TV tonight
Bobby Brown's new reality show kicks off tonight on Bravo.
I don't think I'll watch.
I'd rather see the has-beens on Hit Me Baby One More Time.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:49 PM
June 29, 2005Heavy Rebel time
This weekend is the 5th Annual rockabilly festival in Winston-Salem known as the Heavy Rebel Weekender.
If you like rockabilly/punkabilly, this event is for you.
I went the first year, and haven't been able to go since due to family "reunions," but I'm hoping to make it back some time soon.
There are three stages, and someone's always performing.
There are also some side events and entertainment, contests, etc.
It's definitely worth checking out, and worth the cost of admission which is $25-30 a day.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:28 PM | Comments (1)
June 28, 2005News and notes
Avril Lavigne is reportedly engaged to Sum 41 singer Derick Whibley.
Of course, it's unknown if either of them knows the correct pronunciation of David Bowie.
Clark charged
Former "American Idol" contest and publicity hound Corey Clark - he recently claimed that he had an affair with Paula Abdul - was charged with misdemeanor battery after getting into a food fight with a record executive.
Apparently, he doesn't take criticism well...
Stefani to tour
Apparently, Gwen Stefani is still trying to become the rich girl she always sings about by announcing plans for a fall tour.
She'll be touring with the Black Eyed Peas, who will be the supporting act.
Sure, that makes sense. Stefani has one album and the Peas have a handful - so make the Peas the opener.
To quote Saturday Night Live, "Who are the ad wizards that came up with this one?"
Live 8 on DVD
Plans have been announced to release the upcoming Live 8 concerts on DVD this fall.
Again, I hope it has the Pink Floyd reunion on it.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:03 AM
June 27, 2005Zappa; Sleater-Kinney
For fans of Frank Zappa, check out this article.
Apparently his sons are going to beging touring and playing his music.
Sleater-Kinney update
Anyone with tickets to this Wednesday's Sleater-Kinney concert, it's been moved back to Ziggy's.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:57 PM
June 26, 2005New albums this week
Here's the weekly rundown of some new albums due this week:
Ying Yang Twins "U.S.A. United State of Atlanta" - I saw a clip of there first single on MTV. I don't understand why they're popular.
CKY "An Answer Can Be Found" - If you've seen Jackass or Viva La Bam, you have heard some of CKY's music. It's unique, but not extraordinary. There albums usually have some great songs on them, and some complete garbage, too.
George Clinton/Parliament/Funkadelic "Live at Montreux 2004" - Ain't no party like a P-Funk party, 'cause a P-Funk party don't stop.
3 Doors Down "Seventeen Days (DualDisc)" - This is either a misprint, since the album already came out, or the band is pimping themselves out for another $17.
Femi Kuti "Live at the Shrine" - He toured with Perry Farrell once, does that count for something?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:12 PM
June 24, 2005A new radio
I finally had enough of standard FM radio. While I hope to get satellite radio in my next car, that doesn't solve the problem of background music at home or at the office.
Problem solved: LaunchCast Radio.
Have you tried this? It's available through Yahoo! and Yahoo! Messenger, and makes me smile, to put it simply.
You create a radio station, and when songs come up that you don't like, just click "Never play this again." You can even do that for a band.
No more The Killers for me, thanks. No more 4 Non Blondes either. I don't want to hear Def Leppard.
Of course you can also rate bands, albums and songs as "It's OK," "Like It," "Love it" or "Can't get enough."
For the past day and a half, I haven't heard the same band twice, let alone the same song.
I can hear Bob Marley, followed by Nirvana, followed by Billie Holliday followed by Henry Rollins, followed by John Mellencamp, followed by Sevendust.
This is what that so called "We play everything" station 98.7 should be. They truly do play everything.
The best part though, is that rating system that helps you tailor the programming.
You can also decide if you want or don't want explicit lyrics.
My playlist today included the above bands as well as Crosby, Stills and Nash, Kiss, Primus, Bad Religion, .38 Special and more.
You also get to hear bands you'd never hear otherwise, such as Finch and Toots and the Maytals.
If you pay a couple bucks a month, you can skip songs and eliminate the yahoo! commercials.
Check it out.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:18 AM
June 23, 2005Live 8 on TV
The upcoming Live 8 concert on July 2 will be broadcast on VH1 and MTV for eight hours.
The story up at mtv.com mentions Coldplay, Destiny's Child, Jay-Z, U2, Madonna and Dave Matthews Band, but my question:
What about Pink Floyd?
