Ten Overlooked CDs: From The Yeah Yeah Yeahs to the Flaming Lips

What do you get when you put a guitarist who plays “First Act” guitars, a drummer with the coolest hair-do ever, and a woman named Karen O in one room? The Yeah Yeah Yeahs of course! You have probably already heard of them and not everything you heard must have been good. I mean, who makes music without a bassist? This certainly is a garage band in the purest sense of the word. You could easily compare the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to the White Stripes minus a female vocalist. They must be damn good to have no backup vocalists or bass player. At first, the raw sound may not appeal to some but this is one of those albums where, the more you listen to it, the more appealing it becomes. From a screeching yelp to a silent whisper, Karen’s vocals will woo you more than once. The guitars are also very versatile. From harmonics, palm-muting, to solos; you’ll finding almost every form of playing here. One unique thing about this band is that the guitarist uses guitars made by First Act. I am sure that your local Walmart sports guitars made by the same brand. Now go on out and make a band without a bassist starring you as the guitaristâÂ?¦ Just remember to pick up this album while you are shopping for your new guitar.

09. The Desert Sessions Volume 9 & 10
http://www.desertsessions.com/

Up until this release, the Desert Sessions did not have a very good reputation. This simple fact is more than enough to stray potential fans. Worry not because this volume is the best by far, or so they say. With the likes of Dean Ween (Ween), Joshua Holmes (Queens of the Stone Age), Twiggy Ramirez (ex-Marilyn Manson), Josh Freese (Perfect Circle, Black Light Burns), The Tuff Gentlemen, and more; you are bound to find at least one good song. The entire album was recorded in a record-breaking eight days but in retrospect; this is an easy feat considering all the people involved in the project. This album was made for the pure love and enjoyment of music and nothing else. If you respect music in any way, you owe yourself to purchase this album as soon as possible. No album collection is complete without it.

08. X-Japan – Perfect Best
http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/

Directly imported from Japan, these guys know what it’s all about; with single songs spanning an incredible thirty minutes! X Japan could almost be described as the Queen of Japan. Their style varies so much it is overwhelming. From melodic metal, classical piano, poetic rock, to grunge; satisfaction is all you will get. The majority of the lyrics are in English although there are a few Japanese phrases every now and then. Imagine attending one of their live shows with a song that lasts thirty minutes! What a show that must be. If you do decide to purchase this album, place it at the very top of your shelf covered in glitter and surrounded by gold. Yeah, it’s that good.

07. Fucking Champs – V
http://www.thefuckingchamps.com/

Minimal lyrics and maximum guitar. If you are an avid air guitarist, this album is perfect for you. You will hear some of the best riffs you have ever heard on this album. Some have even compared them to Metallica, Megadeth, Van Halen, and even Adrian Smith. The name of their band alone proves how much they care about what everybody else thinks. Yet another band that is without a bassist. They believe in maximum rocking. The sound of both guitars works so well that you will be left with your jaw on floor more than once.

06. Midnight Brown – 2084
http://www.suburbanallstars.com/mb/

This is actually an underground band whose music is free to download. Many of you, I’m sure, are familiar with the ever popular Jeff Gerstmann from Gamespot. Well if you aren’t then shame on you! Midnight Brown’s sound is hard to describe. Armed with a bass guitar, a vast amount of electronics, and a computer; together, both Jeff and his roommate Chris create what can only be described as well, Midnight Brown. Rap, funk, ballad; it’s all here. You won’t get bored with the absurd lyrics, infectious bass, and indie feel.

05. John 5 – Songs for Sanity
http://www.john-5.com/

Now you may all remember John 5 as the former guitarist for Marilyn Manson. Unlike many others, as soon as he quit, he immediately began working on a solo project he actually accomplished. Purely guitar, this album oozes with quality. At first, you may think that this album is filled with songs purely composed of heavy riffs and nothing else but this is completely wrong. The amount of versatility involved in this project is so astounding that even Steve Vai was impressed; so impressed that he is featured on the album. This album has it all: rock, country, blues, and yes, even some metal. Sponsored by Fender, the majority of the album will feature songs created using his custom-made Telecaster but other guitars make an appearance and the bass/drum section of the album is covered by friends of his. You can definitely say that he was held back when playing for Manson.

04. Big Dumb Face – Duke Lion Fights The Terror!
http://www.bigdumbface.com/

Another guitarist from yet another popular band who decided to work on his own solo project. Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit fame worked on this masterpiece entirely by himself. Every single instrument and vocal piece was done by him in his home studio, even the completely crappy drum solo. The songs are each different in style and distinct in originality. Unlike certain songs, especially in metal, where they all sound alike, Duke Lion Fights The Terror has 12 songs each different in every facet. The opening track, Burgalveist sets the tone for the heavy side of this album. Followed by Duke Lion, it’s hard to know what to expect next. For live shows, Wes gathers some of his close friend to perform with him on stage.

03. Infected Mushroom – I’m The Supervisor
http://www.infected-mushroom.net/

Techno seems to be very popular in Europe and people will usually tell you that all techno sounds the same. This is sometimes true but when it comes to Infected Mushroom, this is far from true. With no doubt, I can safely say that every single song is completely different. Each infectious in its own style. It’s hard to believe that so much flexibility could come from one form of music. They use every single aspect of techno, from the drums to the bass, you will truly be mesmerized by each song. The only way to own this album though is by getting an imported copy since Infected Mushroom is from Israel.

02. Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot
http://www.flaminglips.com/main.php

This album is one of the few that makes me turn on my 7:1 surround speakers every time just so I can get the full effect. I have been told that this doesn’t change the way it sounds but I beg to differ. For some reason, every single time I listen to it in surround sound, I hear something I did not hear previously. From the introductory track that is so infectious it should be made illegal to the final track, listening to this album is like going on a journey of momentous proportions. The lyrics perfectly portray each situation and the entire album is the recounting of Yoshimi’s story as she battles the Pink Robot. By the end of the album, you feel attached to Yoshimi. Basically a fairy tale told to music. For some odd reason, the music always makes people smile around me while they are listening. I urge you to try this and you’ll see, I promise.

01. Imogen Heap – I Megaphone
http://www.imogenheap.co.uk/

The main problem with female singers today, especially in the rock genre, is the way they try to delve into styles dominated by males without trying to make it their own. They generally do not have the growl, emotion, or feel that other male vocalists have. Some male vocalists also do not do an adequate job but with Imogen Heap, all these factors are immediately obsolete. The sheer magnitude and multifaceted scale of her voice is enough to quiet any naysayer. Extremely hard to describe, her voice could be an instrument on its own. From a scream to a dull murmur, she hits every single note perfectly. Without listening to Imogen Heap, a description of her voice would have to be a cross between Tori Amoss and Fiona Apple. Still, this is not enough to describe her unique sound. Without the vocals, the instrumentals almost sound like something Nine Inch Nails would produce. It’s almost as if Trent Reznor’s sister stopped by the studio to mess around. If you only get one album in the following week, make it this.