From Autumn to Ashes - Holding a Wolf by the Ears CD Review

I caught From Autumn to Ashes at their co-headlining show at Irving Plaza with Haste the Day in April. I was one of those people who thought the band might go in an emo direction after the departure of singer Ben Perri. I was very wrong -- Fran Mark really delivers in his role of sole frontman. I hadn't heard Mark scream before this show and disc was released but he seamlessly ranges between a scream and a melody (an immediate point of comparison would be Phil Labonte).

To get back on track with the CD review -- all of the cuts thrash. The songs are a good bit more melodic than anything that Perri had sung in the past but the melody doesn't take away from the intensity of the tunes. Don't let the comment about melodies scare anyone off -- none of the tracks are anything like "Inapprope" or "Streamline" (from Abandon Your Friends). The melodic hooks are closer to All That Remains but Mark doesn't have quite as guttural a scream/bark as either Labonte or Perri. The CD really gels and sounds like the work of a coherent band rather than just being centered around the voices of the two front-men.

I just found out that there are two iTunes b-sides to this release and they are called "Hang the Mason" and "What Good is My Virtue?".

Holding a Wolf by the Ears is a great CD by a band that has really grown musically over the last two years. I read an interview with guitarist Brian Deneeve who said "We went through a lot and came out the other side". I like the direction the band is going in and am looking forward to future releases.


FAtA is touring Canada and then the West Coast later this month.

Canadian Tour
With It Dies Today, The End, I Hate Sally
7/03/07 Saint Catherines, ON @ Level 3 Night Club
7/04/07 London, ON @ Embassy Hotel
7/05/07 Guelph, ON @ Cowboy Bar
7/06/07 Toronto, ONT @ Opera House Concert
7/07/07 Quebec City, QC @ L'ANTI

Canadian Tour
With The End, I Hate Sally
7/08/07 Sherbrooke, QC @ Theatre Granada
7/09/07 Trois-Riviere, QC @ Makisart
7/10/07 Montreal, QUE @ Les Foufounes Electriques

Canadian Tour
With The End, Sick City, I Hate Sally
7/12/07 Sault Ste Marie, ON @ Glow Nightclub
7/13/07 Thunder Bay, ON @ 201 Concert Hall
7/14/07 Winnipeg, MB @ The Collective Cabaret
7/15/07 Portage le Prairie, MB @ Keeshkeemaquah Conference
7/16/07 Regina, SK @ The Distrikt
7/17/07 Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room
7/18/07 Calgary, AB @ Macewan Hall Ballroom

US
With Aiden, I am Ghost, Night Kills the Day
7/20/07 Boise, ID @ Big Easy Concert House
7/21/07 Salt Lake City, UT @ Avalon Theater
7/23/07 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
7/24/07 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
7/25/07 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
7/26/07 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
7/27/07 Pomona , CA @ The Glasshouse
7/31/07 Ventura, CA @ Apline
8/01/07 San Luis Obispo, CA @ Downtown Brew
8/02/07 Fresno, CA @ The Exit
8/03/07 Orangevale, CA @ The Boardwalk (no I am Ghost)

Links:
From Autumn to Ashes MySpace page (link)

Vains of Jenna Play Don Hill's This Monday (July 2nd)

It is somewhat worrisome that this show isn't listed on the band's main website or MySpace page. Call the club before heading out...

Vains of Jenna replaced Tramp's White Lion on the current Poison/Ratt tour and have been getting good reviews thus far. While the band is Swedish, they have been drawing a lot of comparisons to 80's-era Guns N' Roses and Faster Pussycat. The band isn't playing many headlining shows while on the Poison/Ratt tour so this should be a good night. A number of the other bands on the bill are strong rockers as well. Tickets are only $10.

Links:
Vains of Jenna's Main Website (link)
Vains of Jenna's MySpace page (link)
Pictures from previous appearance at Don Hill's (link)

Kiss Readies Kissology Volume 2 and Peter Criss Readies New Solo CD

On August 14th, Kiss will release the second volume of the Kissology DVD set. This will be a three disc set with a bonus 4th disc available at "select retailers". It looks like there will only be one version of the bonus disc (unlike the previous Kissology set where there was a different bonus disc at Best Buy, Wal-Mart and "select retailers".


Here is the track listing:

Disc One:
Interviews
Land Of Hype And Glory with Edwin Newman - (1/10/78)
The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder - (10/31/79)
(This one is funny as h*ll as Peter is wasted out of his mind)
+ More

Disc Two:
TV Appearances
"Shandi" (music video) - (1980)
CNN Interview with Peter Criss - (9/24/80)
Countdown - (9/21/80)
Rockpop - (9/13/80)
- "She's So European"
- "Talk To Me"
KISS Invades Australia - (11/80) Documentary
Sydney Showground: Sydney, Australia - (11/22/80)
- "Detroit Rock City"
- "Cold Gin"
- "Strutter"
- "Shandi"
- "Calling Dr. Love"
- "Firehouse"
- "Talk To Me"
- "Is That You"
- "2000 Man"
- "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
- "New York Groove"
- "Love Gun"
- "God Of Thunder"
- "Rock And Roll All Nite"
- "Shout It Out Loud"
- "King Of The Night Time World"
- "Black Diamond"
Fridays - (1/15/82)
- "The Oath"
- "A World Without Heroes"
- "I"
Top Pop - (11/82)
- "I Love It Loud"

Disc Three:
Maracana Stadium: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil -(6/18/83)
- "Creatures Of The Night"
- "Cold Gin"
- "Calling Dr. Love"
- "Firehouse"
- "I Love It Loud"
- "War Machine"
- "Black Diamond"
- "Rock And Roll All Nite"
MTV Special: KISS Unmasking -(9/18/83)
Cascais Hall: Lisbon, Portugal - (10/11/83)
- "Creatures Of The Night"
- "Detroit Rock City"
The Spectrum: Philadelphia, PA - (12/18/87)
- "Love Gun"
- "Bang Bang You"
- "No, No, No"
- "Crazy Crazy Nights"
- "Reason To Live"
The Palace At Auburn Hills: Detroit, MI - (10/14/90)
- "I Stole Your Love"
- "Deuce"
- "Heaven's On Fire"
- "Crazy Crazy Nights"
- "Black Diamond"
- "Shout It Out Loud"
- "Strutter"
- "Calling Dr. Love"
- "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
- "Fits Like A Glove"
- "Hide Your Heart"
- "Lick It Up"
- "God Of Thunder"
- "Forever"
- "Cold Gin"
- "Tears Are Falling"
- "I Love It Loud"
- "Love Gun"
- "Detroit Rock City"
- "I Want You"
- "Rock And Roll All Nite"
Music Video - (1991):
- "God Gave Rock ‘N' Roll To You II"
Day In Rock - (11/25/91): MTV News excerpt

Bonus Fourth Disc:
The Crazy Nights Tour (4/21/88) – Tokyo, Japan – Budokan Hall
- "Love Gun"
- "Cold Gin"
- "Crazy Crazy Nights"
- "Heaven’s On Fire"
- "War Machine"
- "I Love It Loud"
- "Lick It Up"
- "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
- "Detroit Rock City"

I would pick up the bonus edition(s?) as soon as this set is released as Volume 1 seemed to go straight from the stores to eBay. I'll likely pick up this set but there is one thing that I am a bit disappointed with...my speculation is that these two volumes were released to quash the KissVision bootlegs that came out 10+ years ago and the DVD copies of these tapes that were floating around eBay 2-3 years ago. Here is the problem -- If you want to squash a bootleg, you have to include ALL of the tracks from the bootleg on the official release. One of the magic moments on the Philadelphia '87 show was Paul singing White Christmas and there were a lot more tracks on the Tokyo '88 show. Guys -- all you are doing is creating demand for the KissVision material.


