This week's new releases (10/31)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Babyshambles "Back to the Bus" - All I can think of when I hear about this band is, "How is Pete Doherty not in jail or dead?"
Bootsy Collins "Christmas is 4 Ever" - One of the last people I would expect to put out a Christmas album.
Deftones "Saturday Night Wrist" - They're playing in the Triad soon. Check out the concert calendar for more info.
Echo & The Bunnymen "Me, I'm All Smiles" - The "What Year is this?" of the week.
Kevin Federline "Playing with Fire" - If this album ever gets into the top 10, I not only will lose faith in the music industry, but also any hope for the youth of America. Either that, or Federline used all of his allowance to buy all the copies...
Flavor Flav "Flavor Flav" - Finally, a solo album from the biggest hype man in the business. However, how will it stand without Chuck D or someone else bringing the message?
John Fogerty "The Long Road Home - In Concert" - Having seen Fogerty over the summer, I'm sure the album is great and packed with Creedence hits.
Meat Loaf "Bat Out of Hell III" - Why does he keep milking the "Bat Out of Hell" name? Halloween's a good release date for him though.
The Who "Endless Wire" - It's good to hear that the Who have released a new album. I'll try to get a review up soon.
Willie Nelson "Lost Highway" - Another artist that it's good to see is still making records.
As usual, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Animal Collective, Atomic Rooster, Battle of Mice, The Bird and the Bee, Birdman & Lil Wayne, Doleful Lions, Echo & The Bunnymen, Hawk and a Hacksaw, Mouse on Mars, Pitbull, Scumfrog, Swan Silvertones, The Honeydogs
BONUS: The bands with Halloween-related or evil-sounding names releasing albums on 10/31 are: Bad Seed, Bullet Treament, Death Before Dishonor, Demon Hunter, Devildriver, Down to the Bone, Dream Evil, Haunted, I Drink Your Blood, Icy Demons, Knife, The Love Kills Theory, Nightmares on Wax, Scars of Tomorrow, Vampire Can't, Wreck of Wicked Minds
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:11 AM
October 29, 2006CD Review: Gov't Mule "High & Mighty"
Release date: Aug. 22, 2006
12 tracks; 72:01
Warren Haynes may make his money with the Allmans, but Gov't Mule shows his true talents as both a guitarist and a songwriter.
The new album, "High & Mighty," is as good as anything else Mule has put out, and, at times, it's better. It's rolling and rocking and draws the listener in for more than 70 minutes in just 12 tracks.
The second track, "Brand New Angel," is a straight-up rock tune in line with the classic rock artists like Mountain or modern-day rockers like Wolfmother.
The guitar-work however sets it apart from the rest and shows the talent of Haynes. The track must be a standout in live sets if it has this much power on plastic.
The pace calms down for the slow, rambling, "So Weak, So Strong," but speeds right back up for the tumbling "Streamline Woman."
Haynes also shows a soulful side on "Child of the Earth."
The odd track that stands out is "Unring the Bell." Strange effects on the guitar with a reggae beat make it different than the rest of the album. It almost sounds like a leftover from the Dead.
It does show Haynes' diversity as both a songwriter and performer though.
"Brighter Days" shows off Haynes slide guitar work - which is as impressive as any other playing he does.
The CD also includes a bonus, "3 String George," which is the album's only instrumental track.
Many of the tracks on the album could be performed by the Allmans, but "High & Mighty" is truly a showcase for Haynes.
The band will be performing in Greensboro at the Carolina Theatre on Nov. 2, 2006.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:29 PM
October 28, 2006CD Review: Joan Jett "Sinner"
Release date: June 13, 2006
14 tracks; 51:37
With her signature raspy vocals over distorted guitar riffs and rock beats, Joan Jett hasn't changed much over the years - but that's not a bad things.
Her latest album, "Sinner," comes across as a polished Courtney Love - not quite alternative, not drug-fueled, slightly raunchy, just enough rock.
The album, her eleventh and first in more than a decade, starts off with the pop-rock, "Riddles." While it may sound pop, it also has a deeper political message aimed at our current government.
With quotes from George Bush at the end, the song asks listeners to realize that they're talked to in riddles by the administration.
Splashes of punk, a smidgen of pop, a heavy dose of rock - it's a formula that's always worked for Jett and it's great to hear that she's still in fine form on the new album.
I've heard a few songs on the radio by Jett recently, and each time I heard one I thought, "Wow, this is a good rock band with a female singer. Who is it?" Each time, it was a song from "Sinner."
