let me clarify that... before i head out to the specials and i'm having a tough time believing i'm going to see them and putting one foot in front of the other
let me clarify: i like bludgeon music..done well like black sabbath on Vol. 4 and Master of Reality it is A WE SO ME.. .but Queens ain't like that I'm afraid.
so what do people like about Queens?
I think it's a bit complex. I can tell you right away that there's far more depth to Queens than EODM. Where Eagles of Death Metal are a really decent rock band with some killer tunes and a great sense of humor, QOTSA is one of those bands that you probably either get or don't. If you don't feel the heavy grooves and hear the melodies in "Songs for the Deaf", then it's just not your kind of band. The first time I put that record on, it blew my mind. "Go With the Flow" is one of those songs that gets into your blood...it's intense and gorgeous. "Hangin' Tree" is dark and pummeling. If you don't like Josh's guitar, if you're not a fan of flashy drumming, then it's not for you. If you don't get goosebumps when Mark Lanegan sings "In the Fade" on Rated R, or feel the urge to play air guitar during "Regular John", or get chills on "Suture Up Your Future", it's just not for you. Really good music isn't just about what sounds cool. It can make you think. QOTSA for me is one of those bands. I saw them in 2003 in San Francisco and it was one of those nights where it changed my perception of music, art, of what a concert can sound and feel like. It made going to other concerts kind of disappointing for a while.
Last night I listened to the new Vampire Weekend LP, and people rave about them. I really, really tried to "get" what they're about, and I didn't enjoy any of it. So if you're not into QOTSA, don't feel bad about it. There's plenty of stuff out there people go crazy for that isn't for me. The important thing is to keep an open mind and enjoy what comes naturally.
My friend gave me his copy of "Songs For The Deaf" and was told me I had to listen to it. I knew it because "No One Knows" was on MTV constantly and I thought the video was hilarious and weird as hell. That song was a blip on the radar for the massive bombs that are on that album. Opening up with "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire", are you serious!? That songs STILL kicks ass. Those drums? That opening riff? Nick's screaming!? God damn!
I know a lot of people who loved that album, but kind of didn't like Lullabies and never took the time to go back to their self titled and Rated R. I have all their B-sides, rarities, acoustic versions. I absolutely adore this band and anything Josh Homme touches. I LOVE EODM, but they don't have the musical depth that Queens has. Also love Them Crooked Vultures. I also understand that people don't get them and it's never something I've tried to explain. If you don't go ape shit in the last few minutes of "Song For The Dead" then you just will never like QOTSA.
I was surprised at how many people like them on here.
Also, I love Vampire Weekend and their new album is perfect for summer. I think Contra is their best album, but this new one is great. A little different from their first 2 albums, but I love it.