I know I'm late to this game, but I can't say enough good things about Huntington California's Avenged Sevenfold.
I'm still fixated on their latest release "Nightmare", while slowly delving into their back catalog.
I love, love this album. It has shot the band into my top 10 along with Rush, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden. Heavy lyrics, often with vaguely spiritual allusions are the MO here. I've found most of the newer metal and/or metalcore bands lack a certain lyrical depth. Not these guys. I'd put them up there with Maiden or Dream Theater.
Heavy guitars with brilliant melodies and time signatures that expose a certain progressive element seems to be the default setting. Add big choruses and even a "power" ballad!! I find myself struggling to describe their sound, because I'm listening and I'm transfixed.
Oh, and love the little bell in the beginning of Natural Born Killers - it makes me laugh out loud every time.
Make no mistake, this is a metal album, by a metal band. It will not appeal to everyone. However, take a chance, you might be surprised.
Other tracks, not on Nightmare that have my attention are, Almost Easy, Afterlife and Bat County. Bat Country was inspired by Hunter S Thompson's Book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"
I'm hooked I tell ya! These guys are fellow travelers for sure.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My favorite songs of 2011
Mark has already shared his favorite tunes from the past year. Now, it's my turn.
To be honest, I had a difficult time with my list, because I spend most of my time stuck in the 80's and 90's and my playlists consist mostly of metal bands (with a few surprises thrown in for good measure). But, as I looked back on the songs that helped shape my 2011 soundtrack, I realized that a handful were actually songs from the past year!
So, here they are (not in any particular order):
Party Rock Anthem/LMFAO - I first heard this song on a commercial that confused me, because I couldn't figure out what they were trying to sell: cars or video games. I've never heard the song in full and I don't care to. Just give me the dancing hamsters!
No More/LL Cool J & Ne-Yo - I've loved LL Cool J since he first hit the scene in the 80's. When he branched out into acting, I wasn't sure what to think until I saw him in action. I love his acting talent, but was thrilled when a recent NCIS: Los Angeles episode ended with this song. I love it more than I can say. BTW, if you're on Twitter, LL is one of the most positive and inspirational/motivational people there. Follow him: @LLCoolJ
Starlight/Rachael Yamagata - I first heard this song when Rachael performed on the show I work on. I immediately fell in love with her unique vocals and the stripped down accompaniment. The fully electric version is just as awesome, although the beginning is a little repetitive. Wait for her to reach the chorus, then listen through to the end of the song. You won't regret it.
Make Some Noise/Beastie Boys - I love love love love love love love the Beasties! They could rap the alphabet and it would make my list. The video really makes this song. There are so many cameos that I had to keep watching over and over just to see everyone. Okay, that's the excuse I'm using, anyway. I will say this: Ted Danson was quite the surprise. I would never use his name and the Beasties in the same breath.
Up/James Morrison - I sometimes call James a "guilty pleasure," then I think he doesn't really fit that mold. I also like Leif Garrett and think he fits more into the "guilty pleasure" mode. So, James is stepping up and taking his place along the likes of Beasties, Coldplay and other "mainstream" acts. "Up" is one of the songs from his new album. I like the message, the tune and the duet he does with Jessie J.
More/Usher - I thought this song was older than 2011, but it was on a list of 2011 songs, so I'm sticking it in this list. I love love love this song. I first heard it as a promo to NBA playoffs and even though I hate the NBA, I liked the ad because of the song. If you think I watch a lot of TV, including commercials, you're right (see the dancing hamsters above)
Bad As Me/Tom Waits - Listening to Tom Waits is like doing shots of whiskey all night without getting drunk or waking up with a hangover the next morning.
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall/Coldplay - I like this song because it gets my toes tapping and lifts my spirits. I feel like dancing whenever I hear it.
Accidents Can Happen (Acoustic)/Sixx: A.M. - The electric version of this song is also very stellar, but the acoustic version seems more intimate and personal. I love this song for many reasons. If you know me, you've read the post I wrote on my Tumblr site explaining my connection to this song. The thing that really blows my mind about Sixx: A.M. is hearing that the singer (James Michael) doesn't consider himself a "singer." He identifies himself more as a producer. Listen to this song and you'll see what I mean when I say he's full of shit. He's one of the most incredible singers I've heard in a long time.
