Foo’s For Thought by Todd Leibowitz

Iman, I always enjoy reading your website. Most of the time I agree with you, sometimes I don’t even know the artist you are talking about. But every time I learn something.
　
　
　
　
But now, it is my time to chime in about two bands who you pretty much bashed in the last week or so. I am talking about the Foo Fighters and REM.
　
　
　
　
Let’s start with the later, REM. You didn’t total bash these guys, but made it clear that the early stuff was great then it went downhill. I have to disagree. The last album was great. I think it was their best since Automatic for the People (which the best song on that album is The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight). I had the opportunity to see them last summer at Jones Beach. They were amazing. It started raining and the show was delayed for about hour and a half. Lighting actually hit the theater at one point and the staff tried to get everyone to leave – but that wasn’t happening. When they finally came on, it was still pouring. They played an extra long set for us which included “It’s the End of the World As We Know It”. It was the first time in about 20 year they said that they played it. They didn’t miss a beat. I think REM is just one of those bands who release albums and don’t care too much if they don’t gain new fans. They just release albums that sound great, and if you want to buy it then buy it.
　
　
　
　
“Wheels” – The new song from the Foo Fighters is great. Downloaded it last night and can’t stop listening to it. Actually, I am listening to it as I am writing this. Dave Grohl and company sound great. Grohls vocals throughout all the Foos songs through the years are great, loud, demanding, etc… The Foos can go to both extremes, both soft songs and then rip it up with load, fast numbers. There are very few people that can say they have been in two of the top bands in past 15-20 years. His drumming in Nirvana was outstanding. I think that made the music of Nirvana great. The sound of his drums and the speed of his drumming was something at that time, we were not used to hearing. Then he forms the Foo Fighters and plays guitar and sings. So, Grohl is a lead singer, guitarist and drummer. He can form a one man band, play all the instruments, mix it all together, and it will sound outstanding.
　
　
　
These are just my thoughts. I know some people will disagree, but that is what makes music so great. We all have opinions.
　
　
-Todd