Them Crooked Vultures Album - First Listen

By Luke Lewis

Posted on 28/10/09 at 04:08:11 pm

Them Crooked Vultures – the super-group formed by Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones – release their self-titled debut album on November 17. There will be a full, considered review in the issue of NME onsale the week before that, but seeing as we've just had the album on the stereo, here's a snap, first-listen, track-by-track response.

No One Loves Me
Kicks off with an itchy, bluesy riff before settling into a libidinous sex-groove in the tradition of QOTSA's 'Make It Wit Chu' (sample lyric: "She said, I got a beautiful place to put your face – and she was right"). Mutates into a skronking wig-out halfway through.

continued...

Mind Eraser No Chaser
Dave Grohl and Josh Homme trade vocals over a deranged, stop-start riff, like The Knack's 'My Sharona' fed through a mincer. Imagine QOTSA's 'Monsters In The Parasol' crossed with one of the nastier, more guttural Foos tracks, like 'Low'. Somewhat incongruously, it climaxes with an oompah brass band outro.

New Fang
You can hear this on MySpace. Staccato rhythms and wildly ricocheting slide guitar combine on this maniacal blues number, vaguely reminiscent of Primus, only not as irritating.

Dead End Friends
Basically the riff from Rocket From The Crypt's 'On A Rope', criss-crossed with stringy tendrils of bottleneck guitar.

Elephants
A highlight of their Brixton show, it's a frantic, seven-minute-long update on one of those hell-for-leather Led Zeppelin tracks like 'Rock N Roll'. Then it goes all cosmic and trippy. Appears to be a warped fuck-you to a former lover: "No, I can never stay melancholy with you for long, before I move on…"

Scumbag Blues
Features a piercingly high vocal from Josh. Dense and psychedelic, punctured by passages of funky clavichord. More of a jam than an actual song. Fun, though.

Bandoliers
Has a vague Mexican flavour, summoning images of Grohl, Homme and Jones on horseback, performing a bank heist in some frontier dustbowl town. "Take aim then fire", howls Josh, recalling The White Stripes' Hispanic-hued track 'Conquest'.

Reptiles
A druggy, swampy, acoustic-backed blues. Very 'Desert Sessions'.

Interludes With Ludes
More druggy meandering. "I know together we'll make the possible totally impossible" slurs Josh, conjuring a 'Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas'-style sense of a drugs-party gone terribly wrong: "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I am…"

Warsaw Or The First Breath You Take
Seven and a half minutes of impenetrable riffing. You'll skip this one.

Caligulove
A squalling, wah-wah pedal 'workout'. Continues Josh's tiresome habit on this album of presenting himself as an unstoppable, marauding sexual predator. "I'm the trigger, quick to fire, punctuate betwixt the eyes". Not sure being 'quick to fire' is quite the romantic association you're after, Josh…

Gunman
Opens with a cleansing blast of piano. Then more hoary, heads-down noodling.

Spinning In The Daffodils
A final, seven minute-plus, psych-rock orgy to bring things to a climax. You'll probably want a lie down and a cigarette at this point.

First-Listen Verdict: This is evidently more Josh Homme's record than it is Dave Grohl's, or John Paul Jones's. It's a muso's album: guitarists will love it. And it sounds like it was immensely fun to record – you can practically feel the heat from the amps. White Stripes fans will no doubt get a kick out of it. But if you're hoping for hummable, Foo Fighters-style hooks, forget it.

Permalink • Trackback (0)

121 comments

Add comment

Laura Strong [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 16:38

John Homme?

Joel [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 17:56

Lets be honest.. no-one was expecting foofighters-style hooks. This is way darker. In a good sense.

Stone Throwing Youths [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 18:09

I'm just afraid people will be building this up too much in their minds only to be disappointed. Yes they are a super group but not necessarily going to be greater than the sum of their parts, and unlikely to be more satisfying than previous bands they have all worked in. Well described here, its 3 guys having fun making music and I'm expecting it to sound like that, and nothing rediculously iconic.

Foo Fighters are shit [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 18:58

Thank God this is Josh's record. Foo Fighters are horrible.

James [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 18:59

"If you're hoping for hummable, Foo Fighters-style hooks, forget it." Personally, I've been humming those songs since I saw them at Reading...

