywhere. I hope to have a review of the album up sometime this week.  Chris was a great guy and I can't thank him enough for coming on the show. Hopefully the Masters play somewhere on the east coast during their upcoming tour.

Since I now have this fancy YouTube account, archived audio from the show will be posted throughout the week, such as my interview with Jesse Hughes, Mario Lalli, Isaiah Mitchell, and relationship advice from frequent guest Dr. Love. The good doctor will also be on the show sometime this season answering your girl/guy, girl/girl, guy/girl, guy/girl/girl, guy/tranny, and girl/tranny questions. There may also be some "web only" material because I can't air most of the stuff we record.

Here's this weeks playlist. 

1. Masters of Reality - The Great Spelunker
2. Chris Goss Interview Part 1
3. Masters Of Reality - Up In It
4. Chris Goss Interview Part 2
5. Masters Of Reality - Jody Sings
6. Chris Goss Interview Part 3
7. Chris Goss - Bellybutton Song
8. Masters Of Reality - The Whore Of New Orleans
9. Masters Of Reality - Always
10. Skooma - Green Tea With Envy
11. Eagles Of Death Metal - Cherry Cola
12. earthlings? - Moons Over Milleniums
13. Turbo Fruits - Broadzilla
14. Fatso Jetson - Gargle
15. Kyuss - Conan Troutman
16. Melvins - Honey Bucket
17. Gay Witch Abortion - Action Cop
18. Egypt - Touch Ground
19. Earthless - Cherry Red #
20. The Freeks - Look Ahead
21. Torche - Face the Wall
22. Wellwater Conspiracy - Now, Invisibly
23. Gallery Of Mites - Headless Body, Topless Bar
24. Burning Red Sun - Unwind
25. Ty Segall - Oh Mary
26. Vega - Daly City

# - Cover of the Week

I hope to see you all next week, we'll be hearing new tracks from Whores of Tijuana. Here is my interview with Chris Goss. Keep checking back to the YouTube channel for more!

The only thing more ass shaking than tonight's show....

Tonight on the show we have special guest Chris Goss, we talk about the new Masters of Reality album Pine/Cross Dover, Ginger Baker, the music industry, and 2012. He gets all philosophical up in here. We are also going to listen to a few new cuts from Pine/Cross Dover which is now, apparently. We'll also take some time to hear some tracks from the new Whores of Tijuana album Psycholongevity. Next week.

 

I know that most of you like to dance during the show, I know I do, but I'm afraid I cannot compete with the new super group of Glenn Danzig and Shakira named Dankira... or Shakzig. Check 'em out!

Finally, big shout out to everyone from the Rekords Rekords boards! I hope you enjoy your stay.

Album Review: Alain Johannes - Spark

Alain Johannes - Spark

Release Date October 5, 2010

Ipecac / Rekords Rekords

It is not that often that an album comes along where the artist so honest, soulful, raw, and real that it feels somewhat voyeuristic to listen to. This is the case in the first solo album from long time Josh Homme associate Alain Johannes entitled Spark. You may know Alain Johannes from his work with Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age, Spinnerette, and Them Crooked Vultures. He's even the man behind arguably one of the best Desert Sessions tracks Making a Cross. He is a muti-instrumentalist to the fullest extent, using oddball instruments like the cigfiddle, santoor, and marxophone along with the traditional guitar, bass, flute, mandolin, keyboard... you get the picture?

Spark, in effect, is a requiem for Johannes's  musical partner and soul mate Natasha Shneider, who passed in 2008. Spark not only is a dedication to Shneider but is a musical journal of sorts, chronicling Johannes's  grieving process.  Needless to say, this album is not a party starter. The main instrument is a cigar box guitar accompanied by various Latin and Flamenco elements. I'm surprised a "Boomba" is not featured on the album.

                                     This is my Boomba, it needs a new hi-hat

Spark begins with the Latin stomper "Endless Eyes", an all out whirlwind of instruments seamless coming together under Johannes's  vocals that exclaim It's killing me that I must go on living/Just to fill this cup of promise/With Meaning. Multiple guitars (one is even the slidey version) and an array of percussion instruments such as maracas and castanets which makes for a very busy and driving track. This busyness  and controlled chaos leads into the beach campfire sing-a-long "Return to You", a feathery upbeat song which is reminiscent of George Harrison's Give me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) and Mutations era Beck. 

The third track is "Speechless". With a repetitious guitar piece (with some variations) and Johannes's haunting vocals, this is a direct dedication to Shneider. If you take a look at the lyric page on his website, the only lyrics with and alternative color is the line "I'm speechless when I pray" which may as well be the line summing up the album. Make God Jealous starts out with a minute long Jimmy Page-esque acoustic guitar freak out which leads into a Latin drum backed swaying melody which is the meat of the track, along with a high octane acoustic solo in the middle. In final the seconds, the tempo picks up and Johannes gets fancy with the guitar again. This is song where his guitar skills truly shine.

Spider is probably my favorite track on the album, it is probably one of the most descriptive. With fast picking, deep synthesizers, a Theremin (I think) and an appearance of Johannes's falsetto, Spider tells the story of just that, a spider on Shneider's grave stone. This is a reminder of just what the album is all about.

The Bleeding Whole is another slow, soft, swaying song with a simple riff and an impressive vocal display by Johannes in the chorus.  Gentle Ghosts picks up where Endless Eyes left off. A thumping Latin rager that sets us up for the albums somber conclusion. Finally, Unfinished Plan closes the album on a mournful note saying Oh you were note afraid of letting go/So I am not afraid of letting go. 

Sometimes when an artist is at a virtuoso level, they can tend to make music that stresses complexity and speed in lieu of soul and groove. Luckily, Johannes has found a happy medium of showing off his skill and having a very personal and haunting album. The release date is also very appropriate. Spark correlates well with this time of year, a summer release just wouldn't feel right. 

For some, this album may drag towards the end. Spark defiantly has "its own thing going on" and it does not stray much. However, due to it being only 8 easily digestible tracks and just under an half hour, that is not much of an issue. Also, this could be a very hard album to "get" if you've never experienced anything traumatic in your life... or are under 19. Spark is a very mature album that tackles a very serious part of life. It's a celebration of love and a documentation of loss. It is an unapologetic ode to Natasha Shneider where we, the listener, get to peer into the soul of Alain Johannes. On a scale of "Loves it" to "Not So Much" Spark get an "I really likes it".

1. Endless Eyes (3:17)
2. Gentle Ghosts (2:46)
3. Make God Jealous (4:58)
4. Return To You (3:05)
5. Speechless (3:46)
6. Spider (3:45)
7. The Bleeding Whole (3:37)
8. Unfinished Plan (4:01)

Length 29:15

www.alainjohannes.com 

Episode 61 Recap

Boy was I pumped last night! Minutes before this week's show began, I got off the phone with the Godfather of Stoner Rock Chris Goss. We talked about the new Masters of Reality album Pine/Cross Dover and its U.S. release, along with a corresponding tour. A short U.S. tour will occur this November and then the Masters head to Europe for a stint with The Cult in January. According to Chris, we should know some dates by the end of the week. If you want to catch the full interview, tune into It Came from the Desert this Sunday, October 10th at 10pm EDT on VMFM 91.7 (there's a link on the top right of this page). Now, on to this weeks show.

This week we took a listen to the first solo effort from Alain Johannes entitled Spark. If you want to try before you buy, check out Alain's Website where the album is streaming for freezies. A review of the album should be up sometime this week, it's truly haunting. Speaking of free music, the good folks over at [adult swim] are offering up Metal Swim, a 16 track compilation of rare or unreleased tracks from some of the best underground metal bands, for free. It Came from the Desert favorites like Jesu, Torche, Boris, Kylesa, Black Tusk, and more are featured on the album. To stream or download it for free, just head here. If you listened to last nights show or were in my room as I was writing this blog, you would've heard the Jesu song available on the compilation, it's called Dethroned, check it out.

On a side note, thanks to everyone visiting the site for the first time. I've been getting hits not only from the U.S. but all over the world, so Welcome! To those new to the show, I'm always open to feedback, so feel free to e-mail me or send me a message on twitter @VMFM_Divo. You can also shoot me a line if you have any requests for the show. Now that that  is out  of way, here's this week's playlist.

1. Goon Moon - Tip Toe
2. Masters Of Reality - King Richard TLH
3. earthlings? - Reaper (Don't Fear This Child)
4. Egypt - Dirty Witch
5. Torche - Across The Shields
6. Vega - Sunbird
7. Skooma - My Phantom Why
8. Alain Johannes - Gentle Ghosts *
9. Alain Johannes - The Bleeding Whole *
10. Mondo Generator - Cocaine Rodeo
11. Turbo Fruits - Want Some Mo'
12. Valkyrie - Dawntide's Breeze
13. Sardonis - Skullcrusher ad
14. Death From Above 1979 - Losing Friends
15. Kyuss - Hurricane
16. The Sword - Lawless Lands
17. Gay Witch Abortion - Girl Pop Soda
18. Burning Red Sun- Into The Light
19. The Awesome Machine - Cure Me
20. Dead Meadow - Rocky Mountain High
21. Desert Sessions - Eccentric Man #
22. Desert Sessions - Covered In Punks Blood
23. Colour Haze - Moon
24. Jesu - Dethroned
25. Megazilla - Gay Is the New Straight
26. Fatso Jetson - Light Yourself on Fire

27. Hater - All Good
28. The Freeks - The Go-Go Get 

29. Wellwater Conspiracy - Van Vanishing

* - Artist Focus

# - Cover of the Week 

Next week's show is going to be a lot of fun, so make sure to tune in. But if you can't make it Sunday night, the Chris Goss interview will be provided on this blog. 

The only thing less radio friendly than tonight's show...

Youtube user u8a22 (You ate a tu-tu! Get it?!) has a knack for song writing and in this video she channels underground folk hero Daniel Johnston with her party anthem Sunny D and Rum, which is a bit reminiscent Johnston's Mountain Dew Song. Or perhaps she is closer to Wesley Willis. Regardless, u8a22 boggles the mind with her resourcefulness and creativity for getting f'd up when there's nothing around.

I, like u8a22, enjoy whacky mixed drinks as seen from my twitter.

@VMFM_Divo diet rite is a terrible mixer

1:17 AM Sep 22nd via HootSuite

But Sunny D with Rum? Genius! Cheers u8a22, I hope to see you at next years VMAs.

 

Make sure to tune in tonight at 10pm for some oddball tracks you can't hear anywhere else. I'm also going to be pretty fired up because by that time, I would have finished my interview with Masters of Reality's Chris Goss!