Review Summary: A supergroup that actually lives up to the hype? It can't be...
2009 has seen its fair share of musical “supergroups.” Bands such as Chickenfoot, Tinted Windows, Dead By Sunrise have proven to be disappointments while others such as The Dead Weather and Blankroc have been hailed as successes. It would seem difficult for another supergroup to rise up and establish itself among its peers. In come Them Crooked Vultures, a band that almost did not happen, who work as a cohesive unit and create some of the most fun music of the year.
With Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) on lead guitar and vocals, John Paul Jones (Led Zepplin) on bass guitar, and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) on drums, the Vultures fuse an excellent blend of classic rock, alternative rock, blues, and funk to create some of the most enjoyable music that ends 2009 on a high note. Think of a band that combines the blues of Cream with the sheer rock power of Led Zeppelin. For a year plagued by Disney-pop and commercial radio garbage, Them Crooked Vultures try to give the upcoming decade a jumpstart much like Nirvana did to the early1990s.
Them Crooked Vultures waste no time attempting to grab attention, as the first three songs combine for thirteen minutes of pure hard rock and funk. Homme really shines on this album with his lead guitar work. Songs like “No One Loves Me And Neither Do I” and especially “New Fang” display Homme slashing through the songs, almost playing like a man possessed at times. “No One Loves Me and Neither Do I” is practically a rollercoaster of a song that recalls vintage Led Zepplin songs such as “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll.” The opening guitar riff on “Elephants” takes directly from Living Colour’s famous song “Cult Of Personality” while “New Fang” is a non-stop, guns-blazing thriller.
Much can be said about John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl on this album as well. Jones, who almost turned down the offer to join Them Crooked Vultures, acts as the nucleus of this group and is the puppeteer of Homme and Grohl, two of his greatest followers. The two disciples play with such emotion as if to impress the man they grew up idolizing.
Grohl is phenomenal on this record as well as he pounds the drums with a ferocity that recalls his stint with Nirvana during the 90s. Grohl seems most comfortable in this type of role as opposed to his standard frontman position in the Foo Fighters. He makes a case that he is the most powerful drummer in recent memory and songs like “New Fang” and “Mind Eraser, No Chaser” display his brilliance.
Not all of this new supergroup’s debut is great, however. Them Crooked Vultures seem to stumble on the same problem that fellow groups like Chickenfoot have been plagued by: a lack of reason for listeners to stay interested. Each song starts out with a very strong guitar rhythm but will then stretch out that beginning riff throughout the entire song to the point that it becomes stale. It gets extremely difficult to remain enthused throughout certain songs, especially on longer songs like “Elephants” and “Spinning In Daffodils.” Homme also makes a major mistake in deciding to use his upper register in certain songs. He is a pretty weak vocalist when trying to reach a higher range than he is used to singing. While trying to show off his vocal range, he hurts what are otherwise some great songs created by the trio.
In the short time it probably took to produce this self-titled album, Them Crooked Vultures create music that will enthrall avid supporters of Led Zeppelin, The Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age. The versatility of this album make it enjoyable for almost everyone who chooses to listen to it, combining many different genres of music into one. Homme and Grohl take in every moment of jamming spent with one of their greatest idols and play as if Jones brought out a new spirit within them. Instead of concerning themselves with record sales and hit singles, they focus their attention on creating enjoyable music. After all, that’s what it’s about.
Rating: 4 out of 5
