Marnie Stern - This Is It...

Marnie Stern
This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That
(10.2008 Kill Rock Stars)
Verdict: I want to get in a fight with the album title.

My girlfriend dumped me recently. My first thought was to curl up in a ball and listen to an entire Elliott Smith album for the first time since high school. Luckily I decided against such self indulgence, imported the new Marnie Stern onto my IPod and air guitared away my troubles in the park. While Marnie Stern was not able to act as some miracle drug that wiped away all my cares, it did provide a surprising level of relief. I guess when you are listening to ear melting rock n' roll full blast as you flail around a swing set its hard to think of anything really. The good news is not much has changed since In Advance of the Broken Arm. Marnie can still shred with the best of them, if not better. Zach Hill is still a God among men when it comes to blasting beats. The songs are still pretty catchy despite being slightly ear grating, and will most likely be a key proponent into me acquiring hearing aids before I reach middle age. All in all this release is just as strong as her debut (maybe better) and has found a special place in my rock n' roll heart. Plus, she's one of the few artists that can overuse finger tapping without me wanting to punch them in the face. Screw Van Halen.

-Wooly Mammal

Deerhoof - Offend Maggie

Deerhoof
Offend Maggie
(10.2008, Kill Rock Stars)
Verdict: In love as always


If you were to ask me what my favorite band in the whole entire universe is/was/were I would say: DEEEEERHOOOOF!!! I therefore am incredibly biased and perfectly unqualified to write a proper critique and evaluation of their latest creation Offend Maggie, so instead, I may as well show my true feeling and address Deerhoof as the love of my life that they are:

Dear Deerhoof;

I have found myself the bearer of a bounteous fortune bestowed on myself from thee; another album released so quickly after the last shower of affection was felt. Last years' Friend Opportunity, unsurprisingly left me with an insatiable craving for more, and you have satisfied my every sense in the lusciousness that we now title "Offend Maggie." Your flirtation in sheet music only left me in the destructive burden of lustation at it's highest. I stayed awake countless nights wondering how you would return to me, and here you are in funky fresh deliciousness with a new friend Ed. Ed, I love you too, your electric touch has grooved my to tears. But Greg, Greg, now there is a man made of pure musical talent and lanky features. Deerhoof, your members form a completeness that warms my dreariest days. How long has it been that I have loved your dissonance? How long after your live show do I dream about your flawless performance? How long have I desired a track of yours to be on Guitar Hero? Deerhoof, you are my one true love, and with every move I have more faith that you will never fail me. Offend Maggie reassures and adds even more depth to or love language.

Sincerely, yours truly, forever
-Sassigrass

P.S. One question my dear: What's with your album covers?

Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity

Deerhoof
Friend Opportunity
(2007, Kill Rock Stars)
10.0/10

Friend Opportunity is mind-blowing even for the loyal Deerhoof fans who have followed the bands long existence and impressive catalog from the beginning. Even people who don't usually like Deerhoof seem to have latched on to this one. I heard a few fans mention that Friend Opportunity restored their faith in Deerhoof- and to that I say "Oh ye of little faith!" I have a special little place in my heart for every one of Deerhoof's releases. Each one is a gem of a different spectre with a cozy place in a catalog of accomplishment. Friend Opportunity brings just as much to the plate as does any of the other releases, this time with just a little extra pop to spice things up and add some general appeal. Of course, you already know that. Since Forest Gospel didn't start until this summer we missed reviewing a lot of albums at the time when the reviews would have been the most relevant. Anyone who reads this blog most likely already owns or has heard this album and has already formed their own opinions. I don't think explaining their sound is going to do much good here. Even so, I just had to post my 10 out of 10 today because I am soooooo excited for their upcoming show on October 6th, at In The Venue that I just found out about a few days ago. I mean, holy camole! Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the last time Deerhoof played Salt Lake City was in 2003 or so at Kilby. I myself have never seen them live, but have been wishing to for quite some time now and have seriously considered many a road-trip to do so, but now, here they are- coming to us. This is a joyous occasion not to be missed. See you there!

-Sassigrass

Deerhoof - +81

Marnie Stern - In Advance of the Broken Arm

Marnie Stern
In Advance of the Broken Arm
(2007, Kill Rock Star)
8.5/10

How could I not review this today? Marnie Stern is going to absolutely level The Urban Lounge in SLC tonight! We here at Forest Gospel have already been leveled by In Advance of the Broken Arm for some months now. Stern’s out-of-nowhere debut epic is quite a formidable listen. It’s like a musical treadmill, this one. Stern is the most apt candidate for guitarist of the year this side of Mike Barr (who obliterated The Urban Lounge for those with kind of normal expectations when he opened for Gang Gang Dance this month). Listening to this female shredder is truly an endurance test. That may be a bit misleading because Stern has some super catchy, truly accessible tracks here on Broken Arm. It’s just that I can’t even imagine how some of these guitar lines are possibly being played by a human and there is no letting up through the entire album. Seems fitting that the drumming on the album is completed by none other than Hella mega-drummer Zach Hill (also a Mike Barr collaborator along with everyone else in the world besides you). This is the best pop/rock record set too alien guitar metal in the entire world. I’m not sure how to let you know why you should listen to this. I could reference Deerhoof or maybe the Ladies or something. Either way, In Advance of the Broken Arm will not disappoint and here is a guarantee that you will not want to try out these songs on Guitar Hero (unless your name is Bjorn Turoque). Now let me get some rest because I think that the live version of these songs might give me a heart attack tonight if I’m well rested.

-Mr. Thistle

Marnie Stern - Every Single Line Means Something