Too many acts from the 80s or earlier return with a new album that is a weaker version of their former selves.
From the punk, up-tempo "Change the World" that asks people to "stop the fightin'" to "Riddles" which asks people to "Wake up!" - the album is peppered with political references.
They aren't overbearing on what is a solid rock album.
"Androgynous" is an acoustic song (originally done by The Replacements) with obvious overtones hinting at Jett's own sexuality.
With a career that started at age 17, "Sinner" proves that Jett has learned a lot in her time in the music business and knows that keeping it simple is sometimes the best idea.
Jett may have taken off for a decade, but it was worth the wait.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:27 PM | Comments (1)
October 27, 2006Duran Duran guitarist leaves
When I read this story, I thought it should have been written like this:
Guitarst Andy Taylor has quit the rock group Duran Duran, it was announced recently.
In the statement, the band said, "We're still together?"
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:46 AM
October 26, 2006A new Black Sabbath
Former members of the metal group Black Sabbath are reuniting for a new group called Heaven and Hell, according to a story over at cnn.com.
Guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and singer Ronnie James Dio will make up the band.
Dio replaced original singer Ozzy Osbourne.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:44 PM
October 24, 2006Another Supernova stumbling block
First they had to change their name, then they lost their opening act and now they've lost their bass player.
Jason Newstead was forced to sit on the sidelines for possibly the next nine months after injuring his shoulder.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:20 PM
October 23, 2006This week's new releases (10/24)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Brooke Hogan "Undiscovered" - I heard her perform on Howard Stern this morning, and will say that the daughter of Hulk can actually sing live - which seems rare to find in the pop world these days.
Freddie Cruger "Soul Search" - It would have been much more appropriate to release an album on Halloween.
My Chemical Romance "The Black Parade" - Is it just me, or does the lead singer look more and more like Billy Corgan everyday?
Rachel Ray "How Cool is That Christams?" - OK, she didn't need to put out a CD. The TV show and magazine are enough already.
Brian Setzer "13" - Swinging or rockabilly, I'm sure...And there's nothing wrong with that.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Future Pigeon, Kill the Vultures, Manowar, Pride of Lions, The Skygreen Leopards, Street Dogs, Taylor Swift,
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:23 AM
October 21, 2006CD Review: Jet "Shine On"
Release date: Oct. 3, 2006
15 tracks; 51:41
When I first heard Jet's debut CD, "Get Born," I thought it was a nice blend of punk, rock and pop.
Some songs sounded like The Ramones, while others sounded like The Beatles.
I wondered if they would be able to compete with that effort for their sophomore album, "Shine On."
Happily, the band returns with the same formula and it works just the same.
From the slow - "Kings Horses" and "Shine On" - to the more upbeat - "Hey Kids" and "That's All Lies" - the band covers all the bases.
I'm not sure I'd call it retro rock, but I would call it refreshing.
Sure, it has some styles of the past, just like The Strokes did before them, but it works.
I wasn't crazy about the falsetto on the beginning of "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," but it goes away into a rough-tumble-chorus. By the second verse, I didn't mind it so much.
"Hey Kids" sounds like it could have been written as an anti-war song in the 1960s.
"Stand Up" has a solid guitar riff and raspy vocals that would nearly fit in on a Rolling Stones or AC/DC album.
With 15 tracks, you expect a lull or some that could have been left off, but you don't find much of that here. Each song is better than the previous one.
My only complaint is the 20-second intro, "L'Espirit d'escalier" which I could have done without.
It's difficult to follow a successful album with something that can capture fans in the same way, but "Shine On" does just that.
It picks up where the debut left off and moves forward with confidence.
Jet is a band to keep your eyes on. They'll be around for a while.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:34 AM
October 20, 2006CD Review: Evanescence "The Open Door"
Release date: Oct. 3, 2006
13 tracks; 54:15
Like pumpkins and scary movies, there's something almost spooky and comfortable about heavy brooding music and Amy Lee's voice.
The debut album from Evanescence, "Fallen," rocketed up charts and their sophomore effort, "The Open Door," follows nicely behind it.
Christian band? Metal band? Who cares! They're music is strong, lyrics are powerful and vocals are momentarily haunting.
The first single is a powerful one entitled, "Call Me When You're Sober," is aimed at ex-boyfriend and Seether singer Shaun Morgan - who later entered rehab.
"Lithium" is more mellow with strings and piano carrying the melody - think Tori Amos.
While there were fears the band wouldn't be able to continue their success after songwriter Ben Moody left the band, "The Open Door" shows the fears weren't warranted.
