Adventures in the Used-Bin: 12.11.11

Joy Division – Substance 1977-1980 = ** ½

This is actually the second time I’ve purchased this collection used.  The first time it skipped terribly on my favorite song of theirs, “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”  I know most music snobs scoff at best of collections, but I don’t.  In fact, I think they’re solid ways to immerse a first time listener into the band’s catalogue, provided of course there’s a sonic evolution through the collection.  Such is the case for this fated band.  You can hear the group grow from a depressed version of The Ramones to the blueprint for future post-punk/Goth bands to follow. 

D12 – D12 World = ** ½

The sophomore album by the Detroit hip hop group is as manic as the group’s sole, famous rhymer, Eminem.  It bounces between party tracks, goof-off tracks and 21^st century gangsta rap.  It’s difficult to take the group seriously, but perhaps that was their intent. 

The Crystal Method – Vegas = * ½

I was always slightly interested with the late 90’s early 00’s electronic movement, but I’d only ever heard the singles included in various movie soundtracks or music videos.  When I saw this disc hanging out, I thought I’d give it a shot.  Alas, unless I’m using it as background music for an otherwise engaging activity, this album is supremely boring for active listening.  It’s great for running errands or housecleaning, but that’s about where it stops for me.

Mazzy Star – So Tonight That I Might See = **

Part psychedelia-stoner jams in the vein of The Doors, part bluesy depression and all melancholy; So Tonight that I Might See is another great background album.  It’s helpful for chilling out in traffic, but it’s too sleepy for a road-trip disc.  I still find it odd that the single that broke the band, “Fade into You,” sounds nothing like the rest of the record.  It’s such a perfect song, it’s peculiar that they only tried that formula once on the entire album. 

Innerpartysystem – Never Be Content = * ½

As I stated previously, I’m underwhelmed with this band’s final EP.  I fell in love with their Nine Inch Nails meets Pennywise sound and tried my best to champion the band and further their careers.  Unfortunately for them, the band was about three years ahead of its time.  Would they have been picked up now in the midst of this dubstep madness and Skrillex obsession they may have had a fighting chance, but when you’re A&R rep made a name for himself by signing The Killers, the music industry’s perception of you isn’t great.  Perhaps they’ll resurface, either collectively or individually, in another form in the future. 

Nirvana – Unplugged: New York = ***

Not much to say about this stellar performance that I haven’t recently stated.  This disc had gone missing and I managed to replace it.  Success!

Reservoir Dogs Soundtrack = * ½

I’m a big fan of this movie, so when I saw the soundtrack available I was stoked as there’re some solid tunes in the film.  I was hoping for some quotes from the characters interspersed between the tracks, but unfortunately the “quotes” are Steven Wright monotone whining and serving as the DJ from the film.  I’ll never understand how anyone thinks he’s funny.  Anyway, most of the songs are awesome: “Little Green Bag,” “Fool for Love,” “Magic Carpet Ride” and “Stuck in the Middle with You,”  but the rest are just dismissible.