If the network fails to show one of the most highly anticipated performances of the decade - the reunion of Pink Floyd with Roger Waters - I would be extremely surprised and disappointed.
Let's hope for the best.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:01 AM
June 22, 2005Reuniting Pumpkins?
The other day, I was reading an interview with Billy Corgan (former lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins) and he was stating that there's no way he would reunite the band.
Now, comes word that he does in fact want to reunite.
Maybe he realized his solo act was going nowhere fast. Who knows - either way, it would be nice if the band reunited and got back to their old school rock.
The band was originally comprised of Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.
Wretzky was then replaced by Melissa Auf Der Maur.
The band hasn't performed together since 2000.
More can be read at the Billboard site.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:43 AM
June 21, 2005News and notes
- Apparently, Eric Clapton's next album of original music is on its way this fall. However, it's not like he hasn't put out quality music since 2001. He had an album of Robert Johnson covers that was simply great.
- I caught the latest "You Hear it First" on MTV yesterday about a band called The Redwalls. I have to admit, I like what I heard. The band, which started out as a cover band, basically sounds like a 90s version of The Beatles. No kidding. Talk about retro - they've got a hip 50s/60s vibe to them. The album hits stores today, and I hope to get my hands on a copy soon.
- The bass player for Soul Asylum died from cancer on Friday. I guess jokes about buying "a ticket for a runaway train" would probably not be appropriate at this point. Apparently, the band had recorded a new album and was shopping it to labels.
- The White Stripes have announced the dates for their upcoming tour which will stop nowhere in North Carolina this fall.
- A double-CD live album of the Grateful Dead is in the works. I don't think the band will ever stop releasing concert albums. Not like that's a bad thing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:27 AM
June 20, 2005This week's new releases
A look at some of the new CD releases for this week:
Billy Corgan "The Future Embrace" - Let's face it, no matter how good it is, it's not the Smashing Pumpkins.
Baby "Fast Money" - This guy had a house on MTV "Cribs" that was enormous and full of expensive things. He's one of the Cash Money crew, but I still think 9 out of 10 people couldn't name one song by him.
Mark Knopfler "One Take Radio Sessions EP" - This guy gets his "money for nothing" and his "chicks for free."
Patti LaBelle "Livin' It Up" - I honestly had no idea she was still putting out CDs. Not that I'd have plans to buy one...
Corey Clark "Corey Clark" - The former American Idol who says he had a relationship ... No one cares.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:59 AM
June 18, 2005CD Review: Foo Fighters "In Your Honor"
Release date: June 14, 2005
Many times in the past, I'd like a Foo Fighters song so I'd buy the album. I'd then find it difficult to like the rest of the album. It simply wouldn't grab me or impress me.
As much as I am a Nirvana fan, the Foo Fighters are a different breed.
Now comes "In Your Honor." I have the rest of the Foo albums, so why not check out this one, right?
Simply put, "What a surprise!" The album is split into two 10-track discs - one that's hard rock and one that's acoustic.
The rock album hits the ground running with the energetic title track. It sounds like singer/guitarist Dave Grohl had some leftover Probot material to work from.
It might let up a little after that, but the rest is still heavy.
Grohl's scream still holds up. Sure, it's not Kurt Cobain, but it's not trying to be. Grohl has created his own identity with the Foo Fighters that has held up through the years.
The second disc is all-acoustic and definitely focuses on the mellow side of things.
They're polar opposites that don't really go together as two halves of a whole, but it's a nice gesture to the fans to package them as one.
If you've heard Jack Johnson - it's not even that zippy. This is mellow in the mellowist sense of the word.
When you should listen to the album depends on your mood.
Guests on the albums include Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, John Paul Jones and Norah Jones - all of whom appear on the second disc.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)
June 17, 2005Boss on sale tomorrow
Tickets for the July 26 all-acoustic Bruce Springsteen concert at the Greensboro Coliseum go on sale tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 10 a.m.
Tickets aren't cheap - they're $75 and $85.
Good luck!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:14 PM
June 16, 2005Random notes and thoughts
- Of course, the System of a Down tour with Mars Volta is only getting as close as Atlanta.
- The Killers have two songs on the radio. They sound the same, and neither is very good. Yet these guys are all over magazines and tv. Why?
- Last time I checked, Micheal Jackson was still free.
- Kid Rock plead no contest to assault charges, and was ordered to anger management classes and to pay $180 for a new pair of sunglasses for the guy he punched. (I'm serious)
- That new Jessica Simpson video is about as bad (porn-like) as the Paris Hilton commercial.