Jack [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 19:24

Having seen them live I'd say most of these track reviews are pretty bogus, if anything the songs sound more Zeppelin influenced. Homme's vocals are much better here than they are with 'Queens or the Desert Sessions, and a lot of the songs are really rhythm driven, the guitars are just icing, so it's obvious it's really more John Paul Jones' record.

James [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 19:36

Also, why no "Spinning in the Daffodils"?

[Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 20:13

Surely the point of this album was to be a rock 'n' roll record, so the 'foo fighters-style hooks' you speak of will not be missed.

? [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 23:11

I'm not really expecting a lot to be honest. I can't think of a single super group I like. Besides Homme and Grohl have worked together before on Songs for the Deaf, and while it's a decent album it isn't great. I do realy like New Fang though, so hopefully they'll surprise me.

Mike Brazee [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 00:23

Saw them in Toronto. Incredible show. The boots I've heard, even for the low quality are quite good. Repeated listenings yield great rewards. Definitely show the influence of all 3 musicians. The rythym section is tight. Great riffs. Fresh and different. Jones and Grohl sing chorus on Mind Chaser, not just Grohl. Warsaw is a great track. Maybe if the reviewer gave it 2 listens he might give a better review.

BrainSoda [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 02:00

Yes, why no Daffodils and why the hell would you skip Warsaw? You people are catholic.

Michael [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 03:50

Led zep are shite what a waste of Dave g

[Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 04:37

Foo Fighters are shit, I strongly disagree

JB [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 04:40

It's actually Ronan Keating's record. He produced, wrote all lyrics and designed the cover art. so there you go.

UHO [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 08:03

I don't care what any of you twats think, I'm 'avin' this as soon as it hits the shelves. Think about what Dave Grohl acheived doing PROBOT, all this 'Foo Fighters hummable tunes won't be missed', what a load of bollocks, its not a Foo Fighters record is it?

WacoKid [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 08:56

I've heard a few of these tracks on YouTube and it just sounds like QOTSA b-sides to me. But I'll wait until I hear the album before passing my final verdict.

Tomye [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 12:09

well Homme's the front man in a sense, and he will obviously have most of the spotlight, i think he's trying to blend there original bands in the mix as musch as possible, and i think he's doing a fucking brilliant job, JPJ's bouncy basslines, Grohls ferious drumming, Johannes' bluesy rhythm, and Homme's catchy-as-fuck riffs, im gonna buy this and worship this, Velvet Revolver this is not. xD

BANG [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 13:32

He's probably right - for the most part this album will be preferred by musicians. Nothing wrong with that. To be honest I've given up caring about indie music's Heat magazine that sees La Roux and Florence as anything other than a pair of talentless, 80's throwback, dikes. Music's about doing it for yourself as TCV seem to be and for the most part, pop music's crap at the minute. We need more bands who understand what a triplet is and how to use it and less bands who a record label are prepared to sign because they're not a risk. Long live Dave Grohl. Screw NME.

victimofmassproduction [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 14:26

"Led zep are shite what a waste of Dave g" -------- Haha.

Mrs Miller [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 14:42

Bang - good post. We need more bands like these - honest rock bands and not those pussy footing NME types that are fashionable for one minute and forgotten the next. TCV and Wolmother are giving me back my long lost faith in music.

[Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 16:52

Aren't the lyrics, "I'm the trigger, quick to fire, punctuate betwixt the eyes", from Gunman.. not Caligulove lol

[Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 06:43

if you guys at NME dont like the record could you send me your promo copy.

[Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 06:48

ill trade you my siters jonas brother albums for that promo

Your Momma [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 13:41

All People Here Comparing TCV With Foo Just Because DG is in this band are Retards !!! and Have no Idea of music !

The System [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 13:46

Please upload it to Mininova Thanks

Your Momma [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 13:56

Hey Luke, Lewis ... Your review really sucks ! Very unprofessional.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 30 2009 at 14:02

I'm not convinced you're really my mother. She's normally much more critical.

Not Tim Fite [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 16:17

Regarding this inerview: The package says this is made with real bacon... This doesn't taste like real bacon.....

Steve [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 16:23

That's the worst review I've ever read. He compared Dave Grohl to Meg White... How does he have a job? Oh wait, NME consistently sucks at knowing music from their own ass.

Luckily Not Luke Lewis [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 16:25

If I was Luke Lewis I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing I was this bad at my job. Worst review ever. Very unprofessional.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 30 2009 at 16:26

Where exactly do I compare Dave Grohl to Meg White, you moron?

Joe [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 16:33

Can I just say FUCK YOU to this reviewer? WTF are you talking about with the Primus and White Stripes references? The reviewer revealed his microscopic penis in the last line about how there is little Foo in the sound. WTF are you talking about? Who the hell was expecting Foo? "You'll skip this one" Says who? I was losing my shit when I heard that song live. I hope I see you humming some "Foo-hooks" some day so I can punch you in the face, you faggot.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 30 2009 at 16:36

'Faggot' - you metal fans just love that word, don't you?

[Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 16:49

I want my PROMO COPY. Tell Hammy to upload that shite. However NME is still gay and Luke has no journalistic integrity. Its easier to write a bad reviews than a good reviews.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 30 2009 at 16:56

Christ. It's not even a bad review. I'm just describing the tracks.

No Chasa [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 17:02

Dude, I wish Ihad your job, I could listen to a great album before anyone else and then just write a bunch of gibberish and there you go! here's your paycheck!

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 30 2009 at 17:03

How is it gibberish?

Alan Woodhouse [Member] //October 30 2009 at 17:08

Hmm, 'faggot, 'gay'. Some people are really showing their true colours here. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

It's NOT a review. It's just a first listen track-by-track, so why are some of you getting so uptight?

Anyway, I've heard the album a few times, and as I don't have to be impartial, I can tell you I think it's a load of old bollocks. One of the people commenting above got closest when they said it sounded like Queens Of The Stone Age B-sides.

It's NOT led Zeppelin, Nirvana or prime QOTSA. It's bored rich men boring the arse off everyone.

Amanda [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 17:16

you should not be allowed to review music. comparing any of these 3 guys to the white stripes? pathetic. exactly why i NEVER read your magazine. i don't think any foo fighters fan would even want this to sound the same....doesn't mean it can't be "hummable" music though. well, at least someone is paying you to write.....

Steve [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 17:41

After reading Alan's post it's clear you both love Nickelback.

Luke [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 19:01

"Led zep are shite what a waste of Dave g " - No. You sir, are shite...What a waste of sperm

[Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 21:52

HMMM... I really want to listen to bored rich men boring the arse off everyone. I want my promo copy....NOW!!! Hey Luke. Top five records of all time...Your picks of course. Ready GO.... Hanson does not count. so I dont want tohear anything about your signed copy of Mmm Bop.

[Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 21:52

eleanor's grave [Visitor] //October 30 2009 at 22:42

Leave Luke Lewis alone, you berks. Them Crooked Vultures are intiguing me more and more every day. This review has done nothing to stop that and has indeed accelerated it. Surely the point of reviews is to arouse or dispel interest? So thank you, Mr Lewis, for quite clearly doing you job. And well.

[Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 00:13

Example for you Luke: "criss-crossed with stringy tendrils of bottleneck guitar." That doesn't help me at all. There's no clear opinion here, and I'm pretty sure most people here won't even be able to decipher it, thus, it is "gibberish". As for you Alan, I don't use either of those words, yet I love this, so don't stereotype. Just because they bore you, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone else. Consider this: you may have bad taste in music. I bet you're super group consists of Pete Wentz, Dave Matthews, and Travis Barker. These guys have MAJOR talent, and it doesn't take much to see it.

James #2 [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 00:25

Comparing Nobody Loves Me to... Make It Wit Chu? Are you on crack?

Johnny Firecloud [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 01:09

This piece is an insult. One of the most rightfully-and-massively-anticipated albums in the last decade, and NME gets the "first review" word in with a flippant skip through the tracks. Thoroughly insulting to actual music fans looking for a translation of music they're chomping at the bit to hear. I'll stick to Antiquiet.

Fuck NME [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 01:26

Calling Warsaw a skippable track? Go get your indie asses fucked, NME.

Mike [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 08:44

This review proves once and for all that you should use your ears and not buy/read crap like NME etc.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 31 2009 at 11:43

Look, thickos, this wasn't supposed to be an opinionated review - it was just a first-listen description of the tracks. But now I've had a few days to live with the album I'll give you an honest, accurate review: IT'S REALLY FUCKING BORING.

Zach [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 14:09

IT'S REALLY FUCKING BORING. Just spewing with professionalism.

Luke Lewis [Member] //October 31 2009 at 14:37

Spewing?

Stu [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 14:46

Doesn't sound boring to me http://soundcloud.com/crookedvultures/november-3rd

Brad [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 17:29

Just because each of these guys has been in a famous band isn't a reason to compare more than half the tracks to Foo, Qotsa, or Zeppelin.

