Rock Werchter 2010 Day 4: A Day With The Rock Gods

Again the sun was relentless and it would turn out to be another hot day. The heat was getting the best of us but we would hang in there. Time for some screaming guitars to wake us up! And a nice zeppelin in the sky to accompany us. Do you think John Paul Jones saw the air vessel?



The Van Jets (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
And this band was just what we needed. In the shade of one of the light towers we watched them pour their rock riffs over the decently filled field. This promising band has some nice solid 70s inspired rock songs. Singer Johannes Verschaeve is a convincing frontman that is able to transfer his energy to the crowd so they received a good response.

Sweet Coffee (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
I like a good cup of coffee especially one of those sturdy espressos. Nice and bitter so without sugar. I was expecting a more jazzy sound from this Belgian band but it turned out to be a mix of soul and dance. It kind of sounded like Faithless on valium. Not bad though and the vibes were pretty good. Just maybe a bit too sweet for my tasting.

The Black Keys (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Nothing sweet about this rocking duo. Especially drum player Patrick Carney was putting lots of effort in his drum playing. His face turning more and more red and sweaty during the set. For a moment they had two more musicians helping them out. But they really didn't need them to produce their rough blues and rock songs. The main stage does seem a bit big for only two people. By this time the burning sun really got too much so we stayed in the shade of one of the food stands to check out the next couple of bands.

Alice in Chains (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Their glorious return with the album 'Black Gives Way To Blue' put them back on the rock map. They played a tight set and looked more comfortable than the great gig back in August. The slow heavy grooves were going down well with many people and the new songs blend in nicely with the older hits. It looked like the boys were enjoying it a lot and I'm sure they have won some hearts over. Ending the set in style with 'Rooster' while Dave Grohl was watching in approval.



Vampire Weekend (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
It's hard to write an objective review about this band. I tried to watch them objectively as well but could not. Their happy tunes do not remind me of Africa at all but really get on my nerves. Their live performance wasn't that special either so I really don't get all fuzz. Don't worry, it's me not them I guess.

Them Crooked Vultures (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
I cannot watch this band objectively either. With members of my favourite bands including one of my favourite drum players showing off his skills and the fun they are having every performance of these guys is a treat. Great grooves, killer riffs and mouthwatering jams always make my day. So I left my shady spot to get a closer look once again. Too bad this time the zeppelin didn't swing by.

Arcade Fire (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
I never really paid much attention to Arcade Fire. Although I heard good things about them they somehow never really crossed my radar. It must be the combination with indie folk that kind of puts me off. But it was a pleasant introduction to their music. Good moments alternated with weaker parts but all in all they played a good set. They haven't really won me over but they sent out good vibes.

Pearl Jam (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
The ultimate festival band was closing this year's edition of Rock Werchter. They are one of my favourite rock bands and I don't agree with all the sceptics that say their best years have long gone. And they showed they're still on top of things with an energetic and convincing set. A weird moment was when they all left the stage early in their set but maybe Dave Grohl called that the burgers were done. Eddie Vedder mentioned they were having a backstage bbq with Alice in Chains and Them Crooked Vultures and Grohl was minding the grill. Vedder looked really eager and aggressive just the way I like it. Their show flew by and before I knew it they were playing their last song MC5's 'Kick out the Jams' with the Them Crooked Vultures members and fireworks helping them out. I guess they were done bbqing.



The fire continued on the festival site where small fires were started. Fire and heat surely seemed to be the common theme this year. The level of the bands was very high and we had seen great music. For the last time we walked back along the many bars and food stands, got ourselves a last cervela and returned to our tent fully satisfied where we laid our sore overheated and tired bodies to rest. The next morning we woke up it was cloudy and raining. Time to go home.

See more pictures over here:
Rock Werchter 2010 Day 4 Pictures

Rock Werchter 2010 Day 1 Review >
Rock Werchter 2010 Day 2 Review >
Rock Werchter 2010 Day 3 Review >

Read more!

Them Crooked Vultures Offer Night Of Sweaty Sexy Rock

Yes, I have been a big fan of Them Crooked Vultures from day one. I was one of the lucky people to see them perform for the first time in Europe last year and their encore on Lowlands. Now they were back on their nest for a second appearance in Amsterdam after their glorious debut in August.

Them Crooked Vultures at Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam June 10 2009 (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
And I loved those both performances to bits. Their album might just be my musical wet dream and I really don't get why so many critics dislike it and are always negative about Josh Homme and Dave Grohl. Of course I'm prejudiced as a fan but even from an objective standpoint it still is a good album. Maybe it's just jealousy because these guys have achieved what most musicians can only dream of: being in succesful bands and having a hobby band on the side that happens to be of extraordinary quality. And have lots of fun doing it at the same time. That must be hard to swallow for most sour critics.

So I just had to be there again in the Heineken Music Hall that was sold out and therefore loaded. But only after the support act 'As I Watch You From Afar' put down a nice show to warm us up. Their instrumental progrock tunes were a great way to get in the mood.



But then loud cheers welcomed the stars of the night to the stage. They immediately went full force (thank God for ear plugs) and put down their killer grooves. Compared to last year they were anticipating more to each other and the vultures machine was well oiled and running smoothly. Grohl is just incredible to watch on drums playing so strong and convincing with inventive grooves and fills. Josh Homme looked very relaxed, playing his signature licks, chatting and cracking jokes once and a while. Even his crooning during 'Interlude with Ludes' looked less clumsy than last year. John Paul Jones is an amazing multi-instrumentalist playing bass, keyboards and violin. It must be great playing with a steady relaxed musician like him. And Alain Johannes was showing that he's just as important to the band as the rest with great solo's and riffs filling up the songs and giving them more body.

With only one album out they don't have a lot of songs yet but of course that's no problem. They just extended some of them by turning them into long jams showing off their skills. They included two more songs 'Highway One' and 'You Can't Possibly Begin To Imagine' that aren't on the album. Appearently that last one is a new song and may end up on their second record later this year.



After two hours of high quality rock music they ran out of songs and it was time to say goodbye. No more tunes left for an encore but who needs one of those scheduled endings of a show anyway? So what's wrong with Josh Homme and Dave Grohl besides them having fun? And calling Grohl overrated (yes, I've read critics stating that) is absolute nonsense. He must be one of the best and most inventive rock drummers at the moment. So maybe it's not sensitive indie folk music that all those critics seems to love these days but I would trade in any of those so called creative bands with their fussing for another two hours of steaming dirty rock by Them Crooked Vultures.
Read more!

Them Crooked Vultures Spread Their Mighty Wings

Much has been written about the three superstars forming Them Crooked Vultures including me. A lot of mystery surrounded their shows but slowly they revealed the songs. So by the time the album was released we knew what the music was about but what would it sound like on a studio album?


Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)

Live it sounds great as I was lucky enough to experience twice. Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones simply are the dream rythm section of every rock band. Together with Josh Homme's vocals and stoner guitar sound the songs sound heavy and rough with nice twists. All these elements are still there on the album. Grohl's drum play simply is incredibly strong with killer grooves and rolling fills. A loose style with lots of swing. It's clear he paid close attention to his big example John Bonham. No wonder it works very good with Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones who once again shows why he was so important for the 70s rock band. Songs like 'Scumbag Blues' and 'New Fang' are perfect for this grooving combo.

'Mind Eraser, No Chaser', 'Dead End Friends' and 'Warsaw Or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up' seem to be taken straight of a Queens of the Stone Age album. 'Elephant' is a perfect blend of both worlds.

Not all songs are equally good. 'Interlude With Ludes' is a psychedelic sounding song but seems be going nowhere. Fortunately others are brilliant like my personal favourite 'Gunman' that has all the ingredients for the perfect rock tune.

In the end no one was actually expecting anything ground breaking or special anymore. And I don't think that was ever their objective. This is just the perfect example of a very good rock album. And it's obvious the three musicians had a great time recording it. And so will I listening to it over and over again.
Read more!

Them Crooked Vultures Reveal Album Details

Them Crooked Vultures announced the release of a first single "New Fang" on October 26. They also finally revealed the release of their self titled debut album on November 17. Click "Read More" for the track list and here for more information on the album release. Preorder the album here.
Full track listing:

No One Loves Me & Neither Do I
Mind Eraser, No Chaser
New Fang
Dead End Friends
Elephants
Scumbag Blues
Bandoliers
Reptiles
Interlude With Ludes
Warsaw or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up
Caligulove
Gunman
Spinning In Daffodils


Read more!