- Shakira's new album, "Fijacion Oral Vol. 1" sold 157,000 copies its first week (No. 4 on the Billboard chart) making it the biggest one-week sales and highest chart debut for a Spanish language release in the Soundscan era. Pretty impressive.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:23 PM
June 15, 2005New albums this week
I'm a day late (and a dollar short), but here's the rundown on some of this week's new releases:
Backstreet Boys "Never Gone": Interesting title since most people have no idea what happened to them the last few years. I'll give them credit (a tiny bit) that their latest single doesn't sound too "boy band," but that doesn't mean it's really that good. I'm sure there are lots of teenaged girls who are thrilled about the new album.
Foo Fighters "In Your Honor": It's two-for-the-price-of-one with the latest release from the Foos. There's two 10-track albums here, one loud and rocking, one calm and acoustic. Look for a full review here soon. It's better than some of their previous efforts.
Harry Connick Jr. "Connick on Piano Vol. 2": It's about time he left "Will & Grace" and got back to music. He's talented, plain and simple.
Life of Agony "Broken Valley": These guys had a minor hit with "Empty" and then disappeared. Now they're back, and from what I've heard online - it's better than they were before.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:57 PM
June 14, 2005Jackson is free
Michael Jackson was found not guilty yesterday on all 10 counts against him.
Personally, I find this difficult to believe, but I wasn't one of the jurors, and I didn't hear all the evidence.
I do however, think there should be some penalty, if not to Jackson, to the idiot parents who let their children sleep in the bed of a grown man.
Even if Jackson is some pedophile, it's the parents who should be getting some of the blame for even letting these situations rise in the first place.
People are now asking, "What's next for Jackson's career?" and "Can he return to be the King of Pop?"
Newsflash: Jackson hasn't had a hit in years. He's a has been.
I think very few people are waiting for his next album.
He was once a great star, but this light has surely gone out.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:59 AM
June 13, 2005Destiny's Child disbands
Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams have announced plans to disband after their world tour ends.
It comes as no surprise. Their latest album was a money-making stunt in my eyes.
Beyonce was more popular without the group, and probably made the latest album as a financial handout for the other members.
Of course, that's just my opinion.
The group will perform in Charlotte on July 22 and Raleigh on July 24.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:20 PM
June 12, 2005Comfortably Numb
I have become comfortably numb....
Here's the article. Read it for yourself. Pink Floyd is reuniting. With Roger Waters.
Please, let it be more than one show.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:25 PM
June 10, 2005Ice, Ice Baby
I caught the show "Hit Me Baby One More Time" last night - a show that brings back some one-hit wonders and has them perform their hit songs along with a remake of one of today's songs.
Last night's surprising winner - Vanilla Ice.
Sure, The Motels' cover of Norah Jones' song was horrible, but I thought Halladay was actually entertaining (though mildly bad in his own way.)
So Ice won, and the host noted that the voting wasn't even close. For winning, a donation was made to his favorite charity - the Make a Wish Foundation.
Pretty interesting for a guy who wasn't interested in having anything to do with his "former self" not too long ago.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:42 AM
June 9, 2005Back in Black hits top 5
AC/DC's "Back in Black" has tied Billy Joel's "Greatest Hits Vol. I & II" on America's all-time best-sellers list, according to a Billboard story.
It reached the mark by being certified for 21 million copies of the album.
The top four are:
1. The Eagles "Their Greatest Hits" 28 million
2. Michael Jackson "Thriller" 27 million
3. Pink Floyd "The Wall" 23 million
4. Led Zepplin "IV" 22 million
Usher's recent album, "Confessions" has registered 9 million copies.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:50 AM
June 8, 2005CD Review: Black Eyed Peas "Monkey Business"
Release date: June 7, 2005
I wasn't sure what to expect on the latest release from the Black Eyed Peas.
"Elephunk" brought the Peas to a new level thanks to the addition of Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson.
"Monkey Business" keeps that same vibe alive - funk, soul, hip-hop - it's all there.
Simply put, the album is fun. The album's sure to get you moving with its variety of beats - Spanish, funk, etc.
The guest appearances are impressive, too (though I'm no fan of Justin Timberlake).
"They Don't Want Music" features James Brown and has a Brown-styled, get-up-on-the-good-foot vibe.
"Like That" features Q-Tip in fine form that is reminiscent of old Tribe Called Quest.