To be honest, I had a difficult time with my list, because I spend most of my time stuck in the 80's and 90's and my playlists consist mostly of metal bands (with a few surprises thrown in for good measure). But, as I looked back on the songs that helped shape my 2011 soundtrack, I realized that a handful were actually songs from the past year!
So, here they are (not in any particular order):
Party Rock Anthem/LMFAO - I first heard this song on a commercial that confused me, because I couldn't figure out what they were trying to sell: cars or video games. I've never heard the song in full and I don't care to. Just give me the dancing hamsters!
No More/LL Cool J & Ne-Yo - I've loved LL Cool J since he first hit the scene in the 80's. When he branched out into acting, I wasn't sure what to think until I saw him in action. I love his acting talent, but was thrilled when a recent NCIS: Los Angeles episode ended with this song. I love it more than I can say. BTW, if you're on Twitter, LL is one of the most positive and inspirational/motivational people there. Follow him: @LLCoolJ
Starlight/Rachael Yamagata - I first heard this song when Rachael performed on the show I work on. I immediately fell in love with her unique vocals and the stripped down accompaniment. The fully electric version is just as awesome, although the beginning is a little repetitive. Wait for her to reach the chorus, then listen through to the end of the song. You won't regret it.
Make Some Noise/Beastie Boys - I love love love love love love love the Beasties! They could rap the alphabet and it would make my list. The video really makes this song. There are so many cameos that I had to keep watching over and over just to see everyone. Okay, that's the excuse I'm using, anyway. I will say this: Ted Danson was quite the surprise. I would never use his name and the Beasties in the same breath.
Up/James Morrison - I sometimes call James a "guilty pleasure," then I think he doesn't really fit that mold. I also like Leif Garrett and think he fits more into the "guilty pleasure" mode. So, James is stepping up and taking his place along the likes of Beasties, Coldplay and other "mainstream" acts. "Up" is one of the songs from his new album. I like the message, the tune and the duet he does with Jessie J.
More/Usher - I thought this song was older than 2011, but it was on a list of 2011 songs, so I'm sticking it in this list. I love love love this song. I first heard it as a promo to NBA playoffs and even though I hate the NBA, I liked the ad because of the song. If you think I watch a lot of TV, including commercials, you're right (see the dancing hamsters above)
Bad As Me/Tom Waits - Listening to Tom Waits is like doing shots of whiskey all night without getting drunk or waking up with a hangover the next morning.
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall/Coldplay - I like this song because it gets my toes tapping and lifts my spirits. I feel like dancing whenever I hear it.
Accidents Can Happen (Acoustic)/Sixx: A.M. - The electric version of this song is also very stellar, but the acoustic version seems more intimate and personal. I love this song for many reasons. If you know me, you've read the post I wrote on my Tumblr site explaining my connection to this song. The thing that really blows my mind about Sixx: A.M. is hearing that the singer (James Michael) doesn't consider himself a "singer." He identifies himself more as a producer. Listen to this song and you'll see what I mean when I say he's full of shit. He's one of the most incredible singers I've heard in a long time.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Top Songs of 2011.
OK, as usual the criteria is simple. It has to be - consider the source. The song had to be released in 2011 and I had to like it enough to pay money for it. I was going to do the traditional Top 10, but the first cut included over 30 songs, so let's see if I can narrow it down just a bit...
- Lonely Boy - Black Keys
Not content to release one of the biggest Alt-Rock albums of 2010, the Akron, Ohio based Black Keys come in under the year-end wire with El Camino. "Lonely Boy" is the first single and will catch your attention quickly. At the same time sounding vintage and new, it's a high speed rock n' roll dance tune that will get you moving and singing along.
