35 Years ago, before Ministry became what we all know them to be know, they were a very cool synth pop/new wave band. In 1984 they released the song “(Everyday) Is Halloween.” For many, many years though, that song went unplayed until late 2018, when Al brought it out of retirement at a Los Angeles stop on tour, accompanied by Dave Navarro. Well after that happened, there seemed to be a resurgence of people listening to the song and clamoring for more of it. So, here we are and now, Al along with Dave have released a new acoustic version of the song and, it’s quite a great version. Enjoy!
Ministry- Everyday Is Halloween (featuring Dave Navarro):
There are certain songs that take you back. During the 90’s there were so many great bands that were highly acclaimed but truly never got their due. Jawbox is one of those bands. They had the songs and talent but, sadly didn’t have the label support, thus causing things to not go their way. No matter what though, Jawbox left a lasting legacy of great songs and albums. This morning while on my way to work with my iPod on random, I heard a song I haven’t heard in some time and once it started, it immediately took me back to 1996. The song is “Iodine” from Jawbox’s self titled (and final) album. This song is undoubtedly one of the best songs I’ve ever heard from this band. It’s melancholy yet sweet and full of life. “Iodine” is also one of those songs that if it were released today would probably be huge.
In 2016, there was an album released that was devastatingly beautiful as well as fast becoming one of my all time favorites. I’m referring to the album Rheia by Oathbreaker. If you’ve never heard this album, you are surely missing out on an album that will forever change you. I could seriously (and I probably will) write a whole long article about why that album is so meaningful to me and important to the heavy music landscape. Right now though, I want to focus on the fascinating music video Oathbreaker released for the song(s) “10:56/Second Son Of R.” These two songs kick off the album and are absolutely astounding. The visual aspects of what the video brings takes it to another level. The video is a demonstration of catharsis and poetry in motion. It’s stunning and beautiful and evokes a slew of feeling that will cause chills.
David Fincher’s film Zodiac, is quite a remarkable film. There isn’t one thing about this film that I have any complaints about. Everything about it from the performances, the cinematography, art direction, etc, it all makes this film something great. The soundtrack for the film is also something special. You know how Quentin Tarantino has a knack for picking the right songs, well David Fincher is right there with him. In the first scene in the film, Fincher’s song selection of the Donovan song “Hurdy Gurdy Man” is absolutely perfect. I still remember the first time I saw this film and thinking what a perfect use of a song for this scene. If you’ve never seen Zodiac, I highly recommend it.
Cold’s new album, The Things We Can’t Stop, features a cover of Snow Patrol’s “Run.” It’s a pretty close to the original version but, because of Scooter Ward’s voice, it goes to another level emotionally. He’s always had a very distinct voice and on this song, you can further hear how his interpretation means so much to him. No matter what it’s a great song, and this cover is pretty spot on!
Cold- Run (album version):
This new topic will just explore my all time favorite songs of all time. It’s going to be quite fun. I’ll be making a playlist to coincide with this topic on Spotify, as the list goes on.
There are certain songs in every band’s catalog that really mean something special to me. I’m sure many of you out there feel that same notion too, when you hear “that” song. Those songs can take you back to a place or moment, or even just fit the mood and vibe perfectly where you are at. To this day, anytime I head the song “Roads” by Portishead, I get this overtaking feeling of warmth and peace. It’s such a perfect song and it’s so soothing that even if it’s a really shitty day, this song makes it all that much better. I still remember hearing the song 25 years ago while I was listening to Portishead’s first album Dummy. The instant this song came on, I was taken aback and it drew me in. The trip-hop classic has and always will be one of my all time favorite songs. Everything about this song is perfect. The music is subtle and sparce, creating this distant yet warm sensation that wafts over the listener. And the vocals, oh those vocals, are the type that will give you chills in the best way possible. Beth Gibbon’s voice is utterly outstanding on this song (just as it is on all the other Portishead songs). “Roads” is the perfect end of the evening song as you are just getting home or winding down. There have been bands that have covered this song but, it’s impossible to get it right, and it should be forever left to Portishead to play this song. Thankfully in 2008, I had the pleasure to finally see Portishead live and when they played this song, it was a dream come true and one performance that I will not only remember but, cherish as well.
Portishead- Roads (from Dummy):
Roads Lyrics:
Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong
Storm, in the morning light
I feel, no more can I say
Frozen to myself
I got nobody on my side
And surely that ain’t right
And surely that ain’t right
Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong
Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong
There are so many bands that are always under the radar that are far beyond great. These bands all tend to do it purely for the love, passion and desire to create. More often than not, these are the groups whose albums go on to influence and inspire countless other bands to form. One band that fits the former part of this equation is Planes Mistaken For Stars. This band is truly one of the best bands you probably missed over the years and when you really take a listen to them, you hear so many of your newer favorites in what they do. By mixing, rock with metal, post hardcore and punk, among others, Planes Mistaken For Stars breathed new life into the rock world and it’s many sub-genres. Over the course of their career they’ve released 4 full length studio albums (Fuck With Fire (2001), Up In Them Guts (2004), Mercy (2006) and Prey (2016), along with a slew of singles and EP’s (Knife In The Marathon (2000) and Spearheading The Sin Movement (2002).
I was first introduced to this band when a friend gave me the Spearheading The Sin Movement EP and from that point I was hooked. The first chance I got to see these guys live I jumped at the chance. I believe it was at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles but, I can’t remember who they played with. Their live show was intense and full of vigor. It’s something that is often still replaying in my mind. One of the coolest things about Planes Mistaken For Stars has always been their evolution. Rather than be tied any one genre, they’ve always explored different territories with a subtle approach. While listening to them you get all sorts of different elements from stoner rock, to space rock and even a bit of prog thrown in there. Not to mention that the rhythms, riffs, and tones emitting from former and current members really drives this ship. Lyrically and vocally is something else that makes them stand out. Gared O’Donnell has a real knack for writing very thoughtful and thought provoking words and melodies that are striking and makes his raspy voice come alive in a way that most singers in post hardcore/emo/rock bands could only wish for.
Planes Mistaken For Stars are a band that while overlooked, those that knew/know of them hold them in high regard because they are that damn good. Having  played among punk peers and hardcore heavyweights, and newer emerging acts, NOW, is as good a time as any to go listen to them get out there and see this band live. They are truly one of the best kept secrets in rock music and deserve to be applauded as such!
Fuck With Fire:
Up In Them Guts:
Mercy:
Prey:
The First Four Years (includes Knife In The Marathon and Spearheading The Sin Movement:
This alternate version is also a cover and one of the best covers I’ve ever heard. The studio version Pearl Jam did of The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” is really good but, this performance is what really does it in. After watching and listening to this version, it’s obvious that this song is now Pearl Jam’s. The performance is from the 2008 VH1 Rock Honors; The Who.
On Deftones second album (and my personal favorite) 1997’s Around The Fur, it didn’t just have one hidden track, but two. After the final song “MX” finishes, there’s about 15 minutes of silence before there’s a 20 second skit/recording called Bong Hit, which is exactly what it sounds like. Some 13 minutes after that, though, “Damone” begins and the rest is history! This song shouldn’t have been a hidden track. It’s too damn good not to be included in the original sequence of the album. No matter what though, Deftones really knocked it out of the park with this one!
There are certain bands that have way too often been overlooked. Planes Mistaken For Stars in one of them (look for a full piece on that coming soon). Through the bands career, they have been one of the best heavy rock bands around. They have the grit to go along with the piss and vinegar that makes heavy music something that is truly great. On their 2006 album Mercy, there is a song on that record called “To Spit A Sparrow” that is absolutely remarkable. It’s one of those songs that is distinctively akin to what this band is but, it also shows how great of songwriters they are.
audioeclectica 