CD Review: Mars Volta "Frances the Mute"
Release date: March 1, 2005
Trying to describe the Mars Volta's "Frances the Mute" might just be near impossible, but I'll try my best.
This isn't your typical album. It's not Verse-Chorus-Verse.
It may be a concept album. It may be a rock opera.
Simply put, it's incredible.
It's only the end of April, but it will be difficult to find an album that knocks "Frances the Mute" off of the top of my "Best of 2005" list. It's probably on the top of my "Best of the past 5 years" list, too.
"Frances the Mute" is complicated. It's Led Zepplin, Blind Melon, Frank Zappa, Rush and Yes all rolled into one.
Samples carry the listener from one song to the next - if you can figure out when one ends and the next begins.
While there are only five "songs" on the album, some are broken up into as many as five parts - all of which blend together seemlessly.
Of course, you can tell by the Spanish lyrics when "L'Via L'Viaquez" begins, but it's not important. This is an album that you can put on and feel a range of emotions.
From the explosive first moments of "Cygnus...Vismund Cvgnus" to the acoustic emotion of "The Widow," The Mars Volta never cease to impress the listener.
Some history: The band was formed by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala in 2001. Band member Jeremy Ward died of a drug overdose in 2003, and "Frances the Mute" is based on a diary found by Ward.
While only a handful of musicians may be performing at one time, it usually sounds more like a rock and roll orchestra. Red Hot Chili Peppers Flea and John Frusciante also make brief guest appearances.
This is the album the music industry needs. Something new and powerful to knock the monotony off the airwaves.
While some tracks may last 10 minutes, the listener is left wanting more. Luckily, the album clocks in at just under 77 minutes in length.
Intricate guitar work. Scatterbrain drum patterns that work so well together.
"Frances the Mute" isn't for those who desire a typical album. The album is an experience - each time you listen, you'll pick up something new.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:57 AM | Comments (1)
April 29, 2005Idols Live coming to Greensboro?
A quick trip to Pollstar.com states that the annual American Idols Live Tour will make a stop in Greensboro on July 17 at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Nothing is posted at the Greensboro Coliseum's Web site. . . yet.
According to the concert listing, those performing include Anthony Fedorov, Anwar Robinson, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, Constantine Maroulis, Jessica Sierra, Nadia Turner, Nikko Smith, Scott Savol and Vonzell Solomon.
Keep your ears open for information on tickets, etc.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:25 AM
April 28, 2005Please visit the Carolinas!
System of a Down will tour this summer with the Mars Volta in what's sure to be an incredible show.
I've never seen either band live, but would travel a reasonable distance to see both bands on the same bill.
If you haven't heard them before, the Mars Volta are exactly what music needs right now - an intense, extremely talented band.
The Mars Volta is like listening to Rush, Led Zepplin, Blind Melon and Frank Zappa all rolled into one.
No details on the tour yet, but you can bet I'll be watching it closely.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:14 PM | Comments (2)
April 26, 2005A P-Funk party don't stop
George Clinton is performing tonight over at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem.
I won't make it, but for anyone who is, just remember that "There ain't no party like a p-funk party 'cause a p-funk party don't stop."
That's right, George has been known to play for hours and hours.
I've seen him in concert a few times - in college, he played for nearly five hours nonstop. At a show a few years back at the Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte, he played for about four.
I hope you got your rest last night.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:33 PM
Fantasia returns
High Point's Fantasia - the American Idol 3 winner - will return to the Triad this summer as a special guest on the upcoming Kem tour.
Fantasia will open for Motown's Kem for three weeks, making a stop at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro on June 29.
On July 22, Fantasia is scheduled to perform three songs on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Fantasia has recorded sales of more than 1.3 million copies of her debut album, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:15 PM
April 25, 2005This week's new releases
There are a number of good albums coming out down the road, but apparently, not this week.
