2006 Garbage Can Awards
I thought I'd start something new this year - my awards for the Best and Worst of 2006 - the Garbage Can Awards. (Maybe we'll just call them the "Canny's.")
The catagories:
Least Surprising Comeback
If You Think It's Promoting Drugs, You're Probably On Them Award
Worst Use of Yodeling
Best Song in a Movie
Best New Supergroup
My You've Changed Award
Best Music-related Movie
Best Music-related TV Show
Why Did They Bother Award
Least Surprising Comeback - Jay-Z. The new album is good, but he spends too much time talking about how he's back. After all, did anyone think he was going to sit on the sidelines for very long?
If You Think It's Promoting Drugs, You're Probably On Them Award - Tool's song "The Pot." It's all over the radio, but pay more attention to the lyrics if you think it's promoting drug use.
Worst Use of Yodeling - If there was any doubt, it's Gwen Stefani's single "Wind It Up." I'm not sure there's good yodeling, but this song is far too overplayed considering how often people say it's terrible.
Best Song in a Movie - The Dropkick Murphy's "Shipping Up To Boston" couldn't have fit better in "The Departed."
Best New Supergroup - I'm sorry, but Rockstar Supernova is not the winner. Army of Anyone combines the musicians of Stone Temple Pilots with the singer from Filter. The best news? They're playing in Greensboro in January!
My You've Changed Award - The Red Hot Chili Peppers released a strong double album with "Stadium Arcadium," but it sure isn't the good old funky punky Peppers.
Best Music-related Movie - "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny." You didn't think I'd pick "American Idol," did you?
Best Music-related TV Show - I'm going to say "Love Monkey." Unique cameos by people like Dr. John and Ben Folds, plus a look at the A&R side of the music industry. Thankfully, VH1 picked up the remaining episodes after it was dumped. I wish it got more of a chance.
Why Did They Bother Award - I'm going to say this one's a tie between Paris Hilton and Kevin Federline. Neither one should try acting or singing.
Have a happy rest of 2006!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:02 AM
December 28, 2006Too funny
Every once in a while, it's good to read The Onion for a dose of humor.
Check out this story about Kevin Federline seeking a divorce.
Britney Spears is described as "a 24-year-old entertainer who worked as a singer and foreground dancer at Federline performances" and "a struggling actress who has appeared in soft-drink commercials."
You've gotta love it.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:54 PM
Hicks to hit small venues
You know, I've gotta respect "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks for sticking to his comfort zone.
For his upcoming 2007 tour, he won't be hitting large arenas as an opener, as so many of the previous winners did.
Instead, he'll go to small venues and theatres to be closer to the crowd and keep that bluesy feel to his performances.
Good choice.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:07 AM
December 27, 2006Anvil on its way out...?
Don't forget that this weekend are the final shows at the Flying Anvil in Greensboro.
At least, the last shows for now. In the latest Green Bean newsletter that was sent out today, it says:
"I really want to encourage everyone to go to the Flying Anvil this weekend for their LAST SHOW EVER!! It is so sad to see it go, hopefully someone will reopen it!!"
We all hope it will reopen...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:24 PM
Everything old is new again
Have you noticed a trend lately with old bands? They're all trying to make comebacks.
The Stooges have reunited, as did New York Dolls.
Alice In Chains hit the road with a new singer.
And, apparently in October, the guys from Blind Melon got themselves a new singer, as well. (Also, here.)
I'm not sure what to think of the new singer trend - it will be hard to replace the originals - especially voices like Layne Staley and Shannon Hoon.
Interested in hearing the new Blind Melon? You can find three new songs here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:06 AM
December 26, 2006This week's new releases (12/26)
It's the day after Christmas, so I'm not expecting much of anything.
Here's a look at what little is being released this week:
Matisyahu "No Place to Be" - A new CD/DVD combo from the Hasidic rapper/reggae singer.
Omarion "21" - Former singer for B2K....wait, did B2K even have any fans? Why is this guy so popular?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:13 AM
December 25, 2006R.I.P. James Brown
James Brown has died at the age of 73.
The "Godfather of Soul" had pneumonia, but the cause of death is uncertain.
It's a sad Christmas...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:19 AM
December 24, 2006CD Review: Lennon "Damaged Goods"
Release date: Sept. 19, 2006
17 tracks; 65:35
In 2001, Lennon Murphy looked like she was going to hit a large wave of success.
Her debut album was about to hit the streets and she was profiled on MTV's "You Hear it First."
Then the tragic events of Sept. 11 happened, and Lennon appeared to be thrown on the back burner.
Her CD, "5:30 Saturday Morning," was issued with little fanfare and it appeared as if she was forgotten.
I had the honor of interviewing her and learned about the hardships she faced raising her sister after her mother's death and her struggles to tour and be a "parent."
Lennon's live show was relatively bare, but that didn't mean it wasn't good.
Her energy was infectious and she had a small crowd at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro rocking.
Then she disappeared. She toured constantly, but left/was dropped from Arista.
Her next album was titled, "Career Suicide."
Now, she's got a new album that shows she still has "it." The question is, "Will people notice?"
