Head Like a Haunted House is quickly becoming my jam. Rivaling Regular John as my fave QOTSA song. You're right about them being the last great true rock band. A lot of people were turned off by Ronson. Not me. Perfect match. Album continues where Like Clockwork left off.
Have you been a fan since the Kyuss break-up? I still remember ordering that early Queens/Kyuss split with Spiders and Vinegaroons/Born To Hula/If Only and the Queens/Beaver split with The Bronze/These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For on Man's Ruin, plus all the old Desert Sessions. Collector's **** now, but I sold 'em all in a purge.
I actually saw them on their first tour, in WPG in '07 (I think?). Went backstage and shot the **** with the guys. Nick was trying to behave himself and I ended up talking hockey with Alfredo Hernandez for a good part of the time haha. Became Dave Catching's pen pal for a while too.
Ronson was a great fit, I agree. There are a few nice touches on this album that seem like he had a hand in them.
I loove Like Clockwork but I just don't hear anything on the level of "I Appear Missing" on this one yet. Probably could stand to spend a little more time with it.
Lots of solid tracks on that album. Smooth Sailing and If I Had A Tail are probably my favourite.
As for the new album, the keyboard on that title track gets me every time. That counter-melody just kind of floats in and makes everything better whenever it appears.