Them Crooked Vultures Feast Big On Great Music

It seems to be the year of supergroups. After Chickenfoot here is Them Crooked Vultures with members of some of my favourite bands: Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). I'm not sure if fourth member Alain Johannes is an official band member but he's playing with them live. Maybe not as famous but he played with many big artists and can be considered a top guitarist. So when they announced a suprise gig in Amsterdam I didn't hesitate and joined the huge queue straight after work.

Them Crooked Vultures at the Melkweg Amsterdam, August 19 2009 (Ronald Says 10 out of 10)

And I had to wait for 2,5 hours to get my personal ticket and wrist band that would give me access to the highly anticipated gig. Later it turned out there were still tickets left minutes before the gig started but who could have expected it? They rocked the house in Chicago a few weeks ago but besides that not much can be found or heard from the band. But with these great musicians surely this could only be good right?

Even better it turned out to be magical. They showed up on stage at 21.00 and the eager crowd gave them a huge welcome. There was this special vibe as if people knew something big was going to happen but no one was sure what. But when the four started to play it was clear right away: a big fat rock show like it is meant to be. Dave Grohl had a huge smile and while chewing gum gave it all. The guys seemed very cheerful and relaxed and were enjoying the hell out of it. And so did we!



While temperatures were rising fast they played some memorable rock tunes. Big grooves, heavy blues, killer riffs, tempo changes, creative bridges, psychedelic repeating riffs together with pumping drums, pounding bass lines, screaming guitars and a sweaty atmosphere. All the ingredients for a rock heavy night never to forget. It leaned most on the Queens of the Stone Age sound and sometimes it reminded me of their album "Songs for the Deaf" on which Dave Grohl was also sitting behind the drum kit. And it was clear that he belongs there more than anywhere else. His relaxed powerful style and sound are great. Big fat grooves and swinging patterns with rolling fills like his example John Bonham.

John Paul Jones is of course a great bass player and perfect for this rytm section. He entered the stage with a futuristic slide guitar but after that continues on bass. His pumping bass lines go perfectly with Grohl's grooves. Alain Johannes is a great addition to complete this brilliant rythm section. Josh Homme is definitely enjoying himself in this dream group. He seems very relaxed and his vocals and guitar solos and riffs combine perfectly with the rest. His unique sound gives it that Queens of the Stone Age feel but that's inevitable. Halfway the set they play a weird kind of jam on which Homme puts away his guitar and uncomfortable is doing a silly dance. I guess he lost some kind of bet. But for the rest the keep knocking out song after song in this 80 minute set that seems similar to the one in Chicago. The Melkweg roars when they walk off the stage leaving us begging for more. And probably I'll get more on the Lowlands festival on Saturday.

A day after my head's still spinning from what I've experienced. Was it all real? And maybe I get to see them again within a few days! I'm some lucky bastard!


Read more!

Them Crooked Vultures touch down

Rumours were buzzing on the internet for a while. A website showing only one page and directions to Twitter, Facebook and MySpace pages revealed little. But it was appearant that the superband Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) had spoken about in a 2005 interview was taking shape. The band name: "Them Crooked Vultures" and according to Grohl in the same interview "they wouldn't suck".

A little later the band announced their debut gig at the Metro in Chicago on August 10th. The band besides Grohl consisting of Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) opened their set at exactly midnight. No one knew what to expect since no songs had surfaced so far.

Grohl was handling the drums while Homme was on lead vocals and guitar. John Paul Jones as always played bass. Alain Johannes completed the band on guitar although it seems he's not an official member of the band. They played an energetic 80 minute set totalling 12 songs:

Elephants
New Fang
Scumbag Blues
Dead End Friends
Bandoliers
Mind Eraser
Gunman
Daffodils
Interlude w/ Ludes
Caligulove
Warsaw
Nobodys Loves Me


Read a full description of the gig over here.

Rumours are the band will play surprise gigs at two European festival Pukkelpop and Lowlands. I can't wait to hear some of their songs or see them live at Lowlands! What about you?
Read more!