This week's new releases (5/1)

Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:

Tori Amos "American Doll Posse" - The piano songstress finds more of her rocking side on her latest album.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club "Baby 81" - Slow rockers in the vein of Kings of Leon release their latest.

Feist "The Reminder" - Possibly the next big female solo artist?

Miranda Lambert "Crazy Ex-girlfriend" - This country singer from "Nashville Star" is beginning to scare me...

Rush "Snakes and Arrows" - Still going strong after all these years...

As always, a list of the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Dinosaur Jr., Frog Eyes, Gov't Mule, Hawk, Patrick Wolf,

I hope this is true!

From US Weekly:

Did Prince publicly humiliate wannabe pop princess Paris Hilton on purpose?

A source tells Us Weekly that Hilton, 26, was in the audience at the Purple One’s April 20 Club 3121 gig at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in las Vegas when he invited the "Stars Are Blind" singer to join him.

As a “delighted” Hilton obliged, Prince, 48, handed her the mic and told the audience, “Let’s see if she can really sing,” says the witness.

Hilton stormed offstage – and left the club two songs later.

Prince’s rep had no comment. Hilton’s rep says, “The item is false.”

Idol

It's great that "American Idol" tried to find a worthy cause...

But why is it that the poor people are asked to help feed other poor people? If "Idol" took all of the money they earned from advertising during that two-hour special last night, I'm sure it would be much more than $30 million.

At least Ellen donated $100,000...but should celebrities that make $20 million on a movie be asked to donate a little more than $100,000?

I appreciate the effort, Ellen, but you could have upped the stakes a little.

Idol and Shinn

"American Idol"

I've grown bored of saying the same thing every week - Jordin is the best female singer and Blake has the best chance for the guys thanks to solid vocals and good personalities.

It really doesn't matter who else they wanted to boot, though I'd guess Lakisha will be finding the door soon.

Like Jennifer Hudson before her, she screams more than sings.

Everything is Energy

I caught Everything is Energy last night at the Visulite Theatre.

The band is the latest project from Chris Shinn who once helmed Unified Theory with some of the Blind Melon and Pearl Jam guys.

The new band has a lot of promise, though only about 50 people were there to witness it last night.

Keep an eye out for them, they're worth checking out.

This week's new releases (4/24)

Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:

Fishbone "Still Stuck in Your Throat" - There aren't many original members left, but the band keeps going on...

Golden Smog "Blood on the Slacks" - Members of bands such as Soul Asylum, Wilco, Jayhawks and The Replacements team up for new venture.

As always, a list of the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: The Detroit Cobras, Arctic Monkeys, Badgerlore, Beowulf, Bloody Panda, Cougar, Dogboy, Fishbone, Porcupine Tree, Rain Tree Crow, Rebecca Pidgeon, Snoop Dogg, Spidey, Two Cow Garage

Sanjaya's gone

Is anyone really surprised?

American Idol - Top 7

I knew it would be an interesting week for "American Idol," given the country theme, but most singers actually did ok with it.

As I've said in the past, I'd give the top two to Blake and Jordin. Blake may not be the best singer, but he breaks up the monotony and tries to bring something fresh to the table.

Jordin simply has an outstanding voice and fun personality. Where Melinda is boring and LaKisha looks like she'd hurt you if you don't vote for her, Jordin's youth shines.

As for the rest - it's just a matter of time before they're gone.

Chris has no power to his vocals. Phil, though strong this week, has trouble with low notes and should have been voted out weeks ago. And Sanjaya...do I really need to comment? The boy is nothing but hair and teeth.

Kick off who you want tonight. If it were based on vocals, the bottom three would be Lakisha, Sanjaya and Chris. My guess? With all of the support for Sanjaya, nobody is safe.

This week's new releases (4/17)

Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:

Bucky Covington "Bucky Covington" - Yet another American Idol finalist's album.

Nine Inch Nails "Year Zero" - It's nice to see a new album from NIN in a short time from their last album.

Southern Culture on the Skids "Countrypolitan Favorites" - Some Southern-friend favorites from the Carolina natives.

As always, a listing of the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Arctic Monkeys

I'm addicted

I heard John Butler Trio on the radio recently, and had to check them out.

After getting my hands on the new album, and then seeing his guitar playing on YouTube, I'm hooked.



Or, you can hear the version that's over 11 minutes long:



Simply amazing...

American Idol - Top 8

Between all of the hype and complaints about Sanjaya and how wonderful Melinda and Lakisha are - though I disagree - I'm getting a little bored with "American Idol" this season.

There was talk on Howard Stern this morning about how this is one of the worst groups of singers yet, and I'm beginning to agree.

It's boring. More on that during my bottom three predictions below.

On to the comments:

Melinda Doolittle - Is this a Latin song? Do-little to make me not so bored, please. And for the love of all creatures great and small will you stop acting so freakin' surprised when someone pays you a compliment?!? Simon said she "looked older" this week. Hey, Simon, where have you been? She sings like she's 60 every week!

Lakisha Jones - I'm still distracted by her lisp. She didn't look comfortable singing this week - it looked tough for her to tone it down.

Chris Richardson - It started flat and kind of stayed that way for the majority. Overall, it was a weak performance.

Haley Scarnato - If your singing sucks, just wear less clothes. That seems to be Haley's philosophy. She was too "Broadway," cheesy and karaoke.

Phil Stacey - He still doesn't do well with low notes. He was better this week, but still finds a weird cartoon-like comical tone that makes me laugh and think, "he can't be serious."

