Guns N Roses openers
Tickets for the Guns N Roses show in Greensboro went on sale on Saturday, Sept. 30.
The openers, according to Pollstar.com, are Sebastian Bach (former singer of Skid Row) and Papa Roach.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:10 PM
September 29, 2006Break out the tie-dyes and patchouli!
Trey Anastasio told billboard.com that he expects Phish to reunite at some point in the future.
The band broke up in 2004, so I'd give it a little more time.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:14 PM
September 28, 2006For a Storm-y day
Are you sitting around, thinking about what to watch on TV and wish that Storm Large and the gang from Supernova were still on?
There's an audio file over at youtube that is Storm Large singing an Abba song to the tune of Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida.
Interesting stuff...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:00 PM
September 26, 2006John Daly sings?
I had no idea that pro golfer John Daly could sing or play music of any kind.
Apparently, he'll be performing at The Flying Anvil in Greensboro on Oct. 3.
While no cost or time is listed, the name and face sure are.
You can listen to clips of Daly at his Web site.
I'll admit. I'm curious to know what it's about.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:31 PM
September 25, 2006This week's new releases (9/26)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
The Black Crowes "The Lost Crowes" - It's not "new" material, but it is a 2CD set of lost tracks from previous recording sessions.
Janet Jackson "20 Y.O." - Miss Jackson if you're nasty...she's back with a new album. My guess is it will be like her last album, and fall off the charts.
Ludacris "Release Therapy" - With no Austin Powers movie for him to make a video from, it should be interesting to see how it does.
Scissor Sisters "Ta-Dah" - Ever since their horrendous Pink Floyd cover, I've thought they were overrated.
Wierd Al Yankovic "Straight outta Lynwood" -Glad to see him back with a new album.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: The Black Crowes, The Byrds, Sparklehorse, Teddybears, Wolf Eyes
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:50 AM
September 21, 2006Guns N Roses headed to Greensboro
Welcome to the jungle... Guns N Roses will be performing on Halloween in Greensboro.
Ticket sales will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. The show is 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Greensboro Coliseum.
No opening act, if there is one, has been announced. No release date has been announced for the long-awaited album, "Chinese Democracy," either.
Tickets will be available at the Greensboro Coliseum advance box office, online at www.tickets.com, at Tickets.com outlets at participating Triad area Lowes Foods locations and by calling Tickets.com toll free at (888) 397-3100.
Two types of tickets will be offered: general admission tickets on the arena floor and reserved arena seating. Ticket prices are $39.50, $49.50 and $75.
The Halloween concert is the band's only North Carolina appearance during its current tour.
Let's hope singer Axl Rose can keep it together this time, and the tour will continue as planned...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:01 PM | Comments (1)
September 20, 2006Five L's bass player killed
In sad news, the bass player of the Triad-based band The Five L's died on Sunday in a single-car wreck on Randleman Road.
Police suspect that alcohol was a factor in the wreck that took the life of Rodney Lee "Bo" Richards II.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his fiance, unborn baby and son, as well as the band.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:45 PM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2006This week's new releases (9/19)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Clay Aiken "A Thousand Different Ways" - It's probably better if I don't comment on this one...
Black Crowes "Freak N Roll Into the Fog Live" - When I saw them open for Tom Petty last week, I was impressed. I hope this album captures it.
Bone Thugs N Harmony "Thug Stories" - I had no idea they were back together.
Elton John "The Captain and the Kid" - It's impressive that he's still making albums, but I can't remember the last hit he had.
Fergie "The Dutchess" - First of all, London Bridge isn't a drawbridge, is it? Second, she, like Gwen Stefani, should realize they're better off with their band.
Indigo Girls "Despite Our Differences" - Another band I had no idea was still together.
Jane's Addiction "Up from the Catacombs: the Best Of Jane's Addiction" - Nothing new here, so you're better off buying all three albums to hear all the good stuff.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Black Crowes, Black Pegasus, Fish, Gorilla Biscuits, Parasites, Snakes and Music, Wolverine Brass
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:58 PM
September 13, 2006Rockstar: Supernova Week 11
Well, it's down to four, with the winner being picked tonight.
At this point, it's completely up to the band. It's not like anyone has a say other than the three people who are making the decision.
While people have pegged Dilana to be the winner, I personally have thought Lukas would be a better fit since day one.
I think Toby and Magni are both great singers, but neither has the stage presence to lead these three.
Dilana and Lukas have the stage presence, but I think Dilana has weak songwriting skills.
Therefore, my money is on Lukas.
He's also the only one last night to change up his original song from last week. That earned him more points in my book.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:23 PM | Comments (2)
September 11, 2006This week's new releases (9/12)
Here's a look at some of the new releases for Sept. 12:
Barenaked Ladies "Barenaked Ladies Are Me" - Another one of those regular, "I had no idea they were still recording" releases...
