SYNESTHESIA: NOW PLAYING IN THE SAVAGE JUKEBOX OCTOBER 2015

"ABSOLUTELY FREE"
FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION
Released May 26, 1967

"SHEIK YERBOUTI"
FRANK ZAPPA
Released March 3, 1979

"PLANET P. PROJECT"
PLANET P. PROJECT
Released 1983

"FOR YOU"
PRINCE
Released April 7, 1978

"TUG OF WAR"
PAUL McCARTNEY
Released April 26, 1982

"YOUR SAVING GRACE"
THE STEVE MILLER BAND
Released November 1969

"ALLAS SAK"
DUNGEN
Released September 25, 2015
NEW 2015 MUSIC: Steve Manley, you are an evil, evil man!!!! Just kidding, my friend. I only say those words (purely in jest, of course) because Steve has once again pointed me towards a band that has fully captured my attention, so much so that (as you will see on this list), I have excitedly begun heading backwards through their discography.

The band is Dungen and they hail from Stockholm, Sweden and sing in their native language as well. The name of the band translates (if I am to believe Wikipedia) as "The Groove," which feels more than appropriate as the band has somehow channeled a certain early 1970's psychedelic rock palate where extended instrumentals with loads of Jethro Tull-ish flute passages, no less) can co-exist with heavily melodic pop songs, guitar heroics, free flowing drums and whatever else the band feels that they can get away with tossing into their musical stew.

Their latest album, the band's first release in four years, continues upon this path making for an experience that is completely engrossing even though I am unable to understand even one word that is being sung. But isn't that the great thing about music and its ability to transcend language by creating a universal language? And trust me, "Allas Sak" is one of my musical highlights of the year.

"PIPES OF PEACE"
PAUL McCARTNEY
Released October 31, 1983

"SKIT i allt"
DUNGEN
Released September 14, 2010

"DODGE AND BURN"
THE BEAD WEATHER
Released September 25, 2015
NEW 2015 MUSIC: This is going to come as a bit of a surprise to you but, despite the praise the album has received through music publications and fans, for me, I really think this album is a bit of a dud.

This third album from The Dead Weather, their first in five years, is a release that finds the unit as vigorous as ever, and performing with force and fury (trust me, this is Jack White's finest performances behind the drum kit to date) but somehow, someway, it all feels so flat, so "been there-done that," and frankly, so boring. These feelings completely startled me, especially as much as I loved the band's first two albums. But, I do think that as of late, White is beginning to become an insufferable parody of himself with his faux blues purity and completely recycled Zeppelin riffs and wannabe hip-hop swagger.

There are some good moments on this new release but for the most part, "Dodge And Burn," just felt like the outtakes from the band's previous and better albums...or quite possibly, unused riffs that they just decided to get themselves around to. The freshness and excitement of the past was not present for me and in ways, it felt as if the band is just going through the motions instead of feeling truly inspired. Lead singer Alison Mosshart continues to squeal and scream, Guitarist Dean Fertita continues to channel White's guitar fireworks and as for Jack White III himself, well...I think he fashions himself to now be some sort of a rapper, and the masquerade is something that I am not certain is all that convincing.

I would hate for this band to go the way into White Stripes predictability and find themselves boxed into becoming prefabricated poseurs but for this album, they are coming dangerously close. Will The Raconteurs please return anytime soon????