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14,934 posts since 10/24/2000
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Posted on 9/23/2009 at 11:52:37 AM
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Baroness - Blue Record
Reviewed by Andy "Dinger" Beresky (StonerRock.com)
Relapse Records
Release date: October 13, 2009
This is definitely not the same band that released a succession of two stunningly heavy EPs a few years back. It's actually not even the same band that released The Red Album just a couple of years ago, as they've had a lineup change, incorporating Valkyrie's Pete Adams on guitar and vocals. While the change isn't immediately noticeable, his contributions become less subtle as the album progresses.
Baroness toted Red Album as their "rock album." Fair enough, and in that context, Blue Record could be considered their prog album, as it takes the grandiose tendencies and epic arrangements they displayed so well on their initial full length, and follows those ideas through to their logical next levels.
Of course, this could just as easily be called Baroness's "disco album," due to the prevalence of disco beats in the drumming. It's certainly an album that's all over the place stylistically, so repeatedly copping Kiss' "I Was Made For Loving You" doesn't really detract from the album in the slightest, especially when the drum sound is so huge. All the sounds on this album are great, there are some great guitar tones that really jump out of the mix, much in the same way that they did the first time I heard Dinosaur Jr's You're Living All Over Me. And while we're on that subject, some of these songs are basically indie rock played loudly. Take "Swollen and Halo" for example, which foregoes any heavy riffing, and relies more on the melodic octave guitar lines that were so prominent in 90's alternative rock. "Steel That Sleeps The Eye" also brings out the less-than-heavy aspects of the band; it's a beautiful acoustic ballad with a backwash of keyboards and/or sound effects, and it flows thematically and musically right into "Swollen and Halo."
Fans of the last album shouldn't be turned off by all my disco and alt rock references; there are plenty of tunes that carry on in the vein of Red Album. "The Sweetest Curse," "A Horse Called Golgotha," and "The Gnashing" all cover similar territory to Red's rockers, with the labyrinthine guitar passages and mesmerizing harmonies in both the vocals and the guitars, but the riffs are more meaty and fleshed out, the melodies are more memorable. The instrumentals on here are also more engaging. The album begins and ends with a similar instrumental theme, and in between we're treated to the baroque sounds of "Ogeechee Hymnal" and "Blackpowder Orchard," which simultaneously professes a worship for both Led Zeppelin and Yes.
And that's really the tale of the tape with this album. It's a thoroughbred rock ALBUM like they used to make of old, with a smattering of proggy sensibilities and a willingness to go pretty "out there" at times, without losing the flow or really having a clunker of a track. When all's said and done, that's a recipe for a keeper. Expect to see this one near the top of many year end lists.
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If you`re hungry, why not try a piece of your friend?
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717 posts since 1/26/2005
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Posted on 9/23/2009 at 1:44:56 PM
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Great review. actually the indie rock asect is one of the reasons I love Red and Blue a ton. But people who are not into indie may never notice so dont worry people.
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2,345 posts since 11/28/2006
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Posted on 9/23/2009 at 8:25:05 PM
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awesome review, really put into words what I was thinking, or thinking i was hearing. especially the disco beats parts, couldnt wrap my finger around that until now.
I can safely bet this will be in my top ten for 09.
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full time wage slave and part time internet coward
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717 posts since 1/26/2005
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Posted on 9/23/2009 at 8:46:35 PM
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That beat is sooo damn good for those riffs. I love it, but I didnt think of it as disco till now....just more classic dance s t y l e post-punk...but no matter what I love it...it was on one song on Red and I hoped they did it more one Blue...good thing they did.
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1 posts since 9/26/2009
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Posted on 9/26/2009 at 2:06:32 PM
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" It's a thoroughbred rock ALBUM like they used to make of old"
I've listened to this about 9 times since I "acquired" it a day ago and that is a pretty accurate des c r i p tion. When I see the words disco and indie rock I usually run screaming the other way, but here those elements are blended seamlessly into a serious metal masterpiece. It says a lot about bands like Baroness and Mastodon. It's ballsy to mix it up in a genre where bands are put on a pedestal and guaranteed credibility as long as they don't show any musical growth whatsoever. For me this album reaffirms my belief that heavy music can be exciting and awesome again in a way I thought not possible.
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2 posts since 4/26/2009
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Posted on 9/26/2009 at 3:35:41 PM
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This sounds very promising and interesting to me personally.I dislike when a truly talented band just rehashes the same played out sound/s t y l e lp after lp.I much prefer some experimentation or"progression"if you will and it sounds like The Blue Record has done exactly that.
