Review to come.
Setlist
Spiderwebs
Hella Good
Underneath It All
Excuse Me Mr.
Ex-Girlfriend
D.J.s/Message to You, Rudy (outro) (covers: Sublime, The Specials)
Simple Kind Of Life
Bathwater Play
Guns Of Navarone (cover: The Skatalites)
New
Hey Baby
Running
Different People
Don't Speak
It's My Life (cover: Talk Talk cover)
Just A Girl
Encore
Rock Steady
Stand And Deliver (cover: Adam and the Ants)
Sunday Morning
"It's a very complex record, I'm trying to do something different. Some of the arrangements are kind of like Queen. Some people are going to say, 'It doesn't sound like Axl Rose, it doesn't sound like Guns N' Roses.' But you'll like at least a few songs on there."
- Axl Rose, Rolling Stone, 2006
After so much time, money and speculation, Chinese Democracy has finally been released for mass legal consumption. My impressions from several listens is that it has elements of the GNR formula, but it appears that re-creating the glory that was GNR was not really the point of the album. Instead, Chinese Democracy is a big creative leap in many different and interesting directions, an attempted proof of concept of Axl Rose's "musical genius".
And that leap yielded mixed results -- but the picture that emerges from the album is that of a emotionally conflicted artist who still has brilliant ideas, but he could not execute them at times, leading to some really overwrought songs that were terribly in need of others to counterbalance the creative output.
Making his first Honolulu appearance in a little over three years, Jason Mraz played a really solid set to a surprisingly large crowd of 6,000+ at the Waikiki Shell. This is one that SD really wanted to go see. Admittedly, I was less than enthusiastic when the venue shifted from the concert hall to the 'Shell. However, it was a nice night, with nice weather, and the environment was really well suited to Mraz's performance style.
This one is an all-timer, no one has even come close in the past 33+ years
Of the embellished national anthem.
Perhaps the most original yet compelling version of the SSB. Indeed, a singular moment much like Jimi's at Woodstock and Whitney's before SB XXV.
However, unless you can outdo Marvin, you best be singing it as intended:
Straightforward and in 1:40.
I'm not sure that there will be that many for me this year.
However, The Police put on a very strong show at the Blaisdell last Saturday.
And the crowd ... Vegas can't party like HNL. Period.
With much liberty taken:
You gotta see The Shins live. It'll change your life. I swear.
This is THAT song from Garden State.
However, not much to choose from from their Pipe performance this past summer.
---
Amazing performance, surpassing all my expectations.
Most Funny Concert Moment: This Sucks!!
NIN, this past September
An inside joke it shall remain for the faithful that showed up.
All maybe 1000 or so of us.
Most Amazing Crowd/Most Metal Moment/The Sing-a-long
Heaven & Hell, Radio City Music Hall in March
This was an affirmation of the powerful metal riff, and the Sabbath faithful
Great crowd, that we had the privilege to be a part of, that Friday night in New York City.
Most Impressive Crowd Award
Expose, live at Pipeline this past summer
Yes, it was really THAT f'n loud. A hair raising, ear drum busting experience
---
Most Impressively Creepy Crowd
Lisa Lisa, that very same night
All the local women, well mostly Jpnse women, in their late 30s+ singing their heads off to All Cried Out. If you're a guy, you're wondering: WTH, am I gonna make it out of here alive. Uhm, let me guess, someone hurt you in high school? Amazingly creepy.
Never knew this song had a video. Still very fresh sounding at 5 years old.
1990 - Best New Artist
give them back the Grammy. really.
or give it to Charles Shaw and the other session guys
looking back, did the other nominees: Tone Loc, Soul II Soul, Indigo Girls, or Neneh Cherry amount to anything either?
no wonder there was no giving of the award after it was revoked from MV.
give it to them to commemorate the fact that 1990 sucked for new artists
Song of the week. Live.
Oh and a little bit of MosDef to lift it higher still.
I really hate the Rehab song. However, this song has really turned me on the brilliance of her album (well, except for Reh). Another discovery courtesy UK radio, to celebrate her big night at the Grammys.
Here's hoping she gets her shit together and doesn't go the way of TTD, down the Wishing Well.
Rooney is back. Love the retro sound.
You've got no fear of the underdog
That's why you will not survive
Damien Rice. Creep. Enjoy.
Joan As Police Woman, The Ride
So smooth, so very smooth. Brilliant.
Radiohead covers the love theme from "The Spy Who Loved Me"
No one has done it better.
Lots of buzz for Adele in the UK for 08.
Too bad, no US releases yet. Two release dates this month 1/21 & 1/28, no mention of USA though. Oh well, UToob is my friend this time.
Chasing Pavements video
Daydreamer, fr. Jools Holland
Yacht Rock Forever!
What kind of world did we live in before UToob? At this point, I can't remember.
We'll be there for the 1st show on Saturday, February 16th.
---
Update:
Well, tickets went really fast on main sale day, basically sold out in 37 minutes besides the odd single. Glad to have had a FC membership.
Update 2:
Second show added. The second show will take place on Sunday, February 17th.
Show History
Police with Bryan Adams & Stevie Ray Vaughn, Aloha Stadium. 02/25/84
Police with Fiction Plane, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas. 06/15/07
Police with Fiction Plane, Blaisdell Arena. 02/16/08
I'm feeling the urge to get the lead out and write. So, for no apparent reason, I will discuss my latest downloads from the iTMS. My first music buys in a while. Feel really out of touch with what's going on. That being said ...
I suppose curiosity got the best of me last week -- but for a good cause, really ...
I downloaded the two Metallica Bridge School acoustic shows from livemetallica.com. The eternal good about buying these shows is that the proceeds go to a great charity
Catalog now on iTs -- cool!
Many of the solo albums are in the iT+ format, so it sounds quite good
---
I haven't really been paying a ton of attention to the new stuff lately, but there are two pretty fun singles from HHH, off their upcoming album -- nothing epic and world changing, but a good listen nonetheless
---
As you were
I don't really know why it is, but we have been in the mood to see shows this year. Including some which we went to on a whim. Since I didn't blog them at the time, I will provide a grade and short overview of these shows.
---
The review that never got written. The show that we didn't see in NYC while we were there.
What we have here is one of the better artists of late, who finally are getting some attention, one year in ... always seems to be the way, doesn't it? Anyway, this has been one of my favorite artists over the past year.
Inside, the reviews of the Silversun Pickups' Carnavas and Pikul
What the heck are they singing?
So, when you have stopped laughing from all the times you puzzled over what the hell Klaus M. was singing ... as here
Okay, we're all on the same page now
This has been a problem with many of the harder rock genres, so I present to you, some pretty funny stuff ... well, it's a bit off-color at times, so if you don't like that kind of stuff -- get a hold of your curiosity and be on your way -- in other words, if uptightness would prevail in your workplace over comedy vids, well ... hope you got your resume polished up
For you other degens like me, I present pretty funny interps of Meh-TALL staple songs, lyrically interpreted by BSG & CD ... off the U-Toobs
Some Pantera here
Some Slayer, too ... here
And, what the heck, one more from MH right here
One of the more amazing bands in terms of sound that I've heard in the last 2-3 months -- and if you like Latin or metal influenced music, even better. Great performance on MBE a few months back, now another flamethrower of one on Mr. L's show last night
See it here
They also do a pretty interesting version of the Met classic from MOP, Orion.
NIGHT ONE: December 2, 2006
Last show of the tour, The Kings of Leon, two sets of busted up tamborines, the drummer's birthday (The Full Sheet Birthday Cake Tossing Incident ... and a launched towel to clean it up), end of show at 12:45AM ... a lot can happen in 3 hours of show, including a performance for the ages
Who's Afraid of 11 o'clock???
The People's Band. And now I know why. I cannot think of any band in recent memory that I have seen at our local arena that has had an opening act ... AND still played close to three hours. Every band doesn't want to pay the overtime, doesn't want to pay the curfew fine ... oh wait, I stand corrected.
Is my watch right ... Is it really 12:45 a.m.
Just an amazing show, the band had a lot of fun ... lots of sing-a-long moments. Lots of energy from the crowd, lots of energy from the band. And 32 songs later ... really, after a 32 song set, it was time to go home. Yep, I really don't have too many words to say about it, except definitely competing for show of the year.
Anyone notice the orb invasion?
Hey! Wake Up!
The cake, in happier times ... pre-launch
Where's Waldo? (Yes, we are somewhere in this picture)
After 3 hours, what didn't they play?!?!?!
Oceans
Corduroy
Animal
Do The Evolution
World Wide Suicide
Severed Hand
Given To Fly
Love Boat Captain
Wishlist
Even Flow
You Are
Unemployable
Jeremy
Wasted Reprise
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
Hawaii '78 (yes, that Hawaii '78 ...)
Better Man
Porch
---
Inside Job
Man Of The Hour
Last Kiss
Crazy Mary
Black
Alive
---
You're True
Happy Birthday Matt
Smile
Why Go
Big Wave
Life Wasted
Rocking In The Free World (w/ KOL)
Yellow Ledbetter / (Little Wing)
------------------------------------------------------------
NIGHT TWO: December 9, 2006
Unos Dos Tres ... Finally
Ahh, the spectacle that is the BIG rock show! We actually met two guys who flew in from Seattle that same afternoon to go to the show, we also met this rich woman from NYC who saw PJ last week and stayed all week. Nice people, and it goes to show that these bands command a world travellin' audience -- a gathering of the loyal, as Mr. Hewson said
Anyways, back to the BIG show. There's something about the BIG show that makes you forget about ridiculously long lines for everything -- from bathrooms, merch, getting in, leaving, parking ... or at least you hope that there are things that make you forget about these BIG show things
Just a few words about the show, I think we got spoiled from last week's marathon last show of the Avocado album tour because just as we were getting into the groove with PJ ... gone, 45 mins ... gone.
