January 28, 2005

• Well, we here at rooney’s Xanga site are always looking out for you, the reader. So today, we introduce 2 new series! So step right up, folks, and witness the magnificent medicinal miracle of rooney’s patented revitalizing features. [takes deep breath] Put some ardor in your larder with our energizing, moisturizing, tantalizing, romanticizing, surprising, her-prizing, revitalizing features!

  First off, there is…

  The Body Acoustic

  What’s good, what’s new, what you need to hear in the world of music

  

  Our album this time is Tiger Army’s III: Ghost Tigers Rise

  Overview

  This album, as the title says, is the third from Tiger Army. Led by Nick 13, former member of AFI, Tiger Army’s sound is best classified as Psycobilly, a genre popularized by bands like the Rev. Horton Heat and the Necromantix. Psycobilly is a combination of punk and rockabilly, with occasional country overtones. Psycobilly is also accustomed to a scary and dark thematic material, but is still distinct from goth. Usually, death is a central part of the music, but also mystical themes like darkness, religious figures, and holloweenish things are common.

  Tiger Army is no exception, with songs entitled “Through the Darkness” and “Sea of Fire” on this album. This album is certainly a strong statement to Tiger Army’s sound, which in the past was somewhat wondering. It lacks some of the intensity of the past two albums, but still retains the distinctive nature of what is now Tiger Army’s sound.

  Strengths
  This album certainly is highlighted by it’s strong and creative rhythmic tone. Every song is unique and highly varied in the rhythm category, which created an interesting dynamic for the listener as they try to track the interplay between the bass and drums. Despite the drastic changes rhythmically, the album maintains a strong base, with a constant unifying ambiance. Musically, the skills of the band have certainly progressed from the last album, which has lead to a less harsh and more palatable feel.

  Weaknesses
  This album certainly is not the genre-bending effort that II:The Power of Moonlight is, which somewhat a disappointment. Lyrically, it is certainly a step backward, especially with the lack of classical poetic references that have been used in the past. Long time fans will be disappointed in the lack of emotional/hard/fast songs that was a calling card of the band.

  Grade
  B

  I can’t say that this is the best Tiger Army album, that distinction may still belong to II:The Power of Moonlight, but it is the album that I would recommend to a first time listener. By sacrificing some of the melodic and timbre variation that made the second great, Tiger Army has infused this album with an overall mood that may make the album as a whole the most listenable and cohesive work yet.

  Every so often, I will review album that I enjoy and let you know my expert opinion. If there is an album you want reviewed (especially one I own), I’ll be happy to oblige.

  Feature #2 is…

  Matt’s Stick Death

  Inspired by pezzam’s recent entry, I decided to post and display some of my greatest stick figure death scenes I ever drew in my notes during class. This is mainly from Chem 20B, which I hated. The only way I could manage to survive that class is by drawing my prof (Dr. Harakas) killing me over and over.

  

  Here is a classic. Like the good ol’ days.

  

  Here’s a more modern rendition. Bazooka to the face, that’s gotta hurt. Not half as much as chem, though.

  So, there’s the new series to the site. Tell me what you think!

  By the way, I can’t get in trouble from drawing people killing me, can I?

  • 4:41 pm
  • 6 Comments