Foo Fighters, “Wasting Light” (RCA Records 2011)

Foo Fighters, “Wasting Light” (RCA Records 2011)

In an age where the rock band is a rarity, Foo Fighters’ “Wasting Light” reminds us to head bang again. Filled with heavy guitar riffs and buzzing drum fills, the Foos reveal the blister of raw emotion that is ready to burst in this seventh studio album.

Recounting memories from Dave Grohl’s past, “Wasting Light” has some familiar faces on deck. Nirvana’s “Nevermind” producer, Butch Vig, and bassist, Krist Novoselic, are invited to join the Foos in Dave Grohl’s garage for this “back to the basics” analog recording session. Although Pat Smear has previously played with the band, he cements his spot as a permanent Foo Fighter on this album.

Dave Grohl is never shy about jamming with his famous friends. Musicians such as Bob Mould, Fee Waybill, and Lemmy show up on “Wasting Light.” Producer Butch Vig also plays percussion on “Back & Forth”. This contributes to a sense of celebration of rock ‘n’ roll generated in the album.

In addition to there being many of the players from Nirvana, this album is not a Nirvana get together. Dave Grohl does not try to be Kurt Cobain, and the Foos work hard to serve each and every one of their songs without being overly nostalgic and dwelling too long on the past although there are instances where the past is referenced.

Sprinkled generously throughout the album, Grohl reflects on moments from his past as well as meditating on his future. Songs such as “White Limo” pays homage to Grohl’s punk days living in Washington D.C. and “Arlandria” named after the Virginia neighborhood that Grohl grew up in. Also, “These Days” reminds the listener of an almost father like figure  telling us it’ll get better one of these days (even though we all die in the end). “Walk” also was written in reference to Grohl’s daughter, Violet, and his teaching moment as a parent in helping her take her first steps.

“Wasting Light” is the epitome of a rock album and shows that there are a bevy of wise decisions being made behind the scenes. From the production, to the choice of musicians, “Wasting Light” rolls out the 

musical equivalent of what bad-ass sounds like. 

Unfortunately, the modern rock bands of today are not cut of the same cloth as the Foo Fighters. To quote Neil Young and the late Kurt Cobain “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away.”  sadly, many of their predecessors have followed this dismal path. However, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters seem to think that there is a third option, and they simply refuse to do either.