Author: audioeclectica

Alternate Version: The Allman Brothers- Whipping Post (Live 1971)

Image result for allman brothers fillmore east 1971

The Allman Brothers are simply great. They wrote some pretty amazing songs and were one of the best live bands ever. Their live shows featured some amazing versions of their songs. At Fillmore East (1971) was the band’s artistic and commercial breakthrough, and has been considered by some critics to be one of the greatest live albums in rock music. One of the best and most profound moments of this album is the live version of “Whipping Post.” This version sees the band drastically extend the song. The studio version is a little over 5 minutes while this version is over 23 minutes but, every minute of it is vital and mind blowing. So enjoy this wonderful gem and play it loud!

The Allman Brothers Band- Whipping Post (Live 1971):

 

 

The Allman Brothers Band- Whipping Post (Studio Version):

 

Best Albums Of 2019… So Far

audioeclectica_logo1

So the year is half over and there’s been quite a few really good albums to come out this year. So here’s my picks for the best albums of 2019… So Far. This list is also in no particular order. And if I missed any, let me know, I’m sure there are a few out there that I haven’t heard yet.

 

The Best Of 2019… So Far:

Moon Tooth- Crux
Cave In- Final Transmission
Glassing- Spotted Horse
Spotlights- Love & Decay
Baroness- Gold & Grey
Helms Alee- Noctiluca
Dalek- Respect To The Authors
The Damned Things- High Crimes
Low Dose- Low Dose
Rammstein- Rammstein
Brutus- Nest
Spirit In The Room- Volume 1
Stephen Brodsky & Marissa Nadler- Droneflower
Deathchant- Deathchant
Pinkish Black- Unification Concept
Pelican- Nighttime Stories
Mark Morton- Anesthetic
Soen- Lotus
Fact Pattern- Fallen Language

Anticipated Albums: Drab Majesty- Modern Mirror

a4190738787_10.jpg

Drab Majesty are one of the newer bands in the last few years that have really intrigued me. Over the last couple months I’ve delved into their catalog and found a real appreciation for the artistic nuances of this band. On July 12, Drab Majesty will be releasing their new (and third album) Modern Mirror on July 12 via Dais Records. The record was produced by Josh Eustis (Telefon Tel Aviv) and mastered by Dave Cooley, with appearances by Jasamine White-Gluz (No Joy) and Justin Meldal-Johnson (NIN, Beck, M83, Air). Based on the three singles released so far, Modern Mirror is going to be one hell of an album for 2019.

Drab Majesty- Oxytocin:

 


Drab Majesty- Long Division:

 

 
Drab Majesty- Ellipsis:

 

Live Review: The Cult at Greek Theatre

 

Image result for the cult sonic temple greek theater

There are always certain bands that when they release new music or come through town I get excited about. The Cult is one of those bands. Ever since I was a little kid and heard “Fire Woman” back in 1987, I’ve been hooked. So, when it was announced that The Cult would be celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the album that got me into them, Sonic Temple, I knew that I had to be there.

Surrounded by the clear skies on a perfect Southern California evening, tucked in the hills at the legendary Greek Theater, The Cult took the stage at 9pm and rocked the house for the next 90 mins. The opening notes of “Sun King” rang through ever so brightly and the roar of the crowd was invigorating as the band kept the rock going with songs like “New York City,” “Automatic Blues,” “American Horse,” “Soul Asylum,” and “Sweet Soul Sister.” I have to say one of the highlights of the night for me was when they played my favorite song off Sonic Temple, “Edie (Ciao Baby).” When they played that, I got chills and was singing at the top of my lungs. What a great song. “Fire Woman” was the last part of the Sonic Temple portion of the show. When they played that, the crowd rose to their feet, danced and sang along like it was 1987 all over again. It was quite a sight to see. For the second part of their set, they stuck to older material along with a couple songs “Rise” and “American Gothic” from their very great 2001 comeback album, Beyond Good and Evil. Even “Spiritwalker” from the bands debut album, Dreamtime was played and it sounded like great and fresh, even with it being almost 40 years old. Of course when “She Sells Sanctuary” was played the crowd again was in full force. Their encore set was badass as well. “Wild Flower,” “Rain,” and “Love Removal Machine” sounded amazing. Ian still has the mystical rock star swagger he’s had since the beginning. You could tell he was feeding off the energy and really giving it his all the whole show. Billy Duffy was ripping it up on his guitar and wailed out on some pretty sweet solos. When it was all over, I really wished they kept playing for at least another hour.

Opening the night was Vowws, a band that should be on everyone’s radar. Their short yet sweet set was superb. They had the right energy and songs to kick off the show. Those that were there early enough to witness this great band were truly in luck. This two piece band played and sounded like they have a full band accompanying them. The bands dreamy synthpop sound mixed with the perfect gothic/industrial undertones, makes Vowws a perfect band for today’s musical climate.  I can’t wait to see them in a small club but, for my first experience seeing them, their performance was understated and quite interesting to watch as they were drenched in sunlight.

Also performing this evening was Zola Jesus and Prayers. Zola Jesus was interesting but, really didn’t do anything for me. I could sense that this wasn’t the right setting to see a band like this. You can tell that there is something more to this band but it needs the right place and vibe to really come to life. Prayers on the other hand… maybe it’s because I’m older and don’t get it or maybe it really wasn’t good. Either way, they didn’t really do anything for me. After they were done I told my friend I was with that Vowws should have been at that spot. Granted this is just my opinion, and I saw a lot of people there that were psyched on Prayers but, for me, that’s a big no.

All in all though it was a great night. The Cult are still badasses. Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy are one of the best songwriting tandems. If you haven’t checked out their last couple albums, Choice Of Weapon and Hidden City, you are missing out. Those are 2 of the best rock albums in the last 10 years. I’d also like to acknowledge the fact that John Tempesta has been killing it behind the drums for The Cult. He’s such a great and versatile drummer and a great addition to The Cult’s sound. If you haven’t check out the Testament album, Low, and you’ll really get to hear how good of a drummer John is. Also Damon Fox on keys and backing vocals along with Grant Fitzpatrick on bass and backing vocals as well, really compliment Ian, Billy and John perfectly. Do yourself a favor when The Cult comes through your town and go see them. You’ll for sure have a great rocking time.

The Cult Setlist:

01) Sun King
02) New York City
03) Automatic Blues
04) Sweet Soul Sister
05) American Horse
06) Soul Asylum
07) Edie (Ciao Baby)
08) Fire Woman
09) Rise
10) American Gothic
11) Spiritwalker
12) The Phoenix
13) She Sells Sanctuary

Encore:

14) Wild Flower
15) Rain
16) Love Removal Machine

Band Of The Week: Nomad Stones

62539495_1350709121747408_4027793430808625152_n.jpg

Power trio’s in rock music are one of my favorite things to listen to. There is something so pure about three people and an explosive sound that comes alive. One such band that has really delivered the goods is Nomad Stones. Formed in 2015 by Cave In members Adam McGrath and JR Connors, and joined by Charlie Coffou, Nomad Stones, roared out of the gate with their self titled debut. The sound of 90’s alternative mixed with, cool and hypnotic effects and a wall of sound has made me really intrigued by this band. As a fan of their other work be it Clouds, Zozobra, Doomriders, etc, it’s in their blood to deliver great rock. Recently, Nomad Stones released a new song “Behind The Trigger” from their upcoming album, Unriddled. This track is as rocking as it is catchy. Nomad Stones have truly found their sound and it’s everything you’d want and then some.

Nomad Stones- Behind The Trigger:

 

 

 

Nomad Stones- Nomad Stones (Debut Album):

 

Guest Vocalist: Liam Gallagher

Image result for liam gallagher singing

For over 25 years, Liam Gallagher has been one of the best voices in rock music. I’d also say he’s one of the best singers in that time as well. His style of singing is uniquely him while taking cues from the likes of John Lennon and John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten). Over the years, Liam hasn’t lent his vocals to many other bands but, on the ones he has, he’s given those songs a different feel. Here are the songs Liam has guested on over the years.

 

The Prodigy- Shoot Down (from Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned):

 


The Verve- Come On (from Urban Hymns):

 


Echo & The Bunnymen- Nothing Lasts Forvever (from Evergreen):

 


Death In Vegas- Scorpio Rising (from Satan’s Circus Vol. 2):

 

Album Review: Cave In- Final Transmission

mail

Since the start of their career, Cave In have always been the type of band to delve deep into themselves and deliver albums that compliment those feelings and emotions. So, it’s no surprise that on their new (and maybe final) album, Final Transmission, that all the grief and thoughts the surviving members of the band have are front and center.
Final Transmission is an album that is bittesweet all the while is pure and true to what they’ve always done.