Zach [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 17:55

Expelling large quantities of something... is that good enough for you? Spewing is a real word by the way, unlike "skronking". Some people, though, need to calm them selfs, while it is true, this review is hardly descriptive, you don't throw a single REAL insult until near the end of the review, they are taking some of the words wrong, because they come across negatively when they shouldn't be. For example your review of Scumbag Blues contains the word maniacal, which made the song sound more intense, oh well, we'll see how the record does when it's out.

BANG [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 18:43

If this article wasn't meant to be a review, why do you drop your opinions throughout it? If this is merely a description of the tracks, why is one of your two line summary on Waraw 'You'll skip this one'? At that point this became an opinion based review and your prose became more subjective through the rest of the piece. People are right and fair to hold your opinion to account. I admit, I really struggle to see how this album could be summed up in such a useless phrase as 'really fucking boring'. Their live show at Reading is the only thing I've got to go on but it was one of the best live performances I've ever seen, with some brilliantly structured rock. I can only assume you're just not an astute enough listener to take anything from this record and before you say that's irrelevant and that music should be for everyone, that just isn't true. Not all great art is for the masses. So read up, learn an instrument and start treating your position with some credibility; after all, it helps to actually know something about the subject your writing about.

fuck [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 18:49

whoever wrote this fucked up... the lyrics "I'm the trigger, quick to fire, punctuate betwixt the eyes". is from GUNMAN, and for that matter gunman does not open with piano, spinning in daffodils does. moreover, warsaw is 7 min of gold. but unfortunately a reviewer that is obviously upset that the album is more josh inspired then foo fighters, would have no appreciation for an amazing hypnotic song like warsaw

Ciaran [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 19:12

I disagree with the conclusion - if you've listened to some of John Paul Jones' solo stuff, you'll know that its very much so like TCV. So I'd say he had the biggest influence on it, obviously with Homme on vocals, and lead guitar its gonna sound quite QotSA too though

Fuck NME [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 19:57

What's exciting to you, Luke Lewis? Listening to the new, soon-to-be extinct electro-indie (s)hit band of the month that'll make it to the cover of NME?

adrian [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 20:00

really boring? enterain us all and let us know what you consider, not boring. if yo like the sound of sexy dark garage rock, you will love it.

Luke's a dolt [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 20:32

"Then more hoary, heads-down noodling." Dude...I doubt you even listened to Gunman. It's an unrelenting NIN-meets-QOTSA-meets-Zeppelin's "Trampled Underfoot" banger with a devious, devious hook, but you make it sound like some 17-minute Phish track. You lose.

No Chasa [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 20:47

Have some respect for every fan of good music, quit your job, you lucky and shameless cunt

Chris [Visitor] //October 31 2009 at 22:59

lol reviewer, you just stoop to everyone's level. You want to know the real problem with your reviews of the tracks? The fact that every song has to sound like something else. One sounds like 'Rock and Roll' and then another sounds like a Desert Session song, and then another is "Like Foos, but harder!" I'm sorry, but that's junk. If I want to listen to those aforementioned tracks, I will. You're giving the reader absolutely nothing to hold onto, especially when all we can hear is New Fang. All you do is give a sentence or two about how it might sound to someone else, when you should really be focusing on what the music sounds like on its own. You give no specifics and just leave the reader wanting nothing. Even reviews that slam the album can give people anticipation in hearing a release, but you offer nothing. That is why people don't like it.

If this is boring.... [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 06:11

then by the sounds of it Jonas Bros. might be just the thing to turn you on. What a waste of a person to give a demo to. If the promo's are anything to go by, BRING ON THE FUCKING BORING!

jimmy [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 13:13

How can you down an album after one quick listen.Find a new job!

Luke Lewis [Member] //November 1 2009 at 14:30

I've just spent the last 15 minutes deleting an avalanche of comments calling me a cunt, a cock-smoker, a faggot. What the fuck is wrong with you people? I didn't even dislike the album when I first heard it - there are moments of brilliance early on - but your humourlessness, insane inflexibility, and total, knuckle-headed rudeness have made me despise this band by association. If they attract morons like you as fans, I'd rather steer clear.

BANG [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 15:53

'...have made me despise this band by association.' - Just like NME to not like a band because another large group of people do. Get your own taste and stop worrying about the other people who like this band. That shouldn't affect your opinion. Maybe TCV aren't cool enough...