Here's a look at some of the bigger names releasing albums tomorrow:
Ben Folds - the North Carolina native releases "Songs for Silverman."
Josh Gracin - American Idol's military/country boy releases "Brass Bed."
Toby Keith - A clever play on words leads to "Shock 'n Y'all."
Bruce Springsteen - Some guy from New Jersey has a new album out called "Devils & Dust." Apparently his tour this year will be a solo acoustic tour.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:30 AM
April 24, 2005CD Reviews: Rob Thomas "...Something to Be"; Mudvayne "Lost and Found"
Release Date: April 19, 2005
The Matchbox 20 singer's solo debut follows the same line that Thomas discovered with "Smooth" - a song recorded with Santana.
In the same pop/rock vein, Thomas sings mostly about heartache and heartbreak.
The first single, "Lonely No More," has a Justin Timberlake feel to it. The rest of the album doesn't stray far from that sound.
He finds moments of rock on "I am an Illusion" and mellower moments on "When the Heartache Ends."
In a recent VH1 interview, Thomas said he's only taking a year or year and a half for his solo career, and then he'll be back with Matchbox 20.
Thomas is a good singer that has yet to find his niche. He's a decent rock singer and a decent solo artist, but nothing (yet) makes him stand out from the crowd.
Release date: April 12, 2005
Mudvayne won the MTV2 award a few years back - accepting the award in makeup and costumes - and then disappeared from the MTV landscape.
Their latest release, "Lost and Found," should give them a first-class ticket to the mainstream.
"Determined" and "Pushing Through" kick off the album with traditional nice metal stress-relievers - hard drums, screaming, rough guitar.
The band's first single - "Happy?" -is more melodic and could land the band more airplay. It has a more mellow introduction with softer guitars, that develop into something harder.
While the band has lost the makeup and "stage names" for their new album, they seem to stay true to their metal roots.
"Fall into Sleep" is melodic as well, and may find its way out as a second single.
It seems like more and more metal bands - think Slipknot - are making their way into the mainstream, and Mudvayne could be next.
I hadn't heard much Mudvayne in the past, but the new album is quickly moving up my list of favorites of 2005.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:24 AM
April 23, 2005Crue Review
My entire review didn't fit in today's paper because of space, so here's the full version.
By Jeffrey Hahne
Staff Writer
Demonic clowns. Scantily clad acrobats. Fire-breathing little people. Motley Crue brought the whole circus to town for their latest tour.
For two-and-a-half hours on Thursday night, the band, gave the approximately 9,000 fans in attendance a run-through of their career highlights.
After kicking off the show with "Shout at the Devil," original members - together for the first time in six years - Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars and Tommy Lee went back to the 80s to play hits from their first albums.
"Red Hot" and "Looks that Kill" highlighted a nine-song first set that ended with "Live Wire."
While Sixx and Neil paced on the stage, Mars definitely showed the wear and tear of recent hip-replacement surgery and years on the road.
Looking like the walking dead - his frail body capped with a top hat - Mars never missed a note and played effortlessly throughout the night.
However, while his bandmates were busy getting the crowd going, or jumping around on stage, Mars didn't move around much, and between songs could be seen leaning against the wall of speakers on stage.
Sixx was quick to point out, "This is not a farewell tour" and later told the crowd, "After this tour, we're going to L.A. to make a new record."
The Crue came out for a blistering second set that opened with "Girls, Girls, Girls" followed by "Wild Side."
The show slowed down in the middle of the second set for a combination of "Glitter/Without You" and "Home Sweet Home," but was followed by "Dr. Feelgood" and "Same Ol' Situation."
Known for his drum solos, Lee entertained the crowd by soaring through the air - back-and-forth - between two drum sets suspended near the celing at the front of the stage.
Hooked on a cable on the ceiling, Lee looked like a little kid as he bounced around on the platforms and played a variety of kegs, pipes and electronic drums.