Black Label Society "Shot to Hell" - It'll be another solid rock effort from Ozzy's guitar player, Zakk Wylde.
Everclear "Welcome to the Drama Club" - See Barenaked Ladies, above.
Los Lobos "The Town and the City" - Again, see Barenaked Ladies, above.
Mars Volta "Amputechture" - Swirling guitars, portuguese vocals...it'll be intense.
John Mayer "Continuum" - Jessica Simpson's latest ex-boyfriend releases a new album.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Donald Byrd, Catfish Haven, Chocolate Puma, Land Shark, Los Lobos, Mastadon, Papa Roach, Tallbirds, The Duks, The Panda Band, The Purrs
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:41 PM
September 10, 2006Concert Review: Tom Petty
Tom Petty
September 10, 2006
Alltel Pavilion
Raleigh, N.C.
For 30 years, Tom Petty has made memorable rock music and his show at Raleigh's Alltel Pavilion on Sunday night covered just about all the bases.
Sure, he left out some hits, but his two-hour set covered 21 songs.
The night opened with a one-and-a-half hour set by the Black Crowes.
The Crowes hit the stage at 7 p.m. when many people were still outside stuck in long lines for Will Call and to purchase tickets.
By the time I made my way inside, I caught the last 30 minutes of their set. Enough time to see "Hard to Handle," "Remedy" and "Sometimes Salvation."
The Crowes were in spectacular form as they rambled through the songs. Singer Chris Robinson smiled as he sang and appeared to have a great time.
When Petty hit the stage just after 9 p.m., he looked truly appreciative of the crowd's loud welcome.
Dressed in a velvet suit, Petty kicked off the set with "Listen to Her Heart" followed by "Mary Jane's Last Dance."
He then addressed the crowd saying, "I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I've got a long song list."
Petty and the Heartbreakers didn't disappoint. The crowd offered long rounds of applause throughout the night, which made the 55-year-old singer smile and blow kisses back at the audience.
He treated the crowd to a few songs the band listened to when they were starting out, including Muddy Waters' "I'm a Man."
Petty even broke out the Traveling Wilbury's hit, "Handle with Care."
Before performing "It's Good to Be King," Petty told the crowd the band isn't always up for performing it, but "we are tonight."
He played a three tracks off of his latest album, "Highway Companion," including "Square One" which left Petty on stage alone with his acoustic guitar.
The 90 minute set led to a short break before a three-song encore that lasted for about 20 minutes.
After watching Petty's enjoyment at performing on stage, one can only hope this isn't a farewell tour, but a sign of better things to come.
Set list
Listen to Her Heart
Mary Jane's Last Dance
I Won't Back Down
Free Fallin'
Saving Grace
I'm a Man
Oh Well
Handle With Care
You Don't Know How it Feels
It's Good To Be King
Cabin Down Below
Too Much Monkey Business
Down South
Square One
Learning to Fly
Don't Come Around Here No More
Refugee
American Girl
Encore
Running Down a Dream
Mystic Eyes
You Wreck Me
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:15 PM | Comments (1)
September 9, 2006Movie Review: "Idlewild"
"Idlewild"
Running time: 2 hours
"Idlewild" offers a musical romp through the mid-1930s.
The story follows shy piano player Percival, played by Outkast's Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin, and performer Rooster, played by the other half of Outkast, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.
While Percival tries to balance his life between his piano playing and his work in the family mortuary, Rooster tries to hold his family together while finding time to work in the club.
Terrence Howard, as Trumpy, gets into the mix and tries to stir things up as the villian.
As much as I could say about the story, I'm trying to keep it simple. After all, it's more about the music.
Outkast has a number of great songs in the film, though their first single from the soundtrack, "Idlewild Blues," isn't actually in the film.
If you're a music fan, keep your eyes open for Macy Gray and Patti LaBelle.
If you're a huge music fan, you may also recognize the Idlewild band leader - Fishbone's Angelo Mooore - or the Idlewild bass player - Fishbone's Norwood Fisher.
"Idlewild" is a musical romp through the 30s. Some animation and creative camera work make it a fun ride that's worth seeing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:16 AM
September 7, 2006CD Review: Christina Aguilera "Back to Basics"
Release date: Aug. 15, 2006
22 tracks, 47:02; 31:51
Looked at as a throwback album, Christina Aguilera's latest album, "Back to Basics," takes elements of music from the 30s and 40s and adds current beats to them.
Don't expect Billie Holliday, but it's got that vibe.
Aguilera has always been the one with the pipes. Her vocal range towers over other pop stars like Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.
She's always been praised for her vocal talent as much as she is criticized for her persona - the "Dirrty Xtina."
Well, Dirrty has been cleaned up and transported back to the 30s for the new album.