Fuck NME [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 18:13

Didn't NME put a Jonas Brothers track on their "Best of 2008" list? I bet Mr. Lewis had something to do with that! HA HA. Jokes aside, it seems this guy is too in love with indie fads to give a fuck about real music.

[Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 18:19

Luke, if you judge your music based on who listens to it, you shouldn't be working as a music reviewer. There's a reason why people are frustrated with you, you didn't even take the time to listen to the album! You describe each track wrong, you mixed tracks up, and you even left one out. How are people supposed to be okay with that? For me, these guys are my music heroes, and it's a little tough to me to accept that you are telling people the album's "FUCKING BORING" based on your poor knowledge based.

That Guy [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 19:20

To Luke Lewis: I don't think you understand the internet (inter-webs, internets). People become monkey's when posting comments. Actually, I'm a monkey right now, my brain shrunk to the size of a peanut, This happens anyone who tries to make a comment to a article.

That Guy [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 19:23

edit to my previous comment: You did a great job on describing the tracks, then you posted the article online. At that point you should have let it go. Don't even read the comments, don't even think about the comments.

dan [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 19:35

OK.....EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!! luke has simply posted a track by track assesment of the album pre-release THIS IS NOT A REVIEW!! it says at the top of the fucking page that a proper review will be published later i havn't heard the album, just new fang and 39 seconds of gunman on youtube but that isn't the point, THE POINT OF THIS COMMENT IS TO FIBD OUT WHY EVERONE IS GETTING FUCKING STRESSED OUT!! "your review sucks", "your a faggot/cunt/cocksucker" are bad enough ut all you idiots saying this is why "NME is shit and you shouldn't read it" HYPO-FUCKING-CRITS!! seriousy i wanted to read this and comment on the music but the tonnes of pointless abuse and numskullery in the comments has stopped luke i didn't see a problem with this post, but obviously all the foos/led zep/QOTSA fans/knobheads obviously do ??????????

hahaha! [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 20:15

Just imagining all the greasy metalheads sat around a thesaurus looking for variations of the word 'faggot' to call this reviewer is a pretty laughable image. Guys, it's a pretty neutral review so give it a rest yeah...having listened to some tracks, some are decent and some are pretty dire boring seen it all before dad rock...it's an intruiging balance, enjoy!

George-O [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 20:15

Why is this page turning into an argument? It's only a review, and it's a POSITIVE one. (sigh...)

joshua homme [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 21:12

er guys chill out, listen to my new album and decide for yourselves. leave this luke dude alone: peace n love, remember.

shawn [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 23:24

this review sounds as intelligent and as articulate as JOHN MENDELSOHN's (the rolling stone) review of led zeppelins first 2 albums. please in the future use some professionalism Mr.Luke Wilson. As well, your several comments post review only show your lack of credibility!

Biffo [Visitor] //November 1 2009 at 23:58

"Songs for the deaf isnt great"/ man you are either deaf or retarded.

shawn [Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 00:12

this review sounds as intelligent and as articulate as JOHN MENDELSOHN's (the rolling stone) review of led zeppelins first 2 albums. please in the future use some professionalism Mr.Luke Lewis. As well, your several comments post review only show your lack of credibility

[Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 02:54

damn people, I like this band too but jesus you didn't have to jump all over this dude like this. not everybody is gonna love this album

Stacked Actor [Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 05:01

Man, such a record seemed like a waste going to you guys. That's what I bet frustrated most of us. At least post a song or two over the internet because we are all dying over here to hear them!

James #2 [Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 06:30

Someone started a thread on the TCV forum and told people to come here and do this, so that's why the flood of comments. Most of these people have been soaking up youtube videos and trailers, and there's a lot of resentment for someone who has the album before the fans who doesn't really appreciate the music. That being said, I tend to agree with them outside the childish name calling. There are only maybe 4 song reviews that I have issues with, and I think I now understand my issues with them. It's either mostly, or partly, you dumbing it down for the masses. Comparing a song by TCV to a song by QOTSA that have no similarities other than the same singer is pretty ridiculous. I'm referencing Make It Wit Chu = Nobody Loves Me, BTW. Also, if 8 minutes of riffing is too much to handle, you probably haven't listened to much Kyuss or (insert any of hundreds of heavy metal bands here) But you're kind of doing me a favor, and keeping mainstream music fans away from the best kept under-the-radar secret since Tool. So, thanks I guess.