"Do you have any idea how much I love playing drums for y'all?" he asked the crowd at the end of his solo. "I have three words for you. We love you." Followed by about 10 or 15 "Thank you’s"
Throughout the night, the band held true to a simple statement written on the top of the circus-like stage: "The Loudest Show on Earth."
They also threw in two new songs, "Sick Love Song" and "If I Die Tomorrow" which were released on their platinum greatest hits album, "Red, White and Crue."
The show was capped off by an encore of cover songs consisting of Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love," The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" and the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK."
While at times overpowering, the concert was one of the loudest I've been to in a long time. However, this is Motley Crue, not Celine Dion.
Hopefully this time, the band will stick around longer than the ringing in my ears.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:11 AM | Comments (8)
April 22, 2005Crued in Greensboro
First, will someone please answer the phone? My ears are ringing.
Thanks.
Motley Crue didn't disappoint last night - you can read my full review in tomorrow's News & Record.
I had no idea where I'd be sitting last night until I got to the show and nearly had a heart attack when I found out I was third row, center.
The tickets were provided by the publicist for reviewing the show. (Out of all the shows I've reviewed in the past 10 years, I've never gotten anything close to this good. Don't think it's the norm.)
I have been that close before though, as I have had photo passes for a variety of shows and have made my way to the front at a few general admission concerts.
I also can't believe how many women will show a variety of body parts to bands.
That's right, it was ALL kinds of body parts - on camera, as Tommy Lee walked around the stage pointing a video camera into the audience. The images were shown on a movie screen on stage.
Even a mother/daughter participated much to the shock of everyone - including the band.
(Rumor has it that Vince Neil was at Greene Street after the show. I wasn't there, but a coworker was.)
Here's the set list, for those that care:
Shout at the Devil
Too Fast for Love
10 Seconds to Love
Red Hot
On With the Show
Too Young to Fall in Love
Looks that Kill
Live Wire
Intermission
Girls, Girls, Girls
Wild Side
Don't Go Away Mad
Primal Scream
Glitter/Without You
Home Sweet Home
Nikki Sixx solo
Dr. Feelgood
Tommy Lee solo
Same Ol' Situation
Tommy Lee's video camera fun
Sick Love Song
If I Die Tomorrow
Kickstart My Heart
Encore
Whole Lotta Love
Helter Skelter
Anarchy in the UK
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:32 AM
April 21, 2005Crue tonight
I'm headed to the Motley Crue concert tonight to review it for the newspaper. I assume the review will be in Saturday's paper.
I've seen Motley Crue twice in the past, back in the days when I was a hair metal fan - once on their tour after "Girls, Girls, Girls" came out, and once after "Dr. Feelgood."
I expect a crazy drum solo from Tommy Lee, and a crowd mostly made up of my generation and older.
I'm sure they'll play the classics, "Wild Side," "Dr. Feelgood," "Home Sweet Home" - and I'm interested to see if they've changed them up, and how the new songs sound.
I'm interested in seeing how mobile Mick Mars is after having hip surgery. Will Nikki Sixx set himself on fire? Is Vince Neil's voice as high-pitched as it's always been?
I guess all these questions will be answered within 12 hours from now.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:00 AM
April 20, 2005My thoughts on Idol
America's biggest karaoke contest is fully underway, and I thought I'd make some comments on it. (I keep an eye on as many music-related things as I can, even if I don't agree with the concept.)
First off, let's get one thing straight - the show is as much about finding a voice as it is a popularity contest. While past winners have displayed talent, this isn't a songwriter's contest.
Anyway, last year High Point's Fantasia Barrino stole the show on a consistent basis, and everyone knew she would win.
This year, it's not as easy. It's difficult to find that one person that stands out.
Anthony Federov - This year's Clay Aiken doesn't lack talent, but he's definitely high on the popularity scale because of his sob story - "Will he ever speak again? Now, he can sing." He may make it a few more rounds, but I don't see him winning.
