More of '04

Of course I can't possibly discuss every great album of the year, so here are some more highlights:


Velvet Revolver - Contraband
This album had "best of" written on it before it was even released. Like Audioslave and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups before them - the band is two great things that go great together.
It's not Guns, it's not STP, but it's not really trying to be either. Instead Velvet Revolver released one of the better rock albums of the year.
I'm all about originality, and this album's got it.



Jimmy Cliff - Black Magic
I'll admit that I hadn't heard much by Jimmy Cliff before I got this album in the mail, but it was definitely a nice surprise when I played it.
Cliff plays some classic reggae style music with a number of guests on the album - Sting, Annie Lennox and Joe Strummer included.
Some is fun, some is thought-provoking, but it's all good.


Southern Culture on the Skids - Mojo Box
I was shocked to see this on Stephen King's best of list in Entertainment Weekly, but then again it's a great album.
The band refers to it as "toe-suckin' geek rock" and it's plain fantastic.
Fun, rockabilly/punk/rock/folk all rolled up into one.
The band is also great live - they'll even pass out chicken. Little Debbie Snack Cakes and banana pudding. I've been listening to the band since the mid-90s and have interviewed singer Rick Miller twice.
They're just pleasant all around.
My only complaint - that their song is featured in a jewelry commercial. But hey, it's about time these guys (and gal) made some extra dough. They deserve it.


Slipknot - Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses
I've mentioned this album in the past, so I'll keep it short.
I'm not crazy about the entire album, but "Duality," "Vermillion" and "Vermillion Pt. 2" are probably three of the best songs I heard all year.

Happy New Year!!!
I'll give myself and everyone else a day to recover, and will return on Sunday.
Flip through the archives while you wait - maybe you'll see something you missed...

Crue idea worked...

Apparently the idea by 100.3 The Buzzard worked - Motley Crue is headed to Greensboro, N.C.
The radio station had a petition going on their Web site to get the band to play in the Triad, and as of today, it looks like they're going to play here on April 21, 2005.
That's pretty impressive....
Now we'll see how many tickets get sold.

It should also be noted that the show is listed at pollstar.com and the radio station's site, but not at The Crue's site or at the Greensboro Coliseum site.
Stay tuned...

Some of the best of 2004

Every magazine puts out a "Best of 2004" list this time of year.

In past weeks, I've mentioned some of the worst, as well as some honorable mentions.

Today and tomorrow, I'll look at some of the best of the year.


Green Day - American Idiot
Without looking at this album like everyone else - a rock opera - it's simply a great album. I wouldn't even compare it to The Who's "Tommy."
Here's a band that is known for its punk anthems and general mayhem, and they came out and released an album with political overtones and solid music writing.
The more I listen to the album, the more I like it - not for any political messages, but because it's well-written and easy to listen to.
Probably the best Green Day album so far.


Eric Clapton - Me and Mr. Johnson
Eric Clapton is definitely past the point in his career where he can do anything he wants and it will still sound great.
This collection of covers not only showcases Clapton's usual talents as a singer and guitarist, but also his heart for blues.
It would have been easy to make a blues-cover album of well-known songs, but Clapton instead chose the lesser known Robert Johnson (lesser known in the public eye) and covered 14 of his songs.
Clapton's done the blues before - on his own and with B.B. King - and it only gets better as time goes on.



Chevelle - This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
I went back and forth with this entry - being unsure if I should include it here, or name it an honorable mention.
I think it was their live show that put it over the edge though.
I caught this trio of brothers at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, N.C., not too long ago, and was impressed by not only their stage presence, but also their energy and ability to draw in the crowd.
The show was a late announced, little advertised event that nearly sold out. The majority of those in attendance knew just about every word to every song.
While the music itself isn't entirely groundbreaking, it's solid rock that stands on its own. Chevelle aren't imitators of others, they're carving their own path and producing original music that's well written and aggressive.
They even poke fun at "American Idol" with their track, "Get Some."
It's also better than their first album - which is always hard to do when you've had success.

Tomorrow - Four more from '04.

Touring news...

Updated: 1:15 p.m. EST



What a day...
Ashlee Simpson will make a stop in Greensboro, N.C., during her upcoming headline tour. The lip-synching/"acid reflux" songstress should have picked a better day though.
The tour will be there on April Fool's Day.
So at the end of the show, if she lip synchs, she can say "April Fools" and get away with it?

