Music Mondays
It’s inevitable working in a guitar shop that we end up having heated conversations about music. So we decided to take it to the web with Music Mondays. Every Monday someone from our staff is going to write a blog about music – specifically one particular album, artist or song. We’ll be covering anything, from the first albums that inspired us to become musicians to great hidden gems that we feel never got the recognition they deserved. Anyways, enjoy, and be sure to leave your comments and continue the discussion.
Deftones- Diamond Eyes
Deftones were one of the first handful of “heavy” bands that really inspired me to play guitar. Steph Carpenter on their second record ” Around the Fur” was the first time I heard a guitar sound and became inspired or obsessed with achieving a similar sound. I started really paying attention to amps and pickups. I first heard Deftones when I was thirteen. At that time they had just released a single from that record called “My Own Summer”. At the time when really cruddy heavy bands ruled the charts like Limp Bizkit and Korn, Deftones forged their own ground, playing uniquely heavy riffs with a perfect groove. Whenever I start playing or jamming with new drummers and I try to explain certain grooves I’m looking for I constantly note Abe from Deftones.
Deftones then released what I consider their best record — White Pony. They took a new direction getting very atmospheric and a bit less polished. If you haven’t heard this record go pick it up immediately. They have recently released a new record entitled “Diamond Eyes.” I think this record is right under White Pony as my favorite Deftones record. It’s much heavier and still very groove- and atmosphere-oriented. A perfect “turn it up loud and roll your windows down at night for a long drive” record. They have a new bassist on this record because Chi Cheng,the bassist from their previous records, was in a terrible car accident and is currently in a coma. They have the bass player from Quicksand, which is another band if you haven’t heard you should definitely check out. Quicksand features members of Gorilla Biscuits — one of the most influential hardcore bands ever. Many bands that were around when the Deftones started playing have faded and disappeared while they continue to release amazingly solid records with perfect guitar tone and amazing drumming. This is a band I always look forward to new releases from, always play great live, and are not afraid to experiment with new sounds and ideas. Truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see a bigger band write solid heavy music and stay entirely gimmick-free.
From wikipedia : Deftones is an American rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in 1988 consisting of Chino Moreno (lead vocals and guitar), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), Chi Cheng (bass), Frank Delgado (keyboards and turntables), and Abe Cunningham (drums and percussion). They have released six albums to date, with their most recent Diamond Eyes in spring of 2010.
