Michigan-spawned rockers Pop Evil have returned with the just-released Onyx, their third studio album and a hard-rocking celebration of the band’s ongoing evolution. Packed with twelve high-reaching anthemic jams, Pop Evil pull no punches this time around, and their explosive stage presence is captured and conveyed through Onyx‘s finely-tuned production, courtesy of Johnny K (Disturbed, Megadeth).
Riding a wave of enthusiasm for the new album, CraveOnline enlisted Pop Evil drummer Josh Marunde, aka Chachi Riot, to discuss the most significant musical influences on his playlist these days. He broke off some wisdom and offered a surprise twist or two along the way as he laid out his list of 3 Life Changing Albums.
Being out on the road leaves me a lot of time to listen to new music. I try hard to keep myself up to date with any genres (which is impossible). I was raised on ALL kinds of music – country, rock, metal, rap, big band/swing, blues, industrial, you name it. I’ve carried that love for all music and tried to continue to diversify my library. I have a lot of favorites, old and new, but getting down to business, three albums I cannot live without are:
The Parlor Mob – Dogs
This may very well be my favorite album of all time. The lyrics are spot on for my own personal experiences. Mark sings about giving up everything to chase “this dream” using lines like “it’s only cost me everything i love.” It is a real eye opener. They combat these lonesome road ballads with rockers like “Into the Sun” and “American Dream.” Mark is one of my favorite lyricists of all time, and the music is taste of vintage rock, blues, and Americana that ties in a lot of my favorite flavors. I can sing every lyric of this entire album. It is a must have always for me.
Led Zeppelin – II
It’s easy to know that Led Zeppelin would make an appearance on this list, the hard part for me was which album. “Mothership” is kind of a cop out since it’s a collection of other album songs. So I chose “II.” “Whole Lotta Love” is one of if not my favorite song. It is so thick, groovy, well written and I love the breakdown and bridge. “Heartbreaker,” “Ramble On” are obvious, and being a drummer “Moby Dick” – I mean c’mon! This band will forever be one of, if not my favorite and most respected bands of all time. A definite must own for lovers of ANY genre of music. It’s a rock album, a blues album, a funk album, an “alternative” album. It’s a masterpiece.
Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
I never really cared a lot for Kanye before this album and I have not really cared a lot about him since. However, this album is brilliant. It’s a side of Kanye we have never seen and may never see again. It’s a side of an artist we rarely see as fans. In one year, Kanye lost his mother/best friend, broke up with his long time girl, and had a serious self “check yourself” moment and decided to do so by making an extremely stripped down, heartbreaking album. His lyrics are real, true and were written from the heart, not to pack arenas and sell millions. He lets it all out and leaves himself unguarded. The music is minimal and unlike anything anyone his size and his genre was doing. It was fresh, yet classic, and personable, yet relatable. I put this album on, headphones in, and check out from the world and my surroundings. Songwriters should check out this album, regardless of your opinion of Kanye West or pop/hip-hop/rap and really give it a fair shot.
Check out the official video for Pop Evil’s latest single “Trenches”!
Want to talk more about Chachi’s top picks? Hit him up on Twitter!
Pick up Onyx on iTunes, and keep up with Pop Evil on Facebook and Twitter!
