Alice in Chains update
Rolling Stone is reporting that Alice in Chains will reunite this summer for a full-fledged tour.
Singer Layne Staley died in 2002 from a drug overdose, fueling the fire that the band will appear on RockStar, the TV show that found a new singer for INXS.
I guess the tour shows the band won't be involved on the tv show, but it does make me wonder who will replace Staley.
Most songs were written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell, who sang Alice in Chains songs during his solo tours.
Cantrell will be joined by bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney.
Comes with the Fall singer William DuVall will sing with the band during a VH1 concert on March 10 honoring the band Heart.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:43 PM
Return of the Monkey?
OK, I've rambled on and on in previous installments of the "Can" about my dismay of the cancelling of "Love Monkey" - the TV show that follows an indie label A&R rep.
Now comes good news from a EOnline Q&A:
"From Maddy: It's not really a question. They filmed an episode of Love Monkey in front of my office three weeks ago. I saw the same crew and set today in a different location. Bodes well!"
Reeeaaallly?
From Tara: I heard on your show last week that Love Monkey may be picked up by the new CW network. What are the odds of that actually happening? And when will that be decided? Can you give me a glimmer of hope? Thanks!
It's looking good (especially if that last sighting is true!). I'm told that right now, the chances are about 80/20 that it will happen. The CW is very interested; however, it is an expensive show to make, so the finances are being worked out. Keep your fingers crossed!
I agree - let's keep fingers crossed in hopes the show will return.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:24 AM
February 27, 2006This week's new releases (2/28)
Here's a quick look at some of this week's new releases:
Bizzy Bone "Thugs Revenge" - Bone Thugs N Harmony haven't been heard from in years, but they never seem to run out of solo albums.
Kid Rock "Live Trucker" - Finally, you can hear live versions of the songs that were so horrible in the studio versions.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Kid Rock - in some ways, he just seemed to fit here...
On a related note - the "Walk the Line" DVD hits stores on Tuesday, as well.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:07 AM
February 25, 2006CD Review: Cowboy Mouth "Voodoo Shoppe"
Release date: Feb. 21, 2006
12 tracks, Time: 41:12
"It's not that she didn't rock my casbah... She had to go cause she didn't know who Joe Strummer was."
Kicking off with the punkish "Joe Strummer," Cowboy Mouth's latest studio effort "Voodoo Shoppe" is a quick-hit 12 tracks.
The band's rock rhythm is led by front man Fred Le Blanc. There's humor in their lyrics, fun in the drums and a little aggression in the guitar.
All together, I was pleasantly surprised by the album. I'm not that familiar with the band, but it made me interested in checking out their March 4 show at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem.
The band, which hails from New Orleans, wrote most of the tracks before Hurricane Katrina devastated their hometown, but a few songs were written afterward - "Home" and "The Avenue."
Let's face it, the band isn't breaking down musical barriers and creating something altogether incredible, but they definitely come across as a fun bar band that knows what they're doing and can entertain a crowd.
The mellow "Hole in My Heart" isn't bad, but comes across as a speed bump on the fast-paced album.
From the funky title track to the emotional New Orleans-based tracks, the band's 12-tracks are a roller coaster of music.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:50 PM
February 24, 20062 out of 4 ain't bad
Well, my predictions were right on two accounts for who was booted off of American Idol last night.
All four of the North Carolinians are still present.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:28 AM
February 23, 2006Idol - Day 2
Well, since I ran through the girls' performances yesterday, here's my thoughts on the guys' performances last night:
Patrick Hall - An average performance. He tried to break out of a mold, but it didn't work. He didn't have power behind his voice.
David Radford - He doesn't look comfortable when performing. The Rat Pack style is only going to work for so long. Remember John Stevens? And Stevens was a better singer...
Bucky Covington - The Southern rock suits him well, but how would he do in a disco genre? His voice was a little too raspy at times. He's got a lock on the country vote, but would the rest of the voters like him?
Will Makar - He's only 16, and didn't show very much vocal range. His inexperience led to a forgettable performance.