Beginning with the title track “Final Transmission,” you automatcally feel the spirit of the late Caleb Scofield. The song is actually a voicemail left by Caleb following a writing/demo session, which features Scofield playing an acoustic guitar and singing a melody over it. From there the album moves to “All Illusion”  a song that features lyrics written by Scofield that was taken from a journal that was found after his death. This is  where the album takes a turn for the sound they all created on the highly acclaimed (and my favorite) album Jupiter. The guitar work by Adam McGrath is superb. He’s use of delay and heavy guitars is masterful. Mix that with singer/guitarist Steve Brodsky’s soaring vocals, and the ferocious rhythm section of drummer JR Conners and Caleb Scofield, and you have the perfect Cave In song. The song “Shake My Blood,” is one that will have you reaching for the box of tissues, as you think about the grief that wafted over each member of this band. Other stellar songs on this album include “Winter Window,” “Strange Reflection,” “Night Crawler” “Lanterna,” and the final track “Led To The Wolves” which is quite a poignant ending to a loving tribute to their fallen brother and friend.

 

Final Transmission was unintended to be released in its form, the band obviously was working on making a complete and full album before the passing of Caleb. There is a slight feeling of this being more of a collection of songs rather than an “album” but, the more you listen, the more it all starts to really gel. One thing that is lacking is the absence of Caleb’s screams which helped to give Cave In more of an aggressive edge as found on Perfect Pitch Black and White Silence. Still, It’s a collection of tracks that see a band who has been gone way too long deliver the goods and really make sure that this is something that Caleb would be proud of.
Overall Rating: A-

 

Cave In- Final Transmission:

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

 

Great Music Videos: Audioslave- Cochise

audioslave-cochise-single-limited-edition-421-MPE4032489749_032013-F.jpg

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the video for Audioslave’s “Cochise.” I thought to myself, what a way to make an impact and come out of the gates running. Everything about the video is stunning. The little narrative of Chris Cornell alone atop the structure waiting and Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford arriving together, then them coming together and then BANG! The song itself and this Mark Romanek directed video are just perfect. There’s an interesting story about the making of the video as well. Due to the large number of pyrotechnics used in the video, local residents believed that the explosions were caused by terrorists; speaking about the filming process, Morello revealed that “The local police and news stations literally received thousands of calls from people who thought the city was under siege … All the freeways were blocked because they thought there was an attack occurring.” This song, still to this day when it comes on, gets me going. It’s the perfect song to kick off the album and it’s the perfect song to start your day.

Audioslave- Cochise:

 

New Release: Liam Gallagher- Shockwave

Liam-Gallagher.png

Liam Gallagher is back again with a new single “Shockwave” from his upcoming second solo album, Why Me? Why Not. Liam’s first solo album, As You Were, was a tremendous record full of great rock songs and cemented his place as being able to carry on without his brother Noel. It seems that this new album will be just as rocking as the first. Check out “Shockwave.”

Liam Gallagher- Shockwave:

 

 

Liam Gallagher- As You Were:

Band Of The Week: The Primals

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting and text

The sound of the 90’s is instantly recognizable. There’s an essence about it that seeps in and takes over. The “grungy” sound that mixes, rock, metal, punk and many others is one of my favorite sounds. When you take that sound and mix it with the right players and style, you get something quite good. For example, the band of the week, The Primals, have nailed that sound. This three piece comprised of John Henry (vocals/guitar), Andrew Black (drums) and Chad Fjerstad (bass) have taken the 90’s grunge sound, added a little more punk vibe to it. Their sound is catchy without being mainstream. The bands debut album, All Love Is True Love, which came out in late 2018, was produced by John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes). The Primals really knocked it out of the park with their first full length. The ten songs on it are full of piss and vinegar. It’s raw and infectious and just what the rock world needs. It’s bands like The Primals that show that rock music is alive and well. 

 

The Primals- All Love Is True Love:

 

The Primals- Fortune & Sons: