Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf

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Free Music Notes for Songs for the Deaf

Free Music Review: I'm Not Deaf Yet, Keep Playing
Hit: 5 Stars

The song ends, and the band's first single, "No One Knows", begins. Using powerhouse drumming from none other than Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighter fame, and an odd, though thoroughly hypnotic riff. This track has some of the best writing on the album, some great soloing, and is incredibly catchy. We are subjected to more radio drivel, but not too much. "First It Giveth" begins immediately with more power drumming from Grohl. He really gets to stretch his muscles here. After some powerful riffing, the song's tone suddenly shifts, becoming quiet, using an actual acoustic guitar, but suddenly shifts back at breakneck speed. Altogether a great track, but not the best, in my opinion.

Next is "Song For The Dead". A seeming tribute to the great Jimi Hendrix, it sounds like Hendrix if he had taken biker speed instead of acid. This seems like a dark and harder rocking "Foxy Lady", especially Grohl's drumming, where he seems to be channeling Mitch Mitchell. Using a call and response with the guitars that is reminiscent of "All Along The Watchtower", the song also includes some forceful soloing. This is probably my favorite song on the album, followed closely by the song that comes right after it, "The Sky Is Fallin`". The song, like "Millionaire", begins with slowly and quietly, but suddenly becomes strong and hard hitting. This is where it becomes apparent what is meant when QOTSA are described as "Robot Rock". The song is pure repetition. This in no way detracts from the song itself, though it does seem to give it an apathetic feel. The lyrics seem profound, and Homme's crooning seems quite beautiful here.

Unfortunately, these great songs are followed by "Six Shooter". The most unlistenable track on the album, the track is primarily Homme screaming "F*ck" repeatedly. After a few listens, I can honestly say I don't mind the track as much as when I first heard it. Its skippable, definitely. "Hanging Tree" comes next, with Homme's vocals virtually unrecognizable as his own. Seems to be his talent, adequately shown throughout the album. The guitars are good throughout the track, culminating in a good, though short, solo.

Another favorite of mine, "Go With The Flow", follows, allowing all musicians to showcase their talent. The drums come though in full force, the vocals are attractive, drawing in the listener, and great guitars throughout, and, to round it all out, keyboards are thrown in the mix. This big jumble turns out to be a very marketable, and altogether excellent, single. "Gonna Leave You" shows yet another vocal change for Homme. His voice seems almost (I hesitate to say this) poppy. Yes, its sweet sounding, and contrasts starkly with the grinding guitars. The two extremes come together to form a sad, yet strangely happy song. The writing is excellent: "You're out of my high chair/ I'm out of your womb".

Following it is "Do It Again". I really like this song, but I can't pinpoint a reason why. I'm beginning to suspect it may be Homme's vocal change mid-song, going from his normal (I think) voice to a higher pitched one. The vocals are the outstanding mark of this song. Coupled with the hard-edged, grinding guitars, they make for an exceptional track. Next, after almost a minute of "radio", is the great "God Is In The Radio". Starting out with a simple bass line and a bit of keyboard, the drums kick in, sounding reminiscent of a marching band. This is one of the slower songs on the album. The song fades out, only to fade back in with a solo that, for some reason, reminds me of a heavier version of the Allman Brothers Band.

"Another Love Song" is really just a redo of "Gonna Leave You", but that fact doesn't retract from it. It is still a good song, with the vocals creating an airy, poppy mood. The guitars aren't as heavy as they usually are, adding to the pop-esqueness of the track. The closer (supposedly) is "Song For The Deaf". Now, I'll be honest, this track is near frightening to me. Of course, I usually hear it 10 minutes after I wake up, waiting for my bus, but still. It gives a sense of open, emptiness. It is easily associated with the thought of being deaf, and I believe that is what they were going for with this. The bass is outstanding, along with the guitar playing and vocals. All first class. It comes together to make a great ender (almost) to a great album.

Following "Deaf" is a short little jam from "Feel Good Hit Of The Summer", with the vocals replaced with laughs. The drums fading into the background make me remember why I like that song so much. Next is the "hidden" track, "Mosquito Song". A simple acoustic song, it sounds absolutely nothing like the rest of the album, but still finds a way to fit in. Using grisly lyrics and a simple guitar riff, the song tells of the dangers of killer mosquitoes. Eventually incorporating an accordion and cellos, this song is very quaint and beautiful, a fitting end to a melodic album. Whoa, déjà vu.

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