- Every Teardrop is a Waterfall/Paradise - Coldplay
- Stay Young, Go Dancing - Death Cab for Cutie
- What The Water Gave Me - Florence and the Machine
- Walk - Foo Fighters
- Days Are Forgotten - Kasabian
- Rolling in the Deep - Adele/Rolling in the Deep - Linkin Park
- California (Hustle and Flow)/Whirring - Social Distortion/the Joy Formidable
These two go together because I saw them both open for the Foo Fighters. Social D has gone from an early Southern California punk rock band to a more mainstream rock sound over the years. "California (Hustle and Flow)" finds them dropping a bit of soul into the mix. Mike Ness sings "Well I was born, babe, with nothing to lose, But the black man taught me how to sing the blues..." That tells you everything.
The Joy Formidable create a special sound. Call it noise-pop, if you will. The trio hails from Wales and fronted by the diminutive Ritzy Bryan. Swirling, layered and noisy guitars only serve the enhance her sweet alto voice and the melodic structure of the song.
- Up All Night/Irresistible Force/Sunset in July - Blink 182/Jane's Addiction/311
- Romance/Monte Carlo/Weekend - Wild Flag/U.S. Royalty/Smith Westerns
- Substitution - Silversun Pickups
- Tonight - Seether
- The Adventures of Raindance Maggie - The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Monday, December 19, 2011
Coming soon... I hope!
My top 10s for 2011. Top 10 Albums, songs and shows. Think I can pull it off? We'll see, won't we?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Foo Fighters at the Verizon Center, Washington DC w/ Social Distortion and the Joy Formidable
Wow! Just fucking wow!
Dave Grohl relishes the role of Rock Star and guitar Hero, that much is obvious.
He led his crack band through a three hour set last night at the Verizon Center that was alternately exhausting and left the crowd screaming for more. This is a band at the height of their powers.
After exploding through the first four songs or so, Dave finally addressed the sold out crowd. It's not clear who was more excited.
Dave talked about growing up in Northern Virginia, including a rap about how his beloved Springfield Mall has fallen into a state of disrepair, "That shit's fucked up!", he commented to the screams of recognition from the crowd. This was his crowd, his people. It's hard to imagine that he connected with the other crowds on the tour like this. "We've played at every shit-hole venue in this town, and now to come home and sell out the biggest arena...!" It was clear that it was an emotional night for Grohl. Home. Dave came home and he brought the party.
And this crowd came to party. Nineteen thousand strong, standing and screaming along the lyrics for three hours.
The Foo Fighters brought the whole arena rock package with them. The stage set up included a combo speaker/light rig that was flown from above and moved up and down throughout the show, at one point no more than 10 feet or so over the heads of the band. The stage itself was a large screen on which animations and effects were played. At times this created an almost three dimensional effect. A long catwalk extended from the front of the stage to a smaller stage that sat in the middle of the arena floor. It was from this smaller stage that Dave performed a short set of unaccompanied acoustic songs as it raised him up over the crowd. "Those shitty seats of yours, suddenly aren't so shitty now are they?", he asked the fans who were sitting opposite of the stage, behind where a hockey goal is normally installed. You can guess the kind of response that question received. Add to that, screens hung on the sides and behind the stage so that even those of us in the nose-bleed seats could see the whites of his eyes. The sound quality was very good, surprisingly so considering we were in a hockey arena. I was thinking about how much live sound has evolved in the 30 years plus since my first concert in Germany. Gone are the banks of speaker cabinets stacked at the front of the stage, replaced by high efficiency horns flown above the stage and pointed to all four corners of the room. I love technology!
Going against standard rock concert convention, Dave introduced the band early in the set. This took on the air of a stand-up routine/roast. It's clear that he's fond of his band and has great respect for their skills. When he introduced punk rock legend and former and current Foo, Pat Smear, the house just about came down around their ears. The ovation was thunderous. He commented to Pat, "don't move to DC, man - they love you too much here!" The drummer who needed "no introduction" received almost as loud a response from the crowd.
The set was heavy on songs from the latest album, Wasting Light, interspersed with many of the expected big hits. During the song Dear Rosemary from the new album, the band was joined onstage by the legendary Bob Mould of Husker Du and Sugar fame, who appears on that song on the album. Mould is now a DC resident and I was really expecting his appearance. While not surprised, I was thrilled to get to see such a collaboration.
