December 08, 2003
I Like Collide
I'm surprised at myself.
I'm surprised at Skillet.
I have not been much of a fan of this band, save for its debut album about six or seven years ago. I've always looked at them as a "safe" youth group band that rocked for kids who weren't too discerning about their music (they keyed in on the spirituality of the art, not the music itself), simply accepting a band if it met a (rather) low standard of musical styling and rock power.
All that has changed with this new album. Sure, it's not as scary and cutting edge as something Reznor might have produced, but it's a far, far cry from this band's past catalog.
Collide has that Gavin Rossdale (Bush) scratched vocal chord delivery that I honestly like. Sure, copycats are bad, evil, scum of the earth (whatever), but I'd pick up a new Bush album any day. I don't care so much if Bush evolves. I'm just as happy hearing a slightly new take on their tried-and-true formula. Like AC/DC, who I don't think have really produced anything good since Back In Black, I wouldn't mind one bit if they released an album likened to a Highway to Hell 2, Powerage 2, or Back In Black 2. I like that sound. Give it to me generic. I'm not always sophisticated and picky. I like vanilla ice cream, too.
Anyway, this new Skillet album is pretty darn good. I will gladly recommend it to my virtual friends who read this -- whether you are a tried-and-true Christian rocker, an indie rock snob, or a gothed out ghost.
:?)
We are planning for Blindside to be on the cover of the next issue (March/April 2004) of HM Magazine. I'm scheduled to interview Ill Nino and Thrice this week for a couple of "So & So Says" stories. Our Christmas decorations are up at our place. I heard a rumor that Target stores will be selling Playstation 2 systems for 100 bucks this month. I told the singer of Fruhstuck a lie last week (that Disciple was breaking up) to see if he'd approach the band last weekend at Germany's Christmas Rock Night and tell them something like, "I'm so sad you're breaking up," or "I think you're disobeying God" or something like that. Perhaps I'll find out later what went down backstage there. That's a really cool 2-day fest. It'd be so fun to go to again.