As far as the big spectacle that is vertigo, you just get the feeling that everything is completely orchestrated ... even stuff that is supposed to be "impromptu". But much like you don't care when you see some other well choreographed performance, we didn't care here. Just got swept up in the fun that is a you, too show ... as did our other 47,000 friends
Uh honey ... the orbs are back
Paul Hewson, David Evans ... and of course, Adam "No Nickname Required" Clayton
Song about the unnamed streets
We love the edge
PJ's Short Set
Interstellar Overdrive
Corduroy
Life Wasted
Do The Evolution
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
Big Wave
Even Flow
Hawaii 78
Better Man
World Wide Suicide
Given To Fly
Crazy Mary
Alive
Baba O'Riley
Played by You, Too
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
Elevation
I Will Follow
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - In A Little While
Beautiful Day - Sgt. Pepper's - Blackbird
Angel of Harlem
Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (w/ random audience pianist)
The First Time
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
Love and Peace or Else, Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bullet the Blue Sky
Miss Sarajevo
Pride
Where the Streets Have No Name
One
---
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
With or Without You
---
Window In the Skies
The Saints Are Coming (w/ Billie Joe of GD)
Rockin' In the Free World (w/ PJ)
All I Want Is You
----------------------------------------------------------------
NIGHT THREE: December 16, 2006
Behind the stage ... no, really
Okay, so here's the deal. If you get a chance to see the piano man from the back of the stage, by all means, go see him. I should have learned this lesson during college, as one of our friends did just that in LA and was real close. Fast forward about
About the show, it's about the music, it's about the storytelling, it's a whole lot of fun ... especially when our man turns away the mic and lets the crowd sing a few lines. I did have one really major revelation and it came during the roadie's performance of Highway to Hell
MAN, THAT CROWDED POPPED!!! The biggest sing-a-long, the biggest action from the crowd
If that little band from Oz played here, judging from audience reaction -- a BJ audience, mind you. Yeah, I'm as blown away by the thought of it. Well, they really need to play here next tour
Back on subject, just a really cool show. BJ and the band play to each portion of the crowd equally ... including facing the back, sides, whatever. Just a neat show, and a nice cap to three awesome nights in December 06
Mr. "Don't Go Changin'" sure has changed
That grey bearded, bald guy sure plays a mean piano
Sing us a song ... you're the obi-wan
What He Played
Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
Everybody Loves You Now
The Entertainer
New York State of Mind
Zanzibar
Allentown
Don't Ask Me Why
Just The Way You Are
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
An Innocent Man
Keeping The Faith
She's Always A Woman
I Go To Extremes
The River of Dreams
Highway To Hell (yes, that one ... by his roadie)
We Didn't Start The Fire
Big Shot
It's Still Rock and Roll To Me
You May Be Right
Only The Good Die Young
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Piano Man
Awesome ... deafening ... visually interesting
And let me say, the concert hall as a venue for a full on, sans symphony rock show is actually surprisingly good ... and I had my doubts. We had seats a little off center in the first row of the balcony, and these were actually remarkably good as well -- actually I feel converted to possibly sitting here with regularity when we see symphony shows
But that aside, if you could see one band every five years or so -- and could have confidence that the show would live up to and in many ways exceed your expectations going in, this is the band to see.
I dunno if I will keep up with this, but when I get emails about it, I shall pass on the link for the "big release of the week"
Solo album from R-Head vox ... out tomorrow ... is streaming here
Umm, disappointing parody ... words don't even come close to describing this
It's So Easy
Rocket Queen
Patience
Paradise City
Nighttrain
November Rain
Sweet Child O' Mine
Out Ta Get Me
You Could Be Mine
Live and Let Die
And the "We Could Use More Bongos" versions of these classics
Welcome to the Bongo
Mr. Bongostone
And you know you can't wait to be in line at midnight later this year (or next ...) for these Chinese Democracy instant classics
And the Double U - Tee - Eff moment of the night ... just a little patience, you'll see what I'm getting at
(All I can say is it don't get more Mad TV/SNL than that ... and this is like, totally GD serious yet teh totally gay)
Next Stop for Billy ... The Surreal Life
Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere: B+
After what seemed like an interminable wait, StE finally dropped here in the 48+2. In a year where we have been piling up beats oriented albums such as Go Team's, Mylo's and J-Dilla's -- this one stands out in terms of its great sense of using old school beats and funk, with incredibly soulful vox from Cee-Lo
This is not to say that it is a retro soul based effort -- I think the best description is experimental, with great soul and funk foundation. If you like things like Handsome Boy Modeling School, Gorillaz, or any of the three artists listed above, this will be a great pickup
The standout tracks are the ubiquitous 'our song of the year' Crazy -- which is just brilliant in its simplicity. Smiley Faces is a great 70s soul jam with snappy clean percussion beats. We really like the blend of crashy cymbals and clean guitar sound of Just A Thought ... the late 80s style rhyming of Feng Shui
All around the album is very solid, the only tracks which are skippable perhaps are the ones really out on the sonic edge, like Transformer and Necromancer. I also didn't really get the appeal of the VF cover "Gone Daddy Gone" ... to me, it was ehhh.
I found that I really liked the funky disco of The Last Time, the epic sounding Storm Coming, the psychedelic funk/soul of Who Cares? and Online ... even the creepy weirdness of Boogie Monster was cool.
What I do find interesting is how these guys have taken over the UK charts -- especially in this era of all this frenetic Arctic Monkeys music in the UK. Good gravy, if Steve L. recommends another AM soundalike on Music Exchange, I think I will discontinue my pod sub ... but thats besides the point.
We recommend this album as a changeup album, I don't think that it will shake out as the best album of the year ... but it is different and enjoyable enough to fill time when you want something that is great to listen to, yet is really off the mainstream
Athlete: Live Session EP (iTunes Exclusive): A-
We downloaded this one almost three weeks ago, and it was a nice reminder of how great a band that Athlete is. As good as Tourist is, this stripped down live acoustic one is really a fantastic listen -- five great songs, including probably the three best tracks from the album (Half Light - Tourist - Wires), plus the classic 'Beautiful" from the debut album
All those elements that make Athlete great ... emotional honesty; simple, beautiful, and pleasing arrangements; and great songwriting sensibility are evident here in a simple piano and guitar format. Can't really tell if it is live -- sounds like a MBE-type session ... bottom line, sounds really great, very clean.
It has put the Tourist cd back into rotation for us ... this one is really easy to recommend to people who, of course, love Athlete, but equally worth checking if you like Coldplay, James Blunt, or even U2
When we last left Tool ... I am more amazed it's been five years since the last one. Weighing in at a whopping 75 minutes and with with most songs north of six minutes, again Tool has delivered a musical experience rather than your run of the mill, present day 40 some odd minute album (if you're lucky)
In another, why does the US have to wait for a postdated release ... we present the groovy song of the year thus far. St. E finally drops on 5-9
Anyways, two fun video versions of the song we've been listening to since late Nov. from Gnarls Barkley
And for the sake of overkill Alt take of Crazy from across the pond
And from their warmup for Coachella this weekend ... too much Crzz
Too bad, they're not scheduled for the live Coachella webcast tomorrow
Finally, here
(Image: Star Bulletin)
Nice.
That was She Devil's reaction to last night's pop symphony show with RRHOFer Elvis Costello.
Continue reading "Declan McManus: The Return of She Devil's Corner" »
My first knowing exposure to CP was her work in collab with the Handsome Boy Modeling School's "I've Been Thinking", although I think I've heard other stuff by her before ... and that HBM track is just such a cool listen. So given all the critical acclaim and of course free eM D/L credits, I figured why not?
And now for something completely different ... so what do you get when you combine breakbeats, funk, 70s style cop show soundtracky music, cheerleaderish raps, high school band instruments (mainly choruses of horns), among other great ideas to mash together?
Continue reading "The Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike" »
Okay, I am the last person to advocate piracy ... so that is not what my first recommendation relating to this album will be. If you buy this CD, it is that fun type of Sony copy protected kind ... so I advise doing like me and grabbiing it off of iTs, if you want it ... well, your computer, your wisdom
That being said ... I have really liked some of the high energy singles from Stellastarr, including "Somewhere Across Forever", "My Coco", and "Sweet Troubled Soul" ... so again, being influenced by that evil goateed, foureyed, tight shirted (must be a Brit thing) pied piper of MBE, I decided to jump in and get this album after watching a studio session
Continue reading "Stellastarr* - Harmonies for the Haunted" »
Well, I am finally getting around to doing a review of the RK players solo albums. Jenny's solo album with the Watson Twins is quite an adventure.
Continue reading "Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat" »
It seems I've been listening to a ton of folky, countrified, understated music as of late ... must be the current trend in indie pop ... I really don't know. So anyways, this was another free eM what do I have to lose pick
Continue reading "Iron and Wine/Calexico - In the Reins EP" »
And so the search for original sounding bands continues in the overwhelming wave wash of various new artists who play an eerily comfortable retro sound ... that makes it possible for coots like me to follow current music trends without painful listening.
If I can sum it up, this one is based on one word ... this word sometimes gets us in trouble, this word sometimes gets the best of us, this word to stop this blathering is curiosity. I guess I was wondering why this one gets so much play on Star, well I personally wonder no more ... the eMusic free music bonanza begins
I have read the all the positive reviews surrounding this album. I actually had downloaded the "Stormy Weather - EP" from iTs quite a while ago ... so given some free tracks from eMusic, I figured why not, after all I did at one point many many many moons ago enjoy the music of E&tB
I suppose if you have read us enough, you know of my longstanding Joshua Tree-esque boycott of the band that once made me oh-so-thankful for MTV in the early 80s --- one of my favorite bands of the era. I blame Virgin Radio and iPod for bringing me back into the fold
In minor news today, HB1963, which people may know better as the ultimate fighting ban in Hawaii bill was defeated in committee today. I'm not going to say anything outside the fact that the bill is the most grossly underinformed characterization of current mixed martial arts ... however
DON'T YOU FKG THINK THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO ADDRESS?!?!?!?!?!
damn.
Don't get me wrong, I was raised on a healthy dose of dark, post punk synth music. I have always wondered whether there was some kind of inside joke about it that I didn't get ... namely were there people with black everything who took it seriously, and did the bands actually take it seriously
Well, I suppose after teasing it a while ago, it's about time that I finally talk about the band that I have been abuzz about for a handful of months. I actually thought that I was going to write something up with the recent set of reviews
Then I thought, you know what? I possibly could be getting tired of this one ... but somehow today, I fell in love with it all over again, so let me write a bit about TMN and their eponymous album
Well, I've been doing the last.fm thing for a while, and using the radio player to find new music.