The Foo Fighters are know for peppering their sets with a few choice cover tunes. Last night was no exception. The hit These Days segued into In the Flesh by Pink Floyd. The Floyd never rocked that tune this hard. Dave also shared a story about his first young heartbreak as a lead in to a cover of Breakdown by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He finished his story with "and she's in the crowd tonight..." as he dropped that iconic opening guitar lick on the crowd. Of course, we went apeshit!
This easily was the show of the year in a year of some great concerts. Damn Dave, thanks!
The Foos where supported on this leg of the tour by the fledgling alt-rock act the Joy Formidible from Wales and the Southern California punk rock legends Social Distortion.
The Joy Formidable are a young three piece fronted by a wee blonde pixie of a girl on lead vocals and guitar. They have scored a couple of hits in the US and are definitely worth listening to, if you haven't heard them yet.
This is the second time I've seen Social D in this building. The first time was about 10 years ago. Both times they've had to play less than full sets. I obviously need to take in a full show from these guys. They closed with their cover of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire, a song that always makes me want to start a band.
Other than flying solo, I couldn't have asked for a better night. The Metro in and out was quick and smooth. I had a nice burger and some half-priced Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA's at Bar Louie in the adjacent Galleria. Three dollar DFH's! I took that as a good omen. They even had Starr Hill's Dark Star Stout at the concession stand inside!
Oh, but don't worry LeAnn, I had a terrible time...
Dave Grohl relishes the role of Rock Star and guitar Hero, that much is obvious.
He led his crack band through a three hour set last night at the Verizon Center that was alternately exhausting and left the crowd screaming for more. This is a band at the height of their powers.
After exploding through the first four songs or so, Dave finally addressed the sold out crowd. It's not clear who was more excited.
Dave talked about growing up in Northern Virginia, including a rap about how his beloved Springfield Mall has fallen into a state of disrepair, "That shit's fucked up!", he commented to the screams of recognition from the crowd. This was his crowd, his people. It's hard to imagine that he connected with the other crowds on the tour like this. "We've played at every shit-hole venue in this town, and now to come home and sell out the biggest arena...!" It was clear that it was an emotional night for Grohl. Home. Dave came home and he brought the party.
And this crowd came to party. Nineteen thousand strong, standing and screaming along the lyrics for three hours.
The Foo Fighters brought the whole arena rock package with them. The stage set up included a combo speaker/light rig that was flown from above and moved up and down throughout the show, at one point no more than 10 feet or so over the heads of the band. The stage itself was a large screen on which animations and effects were played. At times this created an almost three dimensional effect. A long catwalk extended from the front of the stage to a smaller stage that sat in the middle of the arena floor. It was from this smaller stage that Dave performed a short set of unaccompanied acoustic songs as it raised him up over the crowd. "Those shitty seats of yours, suddenly aren't so shitty now are they?", he asked the fans who were sitting opposite of the stage, behind where a hockey goal is normally installed. You can guess the kind of response that question received. Add to that, screens hung on the sides and behind the stage so that even those of us in the nose-bleed seats could see the whites of his eyes. The sound quality was very good, surprisingly so considering we were in a hockey arena. I was thinking about how much live sound has evolved in the 30 years plus since my first concert in Germany. Gone are the banks of speaker cabinets stacked at the front of the stage, replaced by high efficiency horns flown above the stage and pointed to all four corners of the room. I love technology!
Going against standard rock concert convention, Dave introduced the band early in the set. This took on the air of a stand-up routine/roast. It's clear that he's fond of his band and has great respect for their skills. When he introduced punk rock legend and former and current Foo, Pat Smear, the house just about came down around their ears. The ovation was thunderous. He commented to Pat, "don't move to DC, man - they love you too much here!" The drummer who needed "no introduction" received almost as loud a response from the crowd.
The set was heavy on songs from the latest album, Wasting Light, interspersed with many of the expected big hits. During the song Dear Rosemary from the new album, the band was joined onstage by the legendary Bob Mould of Husker Du and Sugar fame, who appears on that song on the album. Mould is now a DC resident and I was really expecting his appearance. While not surprised, I was thrilled to get to see such a collaboration.