Road Weir-y
Bob Weir says he's recovered from his exhaustion after touring with The Dead this summer, and has rescheduled his Rat Dog tour dates.
He's got 29 dates scheduled so far, and the site says he's going to add more.

NEW: The Crue in NC?
A local radio station is trying to start a petition to get Motley Crue to play Greensboro on their upcoming tour.
The closest venue that the Crue is scheduled to play at this point is Greenville, S.C.
Pretty interesting, if you ask me. We'll have to stay tuned to see what happens.

NEW: The return of Goldfinger
Billboard.com reports that Goldfinger will be making a comeback in '05 with a new studio album for Maverick Records and a new tour.
It's good to see the pop/punk/ska band back on the airwaves.
They've never been hugely popular, but play some fun music.

The blind shall see again

Fans of Blind Melon and Spacehog rejoice!
There's a new band on the horizon - and we'll have to keep an eye on them to see how it progresses.
The Quick features former singer of Spacehog Royston Langdon (oh, he's also married to Liv Tyler now), former guitarist for Blind Melon Rogers Stevens and drummer Rene Lopez.
The band was formerly called Sparticle (according to an mtv.com article). They played South by Southwest and, according to an email recently sent to me by Stevens, they've set up with a management company and things are on the move.
The music the band has on its site is worth giving a listen to.

On the horizon . . .
Warren Haynes, who toured with The Dead this summer and is known for his playing with the Allman Bros., will head out on the road with Govt. Mule this winter.
I'm already trying to get an interview set up with him to preview his show in the Carolinas in February.
Stay tuned for more on this....

New books, more on concerts

For Christmas, I got two books from my wish list - Dave Navarro's "Dont' Try This At Home" and Anthony Kiedis' "Scar Tissue." I'm looking forward to both of them

I mentioned a couple of days ago about Tori Amos' new book that is planned for February, and there's two more that I just heard about.


Putting the Smack down
According to Launch Radio Networks, Godsmack singer Sully Erna is working on his autobiography. The book will reportedly look at his life up until the point the band signed its major label record deal.
The still untitled book is "not the autobiography that's so cliche that talks about all the girls we (slept with) and how many drugs we've done."



For the love of Love
Everyone's favorite Loony Tune, Courtney Love, has reportedly been offered $540,000 to write her autobiography, according to Drowned in Sound.
Kurt Cobain's former wife has said it will include "every little detail."
Maybe she'll give some insight into:
- Why does she have the lips of a duck these days?
- Exactly how many drugs is she on?
- Is she trying to look like a worn-out prostitute or does it come naturally?
And more!

Overpriced ovations
Cnn.com recently had a story about the cost of concerts and this year's top moneymakers. Did you see the story?
Aside from the list of the top money makers (Prince was No. 1 with $87.4 million), I found the most interesting sentence in the article was this:
Another factor could be the cost of tickets, which for the top 100 acts came at a record average of $52 each.
$52 each - as an average?! That's ridiculous!
Do these people really need to make $87 million dollars?
They've already got more money than they possibly know what to do with. At least Prince handed out free CD's to all that went to his shows.
Elton John is charging an average of $158 a ticket for his concerts. How many pairs of glasses does this guy need?
It's getting absurd out there. But if fans keep putting up with it, there's no reason for the artists to stop.
I always laugh when I hear about promoters being shocked by "lack of ticket sales." They should look at the costs of their tickets first, and think twice before complaining.

Holiday Wish List

Keeping with the theme of the holidays and Christmas, I've decided to create a little holiday wish list (though it's also a complaint list of what I wish would stop).

Feel free to leave your own in the comments area.

1. They're old, but I'd love for Pink Floyd to reunite and record another album. Heck, just bring 'em all back together for one final fantastic reunion tour too.

2. How about some new clubs or venues for original bands to play. Forget the cover bands - let's hear something good for a change. We need places like this in the Triad area of North Carolina, and all over the country for that matter.

3. I wish the club owners would give more original bands a chance (see previous entries).

4. I wish radio would play a wider variety of new music (again, see previous entries).

5. I wish people would stop lip synching. If we wanted to hear the album, we'd buy it. If we wanted to see you perform live, we'd spend $60 for a ticket - not to see you jump up and down like a monkey, but to hear you sing or watch you perform. Stop taking advantage of your fans, you jackass.