I heard about this other site, based on the Music Genome Project, where you put in an artist that you like and then it generates musically similar music that you might find interesting, likable, whatever
So check it out, fascinated me for a little bit ... another cool way to find music that you might like, click here to be redirected.
I guess I have the itch to write a few more reviews ... I've had the Stones recent one for a while, and haven't really thought through what I thought about it until now
A lot of reviewers really think this is a strong album, and I can appreciate their point of view. I guess I'm of the opinion that this is a solid album rather than strong album, and I will explain what I mean
I've been turning this album over and over, wondering what to say in terms of impressions of the sophomore effort from breakout artists FF
If I can summarize, I think this one is a bit less obvious to the casual listener ... in other words, I don't think there are a ton of can't miss, catchy songs where you can go ... that's a hit, and that's another one. It seems like that is the key difference between the debut album and this recent effort from FF.
Continue reading "Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better" »
As a preliminary comment, often we say sarcastically that you could spend your time better doing something else ... and I don't think about that when I listen to this album. And at the end of the day, I probably will not remember anything of the show that introduced me to them, either
Well, this is one of those albums that I am thankful for that was made mid-year last year. I just haven't stopped spinning it in the past year, it seems as if I dabble here and dabble there ... and then come back to this wonderful album by RK
For those that tire of the lost blonde girl story, the grieving mom story, or the good God, bob it sure is devastated here stories
Finally, it takes someone from Poughkeepsie to write a story that I can relate to, one about soaring concert ticket prices for acts that are marginally functional, but charging an arm, a leg (and perhaps a few spinal discs short of a column)
Read about it here. I believe rock and roll is dead.
Okay, so what if I told you that people were actually believing that it was ... what does it all mean? Here's a interesting take on it, read on, read on
Well, the almost original lineup of Stryper is back with a new one ... and finally we get around to reviewing it
The godfathers of Xtian crossover hard rock in the 80s are back, so what do we think about it?
Well, finally I get around to putting down some words to review the sophomore effort from one of my favorite current artists
Actually, I think it is good that I've let it play and settle and simmer rather than haul off and write a review on this one right off the bat
I haven't been able to write up a coherent review about this one, even though I have been spinning it now for close to a month. In the final analysis, I am in the middle of the pack on this one, and shall probably at the end of this review leave it at that.
Continue reading "The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan" »
I had almost forgot about LIVE 8 today ... how could I?
I did get in, in time to see The Who, the amazing reunion performance of Pink Floyd (that was seriously cool) -- who else? Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney w/ George Michael, Black Eyed Peas w/ the Marleys, Madonna, Green Day ... and there were many more I didn't see
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
MAKE TRADE FAIR
I cannot think of a more controversial band to like/dislike in the past three or so years than Coldplay. They certainly have a dedicated and loyal base of fanatics, and they have an equally loud group of contrarians that declare them the most overblown piece of crap since well, crap was overblown
I have listened to the album over and over ... is it a wonder that I am sane anymore? kidding. Well smack dab in the promo week for this album weekend, here are my impressions of the new one from CP
So what does it mean when something is limited or special? Does it just mean that your band doesn't have enough cred to get backing for a full album, or what does it mean ...
Continue reading "Every Move a Picture - Signs of Life EP REVIEW" »
I suppose we all reach a point where we need to minimize the b.s. and totally rock out. For me personally, the end of my current fascination with off the radar music feels real near.
Especially after listening to the new one from SOAD
I recall the first time I ever heard of the Gorillaz. I was watching BlueTorch on FoxSportsNet, and on came this really wild anime influenced video with some trippy visuals. That song was "Clint Eastwood", and I went on to get into a few more tracks from their 2001 debut
Well, this time, this was no underground debut of the sophomore effort Demon Days, I guess getting a spot on the ubiquitous iPod Shuffle ads will do that, and being heavily promoted by the Apple Music Store will do that for you as well
It seems as if people have gone totally crazy with our snack table at our office. It seems to have the normal omiyage stuff, as well as stuff that quite clearly no one would eat at their house ... sooo we would eat it here instead?
Well, not that much interesting in the line of tidbits, but this week has been the week that it was revealed there will be another Live Aid show, not a telethon for pledging money but one to raise awareness about the problems of spiraling debt in less fortunate countries, "free" trade, and globalisation (yeah why not, it is a UK thing ....)
Perhaps the more ironic thing is that this was filtered to my spam on Gmail yesterday, as I had signed up for info from the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY website
SL's Alternative Album of the Year
As I conclude my look back at my arbitrary musical year, I figured that I might as well throw one more look back review.
Brought forth from the collaboration of notable producers Prince Paul and Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, White People is the LU's selection for alternative album of the year. This is the second album for the HBMS, and really an amazing effort that just shows supreme ability to put together tracks that transcend simple genres
Continue reading "Handsome Boy Modeling School - White People REVIEW" »
Heaven knows if this will be a tradition, because this took ... well it took a little more effort than it takes to unscrew a new bottle of kimchee
Again, this covers the ludicrous and arbitrary time period from last June through this May. And of course, we make no warranty that the music actually was relevant during the above time period, all it is is a capsule of the music that has been cool to us this past non-calendar year
With that said ...
SL Co-Best Album of the Year
This is the second of my best albums of the year, or as we used to do in high school to be overly egalitarian and indiscriminate, the SL Co-Best Album of the Year ... this one much like Hot Fuss will nicely fit into my SL album hall of fame
SL Artist of the Year and Co-Best Album of the Year
Now I don't know why I have decided to conclude my music year this year prior the beginning of summer. It makes as much sense as the fiscal year ending in the middle of the year
Well, using the twisted logic of always having countdowns over Memorial Day weekend, I have two albums of the year to present this year ... and both of them fit nicely in my SL album hall of fame
And don't ask why it took me nearly a year to review this one ...
This will be the one of the shortest reviews ever written by us about an album, because words do not do the music justice, if you haven't heard the "songs" off this album ... I mean, you can stop reading now, go and buy it, and thank me later. If the year ended now, this is definitely in the conversation for album of the year.
Continue reading "The Mars Volta - Francis the Mute REVIEW" »
I first heard of Common, or Common Sense, a few years ago while talking to a co-worker about underground hip hop. Admittedly I've been more into Mos Def and Talib Kweli from the rap UG, and been big fans of their work
I have been waiting for this one for a while now, ever since hearing the cut The Food on the Chappelle Show earlier this season ... learning that Kanye West was going to produce this one, really upped my interest ... looking at the cameos on this, got some John Mayer, Bilal, John Legend, and of course Kanye ... The new single, The Corner, dropped and tided me over 'til now
I had heard very good things about this new one from Weezer ... and of course, you all know that I am not one that gets sucked into the hype, rriiiggghtt LOL -- I had held off a bit because the first time I heard "Beverly Hills", I was like ehh okay
But I liked their last album, the green album well enough ... so I decided to take the dive, as I read more reassuring things about it, and liked the clips pretty okay
I think I have overdid myself with my recent use of iT -- well, I have been listening to the semi-evil profile radio on AScrob/Last, not so much WOXY (they are so ahead that they frustrate me, oh can't get it, will be released later than Europe, Japan, UK, etc ... fooey man)
So in the past week and a half, I have sucked down about 50 tracks, and I'm a bit deep on this one, very fast -- I should really just plan some time to listen to new music, that way I don't go gee, I haven't listened to my new stuff to let it soak yet
I actually heard the first single of this album while I was listening to WOXY at work -- Krafty kind of just rolled off my back, I thought it was okay and nothing special
Then while doing my monthly sweep through iTunes a few weeks, I decided to take a listen to some clips ... and I was wowed
Continue reading "New Order - Waiting for the Sirens' Call REVIEW" »
In the interest of punctuational correctness LOL ... if you saw the packaging and titling of the new CD/DVD of Athlete ... well, I guess only if I gave you some reason to
I actually found a quote in today's paper by The Boss Bruce S. about talking about music -- how can you do it?, I agree LOL
(And yeah I watched the DVD this time ... actually has a cool segment of documentary footage from recording at Abbey Road Studios with a 25-piece orchestra ... real cool, but that aside ...)
As I wait out the gloomy clouds and decide whether I will go to tennis this afternoon, let me pen out my review of the new one from HHH
Album of the Month .... yeah, easy
---
Something about Revolution Day that makes you feel like a change ...
Inside, a list of what I am shuffling on myPod
---
I had some work to catch up on today so I decided to roll Janitor's 100 as background music
I suppose, it should come to no big surprise that we have similar musical taste, as we are from the same era -- I have compiled some thoughts on some of the uncommon tracks he had, and on some of the unique artists he pulled for his list
Not to sound like the mutual admiration society, but it's a great 100 songs -- and a nice changeup from listening to new music for the past two weeks
---
(This one is predated for historical purposes as I am actually writing this one almost a week later -- so forgive the memory lapses ... ironic, that this is supposed to prevent a memory lapse about the show yet the show is not really fresh in my memory)
(Photo from Star Bulletin)
Little did I know that later in the night I would be allergic to Norah Jones' last show on her Feels Like Home tour ... but all joking aside
To update my WWLT list ... but when I do (shaking fist) LOL
Here are the songs that I am really digging lately:
The Widow by The Mars Volta
Eres by Cafe Tacuba
An Honest Mistake by The Bravery
It�s A Hit by Rilo Kiley
Dirty Pearl by Angela McCluskey
True by Ryan Cabrera
A Voice At The End Of The Line by M. Ward
I Predict A Riot by Kaiser Chiefs
A Bullet And A Target by Citizen Cope
Hysteria by Muse
Almost Beating by Bill Janovitz and Crown Victoria
enjoy
I think that it is very soon time to change up some songs on the Shuff -- I never really got through that initial attempt at doing an overview of the tracks two weeks ago -- so let's try again on an underpowered day at work
Prior to changing some tunes up, I felt like writing something about some of the initial class on the shuffle -- then again I feel lazy LOL
Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones - The Hives
C'mon C'mon - The Von Bondies
Ride - The Vines
Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes) [Remix by 8-Bit] - Beck
I Just Wanna Live - Good Charlotte
I Love You 'Cause I Have To - Dogs Die In Hot Cars
Necessito - Some Girls
Vague Space - Stephen Malkmus
Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
The Bucket - Kings of Leon
Everything Is Everything - Phoenix
The Recluse - Cursive
No Brakes - The Bravery
What'cha Know About - Donavon Frankenreiter
Desperate Guys - The Faint
It Don't Matter - Donavon Frankenreiter
Misread - Kings of Convenience
Change Your Mind The Killers
Eleanor - Low Millions
Everybody Come Down - The Delgados
Monday Monday Monday - Tegan and Sara
Jerk It Out - Caesars
Vertigo - U2
Last Song - Marianne Faithfull
Somebody Told Me - The Killers
Your Eyes Open - Keane
In My Head - Psapp
Can't Stand Me Now - The Libertines
TKO - Le Tigre
True - Ryan Cabrera
Change - Ulysses
Cannonball (Radio Remix) - Damien Rice
I'd Rather Dance With You - Kings of Convenience
This Is the Last Time - Keane
Float On - Modest Mouse
A Passing Feeling - Elliott Smith
Undertaker - M. Ward
Are You Down With It - Handsome Boy Modeling School & Mike Patton
Everybody's Changing - Keane
Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
Leave the Trees - Chezidek
Title and Registration - Death Cab for Cutie
Cherry Blossom Girl - Air
We Might As Well Be Strangers (DJ Shadow Remix) - DJ Shadow vs. Keane
An Honest Mistake - The Bravery
I Don't Think We've Met - Nikka Costa
Worn Me Down - Rachael Yamagata
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Non Photo-Blue - Pinback
Sunday Bell - Audible
Ocean Breathes Salty - Modest Mouse
Come On Home - Franz Ferdinand
The Death of American Radio - Radio 4
Talk Shows On Mute - Incubus
Bullet and a Target - Citizen Cope
Breathe - Erasure
Look What You've Done - Jet
Don't Stop - Brazilian Girls
How Good It Can Be - The 88
Hardcore Days & Softcore Nights - Aqueduct
Unmade Bed - Sonic Youth
Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
Time Is Running Out - Muse
I Predict a Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
B-Boy Stance - K-Os
So Alive - Ryan Adams
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Night On Fire - VHS or Beta
I Don't Care - The Roots
This Way - Dilated Peoples & Kanye West
The Boxer - The Chemical Brothers
Pussy - Brazilian Girls
I Close My Eyes - Shivaree
Passive - A Perfect Circle
Perfect Blue Sky - Junkie XL & Robert Smith
Dice - Finley Quaye & William Orbit
The Almighty One - Chukki Starr
Auf Achse - Franz Ferdinand
The Stars of Our Stars - Cowboy Junkies
Story of an Artist - M. Ward
World Outside - The Devlins
Landed - Ben Folds
Galvanize - The Chemical Brothers
Section 12 (Hold Me Now) - The Polyphonic Spree
Maybe Tomorrow - Stereophonics
Bedshaped - Keane
Secret Smile - Semisonic
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice
Portions for Foxes - Rilo Kiley
Lost In the Plot - The Dears
Tribulations - LCD Soundsystem
Champagne Supernova - Angie Aparo
Dakota - Stereophonics
PDA - Interpol
Summer Quest - The Go Find
Forget Tomorrow - Macha
Warning Shots - Thievery Corporation featuring Sleepy Wonder & Gunjan
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House - LCD Soundsystem
A Man / Me / Then Jim - Rilo Kiley
I've Been Thinking - Handsome Boy Modeling School & Cat Power
The World's Gone Mad - Handsome Boy Modeling School
The Truth - Handsome Boy Modeling School
Frontin' - Jamie Cullum
Warm and Sunny Days - The Dears
Mahgeetah - My Morning Jacket
Run - Snow Patrol
Alphabetical - Phoenix
New Hampshire - Matt Pond PA
I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You - Colin Hay
And now, I have to plan out my next Shuff set -- maybe I'll just let the CPU pick
Dark Tranquillity - Character: A-
After spinning Damage Done too many times to count, I was so ready for the new one from Dark Tranquillity -- of course after being disappointed by the SF release earlier, I was perhaps unjustifiably cautious, but yes I was cautious to build my expectations too high over this one
The disc just comes flying out at you with everything that a DT fan loves about them -- guitar melodies, symphonic styled dramatic arrangements, technical and controlled brutality, great riffing, in essence that Gothenburg sound goodness
The assault generally continues throughout the disc with really agressive tempos and riffs, with lots of melodic variety to keep the song from smashing down on the listener -- guitar melodies ala IM, thrash and black metal influences from the 80s, this band is one of those great bands that stands soundly on the foundation of metal
One of the cooler aspects is the continued experimentation with breakdowns and synth melodies, that actually add to the total epic sound that is DT rather than take away from the tone of the songs -- another cool aspect is that DT actually seems to know musical theory and arrangement in a way that really makes its music technically sound and sound great
Their albums sometimes have this concepty symphonic quality where some tracks use passages from other tracks and add to the overall intangible emotional quality -- it's just neat to see bands employing these techniques
This album is about knowing the core elements of your sound -- and expanding on some themes and elements -- not really meandering and experimental, not light or sold out by any means -- DT continues to lead the melodic thrash/death metal scene
In an indication of how out of control and compulsive I was, I actually had narrowed it down to 504 --- yeah why the extra 4, right? LOL
Anyways, I think these are probably the ones that may sneak in and out of the 100 over time, and are pretty close to being a part of the list
And I am thinking of doing a Hawaiian one and a Metal/Hard Rock one in the near future -- probably after my batteries recharge from listening to all this music over the past two weeks or so
Okay, so I finally am getting around to webpub this list of the 100 songs that I would consider to be either very good or very representative of a period of time in my life
So with the iTunes going as muse, let's get to it (in no particular ranked order, because that would be utterly difficult) -- and of course, you will be able to tell what era my formative years were in quite easily
Walking in Rhythm - The Blackbyrds
There's just something positive and upbeat about this song from my childhood that makes me wanna walk around with the George Jefferson strut
(More within, just clipping it so that it doesn't run so far down the page)
Finally decided on a set of new music for the Shuffle � makes me almost want to buy another one to put classic tracks into it
This is a set of mostly newer stuff, some classic stuff, and overall is in my opinion really good music � not too many of them would be objectionable to the over-30 crowd, in fact, it seems like a comfortable invite back in to discover what�s been going on in the past year
Without further ado � (ed. note: my significant 100 is coming soon)
The Not-So Celebrity (One-20-Six) Mix
(or if those celeb clowns can make mixes and write inane stuff � well, I can write more inane stuff than them � it�s a special talent of mine)
Not really in order -- ordering is too tough a task for simple minds like me -- too much time on my hands
(ed. note: a feeble attempt at a re-do appears on 3/17)
I'm not sure when it was that horror movies decided to include loud music in their soundtracks -- in fact I think I do remember when horror movies started to do it, I think it was in Maximum Overdrive
Anyways, now I think it is mere promotional chicanery because in no way are all the songs clipped and played in movie -- I suppose they should call it new music/new artist sampler rather than RE sequel soundtrack
Approaching it like this, I really have no grade for the sampler overall -- this one features a bunch of tracks from different artists -- nothing particularly remarkable
At the end of the day, I think this was a pretty foolish blind purchase on my part, as I have not seen the movie (and when I think about it, I don't really intend to any time soon) -- and I don't really plan on playing the CD a lot any time soon, either
Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache REVIEW: B+
This one has been part of the collection since last May, I think -- in the process of cleaning up -- I turned it up -- and then turned it up -- this was one of the more amazing metal releases of the past year
Continue reading "Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache REVIEW" »
Shadows Fall - The War Within REVIEW: B-
I was anticipating the release of this one in a big time way, but I had The Art of Balance to fall back on, in many ways, perhaps I had some overblown expectations on this one after just totally loving AOB
The golden child band from the New Wave of American Heavy Metal -- the once proclaimed band that would take that next step that Metallica took 20+ years ago and break open the new style of the genre -- Shadows Fall has a new effort, and our thoughts are within
Steely Dan - Everything Must Go: B
Never really got around to writing a review for this one -- even despite seeing them live, sheesh time flies in Oct 03 -- spinning it now two years later, it still has a fresh quality to it
I guess one has to wonder -- or at least I do -- how much "The Dan" (I have never ever called them that, perhaps I may never again LOL) has in the tank, especially after seeing them live almost a year and a half ago
EMG starts with two classics of the SD sound -- The Last Mall has those crafty, smart lyrics over a catchy bluesy tune -- Things I Miss The Most is making space for itself on the SD all-time classics shelf -- more lyrical sass, the return of the horns, and just snazz pizazz razzmatazz, that it factor that makes it eminently listenable and cool
Blues Beach is a listenable song, even if it is not the most memorable effort -- Godwhacker is a jazzy enjoyable rocker that keeps the sound simple and clean, great song -- Slang of Ages has a sound reminiscent of Dire Straits meanderings and Walter's vox delivered in an interesting fashion
Green Book and Pixeleen feel a bit mailed in -- they have that SD sound, but in a overly convenient way -- if you like the sound, there's nothing really to complain about -- then again, nothing to rejoice about either
Lunch with Gina and EMG are a strong closing duo to this very solid effort from SD -- LwG is a very solid song, with some interesting arrangements in the middle portion -- EMG has the feeling of a closer, melancholy and slow -- slow to leave, mellow in the finish -- just a great listen
In the end, the world wasn't shaken off its axis by this effort from SD -- but it is largely an interesting addition to the SD canon of music
Megadeth - The System Has Failed: D+
I think I had envisioned in some hopeful way that I would do this as part of a three part review of three metal albums that all came out reasonably within the same time frame -- so much for wishful thinking in the presence of procrastination supreme
Not providing excuses or anything, but coming off what was characterized as a career NO CAN PLAY EVER FOREVER injury, finding JC, getting the alkylism under control, not wanting to reunite with the classic lineup of MD, and of course appearing in SKOM reconciling with Lars ... and of course, the first MD album without Dave Jr.
Could these be the reasons for the mixed effort on the latest effort from MD?
