Album Of The Day-Hackman-"The New Normal" (2007)

The Album Of The Day is "The New Normal" by Hackman.



Review:

On their debut effort, 2007's The New Normal, Boston trio Hackman converge their lengthy combined experience in the heavy stoner rock underground into seven acts of worship to the almighty riff. Many of these instrumentals (prime examples being groove-addled opener "Packed Bat," psychedelic tripper "Chin Music," and chord-sequence exercise "Ababac") were obviously hacked out (pun intended) quite spontaneously during band rehearsals, and it's ultimately a combined sense of casual creation and regimented final recording that defines their charms. As with all instrumentals, they demand a slightly more dedicated type of listener than your average pop-consuming Joe or Jane, but fine diners will relish the structural variety of "You Can't Ever Get What You Want" and the uniquely low-key almost jazzy swing of "Fuck You I Played Altamont" (note trumpet contributions from bassist Jase Forney!). When he does finally choose to sing on "The Anthem" and the silly-named but ominous-sounding "I Don't Need this Shit, I Played Budokan," one-time Roadsaw and Milligram man Darryl Sheppard risks no more than a viciously spat growl; making it obvious that these were merely supplementary afterthoughts, and leaving one to wonder why he even bothered. Perhaps that's why, in the end, The New Normal's entire enterprise feels just a tad bit unfinished and thrown together for Hackman to inspire devout fan loyalty; but then not every music fan is looking for a lifetime commitment in every record purchased, right? (Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide)

Track Listing:

01. Packed Bat
02. The Anthem
03. You Can't Ever Get What You Want
04. Chin Music
05. I Don't Need This Shit, I Played Budokan
06. Ababac
07. Fuck You, I Played Altamont

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Update From Small Stone Records

From Small Stone Records:

Yep, ever year we go through this, a week of 80 and 90 degree temps in Austin and then bam... right back to winter in the Motor City. One of these days we might finally get use to it. Anyway, we like to say a special thanks to the Room 710, Craig at SXSW, and all of our bands who traveled a long way and put on a great show. A good time was head by all. We got to see some old friends, and make some new ones. We would also like to say an extra thanks to Rick from Sasquatch for doing double drum duty fiiling in with Iota. Rick, you really saved the day on that one. Thanks!

The new Shame Club CD, Come On, just showed up via our lovely UPS carrier. All that really needs to be said about the Shame Club is this, the band rules, the CD rules, buy it now. You will be humming the album for years to come in your automobile. The Shame Club will also be embarking on an East Coast tour in a few weeks as well. You really do not want to miss them. If you need more proof, you can check out the Shame Club on our jukebox. Their song "Jonestown" was added to it earlier today.

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Iota’s new album, Tales, is days away from heading to the plant. The artwork is done, and we are just waiting for the final master from Mr. Gooseman. If you are a fan of the heavy and trippy, with some old school 70’s blues rock tossed in for good measure, then you are going to want to add Tales to your collection post haste.

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Five Horse Johnson is gearing up to record their sixth full length late this spring. The band has been busy working on new material, and their yet to be titled release will be the first one recorded as a five piece. We have had the privilege of hearing a few of the new tunes at their rehearsal and they are very much in the realm of Foghat, Mountain, and Led Zeppelin. The FHJ band are hoping to have there new one ready to go for the fall and a European Tour is currently being planned.

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Boston`s Hackman recently went down to NYC to record their second album with the legendary Andrew Schneider (Scissorfight, Throttlerod, Unsane). The band will be returned to the Big Apple on May 13 to play their first show there, at the Trash Bar.

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Finally, Please welcome Whitey Morgan and the 78’s to the Small Stone family. We were so tickled by their version of "Running with the Devil", that we went back and checked out their original material... and guess what, we got hooked. So, there is a first time for everything, Small Stone is entering the world of Outlaw Country and Whitey and his band will be hitting Rustbelt Studios next week to begin recording their new album. If you are a fan of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Steve Earle, then you are going to really dig these guys. If you only like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, you might want to skip this one.

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