Anwar Robinson - He's got the voice, but lacks the personality. He's not someone that everyone can identify with, and not enough of a backstory has been shown to make him a favorite.
Bo Bice - Aside from having a name that's fun to say quickly, ten times fast, he's also one of the "grandfathers" of the competition at age 29. He's got the rock presence, but will enough people vote him in as an idol? I doubt it. Unfortunately, this isn't rock idol, it's more like pop idol.
Carrie Underwood - She's got one of the best voices in the competition, but she's also got a hint of country. She's rocked out one week, and dressed like Tammy Wynette the next. She's also got the personality of a napkin. If it's truly a singing competition, she'll be tough to beat.
Constantine Maroulis - It's something for the ladies. People look at him as a Jim Morrison-esque rocker who had a lot of backstory shown on him in earlier rounds. He left his band for Idol and the popularity contest has him going far. If he has one off week with his not-so-great voice, he's gone. (He's also 29).
Scott Savol - How in the world is this guy still in the competition? Aside from his only movement being - outstretch arm toward the camera, and sweep across....outstretch arm, sweep across - his voice is generic and plain. Last night it sounded like he was talking. I would have voted him out three weeks ago, but tonight will work, too.
Vonzell Solomon - In my mind, she's gone from the back of the pack to the front. She started out weak, but made it through to the finals and has gotten stronger every week. To quote the show, "It's her competition to lose." If she continues on the track she's on, she'll be tough to beat.
Let me also say that I think Simon Cowell is the smartest judge on that panel. Randy thinks everyone is "pitchy," Paula loves everyone and would dance to a drum roll. Simon, on the other hand, is grounded and tells it like it is.
That's enough about that - I need to go listen to something good to clear my head.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:31 AM
April 19, 2005U2 heads to Charlotte
U2's U2/Vertigo/2005 Tour will be making a stop in the Carolinas this year, when it hits the brand new Charlotte arena on Dec. 12.
The arena isn't even built yet, but the date's been announced and tickets go on sale this Saturday, April 23 at 10 a.m.
Ticket prices range from $49.50 for general admission floor to a whopping $160!
Tickets will be available online at www.newcharlottearena.com or by calling (800) 495-2295. There is an eight ticket limit per person with a maximum of two general admission floor tickets per person.
The band is selling out shows all over the country, and this one should be no different.
Personally, I think Bono and the boys have gone a little off the deep end in recent years, but they're still talented and know how to put on a good show.
Good luck getting tickets!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:55 AM
Tommy Lee - the full interview
You can read the full interview with Tommy Lee here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:52 AM | Comments (1)
April 18, 2005The story behind Simon?
As earlier reported here in the Garbage Can, 98.7 FM has changed their format.
The station made a big deal about how it was "hijacked" and the format changed and that listeners made the decision. Then they changed their name to Simon.
A clever marketing ploy? Truth in radio?
Not so fast, my friend.
Check out this story over at cnn.com.
Apparently, this has been going on for years, and at other radio stations around the country.
Don't think that 98.7 is creating something new and original - they're just trying what's been done before and seeing how it works here.
Funny how they even mention the name: "...the latest hot radio format, which goes under various regular-guy names: Bob, Jack, Ben, Simon, Hank and others."
It all started in 2001 in Canada, and you can find out more in that story.
Simon says, "We figured out your secret."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:57 AM
April 17, 2005CD Review: Z-Trip "Shifting Gears"
Release date: April 19, 2005
It's not easy being a DJ. The talents aren't as easy to see as a guitarist or vocalist. However, DJ Z-Trip is well known among fans and peers.
He's the only DJ to be asked by Linkin Park, Cypress Hill, DJ Shadow and Dave Matthews to join them on the road; the only DJ to be among the first new-schoolers to incorporate rock alongside funk beats, soul riffs and hip-hop breaks.
His debut album, "Shifting Gears," combines his turntable talents with old- and new-school vocalists.
From the first track, "Listen to the DJ" featuring Soup of Jurrasic 5 to "Shock and Awe" featuring Chuck D of Public Enemy, Z-Trip travels from a classic hip-hop sound to a new-school rock and soul.
"Walking Dead" featuring Linkin Park's Chester Bennington can be heard on radio stations around the nation.
In his bio, Z-Trip says, "I wanted to touch upon every possible reference point that's led me to where I am at this point in time. I used their voices to tell my story."
Other guests on the album include Whipper Whip, Lyrics Born, Luke Sick, Supernatural and Busdriver.
The album comes off as a greatest hits album of hip-hop's old and new.
Some highlights include Busdriver freestyling over Jethro Tull's "Teacher"; and "Breakfast Club," a track featuring Muirs and Supernatural spitting about Saturday morning cartoons and cereals.
It has a handful of tracks that are purely intstrumental, but the majority of tracks feature vocalists that take the listener on a trip through the years of DJ'ing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:04 PM
April 16, 2005Dylan and Nelson
In the back of my mind, I wondered if they would have any concerts at the new baseball stadium.
Sure enough, my dreams came true when it was announced that Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson would be performing at the ballpark on June 11.
Then, of course, I was on the verge of tears when I realized I'll be out of town that weekend.
Such is life...
Tickets are $49.50, plus service charges and all the extras, but I think it's worth it to see these two legends perform.
I've never seen either one in concert, and I hope one day that I get the chance to.
Tickets go on sale on April 23 at the ballpark's ticket office and at ticketmaster outlets.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:35 PM
April 15, 2005The return of a Dinosaur
I mentioned, briefly, last month about the return of Dinosaur Jr.
The band, which will be returning to TV on April 15 and performing its first shows since 1989, is also planning a trip to the Carolinas.
The original trio of J Mascis, Emmett Jefferson "Murph" Murphy III and Lou Barlow will make a stop in Chapel Hill at the Cat's Cradle on July 10.
The band is known for laying the blueprint for alternative rock, and it should be interesting to see how long the reunion lasts.
Jane's on TV
I'm not sure if I'm the only one who has seen it, but there's a new Coors Light commercial featuring "Mountain Song" by Jane's Addiction.
I was shocked that the band would "sell out" so blatently. Sure, many people only know the band for "Been Caught Stealing," but that was more radio's fault than the band's.
On his Web site, former Jane's guitarist comments on the advertisement:
"Unfortunately, as a result of our untimely departure we were stuck with tons of outstanding bills. If the band was still out there working, we would never have done it. I understand how this is upsetting to some, but at least the song will get heard by some who have never learned of the band."
I'm not sure what to think of it....I understand the need to pay bills, but to sell your song to sell something else is rarely a good thing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:06 PM
April 14, 2005Simon??
In earlier posts, I talked about 98.7 FM, formerly known as The Zone, and how they were changing their format.
They've gone from the annoying format of playing the same songs over and over to a less annoying format of playing completely random music around the clock.
You can hear country followed by pop followed by rock followed by disco. It's a great idea, but do people really want to hear some of these slow jams from the 70s and the theme to "Chariots of Fire"?
Anyway... the station wanted a new name - instead of "The Zone" - and they've chosen one.
What is it?
"Simon." That's right. "Simon."
Not Cowell, not Paul. Just Simon.
I don't think I really understand the name, aside from the station now being able to say, "Simon says...."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:31 AM | Comments (1)
April 13, 2005One scary mother...
So, the news is out that Britney Spears is pregnant by her breeding-machine husband Kevin "talentless" Federline.
I hate to give more press to this horrible couple, but I think it's pretty interesting in some respects.
Apparently, the only thing Federline is good at is fathering children - notice I didn't say "being a father." He has two children with his former girlfriend - Shar Jackson - and is a soon-to-be-father with his current wife, Spears.
If Federline wasn't married to Spears, he'd simply be known as "Who?" or "that guy."
