Rough Edge: Foo Fighters CD Reviews

"Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" (RCA; 2007)

The Foo Fighters will continue to write great music and churn out hit and after hit without actually trying too hard. This is their sixth studio disc and they just keep getting better and better. Dave Grohl is such a versatile musician that (if he wanted to) he could be a one man band but that might exhaust his creativity so he surrounds himself with stellar musicians and their club writes some great songs together.

This disc had three number one hits and it won a Grammy for Best Rock Album. The song, "The Pretender," won for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2008. They also won a whole bunch of other awards that I could list but you get the idea. The music is great and you can put this disc on and just listen without ever reaching for the fast forward button.

There were a ton of musicians who played on this disc so the sound is full and rich. Dave Grohl has really moved from behind the drum kit to command the vocal aspect of Foo Fighters. He also plays guitar and pens an instrumental for this disc as well. I think it was Dee Snider of Twisted Sister who said that Dave Grohl is today what Phil Collins was in the '90s.

Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl – vocals, rhythm guitar, piano on "Summer's End", "Statues" and "Home"; Taylor Hawkins – drums, piano on "Summer's End", backing vocals on "Erase/Replace", "Cheer Up, Boys (Your Make Up Is Running)", "The Pretender" and "But, Honestly"; Chris Shiflett – lead guitar, backing vocals on "Cheer Up, Boys (Your Make Up Is Running)"; Nate Mendel – bass.

For more information, check out http://www.foofighters.com.

"In Your Honor" (BMG; 2005)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

This is a two disc set with the first disc featuring the Foo Fighters riffing it up and rocking hard. The second disc is a more acoustical set with artists such as Norah Jones and John Paul Jones making guest appearances.

The rock songs on disc one are straight forward. A few were released to be radio hits and the songs are solid and, although they contain a fluid sound, they still rock.

The acoustic disc set has Grohl captured in a somber mood. He has a great voice so unplugging might give you an insight to his heart that probably couldn’t be captured if the amps are on channel A.

Disc One: The best songs are, “Best Of You,” “DOA,” and “Resolve.”

Disc Two: The best songs are, “Miracle,” and “Cold Day In The Sun.”

For more information, check out http://www.foofighters.com.

Dave Grohl and company crank out another guitar and drum packed release with "One By One." Each song has substance and could stand on its own as a radio hit. The production is good throughout and each track has some polish on it so that it keeps you wanting a little more.

A riff enthusiastic person will love this disc. Nothing is recycled. The drums are a smooth, intricate part of each song. The vocals are song-friendly and Grohl sometimes retrains himself to sing and even does some range exercises.

Although the hooks from previous releases are not as impressively present, it doesn’t mean this release is void of great material. Too many slick songs have a good chorus and fall flat, but the Foo’s blend a good mix of everything here and give the listener a vast array of music.

“Times Like These” was their radio offering, and a few other tracks could have been heard often if you are listening to the right radio station (like Rough Edge Radio, for example). Overall "One By One" is another solid release. There are a few slow tracks that are properly placed but they are not used as mere space fillers.

The best songs are “All My Life,” “Times Like These,” “Disenchanted Lullaby” and “Lonely As You.”

Foo Fighters: Dave, Taylor, Nate and Chris.

For more information, check out http://www.foofighters.com.

"One By One" reminds me of a modern version of Cheap Trick's early records. And that's a good thing. Back when Cheap Trick was releasing classics such as "In Color" and "Dream Police," they were a band that went beyond the envelope in writing and performing their music. You may not realize that today, hearing "Surrender" on FM radio every afternoon but, at the time, Cheap Trick was very unique.

Foo Fighters have that same fresh but familiar sound. I don't mean that they sound like early Cheap Trick; they don't. What I mean is that their music is the kind of music that's instantly accessible but, at the same time, feels modern and new. Not an easy combination to achieve, but Foo Fighters succeed nicely here.

"One By One" starts out with the killer "All My Life," a feisty rocker, with driving guitars and an irresistible chorus. The CD flows smoothly from there, going from more solid rockers ("Overdrive") to near ballads ("Tired of You") to a surprisingly functional combination of the two ("Disenchanted Lullaby").

"One By One" will appeal to those who like their modern rock with a classic twist. It's not quite "alternative" but it's fresh enough to stand out from the rest of the pack.

Packaged along with some editions of this CD are a bonus DVD containing live footage, interviews and a video of "All My Life."

The Foo Fighters introduced themselves with the song, “Big Me” and they keep tossing out hits for anyone who wants to listen. Dave Grohl seems to be the one who can play and sing better than he is given credit for and his talent is evident on this release. With each disc released a new lineup was introduced. No wonder Dave plays all the instruments! "There Is Nothing Else to Lose," however, features a solid backing band. Most bands that recycle their bandmates tend to die quickly away, but Dave seems to make it work with each new group. Now, that’s worth noting.

Each track has a nice hook and it's not just filler, either. These guys have a camaraderie that shows a solid love for what they are doing. Most of the tracks rock and the ones that have a pop sound still have that grunge-busting guitar injection. The drums smash in some areas and it’s a mystery as to who is behind the kit at times.

You have probably heard most of the songs on this disc - many were hits. But I beg you to listen to the entire disk rather than just the hits. I think you will appreciate the maturity of Dave Grohl and his band. He has passion and yet is also playful in his approach And, he can get rowdy as well.

The best tracks are “Breakout,” “Learn To Fly,” “Generator,” and “Live-In Skin.”

Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl - vocals, guitars, drums; Nate Mendel - bass and Taylor Hawkins - drums.

For more information, check out www.foofighters.com.

I have resisted listening to the Foo Fighters, just because of the stupid name. I know Dave Grohl was around, I know he was in a band, other than that, I was not to interested.

Then I was watching "Later . . .With Jools Holland" on Ovation TV (BTW, an outstanding show). I got my first glimpse of the band and I must say I was greatly impressed, not only with Dave Grohl, but with the entire band. I was hooked. I went to my local CD store and bought my first Foo Fighters recording, "The Colour and the Shape," originally released in 1997.

From top to bottom, this recording has it all: great writing, outstanding vocals, instrumental talent and charm. Hooks aplenty mixed with great overall presentation and you get one great rock'n'roll

I know I was stupid for not checking them out sooner, but I'm there now. I will be making it an objective not only to get all the FF recordings, but checking the band out live.