Wow
I try not to get excessive with the superlatives when I talk about things that I like or that impress me. This is because I can tend to spout off about how great certain things are, and then later realize that they were just passing fads that didn't really have a permanent effect on me. That said, it's time for me to spout off!
I was able to go to the Sleater-Kinney show on Thursday night, and all I can say is "Wow." They are simply the best rock band out there today, bar none. I have rarely seen bands that play with the passion and intensity of S-K. The especially impressive thing about the show was the crowd - the band totally energized the crowd, and the dancing was furious. This is incredible considering that in Portland people don't move around a lot at shows. Getting a Portland crowd up and jumping is a great feat, but of course one could expect no less from hometown icons like S-K.
Their new CD, The Woods is also absolutely incredible, to the point that I would call it essential for any fan of loud rock music. It is simply an assault on the senses, yet with many layers of sublety and nuance that make it a masterpiece. It is not just a breath of originality in today's copycat rock 'n roll world -- it sets the standard. It firmly places Sleater-Kinney into the upper tier of greateness.
Since I've been on the subject of anger, this record fits perfectly. It is anger distilled into sonic form. It's not blind rage, but firm conviction. It is delivered with no pretense or posturing. It is also delivered at arguably the highest level of musicianship to be found in popular music today.
I was able to go to the Sleater-Kinney show on Thursday night, and all I can say is "Wow." They are simply the best rock band out there today, bar none. I have rarely seen bands that play with the passion and intensity of S-K. The especially impressive thing about the show was the crowd - the band totally energized the crowd, and the dancing was furious. This is incredible considering that in Portland people don't move around a lot at shows. Getting a Portland crowd up and jumping is a great feat, but of course one could expect no less from hometown icons like S-K.
Their new CD, The Woods is also absolutely incredible, to the point that I would call it essential for any fan of loud rock music. It is simply an assault on the senses, yet with many layers of sublety and nuance that make it a masterpiece. It is not just a breath of originality in today's copycat rock 'n roll world -- it sets the standard. It firmly places Sleater-Kinney into the upper tier of greateness.
Since I've been on the subject of anger, this record fits perfectly. It is anger distilled into sonic form. It's not blind rage, but firm conviction. It is delivered with no pretense or posturing. It is also delivered at arguably the highest level of musicianship to be found in popular music today.