While listening to Lennon's latest album, "Damaged Goods," it's amazing that an act like Evanescence can have so much success, but Lennon is still on the struggling road.
Her intensely personal lyrics over a hard rock background - including some ballads - seem like a perfect partner to Evanescence. So, what gives?
I'm not sure. Her talent should be noticed more than it is.
The latest album is a continuation of all you may have previously heard from her.
However, there are some repeats from the Arista debut.
"Brake of Your Car" is here again, while "My Beautiful" is now called "Where Do I Fit In."
I'm not sure why there are repeats, but they're definitely good songs that are worth hearing again.
It's a solid CD that any fan of Evanescence would probably enjoy.
I'm not saying they sound the same - it's just the same genre.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:34 AM
December 23, 2006CD Review: Foo Fighters "Skin and Bones"
Release date: Nov. 7, 2006
15 tracks; 73:11
After the death of Kurt Cobain and, as a result, Nirvana, drummer-turned-guitarist Dave Grohl formed Foo Fighters.
While working out of the shadow of grunge's most popular act, Grohl established himself as a frontman and his band as something new that would stand on its own.
Apparently, Grohl needed a new challenge. With Nirvana releasing one of the most popular acoustic albums in recent years, the Foo Fighters have now done the same.
"Skin and Bones" is a live album recorded during a fall 2006 acoustic tour by the band.
He may have even brought in Pat Smear - who appeared on the famous "Unplugged" album - but this Foo, once again, stands on its own.
The 15-track album runs for more than an hour, taking the listener through some of the band's greatest - and not-so-well-known - songs, most of which have been reworked.
If you don't look at the song names, some of the tracks sound completely different in their stripped-down form.
It wasn't until I heard the chorus of "Over and Out" that I recognized it.
A slowed down "Times Like These" and mellow "Everlong" are here, as is "My Hero."
"Best of You" stays close to the original, but still gets some new life acoustically.
As their last album, "In Your Honor," had an acoustic side to it, it should be no surprise that the band went on an acoustic tour.
"Skin and Bones" not only shows the talent of the band as performers, writers and musicians, but also gives a hint at the longevity fans will hope for.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:48 AM
December 22, 2006Best of....
It's almost time for me to post my lists of the best of, and worst of, 2006.
I recently saw the lists in Rolling Stone, Blender and Spin magazines.
Most of their lists are pretty comparable, with a few surprises.
For example, you're not going to see Justin Timberlake on my list for the best of.
You won't see Nelly Furtado, either.
On a side note - I'm already tired of hearing about "Dreamgirls."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:15 PM
December 20, 2006Well-deserved recognition
Ever wonder what happens when popular artists don't win Grammys?
Sometimes, years later, they're honored with Lifetime Grammys.
Among the recipients at next year's Grammy Awards ceremony are The Doors and The Grateful Dead.
Hard to believe that neither won a Grammy while performing at the peak of their popularity.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:50 AM
December 18, 2006This week's new releases (12/19)
Here's a look at some of the new albums coming out on Dec. 19:
Nas "Hip Hop is Dead" - The first single samples "In a Gadda Da Vida" - You've got to respect that.
Trick Daddy "Back By Thug Demand" - 'Cause he's a thug...
For only the second time since I started keeping track, there aren't any bands with animal-related names who are releasing albums this week.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:45 AM
December 17, 2006CD Review: Daughtry "Daughtry"
Release date: Nov. 21, 2006
12 tracks; 43:26
If it weren't for "American Idol," Daughtry would be just another band that sounds like Nickleback.
Because of "Idol," Chris Daughtry and his band have a bigger fan base, a top-selling CD and a career that's up and running.
Unfortunately, that doesn't mean he doesn't sound like Nickelback.
Idol contestant Chris Daughtry gained a lot of popularity after his surprising early vote-off on the nationwide karaoke contest.
I talked with Daughtry a few times during and after the competition and I at least know that it couldn't have happened to a nicer, more down-to-earth guy.
As far as the album is concerned, I honestly expected more.
A lot of the album sounds the same. It's all got a straight rock feel along the lines of Creed and Nickelback.
"Home" sounds like a song he performed during his homecoming concert in Greensboro.
A lot of the songs touch on themes of love - and it starts to get old.
If Daughtry wanted to separate himself from the pack, he's got work to do.
I'm glad his vibrato is toned down on the album. His voice comes across clearly.
While listening to the album, I thought - this guy wouldn't have done well as the "Idol" winner. In some ways he was lucky to leave when he did.
The McLeansville native gets some support from Slash on "What I Want" - the only cameo noticed on the album.
I was surprised he didn't put his cover of "Dead or Alive" on the album, since he already had commercial success with the song.
I was also surprised that there weren't more acoustic songs on the album to help showcase his vocals.
After following Daughtry through Idol and being involved with his homecoming, I feel like the CD is the final chapter in the "Idol" book on Daughtry.
However, how long the book of Daughtry is remains to be seen.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:28 PM
December 15, 2006A date for "Chinese Democracy"?
There was a lot of talk that the long-awaited (13 years) Guns N Roses album, "Chinese Democracy," would be released this year.
