Author: audioeclectica

List: Best UK Bands

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The other day I was hanging out with a friend and I presented him with a question, who are the best UK bands of all time. So, we sat there for a few minutes and created a list that pretty much sums up the best bands from the region. There are so many bands from that area but, the impact the ones on this list had made them the standouts. This list is in no particular order as well. And your input is always greatly appreciated to make this list complete.

01) The Beatles
02) The Rolling Stones
03) David Bowie
04) The Who
05) Pink Floyd
06) The Kinks
07) Led Zeppelin
08) Cream
09) Joy Division
10) Sex Pistols
11) The Clash
12) Radiohead
13) Depeche Mode
14) The Cure
15) New Order
16) Black Sabbath
17) Iron Maiden
18) Motorhead
19) Judas Priest
20) Oasis
21) Placebo
22) Blur
23) The Smiths
24) The Cult
25) Oceansize

Album Review: Tool- Fear Inoculum

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Tool’s new album is one of the most anticipated albums ever. The drama and hype surrounding this album have been astounding. Even the rumors about this album have given it all sorts of life before anyone even heard a single note. Finally, after 13 years of waiting, the long anticipated album has arrived. The big question though is, was it worth the wait? Well, in the next few minutes of you reading this, you will get my opinion on that.

I still remember hearing Tool for the first time and thinking this was really cool. The first song I ever heard was “Sober” and the video was pretty stimulating to watch. Undertow was obtained a few days later and after that I was hooked. When Aenima was released that changed everything. That album is a masterpiece straight up. Then 5 years after that, Lateralus was unleashed on the world and that left one hell of a lasting impression on everyone. 10,000 Days though, was a record though that took a long long long time to really get into but, one it finally clicked, it made sense. Especially the song “Right In Two.”

Now here we are, thirteen years removed from 10,000 Days and Fear Inoculum has finally arrived. The thing is though, was 13 years too long? Yes, yes it was. Allow me to further explain. When a band takes this long to release an album, one would expect the record to be truly masterful, evolved and takes things to another level. Each song on Fear Inoculum feels as though it was obsessed over, torn down and rebuilt to try and create a substantial song but, that amount of detail and agonizing over has provided a bloated sense that these songs are more than just a glorified wank fest.  Instead, what was released was a self indulgent piece of art that is so wrapped up in its own ego that it’s truly hard to really get to the nitty gritty of what is there. It’s not that the album isn’t good, it is, it’s just that this album is drab and feels uninspired. I’m all for long songs. I love listening to an album that really takes you on a journey. This album however, only takes me on a journey to fall asleep.

That’s not to say there aren’t moments of brilliance on this album. The odd time signatures are aplenty and the Tool sound is ever prevalent. The song everyone seems to be so jazzed about is “7empest.” That song if you were to really cut the fat out of it has the potential to be one of the most legendary Tool songs in their catalog. That song really has some defining moments for the record.  Fear Inoculum is definitely an album that, with the right amount of patience and time, one can come to really enjoy. This is not a casual listen type of album. As with every Tool album, there is a depth to it that takes time to unravel and decipher. This album not only has those elements but there also seems to be another level that they went to that isn’t quite easy to digest. Among the other gripes I have with the album is Maynard’s vocals. It’s as though his vocals were just placed in spots without the right amount of attention needed to truly highlight the singer. All the time spent working on the actual music and not having Maynard in the room really takes away from what this album could have been. Danny Carey is truly a drum champion but, even his parts on this album just like guitarist Adam Jones, tends to go on and one a bit too long and tend to drone on with no end point. That’s not to say they aren’t good at what they do, they just needed to reign it in a bit more and be more concise about the length of parts. My other issue is not having enough moments for Justin Chancellor to shine. On the previous couple albums, Justin had been at the forefront of many of the songs but, on this one he too seems to have taken a back seat and because of that, the album loses a bit of the aura it should have with Justin’s bass tone and playing. The production on the album though is stellar. Sonically it does sound good and it’s mixed very well.

As I mentioned above, it’s not that this album isn’t good, it is but, it’s just rather drab and boring. I know there are a ton of you out there that think this is the be all end all of albums in 2019 but, it’s really just hype. After 13 years, this is the best that they could do? Maynard was even quoted in a recent interview that the album could have been released 8 years ago. I will continue to go back to this album and see if my mind changes about it. I’ve listened quite a few times and even with each listen, I still find myself wanting to reach for a pillow and just drift off to sleep. One other thing, I do find it quite interesting that both the Tool and A Perfect Circle albums have been quite underwhelming. Is it possible that after all this time both bands have lost the fire that once drove them?

Overall Rating: B-

 
Tool- Fear Inoculum:

 

Live Review: Korn and Alice In Chains at FivePoint Amphitheater

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The summer concert season has long been full of great shows. Going back to the late 90’s and early 2000’s with things like Ozzfest and Warped Tour, along with the other fun package tours, summer concerts have always been a great experience. A few months back, there was a summer tour announced that seemed a bit strange at the time but, made sense. That tour was Korn and Alice In Chains.  When bands share the same management or booking agent (Korn and Alice share the same management) it sometimes really makes a lot of sense to pair the bands on the roster together. When you think about it, you get the sense that it doesn’t fit but, let me be one of the ones to attest to it, it sure does. This evening was quite a fun and awesome one.

 
I missed the first band, The Fever 333. I think they only got like 20 minutes to play too. Following them was Underoath. I’ve never really been a fan of them but, they really put on a good show. They brought the energy and seemed really stoked to be a part of this tour. I had seen them many years ago on Warped Tour and they were very energtic then as they are now. I have to say though, the bass player Grant Brandell and keyboard player Chris Dudley were really going for it all night. As I was listening to the band, I couldn’t help but think that, if Grant and Chris had a side project, I bet it would be something quite cool.

As the sun began to dim, Alice In Chains took the stage. This would be my 9th time seeing Alice In Chains and they didn’t disappoint. Seeing them in an outdoor venue is a totally different experience than when they are playing indoors. There’s an energy that is summoned as they play that inhabits any venue they play but, with the breeze, sunlight, and moonlight as backdrops, it makes seeing and listening to the songs totally something else. Beginning their set with “Angry Chair,” I knew that this was going to be a great performance from them. They wasted no time, just hitting all the right notes as they ran through songs like “Again,” “Man In The Box,” “Check My Brain,” “Stone,” and “We Die Young.” Certain songs though really stood out like “Them Bones,” “Dam That River,” “Love, Hate, Love,” “Would,” and “Nutshell.” William DuVal really knocked it out of the park on those. During “Nutshell” Jerry asked the crowd to turn the lights on their phones and shine them bright for Layne Staley and Mike Starr. When you looked around as that song played, it was a beautiful sight to see. Alice was their usual awesome selves this evening and didn’t disappoint. Getting to hear three of my top 5 favorite songs by them too really made it awesome especially, “Love, Hate, Love.” That song is so damn good.

The headliner for the night was Korn. I haven’t seen them live in over 12 years, so this was quite exciting to see. As the lights dimmed and the feedback began, the curtain dropped and they came out with a bang as they played “Here To Stay.” Which is one hell of a song to open up the show with. “Blind” and “Divine” followed and they sounded stellar, specifically “Divine” which is one of my all time favorites. Other choice cuts played were “Make Me Bad,” “Rotting In Vain” and the new song “You’ll Never Find Me” which sounded killer live. Of course the fan favorites like “Got The Life,” “Freak On A Leash,” and “Falling Away From Me” were played too. Korn has been going at it pretty much non stop just about 25 years and they are constantly bringing it. Its quite awesome to not see a band for a long time and then when you do, you realize they haven’t lost a step at all. Jonathan Davis sounded great as well as the rest of the band. Seeing Munky and Head back on stage again is fantastic. They really do compliment each other so well. It didn’t really work without them both. I also have to mention that Ray Luzier has added some much needed depth to the songs with the way he plays. Plus he’s an absolute beast on the kit and was a great choice as their drummer.

What a fun and great show. Both Alice In Chains and Korn were on top of their games and it’s no wonder why they were put together on this tour. You get a best of both worlds vibe when you are there. It was a varied crowd too which made people watching all that much more fun. I’m quite looking forward to the new Korn album, The Nothing and their upcoming tour. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. And Alice In Chains, what else can I say about this band that I haven’t already. They really are masters at what they do and those songs… Those songs are so damn good, it’s like they have a life of their own. The only thing I wish about the evening was that both Alice and Korn played longer. All in all it was a great evening with great songs, good vibes, and great company.

Alice In Chains Set List:

01) Angry Chair
02) Man In The Box
03) Check My Brain
04) Again
05) Them Bones
06) Dam That River
07) Stone
08) Rainer Fog
09) No Excuses
10) Nutshell
11) Love, Hate, Love
12) We Die Young
13) The One You Know
14) Would?
15) Rooster

Korn Set List:
01) Here To Stay
02) Blind
03) Divine
04) Rotting In Vain
05) You’ll Never Find Me
06) Twisted Transistor
07) Shoots & Ladders (with Metallica One at the end)
08) Got The Life
09) Make Me Bad
10) Somebody Someone
11) Freak On A Leash
Encore

12) 4U
13) Twist
14) Coming Undone (with Queen We Will Rock You)
15) Falling Away From Me

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

Cover Song: Placebo (Depeche Mode)- I Feel You

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This post is quite awesome as it features two of the best UK bands of all time as well as two huge favorites of mine. Back in 1999, Placebo released a cover they did of the great Depeche Mode song “I Feel You.” Originally the song was released as a fan club-only cassette in 1999, as well as a bonus track on the American edition of Placebo’s album, Black Market Music. Later on in 2003 as part of a bonus disc for Sleeping With Ghosts, it was released again. Depeche Mode is not an easy band to cover and do it well but, Placebo did it justice and the way Brian Molko sings, he really made it his own. I thoroughly enjoy both versions and each has their own vibe. I think you’ll enjoy this.