Peter Criss is releasing his first solo CD in years on July 24th. This could be an interesting release as Peter recorded with Paul Shaffer and Will Lee from the David Letterman show. Peter also is releasing a limited edition autographed version of this disc through BestBuy:

In dedication to his fans, Criss personally autographed a limited amount of CDs of the “special edition” package, which will be marked with a “gold” sticker on the CD, and will be available in the U.S. at the retail chain BEST BUY.

I'd bet that the limited edition will also go quick and end up on eBay.

Here is the track list for the CD:

One For All
Doesn’t Get Better Than This
Last Night
What a Difference a Day Makes
Hope
Faces in the Crowd
Send in the Clowns
Falling All Over Again
Whisper
Heart Behind Hands
Memories
Space Ace

Theo (x-Lunachicks) and the Skyscrapers are Back with New CD and Tour

Theo and the Skyscrapers are back with a new CD entitled, 'So Many Ways To Die,' which is self-released on the band's own label, Dark Daddy Records.

The new record is a noticeable more mature full-length that shows significant growth and undeniable band chemistry. The ambitious album is more focused and climactic, mixing electronic elements with hypnotic, dark dance. Check out an advance mp3 of the cut Jealousy Died.

For anyone unfamiliar with Theo & her bandmates:

Theo & The Skyscrapers consist of a trio of renowned New York City musicians: Theo Kogan, former lead singer of the legendary all-female band Lunachicks; Sean Pierce, from the Toilet Boys; and drummer, Chris Kling. The band unofficially began when Theo and Toilet Boys co-front-man, Sean Pierce, began collaborating on songs. No strangers to the full on rock-‘n-roll lifestyle, Theo and Sean have played shows and toured around the world with bands like Marilyn Manson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rancid, NOFX, The Donnas, Blondie and No Doubt (to name a few).

When Theo and Sean were ready to officially start a band, they found Chris Kling, a drummer talented and tall enough to fit the bill. Skyscrapers stand over 6'5". Theo & The Skyscrapers instantly became a confident trio with electronic bass played by Sean Pierce.

In March 2006, Theo & the Skyscrapers’ debut album was released. Their new wave metal pop songs created an infectious beat that brought new enthusiasts to live shows and stirred an overwhelming outpouring of support in the online community. Fiercely loyal fans and fresh faces deeply connected to the band’s thunderous doom and dance sound.

The band starts an East Coast tour in Phildelphia on July 7th and the tour finishes up with a show at the Knitting Factory (in New York) on August 11th.

Here is a complete list of tour dates:

7/01 Inteatro Festival Polverigi-Ancona, Italy
7/07 The Khyber Philadelphia, PA
7/08 The Ottobar Baltimore, MD
7/10 Masquerade Atlanta, GA
7/12 Churchill's Pub Miami, FL
7/13 Orpheum Tampa, FL
7/17 Emo's Austin, TX
7/19 The Phix Phoenix, AZ
7/20 The Casbah San Diego, CA
7/21 TBA Los Angeles, CA
7/22 Thee Parkside San Francisco, CA
7/23 Blue Lamp* Sacramento, CA
7/24 Wow Hall Eugene, OR
7/25 El Corazon** Seattle, WA
7/26 Neurolux*** Boise, ID
7/27 Bar Deluxe Salt Lake City, UT
7/28 Hi-Dive Denver, CO
7/29 Grand Emporium Kansas City, MO
7/30 Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
8/01 Creepy Crawl St. Louis, MO
8/02 The Note Chicago, IL
8/03 Magic Stick Detroit, MI
8/04 Top Cats Cincinnati, OH
8/05 Diesel Pittsburgh, PA
8/11 Knitting Factory New York, NY

(U.S. dates w/ the Static Age, * = w/ theStart, **= opening for Unwritten Law,
***= Opening for Exene Cervenka (of "X") and the Original Sinners)

Links:
Theo and the Skyscrapers' MySpace Page (link)

KTL (Stephen O'Malley & Peter "Pita" Rehberg) - Legal Music Download

Here is the Wikipedia entry for KTL:

KTL is a group consisting of Stephen O'Malley (SunnO)))) & Peter Rehberg (Pita), formed to create the music for a theatre production entitled Kindertotenlieder by Gisele Vienne & Dennis Cooper. The production was premiered in Brest, France in March 2007. The duo have also played other shows not associated with the Kindertotenlieder production.

The band played a small handful of shows earlier this year in Europe and seven shows (I would assume this is all the shows that KTL played) are avilable for download from the KTL Live Archive (link) and iTunes. Thus far I have listened to the May 31st show from Bristol and really enjoyed it. The music is similar to the output from bands like Throbbing Gristle and it is a bit less dark and "evil" than recent Sunn releases.

It seems that almost every band is filmed and clips are added to YouTube. Why should KTL be any exception?


Looking for the following upcoming releases from KTL:
THRILL 188 KTL 2 double gatefold vinyl (on Thrill Jockey)
RATHER 16 KTL 3 12" (on Or)

Links:
Stephen O'Malley's Home Page (link)
KTL's MySpace Page (link)

New CD Releases for this Week

I get a kick out of the different 'versions' of new CDs that are coming out. Here is what is new, interesting, bizarre, etc. this week:

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
- Exclusive digital download at Best Buy
- Bonus 3-song DVD @ Newbury Comics

Sinead O'Connor - Theology
- Five song bonus CD @ BestBuy

Pharoahe Monch - Desire
I have no clue who this is but...
- BestBuy exclusive bonus track: "Book of Judges"
- Autographed CD booklet at Newbury Comics

Pearl Jam - Live at the Gorge
- 7 CDs for $29.99 (Circuit City) is a great price but...after these guys flooded the market with live CDs, does anyone care enough to buy this set?

Brian Grosz CD Release Party at Luna Lounge in Brooklyn on June 27th

Dogs of Winter frontman Brian Grosz is releasing his first solo CD this Tuesday and the CD release party is at the Luna Lounge the next night.

Musically, this disc is a departure from the hard-rock sounds of Dogs of Winter. Grosz heads into late-night, whiskey soaked territory occupied by Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Tom Waits and Everlast. There is a quote from Dee Snider on the press release that accompanied this CD that says "Tom Waits + Nine Inch Nails + a BAD attitude = One Cool Ass, Mutha F*cking CD". That is a pretty good description of what this disc sounds like. This is the kind of music that you can easily imagine coming off the jukebox in some down-and-out bar (think the Mars Bar in the East Village or Tommy's in Williamsburg) while the regulars are all trying to decide whether to drink all night or go home and sleep it off.