Now, a statement over at Rolling Stone's Rock Daily quotes Axl as saying it will be out on "March 6."
Of course, if you read on, you also see mention of March 20 and "The first news you will hear from us in 2007 will be to announce the album’s release date."
At this point, I'll believe it when I see/hear it.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:20 PM
December 14, 2006Dixie Chicks to split up?
I forget - are we allowed to trust the National Enquirer or not?
According to them, the Dixie Chicks are on the verge of a breakup.
At this point, I'd say it's doubtful, but you never know. They could plan one of those "indefinite hiatus" things to throw people off.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:48 PM
December 13, 2006What year is this?
Sometimes, while looking at the new albums of the week, I post some "What year is this?" specials - albums by bands that you'd think came out 10 or 20 years ago, not during the current week.
However, there are two news items that caught my attention this week:
Prince to play Super Bowl
In a "What year is this?" event, Prince has been named to perform during halftime of the Super Bowl.
I'm not saying he's going to perform "Little Red Corvette," but when was the last time you heard Prince's music overflowing on the airwaves?
Stooges to release new album
Pioneer punk group The Stooges will release a new album on March 20 - their first new record since ... 1973!
That's right, Iggy Pop's band is also planning a world tour to back it up.
Pop and original members Scott and Ron Asheton will perform with bass player Mike Watt.
The lineup had previously performed together for shows in 2003.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:22 AM
December 11, 2006This week's new releases (12/12)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases - It's "Idol" week:
Fantasia "Fantasia" - An "American Idol" releases her sophomore album.
Taylor Hicks "Taylor Hicks" - I was impressed by his performance on The Tonight Show recently - he's actually stuck with his roots and even played harmonica.
As usual, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Lovely Feathers, Songs of Green Pheasant
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:44 PM
December 8, 2006Suggestions for best and worst?
Of course Kevin Federline is at the top of list for worst albums of the year, but who released the best?
Who else should be on that list of the worst?
Post your suggestions in the comments on this entry, or send them to me via email by clicking here.
I'll share my lists in the coming weeks...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:28 PM
December 7, 2006Nominations announced
Nominations have been announced for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
You can find a complete list here.
Mary J. Blige leads the nominees with eight nominations. Red Hot Chili Peppers were second with six nominations.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:30 PM
Britney has laugh at herself
It's good to see that Britney Spears can have a little joke at her own expense on her official Web site, saying:
It's been so long since I've been out on the town with friends. It's also been 2 years since I've even celebrated my birthday. Every move I make at this point has been magnified more than I expected, and I probably did take my new found freedom a little too far. Anyway, thank God for Victoria's Secrets' new underwear line! I look forward to a new year, new music and a new me.
I'm just getting started ... Happy Holidays everyone!
Britney
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:18 AM
December 6, 2006Zippers reunite!?
As I'm looking over the schedule for the Cat's Cradle, I had to do a double-take:
Squirrel Nut Zippers at the Cradle on Feb. 8.
According to fellow music blogger David Menconi, it's true - the band will reunite for a handful of shows early next year.
Menconi says the band will have Jimbo Mathus, Katherine Whalen, bassist Stu Cole and others.
Tom Maxwell and Ken Mosher will not be a part of the gig, he addds.
The band hasn't played since 2000, so it's a big surprise. (Also because Whalen and Mathus divorced a few years back.)
Pollstar.com lists shows in Atlanta, Ga., and Annapolis, Md., in February and ticketmaster.com lists a show in Alexandria, Va.
Let's hope it happens!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:41 PM
December 5, 2006Fun comparison
Check out the song "Supersonic" by J.J. Fad here.
Now listen to Fergie's "Fergalicious" here.
And they wonder why music these days isn't selling well? It's because we've heard it before.
Here's a novel idea - how about creating something new?!?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:09 PM
Billboard gives out awards
The annual Billboard Music Awards were held last night...yawn...and some people walked away with statues.
Mary J. Blige was a big winner, and Carrie Underwood shocked some - winning album of the year.
Meanwhile, people had to sit through another cringe-worthy yodle by Gwen Stefani and Fergie's cover song "Fergalicious."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:28 AM
December 4, 2006This week's new releases (12/05)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Aerosmith "Classics Live" - Sure, another greatest hits album is always a good idea...I think this brings their total up to 47.
Babyshambles "The Blinding EP" - Always good to record as much as you can when your singer is out of rehab.
Ciara "The Evolution" - Another female R&B album...just what we all need.
Eminem "The Re-up" - I was never a big fan of Eminem, but the first single is pretty catchy. I blame it on 50 Cent.
Gwen Stefani "The Sweet Escape" - Her first single "Wind It Up" ranks just behind "Anything by Kevin Federline" on my list for worst song of the year.
Jay-Z "Greatest Hits" - He just released a new album, but I guess he wants to ride the wave of No. 1 success.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Pet Shop Boys
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:31 AM
December 1, 2006Nostalgia moved to Sunday night
If you weren't already aware of it - last Tuesday's Bret Michaels concert at Greene Street was moved to Sunday night.
Every rose has its thorn...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:04 PM
