SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 120 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION
I've written about Disturbed previously (Spin #79) when we placed their debut album -'The Sickness', on the turntable. This week we have flipped through the collection and pulled out their latest album to listen to. 'Divisive' is their 8th studio album and it was released when the world didn't know what it was doing. Moments over those years have created rifts between people and this album captures what the band (and most people) were feeling during the pandemic. The title was also chosen because the album released before it was either loved for its softer songs, or hated because it overdid that style. I thought 'Evolution' was a great album and they even let the fans know that Disturbed as a band was evolving.
I was upset with this LP not coming in an inner sleeve. The sharp record has create a seam split/cut during travel and damaged the outer jacket. If bands only knew that a good inner sleeve stops this, I think that they would all wear the added cost. I mean, albums these days aren't cheap. Besides that, the album artwork depicts the bands mascot (They Guy) ripping his chest open, showing the division within. On the back of the album the track listing is written clearly, either side of the bands logo being dipped into the molten lava. The world was divided, homes were divided and people within themselves were dealing with a lot. The inner sleeve has the lyrics on one side and another image of their mascot overlooking a city divided. I look at this overall package and think it's as classic as Ozzy Osbourne's - 'The Ultimate Sin' or DIO's - 'The Last In Line' albums covers. Our LP is a purple and looks when held up with light shining behind it. However, when it is placed on the turntable, at first glance, it does look black.
Before I drop the stylus, I'll mention a few moments we had with the kids this week/weekend. This blog is about music and at the same time acts as a time capsule. I'm not the greatest writer and I often see mistakes in older posts. I think that it's important to put these memories into words. I was in the kitchen and asking the kids to help clean up all of their crumbs from the floor, using the dustpan and broom. It was cute when our almost 3 year old daughter grabbed the dustpan and broom and started running towards the loungeroom and hall. As she ran, she yelled out, "Daddy, I need to sweep all the grumbles up". She then cleaned up all of the 'grumbles' from the kitchen and put them in the bin.
Our 5 year old son has been enjoying his school holidays this week. Some days he has been having fun at PEAK, where the organise themed activity days for the kids. He always comes home with a big smile and excitement in his stories. I had him with me on Friday and we visited Grammy and Gubby in the morning for a catch up before coming home and installing a doorbell. The old one was a battery operated stick on one that had seen better days. I'm not even sure if it still worked when we took it down. We now have a ring doorbell that allows us package notifications and two way speaking etc. So far it has been really good and our son loved it. We had it charging up in the bedroom before installation and Night Kat Kiz managed to log into it and speak to him while she was at work. He didn't know who was speaking to him from the bedroom at first, until Night Kat Kiz said, "Its Mum".
I have listened to this album a few times now and struggle to choose a favourite track. There are moments or lyrics across all the songs that I find catch my attention. One thing I did notice on the streaming track listing is that 'DON'T TELL ME' featuring Ann Wilson is listed as the opening song. On the LP, it is actually the second song on Side two. Disturbed always release albums that have a good balance of heaviness and sadness. I find their songs go well with working out or if you are trying to find motivation to kick start something. If they return to Australia for their yet to be announced new album, I'll definitely being seeing them again. Have to get seats and take my mum too, as she loves Disturbed.
On Saturday, we hustled to do the lawns and gardens before anymore rain was forecasted. We then settled in with our son on the blow up mattress and watched Spider-Man: Into the Multiverse movie. It's animated and explains the introduction of Miles Morales as the new web slinger. Our son absolutely loved it and now pretends to be 'Spin', crawling around the house. We have been trying to give him a movie night during school holidays, where he can stay up a bit later. Then today, I had my birthday present from my parents booked in - a sauna and float session, to repair my body and mind. I listened to a podcast through the speakers in the sauna before having an hour of floating in total darkness. They tried to give me the room where the light is turned on permanently, but I didn't want that. If you are able to check it out, make sure that you do.
'Divisive' feels fresh and nostalgic as the stylus spins around the purple wax. I like that they've listened to their fans and returned serve with more anger in their sound. It really does feel similar to their earlier albums, 'Believe' and 'Ten Thousand Fists'. Not completely, but the sound is there. Disturbed attempted something different on 'Evolution' and it will be interesting to see what direction they will head in with their 2024/25 album. The band has been active online about their next album and I can't wait. Name a bad album from this band? You honestly can't!
The kids seemed to really get into 'HEY YOU' and 'BAD MAN' the most. It was nice watching them try and read the lyrics sheet while dancing. Our son said before it started playing, "Dad is this 'Tallica?". I was impressed that he remembered Metallica and his memory astounds me. Sometimes I swear that he has a photographic memory. I also have to mention that riff and bassline on 'FEEDING THE FIRE' because it really has that metal swagger. I can't explain it really, just the feeling it gives you. The weather is sunny again today and after washing the cars, we will probably soak up as much as we can at the playground nearby.
After listening to Disturbed, I tend to feel better within myself. It also helps after having that float and sauna earlier in the day. There is something uplifting and empowering about their music and the message within the bands lyrics. Thanks for reading along and hopefully you uncovered another album from our R'nR collection that you need to add to your own. Catch you next time for another Sunday drop
Rylo
Until our next Spin.....
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