The double-disc CD starts out steeped in "retro."
From the two minute intro to "Back in the Day" to "Ain't No Other Man," Aguilera plays with retro horn sections and vocals. It works.
Aguilera compares to Holliday like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy compares to Cab Calloway. It's not trying to imitate, it's only modernizing.
A good bit of Aguilera's lyrics focus on her husband. From "Ain't No Other Man" to "Understand."
"After all the hoops I put you through, Now I see that I'm in love with you" are from the latter.
Some tracks seem superfluous though. "F.U.S.S." is aimed at producer Scott Storch (you can fill in the first two letters.) "Looks like I didn't need you, still got the album out."
"Candyman" on the second disk sounds like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." "Naughty Naughty Boy" is a slow and sensual throwback to the 40s.
Few artists can completely reinvent themselves and find success - see Pink. Aguilera has found that happy medium, however, and it will be interesting to see what she does next.
Don't expect funky dance numbers in the vein of previous efforts from Aguilera, but there are tracks that will get butts on the dance floor.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:47 AM
September 6, 2006Rockstar: Supernova Week 10
Wow, it's getting down to the wire here. There are only five singers left, and it's at the point where none of them is at the bottom.
They all bring something different to the table, and it's really just a matter of what the guys in Supernova want.
Dilana - Her first song of the night was "Behind Blue Eyes" and I give her a lot of credit for performing while injured - apparently, she tore her calf muscle. She performed the song while seated on a stool, and I thought it was one of her best vocal performances, though she did hit some bad notes. Her original song, "Supersoul," wasn't a bad song. She did a good job hopping on one let, but the lyrics were pretty weak. It wasn't a "singalong," but I thought it was fitting for her personality.
Magni - His first song, "Back in the USSR," wasn't his best vocal performance, but he continues to have solid performances as a whole. His original song, "When the Time Comes," was a good song, which shouldn't be surprising considering he's been in a successful band. It wasn't a memorable song, but I liked it.
Storm Large - Her first song, "Suffragette City," featured Dave Navarro on guitar - who was impressive, no surprise there. I thought it was one of Storm's best performances - it fit her style and vocals well. Her original song, "What the What is Ladylike," had a good groove to it, but was a little too repetitive. She redeemed herself after a number of "weaks."
Lukas Rossi - His first song, "Living on a Prayer," was a stripped down version of the Bon Jovi hit - just Lukas and an electric guitar. I liked his version a lot, but couldn't understand some of his vocals. It was a good showcase for his vocals. His original song, "Headspin," was good, too. I was expecting something harder, but I thought it had the right edge for Supernova compared to others. Jason Newstead was already singing along.
Toby Rand - Toby's first song was "Mr. Brightside." I still don't like this song. And didn't he sing another song by The Killers another time? I didn't think there was much punch to the vocals. His original song was a better performance and vocals. His running into the crowd is getting overdone, but it was a catchy tune. So much so, that I forgot his first song completely.
At the top - I thought Magni and Storm had two solid performances. The other singers had one strong, one weak. At this point, it's anyone's guess.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:27 AM
September 5, 2006This week's new releases (9/5)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Alice in Chains "The Essential Alice in Chains" - If you have all their albums, I'm sure this isn't that "essential."
Audioslave "Revelations" - The RageGarden combination returns for their third album. I'm sure it sounds nothing like Rage Against the Machine or Soundgarden, but I continue to be impressed by the band's talents. They fit nicely together. Review coming soon.
Beyonce "B'Day" - OK, are we supposed to pronounce this album title as "bidet"? Because that would be hilarious.
As usual, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Cancerbats, Eagle*Seagull, Goatwhore, Grizzlybear
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:44 AM
September 2, 20062006 VMAs Part II
And more comments...
- So, T.I. came out for a performance and here's a tip: if you aren't lip synching, and have more than one person rapping, you can't understand a word that's being said because they are rarely in synch with each other.(See Public Enemy for tips on how to do it right...)
- Best Group Video - The Red Hot Chili Peppers should have won. The All American Rejects won. I guess as videos go, it was creative.
- The Raconteurs continue to shine amongst the drabness that is the awards.
- Ringtone of the Year - Are you serious? How do you decide who's nominated? Fort Minor won. I had no idea Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park was involved, but I still don't like the song...
- Panic! At the Disco performs in resemblence to their video. The singer's voice sounds really shaky.
- Jack Black continues his weak schtick. I really expected more.
- Best New Artist. Avenged Sevenfold wins and I nearly fell out of my chair.
- Kevin Federline's name is announced and the crowd is silent. No laughter for his skit with his wife either. People love to make fun of the couple, not be entertained by them.
- Best R&B Song - Beyonce wins for another repetitive song. Check up on it, work up on it, check on me, work on it. ...whatever.