"Union" features Sting and you can tell he was involved in the writing. Picture "Where is the Love?" (lyrically and vocally) with Sting as the focus of the song instead of Fergie or Justin Timberlake.
"Gone Going" which features Jack Johnson was also co-written by the singer/guitarist. The acoustic island vibe fits more on a Johnson album, but works just as well here.
If you liked "Elephunk" you'll like the new album.
I think it has some of the best BEP songs I've heard. I'm not looking for something completely groundbreaking here. I expected something fun and enjoyable, and it's exactly what I got.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:30 AM | Comments (1)
June 7, 2005It's a girl?
Apparently, Britney Spears is having a girl....
Oh, what a role model her mother is going to be.
As fitting as "Chaotic" is for Spears' "Reality" show with her and her husband, Keven Federline.
I think a more fitting title would be, "How I spend my time living like white trash."
The good news from all of this, is that I find it highly improbable that the "singer" will have a comeback.
Once all that Ashlee Simpson lip synching hit the fan, Spears "went into hiding" as far as her music career is concerned.
Good idea.
The best name I've heard for the baby so far is "Broccoli."
There's a ring to Broccoli Spears that is hard to beat. Of course, Dill Pickle Spears may be a close second.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:55 AM | Comments (2)
June 6, 2005Where's Perry?
Ok, so I'm a huge Jane's Addiction fan. I sometimes wish they hadn't done "Been Caught Stealing" but that's another story.
"Three Days," "Pigs in Zen," "Ain't No Right" - I just can't get enough.
Anyway, after the latest breakup of the band, I wondered what happened to Perry Farrell.
Dave Navarro and Stephen Perkins are in a band together called The Panic Channel.
As for Perry, you can read more about his new project The Satellite Party here and he also comments there about wanting to make another Porno for Pyros album.
Hopefully, his solo project - which sounds great in theory - won't turn out like his solo album.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:38 PM
June 5, 2005New albums this week
It's a big week for new CD releases. Here's a look at what's coming out:
Coldplay, "X&Y" - People act like Coldplay is the second coming of The Beatles. Personally, I'm not impressed. I think they sound close to Muzak and lack a unique quality. Even if singer Chris Martin did name his child Apple, I still think they're boring.
Black Eyed Peas, "Monkey Business" - This isn't life-changing music. It's just fun. I'm looking forward to the followup to "Elephunk." Should be entertaining at least.
Eric Benet, "A Day in the Life" - The only people buying this are the ones who hope he talks about his relationship with Halle Berry on the album.
Boyz N Da Hood, "Boyz N Da Hood" - It was a great movie. Couldn't the band think of a better name?
Dido, "Live at Brixton Academy" - It's a CD/DVD combo. She's had a few hits and a solid voice. Should be intesting to hear her live.
Kelly Osbourne, "Sleeping in the Nothing" - Let's face it. She's not Ozzy.
Shakira, "Fijacion Oral 1" - This is the Spanish-language album, with a English counterpart due this fall. Personally, I think some of her Spanish music is better than the English stuff, so this has some potential. She also writes her own lyrics which is sometimes hard to find these days.
Ringo Starr, "Choose Love" - Anyone know whatever happened to that drummer for The Beatles?
White Stripes, "Get Behind Me Satan" - There's supposedly a lot of piano on the album, and it has a different vibe from previous White Stripes records. Should be interesting. The band has a unique vibe, even if Meg isn't the best drummer in the world.
Buckwheat Zydeco, "Jackpot!" - Zydeco is always fun, even if Buckwheat only plays 4 or 5 songs for a total of about 45 minutes in concert.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:01 PM
June 3, 2005Crossfade postponed
The Crossfade, Seether, No Address concert tonight in Winston-Salem has been postponed until Aug. 21.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:57 PM
June 2, 2005Big shows downtown?
People always complain about no big concerts coming to downtown Greensboro, but they're slowly starting to creep in.
A recent check over at pollstar.com shows that Edwin McCain will be stopping in at Greene Street on June 16.
I've heard the show is the beginning of a new "partnership" between Greene Street and Ace's Basement - Greene Street can hold more than Ace's Basement, with a capacity of about 400.
July 1, the venue will be the host of Flock of Seagulls - makes me wonder if they still have the haircuts...
I don't have information about tickets, but I'm sure if you contact the club, they can tell you.
Hopefully, this is the start of something good.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:44 AM | Comments (2)
June 1, 2005Nothing new
Have you listened to the radio lately? Where's the next Kurt Cobain when we need him?
We need something new.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:28 PM | Comments (2)