It certainly is not as "risky" as RISK -- it does not really fit well in the post RUST efforts
It has the reversed-Holy Wars sounding "Kick The Chair" which is pretty straightforward and rocking -- it has the really well produced, almost slick "Die Dead Enough" that has received airplay -- perhaps it is the strength of these two songs that keep the CD from being totally unredeemable
The ironic, puzzling, and problematic thing about this album is that the songs are tight, they sound good, every song is well produced, but nothing really jumps out at you and grabs on to you in that good ol' fashioned bang the head that doesn't bang way -- it's just not interesting -- it's not really anything -- it's not thrash, it's not alty, it's not power metal, pop metal, hard rock, prog rock -- yet it has all these elements
The CD has failed (to grab my interest) -- but in fairness, this effort and the remasters are a really positive sign that MD is ready to swing it back into gear, and that to me is a positive
The Visionaries - Pangaea REVIEW: B+
I've had this CD sitting in the car for awhile -- actually haven't listened to it in awhile -- My initial impressions were that this was some pretty cool, pass the mic, uplifting independent rap -- the third effort from The Visionaries from LA
One of the two most noticeable things about the album is the topics and the effective use of the semi-old school, extended flow, pass the mic group rap style
This CD won't be accused for brevity or shortness -- in fact most of the tracks are north of 4 minutes -- TV makes extensive use of the extended flow style, pass the mic around style -- it has a style like the old GMF and SH Gang days, where the rhythm ran and everyone brought their own flow to the mic
It was interesting to me because most of the extended flow style has traditionally had a party or upbeat style -- TV brings forth a politically aware style that seeks to socially and spiritually uplift -- I have heard them compared as a West Coast Wu -- well, that's not too far from the truth, but don't think these guys are Wu Junior -- they bring something new and fresh in this CD
Pangaea and Strike are really strong opening tracks to the CD -- Pangaea is has a utopian flow that brings forth the concept over human unity with no boundaries -- Strike has a classic stripped down feel with the flow going over a simple piano riff, bass line, and high hat
The beat is blended with a lot of So Cal musical influences, DoMakeSayThink incorporates a Mariachi style riff in the beat -- I think its pretty cool that groups like TV and Ozomatli are making really cool music that fuses aspects of cultural life in LA in a unique package -- we like WAR a lot, so it's cool to see this renaissance from LA
I could go on about each track and their unique tasty beats -- yes, this is a tasty hip hop CD -- there's so much to like, and you will probably be hooked after one listen (much like I was) -- Believe It, If You Can't Say Love, V-Peat, Nine Elevan,
The West Coast has been built on a certain image and rap style largely in the 90s -- it's nice to see positive hip-hop emerge from the LA scene -- that also has a relevant political message about society -- the beats and loops are very smooth and ambient/atmospheric, well produced
And you may be surprised as I was to learn that the members were multicultural in their background -- Mexican, two Filipinos, Japanese, Black, and White -- it's amazing what can come out of such a collaboration of people from different groups
Highly recommended for anyone -- if you have even a moderate interest in interesting underground/independent hip hop, this one is a must buy
Garden State [Soundtrack] REVIEW: A-
I've actually had this CD for quite awhile, I think since last August or September or so -- haven't really been keeping up with reviews -- Actually, I find it curious that I possess it seeing how I really didn't like the movie a great deal
Since it's mainstream popularity continues to grow -- I thought that I would write something about my impressions of it -- Overall, this is a nice mix of music, like a mix tape of some of today's largely under the radar alt music, with some older stuff sprinkled in
To do the shuffle ...
Well, we finally went and did it this time -- we published our first iMix -- 25 songs that we really dig the heck out of that may help entertain you (ed.note: sorry, we can't help you with your relevance -- as the utterly irrelevant should have no tips for others beset with the same condition)
It's called WWLT
... (or What We Listen To),
iTuners can find it there.
WWLT 25
Change Your Mind - The Killers
Harajuku Girls - Gwen Stefani
No Phone - Cake
Desperate Guys - The Faint
Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters
Everything Is Everything - Phoenix
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
Cannonball (Remix) - Damien Rice
Mahgeetah - My Morning Jacket
Everybody's Changing - Keane
Story of an Artist - M. Ward
Last Song - Marianne Faithfull
Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
Portions for Foxes - Rilo Kiley
TKO - Le Tigre
The Bucket - Kings of Leon
The World's Gone Mad - Handsome Boy Modeling School
Undertaker - M. Ward
World Outside - The Devlins
Jacob's Ladder - Chumbawamba
How to Be Dead - Snow Patrol
Flowers In the Window - Travis
Sway - Bic Runga
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice
The struggle for new musical finds continues ...
It struck me today as I gently skimmed through the living section in our local Sunday newspaper -- it's that time of year for best of lists -- well, they had a top 10 list of best singles of the year
And I was like, none -- zero, got any airplay in Hawaii. So why would I as a reader of local newspapers even remotely care to read a half pager?
The irrelevance of the article kind of faded away -- and made me think, wow, my musical tastes are pretty irrelevant for this place as well
I have updated my list of songs that WWLT -- or what we listen to -- and again, none, zero will receive play here so ... take it for what it is, the height of irrelevance
---
I've really grown fond of the fresh pop hooks of Keane over the past month -- I think I may have indicated before that the lead vox has a style that recalls the pop era of Queen in the early 80s -- Everybody's Changing is another hit off of a really great album, that no one west of the UK seems to be paying much attention to
Damien Rice -- here's another guy, huge in the UK -- and has the hooksy minimalist folk thing down -- if you like sparser emotional vox, like say Norah or Joan Arma.. -- this guy has an amazing evocative voice and haunting pop/folk style
I heard Mahgeetah on WOXY -- it's a little older -- from 2003, but My Morning Jacket has a pretty interesting approach on Mahg ... it reminds of some Jackson Browne influence and some nice 70s atmospherish, understated stuff, cool
The revival of Green Day -- American Idiot -- perhaps is the album that us long timers have been waiting for -- Boulevard of Broken Dreams is the hit that is getting massive play all over -- shows a very mature approach, solid lyrics and is a fusion of the serious GD and the power of early GD
Scissor Sisters was a unique find for me -- heard it on Virgin UK -- two songs, Laura and Take Your Mama -- ironically those two songs are unlike their other dance oriented songs, but these two are great pieces of compelling modern alterna-pop
I also have been listening to the new one from Kings of Leon -- as I often grumble, Europe gets their CD first -- very underappreciated band here in the lower 48 plus 2 ... Other notable songs I have enjoyed are Shivaree's older one -- Goodnight Moon where she takes a dark smoldering crooning approach that I really love out of Concrete Blonde's Johnette (also feat. on Kill Bill, Vol. 2)
An odd selection this time is the new one from DIO ... yes that Dio ... One more for the Road is exactly that -- a chug rocking dinosaur that could easily have been on Heaven and Hell/Mob Rules or Holy Diver/Last in Line ... Awesome, for all us old metal dinos
One Shining Moment and One Supremely Ironic/Satiric Moment
The past couple of days I've actually had some time to take a look at two live metal vids -- the new one from Slayer and the new one from SYL
Slayer - Still Reigning DVD: A+
I think that I was mostly disappointed with War at the Warfield, it was really Slayer going through the motions and the camming was so mechanical and did not capture the dynamism of the 80s preeminent speed/evil metal band
Well, after swearing off Slayer vids forever, I was intrigued by their decision to film a live performance of all the tracks of the all-time thrash classic Reign in Blood -- side note, boy, Rick Rubin did a lot in the mid-80s -- and then disappeared -- back on point, I was intrigued by the promise of a blood shower part of the show -- and this DVD does not disappoint on all fronts
Anyways, I started off by watching the extra concert footage -- surprised to find Tom being more chatty and funny than he has been on vid lately -- almost Dio-ish lately, but this time comfortable and commanding -- All the other stuff live was just amazing, the videography on this one is pretty cool with angles, cuts, and getting that Slayer vibe
I think the other thing that bothered me about the 2002 live vid was that Tom's voice sounded like shit -- hey, it may be audio engineering but on this new one he sounds good -- the mix sounds great -- and the playing is tight
And Reign in Blood track by track live is still 28 minutes of powerful awesome metal -- an all time classic of the genre -- this DVD is a testament that Slayer still can bring it
Strapping Young Lad: For Those Aboot to Rock (Live at the Commodore) DVD
The interesting thing about this band is that they are like the Radiohead of extreme metal -- very edgy, widely respected, and it's hard to tell when they are serious or not because they blow up all metal cliches while still playing metal
The satire, the irony -- the blistering metal -- SYL is one the front runners of the current metal scene -- very entertaining, very heavy, very tight
I liked it a lot, of course, SYL is not what most people would call eminently listenable
I'm fairly new to Mari Iijima's music -- not anywhere near the expert level fan that Janitor is
As you have noticed, we've been promoting this cd for a little while now -- and the reason is because we feel it is a nice alternative to much of the music available for mainstream consumption ... so without further ado, our review ...