The Foo Fighters are know for peppering their sets with a few choice cover tunes. Last night was no exception. The hit These Days segued into In the Flesh by Pink Floyd. The Floyd never rocked that tune this hard. Dave also shared a story about his first young heartbreak as a lead in to a cover of Breakdown by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He finished his story with "and she's in the crowd tonight..." as he dropped that iconic opening guitar lick on the crowd. Of course, we went apeshit!
This easily was the show of the year in a year of some great concerts. Damn Dave, thanks!
The Foos where supported on this leg of the tour by the fledgling alt-rock act the Joy Formidible from Wales and the Southern California punk rock legends Social Distortion.
The Joy Formidable are a young three piece fronted by a wee blonde pixie of a girl on lead vocals and guitar. They have scored a couple of hits in the US and are definitely worth listening to, if you haven't heard them yet.
This is the second time I've seen Social D in this building. The first time was about 10 years ago. Both times they've had to play less than full sets. I obviously need to take in a full show from these guys. They closed with their cover of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire, a song that always makes me want to start a band.
Other than flying solo, I couldn't have asked for a better night. The Metro in and out was quick and smooth. I had a nice burger and some half-priced Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA's at Bar Louie in the adjacent Galleria. Three dollar DFH's! I took that as a good omen. They even had Starr Hill's Dark Star Stout at the concession stand inside!
Oh, but don't worry LeAnn, I had a terrible time...
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Halloween Playlist 2011
Here's my playlist for this Halloween. All songs are in my iTunes library.
Name | Artist |
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Theme) | Nerf Herder |
Dead Girls Are Easy | 69 Eyes |
Black Sabbath | Black Sabbath |
The Time Warp | Rocky Horror Picture Show |
Keepin' Halloween Alive | Alice Cooper |
Angel Main (Theme) | Darling Violetta |
A Night With The Jersey Devil | Bruce Springsteen |
Science Fiction / Double Feature | Me First & The Gimme Gimmes |
Super Villain | Powerman 5000 |
Long Live the Dead | Sex Slaves |
(Don't Fear) The Reaper | Blue Öyster Cult |
Ghost Town | The Specials |
Werewolves of London | Adam Sandler |
Halloween - Main Theme | Crouch End Festival Chorus & The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra |
Zombies, March! | GWAR |
Feed My Frankenstein | Alice Cooper |
Creep (Explicit) | Radiohead |
Dead Man's Party | Oingo Boingo |
Zombie | Schuyler Fisk |
Frankestein Twist | The Mansfields |
I Want Candy | Bow Wow Wow |
Pet Sematary | The Ramones |
Thriller | Michael Jackson |
Sweet Transvestite | Apocalypse Hoboken |
The Boogie Monster | Gnarls Barkley |
The Munsters Theme | Comateens |
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be | AC/DC |
Monster Mash | The Misfits |
Zombie Stomp | Ozzy Osbourne |
Carmina Burana (Introduction) | Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus |
Living Dead Girl | Rob Zombie |
Sympathy For The Devil | The Rolling Stones |
The Exorcist - Tubular Bells | Crouch End Festival Chorus & The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra |
Disturbia | Rihanna |
B-Movie Scream Queen | Murderdolls |
Welcome to My Nightmare | Alice Cooper |
Creatures Of The Night | KISS |
Monday, September 26, 2011
I need more concerts!
So, let me see if I can remember everything here...
- April - Accept @ Jaxx
- May - Caroline Rebellion in Charlotte (Seether, Alter Bridge, Pop Evil, Skillet, Godsmack, etc)
Ryan Montbeau Band @ Ashland Coffee & Tea and @ Club Iota
- June - the Go-Go's w/ the Dollyrots@ Wolf Trap
Black Country Communion @ the 9:30 club
- July - Mayhem Fest @ Jiffy Lube Live (the Lube) (Megadeth, Godsmack, etc)
- August - Uproar Fest @ Jiffy Lube Live (Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Three Days Grace, Bullet For My Valentine, etc)
- September - Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers w/ Sons of Bill @ the State Theater
- October - the Bangles @ the 9:30 club
- November - Foo Fighters w/ Social Distortion and the Joy Formidable @ the Verizon Ctr
Ryan Montbleau Band @ Jammin' Java
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