Music for Smoky Basements

Remember that stoner in high school who was smarter than his leather wristbands let on? That's a lot like Queens of the Stone Age. Maybe some of you have been fans of Josh Homme's L.A. rock band for years. Me, I'm coming late to the QOTSA party. But hey, at least I showed up. I'm digging this new disc, and I wish I had paid more attention to them when they opened for the Foo Fighters last year.

Queens of the Stone Age
Album: Era Vulgaris (Interscope)
In stores: Now
Why we care: QOTSA leader Josh Homme might as well have a mullet. He’s an old-school hard-rocker who builds his fuzzed-out songs one mastodonic riff at a time. His albums are as comfortable as fake-wood paneling, a 12-pack of Schlitz and crackling vinyl. You wanna rock? The Queens are money in the bank.
Why we like it: Homme is known for inviting buddies (such as Foo Fighter Dave Grohl) into the studio. Here he calls on the Strokes’ Julian Casablancas and Screaming Tree Mark Lanegan to raise a ruckus. But you never forget that this is Homme’s party: the stuttering guitars (3’s & 7’s), the macho harmonies (Turnin’ on the Screw), the deliciously awkward romance (Make It Wit Chu).
Reminds us of: Derek Zagzoug's basement, 6th grade, Westford, Mass.
Download these: Battery Acid and Make It Wit Chu
Grade: B+

Comments

[Sarah]

Did you ever hear of The Desert Sessions? It was organized by Joshua Homme - they did I Wanna Make it Wit Chu on that disc too. I'll have to check out the new version and see if it's as good as the other one.