Sleater-Kinney- The Woods (flac)

Not to leave out Sleater-Kinney's newer work, here's their last album (so far), The Woods. For many younger S-K fans, including me, this album served as an introduction. Now that I have, love, and thoroughly listened to all of their albums, I'm still not sure if it was the best place to start then (or now), but never-the-less it is where I started.

The Woods is by far the most "sleater-kinney sounding" album yet at the same time sounds much different than their past work. I probably confused you more than I helped you, and you need to have listened to most of their albums to get this one, to a certain extent. In the fact that this album takes the inner energy, themes, and style of their early work while transferring it to a new sound without losing their distinct (prior) identity is very impressive, and basically what I was trying to say earlier. This album was very well reviewed at its release and so far as held up as one of the most original, important, and great albums not only of their own catalog but of the 00's.

It is to the talent of this band that they can retain their identity while rocking out harder than their first album, writing songs as emotional as those on The Hot Rock, while sustaining a pioneering sound and vision like Dig Me Out. Usually, a band's seventh record is a joke, not even remotely as good as their best work. The Woods is a thrillingly beautiful contradiction to this norm; just take a listen and be amazed.

The sound, you may ask? Well take that classic Sleater-Kinney guitar interweaving, Corin yelping, and Janet's pounding drums and throw in some serious distortion and classic rock sounds and there you have it! By far the heaviest, sludgiest, and most unique of their albums. Not a bad way to start an indefinite hiatus! (now I'm going to go cry to myself a little...)

This album not only changed my life, amongst many things it also led to the creation of this blog, so a thank you (on my part) is in order. Perhaps it will change your life, too.

Download here (in flac).
Pt. 1
Pt. 2
Pt. 3

Sleater-Kinney- S/T (chainsaw) [flac]

I love Sleater-Kinney's first album.
I also love Riot Grrrl.
Coincidence?
NEVER.

It's true though, back in the old days even Sleater-Kinney was a riot grrrl band. It's probably my favorite riot grrrl band too, since it's basically the best of Heavens to Betsy and Excuse 17 combined. Many of the songs have disctinct styles; corin's are always heavy on the vocals and bass and poppier. Carrie's were more punk, and much more about guitar interplay.

For example, take the first track, Don't think you wanna. Corin's vocals are on fire in this track! Also note the slow tempo- very similar to Heavens to Betsy. However this song has a little more guitar interplay, thanks to Carrie, that makes it much more interesting than most of Calculated. Corin's guitar is so slow and low it clearly acts as a bass. This in my opinion, is my favorite part! I'm a sucker for bass and sometimes miss it in later Sleater-Kinney.

Carrie has her song- How to Play Dead. This song sounds like an outtake of Excuse 17! It's great.


Of course, they start to blend each other's styles to make the future classic sound. This is evident in some of the best songs on the record. The song Be Yr Mama has a little of both bands and a great pop edge. The guitars weave all over the place and each other and Corin belts like no other, like Runaways gone crazy punk feminists!

Don't just sit there and just eat up my shit! Listen for yourself! Make your own ideas! and let me know what you think!

music blog democracy anyone?

(flac)
Download here

Sleater-Kinney- Call the Doctor (flac)

I kind of promised it, so here it is. I'm not sure if anyone actually wants it, but hey.

Sleater-Kinney's second album, but for most people, the first one... although I have a soft spot for their actual first album. Another post...

Don't feel like talking, so the music will have to speak for itself. Trust me though; it most certainly will. You'll either love this album or turn it off as soon as Corin Tucker starts singing.

One of the great original punk bands of the 90's. Only Fugazi comes close.

Please play loud and sing along.

(Flac)
Download pt. 1 here
Download pt. 2 here