Then there's Spears - she hates her life being shown in the press, so she's going to have a Reality TV Show.
She dresses like a Hollywood-and-Vine prostitute one day, and complete trailer trash the next. I can't think of a better role model for a newborn, can you?
If these people were average joes that lived in your neighborhood, no one would care. The fact that we're talking about millionaires that are constantly in the public eye is what makes it terrifying.
We can only imagine what scary name they're going to give their child - Coco? Apple? Budweiser? Wait, some of those are already taken...
Spears is going to be one scary mother...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:11 AM | Comments (2)
April 12, 2005More on Tommy Lee
After transcribing the interview with Tommy Lee (it ended up at 3,200 words) - I now have to decide what to put in the paper, what will go online and what to leave out.
I already mentioned his answers to one of my questions, but at that point I was paraphrasing from memory.
So, here's the exact question and Tommy's answer regarding his Backstreet friend:
I've got to ask - after you got "Punk'd" - a lot of people were asking, 'What's Tommy Lee doing hanging out with Nick Carter?'
"I know. You know what - people always ask because it's such a strange collaboration on the record. It's interesting how we met. Nick was working on a solo record and he contacted my manager and wanted to have a meeting with me cause he was looking for some heavier music. Of course the first thing I thought was, 'huh??' I was like, 'I don't know.' My manager was like, 'Look, just take the meeting. Worst thing that could happen is you say, 'no.' So I was like, 'Ok, cool.'
"So I met the guy and he was absolutely nothing that you would imagine with him being a Backstreet Boy. I went out to his car and in his CD changer was Zepplin, Black Sabbath, (expletive) all this rock (expletive). I was like, 'Woah.' Once we met, we got along immediately. He's a real funny guy and he (expletive) sings his (expletive) off. So we worked together and I said, 'I actually have a couple of songs that might be perfect for you.' I played him some stuff and he sang on it and killed it.
"One of the songs actually wound up on my record because he got together with the Backstreet Boys and he put a hold on his solo project. So the song's actually on my record. It's called 'Say Goodbye' and it's (expletive) beautiful. Kind of a weird collaboration, but it's interesting."
I guess when you have the stereotypes that are involved with both you and him, people look at it as odd.
"Yeah, and I'll tell you what. Out of all the guest stars that came to the studio to collaborate with me on the record, Nick was the most (expletive) gangster. That guy (expletive) parties like a maniac. He outpartied everybody, so go figure. It's kinda crazy. He just got arrested. He got a DUI. He's a maniac, I'm telling you! (laughs)"
New rumors are starting...
"Yeah. Mr. Badboy, here he comes. (laughs)"
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:45 PM
April 11, 2005New albums this week
Some of the new albums being released this week:
Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
It will be interesting to see if Carey has survived the disappointment of "Glitter" and the aftermath of her "insanity."
Garbage - Bleed Like Me
I think it's a great album - better than their last effort. Check out my review to read more.
Mudvayne - Lost and Found
These guys won an MTV2 award in 2001 and then nobody ever paid attention to them again... What happened?
Slipknot - The Subliminal Verses Deluxe Edition
I hate when bands rerelease an album with a couple new songs... If they weren't on the album originally, do us all a favor and save them for your next one.
Wednesday 13 - Transylvania 90210
Read my review of their album here.
Victor Wooten - Soul Circus
Bass fans will love the new album from the Bela Fleck bassist. It's funky and soulful.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:21 PM
April 9, 2005Visiting Tommyland
My interview with Tommy Lee happened Friday afternoon - and it was better than I expected.
While the publicist told me I'd have 15-20 minutes, I wound up talking with Lee for 25 about the tour, his solo career, his upcoming reality show and more.
Of course, the conversation was peppered with expletives, but that's nothing new.
The one nugget I'll give you here, that won't be in the newspaper interview (because of space, it'll get cut first) - I talked to him about Nick Carter.
When Lee was on the show "Punk'd," he was seen hanging out with the Backstreet Boy, much to the surprise of many Motley Crue fans.
Lee said that Carter contacted him for his solo album to help create a harder sound.
When the two finally got together, Lee was surprised by how "gangster" he was, and said Carter can "party more than a lot of people."
He said though people think it's a strange friendship, Carter was "one of the best people to hang out with."
So - that's the story there. For more on my interview - stay tuned for the story published in the News & Record and here on GoTriad.com.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:41 AM
April 8, 2005Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Jimbo Mathus; Radio update
I just got word that guitar virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be playing over at the Cat's Cradle on May 1.
If you haven't been to the Cat's Cradle before, it's a great little venue for shows - dark, decent sized and gives you that grungy vibe that you want at a rock show.
It's only about 45 min. from Greensboro - so it's worth the drive.
Mathus returns
Former Efland resident Jimbo Mathus will be returning to North Carolina on May 18 to the Cat's Cradle with Knockdown South - his new lineup for the Knockdown Society.
Mathus left a couple years back to move to Mississippi. Since then, he's toured with Buddy Guy, won a Grammy with Guy and recorded Elvis Costello.
If you haven't seen Mathus before, he puts on a great live show. With sweat pouring down his brow, Mathus will give everything he's got for hours on end.
Oh, and you may also remember that he was the frontman of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, but his music now is down and dirty rock/blues.
98.7's new format
I had mentioned a few days ago that 98.7 was unveiling a new "rebel" format of playing a wide variety of stuff.
According to the online poll at their Web site, the format looks like it will stick around for a while - I think it's 89% for the new format and 11% against it.
It's pretty obvious that this was a planned change, but a creative way to introduce it and get listener opinion without looking goofy, if they have to change back.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:54 AM
April 7, 2005Hi, Britney? No one cares
So, Britney Spears and her husband, Kevin Federline, are going to have a reality show on UPN, or the WB or a similar network.
Do you know why it's not on MTV or a major network? Because no one else cares. The former pop "tart" has watched her kingdom crumble before her.
If that wasn't exciting/boring enough for you, Federline is now trying to have his own reality show based on the making of his debut album.
According to a recent entertainment TV show, he's pitching himself as "the next Eminem."
Ugh - and with news like this, people ask me why I call this place the "Garbage Can."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:58 PM | Comments (1)
April 6, 2005Tommy again; New Fiona?
My interview with Tommy Lee has been rescheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. EST.
We'll see if it happens this time. You're still welcome to send in any questions you'd like answered. I'll see what I can get done.
A new Fiona album?
I got a link emailed to me yesterday that is allegedly to the new Fiona Apple album, which has yet to be released to the public.
Apparently, her new album, "Extraordinary Machine," was completed in May of 2003, but Sony has not released the album to the public due to a new focus on pop and hip-hop and "lack of a single."
A Web site, freefiona.com, has been set up to try and get the album released.
I've heard the music from the link I was sent, and am confused to why it hasn't been released. To me, it sounds as good as her second album - which went platinum.
Sure, Apple annoyed a lot of people with her last album's enormously long title, but that's not to say she can't sing.
She's definitely better than a lot of the garbage that's clogging the airwaves these days.
Stay tuned for more news on this situation, or possibly a review.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:31 PM
April 5, 2005Another Allman visitor; Motley update
Following the past few months' appearances by Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks will soon visit the Triad.
Trucks is the slide guitar player for the Allman Brothers Band and has been performing with the Derek Trucks Band for the past 10 years.
He's got an upcoming show at the Carolina Theatre on April 9 at 8 p.m.
Lee interrupted
Only time will tell if the interview with Tommy Lee happens.
My rescheduled interview for Thursday has now been switched to Friday.
Of course, there's always the possiblity of giving up on Lee and interviewing another member of the band, but I haven't given up hope yet.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:13 AM
April 4, 2005Rebel radio?