- Hype Williams gets the Video Vanguard Award. Hype has directed some amazing videos. Busta Rhymes comes out and performs, as does Missy Elliott - who gets stuck in her tiny car.
- Sarah Silverman comes out and rips apart Paris Hilton. Hilarious!
- Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira were top nominees....has either won anything yet?
- Christina Aguilera performs and shows her vocal range. A great vocal performance, but more slow and boring appearances aren't helping this show.
- Lou Reed and Pink - this year's Odd Pairing Award goes to...
- Best Rock Video - I didn't know 30 Seconds to Mars even had a video. Green Day easily had the best video in this category with Red Hot Chili Peppers as a close second. But the winner is, AFI?!? Why do I even bother watching this show?
- The VMA's just aren't what they used to be...
- The Raconteurs are now playing with Billy Gibbons. Ah, now I remember why I'm watching...
- Tenacious D performed a song. Not their best, but entertaining.
- Viewer's Choice Award - Winner is no surprise - Fall Out Boy, who was leading in the category all night. I would have had more fun watching the cast of Jackass mess around all night.
- Al Gore - Is he going to tell us how he started the internet? Interesting environmental discussion, but I feel like I'm in school.
- The Raconteurs perform "Internet killed the Radio Star" - very nice.
- Video of the Year - And the winner is...Panic! At the Disco. Wow. I'm old. Some guy crashed the award, but I was too busy being shocked by who won.
- They're going to launch MTV Tres - Coming soon...Reality shows in Spanish.
- Axl Rose. Well, he looked better than last time.
- The Killers close the show. A new song that no one knows to close the show?!? How weak. Why not a mash-up like the old days? The end performance used to be the most anticpated and talked about part of the show. It's now become anti-climactic.
YAWN
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:12 PM
September 1, 20062006 VMAs Part 1
Last night was the 2006 Video Music Awards and it was just about as disappointing as I expected it to be.
Apparently, the ratings were down as well.
Here are my thoughts as I watched it:
- Justin Timberlake opens the show. He may not have been lip-synching, but he had a backing track to help him out. It was more about dancing than singing. I'm not into either song - saying the phrase "Go ahead be going with it" during the chorus about 20 times is plain annoying.
- They're announcing the guests - Al Gore? Axl Rose? Kevin Federline? Are they trying to scare people away?
- Jack Black comes out for his intro. Some profanity slips in as Black's arm catches on fire, but this is too scripted. It's just sad.
- The Raconteurs are introduced as the house band with Lou Reed. Wow! A nice rock intro and a good surprise to kick things off.
- Lil Kim wanders out in an orange jumpsuit. OK, how much plastic surgery has she had?
- Best Male Video - Kanye West's video may have gotten a lot of airplay, but it was boring as a video. James Blunt takes the win. At least he jumped into water for entertainment. The sound was also not acting right for his speech.
- Best Hip Hop Video - Black Eyed Peas win for "My Humps." The video was bad. The video for "Don't Phunk with My Heart" was more entertaining, but wasn't nominated.
- The Rock comes out ... The Rock? He's a wrestler, not a musician...
- Shakira performs "Hips Don't Lie." A hip-notic performance as she shakes her way around the stage. She looks like she's having fun.
- OK, so far, it's been more fun to watch the Raconteurs jam than to watch the show.
- 50 Cent wanders out with LL Cool J. Funny that 50 changed clothes from when he was on the red carpet. You can hear someone else talking while they're on stage. ... the sound problems continue.
- Best Female video - Let's look at the nominees: Nelly Furtado, a girl dancing. Shakira, a girl dancing. Madonna, a girl dancing. Christina Aguilera, a girl getting dressed. Kelly Clarkson, tells a story. The winner - Clarkson. Funny that she wasn't there to accept, since she closed the show last year.
- Pharrell performs with Ludacris. The crowd looks as bored as me. Then the Pussycat Dolls show up, and people could care less...
- Jessica Simpson comes out on stage. Short hair today, extensions tomorrow...
- Best Dance Video - I guess it's appropriate that Pussycat Dolls won since they're dancers not singers. Funny that they said they're nervous. Um, excuse me? Maybe you're nervous because you hardly have any clothes on.
- Like me, the crowd continues to look bored.
- OK Go reenacted their video and it was actually quite entertaining, though it wasn't a performance.
- Again, the sound is off. It sounds like they have the mic on one person in the crowd.
- All American Rejects perform...and I'm still bored.
- Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton should have been on stage together.
- Best Pop Video - Pink wins for her hilarious "Stupid Girl" video.
- Best Rap Video - Chamillionaire won and I said, "Who?"
- Beyonce came out and sang a repetitive song. Ugh, these awards aren't what they used to be. Again, it's more about dance - looking like it was stolen from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation - and not about singing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:12 AM