James #2 [Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 06:33

Also, you mixed up the reviews of Gunman and Caligulove. The latter has the piano, the former is the wah wah workout.

Marty JackToad [Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 12:16

People are very angry these days. I am looking forward to this album; it'll be great to hear something rocking with JPJ on it. He looked really happy playing with the FOO Fighters at Wembley and it's good to see elder (not elderly. That would be disrespectful) rockers making music with the people who cite them as a strong influence.

[Visitor] //November 2 2009 at 15:55

i think we should all just get along, this 'Luke Lewis' probably a different taste to all the people here, i am for one dissapointed for the silly comparisons i wish i was given a promo listen to this new album, i for one have been downloading the snippets of youtube, and i fucking love them, just let this guy have his say, then let us fans love the band in return.

Tinelasta [Visitor] //November 3 2009 at 15:42

Surely '"I'm the trigger, quick to fire, punctuate betwixt the eyes".is more reference to violence than sex? 'Punctuate between the eyes' is,obviously,a reference to shooting someone 'between the eyes'.Does this mean I'm cleverer than you?I think so.

nasty [Visitor] //November 4 2009 at 15:08

the problem is your dislike of the album is apparent from the tone of the piece, mustered by phrases like 'tiresome habit.' these are not phrazes for the young, they ruffle vultures

[Visitor] //November 6 2009 at 13:37

i don't get it, a load of people who don't like NME, on NME's website slating it, do you have nothing better to do?

Tanya [Visitor] //November 6 2009 at 15:41

OMG, guys, its like a bitch fight on here! Pretty sure I won't agree with this review, but I'm not gonna slate the guy...everyone to their own right? thats what musics all about... as for slagging 3 of the greatest musicians around in this day and age, get a life! they are great down to earth guys and decided to do something with their talent...accept it, love it, and stop whinging like little girls!

american beasty [Visitor] //November 6 2009 at 19:35

oh my god u guys like u need to like totaly get over urselves and get with the program its like so yesterday like oh my god wot everrrrr girlfriend

[Visitor] //November 9 2009 at 20:19

Great breakdown of the songs but even better a hugh bitch fight to read after!!!! A lot of you morons should audition as a new judge on X Factor seeing as you seem so critical of music,

Happy [Visitor] //November 9 2009 at 23:44

Having listened to this album over youtube i have to say it's damned fantastic, at least it is to my humble ears. never been a fan of NMEs music taste, but reading the reviews is fun anyway

[Visitor] //November 10 2009 at 00:45

Hey, guess what, I've listened to the album, and it's NOTHING like the way you described it. Do us all a favor, and get fired.

Ally [Visitor] //November 10 2009 at 11:54

I was convinced withinexactly 2 minutes and 43 seconds of the album starting. It's not an album to be critically masturbated over, it is instead just: simply excellent rock n' roll by three people who know how to write interesting and hard-edged rock. There's not enough of it these days, and if you don't agree with that go sit in a corner and listen to the turgid last Kings of Leon album...

Them Lop-sided Budgies [Visitor] //November 10 2009 at 12:55

This is the first awesome supergroup, the album is fantastic... or course it will get compared to Zep and Qotsa, they're part of it!! Elephant is insane music, brilliant stuff, fuck everything else out at the moment, this is where it's at!!

Homme's Muse [Visitor] //November 10 2009 at 13:21

Oh my god!..Okay, forgetting the actual TCV album and the review of said album (Luke Lewis I love you :-)), I've just read somewhere in this unnecessary but nonetheless amusing blog the comment “songs for the deaf isn’t great”....what?....haha, ah sheer Brilliance......send your CV to NME, they’re looking for music-appreciatingly-defect-numb individuals it seems, judging from the scorn written here in this blog

Rob [Visitor] //November 10 2009 at 14:23

This review makes little sense to be honest.

Luke Lewis's Boss [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 00:13

Did you even listen to the album?

Chase [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 01:57

I've listened (since it's up on youtube and all). I think it's great fun. I mean, there hasn't been time to make a REAL opinion yet, what with it just being made available. But I like it. As far as Lewis' article, well, it was just a track by track preview...chill out, guys. In all honesty, it is a couple songs too long. 11 tracks would have been perfect.

Bill [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 03:22

Generic and uninteresting. Repetitive after only one listen. Disappointed that it lacked Dave singing harmonies, in my opinion he is a better singer than Homme. John Paul Jones is solid, but unremarkable. Dave is a fantastic drummer, but this recording didn't capture his sheer power. Of course the bar for this record was set beyond anything these guys could deliver simply from their rock star status'. However, if the same songs were released by a group of unknowns 90% of you wouldn't even give it an ear. The album contains a few catchy tracks that quickly lose their sparkle after a few listens. The rest seems like filler. Super-group or aging lounge act? Where the is this albums "edge"? Download worthy tracks: 1. No One Loves Me and Neither Do I 3. New Fang 2.5/5.

Straight Buzard [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 06:01

I have been listening to this album nonstop. I haven't experienced such an elated, euphoric sensation upon hearing an album since being introduced to the Beatles and listening to Nirvana's Nevermind. I can honestly call this the album of the decade. Reading this description now makes me laugh.

Bobby Brown [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 11:40

There are elements of led zeppelin and queens of the stone age in there all the way through the album, it is indeed a dark sounding album which continues in the same vein as era vulgaris did in places this is just more consistantly so. As a big fan of the individual bands they all come from though and being given the opportunity to see them all perform on the same stage (no one loves me i cant wait to hear....) i have to say that im ridiculously excited.

Paul [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 12:52

Listened to the album last night, whilst there are some experimental songs in there, the rest is breathtakingly good - the over-riding influence is obviously homme (guitar sounds, singing styles, production) and it sounds like QOTSA mixed with Led Zep, which is what I imagine it was meant to be. Fantastic.

alcohorse [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 12:55

Some seriously harsh put-downs, but made me have a reet chuckle! Dunno if it was actually Josh Homme who posted or not but I'm pretty sure that's exactly what the big man would say, NME's reviews rarely reflect my own taste but it's good to get another perspective - there are plenty of places to go and read reviews that indiscriminantly cream over anything with a riff. As it happens, I've had one listen and it's sounding grand but the comment about QOTSA B-sides might be applicable to some tracks. That said, I thought that about lullabies to paralize at first and love it now. I reckon this might just be a similarly slow-burner, like all the greatest records!

alcohorse [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 13:35

Oh, and in fairness the 'rocket from the crypt' reference is undeniable!

Krunch [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 14:08

They're a fine band but, who cares? I remember the first time I heard Nirvana, The White Stripes, The Strokes, and even Amy Winehouse. I had to say "Wow, that's different, who'e that?" With this band, while certainly talented, it's all been done before and all I can say is "Wow, who cares?"

wow [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 21:56

instead of abusing luke, form your own opinions on the album when you listen to it. everyone is entitled to an opinion, not everyone is going to like the same stuff or agree on everything, especially when it comes to music.

Awesome-O [Visitor] //November 11 2009 at 23:51

This record is brillant. Thank God this doesn't sound like Foo Fighters' shit.

DPrzyojski [Visitor] //November 12 2009 at 01:01

"I'm the trigger, quick to fire, punctuate betwixt the eyes". Not sure being 'quick to fire' is quite the romantic association you're after, Josh… Maybe because this is a quote from Gunman, NOT Calligulove

Richard Hard [Visitor] //November 12 2009 at 03:37

After multiple listens, and to be fair, it is an exciting album for the most part, with a few duds in my opinion (Elephants after first few riffs, Scumbag Blues). However, like any album, it needs multiple listens to appreciate, not just one. That said, glad to hear some good old rocking riffs, something missing since before the advent of "pussy metal" of the late 80s....

Designer [Visitor] //November 12 2009 at 13:42

Thank god for Josh Homme! This album is everything I hoped for and even more. I like Dave Grohl´s voice but you can´t beat Josh. It´s like a punch in the face and every track is amazing. Can´t wait to see them live

Heard The Record [Visitor] //November 13 2009 at 21:57

I can tell you that this is a great rock record -you listen to it, want to it hear it again, and then it again. It doesn't grow on you -it Grabs you, and once you're hooked, you realize you're listening to one of the best records of the year, and a better album than the last Queens’ and Foo Fighter's records for sure. It does sound more like Queens than anything else, but not exactly -it's truly a solid collaboration between all 3. You don't be disappointed –and while it’s usually safe not to build up these sort of collaborations or super groups –this record Deserves to be built up. It Rocks, and more importantly, the Songs are there.