The songs on this disc cut across a range of styles and all of the tracks are held together by Grosz's strong voice, which ranges from a whiskey rasp to a whisper. The lyrical themes are all dark -- this isn't light stuff but rather tales of twisted relationships and murder/suicide ballads. The sound on this disc is full and open -- a welcome return to the days when music wasn't over-produced and the listener can really understand the driving forces behind the music. There is also some very interesting non-conventional instrumentation on this disc (cookware, cat purring, etc.) which adds to the atmosphere of the disc.


I am looking forward to seeing Grosz's show at Luna Lounge as the club has good sound and low lights which should make for a perfect atmosphere. Grosz goes on at 7:30PM and tickets are only $10.

Links:
Brian Grosz's Main Website (link)
Brian Grosz's MySpace Page (link)

Music Nation Launches Season Two

I hate American Idol but Music Nation's contest is pretty cool. They are running a concurrent rock and hiphop competition and the prize is recording contract with Original Signal Recordings (for the hiphop winner) or Epic Records (for the rock winner). This isn't Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell judging (neither of which I had heard of prior to American Idol) but Gang of 4 bass ace Dave Allen and former V2 president Andy Gershon (who also discovered the Smashing Pumpkins). Anyway, check out the full press release below...

MUSIC NATION SEASON TWO LAUNCHES AS UNSIGNED ARTISTS VIE FOR RECORDING CONTRACT

Rock & HipHop Acts Wrangle For Label Contract, FUEL TV Appearance and DJ Green Lantern Mixtape

NEW YORK, June 18, 2007 –Music Nation, the artist development company, today officially kicked off its second season of online music competitions. Over the next 12 weeks, Music Nation’s judges panel will vote together with intrepid music fans to choose finalists in the concurrent rock and hiphop competitions. Original Signal Recordings, Music Nation’s 360-degree music company, and Epic Records will jointly sign recording contracts with one rock and one hiphop winner. More than 2,500 artists entered the first Music Nation competition and resulted in an overflowing reservoir of the best of the best in unsigned talent. The company expects the most skilled artists from across the web to again flock to the site and compete for not only invaluable exposure, but also the shot-of-a-lifetime recording contract and a wealth of additional prizes.

“The Music Nation site is designed to give artists an outlet for exposure and a real chance to expand their fanbase. Our goal is to provide artists with the best opportunities possible to launch their careers,” said Daniel Klaus, co-founder and CEO of Music Nation. “We’ve spent the last few weeks since the first competition’s close setting up our winning artists with producers and writers best-suited to meet their needs and goals. We’re looking forward to seeing what new talent rises to the top and to begin working with them as well.”

Music Nation’s competitions afford artists a palpable chance to see how their riffs or their rhymes are received in cyberspace both by the fans and Music Nation’s crew of industry judges. The fans’ ratings of videos and viewing of profiles are compiled into real-time statistics that determine the weekly Nation’s Choice winner in each competition, while the judges will also make their weekly Choice and offer invaluable feedback. The current line-up of Music Nation’s judges is:

Hip Hop
· DJ Green Lantern: Having worked with artists like Eminem, Ghostface Killah, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes, Green Lantern’s legendary mixtapes have become a staple in the hiphop community, with artists vying for the chance to be featured.

· Saigon: Saigon, the Fort Knocks/Hip Hop Since 1978/Atlantic Records artist, is best known for his successful string of mixtapes and his recurring role on Season Two of HBO’s series “Entourage.” He is the first artist signed to super-producer Just Blaze’s Fort Knocks label.

· 9th Wonder: Formerly one-third of Little Brother, Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder has worked alongside the likes of Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Lloyd Banks, among others.

Rock
· Dave Allen: Bassist for the seminal post-punk band Gang of Four and operator of the popular music blog Pampelmoose.com.

· Andy Gershon: Executive VP of Epic Records, Gershon also helped discover and break such artists as The Smashing Pumpkins, founded Outpost Recordings (home of The Crystal Method, Veruca Salt, and Whiskeytown), and served as President of V2 Records (home of acclaimed artists The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Blood Brothers).

· Carrie Schupper: Music program manager for Gen Art, the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing and supporting emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists.

In addition to offering artists community response, judges’ feedback, and a recording contract, Music Nation then sets up the winners with additional career-making opportunities. The first competition’s winners, Kid Deposit Triumph in rock, Yolanda Ruiz in pop, and T-Max in urban, are currently being matched up with a diverse lineup of acclaimed producers and/or writers, and will soon head in to the studio.

Music Nation also offers enticing prizing to its artists. In hiphop, the winner will have an opportunity usually reserved for only hiphop’s biggest names: the chance to have Green Lantern create a custom mixtape for the artist, which will include an exclusive song produced by the renowned DJ/producer. Additional prizes for the winner in the hiphop genre include: the chance to perform at the 2008 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, presented by The Room Service Group and Brooklyn Bodega; styling by L-R-G for the artist’s first music video for Original Signal/Epic (weekly winners will also receive t-shirts from L-R-G); a Pacific Drums & Percussion X7 Gold to Black Sparkle Fade Kit w/8.155 Hardware pack and throne; a run of 1,000 commercial quality CDs furnished by DiskFaktory.

In rock, the winner will perform on FUEL TV’s “The Daily Habit,” a half-hour show on Fox Cable Networks that mixes top pop culture stories with leading action-sports personalities, music, and comedy. Additional prizes for the winner in the rock genre include: a custom-branded Epiphone guitar by Izze Fruit Sodas and a completely stocked Izze fridge; a Pacific Drums & Percussion Black 805 kit; a run of 1,000 commercial quality CDs supplied by DiskFaktory; an LR Baggs M1 Active guitar pick-up. Prizing for rock finalists and quarterfinalists qualifiers also includes custom-branded Gelaskins, guitar and bass Coffin Cases, and guitar knob prize packs from Custom Shop Guitar.

Garage bands from coast-to-coast, underground MC’s and any aspiring musicians with a dream, mp3s, and/or a webcam have the chance to be discovered online by simply uploading their content to the site – thereby putting themselves in front of the panel of artist-credible judges, Music Nation and Epic’s experienced staffs, and the competitions’ numerous partners…let alone a multitude of hungry fans. Moreover, as Music Nation re-launched last month as a true online music community, the site now boasts a cornucopia of tools for artists to use in circulating their music around the Web. These tools include an embeddable multimedia player and an embeddable electronic press kit (EPK) that automatically generates when an artist profile is created (the EPK also separates into gig and mp3 widgets), among many other features.


About Music Nation
Music Nation is an artist development company at the helm of an online music community, empowering independent artists with tools to market, promote and find an audience. Through this dynamic community, the company supports music competitions both domestically and abroad. Utilizing the best of Web 2.0 technology, Music Nation looks to serve as the ultimate portal where artists, records labels and fans alike can connect in today's digitally driven climate. Founded in 2006, the company is the brainchild of Daniel Klaus (CEO), Lucas Mann (CMO), Kevin P. Ryan (Chairman), and Peter Read (Managing Director, UK and Europe); visionary figures whose expertise crosses the Internet media, e-commerce, artist management/development and the recording industry divides.