Well, first set of reviews from us in a while -- I got a several CDs to review -- starting off slow so as not to strain myself, ha -- and as always, if you click the image, you get shuttled off to the land of e-commerce and consumption
Beastie Boys - To the 5 Boroughs REVIEW: B/B+
I got to listen to the Beastie Boys recent release today, and it's good -- actually to me, it's refreshing to hear b-boy break beats and rhythm lines -- clever clever lyrics and over the top performance. Admittedly, some of the references require being born with the rest of us Xers, but the rhymes are very tight -- one of the odder things about the album is MCA sounding like he's losing his voice (or had a cold) -- it's just nice to see the old craft of break beats being carried out well in a mostly stripped down format
Another fresh take on the New York b-boy sound with trademark Beastie elements ... I would grade it out as a B/B+
Lisa Loeb - Way It Really Is REVIEW: A-
I have always thought Lisa Loeb had a really unique talent for writing really great lyrics and creating intimacy in her songs. With her latest, I think the message is that she still can bring the songwriting and intimacy -- and combine it with really great versatility -- there are very solid rockers, upbeat dynamic pop songs, and of course well crafted ballads on this CD
First off, this is a CD that you can run the whole way through and not skip a thing -- this indicates a good pacing, and understanding of how to produce a cohesive CD -- the sound quality was amazing
The music was to us a surprisingly fresh alternative, particularly given the state of music 2004 -- it was vibrant, dynamic, emotional -- no hooks here, no pointless experimentation -- just a really great understanding of how to put songs together -- it is unfortunate that this album will get little if any mainstream airplay or press
In what is probably the greatest surprise of the year to us -- although we should have known better, we think this is one of the year's best ----
our grade: A-
More to come very soon, and no we haven't forgot the three big metal releases this month
I remember there was a period in the early to mid-80s that this band could do no wrong by me -- yeah, that German band -- no, not ACCEPT
The Scorpions -- on a whim, I took a listen to their new album, Unbreakable, and here are my impressions
Scorpions - Unbreakable: C
I think the thing that sticks out about this album is that the Scorpions have never sounded HEAVIER -- I mean, this is totally crunchy from the school of Metallica Black Album kind of stuff
The only problem I have with that is that the Scorpions have always put together some of the most listenable hard rock/metal in the genre's history -- It's almost disappointing to hear them chop short riffs in a nu-met style -- an example of this is "New Generation" -- I think it would have been better in a "running wild" style than the chop stop riff style, because it is still kind of catchy despite the limitations of the style -- and imitations of styles of they can't really pull off that well
"Love em or Leave em" sounds the world like updated classic Scorpions, but with a fuzzier guitar sound -- this is the standout track of the album, I think I would have appreciated a whole series of songs like this one -- it reminds me of when the Scorpions could do no wrong -- "Blood too hot" is similarly an update of the Scorpions in a heavier, gallopy style
"Maybe I Maybe You" is another classic Scorps power ballad -- with minimal piano for most of the verses, nice and simple -- it gets heavy at the end, maybe a touch too heavy for the elegance of it, but a very good tune nonetheless
It's really funny me and my co-worker used to sing Scorpion hits like Klaus --- wow, he is truly the most unintelligible singer -- I mean, wow, what is he saying -- Amazingly, there is no such problem here, this is the clearest and most understandable Klaus vocals ever, even if his voice has lost that little bit of extra that made it so great in the past
At the end of the day, I think the Scorps try too hard to sound "relevant" -- and miss the point of what they do -- strong choruses, crunchy running rhythms, and Klaus laying down the classic vox with emotion -- there are points here that sound really great, and others that make you scratch your head bc they have elements of what has been the "formula" for other bands' successes in the past decade -- so I don't know what the Scorpions are trying to do, and in some ways I'm not sure they know either.
So anyways, as we are awash in supergroup soup -- in other words, seeing parts of former supergroups combine forces and drop CDs ... At the Lu, we have found one CD that we like a great deal for its straightforward rock
We give you our review of the Brides of Destruction's recent CD, Here Comes The Brides -- which for you keeping score at home is Nikki Sixx and Tracii Guns' group
Brides of Destruction - Here Comes The Brides: A
Do you yearn for the good old days? Then you're an old fucker like me ... ha
But in all seriousness, if you liked Shout era Crue or Appetite from GNR -- well, I have good news for you ... It ain't fucken 87 anymore, but this album kicks in your head with straightforward punk influenced rock goodness
Sometimes you wonder whether putting together two of the minds behind two great hard rock bands can get their shit together and IMPRESS -- well, no problems here
From the opener "Shut the Fuck Up" on through "I Don't Care", you get so much GD rock flavor -- STFU is a nice punky shredder ala Crue, and IDC is more along the lines of LA Guns and GNR
It's not reinventing the wheel here ... this is just that good rock that mulletheads have been waiting for since well, Nirvana and AIC killed the genre dead
In fact, it's interesting bc they take some darkish Soundgarden/AIC jangles and turn it into a hella cool power ballad in "I got a gun"
So what about London LeGrande -- the guy has pipes -- total 80s metal pipes, very convincing shrieking, darker growling, and can carry a fast paced rocker
My word, I'm gushing about this CD -- this CD is so great, it's like up from the dead next to your old cassettes -- "2x Dead" is more of an update, it sounds in Weiland and STP's debut vein -- it's sex type thing heaviness with catchy back in the day guitar doodling
Ok, so if you're an old fart and you're tired of listening to some kid's hip hop BS emanating from the car next to you at the light -- this one is a guilty cranker, and will make your speed sessions on the freeway oh-so-enjoyable
"Brace Yourself" is that song that I always wanted LA Guns to do, to break out big -- well Tracii has it in him, this one is a hard rock gem -- this one is all Tracii and London -- cool stuff
It's weird because "Natural Born Killers" is straight up pop rocks -- I mean, I guess they need the airplay -- this one tones it down a bit, but is still good rock
"Life" has kind of that teen movie uptempo rocker vibe -- again its more pop rock in style -- it's funny bc I thought it was kind of Michael Sweet lite -- London doesn't have the big range of MS, but carries it off well
"Revolution" is a fat Cabernet ... really heavy stuff with a catchy hook. And "Only Get So Far" is lighter time, it's power ballad time, it's guilty and good, lotso harmonies
Okay, so I'm not giving it a perfect score, I don't think some of the lighter numbers are very substantial -- I do like the overall tone of the album as there are no totally unlistenable tracks -- and other tracks are just vintage hard rock that sound so damn good
For my old farts, this one is for you ... AND ME TOO, ha
I am finding this whole look through the CD pile to be kind of overwhelming yet cool
I did rediscover an EP from theSTART (that I had reviewed in March), my goodness, that is a great band -- they need a push, I think they could be damn huge
Here's what I had to say then:
the START - Death by Satellite EP REVIEW: B+/A-
Out from the rubble of two of LA's cult fave bands, Human Waste Project (now out of print-- classic, if you can get it) and Snot comes a force to be reckoned with -- theSTART
The influence of late 80s new wave Siouxsie, Missing Persons, and Aimee Mann of Til Tuesday-- combined with heavy metal guitar and power poppy punk -- it rocks and is fun to listen to -- some have grumbled that it sounds too much like Gwen or really doesn't take the female vox alt rock band genre in any new direction -- all those concerns seem fairly academic to us, we like this disc a lot because of the great music
Aimee Echo -- that's next voice that one can put up in the distinctive indy femme vocalist pantheon
All this for $5.99, you certainly can't go wrong with this one -- a nice splash into the mainstream for this indy band from LA
*****
And for those doing the easter egg hunt, I planted a couple in the gaps in my posting in June and July 2004 -- well, they're not all there -- but I think you'll find some good ones -- and all of them are CD reviews -- so make a Joyful Noise, if you know what I mean
Off to lunching
ooh, you found an easter egg -- good catch, ha
And as always, you can help out your friendly neighborhood Loo-Ow by clicking on the images and buying stuffitos from Amazon
Powerman 5000 - transform: C
I think that most of the average listeners in our audience of two know PM5K from their smash CD, Tonight the Stars Revolt -- hell I'll review that while I'm at this.
The latest CD "Transform" is really somewhat of a turn away from it's former sound -- getting stripped down to guitar and drums from all the electro sounds and weird scifi samples -- and it takes on more of a punky tone to my ears which was okay
The trouble with punk is that sometimes lazy ears can't discern one track from another -- and unfortunately that's what happens at about the halfway point of this CD
The standout tracks on this CD are the big single, "Free", the self satiring "Theme to a Fake Revolution", and "Action" from the Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life ... some people also like "Transform", to me that one is kind of blah ... there are other tracks that are okay to listen to as well, but they kind of run into each other after a while
It's a bargain value CD nowadays, and worth a sample on iTunes or where you can find it cheap
And now, for some classic PM5k (as if there's so much of it ... haha, kidding)
Powerman - Tonight the Stars Revolt! REVIEW: B-
I think I first heard songs from this album while the WWF -- (yeah world wildlife fund -- you don't know me at all) -- anyways, it's Sunday Heat program actually featured new heavy music during highlights
This album comes from the vein of Manson -- and some people say it's more Rob Zombie-ish -- well, I think PM5k kind of has a better ear for catchy shit, much like the Reverend and the Spooky Kidz -- although that is not to say that there aren't Rob Zombie moments -- and yes, I know that Rob's bro is in the band -- hell, big bro makes an app in Blast off to Nowhere
When you pop this CD in, if you don't want to mess around -- head directly for "When Worlds Collide" or "Nobody's Real" -- these songs combine weird sound effect elements, with heavy guitar crunch, with catchy melodic sensibility
If I were to describe the typical sound of PM5k on this CD, it is like a modified punk stomp -- you'll know it when you hear it, it's no different than from 25 years ago, just with synths, effects, and heavier guitar
"Nobody's Real", this song is just excellent and stands far above the other tracks -- it's fresh even here in the land of 2k4 -- it's a solid cheesemonging rocker -- what I mean by cheesemonging is that it sounds like a pro wrestler's entrance music, heavy catchy and goofy
And if you want weird, check their ultra robotic heavy cover of the Cars' "Let Good Times Roll" -- it's like Mos Eiseley Cantina shit -- very futuristic and cool to listen to in a quirky way
In the final analysis, this was a CD where a few tracks just blew the others out of the water -- and the spaceman kitsch vibe that plays through the other songs is beginning to sound dated and more miss than hit
I got this CD a week after it was released -- and had heard from two of my friends that they preferred this one over Come Away With Me
Now, to me, that's a ton of hype and a lot to live up ... well, let me say, that after a few listens, I wasn't sold so I sat it up on my CD pile to be returned to at some point
That moment is now ... ha
Hmm, this coincides with my sick leave from work ... I wonder if that means anything ... like symbolic or shit ... NAHHHHH!!!
So, I finally have time to review my Radiohead collection, so we begin with my favorite RH album of all time ... Pablo Honey
Radiohead - Pablo Honey: A++
I first heard of RH from our late great friends at Radio Free Hawaii -- it was this simple pop ballad that went awry called "Creep" -- We at the Lu think that this was probably the best rock song of the 90s
In many ways, Creep was the Every Breath You Take of the 90s -- it took the same paranoid, insecure concepts and blended it into a great song. You know, I don't know exactly what Thom's problem is with this song and his band's fame from this song
Let's put it this way, get over it -- this song alone put the cashish in your bank and allows you to do whatever experment-o shit you want -- no? Enough editorializing, it seems like RH fans like me are these really opinionated assous -- probably true
This album is really one of the best CDs of my lifetime -- I won't really get into a track-by-track, but what this album stands for to me is an update
What I mean by update is that it took many of the concepts put forth by 80s new wave and alterna-pop (you don't see some of the Pink Floydishness until later albums) -- they took many of the same elements and took them to a creative high -- in many ways, it's still fresh to me because this was when RH WASN'T afraid to be creative and be listenable too.