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3,555 posts since 5/12/2007
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Posted on 9/26/2009 at 4:41:36 PM
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I've enjoyed this so far. Hope it has a longer lifespan than the Red Album had with me, which I got tired of in less than a week and have never returned to since. Seems like this one will...
And I keep hearing a ton of Hotwater Music in this album. Doubt it was intentional...
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I`m reclaiming my mind, destroying everyone.
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15 posts since 6/15/2008
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Posted on 10/7/2009 at 8:22:36 AM
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I'm still unable to get over this albums genuis. It's continually blowing me away. I can't get it out of my head.
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www.myspace.com/snakedrivernc
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51 posts since 2/19/2007
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Posted on 10/8/2009 at 12:45:52 PM
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Brother Andrew, great review...and I owe you an interview! I haven't forgotten. We'll get one going on the cusp, of that split release with mighty Ol' One.
As for Baroness...I didn't get the Red disc at first, but it was a grower in the truest sense. I think I came around after hearing it live. I'll definitely be pickin' this one up, and will probably have more open ears this time around. Can't wait to hear what Pete will be bringing to the band!
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30,450 posts since 12/20/2002
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Posted on 10/10/2009 at 5:35:55 PM
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I am really fucking loving this album. The Red Album was one of my top albums for 2007, and even after only a few spins this one might be better.
great review dinger.
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The only time you ever see her sweat is when she eats.
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724 posts since 12/13/2003
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Posted on 10/14/2009 at 7:45:17 AM
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Outstanding record.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/turboslug
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1,452 posts since 4/18/2008
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Posted on 10/14/2009 at 11:31:56 PM
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The sky's the limit for this band...astounding album...consistently great from start to finish...the dual leads are ridiculous, but they never overstay their welcome or sound redundant....and the subterranean indie rock vibe enhances the listening experience...spot on review, dinger...
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2,257 posts since 11/15/2000
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Posted on 10/16/2009 at 3:29:59 PM
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Reading comprehension is a lost art.
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12,169 posts since 7/6/2004
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Posted on 10/17/2009 at 12:28:09 PM
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picked up the deluxe edition with a bonus disc of their 2009 roadburn performance. sweet. diggin' this album so far, lots of different moods on it, some cool acoustic stuff. the only thing i get a little tired of is the bellowing vocals they use sometimes, that gets old real quick for me. but other than that minor complaint, i love baroness. great band.
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godspeed, l`il doodle.
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717 posts since 1/26/2005
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Posted on 10/17/2009 at 1:34:33 PM
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i have officially become a fan boy of this band haha well as much of one as I can be being a bit jaded. I love the what I call melodic bellowing.....will be at the boston show because that show lineup is amazing. Nov 21st
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200 posts since 3/3/2009
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Posted on 10/19/2009 at 6:33:29 PM
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I like that the reviewer mentioned that it had a hint of 90's alternative rock, cause that was the first thing i though, is that this is like an update on a million indie bands from the early to mid 90's. The bonus tracks of the live stuff from the Red album , i think , are actually better than the Red album versions. The packaging is beautiful. I hope i can catch them on tour and John has posters of his work for sale again. Great artist.
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hey its lot of fun killing everyone at your favorite store..
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3,555 posts since 5/12/2007
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Posted on 11/14/2009 at 9:43:51 AM
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Now that I have had this for a while I can pretty safely say that this album full on kicks much ass. IMO, it shits all over The Red Album. (Admittedly, I don't care for The Red Album, I find it to be one of the more over-rated albums around here)
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I`m reclaiming my mind, destroying everyone.
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141 posts since 6/4/2008
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Posted on 11/20/2009 at 6:15:48 PM
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It reminds me of classic Yes--that sprawling prog with repeated elements and distinct, but purposeful movements. Is it indie/prog/disco? Yes, yes, and yes. It's lame, but lame in a good way. I loved the Kiss reference--nice review Dinger.
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Because there is a B in both and an N in neither
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142 posts since 4/2/2009
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Posted on 11/24/2009 at 3:01:54 PM
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i totally preordered the deluxe 3lp from relapse...what a beautiful release. John Baizley paint my body!!!
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2,257 posts since 11/15/2000
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Posted on 12/11/2009 at 7:49:22 PM
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Reading comprehension is a lost art.
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