About Original Signal Recordings
Original Signal Recordings is Music Nation’s 360-degree music company, offering a unique value to new and established artists through equitable, joint venture deals on multiple platforms. With a focus on long-term development, Original Signal employs new media and other channels to generate sustainability for its roster. Original Signal also has the ability to operate in partnership with Epic Records.

About Epic Records
EPIC RECORDS is the creative music habitat of some of today's most vital musical artists. The company is home to chart-topping artists and trailblazing icons such as Modest Mouse, Incubus, Natasha Bedingfield, The Fray, Franz Ferdinand, Ozzy Osbourne, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Folds, Tori Amos, Shakira, Wyclef Jean, Fiona Apple and Jennifer Lopez. Epic’s hot newcomers include fiery dancehall diva Kat De Luna, Jamaican wunderkind Sean Kingston, Atlanta punk pop band Cartel, hip-hop artist Yung Berg, bi-lingual Latin trio The D.E.Y., pop singer-songwriter/pianist Nikki Flores, and the enchanting singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Epic recently partnered with MTV and Reveille to re-launch Latin supergroup Menudo.

Hunt Club Play Rock Star Bar in Brooklyn on Friday, June 29th

Just back from a West Coast tour, Brooklyn's Hunt Club is playing Rock Star bar next Friday. The band goes on at 8PM and tickets are only $10. Check out the poster for the complete list of bands playing this night.

Live video from Hunt Club's show in Long Beach last month

Links:
Hunt Club's MySpace page (link)

American Angel - Vanity CD Review

Who says you can't go home again? American Angel has returned after a 15 year absence and sounds great.

For anyone not familiar with the band, American Angel hit big at the end of the 80's with their first release and the song How Can I Miss You got major airplay on MTV. Unfortunately for the band, their record label (Grudge) tanked and folded in 1990. Like many of the metal bands of the late 80's, the Seattle grunge wave effectively killed any chance of American Angel getting re-signed or being able to sell their self-produced CD.

Singer Rocco Fury reconstituted American Angel with an all new lineup in 2005 and the band's new CD Vanity was released earlier this month. Musically, the band's sound is a closest to the 80's glam rock sound but it has the swagger of bands like LA Guns or mid-80's Aerosmith with none of the bubblegum pop or 'sensitive' balladry that plagued some of the bands from this era. While the music is solid, singer Rocco Fury's voice is what makes this disc great. Fury's voice can range from a throaty growl to a Sebastian Bach sounding falsetto. My favorite track on this disc are rock and stomp tracks: "Vanity", "In Perfection" and "Don't Wait Up" but there really isn't a bad track on this disc. Even on the slower tracks on this disc ("Warm Inside" and "Another Day"), Fury strong voice doesn't let these tracks sink into realm of the "power ballads" that seemed to be the death nail for many of the 80's glam rock bands.

The band is supposed to be doing a full tour this year to support this release which should be something to watch for.

When I was looking up some background on the band, I ran across RockEyez interview with Fury from Dec. '05 and it really covers everything that I ever wanted to know about American Angel. (link)

Hats off to Chavis Records for a strong set of releases and keeping the metal scene alive.

Links:
American Angel's Main Website (link)
American Angel's MySpace page (link)
Chavis Records (link)

Sara Bareilles - iTunes Download of the Week

Every now and then, I download the iTunes track of the week. More often than not, I end up being disappointed with the band. The current "track of the week", Love Song by Sara Bareilles caught my ear and I am interested in hearing more from her. Bareilles' voice is the first thing that I noticed as it clearly distinguishes her from many of the current female artists. I listened to a few of tracks streaming on Bareilles' website (link) and her sound ranges somewhere between Tori Amos and Ben Folds. It is an interesting mix that really seems to work.

Check out some of Bareilles' live clips from YouTube and see what you think.





Bareilles just signed with Epic Records and her debut Epic release Little Voice is scheduled to be released on July 3rd. She just played a show in town supporting Mika and will come back through for a July 31st show at the Bowery Ballroom (supporting Rocco DeLuca & The Burden).

Links:
Sara Bareilles' Main Website (link)
Sara Bareilles' MySpace page (link)

The Return of the Cool Guy - Bryan Ferry is Doing an Autograph Signing on Wed.

To promote his new CD Dylanesque, Bryan Ferry will be doing an autograph signing on June 27th. This will take place at J&R Music World and starts at 12:30PM.

While Dylanesque won't be release in the US until June 26th, it is already out in Europe and is getting great reviews. (link)

Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me CD Review

I was really disappointed with both this CD and the new Ozzy CD. Neither artist broke any new ground and both releases are one step away from being throwaways.

Marilyn Manson's new CD isn't bad, it is just generic and the majority of tracks all sounds the same. With past releases, Manson has always had a couple stellar tracks but the "magic" doesn't happen on this disc. I understand he is depressed over his breakup with Dita Von Teese but there isn't much to work with on this CD. Manson may be trying to change his sound but, if so, he is going in the wrong direction. His songwriting just isn't strong enough, Twiggy's influence seems sorely missed and the overall sound is nothing more than a retread of the music that Rozz Williams and Christian Death pioneered many years ago.

Manson still has a strong voice and the guitar work is pretty solid but, all-in-all, none of the tracks on this disc have the sticking power of "The Beautiful People", "Dope Show" or even "Personal Jesus". The strongest track on this CD is "Heart Shaped Glasses" (the first single from the CD) and, honestly, it isn't that memorable.

If you a fan of Manson's recent works, this release isn't that radical a departure from Grotesque and you might like this. If you are new to Manson's work, there are much better starting points.

Sometimes There is Justice in the World...

Ticketmaster is giving away tickets (You still have to pay the $5.00 convenience charge) to Sunday's Ted Nugent show at Noika Theatre (link). The password is "catscratch".

I would have considered seeing The Doors (Riders on the Storm) the last time Ticketmaster did this but I am sitting here (listening to the new Ill Bill tracks) and LMAO over Nugent's inability to sell tickets. I have never cared for the man, his music or his politics.

On a more positive note, I caught Ill Bill playing with La Coka Nostra at the Knitting Factory last year and the guy can definitely rock the mic. Ill Bill is playing the Grand Ballroom @ The Manhattan Center on August 9th as part of the Strange Noize Tour.

Links:
Ill Bill's MySpace page (link)
Ted Nugent's Website (link)

Patti Smith to Headline Opening of Music Hall of Williamsburg (the old NorthSix)

I am glad to see NorthSix reopening (as the Music Hall of Williamburg) and Patti Smith is playing opening night. Check out the details in the press release below. I would recommend getting tickets right when they go on sale (this Saturday, June 23rd at noon) as this is going to be one of those shows where tickets will go quick.

THE BOWERY PRESENTS TO OPEN MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG ON SEPTEMBER 4 WITH PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND
***
Music Venue To Open In Williamsburg

(NEW YORK) June 19, 2007 - The Bowery Presents, an independent New York concert-promotion company, today announced the Music Hall of Williamsburg will open on September 4th with Patti Smith and Her Band. The Music Hall of Williamsburg will occupy the former space of Northsix, on 66 North 6th Street, and will provide a first-rate, mid-size venue for bands to play in Brooklyn.

