Review: …Like Clockwork – Queens of the Stone Age

I would like to make a little quick notice of what we got in this week at Fuzz Records. As you may or may not know, since the breakup of The Mars Volta, Omar Rodriguez Lopez has formed a new band called Bosnian Rainbows. We happen to have the self-titled debut, Bosnian Rainbows, in stock right now. While there is some similarities to The Mars Volta, Lopez’s new band goes for something more vibrant.

Also, we still do have My Bloody Valentine’s M B V in stock, as well as Boards of Canada’s Tomorrow’s Harvest and Queens of the Stone Age’s …Like Clockwork (Deluxe Edition). Read my short (but sweet) review of this …Like Clockwork:

Hit the jump to check out the full review of …Like Clockwork!

I cannot believe that I am just now listening to this album, but I am sure that it is better to be late than to never. With so many great releases this year, from some of my favorite bands and new artists alike, I would not think that an “alt-rock” band from the late 90’s would catch my ear.

This way of thinking may be skewed but hey, am I really wrong? Think about the “alt-rock” scene from the late 90’s and what bands come to mind? Puddle of Mudd, Creek, …Nickelback. I will admit that I was wrong in judging Queens of the Stone Age before actually listening to ...Like Clockwork, for it honestly provided an immensely engaging listen (for me at least).

Two aspects that stand out to me about this LP are the production and musicianship. While they may be come pretty cliche “rock” moments on here (heavy power chords, some genetic soloing and breakdowns here and there), I definitely respect the variety of sounds on this album. Also, I can forgive the corny moments on here, due to the fact that frontman Josh Homme realizes his own corniness, as displayed in this segment of Guitar Moves.

Aside from that, the melody writing on this album is great, from the vocal melody on “I Sat By the Ocean”, to the absolutely B-E-A-UTIFUL piano entry on the song “Kalopsia”. I also like the song “Fairweather Friends”, which personally reminds me of Alice in Chains. All of the tones and textures shine through on this album and work with each other rather nicely.

Outside from a few moments here and there, I can honestly say that I like every song on …Like Clockwork. Homme’s singing, while it starts to get a little shaky when he gets out of his range (happens to the best of us), stays consistent through every song. It comes through song and emotive, not to mention the songwriting is very good also. Nothing feels forced or self-absorbed, unlike a lot of the band’s contemporaries.

With a few more listens, I believe that …Like Clockwork could be one of my favorite albums of the year. Who would have thought?

Also, congratulations to the band for reaching #1 on the Billboard Top 100 a couple of weeks ago (since the release of Yeezus, this has not been the case). This marks the first #1 record for Queens of the Stone Age, as well as Matador’s first #1 record. It is good to see great music being discovered.

Favorite Tracks: “Kalopsia”, “…Like Clockwork”, “Fairweather Friends”, “I Appear Missing”
Not-So-Favorite: “Keeps Your Eyes Peeled”, “My God is the Sun”