Month: June 2018

Classic Soundtracks: Freddy vs Jason

 

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2003 saw the release of an anticipated movie that sort of (well not sort of) fell flat on its face. That movie was Freddy vs Jason. There was so much potential as to what that movie could have been but instead we got what we got. One thing that actually was cool about the movie was the soundtrack. Over the 20 songs featured on the soundtrack, you got to hear the end of the “nu-metal” era and the beginning of the “metalcore” era. You had bands like Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, Sevendust, Lamb Of God, Spineshank, Ill Nino, DevilDriver, Stone Sour and even Type O Negative, to name a few. Something else about this soundtrack that is worth noting is that 14 of the 20 songs on this soundtrack were previously unreleased songs by that bands.

 

Freddy vs Jason Soundtrack:

 

Cover Song: The Atlas Moth (Pink Floyd)- Fearless

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So as you can tell I’m still really digging on The Atlas Moth. Since I saw them live a couple weeks back, I’ve been searching for all things related to the band. I recently stumbled upon this cover they did of Pink Floyd’s “Fearless” and I have to say it’s pretty damn good. Check it out and enjoy what The Atlas Moth brings to this Pink Floyd gem.

 

The Atlas Moth- Fearless:

 

Pink Floyd- Fearless (from the album Meddle):

Anticipated Albums: Birds In Row- We Already Lost The World

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Over the last few years I’ve noticed a musical explosion happening in France. There seems to be something in the water out there because the quality of bands coming from that region is astounding. One band that I’d like to focus on is Birds In Row. This post-hardcore/punk band is really about to set the world on fire with their new album We Already Lost The World (out July 13 via Deathwish Records). The two songs released so far, “15-38” and the album opener “We Count So We Don’t Have To Listen” are beautifully devastating while packing quite a hooky punch. With this being the bands second full length album, you can tell that Birds In Row have found their sound and are set to take flight.

Birds In Row- 15-38:


Birds In Row- We Count So We Don’t Have To Listen:

Great Music Videos: Alice In Chains- Rooster

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Let’s take a trip back to February 1993 when the video for the Alice In Chains epic “Rooster” was released. The Mark Pellington directed video was poignant, dark ,deep and realistic. The video featured real Vietnam War documentary/news footage as well as some very realistic, graphically re-enacted combat scenes. Jerry Cantrell’s father was a consultant on the video, as it explores Cantrell Jr.’s interpretation of his father’s war experience. Something else that is interesting about this video is, at the time the video was also the longest music video ever aired in full on MTV (running approximately 7 minutes long).

They really don’t make videos like this anymore and that is a real shame. I will always remember how impactful the video was and still is.
Alice In Chains- Rooster:

 

 

New Release- Smashing Pumpkins- Solara

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I’m sure most of you know about the 3/4 reunion of The Smashing Pumpkins. They have announced a full scale US Tour and will be releasing a new album (their first with Billy, James, and Jimmy in over 18 years) to coincide with the tour. The first song released by this newly reunited Pumpkins along with longtime Corgan collaborator Jeff Shroeder is called “Solara.” It’s a very Pumpkins sounding track. The real highlight of the song is Jimmy Chamberlain’s drumming on it. Jimmy is seriously one of the most underrated drummers of the last 25-30 years. That guy is a beast behind the kit. Anyways check out the song below. I’m interested to know what you all think of it.

Smashing Pumpkins- Solara:

New Release: Chino Moreno (Deftones)- Brief Exchange

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There is a soundtrack/compilation being put out by DC Comics for their upcoming Dark Nights series. Composer Tyler Bates, who you might know from doing the music for Guardians of the Galaxy, Californication as well as working with Marilyn Manson on his The Pale Emperor album, is at the helm for this project. Chino has contributed to this soundtrack with one hell of a song called Brief Exchange. It’s badass. I seriously hope that Chino takes some of this style with him to the writing sessions for the new Deftones album.

It’s worth noting too that Brann Dailor, the drummer and one of the vocalists from Mastodon has also contributed to this soundtrack as well. His song is pretty badass too.

 

Chino Moreno- Brief Exchange:

 

Brann Dailor (of Mastodon)- Red Death:

Ultimate Set List: Radiohead

radiohead_bear_logo_black_by_shinji87The other day I was talking with a friend and he asked me what my top 10 favorite Radiohead songs were. When asked such a question I felt compelled to start making my Ultimate Set List for Radiohead. This one wasn’t easy but it wasn’t that difficult. I surely hope Radiohead has plans for a full US tour soon. It’s been too many years since I saw them last and I need my fix!

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Live Review: The Atlas Moth at The Resident

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Through all the many years I’ve been going to concerts and the countless number of bands I’ve seen, it all comes down to one thing, you either have “IT” or not. Last night at The Resident, one of my new favorite places to see a show, I got to witness the greatness that is The Atlas Moth. Since the release of their new album Coma Noir in early 2018, I’ve been waiting to see them live. It is worth noting that Coma Noir is my album of the year so far.

The Atlas Moth live is tremendous. The fury and volume each member emits while on stage is astounding. Their sound which is a mix of psychedelia, sludge metal and bits of black metal comes across live in a way that is almost hypnotic. On top of the musical trance they put you in, their visual elements with lights and lasers really helps to take you to another dimension. Their set while only 40ish minutes was enough to leave me in awe. Songs like “Galactic Brain,” “Actual Human Blood,” “Smiling Knife,” “The Streets Of Bombay” and “Coma Noir” were absolutely stellar live. The whole set was, not just those songs. Needless to say The Atlas Moth have fast become a new favorite of mine.

The Atlas Moth are one of those bands that when you first hear them your interest will definitely be peaked. Then when you see them live, it all makes sense and you are left with a sense of astonishment and desire to go home and play. At least for me, seeing The Atlas Moth made me want to go home, pick up my guitar and start jamming. I also had the chance to talk to Stavros, the singer/guitarist before the show and he couldn’t have been a more down to earth genuine dude. Thanks for the chat.

Do yourself a favor and listen to Coma Noir by The Atlas Moth. Let the music overtake you and put you in that “trance.”

 

The Atlas Moth- Coma Noir:

 

The Atlas Moth- Live At The Resident:

New Release: Thrice- The Grey

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Thrice have released a new song called “The Grey.” The band announced today (after months of rumors) that they have signed with Epitaph Records and are going to be releasing a new album later this year along with a full scale headline tour which starts September 21 in San Diego and ends in Los Angeles November 18. Joining Thrice on tour will be The Bronx.

“The Grey” sounds like Thrice. It sort of picks up where they left off on To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere with a bit of the Major/Minor sound.

 

Thrice- The Grey:

 

 

Thrice Tour Dates:
09/21 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
09/22 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
09/24 Austin, TX – Emo’s
09/25 Houston, TX – House of Blues
09/27 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
09/28 Orlando, FL – House of Blues
09/29 Atlanta, GA – The Buckhead Theatre
09/30 Charleston, SC – The Music Farm
10/02 Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
10/03 Richmond, VA – The National
10/04 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
10/06 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
10/07 Boston, MA – House of Blues
10/09 Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
10/10 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
10/12 Chicago, IL – House of Blues
10/13 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
10/14 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
11/02 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
11/03 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
11/04 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
11/06 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
11/07 Denver, CO – TBD
11/09 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
11/10 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
11/11 Lawrence, KS – The Granda
11/13 Dallas, TX – House of Blues
11/14 Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater
11/16 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
11/17 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
11/18 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

Unsung Masterpieces: Snapcase- Progression Through Unlearning
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There are certain albums that over the years have made quite an impact on so many bands. In the punk, hardcore/post hardcore genres specifically there is one album that is often sited as a huge inspiration not only in songwriting but also production. That album is Snapcase’s 1997 album Progression Through Unlearning. Just as The Shape Of Punk To Come by the Refused helped to change the landscape of hardcore and punk, Snapcase really ignited a fuse within the hardcore/punk community.

Interestingly, Progression Through Unlearning was actually a rebirth of sorts for the band. Their primary songwriter, guitarist Scott Dressler, left the band for graduate school. Thus leaving the rest of the guys in their tiny, dungeon-like basement practice space with a new member and a new lease on band life. The first song they wrote with their new line up was the first song on the album “Caboose.” Progression Through Unlearning was produced by the now legendary Steve Evetts. The band chose Steve based on his work on Lifetime’s Hello Bastards and Deadguy’s Fixation on a Coworker. 

The finished product was 32 minutes of pure and unrelenting hardcore. The band has stated over the years that with Progression and working with Steve Evetts, it was the first time anyone had been able to capture the true essence of what Snapcase really is. Something else that makes this album stand out from all their others is the lyrical content. Progression Through Unlearning was based around the idea of self-improvement through inward reflection. It encouraged the listener to take a look at the layers that society defined them by to discover the strength buried underneath.

After Progression was released, Snapcase hit the road with bands like Deftones and Quicksand, as well as a spot on the Vans Warped Tour. The legacy of the band’s live shows and this album in particular has helped to pave the way for so many bands that came after them. The production of this album is something that sort of also lives in infamy. So many bands, including Deftones have tried to replicate what was created with Progression Through Unlearning.

Snapcase were always out there on the road and grinding it out through 2005 when they called it quits. Over the years though, Snapcase have reunited for various one off shows. Now in 2018, it seems that Snapcase are preparing for a return and it will be one welcomed with open arms.

 

Snapcase- Progression Through Unlearning:

 

Snapcase- Spike Up Your Tone (first new song in 16 years!!!!):