Patti Smith is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in rock history and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March. Well-loved by her New York fans, Smith, for the eighth consecutive year, sold out her annual New Year's Eve/Birthday run at The Bowery Ballroom as well as an April record release show at Hiro Ballroom in support of her latest album, Twelve.

"To have Patti and her band, who have become so much a part of our lives, open the Music Hall, for me, is the perfect beginning to our life in Brooklyn," said Michael Swier, a partner in The Bowery Presents. "We've been fortunate to have a lot of support for the Bowery Ballroom and the Mercury Lounge over the years, and we hope that with our continued dedication to the music and the fans, the Music Hall will become a well-loved neighborhood music destination."

The 550-capacity Music Hall of Williamsburg will be the first Brooklyn music venue to be managed and operated by The Bowery Presents, which has promoted shows in Brooklyn since 2006 and will promote a line-up of shows at McCarren Park Pool and Keyspan Park at Coney Island this summer. Inspired by the look and feel of the Bowery Ballroom, and committed to providing the best experience possible for bands and fans, the Music Hall of Williamsburg will have a focus on acoustics, sightlines and space.

The re-designed layout of the Music Hall of Williamsburg will be three levels, including a lower level lounge, where guests can congregate around the U-shaped bar, one of three bars in the facility. The ground floor lobby leads into the Music Hall performance space, which will feature 28' ceilings, side balconies and a back mezzanine. The venue will feature state-of-the-art sound, lighting, broadcasting and
recording systems, which will also have the capability to be used for Internet, TV and radio broadcasts.

Josh Moore, who previously worked at AEG Live's Nokia Theatre Times Square and is a founding partner of Jam Cruise, was brought on board in March to book the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

"The Bowery Presents has a vision of developing and working with quality artists from the ground up, and the Music Hall provides an amazing new place for artists to play Brooklyn," said Moore. "I couldn't be more excited to be booking this venue."

Tickets for the opening night Patti Smith show will go on sale Saturday, June 23 at Noon, for $35 each. Additional shows will be announced on July 10.

Links:
Music Hall of Williamsburg (link)
Patti Smith's Main Website (link)

The Mooney Suzuki @ Canal Room, NYC, June 18, 2007

It has been almost three years since Alive & Amplified was released so a new Mooney Suzuki release is certainly welcome. The band's new CD, Have Mercy, was released today. (Note that the iTunes version has two exclusive tracks: Caroline and Say That You Will.)

The band had a record release party last night at The Canal Room and new material sounded great live. Here is the band's set list from last night:

01) Today
02) NY Girls
03) Electric Sweat
04) Young Man's
05) Broke Heart
06) Ashes
07) Adam & Eve
08) First Comes Love
09) Shake Bush
10) 99%
11) Blue Sky Black
12) Shit Parts
13) Alive







Links:
The Mooney Suzuki's Main Website (link)
The Mooney Suzuki's MySpace Page (link)

Sonic X - Thirteen CD Review

Simply put -- this is a great CD.

Sonic X's second CD, Thirteen, is a great melodic hard-rock CD that builds on the sounds of the late-80s and early 90s but still sounds fresh and relevant today. A lot of reviewers have compared this disc to Bon Jovi and, while I can hear the basis for the comparison, I don't think it accurately describes the band's sound. Imagine a harder-edged Bon Jovi (without the keyboards), pre-1988 Whitesnake, the harder side of White Lion (and guitarist Lawrence Falcomer can hold his own against Vito Bratta), or the John Corabi fronted version of Motley Crue and you should get a sense of what this band sounds like. The majority of the tracks on this CD could and should get frequent airplay on the rock radio stations around the country. Guitarist Lawrence Falcomer also plays some incredible leads throughout this disc. It is probably inappropriate to compare Falcomer's guitar work to Zakk Wylde's work on the latest Ozzy CD (still thinking about my recent review of Ozzy's Black Rain CD) but Falcomer's guitar work really outshines Wylde.

There isn't a bad track on this disc but there are a couple tracks that I think will become big radio hits. Tracks like "Evident" or "Seeds of Thunder" should help break the band in the US market. There are a number of other tracks like "Carried Away" and the acoutic-guitar based "Shine" that could easily make it on to the radio once the band breaks. Hopefully Sonic X will tour the US in support of this release as I think they will quickly earn a loyal following.

Links:
Sonic X's Main Website (link)
Sonic X's MySpace Page (link)
Chavis Records (link)

Unearthly Trance Debuts New Video on SingingFool.com

Unearthly Trance just debuted the first video, Permanent Ice, from their latest CD, on SingingFool.com (link).

The band has two shows scheduled in town next month and then they are off on a European tour with Ramesses (ex-Electric Wizard). The July 7th appearance is part of a major Unsound show (see previous post)

July 07: Pussycat Lounge (bands include Whitehorse, Ocean, Angel of Decay)
July 25: Luna Lounge (bands include Pelican, Priestbird)

I have heard great things about the band's live show so I'd like to check out both performances.

TroublemanUnlimited still has copies for sale of the band's out of print pre-Relapse releases (a 7", 10" and cassette) [link]. Unearthly Trance has the potential to become huge so I would recommend picking up these early releases before you have to pay eBay prices.

Links:
Unearthly Trance's Main Website (link)
Unearthly Trance's MySpace Page (link)

English Beat - Legal Music Download

It has now been 24 years since the English Beat broke up and it seems that their legacy has grown over the years. Dave Wakeling, who re-entered the music industry a few years back, is currently touring the US under the English Beat moniker. (Where it gets confusing is that Ranking Roger, Blockhead and Everett Moreton are currently touring the UK as The Beat).

The revised English Beat played a 50 minute set in the KEXP studios back in March of this year. I loved The Beat but have mixed feeling about the revised band. Like many of the bands with a strong back catalogue, the set focuses on the band's "greatest hits" and they only play one new song. I have been reading about the problem bands in this space have (Kiss and R.E.M. are the ones that come immediately to mind) as the fans don't want to hear anything new. Does anyone really think that the Violent Femmes two-night stand at Warsaw is anything more than a showcase for "Blister in the Sun", "Kiss Off", "American Music" and a couple of other crowd favorites?

The good news is Dave Wakeling sounds great and the new band lineup is solid. The bad news is that there is a "missing element" to the band's sound. I don't know if it is the mix on this recording but I really miss Ranking Roger's vocal interplay with Dave and Andy Cox's guitar work. There is a pretty solid interview with Dave as part of this podcast and Dave mentions that he hopes to work with Roger later this year. It would be great to see the two reunited but I'd love to see the pair onstage with Andy Cox and David Steele. I hate reality shows but I did make a point of watching The Beat on VH1's "Bands Reunited" and it was very clear that Cox and Steele want nothing to do with The Beat.

Check out the podcast and make up your own mind (link).