I can see why RH has turned away from a lot of this stuff, I mean, there's times when I guess taking the paths once took by U2 or other artists that were once great independent bands seems scary because you can get good at it -- oh oh, and then fans might like you -- and then you sold out -- so I guess RH can feel good about life bc they still sell out and their music is for the most part not too accessible -- good job guys and umm, thanks for putting out Pablo Honey
But for one shining moment in 1993, the masterpiece of alternative rock was cast upon the world -- and hasn't aged at all -- I sound like a whiny RH fan, but aren't we all?
This album is an all-time RH classic and classic of modern rock. PERIOD.
Well, here's quick and dirty of the CDs upon which your mileage and mine may vary -- because here I am, going nowhere with an empty tank of gas
So without Freddy Adu...
Feeling really blah this morning -- it's weird, not really for lack of sleep
oh well, maybe I need cafe, on with the show
More reviews, some old and stale, on with the show--
Here's some capsules of reviews I have done over the past two weeks, some of these CDs were really surprising -- and I note the increasing difficulty of tapping into new music here in Paradise given the current state of radio -- grumble, grumble, grouse-grouse -- on with the show ...
Well, today was a pretty noteworthy and LONG commute --actually it permitted me to get a few more listens in of a few CDs that I like quite a bit -- so here's a few under the radar that were a pleasure to review -- and we're noting some highlights for you download test drivers -- we provide it as a public service to get you all over your American Karaoke, err Idol midweek blues
Again, the Luau presents quick reviews of some recent CDs that are either noteworthy or notorious --- but certainly not boring -- so on with the show
Insomnia strikes, so you all get the meanderings of a very tired, underslept humanoid --> moi
Probot - Probot: C+/B-
Dave Grohl, yes you know the one -- ex of Nirvana and frontage for the Foo Fighters -- one of the better drummers in rock today -- that's him -- and this is his tribute to underground metal from 83-90 -- yes I am that old to remember it, and GASP be a fan of it
As much as I tried to love this album, I realize at the end of the day that I only LIKE this album -- this CD has its moments -- the track with Cronos of VENOM leads its off and is a mindcrusher of a rocker, the remaining CD is fairly ordinary -- the track with Lemmy of Motorhead is vintage MH -- and worth more than a few spins -- the tracks with Mike Dean of COC and Snake of Voivod are also mentionable -- but like most tributes to an era, it just fails to capture the precise spirit of it all -- so although it's a good fabrication, it lacks that little push over the cliff -- anyone for 11????
Well, back with some older reviews, we at the Luau present our impressions of the latest from the boys in Korn -- and as is the case with KORN, your mileage may vary
KORN - Take a look in the mirror: B+
After the so-called download debacle that was the mostly underrated and underappreciated "Untouchables", Korn is back with a very surprisingly solid effort
Someday people will look back on this unique period in music and say, yes indeed at this point, in 2004 -- Nu-metal is confirmed as DEAD -- KORN emerges from the shadows of being lumped together with the DOA in this genre with its most coherent, physical, stripped down and straightforward effort that takes core in all new melodic, and dareisayit, LISTENABLE directions
It seems like the releases from the groups once grouped in the NU-MTL category either meander in the same direction or try and put some creative distance in -- on this disc, KORN comes out with some truly outstanding tracks -- the anthemic (and surprisingly catchy), melodic RIGHT NOW -- putting it all together with DID MY TIME (yes, the one off of the Tomb Raider s/t), their most complete track to date -- just beautiful crunch
Top to bottom, this is the most emotionally heavy and physical -- and most coherent of the recent KORN releases -- there really is no asymetrical hard to listen to track -- all have their own neat qualities, so those who typically would say that KORN tracks run all together, the variety here is refreshing -- and the melodies and hooks are nicely put together
It's funny but self-reflection and self-pity still remain themes -- however, they are now wrapped around really great physical music, this CD is not really down the middle of the core movement, but is a really neat piece of creative heavy music from KORN
All in all, a very surprising effort from KORN, they have proven that their music remains vital -- and the rumors of their demise can be deferred for this is a really solid effort -- very enjoyable music for f-d up days
PS. and listen to the backside of the last track for the boys' cover of Metallica's ONE taken from MTV ICON -- cool track
So off I go pronouncing this genre or that as DEAD -- well, pop punk is not long for the earth either, ha
Bowling for Soup: Drunk Enough To Dance: B
Pop-punk -- lemme see, whiny vocals, three chords, and very little differentiation between two minute blasts -- the things that separates the best of the genre such as legendary pioneers ALL and say the latest Blinky clone -- often is vocal melodies and harmony and catchy riffs -- and hella ironic, funny, intelligent lyrics
Well step up to the plate, BOWLING FOR SOUP is here for you -- perhaps you are familiar with the brilliant SUPERHIT single "Girl All the Bad Guys Want" -- these guys capture the fun of the Cars, hit on some retro Beachboys harmonies, with very catchy basic pop power chord melodies from the Weird Al school sans accordion -- almost makes you guilty for liking it TOO MUCH
Highlights include "Emily", the alterna-retro muted chug of "life without Lisa", the almost self-consciously cheesy catchy power ballad "Where to Begin" -- it's like a Bon Jovi outtake (HELLA COOL THO) -- "Self-Centered" has really a cool set of lyrics wrapped in upbeat 80 style stompy punk -- and you simply can't miss "Running from your dad" -- truly excellent song, really funny
If you need to smile or rock a smile on to your mug, this is a CD for you -- and hey, I'm not getting a damn red cent for this recommendation -- hear it soon, believe me later -- lotsa fun, this disc -- big pleasant surprise -- from the land that GREEN DAY forgot
I know that I've been away for a while, here's a quick rundown of some of the CD's I spin for listens, and those that are good for keeping water spots off my teak desk
It has taken a while for me to put this review up --- this CD is getting a great deal of spins wherever I am, the car, the Mac, etc.
This CD is remarkable in its musical goodness, top to bottom, from creative lyrics, to great vocals, to its eminent catchiness
Continue reading "Jason Mraz - Waiting For My Rocket To Come" »
Ah yes, the bounty of Tuesdays at CC ...
This week one of the CDs I walked away with was Sting's new one, Sacred Love --- and if all must be said in a short attention span form, this one is a very good one from one of the masters of complex pop even if it doesn't necessarily feel as warm as previous efforts
Ok, I admit it --- I bought a CD on the basis of one song -- without even previewing any of the other tracks, how terribly prehistoric of me
I've heard the track "Nothing Sacred" get a lot of airplay on my favorite Net radio station KNAC.com -- and I really think that song grooves like hell --- it's like Tool and Disturbed mixed IN A GOOD WAY (for all you skeps)
So I broke with current buying protocol and dropped 8 green sheets on Memento's new CD "beginnings"
I remember hearing some of my first Counting Crows (back in 93, I believe) -- they just blew me away with their debut CD
Honestly, I haven't picked up a CC CD since then --- I thought I'd give their latest "Hard Candy" a try
After trying to listen to it for a handful of times, I just don't get it --- I won't give a grade, but it's not something I find easy to listen to
That's what I get for buying a CD for a remake of American Taxi --- a very good HIDDEN track, its at the end of longish Track 13 --- too bad I don't get the rest of the album --- YET
I am notorious for my complaining about the short play times of recent releases --- so I bring you the new champion, coming in at an almost Slayer Reign in Blood length --- 31:54 of some of the most exciting alternative music that I've heard in a while by SubPOP's Hot Hot Heat, the latest and greatest Canadian sensation
Continue reading "Hot Hot Heat - Make up the Breakdown REVIEW" »
Even now one month later after seeing the Complex Tour live in Los Angeles, it is difficult to put into words the overall effect of the Blue Man Group --- in fact, it's even harder to review their CD, The Complex
And so, many days after getting it, I finally get to smile empty soul's debut foray into the mainstream consciousness --- some may just lump this group in with Hoobastank or even, gasp Puddle of Mudd --- after listening to this disc a few times, I am sold on the thoughtfulness, the melody, the hard-hitting rocking goodness of this little band from Santa Clarita
For advanced listeners of metal and all the loyal extreme metal fans: Black metal, blacker mood
I discovered two things today --- Uno, MINI drivers actually take themselves quite seriously and dos, there is a quite vocal minority of movie fans that think The Italian Job is brilliant --- I've seen it all now, on to the task at hand
Although I have always been aware of their existence, I never dipped into the musical bloodpool that is KREATOR and their catalog
Well, recently on a whim, I picked up their limited live CD and then this live DVD set--- and frankly, what the heck was I waiting for?!?!?! --- Kreator proves its position as Germany's excellent contribution to the world of thrash
Continue reading "(KREATOR) Live Kreation: Revisioned Glory" »
Before I forget, Linkin Park on Jimmy Kimmel tonight ... in short, I was REAL impressed by their performance at Sanitarium L.A.
Hoo, today is really warm and humid, and shaking out the jetlag and tiredness right now
Let me post my last journal from Luau in LA
Luau in LA: Day 4 (Yesterday)
The highlights were going to the Farmers Market. It was interesting to walk around in this market that had all manner of food, people, and just things to look at. SheDev bought a Hollywood sticker to stick on her suitcase, she now has four places on that old heavy thing
Earlier in the day we got lost, but managed to back our way onto Mulholland Drive. We were trying to get a picture of the Hollywood hills and the HOLLYWOOD sign. Did you know the sign once said HOLLYWOODLAND --- I didn't until yesterday
We also spent about two hours on Melrose --- looking at all the cool boutiques and the cool peeps. SheDev really enjoyed it a lot, I was a bit too hot and sunburned to really get into it . There's all these little hip clothes, music, comics, etc. boutiques that you can wander in and out of for about a mile or two --- I would definitely recommend it. It's something different to see
And now back to Monday
So what do you get when you have Metallica and supporting acts limpbizkit, Linkin Park, Deftones, and Mudvayne
Well, you get one band that we DIDN'T see, ha
Within is a review of the 2003 Summer Sanitarium show at the Los Angeles Coliseum
Sometimes when my eyes glaze over from reading about systems theory, I search for cool music videos around the Net
At least it was on sale?
I'm trying to come up with what I believe will be a fair review of the Peter Malick Group's EP with Norah Jones
Continue reading "The Peter Malick Group (feat. Norah Jones)- New York City EP REVIEW" »
Ok, so the second half of my BMG shipment has come in --- Yay!
