Assuming former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl dreads the thought of forever being known as "the guy from Kurt Cobain's band," the last thing he'd want to hear is that the debut album from his new band Foo Fighters sounds much like one from the deceased duke of grunge. Unfortunately, Nirvana comparisons are not only inevitable, they're bound to consume the dialog surrounding his quartet entirely. Perhaps it was unavoidable osmosis: Grohl, Foo Fighters' lead singer-guitarist, wrote most of these tunes during breaks from beat-keeping for his former band leader. It's natural that Cobain's knack for balancing hard and fast with musical and melodic would wear off on Grohl, as well as on bandmates Pat Smear (who also played with Nirvana), William Goldsmith, and Nate Mendel (both of Seattle's Sunny Day Real Estate). Grohl even unveils vocal cords that tread lightly on Cobain's gorgeous growl. Of course, many Nirvana-be's have tried to capture Cobain & Co.'s teen spirit, and all failed; that Foo Fighters succeed in creating a powerful heavy rock album that's neither noisy nor stale is a measured accomplishment in its own right. So bask in the familiar neo-garage punk (a.k.a. grunge) of "I'll Stick Around," "Oh, George," and "Good Grief," because we certainly won't hear anything from the style's originator in the near future. And, who knows, you might even be surprised by Grohl's own pop chops on the mellow Byrds-like folk rock "Big Me" and catchy rave-up "This Is a Call." The Foo Fighters prove that even if you can't go home again, it sure is comfortable hanging out next door. --Roni Sarig

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. 2007..

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork. Includes the Bonus Tracks Heinebeko and Bowtank.

3 1/2

A good argument the multi-talented Grohl and his new project as guitarist-singer in this more-poppy-but-still-plenty-rocking band was poised for longevity, but undoubtedly starts off stronger then concluding.

Even though this is fairly modern rock, which many Baby Boomers abhor and revile in preference to their beloved Hendrix, Dylan, Joplin, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc., most of these Woodstuck Heads (like me) will be pleasantly surprised with the tunes on this fine CD.

So, what in the heck IS a Foo Fighter? Just about any surviving WW II military pilot who flew in the European Theater could tell you right away!

On December 22, 1944 an Allied pilot flying at 10,000 feet over enemy territory was trying to spot out German aircraft. At one point he saw two large and orange glowing balls coming at him. The radio operator saw these UFOs as well. These phenomena did not resemble enemy fighters in any way.

The curious objects quickly leveled off and commenced following the allied plane. In an attempt to lose them via evasive actions the pilot maneuvered his plane into a steep dive and the objects followed him down. Then he tried a sharp bank but the objects stayed right with him, seemingly with great ease. For several more minutes the pilot effected multiple aviation tricks in an effort to lose these pursuers, a fruitless exercise which failed. At just about the moment the pilot was ready to give up the objects suddenly vanished into the night. During this entire incident not a shot was fired.

This was a typical example of an encounter with a Foo Fighter. Toward the end of World War II pilots continually reported seeing these strange glowing balls flying around their aircraft at night. They appeared to maneuver with terrific speed, the chief concern of the Allies being that their German adversaries had possibly developed a secret new weapon with high-tech capabilities.

These objects were named Foo Fighters in connection with a popular period comic strip, Smoky Stover. Smoky's frequent line was, "Where there's foo there's fire," the objects seeming to be round, firey shapes.

So we can accurately assert that this band, the Foo Fighters, sort of "pulled their name out of the air" (witless pun intentional). But as to Foo Fighter music, it's quite thoughtful and nicely-executed.

We are typically benefitted in these little reviewing endeavors when some sort of analogy or measuring stick (or both) are cited for comparison purposes. Here, I can say that the Foo Fighters' music manifests clear essential connections with the music of The Beatles, particularly in regard to the early "minimalist" period of that historic and notable rock group. Strangely, I also hear some Black Sabbath in here, ergo, "I'll Stick Around," the second track of the CD, albeit, the Foo Fighters' music "flows" a bit more than Ozzie's stuff did and it exudes a much lighter ambiance. Taking that same song, you'll hear those memorable and innovative [The] Beatles "resolution chords" here and there as well as the latter band's early clarity. One can also experience this all-too-rare effect in particular on the very next track, "Big Me."

All these tunes are best played by a guy in a Mustang convertible (summer day, top down, of course!) cruising along new Route 66 with a pretty girl in the passenger seat, and rolling down the asphalt at about 85 miles per hour with one hand strategically placed on her leg. This is road music at its best... not really dance music so much unless you're into some of the weird new unromantic gyrations.

In any case, this is fine recording for ALL fans of rock music and, having heard the subsequent Foo Fighters CD, this is the superior choice of the two. My highest recommendation.

is it wrong to hold a candle for your first love? in this case most deffiantly not. its hard to even start with saying anything about this group of songs that hasnt already been said a million billion times before.

it starts out with This is a Call which is highly ironic but at the same time completly rocking and sounding nothing like the band Dave used to play drums for.

you cant not mention Nirvana when talking about this CD (if you talk about music with anyone).

it still amazes me to this day that Dave is such a strong song writer is like having the ability to win the lottery twice! i mean the recording of nevermind brings Krist Novoselic to tears when he talks about recording that album but how do you think Dave feels for having recorded this master peice all by himself with a gibson lespaul and his nirvana drum kit!

if i had to recommend this CD to someone id give it to someone starting out with playing guitar and possibly someone just getting into music or maybe just someone who wants an awesome 90's rock record that knows about music of the last 15 years or so.

This CD is fantastic! Great songs and highly recommended. Very talented band! Foo Fighters is one of my all-time favorite bands.

I wish Kurt were here to here this, of course, he was probably there when some of the material was tested - infact this very well could have made the next Nirvana album.