Links:
Dave Wakeling's Main Website (link)
The New English Beat's MySpace Page (link) [Note: this is Roger's band]

Coney Island Mermaid Parade Is Next Saturday (June 23rd)

One of the highlights of the summer is the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The parade is taking place next Saturday (June 23rd) and starts at 2PM.


The all-girl tribute Motley Crue tribute band, Girls Girls Girls, is playing a show at Peggy O'Neil's (@ Keyspan Park) at a parade after-party. The show starts at 8PM and admission is free.


Here is a video of Girls Girls Girls playing "Looks That Kill" live in Hackensack last month.

Songs from virtualive.tv's Real Life/Second Life Mashup Concert with Buddahead Posted to YouTube

I finally signed up for a Second Life account as it seems that the game is now making the news on a regular basis. There have been recent articles ranging from CNN, that wrote about one potential "new new" career as a Second Life lawyer, to Buddahead's real life/Second Life mashup concert last month at the Canal Room.

Suzanne Vega was the first major artist to perform in Second Life (see clip below) and Duran Duran performed in the game a few weeks later. Both of these performances took place at the end of last year.



Just over a month ago, Buddahead played a mashup concert at the Canal Room (in NYC) and a number of songs from the show have been posted to YouTube. I have included links to the first two songs that the band played below.





Below are the current game stats from Second Life's home page. This really looks like something both musicians and corporations need to explore further. I can easily imagine this becoming the next "MySpace" (or equivalent).

Total Residents: 7,256,167
Logged In Last 60 Days: 1,768,672
Online Now: 34,312
US$ Spent Last 24h: $1,703,488

Links:
Buddahead (link)
virtualive.tv (link)
SecondLife (link)

Pablo - Legal Music Download

I really need to stop relying on Spinner as my only source for legal music downloads. Unfortunately, I have been that busy at work that I haven't had time to chase down any new sources.

I have been hearing the local buzz around Pablo for some time but never got around to checking out the band. (It is dangerous how convenient Spinner.com is) Pablo, which is the brain-child of singer/guitarist Paul Schalda, caught my attention. I haven't made up my mind on the band but I would definately like to hear more and perhaps hear how the band sounds live.

Check out the band's set on The Interface from this past January where the band played four songs live in the studio and gave a fairly interesting interview (link).

Pablo has been playing a series of shows at the Rockwood Music Hall this month and has two shows upcoming -- June 16th and June 30th.

Pablo's latest release Half the Time was released last year on 230/Curb Appeal Records.

Links:
Pablo's Main Website (link)
Pablo's MySpace page (link)

New Mooney Suzuki CD and Two NYC Release Parties Next Week

The new Mooney Suzuki CD drops next Tuesday and the band has record release parties scheduled for Monday and Tuesday night.






On June 18th the band will play a GQ and Cuervo sponsored release party at the Canal Room in NYC. There is limited space and you must RSVP to check it out. Besides the open Cuervo bar, the Mooney will be performing at 8:30pm and it’s not to be missed.
- I'd like to check out this show but can't find any info online. Can someone post to the comments if they have/find the details?

The Hi–Fi Bar in New York will hold a release date meet and greet and listening party on June 19th from 9pm to 12am.

The band is also scheduled to appear on Conan on June 21st to play their new single 99%.

The new CD is currently streaming on MP3.com and Elixa.com and an "advance" copy of the new CD is currently available on iTunes, with 4 bonus tracks no less.

Somewhat surprisingly, the band is only playing one show in the area - July 9th @ Maxwells. Tickets are $10 and are still available (link).

Links:
The Mooney Suzuki's Main Website (link)
The Mooney Suzuki's MySpace page (link)

Some Days I Can't Figure Out the Logic in Concert Ticket Pricing

I always get a kick out of looking through the upcoming concert listings in TimeOutNY to see the wide range of concert ticket prices.

I actually saw Asia a couple years ago at Borders Books in somewhere in central New Jersey. It was a free show and I got a chance to talk with Geoff Downes and John Payne after the show who were really nice guys. Now that the original band is back together -- tickets are $65. I'll be shocked if the band gets a strong turn-out. If Ticketmaster ends up selling last minute $5.00 tickets for this show like they did for The Doors at Noika a few weeks ago, I might consider going.

I generally won't pay more than $15 for a show (some of the 'Save CBGB' shows were an exception) unless I am a major fan. Here are some of the crazier ticket prices:

Violent Femmes @ Warsaw June 22-23, $25- I didn't know the band was still around...and playing two nights at Warsaw no less. I would be afraid of going as I would suspect the audience would be full of drunks waiting to sing along with Blister In the Sun.

The Police @ MSG Aug. 1 & 3, Top ticket $254.50 - The sad thing is that the $250 tickets will probably sell out first. You have to love Ticketmaster -- the ticket isn't $250 or $255, it is $254.50. I am sure there is some psychological study that jutifies these oddly priced tickets.

Squeeze @ Noika Theatre Aug. 2, $50 and $65 - When I was growing up in Baltimore in the 80's, Squeeze played the local college and the movie theatre (and any place that would let them in the door). I had heard that attendance had fallen each tour and I think(?) the (then) final lineup of Squeeze played the Mercury Lounge in the late 90s. Does being gone 7 or so years really get you a $50 ticket at Noika or a up-to-$100 ticket at the Beacon?

Exclusive Interview with Alexa Wilkinson

I had the pleasure of speaking with Los Angeles based singer/ songwriter Alexa Wilkinson this past Monday.

It was a real pleasure to talk with someone who was that warm and genuine. She was nice enough to allow me to record the conversation and (despite the equipment failure on my end) here is a link to the podcast feed and mp3.

Links:
Alexa Wilkinson's Main Website (link)
Alexa Wilkinson's MySpace page (link)

Redemption for OzzFest Tickets Starts Tomorrow

Let the madness begin...OzzFest ticket redemption starts tomorrow.

For anyone in the tri-state area, the closest show is either Hartford, CT or PNC Arts Center in Homdel, NJ. Here are the scheduled times for redeeming your ticket vouchers for these show:

New England Dodge Music Theatre - Hartford, CT - 8/18/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 1:00 PM

PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ - 8/16/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 5:00 PM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the complete schedule for ticket redemption times:

White River Amphitheatre - Seattle, WA - 7/12/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 10:00 AM

The Gorge - George, WA - 7/14/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 8:00 AM

Sleep Train Amphitheatre - Marysville, CA - 7/17/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 4:00 PM

Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA - 7/19/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 8:00 AM

Hyundai Pavilion - Devore, CA - 7/21/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 10:00 AM

Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ - 7/24/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 6:00 PM

Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM - 7/26/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 7:00 PM

Coors Amphitheatre - Denver, CO - 7/28/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 7:00 PM

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - KC - Bonner Springs, KS - 7/30/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 10:00 AM

Smirnoff Music Centre - Dallas, TX - 8/2/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 6:00 PM

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - San Antonio, TX - 8/4/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 2:00 PM

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - St. Louis, MO - 8/6/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 4:00 PM

Germain Amphitheatre - Columbus, OH - 8/8/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 11:00 AM

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL - 8/10/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 8:00 PM

Alpine Valley Music Theatre - East Troy, WI - Date: 8/12/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 12:00 PM

