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QOTSA line up for their fourth studio album
Publisher: Interscope
Sat, 11 June 2005
by: Special K
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First things first. I must start by thanking Metallica. I know you’re probably wondering ‘but hang on a second, I’ll swear this was a review about Queens of the Stone Age’ but just bear with me and read this little anecdote.
Way back in 1993 when Metallica toured Australia – coincidently my first and possibly most memorable stadium gig - I was introduced to a little-known support band by the name of Kyuss. Between us all at that gig we knew very little about them but what we did find was they rocked.
Years passed. Kyuss faded and out of the ashes came the Queens of the Stoneage consisting of Josh Homme, their Guitarist and Nick Oliveri the original drummer on Blues for the Red Sun.
After fears that the band had broken up and the departure of then bassist Nick Oliveri, I thought I’d seen the last of QOTSA and decided that their monster hit ‘No One Knows’ was to be the bands swansong.
Fortunately the band survived and released their fourth studio album Lullabies to Paralyze.
To the best of my knowledge the band in it's current form is:
Josh Homme (guitar/vocals)
Troy Van Leeuwen (guitars/keyboards)
Joey Castillo (drums)
and could include Mark Lanegan (vocals) who I have seen perform with them live and has appeared on their previous releases 'R' and 'Songs for the Deaf'.
I handed over my hard-earned cash at JB Hi-Fi and the guy behind the counter remarked ‘That’s a great album’ but at this stage I had only heard the radio-friendly single ‘Little Sister’ obviously released to satisfy the masses.
At first the album seemed a little patchy, very, very mellow and often a little monotonous. The stand out track for me was ‘Burn the Witch’ with its driving rhythm, infectious bassline and awesome vocal breaks.
On regular rotation in the car for a while I gradually warmed to the more melodic songs on the album and got used to the absence of Nick Oliveri’s screeching vocals and came to realise this was yet another quality release from riffmaster Josh Homme and crew.
‘This Lullaby’ sets the tone for the album the soft but gravelly voice of Mark Lanegan and the beautifully melodic acoustic guitar gently introduce the lullaby theme. This is then completely shattered by the second track ‘Medication’ not overly inspiring and a bit repetitive, but hey I never liked (and still don’t like) ‘Feel Good Hit of the Summer’ - maybe it's just because I don't do enough recreational drugs - I don't know.
‘Everybody Knows that You Are Insane’ opens with a soaring guitar riff and equally soaring vocals before it launches into the rapid-fire main riff with some tasty guitar solos thrown in for good measure.
‘Tangled up in Plaid’ again shows off Josh’s improved vocal range and gets another catchy riff going throughout the song. Then comes my favourite ‘Burn the Witch’ which has that immediately catchy quality much like ‘No One Knows’
‘In My Head’ while not being a fantastic song has that trade mark QOTSA guitar sound and Josh’s almost Falsetto vocals make it worth a listen.
‘Little Sister’ is right on target. A catchy but simplistic track that’s sure to keep them on the radio for a while.
‘I Never Came’ moves back to the Lullaby quality of the album, a beautiful song.
‘Someone’s in the Wolf’ apart from having a great film clip to accompany it on the DVD that came with the package harks back to vintage QOTSA riffs.
‘The Blood is Love’ tends to drone a bit and is not really that inspiring and Skin on Skin a song about lust is just generally average.
‘Broken Box’ makes you want to bop along to it with its bizarre vocal breaks.
‘You Got a Killer Scene There Man…’ reminds you why they carry the ‘Stoner Rock’ label. Simplistic and not the greatest track but good travelling music.
‘The Long Slow Goodbye’ sounds like it should wrap up the album and again has that quality of a Lullaby about it.
The final track according to Gracenote is called ‘Like a Drug’ whereas the notes inside the album cover list ‘The Fun Machine Took a Shit and Died’ the song is a full-on 50’s rock ballad and mentions ‘Like a Drug’ throughout the track and has been recorded to sound like its on a really old radio but I still prefer the alternate title. This is yet another track showing off Josh's new found vocal prowess.
All up a solid album with a few monotonous and occasionally ordinary tracks but hey - nobody’s perfect.
Onto the DVD and apart from giving us an insight into the band (and the fact that Josh is just about the biggest chain-smoker I have ever seen!) it's quite a interesting addition to the album.
Traditionally these 'bonus' DVDs tend to be nothing more than the film clips from the band and have very little substance - thanks to those wonderful people in marketing but this is quite a cool little package with a lot of scenes from inside the studio.
Some of the most interesting moments come from conversations with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame who proves his beard is a creative tool and not just a fashion statement.
Appearances by Chris Goss who coincidently produced albums by Kyuss, Mondo Generator, QOTSA, Scott Weiland and unfortunately 30 Odd Foot of Grunts (But I'm prepared to forgive him for that!), Jack Black - having a stomping good time are really minor and the video focuses more on the recording process.
Combined with the video for 'Someone's in the Wolf' and a bizarre "interview" between Josh and one Molly Schmengi which is good for a bit of a laugh. Just watch for one scene where Molly asks 'What does this make you think of?'
In summary, to borrow Josh's own phrase - "I think that was tits".
For more info and a very weird filmclip for 'Everybody Knows that You're Insane' visit their official site www.qotsa.com
For news from former QOTSA member Nick Oliveri check out www.mondogenerator.com (There’s a few interesting comments about his sacking from QOTSA and ‘Lullabies to Paralyze’)
For details on their upcoming Australian Tour head to the Gig Guide @ triplej.net.au
I’ve got my ticket so if you’re going to the Palace in Melbourne on 25th July I’ll see you there!
by: Special K
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