NOLA

Nola is an interesting album in that it has a very raw and dirty feel to it, while still sounding somewhat polished and refined. It sounds like a really tight jam session, which is kinda what it was I would imagine. There's a definte southern vibe to it all, and alot of Sabbath worship going on. Pepper Keenan is the key songwriter and his guitar playing on this album is top notch(and his tone is killer.) Phil gives his last good vocal performance on here, aside from maybe a few Pantera songs here and there he wouldn't sound this good again.

Here's my take on my favorite tracks from the album:

Temptations Wings - starts the album off with a bang, some great riffing and an intense vocal delivery. This song just sounds like they were jamming and threw it together and it just fucking worked out.

Rehab - changes up the pace a little bit, it's more mellow than the last 3 songs. Phil adopts a really bluesy singing style for the verses and I have to say he sounds really good. Lots of tight guitarwork woven throughout the song.

Hail the Leaf - this is certainly one of the best songs on the album. Like Rehab it's a bit more mellow, it just screams Black Sabbath as others have mentioned. Soft verses and crunchy, screaming choruses. There's a really cool breakdown at the very end of the song also(as well as a bong solo...)

Stone the Crow - is just an amazing song, wow. It's alot more rock oriented than the others, but that doesn't mean it kicks any less ass. Some really tight playing in this song from all members, razor sharp. The chorus is infectious, and the layered solo in the middle is simple yet incredibly awesome. Best song on the album for sure.

Swan Song - has always been a favorite of mine, it was the first song off the album I really heard when a friend of mine made me a mixed casette tape some 10 years ago. I love the way the verses are structured, nice catchy chorus as well. Great song, but dammit it should have been the last song on the album. I mean come on, Swan Song...

The other songs range from decent to good, some of them sound too much alike as other reviewers have mentioned but there's certainly no filler on the album. So nothing new or groundbreaking, but some really good, fun stoner/doom/sludge/whateveryouwannacallit metal.