Verizon Wireless Music Center - Indianapolis, IN - Date: 8/14/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 3:00 PM

PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ - 8/16/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 5:00 PM

New England Dodge Music Theatre - Hartford, CT - 8/18/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 1:00 PM

Tweeter Center - Boston, MA - 8/20/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 3:00 PM

Tweeter Center at the Waterfront - Camden, NJ - 8/22/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 7:00 PM

Post-Gazette Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA - 8/24/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 3:00 PM

DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI - 8/26/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 5:00 PM

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte - Charlotte, NC - 8/28/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 7:00 PM

Sound Advice Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL - 8/30/2007
Code Redemption Starts: 6/12/2007 at 5:00 PM

The Editors' Announce July Release Date for New CD

The new Editors album, An End Has A Start, is set for release through Epic/Fader Records on July 17th. Recorded in Ireland at Grouse Lodge with the acclaimed Garrett ‘Jacknife’ Lee (Snow Patrol, Bloc Party), An End Has A Start reinforces the visceral power of Editors’ music and emphasizes the band’s desire to stretch themselves musically, lyrically, and conceptually.

While their debut album, The Back Room, seethed with claustrophobic menace and icy grandeur, An End Has A Start sees lead singer and lyricist Tom Smith more focused on the power of redemption and the human necessity for friendship and family in the face of death. The album’s lyrics are closely linked to events over the last year or so.

Tom explains: “There is a lot of death on the record, that sounds pretty morbid but it’s the truth. Death has touched me and my friends in the last year in several ways. Realizing everything comes to an end is important and I think we’ve done our best to make it something glorious and uplifting as well as scary.”

The Editors’ debut album, The Back Room was released in 2006 and reached the Top 3 in the UK, pushing well beyond platinum, Editors also enjoyed a UK Mercury Prize nomination; stops at Coachella and Lollapalooza, TV performances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and a warm embrace from American critics, blogs, and fans.

Stay tuned for more info on their upcoming US Tour this September.

An End Has A Start Track List:

1. Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors
2. An End Has A Start
3. The Weight Of The World
4. Bones
5. When Anger Shows
6. The Racing Rats
7. Push Your Head Towards the Air
8. Escape The Nest
9. Spiders
10. Well Worn Hand

Watch for CD giveaway coming soon!

Links:
The Editors' Main Website (link)
The Editors' MySpace page (link)

Alexa Wilkinson @ Mo Pitkin's, NYC, June 7, 2007

Los Angeles singer/songwriter Alexa Wilkinson played Mo Pitkin's in the East Village this past Thursday night. She is touring behind her debut CD "Lullaby Appetite", which was recently released on DNK Records. Wilkinson has a compelling voice (comparable to Shawn Colvin) and an engaging stage presence which made for an enjoyable show.

"Lullaby Appetite" is a solid debut CD and it contains a number of songs that bear repeated listening. My favorite thus far is Of Graves which is also streaming on Wilkinson's MySpace page.





Links:
Alexa Wilkinson's Main Website (link)
Alexa Wilkinson's MySpace page (link)

Chief Magazine Interviews Brooklyn's LingLing and Fur Cups for Teeth

I just found out about Chief Magazine and have been browsing through the current issue. They have some pretty cool interviews with local bands LingLing and Fur Cups for Teeth.

What's LingLing? It's two girls living in Brooklyn having a good time making music.



Here is a link to the full interview.


Jeannie Kim, Nicole Whelan, Keach Hagey, and Derek Pippin are Fur Cups For Teeth.



Their first album was heralded as one of the best albums of 2004. And their second is about to drop.We ask them what it's like to be a chick band. And some other questions.

Here is a link to the full interview.

Links:
LingLing's MySpace page (link)
Fur Cups for Teeth's MySpace page (link)

Interesting CDs on Next Week's CD Release Schedule

Billboard has listed some interesting releases coming out on Tuesday:

Deep Purple - They All Came Down to Montreaux 2x DVD
This is a 187 minute 2x DVD set of Deep Purple performing live in Montreaux in 2006. This could be a fun one.

DVD Disc #1: 'Pictures Of Home', 'Things I Never Said', 'Strange Kind Of Woman', 'Rapture Of The Deep', 'Wrong Man', 'The Well-Dressed Guitar', 'Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye', 'When A Blind Man Cries', 'Lazy', Keyboard Solo, 'Space Truckin’', 'Highway Star', 'Smoke On The Water', 'Hush', 'Too Much Fun', 'Black Night'.

DVD Bonus Disc #2 (London Hard Rock): 'Fireball', 'I Got Your Number', 'Strange Kind Of Woman', 'Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye', 'Rapture Of The Deep', 'Wrong Man', 'Lazy', 'Perfect Strangers', 'Highway Star', 'Smoke On The Water'.

Halford - Metal God Essentials
It is always a debate whether 'best of' CDs are worthwhile because, in the majority of case, if I like the artist, I'll buy the original CDs. This CD/DVD set covers the best of Halford from '92 - '07 but what makes this release interesting is the inclusion of 4 previously unreleased tracks (one is a remix) and a bonus DVD exclusive to this release.

The bonus DVD contains:
1. Resurrection - Behind The Scenes
2. Live Insurrection - Behind The Scenes
3. Made In Hell
4. Betrayal
5. In The Morning
6. Silent Screams
7. Never Satisfied
8. Forgotten Generation

Psychic TV - Hell is Invisible..Heaven is Here
Genesis has reformed Psychic TV (PTV3) and this is his first new studio release under the PTV name in 12 years. Based on the songs I heard the band do at the Galapagos shows last year, this should be a gret release.

Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
Evidently there is a Circuit City and a FYE Edition with Bonus Tracks. You can only assume that the bonus tracks will differ between these editions. (Why make it easy for fans?)

Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition)
This looks essential -- The reissue contains live versions of all of the studio cuts, demos, rarities, etc. Rolling Stone has posted an article with more details about this release.

Suzanne Vega - Beauty and Crime
This is supposed to be her best release in years.

The View - Hats off to the Buskers (with 3 bonus tracks)
Their debut CD has been out for under a year and already it is being reissued with bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are two live tracks (Skay Trenchy and Same Jeans) and a cut that was previously released in the UK (Posh Boys). This doesn't look essential...

Slayer Live from Download Festival, Leicestershire, England is Being Webcast Now (12:35PM EST)

I have had Machine Head on the background while working this morning and the audio quality sounded surprisingly good for a webcast. Slayer is taking the stage within the next five or so minutes. (If you are in the US, ignore that the site says Shadows Fall is playing next. The site isn't accounting for time zone differences). Here is the URL for the webcast. It looks like Slayer is the last band to be webcast today as there is no webcast icon next to the final two acts (Marilyn Manson and Linkin Park).

The last day of the Download Festival is tomorrow and I would assume most of it will be webcast.

Television and Joan Jett are each Playing Free Shows this Month

Television is back (again) and are playing a free show next Saturday (June 16th) at Summerstage in Central Park. Allegedly, the will be Richard Lloyd's last show with the band.