Jose "Sway" Penala - He's 28, but sound like he was 12 with all the falsetto. I'm not a big fan of it, because it sounds too fake. His split-second singing in his normal voice was the lone highlight of his performance.
Chris Daughtry - Probably the best performance of the night - and not just because I interviewed him recently and am biased because he's the "hometown" guy. He picked the perfect song to showcase his voice. He did sound a little strained at times, but he'll do well if he can stay relaxed.
Kevin Covais - I'm sorry, but I just can't get past the lisp and the fact he looks like he's 12. He doesn't sing with confidence, either.
Gedeon McKinney - His arrogance will only take him so far. It was a fun song - "Shout" - but wasn't a good choice to showcase vocal talent. He's got a big smile, but he's lacking the George Huff personality of last year.
Elliott Yamin - The best voice that Simon has ever heard? Sure, he had better vocals than I expected, but I thought it was a weak performance and not the best song choice. I wasn't impressed.
Bobby Bennett - Not bad vocally and he's definitely entertaining, but the song immediately made me think it was a cruise ship or a bad lounge act.
Ace Young - Like Becky O'Donahue from the girls side, he's got great looks but a mediocre voice. His looks will take him far in the compeition's popularity contest.
Taylor Hicks - One of my favorites in the competition. He's got one of the best voices and personalities. I hope people will see past the white hair and goofy Cocker-esque actions. If he can continue to sing bluesy rock songs, he'll go far.
My predictions
I'd say those on the bubble to be voted out tonight are:
Brenna Gethers - It's the attitude
Stevie Scott - The opera will be her downfall
Melissa McGhee - It wasn't a memorable performance
Bobby Bennett - The "Copa" was too cheesy
David Radford - John Stevens, the sequel
Kevin Covais - We already have a Clay Aiken, thank you
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:35 AM
February 22, 2006Update on Trey Stylez shooting
You can find an update on the shooting of Triad hip-hop artist Trey Stylez here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:48 AM
Idol begins
Season 5 of American Idol kicked off last night with the girls' competition.
Tonight, the guys will sing and on Thursday, two guys and two girls will be sent packing.
Last night had its highlights, here are a few comments I have on the performers:
Ayla Brown - She's got a strong voice, and should be safe for a few rounds.
Becky O'Donohue - Like Simon Cowell said - her looks are a 10, but her voice is a 6. She won't last very long.
Brenna Gethers - We can do without the attitude. I'd be surprised if she makes it past Thursday.
Heather Cox - One of the many from North Carolina. I'd put her in the middle of the talent chart. She's not bad, but there are definitely those that are worse and better.
Kellie Pickler - She's adorable and has the sad story to back her up. I see Kellie as being one of the final 5 in the competition - easily.
Lisa Tucker - Like Paris Bennett, she has a lot of talent for a 16 year old. We'll see if she can handle the pressure as the competition goes along. She'll be safe for a while.
Mandisa - She's already dropped the last name, and she's got some strong vocals. I'm not sure how far she'll go with her overpowering personality, but she should go far.
Kinnik Sky - O-VER SING-ER! (clap clap clap) O-VER SING-ER! If she can tone it down a notch, she could go far.
Paris Bennett - Another one of my picks for the top 5. She may only be 17, but she's got the vocal power and talent to go far in the competition. I loved the Billie Holliday song she sang in auditions and hope she brings that jazzy style to the later rounds.
Stevie Scott - She's trained in classical music, but this isn't classical Idol. She's got the talent if she can break away from opera.
Katharine McPhee, Melissa McGhee - I can't say I remember either one's performance last night. What does that tell you?
Who to watch out for from the guys - Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Ace Young
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:24 AM
February 20, 2006This week's new releases (Feb. 21)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Arctic Monkeys "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" - This band out of England has been getting more press than Dick Cheney these days. I've only heard one of their songs, and am not sure what all the fuss is about...
Cowboy Mouth "Voodoo Shoppe" - The band is headed to Ziggys in the near future. Stay tuned for a review of this album.
Ben Goldberg "the door, the hat, the chair, the fact" - ... the bad album title...
Nelly "Nelly & the Tiks" - Nelly's star is fading fast... He released a double-album not too long ago. Remember that one? Neither do I.
Shaggy 2 Dope "F.T.F.O." - Because Insane Clown Posse was so wildly popular, why not make a solo album? Sure, good idea... (Does sarcasm translate into text?)
A couple of band names that make you wonder what the music sounds like: Hot Buttered Rum String Band, Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra
As usual, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week (It's a jackpot this week): Arctic Monkeys, DJ Ferret, Eels, The Howling Hex, The Mammals, Steve Roach, Secret Oyster, They Shoot Horses Don't They, Johnny Whitehorse, Bird York
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:03 AM
February 19, 2006Clinton cancels
There ain't no party like a P-Funk party... unless George Clinton cancels.
There's no sign of it over at Ziggy's Web site, but Clinton cancelled Sunday night's show.
Unfortunately, I had to drive all the way over there to find that out.
If you had tickets, you can get a refund through Ziggy's. Contact them for more info.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:58 PM
February 17, 2006Does anyone really want to see this?; P-Funk
From the people who brought you Paris Hilton now comes word of a sex tape featuring Kid Rock and Creed singer Scott Stapp.
No, the two aren't with each other, but engaging in acts with four female groupies during a tour from a few years ago.
Does anyone really care to see these two?
PG-rated previews are hitting the net, and the full video will come out later this year.
Don't expect it to be at your local Blockbuster.
Have a good weekend!
Stay tuned for my thoughts on Sunday night's George Clinton concert.
After all, there ain't no party like a P-Funk party, cause a P-Funk party don't stop!
If you haven't seen Clinton in concert before, you can expect the funk extravaganza to last for about 3 to 4 hours.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:06 AM
February 16, 2006Congrats to the local Idol!
Congratulations to Chris Daughtry of McLeansville who has made it into the top 24 on American Idol!
But he's not the only NC native in the top 24.
Congratulations also go out to Bucky Covington of Rockingham, Kellie Pickler of Albemarle and Heather Cox of Jonesville.
Good luck!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:25 AM
February 14, 2006Bring back the Monkey!
So, if CBS has indeed cancelled Love Monkey, I recommend sending a complaint.
Simply go to their Web site, scroll to the bottom of the page, go to feedback and ask them not to cancel the show.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:58 PM
Rock Star: Van Halen?
Rumors have been swirling for months that the next Rock Star show will feature Van Halen.
An article out today at billboard.com say the rumors aren't true.
Other bands rumored to be appearing are Queen, Alice in Chains or Blind Melon.
I'd vote for none of the above. I think any band that has a hardcore following will have an uproar, as they did with INXS.
Who would you like to see?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:53 PM
February 13, 2006This week's new releases (Feb. 14)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones "The Hidden Land" - Every time now when I hear this guy's name I think Ben Affleck. Bela Fleck....Bel Afelck....Bel Affleck....Ben Affleck....
Scarface "My Homies Part 2" - OK, I'm pretty sure this doesn't mean that Al Pacino released a CD. "Say hello to my little homies...."
Sing-Sing "Sing-Sing & I" - While Emma Anderson of Lush IS on this album, I'm pretty sure that a panda is not.
The Veronicas "The Secret Life of" - Why do bands do that - put CD titles that need to be read title and then band to make sense - The Secret Life of the Veronicas? Why not name the band "The Secret Life of" and then each album title would be a little more interesting. The Secret Life of Salmon. The Secret Life of Kung Pao. The Secret Life of Bellybutton Lint. I think it would work much better that way....
Watermelon Slim "And the Workers" - This guy has the previously mentioned idea working....
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing CDs this week: Frog Holler
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:25 PM
February 11, 2006Blue Gators and Lube
On Friday night, I went to check out the band Lube at the Blue Gator in Burlington.
Well, they say it's in Burlington, but the bar & grill is right on the edge of Elon. That being said, it's definitely a college bar.
It's got a nice setup with a stage in the back of a long room and a couple of bars lining the right wall.
My first impression was that it's a great little place to see live music and the sound was actually impressive.
I'm used to clubs where the sound is muffled and you can't hear a thing, but at the Gator, you could actually hear the words to the songs.
