ALBUM REVIEWS - 2005

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#333366" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.scotrock.co.uk"><U><I><STRIKE><IMG SRC="523aaaa0.jpg" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></STRIKE></I></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="144" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#000000 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333366 HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="site_map.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="SITE MAP"><U><B>SITE MAP</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>ALBUMS REVIEWED</B><B> -</B></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#winterville___everything_in_moderation_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>WINTERVILLE - Everything In Moderation</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#king_s_x___ogre_tones" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>KING`S X - Ogre Tones</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#robert_plant___strange_sensation" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>ROBERT PLANT & STRANGE SENSATION - Mighty Rearranger</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#silvertide___show_and_tell__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>SILVERTIDE - Show And Tell</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#spock_s_beard___octane__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>SPOCK`S BEARD - Octane </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#michael_hargan___conversations_between" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>MICHAEL HARGAN - Conversations Between Us</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#rob_thomas___something_to_be__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>ROB THOMAS - Something To Be </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#dream_theater___octavarium__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>DREAM THEATER - Octavarium </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#enuff_znuff______2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>ENUFF ZNUFF - ?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#audioslave___out_of_exile__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>AUDIOSLAVE - Out Of Exile</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#logan___welcome_to_the_wasteland__2005_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>LOGAN - Welcome To The Wasteland </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#queens_of_the_stone_age" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE - LULLABIES TO PARALYZE</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#porcupine_tree___deadwing" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U>PORCUPINE TREE - DEADWING</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm#_the_mars_volta___frances_the_mute" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U> THE MARS VOLTA - FRANCES THE MUTE</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <B><U>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="winterville___everything_in_moderation_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 273 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>WINTERVILLE</U></B><B> - Everything In Moderation (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8d4abab0.jpg" border=0 width="171" height="171" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"> </B>Winterville are a blues rock band from the north of England with a style akin to Free and The Jeff Healey Band. Everything In Moderation is the trio's very promising debut album. The band are led by singer/ guitarist Peter Shoulder whose strong vocal performance has qualities similar to Chris Cornell and Paul Rodgers. </div> <div> Outstanding tracks on the album include the acoustic "Mr 3 Percent" and "Nothing", both of which give Shoulder a chance to let his vocals shine. Also of note are the bluesy "My Angels", and the raucous "Penny For The Fool". The album has a stripped down, back to basics feel which gives a raw, almost live sound. </div> <div> Everything In Moderation is a smokin' blues rock album complete with scorching guitar solos, highly entertaining stuff.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="king_s_x___ogre_tones"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 235 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>KING`S X</U></B><B> - Ogre Tones (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="68eaaaa0.png" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="0"></B>Ogre Tones is a dramatic return to form for melodic rockers King`s X. Some of the band's more recent releases have been lackluster affairs, yet on this album the band show the same passion and conviction they did in their early years.</div> <div> "Hurricane", "If", and "Freedom" are all great rock songs that highlight King`s X outstanding layered vocals. Guitarist Ty Tabor delivers an excellent performance on the acoustic track "Honesty". The album finishes with a faithful remake of fan favourite "Goldilox" from 1988`s Out Of The Silent Planet.</div> <div> Ogre Tones is a solid album that should please established fans as well as the uninitiated.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B>(by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="robert_plant___strange_sensation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 273 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>ROBERT PLANT & STRANGE SENSATION</U></B><B> - Mighty Rearranger </B>(<B>2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="68baaaa0.png" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Mighty Rearranger is a remarkable new studio album from former Led Zeppelin vocal legend Robert Plant. It`s a creative and diverse album with Robert drawing from a rich knowledge of different musical styles such as folk, electronica, eastern, north African / Moroccan influences, and of course blues driven rock. The acoustic "All The King`s Men" is quite stunning while the catchy "Shine It All Around", and opening track "Another Tribe" are superb. </div> <div> While Robert may not quite have the vocal range of his younger years his voice remains strong and distinctive. This is a mature album which sees its creator continue to push musical boundaries.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 9 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="silvertide___show_and_tell__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 257 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>SILVERTIDE</U></B><B> - Show And Tell (2005, US Import)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="8d59b9b0.png" border=0 width="155" height="155" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Silvertide are a new band from the USA who really know how to rock. Their debut album Show And Tell is jam packed with uptempo, Bourbon drenched, 1970`s style rock. The band wade in like a young AC/DC on the excellent opening track "Ain`t Comin Home". The bouncing boogie rock continues throughout the album and there`s guitar riffs and solo`s aplenty. Tracks like "Devil`s Daughter" and "California Rain" are great rock songs while the more thoughtful, personal tracks like "Nothing Stays" are found later on in the album. </div> <div> The Philadelphia based band are heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Jeff Beck. Yet this is only in musical style and Silvertide have enough talent and integrity not to simply copy their heros. Show And Tell should be a future classic album.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 9 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="spock_s_beard___octane__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 339 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>SPOCK`S BEARD</U></B><B> - Octane (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="5a6aaaa0.png" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">When vocalist and founding member Neal Morse quit American progressive rockers Spock`s Beard a few years back I feared that would be the end of the band. Yet in a Genesis esq move drummer Nick D'Virgilio stepped up to the mic and has filled Morse`s shoes surprisingly well. After an average first post Morse album (Feel Euphoria) Spock`s Beard have created Octane an album which is probably the band's best release to date, and easily a match for 1998`s excellent The Kindness Of Strangers. </div> <div> The song writing on Octane is very strong and it seems that in this new era each member of the band has their chance to shine. Guitarist Alan Morse (Neal`s brother) in particular is more prominent and his solo on "She Is Everything" is awe inspiring. The first seven tracks on Octane tell the story of a man who has been involved in a fatal car crash and his thoughts as he sees the major events in his life flash before his eyes. It works perfectly and is not over long or winded unlike some other concept albums. The second part of the album is a collection of strong tracks with a slight AOR feel. Stand out tracks are "The Ballet Of The Impact" and "She Is Everything". </div> <div> This is an exceptional album from an exceptional band.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 9 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="michael_hargan___conversations_between"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 322 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>MICHAEL HARGAN</U></B><B> - Conversations Between Us (2005)</B></div> <div>  <IMG SRC="b95adad0.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="173" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> After heavy gigging around Scotland, Dublin and London, talanted singer/songwriter Micheal Hargan finally gets to put all his hard work down into a well put together CD. After seeing Hargan live on several occasions and witnessing the raw energy he puts into his songs, the studio recordings deliver that same punch he captures live. Opening track "Remedy", an old favourite, comes across as a statement of intent that this is Hargan at his best....no thrills, just guitar and voice and great lyrics.</div> <div> Next up is the stand out track "Cruel for a minute", a haunting tale of a relationship gone wrong, and cleverly executed with just the right atmosphere in his voice. A couple of older songs which have been doing the rounds on his live circuit have been polished up and sound all the better for it - "Babygirl", "Mexico" and the excellent "Falling out of you" which again demonstrates Hargan`s talent as a songwriter.</div> <div> Overall this is a well put together package and if you appreciate good singer/songwriters like David Gray and Damien Rice, this is a CD you'd want in your collection, and you can always say you heard him first when he does make the big time.</div> <div> <B>SR Rating 8 Out Of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Peter White, Aug 05)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="rob_thomas___something_to_be__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 290 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>ROB THOMAS</U></B><B> - Something To Be (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U><IMG SRC="4e3aaaa0.png" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></U></B>Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas releases his first solo album and fans will be delighted with the result. Always the main driving force behind the songs of MB20 it's of no surprise that there are hints of what has proved successful for him in the past. The first single "Lonely no more" has proved a hit on both sides of the Atlantic showing Thomas' skill at constructing a melodic and soulful sounding song.</div> <div> The album kicks off with a rocking "This is how a heart breaks", an obvious show opener and then takes the pace down a notch or two into the excellent "Ever the same" and "When the heartache ends". "All that I am" is a departure away from anything I've heard from him before, a slow mover that really demonstrates his voice. The true gem on this album however is the closing "Now comes the night", recorded in one take late at night with the trusted Matt Serletic on keys....just beautiful.</div> <div> <B>SR Rating 9 Out Of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Peter White, July 05)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="dream_theater___octavarium__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 273 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>DREAM THEATER</U></B><B> - Octavarium (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="b96bfbe0.jpg" border=0 width="191" height="190" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Dream Theater are probably the premier progressive metal band on the planet. New album Octavarium is the New Yorkers 9th studio album. The band are accomplished musicians who pour enthusiasm as well as technical prowess into their music. Octavarium remains as intense as previous albums, and while not to every rock fans taste it`s hard not to be impressed by the sheer ability of this band. Very much an album band Dream Theater rarely bother to release singles and with songs like the title track in excess of 20 minutes it`s highly unlikely you will ever see them on Top Of The Pops. Stand out tracks include "The Root Of All Evil" and "Octavarium".</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="enuff_znuff______2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 272 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>ENUFF ZNUFF</U></B><B> - ? (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="b97bdbc0.jpg" border=0 width="189" height="188" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">This is an album of previously unreleased material from the original Enuff Znuff line up featuring Donnie Vie, Chip Znuff, Vic Foxx, and the late Derek Frigo. Enuff Znuff write infectious pop rock songs which they deliver with energy and feeling. There are plenty of tracks on this album which reach their usual high standards, although as with most rarities albums there are a few weak. Fans of the band should lap this album up, while those unfamiliar would probably be better listening to stronger albums like Paraphernalia, 10, and Strength first. Stand out tracks include "Home Tonight" and "How Are You?".</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 7 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="audioslave___out_of_exile__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 241 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>AUDIOSLAVE</U></B><B> - Out Of Exile (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="659aaaa0.png" border=0 width="170" height="170" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>  The American supergroup follow 2002`s self titled debut with Out Of Exile. Chris Cornell`s vocals continue to impress while guitarist Tom Morello provides riffs and pyrotechnics a plenty. While Out Of Exile doesn't`t quite have the rock anthems (Cochise) of its predecessor the new release is a consistently strong album, showing that Audioslave have gelled as a unit. This album is as heavy as you would expect given the history of its creators, yet seems a  more restrained and mature work from the experienced former Soundgarden and Rage Against The Machine members. Stand out tracks include "Your Time Has Come" and "Yesterday To Tomorrow".</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="logan___welcome_to_the_wasteland__2005_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 306 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>LOGAN</U></B><B> - Welcome To The Wasteland (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="b98c8ca0.jpg" border=0 width="200" height="202" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Welcome To The Wasteland is the second release from melodic hard rock band Logan. The album consists of seven brand new tracks and a new version of fan favourite Like A Rain, which has an extended intro and really sweet sounding guitars. The new material is very strong and sees the Glasgow band forge onwards and upwards, developing into one of the best rock bands to come out of Scotland, if not the entire UK in years. Support slots with bands such as Diamond Head and Alter Bridge are helping to take their music to a wider audience. What makes this album even more remarkable is the fact that Logan are as yet unsigned, few other self produced albums can boast such quality sound and production. Stand out tracks include "Something Else" and "Gone". Highly Recommended.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> <div> Logan albums and merchandise are available from their official site - <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><A HREF="http://www.logan-net.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.logan-net.com"><U>www.logan-net.com</U></A></div> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="queens_of_the_stone_age"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 307 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE</U></B><B> - Lullabies To Paralyze (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="b9dc9c90.jpg" border=0 width="201" height="201" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Lullabies To Paralyze is the 4th album from American Stoner Rock band Queens Of The Stone Age. It`s an impressive release and easily a match for its highly rated predecessors. QOTSA are fronted by vocalist / guitarist Josh Homme, and it`s clear that this is very much his band. The rest of QOTSA personnel seem to change on a regular basis with fans being shocked recently when Bassist Nick Oliveri was sacked for apparent bad behavior. Homme and Oliveri had been friends and band mates since the pre QOTSA days of Kyuss. There were also rumors that singer Mark Lanegan had quit after Oliveri`s sacking, yet his distinctive gravelly voice is present on a few tracks on the album. Despite all the internal difficulties Homme`s songwriting remains strong and the trademark QOTSA chugging guitars riff away nicely. Guests include ZZ Tops Billy Gibbons and Chris Goss from Masters Of Reality. Stand out tracks include "I Never Came" and "Little Sister".</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 8 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <div>  </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="porcupine_tree___deadwing"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 240 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>PORCUPINE TREE</U></B><B> - Deadwing (2005)</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="b9ab4a50.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="165" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >Deadwing is probably the finest album progressive rock band Porcupine Tree have made in their twelve year history. That's no small statement given the quality of previous releases like Stupid Dream and In Absentia. Its an album of darkness and light with frontman Steven Wilson's space rock guitar riffs contrasting with Richard Barbieri`s (ex Japan) keyboard soundscapes. Porcupine Tree have always preferred to do their own thing musically rather than pursue major success, but with albums as good as this they should be shifting cd`s by the truck load. Stand out tracks include "Shallow", "Halo" and "Lazarus"-.</FONT></div> <div> <B>SR rating of 10 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <div>  </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="_the_mars_volta___frances_the_mute"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="4" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="2" WIDTH="754" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#444444" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 290 WIDTH="736"><bR> <div> <B><U>THE MARS VOLTA</U></B><B> - Frances The Mute (2005)</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="b9fb9bc0.jpg" border=0 width="185" height="188" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">Frances The Mute is the second album from eccentric progressive rock band The Mars Volta. It's an ambitious and at times overindulgent album that took some time to grow on me. The problem being that while this album has moments of sheer brilliance it also has moments of seemingly pointless meandering. Four minutes of bird noises during "Miranda That Ghost..." smelled of filler to me, or was I just missing the point? The concept of this  album is based around the story of an anonymous diary that was found abandoned in a car, though packing in as many musical twists as possible seems more important to The Mars Volta than telling a story. Flea and John Frusciante from TRHCP make a guest appearance, while stand out tracks for me were "The Window" and "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus". Frances The Mute is a challenging album and was never intended to be easy listening, but perseverance uncovers some real gems.</div> <div> <B>SR rating of 6 out of 10.</B></div> <bR> <div> (by Alan Cosh, 2005)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="REVIEWS"><U>REVIEWS</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2008"><U>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2008</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2007"><U>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2006"><U>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2006</U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c8ffffff00.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">ALBUM REVIEWS - 2005</B></div> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2004.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2004"><U>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="dvd_reviews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="DVD REVIEWS"><U>DVD REVIEWS</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Scot Rock is copyright © of Alan Cosh 2004 - 2008, All Rights Reserved.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="album_reviews___2005_m.htm" TITLE="ALBUM REVIEWS 2005"><U><B><U>Back to Top</U></B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2005</I></div> <div> <I>ALBUM REVIEWS - 2005</I></div> </td> </tr></table></body>