Supporting Television are The Apples in Stereo and Dragons of Zynth. Gates open at 3:00PM but, as Television hasn't played in town in quite some time, I'd recommend being in line by 1PM at the latest.

Even though I am a big fan of Television's music, I have met Tom Verlaine on a few occasions and thought he was a complete jerk. His personality aside, I am also not a fan of band leaders who attempt to write former members out of the band's history (see the snippet below copied from the Summerstage website). C'mon Tom, everyone knows you started the band with Richard Hell.

One of the most important bands to emerge from the mid-‘70s New York punk scene, Television was founded on the double-guitar attack of leader Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd. But where most guitarists of the time specialized in extended jam snooze-fests, Verlaine and Lloyd pioneered an angular, yet tuneful, style largely stripped of blues references and heavily indebted to the garage rock of the ‘60s. Television was the first band to play regularly at CBGBs, and its success encouraged the club to book other unknown acts like Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie and Talking Heads.

Joan Jett, who continues to put on fabulous live shows, is playing Pier 54 at the Hudson River Park on Thursday, June 28th. Supporting acts are The Dollyrots (new band signed to Joan's Blackheart Records label) and The Paybacks.

Doors open at 6PM for this show.

Brooklyn Metal Fest Warmup Party Tomorrow Night at Duff's in Williamsburg

There are all kinds of cool events going on this month...

Tomorrow night at Duff's, some of the bands playing the metal fest will be hanging out (Ross the Boss will be there), there will be free BBQ and two-day tickets to the show will be selling for $15 ($5 off regular price). What more do you need...


Links:
Duff's Webiste (link)

Tiny Masters of Today & Smoosh @ Southpaw, June 2, 2007

Here are the end of my pictures from the 826NYC Benefit that was held last Sunday @ Southpaw.

Tiny Masters of Today was the second band to play and it was really cool to see them playing with JSBX drummer Russell Simins.





Smoosh was the final band to play. The band is getting a national buzz as they have previously shared the stage with Sleater-Kinney, Cat Power, Sufjan Stevens, Pearl Jam and many others. Smoosh opened for The Pipettes' at their show at Highline Ballroom last Wednesday.






Both bands were recently written up in a NME feature article:

Links:
Tiny Masters of Today's MySpace page (link)
Smoosh's MySpace page (link)

Oxford Collapse are Playing Free Fest in Williamsburg on June 21st

This looks like a fun one...

I haven't seen Oxford Collapse but keep reading great reviews. The band is playing a free fest on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg next Thursday. Also on the bill are Best Fwends and Cheesburger.

Bedford Ave (between 7th and 8th) will be blocked off for this fest and the show runs from 6PM - 10PM.


Here are some details on the Make Music New York festival:

Make Music New York is a new live, free musical celebration across the city that will take place for the first time on June 21, 2007.

For one day, public spaces throughout the five boroughs (sidewalks, parks, community gardens, and more) will become impromptu musical stages, dance floors, and social meeting points. Thousands of amateur musicians, in every genre, will be able to play on the sidewalks for the biggest crowdsof their lives. Professional musicians will be able to attract new audiences, who will come out from under their headphones to hear unfamiliar groups risk-free. And everyone will be invited to sing along and enjoy the first day of summer.

Links:
Oxford Collapse MySpace page (link)

Madina Lake is Playing an Acoustic Set at Vintage Vinyl (Fords, NJ) on Friday, June 8th

Chicago's Madina Lake is playing an acoutic set at Vintage Vinyl (Fords, NJ) this Friday. For those outside of the area, the performance will be webcast on Vintage Vinyl's Site and YeboTV.



Madina Lake is part of this summer's Projekt Revolution tour which features Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday along with many other bands.

Links:
Madina Lake's Main Website (link)
Madina Lake's MySpace page (link)

Ozzy Osboune - Black Rain CD Review

I have been putting off writing this review as this CD just didn't 'catch me' and I have been trying to figure out why. After a couple listens to the disc, I think the reason is that Ozzy breaks no new ground. None of the songs on this disc are really distinctive and very few songs bare repeated play. To be blunt, without Ozzy's distinctive vocals, this disc could easily be mistaken for the work of an unknown bar band. I have read some reviews of this CD that talk about Zakk Wylde's guitar work. Unfortunately, I don't hear anything special or out of the ordinary.

I don't mean to say that this is a terrible CD. It isn't like I am going to throw out this disc -- I just won't play it often. A point of comparison would be Alice Cooper's solo work in the mid-70's. After breaking up the Alice Cooper Group, tracks like Only Women Bleed were a bit of a shock. There are two ballads Ozzy's new CD that really invite a comparison to this era of Alice Cooper's career.

Anyone who is a fan of Ozzy's Down to Earth release will probably like this one as well. Anyone new to Ozzy's solo career would be better served by starting with Bark at the Moon.

Tramp's White Lion off Poison/Ratt Tour -- Replaced by Vains of Jenna

After White Lion guitarist Vito Bratta "surfaced" last month on Eddie Trunk's radio show and took the stage both nights at the L'Amour reunion, I think a number of people were hoping for a White Lion reunion. Bratta even said "[h]e never ruled out a White Lion reunion, just was not able to do it when Tramp wanted to due to family obligations and tending to his sick Dad who passed away 2 years ago." Bratta also said that "[h]e is not happy that Tramp does different versions of White Lion and says that hurts his desire to work with him again. He'd like it to stop and said it's like a girlfriend cheating on you." (quotes from www.eddietrunk.com)

It doesn't sound like a White Lion reunion will take place anytime soon as a threatened law suit by Bratta got Tramp's White Lion dropped from the Poison/Ratt tour.

"On behalf of myself and WHITE LION, I would like to clear up the many misperceptions and rumors that have been created by Live Nation's decision to withdraw WHITE LION as the opening act of the summer 2007 POISON tour. While we are limited in what we can say about the issue because of pending litigation, we can inform everyone that Live Nation's decision was not based on any controversy over whether Mike Tramp has the legal right to perform as WHITE LION. Our information is that Live Nation's decision was based upon a threatened lawsuit by former WHITE LION guitarist Vito Bratta. Even though Live Nation believed Vito's lawsuit to be frivolous and had confirmed that Mike Tramp has the legal right to perform as WHITE LION, they did not want to spend 'one dollar' on litigation. Faced with the cancellation of a tour that was to begin within weeks, our attorneys went the extra mile to work out a deal with Vito Bratta to drop his threatened lawsuit but even with the threat of litigation eliminated, Live Nation continued on their ill-informed course of dropping WHITE LION from the POISON tour. Like myself, I know that there are many fans across the United States who are extremely disappointed by Live Nation's decision and we intend to use all options to fight this arbitrary and misinformed decision. Hopefully, there will be a day when decisions about staging a rock n' roll tour will be more about pleasing the fans and less about conservative and baseless corporate decisions. Unfortunately, as has been the case far too many times, instead of playing rock n' roll as planned, we are going to end up in court."

Vains of Jenna will be replacing White Lion on this tour. VoJ have a good reputation as a solid Guns N' Roses style punk/metal band so they should be a welcome addition to the tour. Vains of Jenna is also headlining a show at Don Hill's on July 2nd.