And I finally replace the discs in my GNR collection after their long absence, I have a sinking suspicion that they exist within a former girlfriend's collection via adverse possession
After listening to Appetite for the first time in maybe a few years, this one is every bit the tour de force as it was back in 1987
Continue reading "CLASSIC ROCK: Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction REVIEW" »
A love story ....
When I think about how much I have listening to this album in many forms, LP, Cassette, and CD --- TIME WELL SPENT!!!
This is the numero uno album of my formative years, and finally I shall have the pleasure to write a review for it
Continue reading "CLASSIC METAL: Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind REVIEW" »
It may be surprising to some of my compatriots that via BMG I finally have a copy of Number of the Beast from Iron Maiden to call my own --- and it's the ENHANCED version --- ooh, ahhh, wow, ha
Sure, I'm as familiar as the rest of you with "Run to the Hills", "Hallowed be thy Name", and "Number of the Beast" --- I have borrowed this cassette and CD from many of my fellow Maiden freaks over the years. Honestly I just never got around to listening to all of it, or getting a copy for me. I guess I've always been a damn happy Piece of Mind/Powerslave Iron Maiden fan.
Well, it took 20+ years for me to own it, my review is within
Continue reading "CLASSIC METAL: Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast REVIEW" »
Just because ...
I don't think I can pile enough accolades on this one. Yes, the Grammy folks totally go it right this time --- monkeys on the typewriter??? Nope, even the absolutely tonally tasteless would like this one.
As you may know by now, my metal interest is somewhat submarine --- in the sense that I don't just stop with what's on the surface. My interest in lesser known artists has been with me since 1984 or so, but it has not been entirely continuous. I returned to my roots may be about three years ago, what with all the Y2K hysteria and all --- ha
So at the Luau, from time to time, we'll bring you some reviews of lesser known metal artists --- I'd love to do it full-time, but I do realize most of you don't share my acquired taste for rather extreme metal
The first of (what may or may not be a short-lived series) brings us the new CD by Virginia's own: Lamb of God
Continue reading "Lamb of God - As the Palaces Burn REVIEW" »
Ok, so begins a really SERIOUS attempt to diminish the CD pile and review some of them ... yeah right
Our first crack of this new dawn of reviews on the Luau concerns a little band from Norway that once broke up due to ahem, religious differences --- how serious that is, is of no consequence ... for the music, ah the music, is quite good
Continue reading "Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather REVIEW" »
(ed.note 7/31: the topic that never ends, just when I think it dies, more comments are added. So comment away, I know its not my review that's giving you the strong opinions either way ... enjoy, and don't beat each other too badly ... oh yeah, and I edited it some and added new material (have fun finding it ... ha)
St Anger round my neck, He never gets respect
Metallica "St. Anger"
What I want and what I got ...
Okay, so finally six weeks ago (ed.note: boy time flies when you don't edit, Don't procrastinate, kids! ... ha), we in the North American region manage to get our grubby metal hands on Anthrax's new one, a LONG two months after Europe gets it ---yes, I am still bitter about this
Continue reading "Anthrax - We've come for you all REVIEW" »
Courtesy Anthrax's website:
The new vid from Anthrax, SAFE HOME
At the Luau, we like this change of pace track a lot
Safe Home (Run, Mr. Anderson, Run)
(Requires Quicktime ... the Luau's media player of choice)
It's been some busy days at the Luau just with nose in book, and the weather here has been ... well, hot ... really hot
So as a changeup to keep my eyes from glossing over with boredom and my mind from total rebelling ... I think I'll take time to make some reviews of CDs
Well, yesterday was the first time in a great while that me and SheDev saw a live show ... actually most credit goes to UnM for sniffing out a Lisa Loeb performance here
So one pair of Nike shorts later now ripped and destroyed, ex-gf sightings, lines longer than truth pulled like taffy, and almost causing UnM a panic attack waiting for us to arrive ... and one Donnas CD finally returned to its original owner
We are very behind in listening to our new CD pile ... so as this review edges day by day closer to irrelevance
The Luau's review of the new CD by the Deftones called Deftones ... simple, economical title, no?
Well, in the interest of preserving people's sleep patterns here in Hawaii. As you all know, the new video by Metallica is scheduled to premiere on MTV here tonight at 11:30 pm after Jackass ... if you have MTV2, you can catch it every hour from lunchtime til 9 I think
Well courtesy of againstthemedia.com, some sneaky MetallifROCks managed to grip it and rip it, so if you want to wait until later tonight ... cool
If you want to see it now, click below ... follow some instructions, and soon you will be good to go... and yes, although it takes some time to download, downloading it first makes for better viewing ... and of course, Lord knows how long this link will be good, so you snooz you cry later
(ed.note: I've watched it one time and I was like HOLY CRAP ... this song is LOUD and very very METALL, and the video is hella cool)
Originally titled "Week in New Rock: Fun with Baldy"
(A review of Staind's - 14 Shades of Grey ... well, it sounded better than Field of Eyeballs, the art direction of the CD ... ha)
So these past three weeks have been big for new releases, and we at the Luau have been barely posting anything ... ha ... so you get the rough cuts of reviews that we have in the can of some of the new music out there battling for your hard earned twenty bucks ... buy pizza instead???? ... Find out
We are not GOTH, We are ...?
DEVO? .... (what Wind-Up Records has done with its CREED money ... ha)
Actually one of the best discoveries by the Luau this year, which we have taken 8 million years to write about
(ed.note: A review of Evanescence - Fallen follows within)
(ed.note: as you know the Luau went radio silence for the past week ... so I'm bringing you the not ready for prime-time scrawlings that I have filed away for events such as this ... and yes, there is a reason why you normally will not get this content ... highly underproduced, enjoy)
Worthless: Name Change for Godsmack's new CD
Does anyone remember 1998? I'm afraid to say that I can't really differentiate 98 from 99 from 00 ... and it's not because of drugs or anything, its just that life somehow went groundhog's day for me around this period
(ed.note: a review of FACELESS by Godsmack follows ... actually an evaluation of Godsmack's body of work)
Not that fool Billy Idol lip either..." - Mojo Nixon "Elvis is Everywhere"
Storytellers - Billy Idol: A
As an impulse buy quite a while ago, I picked up VH1 Storytellers: Billy Idol ... and it just sat and sat and sat ... after I watched it, wow ... I really deprived myself of a really enjoyable viewing experience.
It's the day we've been waiting for at the Luau for awhile
Metallica: MTV ICON!!!
Metallica: Live from SAN QUENTIN!!!
From the very STRANGE but true file ... on Wednesday, the Luau's band du jour will be filming the first video off of good ol' 75 minutes of commercial suicide, St. Anger ... the title track
(ed.note: a review of Michael Sweet's TRUTH)
Do things happen in our life for a reason in our lives ... or are we the captains of our souls?
Who did we come to see again?
Said one fan to another at the Linkin Park Projekt Revolution Tour
I don't remember, replied the other during the opening band's set.
"It just makes good good sense" - AC/DC
"Will make you play air guitar in front of the mirror again" - Brand New Sin
Please awaken me the day that I don't have to look at the future and see on the chalkboard at Tower Records yet another release from a nu-metal band ... I think actually I'd like to wake up and see a chalked up board with bands like the one I'm gonna talk about ... right nowwww
I'm envious.
I think that I am pretty much pleased with the resurgence of what seems to be an American metalcore or hardcore scene again ... I can remember my fondness in high school for D.R.I.'s "Crossover" (1987) ---
(ed. note: R.I.P. Bon Scott and Joe Strummer)
Wayne, your theme song is Back in Black!
What a perfect segue!!! .... to talk about this year's class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
(ed.note: at this point, the creative juices stopped because we got a bomb threat, and didn't get back in the building until 3 hours later)
(note2: and yes, I did take another test at Emode.com ... the "What is your theme song" test)
(ed. note: Yes, title of the entry is a play on words of the chorus of the Priest classic song "Painkiller" --- too bad Jeopardy doesn't have a metal category)
Hey fookyuen metalheads!!! Today at the Luau, I'll be reviewing Primal Fear's latest release "BLACK SUN"
Just when you thought you heard it all
Or, slapping good old fashioned music composition theory in the face since '87 ...
You don't WANT new...
You don't WANT original ...
You're not ready
"HAIL SATAN IF YOU PLEEEEAAAASEEEEE
...MUAWAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA"
Ok, we're back with Part II ... Didn't think I was serious about boring you all, huh?!?!?
I discovered two pretty cool things so far this week, and because of that, I'm pretty happy. One of them is Reignradio.com, which is a Christian hard rock/heavy music station. After listening to them for an hour or so, I discovered a lot of really good sounding bands.
I guess what it comes down to is after I wrote the goofy article on Stryper, I was genuinely curious to what happened to contempo Christian rock since we last left it 15 years ago. I must say that I have dabbled with DC Talk (Jesus Freak, really interesting music) and Dakota Motor Co. (alternative sound circa mid-90s) in the interim but nothing real deep (other than noticing that some of the Christian rock stations on the FM radio nowadays sound like their secular counterparts, with similar sounding bands).
THE YELLOW AND BLACK ATTACK!
Here on the Last Supper, we will review some of the greatest Christian contemporary music on the market... but just for you this week, we will go in the WAYBACK machine and talk a little about the little Christian metal band that could
2004: Linkin Park - Meteora: B-
Linkin Park METEORA review:
What's Math Metal Got To Do With It?
... err, What's Math Metal but a second hand ... umm, nevermind
(orrrr ... how all crappy albums should be this SHORT)
TIP OF THE DAY
Don't take for granted that changing the dome light in your car will be an easy endeavor ... especially if you dont switch the power switch to the OFF position ... you could short out your car's electrical system, and be out moola ... I know someone who this happened to ... so be careful with electricity, kids
ADDITIONAL TIP OF THE DAY:
Don't listen to LinkinPark while driving home on the H3 ... you may crash your less than a year old car ... wait, ok, that only happened to me
perhaps you were expecting me to talk about the war??
Or. even better, about my March Madness Brackets?? YEAH RIGHT, in my office pool, I'm behind BY A LARGE MARGIN ... a woman
RIP The Cavern ... A business that wasn't downsized because of a downturn, but because the rest of you listened to Bon Jovi