Queens of the Stone Age - Queens of the Stone Age

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Music reviews of Queens of the Stone Age

Music Review: Raw, tongue in cheek acid rock (4.5 stars)
Rating: 4 Stars

1. Regular John - 5/5 - definitely one of the stand-out tracks. Gives the feel of quieted guitar with pumping amps; a sound that is continually used throughout the album. Although the name may lead you to believe it's just "regular", it's anything but.

2. Avon - 5/5 - I heard this one before I owned this CD, via listening to it on the compilation disc The Hard + The Heavy. The hard rock pace here is much slower than the opening track. The lyrics are kind of hard to understand, but search on Google; you'll be impressed... I promise.

3. If Only - 5/5 - this might actually be one of QOTSA's best songs to date. The guitar work, primarily the solos, is most notable. Consequently, this is my favorite song on the CD. And although the chorus appears pop-like and more reminiscent of latter songs, it's very intense and provocative. Excellent!

4. Walkin On The Sidewalks - 4.5/5 - the first true acid rock song to appear. It may be off-putting for some people--the people who are looking for polished sound--but it's still very enjoyable. There might be a little too much rawness to label it perfect though.

5. You Would Know - 4/5 - very similar to "Walkin On The Sidewalks". That's probably why it's not quite as impressive. That and the fact that they repeat the title way too many times. Because of that it lacks the suspiciousness previous (and latter) songs offer.

6. How To Handle A Rope - 4/5 - acts as a cross between "Walkin" and "Avon". It has an up-beat feel to it, but still maintains the heavier edge that this CD is so infamous for. The song is about letting the Devil get a-hold of you, which is very satirical.

7. Mexicola - 5/5 - not a lot of lyrics here, and that's okay. It's a long song (pushing five minutes) that is attention-getting at all moments. The band's ties with Mexico shine through here; maybe more fittingly than a Spanish version of "Go With The Flow", or...

8. Hispanic Impressions - 3/5 - tries to hard to become something more than a song that is nothing more than an instrumental track. Yet unlike so many other instrumentals, it does manage to entertain. But the guitar work is nothing spectacular. And therefore neither is the song.

9. You Can't Quit Me Baby - 3.5/5 - although having a similar title to a Zeppelin song, it sounds nothing like LZ. This one actually sounds like a b-side that just missed the cut for R. It's certainly more melodious than other songs; which is hit-and-miss for the type of CD this is.

10. Give The Mule What He Wants - 4/5 - the attempt at tuneful (choice word) rock music is a bit more successful here than on the preceding track. But I just don't think it stands out compared the other songs. And that title?... who knows?

11. I Was A Teenage Hand Model - 5/5 - although your main reason for loving this disc will most likely be for its edginess and heavy rock beats, you have to appreciate this finale. The background, that echoes like whistling but isn't, almost makes you want to dance. Great lyrics; and an exceptional closer.

I don't actually know if lead singer Josh Homme was in fact a teenage hand model; and I don't know much about his notorious `90s band Kyuss. But none of that takes away from my enjoyment of Queens Of The Stone Age. This CD proves to be a great start for the band. However, I will once more say that none of the songs, though "If Only" comes close, sound like "No One Knows" or even a "Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret" (again, "You Can't Quit Me Baby" falls just short). So if you're looking for a duplicate performance of either of QOTSA's other albums, you won't find it here. But lord behold, the Queens Of The Stone Age's many fans will take great pride in listening to this CD. And if you like the Queens Of The Stone Age, this album is worth the gamble. Would-be classics like "Regular John" and "If Only" could've easily done what "No One Knows" did for them. And [my] personal favorites "Mexicola" and "Avon" only add to this CD's persistent refinement.

Description of Queens of the Stone Age

Hard Rock & Metal CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock