A dimaond in the rough.... from my vinyl vault: Exodus classic thrash-metal w/Bonded By Blood

Cover to Exodus's, "Bonded By Blood".

I'll never forget the day I scooped up this thrash gem up for $3 at Birdland Records! They don't usually carry metal, or almost even at all! I have often wondered if the only reason I got this for such a steal is because none of the staff seem to have interest in metal, and boy am I lucky they don't! Exodus is a band that for some reason is arguably highly underrated and not often credited enough throughout history of thrash metal. If your a thrash fan then you know "the big four" refers to: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. I often think this list/phrase should be extended five and throw in Exodus (but then again while were at it there is also Testament, Vio-Lence, Overkill, Celtic Frost, Death Angel, Pantera, Kreator, Dark Angel, and so many more! I know that's a ton and too many for a quick easy credit, but they're all phenomenal and in their own way just as significant as any. That being said, this album is of highly significant and exciting for being one of the big staples in contribution to a healthy thrash-metal diet.

Back of, "Bonded By Blood".

One thing I've noticed, especially after repeated listens from this original to its re-recorded, "Let There Be Blood" (w/Rob Dukes behind the mic, instead of the now deceased Paul Baloff) is how strikingly different these two frontman are. It's actually quite surprising, Paul Baloff technically should be a terrible idea for a frontman; yet in reality his sheer energy and heart drives the record along. Rob Dukes does a great performance of course, but the difference is: Paul Baloff doesn't even sound like he's performing at all, he's just a guy so in love with heavy metal who is just going off, and doing so long before a thrash-blueprint if you will really existed.
His intensity transcends from the record into the air and takes you along. The vocal production is (of course quite dated) but also really interesting, and despite an obvious effect of that era, it's very interesting and actually much more unique than some of the more modern productions that we hear now. Then again the production as a whole is rather interesting for that same reason, sure you can tell it was recorded in the 80's--- but it doesn't matter, it still has a classic element to it and its so raw in a fun way that is actually more rewarding than the polished re-recorded version (thought the polished version is also a lot of fun to listen, it's amazing how different recording techniques give a different vibe to a band that played everything note per note basically the same).

Inside lyrics/picture sheet.

The riffs on this album are incredibly iconic, it's no wonder that this is a go-to album for so many bands of the genre to follow, these guys along with the other big four really basically built almost from the ground up the entire thrash-metal wheel musically for so many others after them to follow. Every riff feels larger than life, pummeling, and crushing. The leads are more in the Slayer-league of doing things, "Catchy melodic solos? Who has time for that!? We just wanna shred!" The drums are a fierce pounding thunder and so raw, the timing is dead-on, bands using digital recording couldn't be this tight without the help of Pro-Tools; this band is legendary for a reason!

Inside lyric/picture sheet.

Lyrically this album is possibly the best representation of thrash metal in itself because it really sings about heavy metal culture in itself, it embraces the glory of thrashing around in the pit and going wild, and also the area of the record that partially departures from reality a bit with the violence; Exodus never killed anyone, at the same time it's not like bands like this relate to the hippie generation of acoustic guitars, flowers, and throwing up a peace sign-- it's heavy metal, if it were about kittens and rainbows it would throw off the energy of this album--- most importantly, like many many metal bands its more of the atmosphere that is trying to be captured here, it creates an incredible alertness and urgency; above all its mostly to create that mischievous sense of reckless fun that is associated with thrash-metal. The lyrical content reminds me of an Iggy Pop quote in reference to MC5, "everyone would just get all sweaty and gloriously beat up" and that also basically applies to Exodus.

An incredible debut release and an absolute must for thrash metal fans. Exodus's, "Bonded By Blood" is a relentless explosion of thrash metal, the energy within this album is remarkable, it will withstand the test of time even after Exodus themselves are long gone--- along with other classics like Slayer's, "Reign In Blood", Megadeth's first two albums, early Metallica, Anthrax's, "Among the Living", and so forth-- Exodus's first album will also be forever ranked in the thrash hall of fame.

A diamond in the rough.... from my vinyl vault: Judy Garland's, "Judy In Love"

Judy Garland's, "Judy In Love"

Judy Garland immediately brings to mind Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz; some people are totally unaware that she actually also recorded a ton of swing albums. Not to say that the Wizard of Oz isn't a timeless cinematic classic of course, but it's kind of a shame that her solo records didn't receive as much attention as they perhaps deserved. She had a precise way of selecting songs, a very keen sense of style; she really drove them home. Garland's voice goes toe to toe with the even the best of jazz vocalists.

I picked this particular record up at Birdland Records in Virginia Beach used for just $3. After downloading it, I quickly became a fan of her take on the classic swing sound. So once I got lucky and found it in the used bin, I had to pick it up. After initially discovering this album on the net and reading that she actually had quite a huge discography of recordings; a large chunk of albums that were completely separate studio projects from the vast material on the musicals and films she had also worked on. Musically, it's in the same playing field as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, etc. Jazz vocal pop at its best backed with swing/big-band instrumentation. Though she's not throwing any curve-balls at you, every pitch is perfect on this record; she's a master at her craft.

Judy In Love is her fourth studio album, excluding some previous film soundtracks, and was released in 1959 (well, Wikipedia claims 1958, but my record says 1959). The album kicks off with, "Zing! Went the Strings of my Heart" (this was also recorded for the film Listen, Darling). Originally composed by James F. Hanley in 1934, This opener was recorded by countless others, including (but definitely not limited to...): Frank Sinatra, June Christy, Dinah Shore, and countless others; not surprising since these are all artists in the same genre (as that applies to the whole album), and all doing standard jazz tunes if you will. Arguably, Garland's version steals the show to all the other versions out there- yup, even Frankie's. Things cool down a notch, as the needles glides into the soothing, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" another classic jazz standard tune, originally written in 1928 by Jimmy McHugh. I first heard this sung by a character in a somewhat cheesy yet amusing B-Rate movie not worthy of mention, but the familiarity and the charming lyrical moments in this song shine through, and Garland's performance of it not only contends with the best, but oddly enough- for a considerably old song and older form of music, feels almost timeless. The energy and sensational power of Garland's voice really gets to show off during, "This Is It", possibly one of the most climatic points on the album, the momentum behind her voice in this moment feels limitless."More Than You Know", also notably done by Mildred Bailey (a popular 1930's jazz singer- she's definitely an underrated one worth checking out as well) this is another light breezy number, setting us up for another emotional high to come with, "I Am Loved" (a treasure from the famous Cole Porter songbook) wrapping up the first side of the record.

Side B starts off with a slow-dancing, "I Had't Anyone 'Til You", a Ray Noble tune from 1938 and gently rolls into another Poter tune with, "I Concentrate On You" which starts with a similar feel and then builds to a controlled tension, and ends magnificently with a climatic release; an eruption of trumpets blaring and fading into, "I'm Confessin" and then once again returning for a Porter song with, "Do I Love You?". Though she selected Porter tunes more than anyone else, it seems her voice and his writing were perfect fits, as all three Porter tunes on this record demonstrate the many moods those songs encompass and really give Garlands vocal cords a chance to flex their muscles. "Do It Again" starts strolling us along for the close of the record with, "Day In, Day Out". 

All in all, why Garland isn't just as known for her music as her film rolls? Just dumb-luck I guess. On the bright side, she left behind a legacy of classic swing/jazz vocal-pop recordings, just as good- if not better- than all the other singers who performed these standard tunes, and if you are interested in what her solo records were like, "Judy In Love" is a great starting point. 

Melt-Banana blow the roof off Shaka's in Virginia Beach!!!!

Agata of Melt-Banana @ Shakas.

I recently saw recently Melt-Banana (a noise-punk/rock band from Tokyo, Japan) for the third time at Shaka's in Virginia Beach. Not to mention what could be better than some neat local bands opened up for them? That's right- Geneva, Pan Galactic Straw Boss, and Primitive Impulses all opened the show, which made for a nice a variety of openers all pulling from different styles. Though all the opening acts were great, I feel Geneva stole the show when it came to the three local opening bands!

Geneva @ Shakas.

Melt-Banana are incredible live, the energy is always a dominant force in their performance and along with their originality and totally unique sound. With Agata's unique laser-gun-like guitar effects, and Yako's yelping spitfire vocal attack, the band is kind've like punk rock from Mars. Agata's guitar effects frenzy and slide techniques galore in all his punk rock power chord fury combined with Rika's rocking bass as the backbone of the rhythm section and Yako's incredible commanding bark of a voice is both highly entertaining and strong and they have never failed to make my blood pump and speed my heart up while witnessing what they do.

Yako of Melt-Banana @ Shaka's.

Watching Agata play is amazing. He is so precise and also chaotic. His performance contains seemingly limitless energy, but it's not just random outbursts of energy; it's controlled energy! Melt-Banana controls the energy, just when you think it can't get any more intense; they make it blow up even more in the most inexplicably awesome way!

They did a lot of material from Cell Scape & Bambi's Dilemma, while not excluding highlight moments like: "Free the Bee, and "Lost In Mirror" from Teeny Shiny and some killer tracks from Charlie: "Circle-Jack (Chase The Magic Words, Lego Lego)", "Spathic!", and "Stimulus For Revolting Virus". Though I knew what to expect seeing them again, every time I see them they manage to blow the audience away every time. It is no wonder they've been a band for 19 years! I can't wait for their new full-length album to kick off sometime in I believe early to mid-2012; of course they've made no official announcements as to when just yet, this is a rough estimation).

Getting my copy of Cell Scape autographed.

I was lucky enough to meet them yet again; got autographs and the pleasure of their guitarist recognizing me and my homemade Melt-Banana hoodie from the last two times I've seen them in Chapel Hill. To have a band you truly admire remember you as a person and not simply another countless fan approaching them is truly an honor. He Said, "Hey! From Chapel Hill, right? I'm like, "Yeah!!!!"

Meeting Yako after the show.

I'm so glad they played close to home in Virginia Beach and they didn't have to drive to Chapel Hill again to see them, though I would have! They put on an amazing show at Shaka's and had everybody in their excited on their feet and jumping around; as always it was a really memorable show. If you ever have the chance to see them, do it! It doesn't get any more intense than getting to watch them up close.