Lube's set was mostly covers - Stone Temple Pilots, U2, etc. - with a handful of originals thrown in.
The band is fronted by long-time Greensboro music scenester Evan Olson, whose stage presence is right up front all the time.
Olson looks at home on stage, his voice fitting in well with the music and his actions providing the right amount of goofiness.
Sure, the dance floor was mostly packed during intermissions when a DJ was playing the latest club hits, but there were plenty of people moving during Lube's set.
They're playing all over the Triad, and will have their CD release party in the early part of March. Check 'em out if you get the chance.
And if you hear of someone playing at the Blue Gator, you may want to head out there as well. Good sound, good drinks, good atmosphere.
Good times.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:17 AM | Comments (1)
February 10, 2006Where did Sly go?
If you watched the Grammys the other night, you probably watched in amazement as I did when Sly Stone himself "came out of hiding" and appeared during a spirited tribute.
You may have also watched as the singer suddenly walked off the stage towards the end of the tribute.
The New York Post's Page Six reports that the singer was suffering from massive stagefright and left the stage so he could vomit.
The singer then apparently just left on his own, presumably back into hiding.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:53 AM
February 9, 2006Grammy review
It's pretty much impossible to review last night's show, but here are some highlights:
- U2 was joined by Mary J. Blige for an outstanding rendition of "One."
- Paul McCartney's "Helter Skelter" wasn't great, but "Yesterday" with Linkin Park and Jay-Z was fantastic. A big surprise that actually worked well.
- Sly Stone's return. Too short, but amazing all the same. A well-done tribute to the funk icon.
- Slipknot and System of a Down won awards...
- Too much attitude and arrogance from Kanye West. And, um, Kanye, you're inside...take the sunglasses off.
You can find the winners here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:50 PM
February 8, 2006Grammy's tonight
The Grammy Awards are on tonight...
I'll have my comments on the winners and performances on here after the show tonight or tomorrow.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:22 PM
February 7, 2006Monkey swings in the morning hours
I've talked about the show Love Monkey and it's musical basis, and how it's one of the best new shows on TV.
Last week, the State of the Union bumped it for the week.
Tonight, we can thank North Carolina and Duke basketball for bumping it to 2:45 a.m.
Just for that, I hope they tie, and the game never ends. Or they both lose, but that's impossible.
Can you tell I don't like basketball, or care about either team?
Set your VCRs, and enjoy it tomorrow.
And the Grammy's are tomorrow night - Stay tuned for my predictions, comments and reviews.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:41 AM
February 6, 2006This week's new releases (2/7)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Pat Boone "Hopeless Romantic" - My, "What year is this?" of the week...
Bullets for My Valentine "The Poison" - Ah, something just in time for Feb. 14.
The Corrs "Home" - I bet it's kinda Irish...
Monday Morning "Fool's Paradise" - Bad name for a band. After all, nobody likes Monday mornings.
Sly and the Family Stone "Different Strokes for Different Folks" - Remixes and redone versions of the funkster's songs.
The Derek Trucks Band "Songlines" - It may be good, but it's not the Allmans.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Arctic Monkeys, Deadboy and the Elephantmen,
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:50 AM
February 4, 2006Pumpkins to reunite?
I'm not worried about who's playing the Super Bowl. Instead, I'm wondering why the Smashing Pumpkins are reuniting...
I understand that Billy Corgan's solo career went nowhere fast, but does that mean that the other original members will return?
I'll believe it when I see it. Early word is that James Iha and D'arcy Wretzky will not be a part of it.
However, Melissa Auf Der Mauer has said she'd be happy to play with the group.
Stay tuned...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:18 AM
February 1, 2006Grammy performers announced
A story over at billboard.com lists the performers for the Feb. Grammy Awards.
Though the hype is suddenly building over the pairing of Madonna and Gorillaz, I'm hyped for the Sly and the Family Stone tribute.
Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joss Stone, John Legend, Maroon 5, Robert Randolph, Will.i.am will perform the tribute. There's also a rumor that Sly himself may come out of hididng and make an appearance at the show.
We'll have to wait a week to find out if there's any truth to that one...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:55 PM
