The Superspecs

So I was at work today, when I decided to listen to a little band that I used to go and see all the time in college.


The band is called The Superspecs.  Also, The Specs, and finally The Laysan Rail (although I don't have any of their final version's music).


Enjoy a little bit of their awesome before I continue.





This video does not do them justice.


So, a bit of my history with the band.


As with many things I experienced in college, I came to know The Specs through my roommate Chris.  I don't remember if I first heard their music in our dorm, or when I first saw them at the Webster Theater, but I was hooked from the first note.


Their sound is a bit...eclectic, and changed with each of their albums.  As The Superspecs, they were a 9(?) piece ska group.  This is the sound heard most prominently on their first album Project H.A.N.D.S.O.F.F.  The best track off this album was 'Listen Up'. (Which the re-did for their second album)  Also of note is 'Dr. Evil Ska' and 'Freak'.


After this they went to six members.  Album title: Burning the Bandwagon.  Consisting of a drummer, two guitars, trumpet player, barri sax (backing vocals also) and trombone (lead singer also), they progressed to their eventual final sound of 'horn driven rock'.  Still mixing ska with the rock, they melted my face with tracks such as 'More Emo than Thou', 'Listen Up', 'Take Me Down' and 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)'.  That's right kids, they do covers.


Finally we move to their final iteration, The Specs.  Same members, new sound.  This is where they finally move into the full 'horn driven rock' sound that I mentioned above.  Declaration of Independence do be the title of the album.   The album as a whole is fantastic. 'Dorothy Never Had it So Bad', 'Straight Up' (another cover), and 'Target of my Animosity'  are three of my favorites on this album.


Two of my fondest memories of The Specs include the night my wife and I saw them at the Webster Theater and I was able to 'sing' along with one of the songs into the mic.  I think it was Target of my Animosity.


The other moment is when we had them play at our college, and then they came to our dorm and partied.  Most awkward moment of college:  when one of their songs came over Chris's speakers.  Never had I seen people move so fast to change a song.


Its a shame the band broke up and moved on.  They were a fantastic band with great energy and a unique sound.  Whenever one of their songs comes on, it brings a smile to my face, and I usually go and listen to the whole album.  If you ever have the chance to experience their music, I recommend it.  You won't be disappointed.

2012 In Music - current obsessions

So, the one think I don't keep up on too well is music.  Mostly because when I am in my car all that there is on the radio is talk shows.  So, little new music exposure.  Which, is a REALLY poor excuse.  One of my un-written resolutions is to expose myself to some new music.  One way I've done this is with iTunes, and the other is with suggestions from friends.  Without further ado, here is what is currently on high rotation on my iPod:


Lana Del Rey - Born to Die - I know, right?  This one even surprised me.  It is absolutely the complete opposite of what I usually like.  I'm really digging it though.  Without a doubt I will be checking out more of her stuff.  I know too that there was a recent griping about her SNL performance.  I did not watch it, but to all the celebs who complained about it I say 'You've never had a bad night?"


Nightwish - Imaginarium - This song is right up my interest ally.  I only know a little bit of their work (Nemo, really) but this song is quite good.  Its loud, its fast and its epic.  Not for everybody, but worth a listen.


Trent Reznor and Karen O - Immigrant Song - This song.  Oh man, this song.  Ever since I heard it on the trailer for 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo', I've been slightly obsessed with this song.  I can't quite put into words why I like it, but I play it at least twice a day.


So, any suggestions?

At The Edge of Time by Blind Guardian

I was first introduced to Blind Guardian via the music review podcast, For Those About to Rock, which can be found at Simply Syndicated.  Now, I'm not always the biggest of metal fans, so I began listening to this particular episode with just a half an ear.

But then I heard something surprising.  The band has recorded two (2!) songs based on the epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time.  Oh, and two based on some as of yet unfinished fantasy series that currently has a series on HBO.

Moving on...

So I immediately focused...another quarter of my ears to the episode (hey, I was at work, had to keep some audio channels open for work related stuff)

Really, this is an AMAZING album.  From the episode by FTATR, and my own research of them, the band is very much influenced by the fantasy genre.  Which is really cool.  And the two WoT songs are very well done, and you can tell that they are familiar with the source material.

Here was one of my thoughts as to their musical style.

"Oh, a flute and some other instruments one would not expect from OMFG my face has just melted off ala Raiders of the Lost Ark due to the amount of awesome that is thundering into my ears at this very moment!!!"

Yes, I did just make that all up.  At least the statement.  The rock was indeed face melting.  But I just looked away, cause thats how you stop the Ark from melting your face.

In the end, go seek out this album.  Especially if you like metal, epic rock and fantasy novels.

I ramble just a tad to much methinks...