6. Speaking of taking advantage of your fans - I wish you'd stop letting promoters charge an arm and a leg for concert tickets. Sometimes I'd love to go to a nice venue and see a great band, but I can't afford to donate a kidney in order to do it. What happened to the good old days of charging $20 a ticket?

7. You're getting old, you need to retire. Every three years, The Eagles have a reunion tour and call it the final tour. No one wants to pay $100 a ticket to watch your last tour - again.

8. One wish came true when Eric Clapton announced he was reuniting with Cream for a tour. Unfortunately, the closest they'll come to North Carolina is probably Atlanta, but I hope not.

9. I wish actresses and actors would stop making albums. Act or sing, but don't act like you can sing.

10. I wish they would make more music-based movies. "This is Spinal Tap," "The Last Waltz," "Almost Famous," "Festival Express" - whether it's fact or fiction, I don't care. I can't get enough of these movies.

There are plenty more - but I'll leave it at 10.
Look for more grievances and complaints in future columns, as always.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

No news today - see ya tomorrow!

The Beekeeper

Fans of Tori Amos will be happy to know that the singer will be releasing her next album and a book in February.
"The Beekeeper" will be in stores on Feb. 22. There are 19 tracks listed for the album.
According to the Web site, Amos "incorporates vintage organs, Afro-cuban drums and Gospel choirs" on some of the tracks.
The book, "Tori Amos: Piece by Piece" gives readers a glimpse into Tori's personal and public lives. It will be in bookstores on Feb. 8.

Hope you're all enjoying the holiday weekend!

Gone fishin'

I guess similar species will stick together.
First it was Phish, now it's Leftover Salmon - the band is going on hiatus after being together for 15 years.
Don't worry, jam band fans - Widespread Panic will be back early next year.

Honorable mentions of '04

I first heard Breaking Benjamin when they opened for Saliva at a show at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem. I thought I'd wander out from the back bar and check them out, and they instantly drew me in. Pretty powerful heavy rock. Their debut album, 2002's "Saturate," has consistently found its way back into my CD player. Any band that can create a metal song that revolves around the Wizard of Oz, have a chorus of "There's no place like home" and not sound cheesy, is ok in my book. I'm still getting into their new album. It' s definitely not bad for a sophomore release.


In Feb. of 2003, Ministry released "Animositisomina" - one of their best albums in recent years. Thanks to Al Jourgenson cleaning up, the band made a powerful comeback. Enter 2004 - Paul Barker leaves the band, but Jourgenson keeps the torch lit with "Houses of the Mole." Not as good as the previous album, but it's still better than "Dark Side of the Spoon." I interviewed Al back in 03 - and it was truly an honor. It's great to see him clean and energetic and having a blast. I hope the band continues improving.


Nonpoint is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated bands around today. They definitely aren't getting the recognition or airplay they deserve. I discovered the band when I randomly picked them for a preview - I was bored and wanted to write on somebody. After getting their first CD in the mail, I was blown away. Aggressive, powerful rock with equally impressive vocals. I was surprised to hear that they left MCA Records (or were dropped), but I guess it's always about sales. Their new album is good, but not when compared to their debut, 2000's "Statement."


Another band whose sophomore release doesn't quite match the debut, but it's still good all the same. Earshot's "Two" isn't quite as moving as "Letting Go," but I still enjoy it. The band's most notable quality is that their singer, Wil Martin, sounds a heck of a lot like Maynard from Tool. But the music has a different sound to it - not as other-worldly as Tool. A solid second effort from these guys.


I don't have much to say about this album. In all honesty, I was disappointed. I thought she'd jazz it up a little more - it was too much R&B for my taste. But I've got to give credit to the NC-native for winning the karaoke contest of American Idol.

Christmas is around the corner. Look for more Best of 2004 CDs and a look at some magazine's Best-of lists before the New Year.

Random notes

A few days back, I promised a list of the best albums of the year.
Everyone does that, so instead, I'll just randomly give some of my favorites and honorable mentions.


