Month: October 2020

Band Of The Week: Sound & Shape

In a time when people are saying rock is dead, they obviously aren’t looking in the right places. Rock music is very much alive. Enter Sound & Shape, this three piece band hailing from Nashville, Tennesse, have the right amount of heaviness, soul and melody to keep rock music going. Through the course of the band’s career, they’ve released three full length albums along with two EP’s. They’ve also had the pleasure of touring with bands like Sparta, Kings X, and The Spill Canvas. One of the things that really intrigues me about Sound & Shape is the vocal harmonies. Those harmonies are striking and smooth and have this really cool 70’s vibe that has a nice bit of soul and r&b to them, thus making it stand out. Their new song “All Day Morning,”features those quite well I must say. Sound & Shape are the type of rock band that is needed to keep rock n roll music going.

Sound & Shape- All Day Morning:


https://soundandshape.bandcamp.com/

Cover Song: Marilyn Manson- I Put A Spell On You

Last night, I was thinking of movies I haven’t seen in a long while and Lost Highway popped in my head. From that point, I had a couple songs stuck in my head. One was Nine Inch Nails “The Perfect Drug” and the other was the cover that Marilyn Manson did of “I Put A Spell On You.” This track was originally featured on the Smells Like Children EP. The original version of the song was done by Screamin Jay Hawkins but, is most famously done by Creedence Clearwater Revival (and that’s the one I associate it with most). This is definitely an interesting take on the song and fits perfectly on Lost Highway. Enjoy!

Marilyn Manson- I Put A Spell On You:


Soundtrack Only Songs: White Zombie Feed The Gods in Airheads

The movie Airheads is quite a fun one to go back and watch. It’s still ridiculous and silly but, there is something so good about it. Perhaps it’s because of Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi, or Chris Farley, or even the soundtrack (which is absolutely worth checking out if you haven’t). I still remember watching the movie years back and seeing White Zombie performing “Feed The Gods” and thinking, how cool they were live. I still wish I had been able to see them live. Anyways, this song I’ve always thought was a badass White Zombie song.

White Zombie- Feed The Gods:


Album Rank: Black Flag (Rollins Era)
Black Flag | Black flag logo, Black flag, Flag decal

I’ve long been fascinated by the history of Black Flag. I still remember the first time I heard them when I was a little kid. I was really getting into punk music during the mid 90’s renaissance of punk rock. I remember reading an interview with Lars and Tim from Rancid and they kept mentioning Black Flag. Naturally, I did what anyone who is curious about a band would do and went to the record store and got myself a Black Flag album (I wound up buying Damaged). From that point, I was on a path of finding out all about these other bands and fell in love with the genre even more. One of the things that always stood out to me about Black Flag was Henry Rollins. He was such a commanding force on stage and his vocals were very direct and in your face. That combined with the magnitude of the music from those in Black Flag, made for one hell of a band. So, with all that in mind, here’s my ranking of the Rollins era Black Flag albums.

In My Head:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b65wOPuFlvo&list=OLAK5uy_kQzQDkbnkrcGAXME4LUuPJS860qKFJPNo

Family Man:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BROmloB0_08&list=OLAK5uy_mqUUy3V3crsBhZvBao1jTZB741eqZo-Gw

Loose Nut:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0M-3DQB1bA&list=OLAK5uy_kf2NGFpNcKRXG7qQ8b0HmYKq9A65rDMr0

Slip It In:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1XqNPBA-Tk&list=OLAK5uy_mOnXe3oz272No_15UUn_PrKtQSrkfvgi0

My War:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga6v91ZGL1U&list=OLAK5uy_kYpp9nYw45WJ–TiUpa7Xi0eDm9vwmodc

Damaged:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDUYCyajDcs&list=OLAK5uy_ky7Ce5ObYR1y7vEQRdxByDB3qjYz7_fhI

Memorable TV Performances: Rage Against The Machine on Letterman 1999
Rage Against The Machine - Guerilla Radio (Live on Letterman).mpg - YouTube

Way back in 1999, in the pouring rain of New York, Rage Against The Machine took the stage in the street for an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. During this evening, they performed a mini concert for a slew of fans while promoting their Unsung Masterpiece that is The Battle Of Los Angeles. Here’s Rage performing “Guerilla Radio.”

Rage Against The Machine- Guerilla Radio on Letterman:


New Release: Killer Be Killed- Dream Gone Bad
KILLER BE KILLED - Dream Gone Bad (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) - YouTube

Well, Killer Be Killed have done it yet again. “Dream Gone Bad,” the second single released from their upcoming album Reluctant Hero, is one hell of a jam. And the video, directed by Jim Louvau & Tony Aguilera is quite trippy and totally fits with the song. The trade off vocals between Troy Sanders and Greg Puciato are stellar as well. This album is defintely shaping up to be one of the best of 2020.

Killer Be Killed- Dream Gone Bad:


Deconstructing Self-Destruction:


End Of Album Songs: Van Halen
Van Halen Original Logo - LogoDix

It’s only fitting that today I do a Van Halen article. Eddie Van Halen was a force to be reckoned with on guitar. The impact he had on rock music as well as his influence over the years is astounding. His style of playing and music will most definitely live on forever. While thinking about his legacy yesterday and today as well as listening to a ton of Van Halen albums, I thought why not showcase their end of album songs. Some of these aren’t the best songs the band has but, they were chosen to end the albums for a reason. So let’s get this party started.

On Fire (from Van Halen I):


Beautiful Girls (from Van Halen II):




In A Simple Rhyme (from Women and Children First):


One Foot Out The Door (from Fair Warning):


Happy Trails (from Diver Down):


House Of Pain (from 1984):


Inside (from 5150):


Sucker In A 3 Piece (from OU812):


Top Of The World (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge):


Feelin (from Balance):



How Many Say I (from Van Halen III):



Beats Workin (from A Different Kind Of Truth):


Album Review: Greg Puciato- Child Soldier: Creator of God

When an artist goes solo, the results can tend to be so full of expectations that, when you finally hear it, it can bit underwhelming but, that’s not the case with Greg Puciato’s solo album. What has been unleashed on this record, is an album that encapsulates every aspect of what Greg has done and unveils a few new twists and turns you might not expect. Child Soldier: Creator of God is an album that is no holds barred and lets true artistry stand out.


Through the 15 tracks and 65 minutes of this record, there is something for everyone who is a fan of Greg and what he’s done, be it in The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Black Queen or his guest appearances. Each song takes on a life of its own as well. There are times when the album feels a bit disjointed but, in actuality, it’s really not. The way the songs are placed and the flow of it, takes you, the listener, on a very distinct journey through the inner workings of what is in Greg’s mind.


Part of what makes this album stand out is the diversity of the songs. There are the moments that are ambient and etherial and then there are those that are straight up in your face hard rocking songs. There is absolutely no compromise when it comes to either of those things on this record. Just when you think it’s going to go one way, you get taken a different route and the end result is astonishing. Another thing about this album that provides a sonic punch is the use of different drummers. Having Chris Hornbrook, Ben Koller and Chris Pennie hitting the skins on this album you get a different pulse behind certain songs the provides another layer to the depth of these songs. Also worth noting is the production and mixing on this record. Nick Rowe’s production and assistance on these songs is just what was needed. And the mix by the legendary Steve Evetts is damn near flawless. You can really feel the grittiness and nuances that are meant to come across.

Having been a fan of Greg’s for quite some time, this album really showcases what a true talent he really is. Having an outlet like this and not being confined by a style or genre has really allowed Greg to find his own way. The moment you put this album on till it ends, it will engulf you with so many different feelings. I wish I could pin point certain songs for you to check out but, that wouldn’t do this album justice. It’s an album through and through. The beauty of an album like this is that there is so much to delve into. The more you listen, the more you find new things to love about it. This year has been a very interesting one for sure with so many moments that leave you shaking your head but, one thing is for sure, this album, is one of the bright spots of the whole year.

Overall Rating= A

Greg Puciato- Child Soldier: Creator Of God:


Best Guitar Solos: Machine Head- Halo
Machine Head - Halo (solo) - Dallas, TX - 1/30/18 - YouTube

Back in 2007, Machine Head released their epic masterpiece, The Blackening. When this album came out, it was on constant rotation for me for quite some time. I’ll never forget putting the album on and when it got to the song “Halo,” I was compelled to play it again and again and again. Not only was this song a stand out and totally monumental in the bands catalog but, the guitar solo is totally hypnotic. The dueling guitars and harmonies by Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel are astounding. When this album was released, I found myself needing to go see Machine Head live so I could hear this song live. “Halo” live is not only a staple live, it’s one of those songs that when it’s played live, it absolutely gets the crowd going. So, take a few moments and let this song take over and the guitar solo hit you hard.

Halo (Album Version):


Halo (Live Version/2008):


Band Of The Week: Spirit Adrift

I love a good throwback sound. Especially when it’s done in a fresh way but still retains the core of what the band is trying to convey. With heavy metal, there is a chance it can go either way but, it seems that Spirit Adrift have mastered it perfectly. Spirt Adrift have taken their love of metal from the 70’s, 80’s and even a bit of the 90’s and crafted an album that has invoked that spirit (pun totally intended), and let it run free. The bands upcoming album, Enlightened In Eternity, is chock full of great songs, melodies, riffs, solos, and so much more. There’s a fun playful vibe to this band but, at the same time you can definitely hear the serious nature of the songs. You can feel and hear the blood, sweat and soul poured into this album, just based on the three songs released so far, “Screaming From Beyond,” “Astral Levitation,” and “Harmony Of The Spheres.” Spirit Adrift have really made an album that stands out from the rest of their peers. Enlightened In Eternity is an album that will leave a lasting impact on those who listen. This band is on fire and they will have you wanting to rock out the moment you put this album on.


Screaming From Beyond:




Astral Levitation:



Harmony Of The Spheres: