One of my favorite new bands, Minus Knives have released a new single called “Shallow and Grave” and it’s pretty damn awesome. This song along with their other new song “Cope” show the immediate growth and talent that these guys have. Minus Knives are definitely a band to be on the look out for. They have the songs and live show that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy Minus Knives, I know I sure do!
Minus Knives- Shallow and Grave:
Minus Knives- Cope:
Minus Knives- Minus Knives EP:
I love when you hear a band and from the first note played, you just know you are going to dig it. Recently I heard about a band called His Eyes Have Fangs and felt compelled to check it out and I’m sure glad I did. His Eyes Have Fangs are phenomenal. They are a rock band through and through but, they have this really dreamy and provocative style that climbs into your mind and takes you on quite a journey, just like bands in the 60’s and 70’s did. Everything about this band from the soothing and retro style vocals, the moody guitars that have the right melodic approach and rhythms that are laid back but right in the pocket, make His Eyes Have Fangs quite the package. The sonic dynamics the band plays with make the dreamy and psychedelic aspects quite a listening experience.
His Eyes Have Fangs are:
Tony Alva
Matthew Rainwater
Rachel Rainwater
Sonny Mayo
Alexander Rossi
His Eyes Have Fangs:
Baroness are back and will release their new studio album “Gold & Grey” June 14th through the their own label Abraxan Hymns. The album is again produced by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mogwai), whom the band also worked with on their most recent release, “Purple.” Gold & Grey is the first album to feature new guitarist Gina Gleason and based on this first track alone, Gina fits in perfectly with Baroness. Her style of playing is spot on and her backing vocals compliment singer/guitarist John Baizley impeccably. Check out the first single and video “Borderlines.”
Baroness- Borderlines:
It’s been about 10 years now since we have heard from Them Crooked Vultures. The “supergroup” featuring Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones was one hell of a band. They had this really cool bluesy jam band style along with some really fun songs like “New Fang,” “Dead End Friends,” “Mind Eraser, No Chaser,” “Elephants,” “Reptiles,” “Caligulove,” and “Spinning In Daffodils.” The best thing about this band though was that it gave Dave and Josh a break from their main bands and when they returned to those bands, the material they made sounded rejuvenated and alive again. Though the Queens Of The Stone Age album made after TCV, hasn’t really aged well, while Foo Fighters Wasting Light is still one of the best rock albums of the last 10 years. I had the chance to see Vultures live and they were great live. Yes the band has Dave and Josh in it but the whole time I was watching them on stage, I was in awe of John Paul Jones. I truly believe he has never gotten the proper credit and respect for his contributions in Led Zeppelin. That man is a talent among talents. I’d love to hear a new Them Crooked Vultures release, mainly to hear more of John Paul Jones but, also because I think the Foos and Queens need to take a break. It’s worth noting that they’ve all said in recent years that they wouldn’t rule out working together again, it’s just getting the timing right. Who else wants to see this?
Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures:
The other day while I was reading my daily music news, I came across an article that went into detail about the making of the “acoustic” version of the Deftones song “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away). In the article, it was mentioned by DJ Crook, who made the “remix” version, that he was originally sent a cassette with vocals and guitar of Chino and Far singer Jonah Matranga. Crook then said “All I had at the time was this drum machine (8 yrs old at the time) and a tascam 4-track cassette recorder (10 yrs old at the time). I tapped out the tempo of the song and laid out the beat and recorded it on the other free tracks directly on the cassette they sent me. It magically stayed in sync. I dumped that down to another cassette and sent it back to them.” Needless to say the end result was something quite different than the original and it gave the song a totally different vibe. I’ve always dug on this version. It also happens to be the first Deftones song I ever learned to play. I still go ape shit when they play it live too. It’s such a great song. Anyways, enjoy this alternate version!
Deftones- Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away) “Acoustic”:
I don’t know whose idea this was but, whoever’s it was should be taken out to a town square and given nine lashes. This is just a boring lame version. There is nothing special about it. Johnny Cash did it justice and he’s the only one. Why do bands like this feel the need to even attempt to cover a song as powerful as “Hurt?” There is zero emotion or passion in this performance. A band like Mumford and Sons will NEVER have the real gusto to make a song like this work. This was an all around bad idea. Please just stop!!!
Mumford and Sons covering Hurt:
Oh 1994, you brought us so many wonderful things musically that are forever remembered and revered. One such thing that I’ve always loved is the song “Regulate” by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg (R.I.P.). I still remember hearing this song and seeing the for the first time and thinking it was so good and cool. It was also so different from all the rock and metal I was into. “Regulate” is one of those songs that is so fondly remembered. It’s also one of those songs that when it’s played while you are out and about, you can’t help but to sing along. The “G-Funk Era” was quite cool and brought with it a vibe that just fit in perfectly with Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and so many other great hip hop records at the time. So sit back and enjoy this sweet sweet jam.
Warren G featuring Nate Dogg- Regulate:
To all the people out there that say “rock is dead,” you must be living under a rock. Rock music is alive and well. Further proof of that is the band of the week, Charger. Armed with a Motorhead sensibility of heavy fast rock, Charger is coming full speed ahead and taking no prisoners. Taking cues from inspiration like Motorhead, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden to name a few, Charger has given new life to rock n roll. This three piece made up of Andrew McGee (Guitar), Jason Willer (Drums/Vocals), and Matt Freeman (Bass/Vocals…also of Rancid and Operation Ivy), has been making a name for themselves in the bay area and it’s for sure paying off. Charger has an EP out now that is one hell of a listen. It’s sure great to have a band like Charger out there, I’m stoked to hear more.
Charger- Charger EP:
Meg Myers is one hell of a talent. She’s got a very cool and unique voice and vibe. I’ve written about her a few times and really enjoy what she brings to the music world of today. Recently, Meg released a cover of the Kate Bush classic “Running Up That Hill.” Her version is unique to her and does what you should do with a cover, make it your own. This isn’t the first cover of this song that I’ve come to enjoy. Placebo did a cover of this song many years ago that has always been stuck out to me and many others as well. On this version, Meg gives it a bit more energy and an optimistic vibe. Enjoy!
Meg Myers- Running Up That Hill:
Placebo- Running Up That Hill:
One of the great things about the band Daughters is the art aspect they bring to the table. The words and vocals of Alexis S.F. Marshall are quite intriguing and have the ability to manifest in your mind and expand your imagination. With that being said, Daughters recently released a video for their song “Less Sex” from their album You Won’t Get What You Want. This video was directed by former founding member Jeremy Wabiszczewicz. The end result is a video that is dark and volatile while at the same time is deeply sensual and seductive. This is one of my favorite videos I’ve seen in the last few years. The song and video are perfect for each other. Check out this gem of a video, you’ll for sure thank me later.
Daughters- Less Sex:
AUDIOECLECTICA 