Infest 25th Anniversary

"Welcome to the original Papa Roach soundfire
Viva La Cucaracha!!!
My name's Coby Dick
Mr. Dick if you're nasty
Rock a mic with a voice that's raspy
And I'm poetic in my operations
My God given talent is to rock all the nations" 

If that's not one of the coolest openings to an album, I don't know what is.  This is the opening to 2000's Infest, an album that turned 25 years old this April 25th.  I decided to reflect on it in this post because it was one of the landmark albums of my college years and early concert going.  Before the album even came out, my friend had been sharing with me demos of songs from artists like Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Disturbed, and more.  I could be wrong, but I think the first song I heard from Papa Roach was Dead Cell.  That's right.  It wasn't Last Resort like most people.  It was what would become the fourth single from the major label debut.  And I was still an instant fan.  Then the video for Last Resort started appearing on MTV's TRL and I, like many, was hooked.  Papa Roach's popularity soon skyrocketed with their songs being on TV, movies, and video games as well as relentlessly touring and putting on energetic shows.

Two days before I saw them live for the first time I saw Papa Roach perform "Last Resort" on Late Night with Conan O'Brian where I saw Jacoby slamming the microphone into his head, stomping around stage, and doing a front summersault.  I remember being amped by that.  I would see them on July 16, 2000 in Asbury Park for Warped Tour and then again on September 4 headline at the Stone Pony.  What I remember most was that Jacoby commanded the crowds, even as a younger band, whether in a small venue or huge parking lot.  The band typically wore all black and sounded really tight, especially for a hard rock band.  When I wore my Papa Roach shirt to see Linkin Park in November the bass player, Phoenix, would strike up a conversation with me about them!  I also saw Papa Roach kill it on the main stage at Ozzfest 2001.  Their live show energy was so amazing, especially for these early Infest shows.  

After the second album came out I got to go to soundcheck and do a meet and greet with the band in March of 2003 at the Birch Hill Nite Club.  Jacoby (singer), Jerry (guitar), and Tobin (bass) were all super nice to talk to and signed merchandise for me.  Dave the drummer did not hang out much.  Later I would hear that this was common behavior for him, unfortunately.  I would go on to see them a total of nine times at different venues over the years.  The final time being in 2015 when I was shoulder tackled in a Papa Roach mosh pit!

While they have also gone on to release nine more albums and stay relevant on the charts, Infest has been their most popular at 4x Platinum.  The official "Last Resort" video has nearly 300 million views on YouTube.  To commemorate the anniversary, I'll give a quick comment on each track of this legendary album:

1. Infest - A manifesto to "infest" the crowds like the cockroaches of rock and an indictment of "the government, the media, or your family."  Many people didn't think Papa Roach would still be relevant or playing in 2025, but they are still going strong and this album anthem still holds up.

2. Last Resort - Their best known song which is anti-suicide.  Lyrically and thematically it was way ahead of its time as it would be years later that we would start to hear about destigmatizing mental health issues following the suicides of Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Avicii, and others.

3. Broken Home - Another song about a difficult subject that has become an anthem for many listeners.  It comes off very cathartic at live shows and features some of Jacoby's best screams.

4. Dead Cell - Verses feature rapping and the chorus is a simple one meant to get the crowd to sing along.  Lyrically it warns of the dangers of digital technology on the mind.  This was the first song I heard that turned me on to P-Roach and the last single from the album.

5. Between Angels and Insects - This was the third single and another song that comes off very well in a live setting.  Lyrically it is about not being materialistic.  Sonically, there are some unique bass lines and guitar riffs.

6. Blood Brothers - Quick riffing introduces this track which has more rap-like verses and big clean-singing choruses.  This song keeps the energy up mid-album.

7. Revenge - Another guitar intro gives way to a rapping verse and big chorus.  This song also features record scratching, which was a common element in the nu-metal genre, and a breakdown with kind of a reggae drum beat.

8. Snakes - A very nu-metal style song about betrayal inspired by a roommate of Jacoby's that spent rent money on weed and got them evicted.

9. Never Enough - Straight forward rock song about self worth and a negative self-perception.  This song was on the soundtrack to Gran Turismo 3 for Playstation 2.  This game went on to become the best selling Playstation exclusive and to be considered one of the best video games of all time.

10. Binge - A cautionary tale about drinking.  Jacoby admitted to underage drinking as a teenager.  As an adult he started to have health problems that eventually led to his decision to get sober in 2012.

11. Thrown Away - Driving rhythms provide the backdrop for Jacoby to sing about the voices in his head and battling with mental health.  Sound effects lead into a hidden track called "Tight Rope" that has a reggae sound.

12. Legacy - "Clean edit" versions of Infest had this as a bonus track.  It features rapping and singing over staccato riffing.  Thematically it brings the manifesto full circle and repeats the idea that Papa Roach "was here from the start and will be here in the end."

Me, Jacoby, and Chris 3/8/03

Me, Jerry, and Chris 3/8/03

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - An Intimate Experience

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus live from the Bunker, Virginia Beach 6/14/25

This concert was going to be memorable for me because it was going to be my first concert outside of the Northeast and because I invited my nephew to come with me for our first show together and his second ever rock show.  We got more than we bargained for!  If you haven't seen my other social media posts, bear with me as I set the stage (no pun intended) and back up to the beginning.  

I drove up to Virginia Beach from Elizabeth City, NC through torrential downpours to arrive at The Bunker brewpub and burger bar just before doors opened.  We paid to park and walked about two blocks to be fourth in line.  A bouncer kept us out in the rain, which had thankfully settled to a drizzle.  I noticed the guitar player slip out at one point with an instrument case and walk up the street.  Nobody said anything.  Then he came back a few minutes later and I said "What's up, man?"  He turned around and said something to the effect of "Hey, how's it goin?"  It was later I would remember that his name was Randy Winter.  The doors opened a couple minutes past the advertised 6:30 and the bouncer was only letting a few people in at a time.  Once we got inside I learned that it was because they were checking tickets manually from a list and they had sold out!  After a two beer wait on standby, we were able to buy two tickets and make our way into the concert hall.  Ronnie, the lead singer, was doing meet and greets and asked anyone that did not yet get a picture to form an orderly line.  Again we ended up about fourth in line and my nephew got a picture first and mentioned learning about their band from the soundtrack to the 2007 racing game MX vs. ATV Untamed. I mentioned to Ronnie that the last time I saw him was at a tiny club called the Stanhope House. He said he remembered playing there a few times, but that he didn't like that the stage was very low so he couldn't see the whole crowd.

It's worth noting that Ronnie recently made news from a social media post where he said Trump supporters shouldn't come to his shows.  What he said when he took the stage was "EVERYONE is welcome here.  I've made that pretty clear.  But if you don't like it, or you think certain groups of people are better than other groups of people, there's the door" and pointed to the exit.  He said if it was okay with us he was going to do a Q&A session before starting the regular set.  I was not expecting this so I didn't have a question ready.  Some people asked about the meanings of certain songs like "False Pretense" and "Cat and Mouse."  He played part of "Cat and Mouse" acoustic.  Then somebody asked about what he liked to listen to.  He said he has varied tastes, but a lot of it is rock.  Somebody shouted to cover a song.  He joked that we wouldn't know some of his favorites, but then started to play "Outside" by Staind.  He said he needed somebody with a phone to help him with the lyrics.  My nephew's hand shot up immediately and he was called up on stage by Ronnie to hold up his phone with the lyrics!  Ronnie then played the whole song acoustic.  He said he would do another cover in the set and then answered a couple more questions before calling the rest of the band up to play.  Notably absent (for me) was lead guitarist Josh Burke.

They then played a full band set for 60 minutes that included mostly songs from their most famous Don't You Fake It 2006 album including "In Fate's Hands; Don't You Fake It; False Pretense; Cat and Mouse; Your Guardian Angel; and Face Down" and a cover of Blink 182's "All the Small Things". The packed house was vibing along with every song.  Some people were singing or dancing, but I'd say the majority were pretty chill.  There was no crowd surfing or anything like that.  After the set my nephew told Ronnie that he should join us for food at a restaurant a mile away.  Then he disappeared backstage.  We checked out the merch booth and then chatted with Randy while he packed his gear.  My nephew talked to him about some local venues.  He pointed at the speakers during a song and I recognized HIM was playing.  He seemed impressed I knew them and we talked briefly about HIM and CKY, who I had seen recently.  We asked if he was coming out to eat with us and he said "I don't know anything about that.  I'll see if I can get Ronnie for you."  Then we were shooed away by security.  We waited out front for a bit by what looked to be their tour bus.  I was starting to think that we would be abandoned when Ronnie came out and said "Ok, where's this chicken place?"  My nephew explained it's called Chix on the Beach and they're known for seafood.  Ronnie said he is deathly allergic and didn't want to risk it.  He asked if there was a buffet or something in the area.  We couldn't quickly come up with something to suit him so he told us to hit him up on Discord and the socials and we could possibly hang out the next time we see them.  I was a little disappointed that we couldn't hang this night, but he had already been cool with us and we were starving by that point so we went to the place my nephew had his mind set on.  Their food was very good and we drove home with full bellies and discussing what an awesome night we just had.

In my opinion, the entire RJA catalogue is pretty good so if you like emo and alternative rock you should dive deeper into their music.  They previously released all their albums for free, but the links appear to be dead now.  You can find them on most streaming services.  See video of my nephew assisting on "Outside" here along with other videos and shorts on my YT channel.  

What do you look for in lyrical themes?

I've had an article bouncing around in my head for a while that will eventually get published, but then I had a shower thought today that I decided to do first.  It's a departure from my usual reviews and lists, and more of a question that will hopefully generate some discussion.  

What do you like in musical themes?  Do you gravitate to music that is about romance?  What about fantasy?  What about violence?  What about empowerment?  Most of us have a favorite genre, but what about lyrical themes?  Do you seek out songs that have a certain kind of content?

I generally don't seek themes first, but I do often try to pair music to match or improve my mood.  I think lyrics can be really important or sometimes immaterial to a song's success.  I tend to like songs that tell a story like Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps" or Finger Eleven's "Paralyzed."  Did you ever notice they are both about awkwardness on the dance floor?  Random.  One that is both romantic and tells a story is Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground."  Sometimes I like the paranormal themes of Dio or Crobot, but I never really got into the fantasy metal too deeply, which some bands built their whole careers on.  One of my favorite themes for songs is about lying or liars, and particularly those that get punished for lying, like ill Niño's "Liar" and Lifer's "No Need".  I have thought about making a whole playlist of these songs.  Anyone interested?  What are your favorite lyrical themes, or are you all over the place?

Top Rock Albums of 2024 with a twist

I didn't post my usual top 10 albums of the year for 2024 in time for Christmas.  First of all, I thought it was a down year for rock after a few strong years.  Second, life has been difficult lately and I have been focusing on other things.  I spent a lot of entertainment hours listening to music still, but also on listening to podcasts and other YouTube channels.  I've recently been learning more about AI and I used it to help me make this post about top rock albums of 2024 in my voice.  See if you notice anything fishy or if you like it.  LMK.

1. Judas Priest - Invincible Shield

Priest delivered exactly what I hoped for with "Invincible Shield." At 72, Rob Halford's vocals are still powerful, and the dual guitar attack of Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap brings that classic Priest sound into 2024. This album feels like a natural follow-up to "Firepower" with tracks like "Panic Attack" and "Crown of Horns" that could stand alongside their classics from the 80s. They've managed to maintain their heaviness while incorporating just enough modern production to keep things fresh. This is how legacy bands should age - by refusing to mellow out.

Best tracks: Panic Attack, Crown of Horns, Invincible Shield

2. Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

It's been six years since their last album, but Alkaline Trio hasn't missed a beat. "Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs" delivers that perfect mix of punk energy and gothic sensibilities that's made them unique for over 20 years. Matt Skiba's return after his stint with Blink-182 seems to have reinvigorated the band. The album balances their trademark dark lyrics with surprisingly catchy hooks. This is easily their strongest material since "Crimson."

Best tracks: Bad Time, Break, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

Static-X - Project Regeneration Vol. 2

After seeing them live at Starland Ballroom back in February 2024, I was hyped for this release. Wayne Static's legacy lives on with the band expertly weaving his recorded vocals and synth work with new material. The combination of industrial metal grooves and Xer0's faithful vocal delivery has produced a viable version of the band that seems as popular as ever and with more buzz about them than I can recall since "Wisconsin Death Trip." Tracks like "Z0mbie" absolutely crush live, but deeper cuts like "Electrical Pulse" and "Terminator Oscillator" show they're not just relying on nostalgia. This album bridges the gap between their classic sound and modern production in a way that honors Wayne while still moving forward.  Their stage show is better than ever.  Click here for a look back at my previous post.

Best tracks: Z0mbie, Electrical Pulse, Terminator Oscillator

Sum 41 - Heaven :x: Hell

Sum 41 are calling it quits after releasing a double album.  The first is supposed to be more pop-punk akin to their early days and the second more metal influenced, but it is all power-pop and some of the best material Sum 41 has released.  If you are a fan of the genre, you don't want to miss this epic farewell release.

Best tracks:

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea

Spiritbox has absolutely exploded with their first full-length follow-up to 2021's Eternal Blue. Courtney LaPlante continues to showcase her incredible range, effortlessly switching between devastating screams and ethereal clean vocals. The band's unique blend of djent, metalcore, and atmospheric elements feels more refined than ever. Mike Stringer's guitar work is both technical and emotive, creating intricate soundscapes that perfectly complement the vocal performance. This album cement's Spiritbox's place as one of modern metal's most exciting acts that some consider to be the future of hard rock.

Best tracks: Black Rainbow, Soft Spine, No Loss No Love

Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei

Rather than release any singles ahead of time, the album came at once. I didn't honestly expect to like more than a song or two, but it was a good album front to back. After some questionable divergence from their signature sound, Smashing Pumpkins rock again and I'm here for it.

Green Day - Saviors

Green Day's return to form surprised me as much as anyone. After a few albums that felt like they were chasing trends, "Saviors" brings back the snotty punk energy that made them great while incorporating the maturity they've gained over the years. Billie Joe sounds rejuvenated, Mike Dirnt's bass lines are prominent in the mix again, and Tré Cool's drumming propels these songs with an urgency I haven't heard from them in a long time. Songs like "The American Dream Is Killing Me" show they still have something to say.

Best tracks: The American Dream Is Killing Me, Look Ma, No Brains!, Dilemma

Mick Mars - The Other Side of Mars

After parting ways with Mötley Crüe, Mars has delivered a surprisingly heavy and vital solo debut. Free from the constraints of his former band, he's created a record that showcases his distinctive guitar work while exploring new territory. His collaboration with vocalist Jacob Bunton (formerly of Adler) brings a fresh energy to his bluesy, hard rock sound. At 73, Mars proves he's still got plenty of gas in the tank and wasn't the one holding Mötley back.

Best tracks: Loyal to the Lie, Undone, Right Side of Wrong

What albums did I miss? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for concert footage and more music discussion.

Note: This post was created with writing assistance from Claude, an AI assistant by Anthropic. All opinions and musical assessments reflect my personal taste and style.

RRHOF Snubs and 2025 nominees

Last month the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced a list of 14 Performer Nominees to be considered for 2025 Induction. Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.  Artists or bands become eligible for nomination 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording. Below, parentheses indicate previous year of nominations.  Among this year’s 14 Nominees, eight are appearing on the ballot for the first time: Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Maná, Outkast, and Phish.

Here's who I think are glaring omissions from the RRHOF (listed alphabetically):

Alice in Chains - Alice in Chains defined the Seattle sound alongside their grunge peers, but with darker, heavier elements and Layne Staley's unmistakable vocals creating a haunting atmosphere no one has replicated since.  Their albums "Dirt" and "Facelift" went multi-platinum, with "Dirt" selling over 5 million copies in the US. Their metal undertones with harmony vocals made them a standout that continues with a new lead singer.

Ronnie James Dio - Dio remains one of the most inexplicable omissions from the Rock Hall, period. His powerful voice literally defined what metal vocalists should sound like, and his career spanned several legendary bands. With Rainbow, he helped bridge the gap between hard rock and heavy metal on classics like "Man on the Silver Mountain." Then he rescued Black Sabbath from obscurity after Ozzy's departure, delivering two of their strongest albums with "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules." His solo career produced anthems like "Holy Diver," "Rainbow in the Dark," and "The Last in Line" that still pack concert floors whenever they're played. The man popularized the metal horns hand gesture that's become universal at rock shows! Dio sold over 20 million records across his various projects, influenced everyone from Bruce Dickinson to James Hetfield, and maintained his vocal prowess until his final days. The fact that he isn't already enshrined while pop acts with minimal rock credentials get fast-tracked shows everything wrong with the Hall's selection process.

Iron Maiden (2021, 2023) - since 1975 they've released 17 studio albums and sold 130 million albums worldwide and over 200 million counting singles, compilations, and videos. They are one of the most popular metal bands in the world and are hailed as one of the best live acts. They have an iconic mascot, frontman, and catalogue that has influenced hundreds of bands. They should have been in the RRHOF long ago.

J Geils Band (2005, 2006, 2011, 2017, 2018) - Their 1981 album "Freeze Frame" went quadruple platinum and produced their biggest hit "Centerfold," which dominated MTV and topped the Billboard charts for six weeks.  They are known for being one of the most electrifying live acts of the 70s and early 80s.

Lenny Kravitz (2024) - He won Best Male Rock Vocal Performance four consecutive times from 1999 to 2002, and has massive crossover appeal and influence spanning rock, funk, soul, and R&B

Cyndi Lauper (2023) Her debut album She's So Unusual is past its 40th anniversary and since then she has put out 10 more albums and won Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, AMAs, Billboard awards, and VMAs. Today she is an activist, still writing songs, and still performing without much lost of her powerful four octave range.

