Music

Barn Burner's top 5 sequels

by Sam Sutherland

Montreal’s Barn Burner just released their second album, Bangers II: Scum of the Earth. The sonic sequel to their critically-and-hesher acclaimed 2009 debut, Bangers, this latest installment finds the band kicking out even leaner, heavier, and groovier jams. Scum of the Earth is the best kind of sequel, one that takes the core ideas (major riffage, NWOBHM-worship) of its predecessor and kicks everything into overdrive. Like Gremlins 2 or Back to the Future II, Bangers II is bigger, louder, and crazier than the already radical shit that came before it. So in celebration of this beast, we asked the boys in Barn Burner to list their top five sequels, from film, music, whatever. Here’s what they came back with.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

If you’re unfamiliar with the back story, here’s the scoop: It’s a tale of love, betrayal, courage, getting to know your father, and trying to shag ass with your sister before you find out you’re kin. It starts off in a barren snowy wasteland, where mutant creatures roam wild and terrorize the inhabitants, where you have to slice open animals and cozy up to their still-warm carcasses to avoid freezing to death, and where wookies give you sass while they spot-weld your space ship. Wait… that’s Canada. Well, maybe that explains why we identify with it so much. Evil triumphs over good (finally!), and lays the groundwork for you to write a magnum opus of a metal record. Or start collecting action figures.

The Stooges – Fun House

Fun House is one of those records that sort of breaks the “sophomore curse” in an unconventional way. Instead of equaling or surpassing the expectations of their previous efforts in a positive way, they maintained that they were a pill still too hard to swallow. It did just as poorly as its predecessor, however it was recorded the way the band was meant to be heard: live and loud. Iggy Pop spits out a combination of snotty whine and a low bone-rattling croon that slithers into your ear and turns infectious. The stripped-down simplicity of the music paired with the vicious attitude of the vocals is a true testament to the spirit of rock and roll music. It’s a shame it took so long for people to realize the awesome power and fury of this record. It has all the impact of “fuck you” without saying it.

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II

Call it cliché to praise a Zeppelin record, but this album is untouchable.  As a kid, I spent many an afternoon rummaging through my parents’ records, searching for the coolest riffs and none hit as hard as “Whole Lotta Love.” The first track just puts you in a trance as the rhythm drones along to Robert Plants piercing vocals, and floors you as the drums come in and the song goes kicks into gear.  The track listing plays a crucial role as it builds you up high and takes you down slowly as side 1 ends only for you to flip, drop the needle, and get blasted by its raucous energy all the way to the aptly chosen closer, “Bring It On Home.”

Motörhead – Overkill

The kings of bridging punk and metal, and claiming neither as their brand, kick this without any frills and knock you on your ass. Like the best rock and roll, it’s fast, it’s loud, it’s angry, and it stinks of beer. It’s classless and crude, and the perfect record for any 15 year old who wants to piss off his parents.

Wayne’s World 2

Back to movies, this is a must for anyone into rock and roll culture.  Everyone in the early to mid twenties goes through those periods where they must find their calling in life, or like some of us, find a way to justify the life they live. Wayne’s World 2 parodies that quest so perfectly, while throwing in some of the best jokes by some of the most absurd characters. It’s also full of some mega babes. Schwing!