Apparently the DJs over at 98.7 The Zone in Greensboro have decided to try something new - either it's a clever marketing scheme by their parent company, Entercom, or it's just a clever idea.
The idea is that the DJs have taken over and are playing whatever they want, instead of the same old garbage day in and day out, hour by hour.
As I have complained about many times in the past, radio stations keep playing the same songs over and over. You can almost set your watch that 100.3 will play AC/DC at least once an hour.
98.7 - all weekend long - were playing a wide variety of songs. You'd hear Bobby Brown followed by The Beatles followed by Madonna followed by Travis Tritt followed by the theme to "Chariots of Fire."
While this is a good idea - to eliminate the repetition - it's a bad idea to dig up all of the garbage from the past.
I give the radio station respect for trying to do something new and innovative, though. (However, they're playing New Kids on the Block at the moment, and that is never appropriate.)
This morning, they said they have received a lot of emails and support for the new format.
We'll see if it lasts.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:40 AM | Comments (3)
April 3, 2005CD Review: Garbage "Bleed Like Me"
Release date: April 12, 2005
The first CD from Garabage since 2001's "Beautiful Garbage" is probably their best effort since their self-titled debut was released 10 years ago.
While the track "Bad Boyfriend" features Dave Grohl on drums, it's an unnecessary cameo on an album that showcases the talents of the band itself.
Garbage has dumped the electronica and gone back to straight up pop/rock.
Shirley Manson sounds better than ever - her vocals showing emotion and more range.
Though the band broke up during the recording of the album, it's a good thing they got back together.
From the slow roller of "It's All Over But the Crying" to the upbeat "Metal Heart" to the rock of "Bad Boyfriend," the CD as a whole shows a return to form for the band.
The first single, "Why do you love me," is one of the weaker tracks on the CD, but no less enjoyable.
"Bleed Like Me" also showcases the energy of the band. I remember seeing them in concert at UNC-Charlotte about 5 years ago, and was impressed by the non-stop energy of Manson who bounced around like she was giving an aerobics class while performing.
The 11-track CD has a running time of just over 45 minutes.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:41 AM | Comments (4)
April 2, 2005Local showcase April 30
There's a great show on April 30 at Ziggy's for those who'd like to catch a few local hard rock and metal bands.
CYN - the band featured on the Battle for Ozzfest - is playing along with -
The Five L's - a rock/funk/metal band
Three Quarters Dead - a metal band
Mortusairy, Shadows Within and Dead 7
The show starts at 8 p.m., and is just $7.
I've only seen CYN and The Five L's live, and each band on its own would be worth a $7 ticket.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:24 PM | Comments (1)
April 1, 2005Interview postponed - send question ideas
You never know what to expect when you're working with celebrities.
At 10 a.m. this morning, I got a call giving me a number to call Tommy Lee this afternoon, along with an alias to ask for.
At 2 p.m. this afternoon, I received a call saying that Tommy had cancelled all press for today, and that he had to reschedule for next week.
So, while I wait for the interview to happen next Thursday - feel free to send in your question ideas. I have a bunch ready, but I'm always interested in hearing your ideas.
Thanks!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:11 PM
Interview preparation
For the past day or so, questions to ask Tommy Lee have been running through my head.
Usually, for a 15-20 minute interview, I'll prepare about 15-20 questions that I know I want to ask. Of course, once the interview starts, I just have to see how it goes - for follow-up questions, to get rid of questions he answers previously, etc.
For Lee, outside of the regular "How's the tour going?" questions, I wonder about what I should ask.
I know I want his thoughts on his arrest the last time he was in the Triad (involving him pouring a beer on the head of a security guard).
Do people care about his relationship with Pam Anderson?
What if his kids want to go down the same road he has gone?
There are lots of questions to ask him, but it's all a matter of what I have time for in the time allowed.
That, and I hope he's in a good mood.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:37 AM | Comments (1)