Now here is Nowhere
One of the best of the year, has to be The Secret Machines "Now here is Nowhere."
If you haven't heard the album, check it out
It kicks off with "First Wave Intact" and its thumping drums and bass.
A lot of people compare the band to early Pink Floyd, but The Secret Machines don't have that spacy quality to them. They just have that 70s groove in some of their songs.
"Sad and Lonely" reminds me of the guitar distortion from Norman Greenbaum's classic "Spirit in the Sky."
I popped this album in the CD player on the way to work, as a reminder of what it sounds like, and wound up leaving it in until I shut the car off.
Well worth the listen if you're into some of the neo/retro acts out today such as The White Stripes or Kings of Leon.



Shake yo booty
Fans of Shakira will be happy to know that the Columbian singer will be releasing two albums next year - one in Spanish and one in English.
Sure, her cover of AC/DC's "Back in Black" was nearly painful to listen to, but she definitely has some unique pop-star qualities (aside from the belly dancing).

In other two-album news, Ani DiFranco is currently finishing one album and writing her next. Looks like this is the latest trend - and I won't complain. Some bands take too much time between albums.

On the road
Chevelle is heading out on tour with Crossfade and the reunited Helmet for the 10th Winterfresh SnoCore Tour.
If you haven't seen Chevelle in person, they play a surprisingly great show. The three brothers recently played at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem and packed the place. A few hundred fans belted out the words to every song.
Not bad for a show that was last minute and got no promotion on radio or in the paper.
If only there were more venues in the Triad area, maybe we'd be lucky enough to draw them here again. The closest they'll get is the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Oh well, such is life in the Carolinas.

Thanks for stopping by.

No more, after '04!

UPDATED - (10 p.m. EST 12/21/04)

On the way to work this morning, I scanned the radio and heard the latest single from Usher - you know, the one with Alicia Keys.

It's made me come to the realization that there are some phrases that have to go.

My Boo
On Usher's latest album, "Confessions," appears the previously mentioned duet entitled, "My Boo." I'm sure at one point there were lots of people referring to their significant others as "Boo."
But then Kelly Rowland and Nelly were singing it to each other. Now, we have the 2004 version of their "Dilemma," but it's simply called "My Boo."
Unless there's a ghost and it's Halloween, I hope I never hear this horrible phrase again.
Where did it come from, anyway? Was it from the Peanuts cartoon and "My sweet baboo"?
Who cares - stop saying it.

The Bar
If I hear one more person say "raise the bar" or "set the bar," I'm going to launch my television off the roof of my house.
I think Simon Cowell started the overusage, and now it's simply gotten out of hand.
Cingular wireless has started using it as their slogan - raising the bar for service.
People are doing more bar raising than an Olympic pole vaulting competition.
For 2005, people, the bar has been raised and set - Don't use this stupid phrase any more!

NEW - Over and over... and over... and over... and over
Have you heard the new Nelly song?
If you have, you won't soon forget it. Holy cow! This easily gets my vote for most annoying and repetitive song of the year.
It's a duet with Tim McGraw off of Nelly's "Suit" album. And, as the title above says, the name of the song is "Over and over."
Funny that the chorus says, "Cause it's all in my head, I think about it over and over again."
This thing has been in my mind all day, running around like a hamster on a metal wheel.
It's gonna take a solid whack from a ball pein hammer or a q-tip jabbed into my cranium to get this song out!
Even a morning talk show in the area makes fun of the song - and it's on their daily rotation!
Please, make it stop. Go back to the fun, goofy Nelly, and stay away from this piece of trash.

I'll leave it there....for now.
Feel free to share yours by leaving a comment.
Thanks

Quality vs. Quantity

As an early Christmas present today, I received Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here."

Granted, I had heard the album hundreds of times, and even saw Pink Floyd in concert a few times, but for some reason, the album was missing from the thousand or so that I have.

After unwrapping the CD, I was shocked to realize that there were only five songs on the CD. Five songs?!? That's it?!? Maybe that's why I never bought it.

Then, I looked at the titles:

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part One) - It's got to be one of the greatest, epic, two-part songs ever written. The saxophone toward the end of part one, the long six or seven minute intro... "Remember when you were young..." It's just fantastic.

Welcome to the Machine - The slow droning music and eerie vocals.

Have a Cigar - A nice funky, melodic number. Funny how when I hear this version I'm always reminded of Primus' cover version. (Worth checking out, if you never heard it).

Wish You Were Here - No words needed. Simply a classic.

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part Two) - A nice closer for the album, and the song.

So there it was. 45 minutes of music, and just five songs. But WOW - those are some impressive songs.

In the past eight years or so, during my music writing career, I've reviewed piles of CDs. Some good, some bad, some horrendous.

I've reviewed double CDs, EPs and everything inbetween. I've always found the short ones to be the most frustrating.

Can't they put out 10 songs at least? If they only put six songs on the album, did half of them have to be so bad?

Pink Floyd proves the one fact that is often missing in today's music.

If you are going to release an album - make it solid from beginning to end. Give us something memorable. Don't put 15 tracks, just to put 15. But don't just give us five if you've got eight great ones.

For "Wish You Were Here," five songs doesn't sound like much, but for 45 minutes, you can sit back and simply enjoy all that's offered.

Anselmo speaks out

There's a story at the Times-Picayune about Phil Anselmo's recent video statement regarding the death of "Dimebag" Darrell Abott.

Follow the link for the whole story.

In summary Anselmo said:
"People want my reaction to what happened. This is about Dimebag Darrell, purely Darrell. It's not about me or some . . . psycho that happened to destroy the most beautiful person, one of my best friends in the world.

"This has changed the entire world, and this is the last you'll be seeing of me for a long time."

Only time will tell what happens next.

In relation to this, I interviewed Anselmo for a preview story I wrote about his latest band, Superjoint Ritual, back in May of 2003.

Regarding Pantera, here's what he said at that time:

Are you taking a hiatus from Pantera to focus on (Superjoint Ritual)?
"Absolutely. I think that's the only way you become successful at something. You have to put your whole heart into it. You can't spread yourself so thin."

We'll never know if a reunion was possible. . .

Love Shack, Baby!

A moment of silence as the infamous "Love Shack" of the B-52's has been reduced to a pile of ashes.

LOWLIGHTS OF 04


You're no Elvis
I first heard Incubus back in 1997 when their debut EP "Enjoy Incubus" came out. I, like some of my coworkers at the college paper were absolutely blown away. The band combined mixtures of punk, rock and funk with hippy grooves and wild riffing vocals. The PR guy at Immortal Records just asked me to listen to it, but I reviewed it instead, giving it one of the few five-star votes of my college writing career.

Now, 7 years later, the band has released "A Crow Left of the Murder." It wasn't a horrible album, but not what I expected. I kept reading interviews with the band before the album was released, with the band saying, "This is much harder than before" and "We're going back to our old style." I hoped for songs that recalled the funk of "Hilikus," but didn't find it.

Again. Not a bad album. Just not what I hoped for. But I am glad that they stepped back from the commercialism and made an album they were happy with.



Lohan "sings"
I still don't understand this one. The latest rumor is that Paris Hilton came to her senses and decided against releasing an album. Unfortunately, someone told Ms. Lohan this was a good idea. Oh, and don't tell people you hate those who lip-synch and would never do it, and then prove otherwise in your television debut. Way to go, dumbass!


Happy holidays!
Of course, I could easily bash others, but what's the point of that? It's the holiday's - a time to be happy and giving.

So, I'll switch focus in the coming days to discussing some of the year's highlights and some "honorable mentions."

I'll also give you time to enjoy that nice video clip above of Lip-synching Lohan.
Haha

What could have been...

At this point, the Musical Garbage Can has only been up and running for a week. To get an idea of what's to come, I'll take a look back.

If I had started this at the beginning of the year you would have read:

-- Reviews of the following concerts:
George Thorogood
Hoobastank, POD and Linkin Park
Yes
Van Halen
The American Idol Tour
Chevelle
The Dead with Warren Haynes

You would have read interviews with the following artists:
George Thorogood
Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park
Steve Howe of Yes
Robert Earl Keen
George Carlin
Corey Taylor of Slipknot
Robert Mercurio of Galactic
Nick Dewitt of Pretty Girls Make Graves
David Lowery of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven

So what's in store for the future? Only time will tell who performs in the area or who I have the opportunity to talk to.

Instead of just putting the interview on this site, I'll give a little insight into how it all went down and some highlights of the interview.

I also plan on reviewing CDs in addition to the usual commentary on our musical society.

See ya tomorrow with a look at some of the year's best albums, and some disappointments.

My brain is clouded...

I made the horrible mistake of turning the channel to MTV this morning, which was replaying TRL from yesterday.

I sat horrified as they showed Gwen Stefani's new single, "Rich Girl." Again, I ask Gwen, "Are you freakin' kidding me?!?!?" A redone, reggae version of a song from "Fiddler on the Roof"?!?!? Is this album one big joke? Who is buying this garbage??!?