Placebo- I Feel You:

 

 
Depeche Mode- I Feel You:

 

Great Music Videos: Liam Gallagher- One Of Us

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Today, I got a notification about a new video for Liam Gallagher’s “One Of Us.” I’ve already heard the song a couple weeks back and loved it. This video though, takes it to a whole other level. It’s been a long time since a video has moved me but, this one got me. Liam’s new video was written and directed by Peaky Blinders creative duo Steven Knight and Anthony Byrne, so you know there is some depth behind this. And oh boy, does it have that. If you are unaware of the long going feud between Liam and his brother Noel, you should definitely look into that before watching this video. What a poignant and powerful video and statement. Enjoy this song and video.
Liam Gallagher- One Of Us:

 

Memorable TV Performances: Sunny Day Real Estate on 120 Minutes

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Sunny Day Real Estate are one of those bands that I’ve always had a special connection with. Ever since I first heard them, I knew that this band was something I had to listen to. I’ll never forget hearing their song “Seven” for the first time and thinking about how great this was. Their performance on the MTV show 120 Minutes is one for the books. This morning when I woke up, I had their song “In Circles” in my head and it was in the cards for me to post about that 120 Minutes performance. Their debut album Diary, is one of the best albums of the 90’s. That album has influenced and inspired countless bands and artists over the years. If you’ve never listened to that album, you should really do that!

Sunny Day Real Estate on 120 Minutes:

 

 
Bonus Video of SDRE performing “Seven” on Jimmy Fallon in 2009:

 

Album Rank: Slipknot

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Ever since Slipknot’s new album, We Are Not Your Kind came out, I’ve been hooked on it. We Are Not Your Kind is one hell of an album. In my opinion it’s the best album they’ve released since Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses. This new one has some of the darkest/heaviest lyrics since Iowa and musically it’s got a really interesting balance of Volume 3 and the self titled debut. With all that in mind, I thought a new ranking of Slipknot’s albums would be quite fitting.

All Hope Is Gone:

 

.5 The Gray Chapter:

We Are Not Your Kind:

 

Slipknot:

Volume 3- The Subliminal Verses:


Iowa:

Band Of The Week: Seizures

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Late last year I went to see Cult Leader and God Mother at The Satellite and the opening band, Seizures, completely blew me away. I was totally intrigued by this band and their performance and I had to know more. I had previously described them as having this really cool early Thrice vibe ( a la Illusion Of Safety) mixed with a bit of Botch and The Dillinger Escape Plan. I still stand by that only now, I’ve heard “In A Valley Of Twilit Meres” new song from their upcoming album Reverie of the Revolving Diamond, and there is so much more to this band than just that. Seizures is a band that offers the heavy music world a whole lot of awesomeness. By mixing post hardcore, mathcore and bits of jazz, they have a sound and style that is ferocious and brutal yet delicate and oddly soothing. Seizures is the type of band that today really needs. They have all the right pieces from being absolute beasts live and their quality of music and songs really shine. Give Seizures a moment of your time and you’ll see why I think they are a band you should be in the know of!

 

Reverie Of The Revolving Diamond:

 
The Sanity Universal:

 

Title Tracks: Placebo

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If there’s one band that has the title track down, it’s Placebo. Since their inception in the mid 90’s, Placebo has been one of the most consistent bands to release quality albums and songs. They are also one of my all time favorite bands and their live shows are always stellar. Throughout the years, my appreciation for Placebo has grown stronger and stronger for their willingness to evolve and stay true to themselves without compromising their artistic integrity. Take a moment and explore these gems.

Without You I’m Nothing:

 
Sleeping With Ghosts:

Meds:

 

 
Battle For The Sun:

 

 
B3:

 

 
Loud Like Love:

 

Cover Songs: Rancid does Operation Ivy

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Operation Ivy is one of those bands that has long played a crucial role in influencing and inspiring countless punk bands. They are also one of those bands that if they were to reunite, it would be beyond welcomed with open arms. After the break up of Operation Ivy, two of the members (Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman) would go on to form Rancid. Sadly though, a full fledged reunion probably won’t ever take place. The group has stated a number of times that Operation Ivy reunion is unlikely to happen. Singer Jesse Michaels addressed reunion issues in a Myspace blog many years ago citing the legal and logistic difficulties in getting the four members together for a reunion, as well as the fact that the band “never belonged in a big rock club in a one to two thousand seat joint.” He concluded the post with the following: “[Will] it happen? The most honest answer is probably not.” Luckily though, during Rancid’s US tour in 2006, Armstrong and Freeman played select tracks from their previous band’s catalog. At a performance at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco on December 17, 2006, Michaels reunited with Armstrong and Freeman to perform the tracks “Unity” as well as “Sound System”. It was his first time on stage with the two in over 15 years

 

Unity:

 

 
Knowledge:

 

 
Sound System:

 

 
Green Day and Tim Armstrong- Knowledge: