Book # 4 A Dull Roar - Henry Rollins

I have read many books by Henry Rollins over the years. He has become one of my favorite authors. Most know Henry from Black Flag or the Rollins Band, he was the lead singer for both. Most of his books are like journals where he chronicles his travels around the world. This book saw Henry all over the United States performing and some dates in Europe. Henry's commitment to his art and work are something to be desired. I'm sure I'll get through a few more Henry books this year, can't wait!

Where I was while reading: Laying around the house and hours in the back yard.

Missed Out Rating: 4 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 24 Is this It? - The Strokes

Two line review: The Strokes could possible be the coolest band on the planet, though The Hives may give them some competition. This is their debut release and in my opinion should have created a category of music called something like "COOL MUSIC," or "Music to teach kids what cool is."

Recommended Downloads: "Soma," "Last Night," "Is This It?"

What I was doing while listening: Laying on the couch

Missed Out Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 23 Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls - The Murderdolls

With song titles like "Slit My Wrist," "People Hate Me," "Dead In Hollywood," "Dawn Of The Dead," and "Dressed To Depress," you get the idea that this band is pretty dark. You're right, they are, both dark and very heavy. This band is definately not for your mother. Most of the songs deal with zombies, death and other b-movie horror flick subjects and I can't get enough of it. Unfortunately the Murderdolls only put out one album and this is it. However if you like the singer, his name is Wednesday 13, just look him up on the internet and you'll find his other releases.

Recommended downloads: All of the above mentioned songs.

What I was doing while listening: Driving around and laying around the house.

Missed Out Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album #'s 18 Thru 22 Blink-182 Discography (5 Albums)

Album # 18 Cheshire Cat – Blink-182

Well I did it. For some odd reason I decided to listen to all five Blink-182 releases over the last few days. I guess when they announced they were getting back together at the Grammy’s I was inspired. Cheshire Cat was their first release and boy do they sound young. This album is filled with 2-3 minute punk songs. The one thing missing from later Blink releases is the pop sound. They definitely were going for a more straight forward punk approach, where later albums find them in the pop punk world. Still a great album overall. 3 Missed Outs.

Album # 19 Dude Ranch – Blink-182

Two Line Review: Starting to sound more like the Blink 182 we all know and love. This album contains their two first hits “Dammit,” and “Josie.” 3.0 Missed Outs.

Album # 20 Enema Of The State – Blink-182

Two Line Review: So here is the album that broke Blink 182 into mainstream America and MTV! How could you forget “All The Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again,” and “Adams Song?” 3.5 Missed Outs.

Album # 21 Take Off Your Pants And Jacket – Blink-182

Two Line Review: The guys found themselves in a groove with the momentum from the last album. Contained the hits “First Date,” “Rock Show,” “Stay Together For The Kids,” and one of my favorite Blink songs ever, “Story Of A Lonely Guy.” 4.0 Missed Outs.

Album # 22 Blink 182 – Blink-182

This was the last release from Blink before they broke up. It’s their most mature album and has my favorite Blink song of all time “Feeling This.” It also has the hits “Down,” “I Miss You,” and a really cool song “All Of This” featuring Robert Smith of The Cure on vocals. 4.0 Missed Outs.

All in all a pretty good experience for me. I plan on doing this a few times this year with various artists.

What I was doing while listening: Laying on the couch, driving around town, taking showers and other general craziness.

Overall Discography Missed Out Rating: 4 out of 5 Missed Outs.

Album # 17 Blind Melon - Blind Melon

Two line review: When this CD was released in 1990, no one sounded like this alt-country-folk-pop-rock band Blind Melon. Listening to it last night in 2009, still no one sounds like Blind Melon, a truly classic band.

Recommended downloads: "Tones Of Home," "No Rain," "Dear O'l Dad," "Change," "Drive," "Paper Scratcher," hell just buy the whole thing!

Album # 16 We Did Not Know The Forest Spirit Made Flowers - Black Lips

Two line review: This album sounds like one long song, which is not bad if it's a good song. Well, it's not a good song and I would describe this garage rock sounding band as the worst thing I've heard this year.

Recommended downloads: NONE

What I was doing while listening to: Lazing around the house.

Missed Out Rating: 1 out of 5 Missed Outs.

Album # 15 Until There's Nothing Left - Kill Hannah

Two Line review:

A very good emo/rock/pop album that was recommended to me by my friend as I dropped her off at school. I have had the album for quite some time, and after listening to it in it's entirety it's one I will definately listen to again.

Recommended downloads: "Lips Like Morphine," "Love You To Death," "Crazy Angel."

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 3 out of 5 Missed Outs.

Album # 14 10,000 Days - Tool

So I asked my girl for a recommendation, "just name any band and I'll listen to a whole album from them," I said. Without hesitation she said "Tool." She went on to recommend "10,000 Days" specifically. So personally, I've never been much of a Tool fan and after listening to the whole album, I can't say I am anymore of a fan than i was before. There are two songs on this album that are so powerful though, that it's a definate must own. Track 1 is "Vicarious" and has such a slow grinding low end sounding groove it will make you want to turn it up to 11. My other favorite song on the album is "The Pot." I honestly believe this entire album is worth buying for those two songs alone. In addition, I think some music deserves to be listened to in certain environments. This album is definately a mood album, or a headphone album. I listened to it in the car and I think that took away from the album a little bit.

Recommended downloads: "The Pot," "Vicarious."

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 3 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 13 Answer That And Stay Fashionable - A.F.I

If familiar with them at all, it’s the “Miss Murder” single that was released a couple of years ago that you remember. Or if you’re like millions of Americans you may remember “Miss Murder” from the Guitar Hero video game. When all is said and done, “Miss Murder” is quite a good song and without a doubt A.F.I’s most popular. This album “Answer That And Stay Fashionable” will leave you thinking it’s a different band then the one who released “Miss Murder” or the album “Decemberunderground” that it is from. This album ATASF is pure straight forward punk rock. It’s not pop punk like Green Day or Blink-182 either. It’s the old school Black Flag real deal punk rock. I think the whole album which is 15 songs long comes in at under 30 minutes long. You wont find much to sing along to on here, but you will find 15 songs to pump your fist to and start a mosh pit if you’d like to. If you like punk rock music and have not checked out A.F.I’s older albums, you’re missing out for sure.

Recommended downloads: "Half-Empty Bottle," "Your Name Here," "Highschool Football Hero."

What I was doing while listening: Driving home from work.

Missed Out Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0 Missed Outs

Album # 12 Doggystyle - Snoop Doggy Dogg

Back up off d’eeez nuts. Oh, yeah, I feel like a real gangster now! It's been years since I listened to a complete Snoop Dogg, or as he was known back then…Snoop Doggy Dogg album. I’m really digging through my iPod to hear stuff I just don’t listen to all the time and this is one of those CD’s. I will admit that I listened to this CD quite a bit back in 1993, but listening to it now just kinda dulled my senses. You can only hear so much about banging whores, smoking pot, drinking gin and shooting people before you just want to throw the damn CD out the window! I like Snoop’s version of “Lodi Dodi” and “What’s My Name” and “Murder Was The Case” are still classics. One thing re-listening to this album did was introduce me to “G’z & Hustlers,” which is a pretty good track. It’s the last track on the album and I don’t ever remember hearing it before. I think I’d be safe deleting all but the above songs off my iPod.

Recommended downloads: "What's My Name," "Murder Was The Case," "Lodi Dodi," "G'z & Hustlers."

What I was doing while listening to: Laying around the house.

Missed Out Rating: 3 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 11 It's Not Me, It's You - Lily Allen

Wow, what a great album. I was a pretty big fan of Lily's first album and I'm sure most of you are familiar at least with her big hit "Smile." I didn't even know this new album was out yet until reading a review in Rolling Stone magazine. I must say Lily has quite the gift to write hit singles. I swear all 12 songs on this CD can be radio hits. Upon first listen, each and every song sounds and feels like I've heard them before. Right off the bat I had a couple of favorites like "It's Not Fair," and "He's Wasn't There." The former song detailing her experiences with an older inadequate lover, while the latter song details her experience of growing up without a father present. There's a lot of pop, jazz and danceable music to enjoy on this disc. I almost want to give it a 5 missed out rating, but it's a little too poppy/bubble gummish to warrant that, so Lily you get a 3.5 missed outs from this guy!

Recommended downloands: "It's Not Fair," "He Wasn't There," "F$#! You," "Everyone's At It"

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 10 Rubber Soul - The Beatles

So it's happened again! Though I figure every Beatles album I listen to will probably warrant a 5 Missed Out rating, this happens to be maybe my favorite Beatles album of all time. Well maybe second favorite, I think the "White Album" may be number one. I will first say that this album contains my favorite song of all time. It's a hard thing to do for someone who loves music as much as I do. However when it comes to the song "In My Life," it's an easy decision. Through all my years of loving, studying and living music, The Beatles "In My Life" is far and away my favorite song of all time. Every song on this album is a gem, and if you don't already own it, I'd ask why? Do yourself a favor and buy it! The album opens with a Paul Mccartney rocker "Drive My Car" and doesn't let up until the album ends with "Run For Your Life" which is John Lennon's jealousy at it's worst. Lyrics from the song:

"Well I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man
You better keep your head, little girl, or I won't know where I am,
you better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl, catch you with another man,
that's the end'a little girl"

Now as creepy as that may seem to some, I think it's absolutely beautiful! The album also contains "Norwegian Wood (This Bird has flown)" which tells the story of an affair John Lennon had while married to his first wife Cynthia. I mention this because it's probably the second best song on the album and deserves to be heard by anyone that enjoys story telling music. Well don't hesitate any longer, go out and buy it. Unfortunately The Beatles still are not on iTunes and may never be according to Sir Paul Mccartney. So guess what, you'll have to get it the old fashioned way, buying it online in CD or LP version, or actually visiting a record store!

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 9 Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie

Almost at album #10 for the year. For those that don't know Death Cab For Cutie, you're certainly missing out. A very melodic kind of rock that some may say borders on the whole emo movement. Singer Ben Gibbards lyrics are certainly emotional and always revealing but this band deserves much more than just the emo tag. This is the bands latest release and as with most of the music I listen to deals with good relationships and bad relationships. The album contains 11 songs and honestly I can't think of one that I did not enjoy. It opens up with a sleepy, dreamy track called "Bixby Canyon Bridge" which is so beautiful you'll have to wonder whether you're dreaming or not. The second song and one of my favorites makes the stalker in all of us seem like a pretty cool person, it's called "I Will Posses Your Heart." Though I'm certain anyone who has ever been stalked may not appreciate the song, the song is done in quite a tasteful manner. "Twin Size Bed," is a great break up song detailing the ex-girlfriends desire to own a twin size bed as opposed to a queen, since the queen made her feel too alone. Another one of my favorite songs is "Grapvine Fires" which tells the story of being on a romantic date with his girlfriend and her daughter all while watching from afar the fires that burnt much of Los Angeles a few years ago. For the melodic fans out there, the album is filled with some of the most beautiful guitars and pianos you'll ever hear. I would recommend you buy the entire album and if you like it, take the time to look through the rest of their catalogue of great music.

Recommended downloads: "I Will Posses Your Heart," "Twin Size Bed," "Talking Bird," "Grapvine Fires," "The Ice Is Getting Thinner."

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work. (once again in the cold Ca rain)





Missed Out Rating: 4 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 8 Glitter - Mariah Carey

I'm a pretty big Mariah Carey fan, there I admit it. However getting through this album was a bit tough. I own every CD she's ever put out, but never really paid much attention to this one. If you don't remember it was the soundtrack to her movie of the same name. The movie bombed and most fans and critics say that's what caused the soundtrack to bomb. I'm not so sure about that, I never saw the movie, but this album was such a chore to listen to from beginning to end, I'm thinking Mariah owes me some allowance money for completing the chore. There were two songs that I may leave on the iPod of the 12. "Loverboy" has a real hip 80's dance club kinda groove and so does "Didn't Mean To Turn You On." The rest of the album just kinda goes nowhere. There are a million different guest rap artists and that was a major flaw of many 90's albums. Just look at Michael Jackson's last couple of records. Anyway glad I finally listened to this in it's entirety and if you're so inclined at least check out a couple of the songs on this album.

Recommended downloads: "Loverboy," "Didn't Mean To Turn You On," "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life."

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work in the pouring rain.

Missed Out Rating: 1.5 out of 5 missed outs

Album # 7 Burn - The Red

I cannot believe that I have only listened to seven albums so far this year. However this is my case in point, I usually spend all my time skipping from one song to the next, from one artist to the next and so on. I very rarely listen to an album in it's entirety, and I'm loving this experiement so far. The Red are an accoustic rock act from Los Angeles that according to all my recent research may no longer be together. It's unfortunate because they were one of the best unsigned to a major label bands I've ever heard. The Red is mainly lead singer and songwriter Marco Aiello's baby as he is the only constant on their three albums. This album "Burn" was their last release and came out in 2005. The album was given out for free at shows in exchange for your email address. This album has so many good songs you'd think The Red was bigger than they ever became. Their biggest claim to fame was the song off this album "Don't Help Me," as it was featured on NBC's The Biggest Loser reality show. The theme of the album deals with relationships gained and lost and opens with a real heart wrencher called "Want." Marco's songs usually deal with romance and it's darker side. The only song on this album released to radio as a single is track #7 called "Run." It's a real gem, that whenever I played it for someone brought up comparisons to U2 for some odd reason. I believe my favorite song on the album is "Jacie" which is just a basic pop love song that sends shivers down my spine everytime I hear it. The album is made up of mostly accoustic guitars, light drumming and Marco's vocals. There is even a song sung in Itlaian which I'm sure most ladies would fall in love with. In any event I really wish I could tell you where to get the album, but it seems the bands website http://www.thered.com/ has been taken down. If you are even slightly interested just send me an email at themissedouts@gmail.com and I'd gladly burn a copy for you.

Recommended downloads: Not available for download

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work

Missed Out Rating: 4 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 6 Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

It's happened. I have listened to the first album that deserves a 5 Missed Outs rating! As anyone vaguely familiar with me, you will understand Conor Oberst is one of my favorite artists of all time. Therefore most of you may think, well of course it got a 5 MO rating, it's Conor! Conor or not, this album deserves the 5 MO's. Conor is a master story teller, so I thought I'd review this album a little different. I summarize the story of each song and see if that intrigues anyone enough to go out and download a couple of songs from iTunes, or to purchase the entire album!

Track 1 - Cape Canaveral
Imagine having an older, wiser friend that you look to as a mentor/teacher. This song tells the story of sitting with that person, sharing conversations, laughter and memory all while watching the United States rockets take off in Florida at Cape Canaveral.

Track 2 - Sausalito
Vacation anyone? Living on a houseboat with the waves rocking you to sleep? Lyrics from the song: "We should move to Sausalito
Living's easy on a house boat
Let the ocean rock us back and forth to sleep
And in the morning with the suns rise
Look in the water, see the blue sky
As if heaven has been laid there at our feet"

Track 3 - Get Well Cards
Without a doubt, my FAVORITE song on the album and probably my favorite song in the last 10 years. I can't remember a song I have purposely listened to more than this one, if ever. The song is the story of being in a relationship that's on a break. The song finds the singer on vacation in a foreign country missing his girl. He's trying to send a card, saying he's sorry, saying he's missing her and wants her in his life. However every day he walks down to the beach he sees the postman passed out sleeping on the sand. This leads him to wonder if she'll ever get the card. If anyone who has ever read this blog wants to hear one of the greatest songs ever written, make sure you download this song! Lyrics from the song:
"I want to be your happiness
I want to be your common sense pain
Wrap your head in a picket fence
Rebuild after the hurricane

Right there, that's the postman sleeping in the sand
He's got a letter to deliver, but I can't stay mad
Right there, that's the postman sleeping in the sand
He's got a get-well-card to deliver
He's going to do it by hand, he's going to do it by hand"

Track 4 - Lenders In The Temple
The Catholic religion is a common theme in Conor Oberst songs. It finds it's way into more songs then I can remember both in his solo career and with Bright Eyes. This song builds a vision around the bible story where Jesus overturned the tables of those who were selling goods inside of the holy temple. The song tells of how far we've crumbeled as a society and leans towards believing that if Jesus were around, he'd be a bit unhappy with the current state of things.

Track - 5 Danny Callahan
A good song, however a little sad. Danny Callahan was a little boy dying of cancer when he met Conor Oberst. This song tells the story of the little boy and touches on the relationship of a mother and son going through that tragedy.

Track 6 - I Don't Want To Die In The Hospital
Does this song need anymore explanation than what you find in the title? If it does, here is a verse from the song:
"Yeah, I don’t give a damn what those doctors say
I don’t want to spend another lonesome day
I don’t want to die in the hospital
You got to take me back outside
They don’t let you smoke and you can’t get drunk
All there is to watch are these soap operas
I don’t want to die in the hospital
You got to take me back outside"

Track 7 - Eagle On A Pole
Infidelity takes over the subject of this song. Drunken nights, forgetting where you are and showing up to be greeted by the person you cheated on waiting for you at the front door. No fun.

Track 8 - NYC Gone, Gone
Conor makes his home in both Ohmaha, Nebraska and New York City. This is a short 1 minute song about being fed up with the hustle and bustle of NY and wanting to head to Mexico for a vacation. Side note this whole album was recorded in Mexico, just south of Mexico city.

Track 9 - Moab
Many other reviewers have called this the best song on the album. It's a great song, but I still think "Get Well Cards" is better. This is a road travel song, the story being there is nothing that the road cannot heal. Try it out, next time you need a break, get in your car and hit the road for a few hours!

Track 10 - Valle Mistico (Reubens Song)
Reuben worked at the house in Mexico where Conor recorded this album. This song is just Reuben blowing some sort of blow horn for 20 seconds or so.

Track 11 - Souled Out!!!
A great song with mistakes and all making a joke out of heaven being full. You can die, and you could have been good, but this song hints that maybe heaven is already sold out and there wont be any room left for any of us?

Track 12 - Milk Thistle
Anyone familiar with Conor or Bright Eyes knows that Conor has had his difficulties with alcohol. Milk Thistle is the herb that doctors recommend for alcoholics with liver problems. Milk Thistle is supposed to support liver growth. This is a love song written to the power of Milk Thistle. Lyrics from the song:

"Milk thistle, milk thistle
Let me down slow
Just help me go slow
I've been hurrying on
I was poised for greatness
I was down and out
I keep death at my heels
Like a basset hound
If i go to heaven
I'll be bored as hell
Like a crying baby
At the bottom of a well"

So there you have it, the best album by far I have listened to this year!

Recommended downloads: JUST BUY THE WHOLE THING!

What I was doing while listening: Laying on the couch and driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 5 out of 5 Missed Outs