Jordin Sparks - Nothing special, but solid vocals and a fun performance. I'd say the best female tonight and the first good performance of the night.

Blake Lewis - A strong performance vocally - best of the guys.

Sanjaya Malakar - Started out a little off-key, but actually wasn't horrible this week. It kind of fell apart in the middle. One of his better performances, but still not very good.

The bottom three: Here's my thought this week. Blake and Jordin were the only ones that stood out. As for the rest, I'd say you can boot any one of them.

Busy week

It's a busy week.

Tonight - Buckcherry and Saliva at Amos' Southend

Wednesday - Interview with Exies singer Scott Stevens

Friday - Interview with local Charlotte band Soulganic

Stay tuned...

This week's new releases (4/10)

Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:


Hellyeah "Hellyeah" - Combine former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul with some of the guys from Mudvayne and what do you get? Hellyeah.

Timbaland "Shock Value" - The producer releases his own album packed with guest stars.

The bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week (there's always a few): Black Panther, El Perro Del Mar, Mad Dog, Panthers, Wonder Pets

Honda Civic Tour delayed

The first few weeks of the Honda Civic Tour - Fall Out Boy is headlining - have been rescheduled to the end of the tour.

The show in Charlotte will now be on June 13.

The dates were rescheduled due to "personal issues beyond the band's control."

"Just wanted to give everyone a heads up, we are planning on this being the biggest and best Fall Out Boy show that we could possibly have. Unfortunately, because of some personal issues we had to delay the tour a few weeks. We want to put on the best possible show we can and know that this extra couple of weeks will give us the time to put ourselves in the right place to put on the best show we can. The shows from the earlier part of the tour will be rescheduled to the end but all tickets will be honored for all moved shows. Again we apologize. Our fans really mean the world to us and I promise the wait will be well worth it." - Fall Out Boy bass player Pete Wentz.

Refunds for rescheduled shows will be given at the point of purchcase.

Flying Anvil sold

OK, I'm not in Greensboro anymore, but I thought I would share an update on a story that I've been following for a while.

Greensboro's live music venue The Flying Anvil has been sold to a group of investors who plan to rename it and turn it into a dance club.

Yep, that's just what any city needs - another dance club.

Sad...

Wow

Well, I was pretty sure that Sanjaya would be around another week, but I never thought Gina would go before Phil or Haley...

I'm looking forward to Lakisha and Melinda getting kicked off too, because no one thinks it will happen. Well, if you watched last year, Chris Daughtry found an early exit.

Again, my prediction is a final between Blake and Jordin. So, let's get this thing moving on already.

And what are the guesses - will Sanjaya wear another funky outfit a la Mr. Furley from Three's Company or will he try yet another new hairstyle?

American Idol - Top 9

I think it's great that Tony Bennett was the guest mentor this week, but when he said that Sanjaya is a great singer, I think he lost a little bit of cred.

Here are my thoughts on the top 9 tonight:

Blake Lewis - Plaid pants, blue blazer = bad outfit. His singing was good but it was a little too falsetto-ish for me. He needed a little more edge to the singing.

Phil Stacey - He doesn't do well with low notes. It wasn't too bad, but if it's not Sanjaya, I'd say he's the best bet to go.

Melinda Doolittle - A solid vocal on a good, upbeat song. If she were to win, I see her releasing a soul album - would it do well? I think she's just too boring and "safe" every week.

Chris Richardson - He's not a bad singer and has personality. The problem is that something's missing - He never gives a very memorable performance.

Jordin Sparks - She has strong vocals and is still the best female singer, in my mind. She has fun and is young and hip where LaKisha is blunt and loud and Melinda is boring.

Gina Glocksen - A strong vocal and good song choice. I think the tongue piercing is distracting. No complaints.

Sanjaya Malakar - Pitchy and off-key as usual, plus bad hair and a bad outfit. He had a few good notes, but he's not even in the same league as the other singers.

Haley Scarnato - She continues to show off her legs in short outfits. Broadway Haley was back tonight. It was too "cruise ship."

Lakisha Jones - She needs to soften it up a little. It's too loud and screamy, as usual.

The bottom three: Haley, Phil and, of course, Sanjaya.

Sad Kermit

A clever site for Sad Kermit. Listen to the popular frog sing Nine Inch Nails or Radiohead songs or watch the video for "Hurt."

Alanis does Fergie

OK, people had a lot of respect for Justin Timberlake doing "Dick in a Box," but I'm sorry...this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

Alanis Morrisette singing "My Humps." Not only that, but the video almost made me fall out of my chair.

Check it out here.

This week's new releases (4/3)

Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:

Chevelle "Vena Sera" - The brothers return with another album that probably sounds at least a little like Tool.

Flickerstick "Live from Atlanta" - I had no idea these guys were still touring.

Hillary Duff "Dignity" - There isn't much dignity in releasing relentless teen pop albums...but what are the chances she's changed her style?

Kings of Leon "Because of the Times" - Southern funky rock at its finest.

Ozomatli "Don't Mess with the Dragon" - Funky Spanish stylings.

Static-X "Cannibal" - Screaming goodness.

As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: J.D. Crowe, Ferocious Eagle, The Finches, Ground Unicorn Horn, Hawkwind, Mainhorse, Manowar, Sick Puppies

Sorry for the delay...

Sorry for the delay in new postings....

I'm living between two houses right now and transitioning into my new job as music editor.

I should be back on track for new releases tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!