Albums That Matter: Part I

This is my blog series “Albums that Matter”, where i go through albums (in NO particular order) which litterally has mattered in my life.

Incubus – Morning View (October, 2001)

First up is “Morning View” by American modern rock band INCUBUS. Jukka (of Deep Insight) introduced me to them when i had joined the band, around the time we did “Ivory Tower” if my memory serves me correct. The first song i remember hearing from Incubus isn’t off of this album, it’s from the previous “Make Yourself”, a song titled “The Warmth”. Anyway, this was the first album i bought of Incubus (Morning View) and since that day i’ve loved it.

First off, drummer José Pasillas II who has since then been a major influence on my playing and coincidentally he owned the same kind of quality as me (maybe he ripped me off). He fueled me to be (even) more technical along the drumkit with splashes and such.

Brandon Boyd (vocals) is one of my favourite singers in this genre, a man who can actually (even on a bad day) pull his vocals off with perfection and greatest of ease. Brandon’s lyrics (especially on this album) amazes me, the way how he uses/chooses words and clever metaphors. A great and humble “frontman” for this group.

Guitarist Mike Einziger is also one of my favourite gutiarists out there of this generation. His effect using is beyond me, on this record (and any other as well). Not many rockbands sound good with a DJ, but again Incubus pulls that one off as well DJ Kilmore does some nice background painting, if i may call it like that. In a live situation this comes in handy as he does all the strings and backround noises (that Mike along with his effects alone can’t pull off).

All in all a perfect album, where i never skip a song, the mood ranges from hard rock to mellow in an instant and then back again, all melted well together. With interesting lyrics and creative composing, yet catchy and pop and YET original… what more do you need.

Track list:

1. Nice To Know You (Goodbye)
2. Circles
3. Wish You Were Here
4. Just a Phase
5. 11am
6. Blood on the Ground
7. Mexico
8. Warnig
9. Echo
10. Have You Ever
11. Are You In?
12. Under My Umbrella
13. Aqueous Transmission

Nice to Know You (Goodbye) – Live Video

Riders of the Storm

current music: the doors – riders on the storm

Hello everyone(s). Sorry for no lack of updates lately, haven’t really sat down here in a while. Just got in from a long day. First morning shift at nokia, then shopping for christmas decoration and cool skull-winter-gloves (for me) and then paper delivering. Winter has arrived here and it’s been simply beautiful outside the past two days, snow and -5 (celsius) degrees, i’m loving it. Maybe a bit colder, like -10 and it would be perfect, but this goes. Last time we were delivering papers i faced one of my biggest fears/phobias, i got stuck in an elevator, alone, without a phone. I was in shock as i rang the alarm in the elevator (no reaction) and was banging on the door, and the sliding door opened up in between floors but i couldn’t get out because the outer doors are locked. After a while the elevator slooooooowly started going downwards and finally ground floor and i got out, shaking and in panic. So i did the papers by using the stairway to get up. Today i also avoided that elevator… maybe next time i dare to go in.

peace love and understanding,
-pooki

Dirty Pop

this dude rocks

Are You Experienced? Yes

John “Mitch” Mitchell
June 9th, 1947 – November 12th, 2008

Rediscover Communication

current music: tv noises

Hey everyone, bit of delays between my posts, i’m really sorry about that. As you know, Endrive is without rehearsal space at the moment, when we should be writing new material for an upcoming EP/LP, but at the moment it’s quite hard. We made some major changes to our hit song “As We Abandon Everything” during our last practise, but i’m not so sure i remember it anyone, i hope the rest, atleast Niko, is keeping it fresh in his creative mind. Tomorrow my working continues again with the first morning shift. I woke up early today so i can get sleep relatively easy and get a good rest before my wake-up at 4am. Tomorrow i’m meeting an old friend, well friend of an friend. I just found out he lives in Turku so we’re meeting up tomorrow in town. He’s also a huge Tool (the band) fan. We just had some food and soon we, or atleast im will have dessert from yesterdy which is pancakes with whipped cream and strawberry jam, yummee! And last but not least, congratulations for all dads, since yesterday was Father’s day, atleast in Finland. Congratulations Dad!

peace love and understanding,
-pooki

Stop Twistin’ My Arm

current music: matchbook romance – stay tonight

Good evening. I just got back from Suomusjärvi where i went with my two friends to watch Barrence Whitfield (USA) perform some good ol’ rhythm and blues with the help of Kokkola’s own (and proud) Wentus Blues Band. I’m really glad i got to go to this, really. An energy packed show in two parts with a little intermission in the middle. The venue ‘Salittu’ was litterally in the middle of nowhere, but thanks to my GPS navigation we found our way with the greatest of ease. The venue was a little place in the middle of the forest. The sky was cloudless and millions of stars came out. The hall was quite small and maybe 50-70 people there (all sitting), but Barrence rocked that place. I’m always as amazed of Wentus’ boys’ musicianship. Guitarist Niko Riippa and Kim “Hiding” Vikman really gave great licks and solos, Robban’s groovy bass and on drums they had a replacement from Sweden (whose name i cannot remember), since Mr. Axelqvist (original WBB drummer) was, for some reason, not there. Don’t remember much of the song titles but at the end of the encores they did a great cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. What a perfect way to end the night. I filmed the second half of the show (but unfortunately not the LZ cover), so i’ll post some up on youtube the coming days so stay tuned. Now i will jump on the couch and watch the Wentus Blues Band DVD “Family Meeting” to keep the blues alive. See you again soon!

peace love and understanding,
-pooki

Chicago!