It's a solid effort and difficult to find any weak spots. Musically, vocally, lyrically - it's one of the best albums of the year.
"Snow White Queen" may come off as a little techno to begin with, but it eventually settles into a nice melody.
As a whole, "The Open Door" is not all slow, it's not all metal...it's balanced.
Lee finds more maturity in her vocals and it shines of great things to come down the road for the band.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:01 AM
October 19, 2006Papa Roach update
I had a 20 minute phone interview with Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix earlier today.
It went well - he's definitely a pretty down-to-earth guy who is enjoying their success and staying sober.
Of course I had to deal with some background noise - sounded like he was driving with the windows down or on a plane - and some cell phone breaking up, but in general it was smooth sailing.
He's on his way back to Sacramento after their European tour which he says went really well.
As far as the upcoming tour with Guns N Roses, he said, "Be Prepared!"
He discussed the new album, the band's evolution from nu metal, the band's relationship with WWE and an update on the horror movie he acted in.
If you want more, you'll have to wait for the article to come out on Oct. 26.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:56 PM
October 18, 2006Happy Birthday!
Happy 80th Birthday to Chuck Berry!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:33 PM
October 16, 2006This week's new releases (10/17)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Aerosmith "Devil's Got a New Disguise: The Very Best of Aerosmith" - At first I thought, "Another greatest hits album?" but then I saw "Very best" and thought...ok, that makes it worthwhile... ?!?
Diddy "Press Play" - I didn't think he was still making records. I thought all of his time was spent on creating boy or girl bands that have one album with mediocre success.
Tanya Donelly "This Hungry Life" - I had no clue that she was still making albums either.
Sarah McLachlan "WinterSong" - May cause drowsiness. Do not play while operating heavy machinery.
Primus "They Can't All Be Zingers: The Best Of" - Wins title of best "Best Of" CD title.
KT Tunstall "Acoustic Extravaganza" - It may not be a new album, per se, but it's the next best thing.
Twisted Sister "A Twisted Christmas" - Probably not the best choice for family gatherings around the holidays.
What would it be with a list of bands with animal-related names that are releasing albums?: Coyote, Kid Koala, Sarah Fox
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:24 PM
October 15, 2006Concert Review: Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
October 15, 2006
RBC Center
Raleigh, N.C.
Eric Clapton hit the RBC Center in Raleigh on Oct. 15, bringing his band - including Derek Trucks - and opener Robert Cray.
Many in the crowd missed Cray and part of Clapton's set thanks to parking malfunctions - the North Carolina State Fair was being held next door, causing overflow parking.
While I was on the Center grounds at showtime, I sat in the parking lot for nearly an hour until spots in a dirt area were found.
By that time, I had missed Cray's set and the two opening songs from Clapton "Pretending" and "I Shot the Sheriff."
However, by the time I got to my seat, I was instantly impressed by the playing of both Clapton and guitarist Derek Trucks, who is touring with Clapton this year, on "Got to Get Better in a Little While."
The two traded riffs and licks for the duration of the two-hour set.
Cray was also present during two songs, "Old Love" and "Crossroads."
The concert was divided by a brief acoustic sit-down set of four songs.
While Clapton appeared to be enjoying the set, as did Cray, there was little banter for the crowd aside from the ocassional "thank you."
Watching "Slow hand" perform wasn't about a performance as much as it was about musicianship. It was truly awe-inspiring to watch Clapton and Trucks play guitars with the greatest of ease.
It was no surprise that "Layla" got the crowd on their feet from the opening riff and that "Cocaine" ended the night with the crowd's singing.
A majority of the night's songs turned to improvisation as Trucks, Clapton and Doyle Bromhall ignited the stage.
The biggest disappointment - aside from the parking - was the audio quality.
It was difficult to understand much of what was said or sung all night.
Most of it didn't matter, though. I'm sure many in attendance were there for the sounds of Clapton as much as the words, and he didn't disappoint.
Set list
Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love (with Robert Cray)
Anyday
Motherless Children
Acoustic set
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith
After Midnight
Little Queen Of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine
Encore
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:28 PM
October 13, 2006Rockstar news - no money, mo problems
A few tidbits of news about Rockstar: Supernova:
- The band was sued by another music group that already uses the same name. The little guy won, and Tommy Lee's band will now be known as Rockstar Supernova. Pretty lame, if you ask me. I would have changed it all together, or figured out a different name. Touring under the name of a TV show isn't the best idea.