This was followed up by the now hipper and rockier Kelly Clarkson and her latest single, "Since U Been Gone." I won't comment.

Pretty soon I'll have to hold a moment of silence for the slowly dying music industry.

Thankfully...
There's more news about The Panic Channel over at billboard.com with some comments from Dave Navarro. If you haven't already, check out his blog. Pretty cool that he writes just about every day and even answers fans' questions. This has to be one of my most highly anticipated albums of the new year (at this point).

Support local music!

I've noticed, throughout the past 6 years or so of living in different areas of North Carolina, that there are few places to see local live music - that isn't a cover band. There are also few people that will go, on a whim, to check out something new and original.

The venues
Major cities, of course, offer more venues, but it makes me wonder - with all of the local bands out there - where do they play? And why won't people go see them?

Sure, there are small bars that will let some local acts play, and there's the occasional new club that pops up, but what is needed?

Why won't some bigger or more popular venues/bars book local acts once a week? Pack up your DJ records, or give the cover band a rest and book someone new and original. Give them a chance.

You say cover bands do more business, but why not support your local scene? Have your cookie-cutter cover band play, but book someone original with them. Let the originals play for an hour, and then give the stage to the same old cover band. At least you're opening up the venue to local music, and giving your audience a little more variety.

The people
It is sad that most people won't give original bands a chance. No one is ever scared to see a cover band - they never worry that they might be horrible. And there are plenty of them out there, too.

So why won't audience members give original bands a chance? Is it the money? I find that hard to believe - people will spend $5 to hear a cover band or DJ, why not $5 for what could be your next favorite band?

For example - the next Nirvana is playing at a local club tonight for $4. You don't go, because you don't want to give them a chance. Then they blow up and are all over the radio and TV and you now have to pay $40 to see them. Wouldn't you love the chance to say, "I saw that band at Ziggy's or at Amos' or some other venue, back when no one knew them."

I think back to when I was in college. Dave Matthews played for $8 my freshman year, and no one went. Matchbox 20 played a club my junior year for about $6 and it wasn't close to sold out. Now people pay $40 to sit on a lawn to watch Matthews play.

I'm not saying everyone should go every week to see a local original band. But maybe start with once a month. Spend a couple weeks out with your friends enjoying that craptacular cover band, and then one weekend a month, pick a random club and see something new.

Or, if you're in a band, ask your local club owner for 30 minutes of playing time, see what they say. Do it for free the first time, and if he's likes you, ask for money the next time.

Check the local paper, and see what looks interesting. Give them a chance - that's all most local bands are asking for.

New music news

It's Monday morning, and I'm kinda sleepy...so I'll just kick it off with some news about new albums to look forward to/or ignore. (Thanks to billboard.com, for some of the following).


Flavor Flaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavvv!!
While most people are still in shock about Flavor Flav's new romance with Brigitte Nielson (there's even a new show about it coming to VH1 soon), it's great to hear he's in the studio. Not only is he preparing a solo album, but also a new album with Chuck D. Flav claims the album is "way better than our most recent albums." That's great news, because most people don't remember "Revolverlution," "There's a Poison Goin' On" or "Muse Sick In Hour Mess Age." Hopefully they'll get back to the Public Enemy of old.

Oh no, not J-Lo!
Jennifer Lopez has a new album coming out early next year. Run.....run while you still can.....run as fast as you can!!

Where is the love?
Black Eyed Peas are releasing their new album early next year - and Fergie has a solo album coming out too. Hopefully she'll be better than Gwen Stefani and put out something that is actually fit for the decade at hand. I also hope we don't have to listen to any silly lyric changes. I understand they rewrote "Let's Get Retarted" into "Let's Get it Started" for the NBA, but does that mean they have to sing the new version live as well? Geez, we're getting oversensitive.

Bombs over Baghdad
Along with finishing a new movie, the boys from Outkast are preparing two new albums for the new year.


Burn, baby, burn
If you haven't already, be sure to check out The Battle for Ozzfest on MTV on Monday nights at 10:30 p.m. EST. Of course, I have to support the local group - Cynder. I'm keeping tabs on the band for an upcoming story for the newspaper, and will try to keep updates on here too. So far, the band's singer, Ryan Camp, has stayed pretty much out of trouble. It would be great to see them put North Carolina on the musical map - for something other than Fantasia or Clay Aiken.

Coming soon - My list of the top 10 albums of the year, more on the Grammy nominations and the usual fun stuff.

Don't call it a comeback

She's baaaackkk.......
The woman formerly known as Baby Spice, Emma Bunton, has decided to release a solo album. Now I haven't heard one song of of this album, but don't we already know how this story goes?
1. Former Spice Girl releases solo album.
2. Former Spice Girl has a mild hit in the UK.
3. Former Spice Girl makes U.S. debut.
4. Former Spice Girl bombs horribly outside of Europe.
5. Former Spice Girl marries soccer player, or simply disappears from airwaves.
There's also a story about her over at cnn.com for those who are truly interested.


Comfortably Numb
The Scissor Sisters were on Saturday Night Live last night. For me the verdict is still out - I had never heard them until the show. Their first song, "Take Your Mama" was a nice, funky rock song with a good vibe which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, the band came out for their second song and played the absolute worst disco-fied cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" that I've ever heard. I can't even begin to describe it - think BeeGee's cover Pink Floyd. I respect a musician's creative license to cover a song, but the Scissor Sisters went a bit too far.



Hail to the Chief
Earlier this week, Jay-Z was named President and CEO of Def Jam Records. He's also got a number 1 record with Linkin Park for their "Collision Course" album. Worth checking out in my opinion if you're a fan of either artist. It's interesting to hear how each band riffs over the other's beats. Of course, Mike Shinoda's flow doesn't compare to Jay's. We'll just have to wait and see what kind of effect Jay has on the hip-hop label, and if he'll come out of retirement at some point.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend....

Kill the radio stars

It's almost impossible to talk about music without talking about radio. These days, it seems like radio is pretty much dominated by Clear Channel and other conglomerates who apparently doesn't like much variety in their programming.

We keep the radio on for about half of the day at work, and constantly hear the same songs over and over. One station plays Creed, ACDC, The Scorpions, ACDC, Cinderella (?!?!?!), Creed.....ugh, it's horrible. Another will play some newer stuff, but it's usually Jewel, Creed, John Mayer, Creed. Sure, there is the occasional Alice in Chains or Stevie Ray Vaughn thrown in, but it's usually the same bands over and over and over again.

What ever happened to variety?!? And before you say, "Change the channel," inside the newspaper building we can only get about two or three stations.

Radio has become nearly as bad as MTV, but at least there's still music on the radio.
I'll save the monotony of MTV for another day.

Radio is in a sad state.

We've seen concerts cancelled in North Carolina, by popular bands, because there is no radio support.

While driving, I listen to a radio station that is based two hours away, because at least they'll play some new music.

Too many radio stations claim to be "all-new" or promise format changes only to play the same garbage that everyone else is. How many people need to broadcast the "John Boy and Billy Big Show" in the morning - in the same market?

I'm not sure if this is a Southern thing - the monotony of radio - or not. I'm sure there are more progressive stations in New York or Atlanta or L.A. Feel free to share your opinions - I'm curious to know.

What do you have to do to get a decent rock station in North Carolina?

I recently reviewed a CD by the band No Warning - they're on Linkin Park's new Machine Shop Recordings label, but unfortunately, you'll probably never hear them on the air.

I want a "modern rock" station that will play ACDC, but only once or twice a day. Give us variety! Play something by Rev. Horton Heat, Camper Van Beethoven, Green Day, Jane's Addiction (and not "Jane Says" or "Been Caught Stealing"), Drive-By Truckers, A Perfect Circle, Robert Earl Keen, Slipknot, Bjork or someone new and different!

If not for the sake of variety, do it to give these other bands a chance. How about if a band sells 500,000 records, they are no longer allowed on the air? I mean, if that many people own their album, no one needs to hear them on the radio. I think that's a pretty good idea.....

"Damn the man, save the Empire!"

Imagine all the people...

So much to talk about, so little time.
I think I'll spend some time over the coming days and weeks looking at the Grammy nominations.
So here's today's "list of 5" in my musical mind.



Stop shooting stars
I mentioned the shooting of Darrell Abbott yesterday. It occurred right around the anniversary of John Lennon's death. It's simply crazy. The guy from this week was upset that there would be no Pantera reunion, so he shot Abbott five times in the head. Well, that only ensures that there's no reunion, dumbass.