Martyn [Visitor] //November 14 2009 at 21:13

As a huge fan of QOTSA I was seriously excited about this album. It hasn't let me down, for me a good album just flows and this album does that and doesn't rely on its individual tracks. The only criticism I have is that it doesn't sound like a new band, it sounds like a new QOTSA album, just more accessible.

..... [Visitor] //November 16 2009 at 12:07

"It's NOT led Zeppelin, Nirvana or prime QOTSA. It's bored rich men boring the arse off everyone." - If that is from a writer at the magazine (since it was from a 'member') then you clearly are a complete moron. As for this non review, why would I skip something like 'Warsaw'? NME tend to be so biased towards the flailing, monochrome indie crowd that it is embarrasing. I mean, its like they know nothing about music outside that sub genre. I always remember the review of NIN's 'Year Zero' ablum said that said "there' sod all guitar on this album". Clearly didn't listen to it properly then? As for the idiots on here comparing this to Foo Fighters: get a clue

Listener [Visitor] //November 16 2009 at 17:47

Josh Homme's influence shines through, pure QOTSA, but not lullabies or SFTD style. JPJ's influence is there too. Its not a Foo's album and anyone who expected that should just go back and listen to them. Grohl is on the drums this time not fronting, and doing what he does so well. Personally I love it, can't wait to see them live next month. Serious music played serious musicians.

Max [Visitor] //November 17 2009 at 03:49

I think a different singer (even someone close to Homme and QOTSA, like Lanegan) would've made this album something else. My main criticism is that Homme's droning/semi-falsetto singing style gets old fast. When they released the instrumental snippets a while back, the music did not sound much like QOTSA. Still, TCV is better than 90% of the crap put out these days.

Michael [Visitor] //November 17 2009 at 20:32

This review is totally off the mark. Warsaw is arguably the best song on the record and for sure the best song they play live. Whoever did this review has poor taste. I think this album is amazing, can't wait to see them again. I've already seen them twice. \M/

Sirhavas [Visitor] //November 17 2009 at 23:23

Trop fort Josh, t'es le meilleur !

Treeza [Visitor] //November 22 2009 at 16:10

Well fuck everyone...it's my album of the year without a doubt...don't bother with analysing, just enjoying the ride over n over again! THIS MUTHAFUCKIN CD ROCKS!!

CHUD [Visitor] //November 22 2009 at 23:57

Hey I love this record, just got on Thursday. All three members were in one way or another associated with METAL at some point in their respective careers. Perhaps that explains the stratification of opinion. Everyone knows that indie rock has an obessive hatred of metal in general and vice versa. The geeks are piloting the ship now, so I guess past associations wont be forgiven/forgotten. If Jack White or Thom Y. was the singer we'd have seen a sunnier appraisal, gauranteed.

Martyn [Visitor] //November 25 2009 at 02:11

can people please stop calling each other names? honestly if you look into the album it has influence from all 3 members, but the vocals are Josh Homme, the guitsr work is Josh Homme, their session guitarist is Alain Johannes. Grohl did the majority of drums on Songs for theDeaf. Are they really going to sound like anything else other than QOTSA? This could have been released under the Qotsa monike and nobody would have battered an eyelid

DanTheManFantastic [Visitor] //November 30 2009 at 11:04

Put Josh Homme of Queens of The Stone Age, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters/Nirvana, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin in a studio together, let them aimlessly jam to their hearts content, and you end up with the 13 tracks on ‘Them Crooked Vultures’. I had high hopes for this album, but after repeated listens to the 66 minute behemoth I felt it to be too bloated and self-indulgent an album to really love. Homme’s guitar suffocates the vocals on most songs, although that’s not a big drawback as there’s little of lyrical value to be heard, relying on clichés and mumbled meanderings (“Acid, Poison and Chemicals Baby” goes a line in ‘Interlude with Ludes’). When TCV are good, such as on ‘New Fang’ and ‘Mind Eraser, No Chaser’, they’re very good. But these odd flashes of brilliance are too rare on a record that waddles along under the weight of its own musicianship

This post has 1 feedback awaiting moderation...

RECENT POSTS

Archives

CATEGORIES

Categories

SEARCH

Them Crooked Vultures Album - First Listen

By Luke Lewis

Posted on 28/10/09 at 04:08:11 pm

More NME

MORE NME

More NME:

Inside NME.COM

NME.COM

Ignite Network

Subscribe to NME Magazine

About Us

RSS Feeds

Join us on: