Queens of the Stone Age. Never took this band seriously. The name conjured up a loud and unmusical Hair Metal Band. Maybe a loud and unmusical Gay Hair Metal Band. Which isn't a bad thing, but not the thing I was interested in sitting down and listening to.
And then I saw Josh Homme. He's big, burly, I thought he was a screamer, or one of those guys who specialized in "rage." Well it turns out he's much more complicated and interesting than that, he's got a great voice, can do some nice upper register singing, he's a killer guitar player and an accomplished songwriter.
A friend turned me onto this band, and their newest record "Like Clockwork" has really captivated me. I hear a layered, very musical record, I hear a big guitar sound, I hear a very tight, focused band exploring new territory. I hear a trace of David Bowie in Josh's voice. And that's a good influence.
These Queens really bring it. Sometimes a name, an image really doesn't tell the story, at all. This track features Elton John on piano. Yes. Sir Elton John!