- The house band and some of the finalists were supposed to be the opening act, along with Dave Navarro's band, The Panic Channel. Well, Storm Large and Magni are no longer on the bill, and neither is the house band. Whoops! I wonder if they'll be giving refunds?
You can read more on the latest turns of events here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:11 AM
October 12, 2006Questions for Papa Roach?
Papa Roach will be coming to Greensboro on Nov. 2 as the opening act for Guns N' Roses.
Have a question you'd like to ask singer Jacoby Shaddix?
I'll be interviewing him by phone next week - send in your question suggestions (leave a comment on this post) and you might just see it when it hits print this month.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:15 PM
October 11, 2006Darkness singer quits
In an odd turn of events, the singer of the band The Darkness has quit due to rehab.
I personally think the fact their sophomore album bombed could also be related to his desire to try a solo career, but you never know.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:01 PM
October 9, 2006This week's new releases (Oct. 10)
Here's a look at some of the new releases for this week:
Jimmy Buffett "Take the Weather With You" - The fact this new album is listed under country makes me wonder if he's put down the margaritas in favor of some chew.
Teddy Geiger "Underage Thinking" - Oh, how I long for the TV days when "Love Monkey" was on the air...
Robert Randolph & The Family Band "Colorblind" - I'm sure it's jamming and rocking and packed with plenty of slide guitar.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Atomic Rooster, Bitch, Cobra Starship, Fish, Hawkwind, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Spider and the Websm, The Swift, The Yardbirds
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:28 PM
October 7, 2006CD Review: Audioslave "Revelations"
Release date: Sept. 5, 2006
12 tracks; 48:28
As the CD opens with an acoustic intro, you may think Audioslave has gone soft on their third disc, "Revelations."
Soon, Tom Morello's guitar kicks off and you realize Audioslave hasn't changed a thing.
The tracks rumble closer to the debut CD by the group made up of former Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell and the band from Rage Against the Machine.
Morello sounds more comfortable with the funky stylings that made his sound memorable, and Cornell sounds more at ease with going back to his singing roots.
"Sound of a Gun" is a slower track, but doesn't lose the fire or energy of the album as the chorus picks up with a riff that could have worked with Rage.
"Until We Fall" is a nearly-acoustic track that slows things down further, but is followed by the first single, the rocking "Original Fire."
Audioslave may not have the political fire and energy of Rage, or the hard-rock stylings of Soundgarden, but the band stands strongly on its own.
To me, the CD hits speed bumps with the funky "Broken City" and repetitive "Somedays," but "Revelations" is still better than most of what's out today.
Audioslave proves they've got longevity with their third CD. It's also a welcome album, considering that RATM used to take years between albums.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:29 AM | Comments (1)
October 6, 2006Another album, no doubt
Gwen Stefani is working on a second solo album.
I guess we'll have to wait for another No Doubt album, and suffer through bad pop songs while we wait.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:57 AM
October 5, 2006Radio is going downhill fast
It's difficult to find decent radio stations these days.
Most of the top 40 stations tend to play the same top 40 songs all day long.
Repetition is ridiculous.
I often enjoyed listening to Oldies 93.1, but now that station is gone, too.
This week, it became The Wolf, playing country music.
What does this mean?
It means I'm thrilled that I made the decision a few weeks ago to buy a satellite radio for my car.
Plenty of commercial-free stations to choose from, and you rarely hear the same song twice in a day, much less the same hour.
It's the wave of the future and I'm enjoying the surf.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:23 AM
October 4, 2006Fun for a Wednesday
Not wanting to watch the season premiere of "Lost" tonight?
Then maybe you can head over to Ziggy's.
Cowboy Mouth will be performing there. Judging by their last show, it'll be packed.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:45 PM
October 2, 2006This week's new releases (Oct. 3)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Beck "The Information" - Beck hasn't seen much commercial success in a while, but his music is still cutting edge. It will be interesting to see what genres are on the new album.
Lindsey Buckingham "Under the Skin" - The Fleetwood Mac guitarist releases a solo album...
Cowboy Troy "Hook 'Em Horns" - Does that mean he's a University of Texas fan?
Evanescence "The Open Door" - This one's probably not Christian rock either.
William Hung "Hung for the Holidays" - Someone please tell him that his 15 minutes are up.
Jet "Shine On" - Some retro rock should be expected...
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Black Pegasus, Charlie Byrd, Eagle Seagull, Kid Koala, Pet Shop Boys, Sarah Fox
I also want to point out that it's only Oct. 3, but more than 110 Christmas albums are being released this week.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:38 PM
