It’s official, good music does still exist. Since the news broke of Failure’s reunion, every fan wanted a tour and new music. There was some hesitation on what new material might sound like, and the direction they would go in. To no surprise, Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kelli Scott, did not disappoint. The newest track released “The Focus” sounds like classic Failure set in modern day. The space guitar, the rumbling bass and thumping drums mixed with a catchy vocal melody makes this song very infectious. Take a listen and hear for yourself!
In today’s musical climate its always nice to see bands take their influences and wear them with pride. A great example of that is Goldsboro. They take their love of 70’s rock, specifically Thin Lizzy and incorporate a good time vibe to it. This power trio are bursting with energy. Singer/guitarist Kevin Roentgen plays chunky powerful riffs while carrying the melodic nature of the song with the vocals. His voice is somewhat reminiscent of Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. Johnny Lonely takes the rhythm of his bass and dials it in perfectly with the ferocious drums of Chris Cano. Chris is a beast behind the kit. He also plays in another band featured here called Dekades. Since 2012 the band has been hand picked to open for Guns N Roses and have been highly endorsed by Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols. Goldsboro are part of a new breed to show that rock n roll is alive and well.
I am not a Steely Dan fan at all. In fact to quote Seth Rogen in Knocked Up “Steely Dan gargles my balls.” Strangely though, their song “Dirty Work” seems to pop in my head from time to time. I remember an episode of The Sopranos when Tony Soprano (RIP James Gandolfini) was singing it while driving. Thankfully there is a version of this song that I can listen to and thoroughly enjoy. It’s by a super group of sorts. In 1995 Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards of Failure joined forces with Paul D’Amour (formerly of Tool) and Chris Pitman (now in the new Guns N Roses) and recorded and album of covers under the name Replicants. Enjoy the only way Steely Dan can truly be tolerated!
1994 was quite a year not just for music, but also for movies. Brandon Lee’s final film The Crow was released and accompanying the film, was a tremendous soundtrack, featuring bands like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine and Helmet. One of the intriguing things about the album was the songs from Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, and Rollins Band were all covers. Nine Inch Nails did Joy Division’s “Dead Souls,” Pantera did Poison Idea’s “The Badge,” and Rollins Band did Suicide’s “Ghost Rider.” Also notable was the inclusion of Rage Against The Machine’s Darkness, which was actually a re-recorded b-side from their debut album. Stone Temple Pilots song “Big Empty” first appeared on the soundtrack and then was later added to their masterpiece Purple. The Cure’s song “Burn” is a wonderful song too, that radiates how great The Cure are.
The Crow is my all time favorite movie. I’ve seen it well over 100 times. There is something so perfectly dark about it and the music that is a part of it blends so well.
1. James Hetfield- Metallica
2. Jerry Cantrell- Alice In Chains
3. Clint Lowery- Sevendust
4. Stephen Brodsky- Cave In
5. Ken Andrews- Failure
6. Scott Kelly- Neurosis
7. Eric Clapton
8. John Fogerty- Creedence Clearwater Revival
9. Dave Grohl- Foo Fighters
10. Neil Young
11. Chris Cornell- Soundgarden
12. Kurt Cobain- Nirvana
13. Brian Molko- Placebo
14. Josh Homme- Queens Of The Stone Age
15. Jimi Hendrix
16: Jim Ward- Sparta
17. Lou Reed
18. Billy Corgan- Smashing Pumpkins
19. Matt Talbott- Hum
Somehow through all the trials and tribulations of life Trent Reznor was able to create amazing albums. Coming off a 5 year hiatus after the release of the highly influential and masterful album The Downward Spiral, Trent finally released The Fragile. While The Downward Spiral had heavily distorted instruments and dark industrial sounds. The Fragile relished in lush soundscapes electronic wizardry, ambient noise, heavy rock guitars, and vocal harmonies. The end result is uncompromising. The way Trent was able to capture the sheer torment and agony thorough his music and lyrics was beyond untouchable.
Each of the sides seems to represent something unique to the inner workings of Trent. The first disc (aka The Left), is easily the more accessible part of the album. Starting with “Somewhat Damaged” which communicates the state of mind/concept that this album is about. “The Day The World Went Away” really delivers. The ambience plays perfectly into the distorted guitars. The segue “The Frail” is a beautiful precursor to the wreckage that is “The Wretched” which is wonderfully angry. “We’re In This Together” is vulnerable and delicate while being able to still hold onto the rage inside of Trent. “The Fragile” is a love song of sorts or a plea to the one who is the apple of his eye. The instrumental “Just Like You Imagined” is a gem on it’s own. The vibe this song puts out is driving and near inspirational. “Even Deeper” gets more involved lyrically and exposes more of Trent. “Pilgrimage” is another segue that leads us deeper down the tunnel and away from the light. “No, You Don’t” picks up where “Pilgrimage” ended and explodes with heaviness. “La Mer” is a song that Trent said he wrote when he was in such a dark place. There is something about that song the way it blends perfectly into “The Great Below” which closes out the left side beautifully. This song also acts as the end of a chapter.
The right side (disc 2) starts with “The Way Out Is Through.” In a way this song is the further descent into a personal hell. “Into The Void” deals with more of the personal issues, with a heavier vibe. “Where Is Everybody?” has a really cool deconstructed electronic beat that creates a really nice tension throughout the song. “The Mark Has Been Made” is another instrumental/segue that takes us further down the rabbit hole. “Please” has more of an industrial edge to it. “Star Fuckers Inc.” is just a really nice “Fuck You” to all those that irritated and got under the skin of Trent. The guitar tracks on this song are full of heavy goodness. “Complication” takes a step towards the more industrial dance laced beats. It kind of foreshadows where his music is heading. “I’m Looking Forward To Joining You, Finally” is a solemn song, as it exposes his want to say goodbye permanently. “The Big Come Down” furthers his not light at the end concept. Musically this is a very unique song filled with melody. “Underneath It All” is a gritty song which keeps the deconstruction alive. Ending the album is “Ripe (With Decay)” this instrumental plays like the close of a life or chapter. There is something special about this song, in that all the quiet sounds and stark instrumentation really helps to sum up all the songs.
The Fragile to me is a marvelous album that can’t be touched. I’d dare even put it above The Downward Spiral. Both are so unique and perfect it’s hard to pick just one. I guess it all depends on ones mood. Trent Reznor is a musical genius. His ability to delve deep and create something so real is inspiring. It’s not easy to create 1 masterpiece. Trent was able to do it twice.
There is something happening with music nowadays. I’ve come across some truly great bands since starting this site. Adding to that list is a great band out of Washington called Wild Throne. This awesome 3 piece was conceived by friends Joshua Holland (guitar/vocals), Noah Burns (drums) and Jeff Johnson (bass). The end result of their music is a blend of bands like Judas Priest and Mastodon, mixed with 70’s rock, thrash, a little bit of prog rock and a dash of melody. As the story goes, while on tour the band caught the ear of famed producer Ross Robinson, and he took them into the studio to record their latest EP Blood Maker. Since the bands inception they have shared the stage and toured with Red Fang, Helmet, Kylesa. The 3 songs on Blood Maker are a jolt of life into the stale autonomy of the mainstream. The guitar riffs are heavy and rugged with nice subtle tones of clarity. The bass is dirty enough to fit in the sludgy thrash spectrum while at the same time complimenting the subtle clarity of the guitar. The drums pound hard and thump with aggression. Vocally the raw emotion coming from the voice of Josh Holland is real. Basically what I’m saying is Wild Throne is fantastic!!!
Zeppelin is an institution and very hard to cover right. There have been a few instances where it’s a success. This version of Kashmir with Alice In Chains and the addition of the symphony is spectacular. William Duvall delivers! He adds a bit of soul and gruff to the song. Jerry, Mike and Sean are right in the pocket. Take a listen for yourself.
Chino Moreno has one of the most distinct voices in the rock music community. His soft whispers, powerful screams, and intriguing melodies can be found on quite a few albums from others. Below is a handful of those.
In anticipation of the new album by Mastodon, entitled “Once More Round The Sun” here are the first 2 tracks released from that album. When I saw Mastodon live recently, they played them and in classic Mastodon form, these songs are beasts live. I present to you all, “High Road” and “Chimes At Midnight.”
AUDIOECLECTICA 