Slipknot success
I was pretty amazed when the Grammy nominations came out. Not only for the previously mentioned domination by Kanye West, but also for the inclusion of Slipknot. They've got two nominations this year - Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Metal Performance. Granted, I'm not a big Slipknot fan, but the two nominated songs, "Duality" and "Vermillion" are two of the best songs I've heard all year. Pain, aggression, melody all combined to form two amazing tracks. "Vermillion Pt. 2" - an acoustic version of the song - is equally impressive and worth checking out if you haven't already.
And from the archives in my mind, I'll say that singer Corey Taylor is a helluva nice guy. I had the pleasure of doing a phone interview with him right before this album came out, and he was quite entertaining. Even shared a story about the ghosts in Rick Rubin's house.


I want my nickel back...
OK, I hate the band, and I don't like it even more that they were nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance. Is it just me, or do all of their songs sound the same. Maybe it's Chad's voice. Either way, it's generic rock that will hopefully get stomped by one of the other nominees. - Slipknot, Incubus, Metallica or Velvet Revolver.



It's almost time to Panic!
Fans of Jane's Addiction and Dave Navarro will be happy to know that Dave's new band The Panic Channel is slowly building momentum. He's in the band with former Jane's drummer Stephen Perkins and recent bassist Chris Chaney. Add in former Skycycle vocalist Steve Isaacs and it's a powerful punch. I've heard some early stuff through Navarro's Web site, and it's sure to win over longtime fans.


No Doubt it's not good
Gwen Stefani is doing her solo thing, and so far I'm not impressed. I'm a big fan of No Doubt, however I just can't get into this 80s vibe on her album. Granted, I've only heard the first single and some snippits on MTV, but I don't see the appeal yet. I sometimes get the feeling that big stars say, "I've got money, so I'm going to do some bizarre stuff. Hey, I'm famous, so people will buy it." Of course, the record execs sit in their comfy leather chairs and agree - "She's Gwen. It'll sell millions." Next thing you know it's put in the discount bin next to Lindsey Lohan. As previously stated, I will admit that I have not heard the entire album, and this is simply a judgement based on what I've heard so far. After all, the album did get nominated for a "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy. And those Grammy's - they know what they're talking about. I mean, these are the people that gave an award to Milli Vanilli and a Best Metal performance to Jethro Tull!

Enough of the sarcasm.....for now.

Also, I have not yet decided if this will be a daily blog, or just an "as often as I can" blog. We'll just see how it goes.
Thanks for opening the lid, and seeing what's inside the can.

Let's Get it Started!

OK, so I've decided to start this blog as a way to voice my thoughts on all the horrible music circulating the airwaves.

I'm an unpaid music writer for a newspaper in North Carolina (for the past 5 years). There's "no room" for a music column at the paper, so I'm taking it online.

Just my random thoughts on the state of music today - 5 quick thoughts to start it off.


Lindsay Lohan lip synchs.
Is anyone actually surprised by this?!? Apparently, when you get off the bus in Hollywood, they hand you recording contracts. People online are getting excited about her album being released....and I had a mild heart attack. The music today is going into the toilet, and consumers keep lapping it up.

RIP Dimebag Darrell.
"Hold your mouth for the war," and we'll all regret a Pantera reunion that will never happen. Some jackass goes into an Ohio club and shoots Darrell dead, along with three others. If you don't like heavy metal, use earplugs. You know, I once interviewed Phil Anselmo... and he was really nice. He also thanked me for a great interview without the "bullsh*t" he usually puts up with.


Motley Crue hitting the road.
Thank god they reunited, because no one wanted to see the girl from Hole on the drums again and some no-name singer dancing around in front. Tommy Lee can't be replaced on drums. Though I will admit that Hole drummer was cute and could play. I'm sure the Crue won't be as crazy, but fans will at least get to enjoy their music once again.

Britney Spears, welcome to the trailer park.
What in the world happened to her? Not like she had much talent in the first place, but her downward spiral is like watching a car wreck in slow motion.


Kanye West leads Grammy nominations?
Wow...I can't say I know one person who owns this album. I thought Usher would be up there at the top. Sure, Kanye isn't bad, but his first video has to receive an award for most annoying hook ever. That girls voice was right up there next to a dentist's drill.

That's all for now.