Megadeth - Megadeth pioneered technical thrash metal with Dave Mustaine's complex arrangements and scorching leads that influenced countless guitarists.  They're not as popular as Metallica, but are known as one of the "Big 4" thrash bands and are still creating and selling out tours today.  They've moved more than 38 million records worldwide across their career. 

Motörhead (2020) - Lemmy mixed punk, thrash, and metal and drummer Mikkey Dee was one of the first to use a double bass kick drum.  They influenced countless bands, including Metallica, fueling a new wave of British rock, speed metal, and thrash metal.  Motörhead released 23 studio albums and have sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Lemmy is an icon and he and his band should be enshrined as such.

New York Dolls (2001, 2021, 2022) - influence on punk, glam, and hard rock is immeasurable.  Kiss, Guns N' Roses, and The Smiths have all cited them as major influences. While sales numbers don't match their impact (they never even had a hit single), their status as rock revolutionaries who bridged the gap between the Stooges and the punk movement makes their exclusion from the Hall particularly shortsighted.  They tell us that influence is a major criteria.

Oasis (2024) - defined Britpop in the 90s and brought guitar rock back to prominence when grunge was fading. Their 1995 album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" sold over 22 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. "Wonderwall" transcended rock radio to become a cultural touchstone for the past three decades. Eight UK number-one singles and eight UK number-one albums demonstrate their commercial dominance.   

Pantera - Pantera revolutionized metal in the 90s, with Dimebag Darrell's groundbreaking riffs creating a blueprint for groove metal that bands still follow today.  "Far Beyond Driven" made history by debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts in 1994 - proving extreme metal could achieve commercial dominance without compromising its heaviness.

Soundgarden (2020, 2023)  Their sales are similar to Rage, they likewise are synonymous with a subgenre (grunge; alternative metal), and have spawned successful spinoff bands. They had more longevity and two more studio albums. They were one of the first Seattle grunge bands to sign to a major label and their middle albums were their peak with songs like "Jesus Christ Pose," "Outshined," "Spoonman," and "Blackhole Sun." I am probably biased as a fan, but they have been praised for their technical abilities as well as their dynamic song structures. Chris Cornell is also one of the best rock vocalists of all time. They should have made it in 2023.

Sting (2015) - With The Police, he helped pioneer the post-punk and new wave movements that bridged the gap between punk's rawness and more accessible rock styles. The Police sold over 75 million records worldwide, with five platinum albums and massive hits like "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," and "Every Breath You Take" - the latter being one of the most played songs in radio history.  What's often overlooked is Sting's musicianship - the guy is a seriously accomplished bassist who incorporated jazz influences into rock well before it was trendy. His solo career has shown remarkable longevity and versatility, selling another 100 million records while exploring everything from jazz to world music and classical. "Fields of Gold" and "Desert Rose" demonstrated his ability to evolve while maintaining his distinctive voice.

Thin Lizzy (2020) - Thin Lizzy's twin-guitar attack and Phil Lynott's poetic storytelling transcended hard rock, influencing everyone from Metallica to Mastodon. Timeless anthems like "The Boys Are Back in Town," "Jailbreak," and "Whiskey in the Jar" still in regular rotation on rock radio nearly 50 years later. Their "Live and Dangerous" album is consistently ranked among the greatest live albums ever recorded. 

White Stripes (2023) They were nominated in their first year of eligibility. Their music has sold millions and won multiple Grammys including three for Best Alternative Album. Songs like "Seven Nation Army" can be heard in stadiums around the country. Songs like "Blue Orchid," "My Doorbell," and "The Hardest Button to Button" are unique and so catchy. In late 2007 they went on hiatus and never really reunited, but Jack has gone on to have a successful solo career and is regarded for his technical knowledge, musical knowledge, and guitar playing talent. This one could take time if they ever make it.

The Hall's credibility as a true representation of rock history remains questionable as long as these innovative, influential acts remain unenshrined while other genres are being overly represented.

Fan voting does not count for much, but has influenced the Hall to induct artists such as Judas Priest and Dolly Parton in recent years.  You can vote for up to seven nominees once per day until April 21st at https://vote.rockhall.com/ by signing in with Google or another email address.

Other considerations: Bad Company (2025) Beck (2022), Chubby Checker (2025), Devo (2019, 2021, 2022), Jane's Addiction (2017, 2024), Joy Division (2023, 2025), Mariah Carey (2024, 2025), Motley Crüe, Sade (2024), Scorpions, Smiths (2015, 2016), Steppenwolf (2017), Steve Winwood (2003), Warren Zevon (2023)