Author: audioeclectica

Soundtrack Only Songs: Glenn Frey- You Belong To The City From Miami Vice

 

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Take a trip back to 1985 with me. Miami Vice (which is one of my top 5 all time favorite TV shows ever) is taking over the small screen and captivating audiences. Part of what made the show great besides the writing, acting, costumes, cars, and setting was the music on the show. Those in charge of picking the music for the show had a real knack for picking the perfect songs. The first soundtrack released for the show back in 1985 featured some great songs including “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins and two songs by Glenn Frey of the Eagles, “Smuggler’s Blues” and my personal favorite “You Belong To The City.” Glenn’s songs were written specifically for the show, in particular the episode entitled Prodigal Son, which Glenn had a small part in. This song (along with Jan Hammer’s theme) helped to propel the soundtrack to the top spot on the Billboard charts for 11 weeks.

Glenn Frey- You Belong To The City:

 

Cover Song: Miley Cyrus (Nine Inch Nails)- Head Like A Hole

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So this is one of those odd, out of left field things. Miley Cyrus did a cover of  the classic Nine Inch Nails track “Head Like A Hole.” On the new season of Black Mirror, in the episode “Rachel, Jack And Ashley Too,” Miley performs the song. The chorus lyrics were changed from the original anthemic verse of “Head like a hole / Black as your soul / I’d rather die than give you control / Bow down before the one you serve,” Cyrus, who plays fictional pop star Ashley O in the episode, can be heard singing “Hey there, whoa-ho, I’m on a roll / Riding so high, achieving my goals / I’m so stoked on ambition and verve / I’m gonna get what I deserve.” Additionally, the Nine Inch Nails track “Right Where It Belongs” was also featured in the episode, which is available now on Netflix.

 
I will say, I actually like this. It’s not amazing by any means but, it’s not bad at all. A lot of people will hate on it but, at least it’s not as bad as Buckcherry’s cover of the song. Miley actually has a good voice. She’s got a good “ROCK” voice that I’d like to hear her use more.

Miley Cyrus- Head Like A Hole:

 

 

 

Title Tracks: Black Sabbath

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We all know that Black Sabbath are pioneers of heavy music. They are also one of the best at title track songs. Through their catalog, you can really pick up “that vibe” from these songs. That “vibe” I’m referring to is the feeling that captures the essence of the album. Over the years, Black Sabbath’s title tracks have not only made a statement but, also, left a mark on music in general.

Ozzy Era:

Black Sabbath:

 

 

Paranoid:

 

 

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath:

 

 

Never Say Die:

 

 

The Dio Era:

Heaven and Hell:

 


Mob Rules:

 

 

Ian Gillan Era:

Born Again:

 

Album Rank: The Cult

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The Cult have long been one of the best and most consistent rock bands in the world. I’d even go as far as saying they are one of the best rock bands of all time. They’ve released some of the best rock albums and continue to make it known that they are still a force to be reckoned with. With that in mind, take a delve into their catalog and see why they are one of the best!

 
10) The Cult- The Cult:


9) The Cult- Born Into This:

 

8) The Cult- Ceremony:

 

7) The Cult- Dreamtime:

 
6) The Cult- Hidden City:

 

5) The Cult- Choice Of Weapon:

4) The Cult- Beyond Good And Evil:

 

3) The Cult- Sonic Temple:

 

2) The Cult- Love:

 

1) The Cult- Electric:

Songs In Film: David Bowie- Cat People (Putting Out Fire) from Inglourious Basterds

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Quentin Tarantino has a knack not just for making great films but, also knowing just what songs to use for the scenes. Going back to Reservoir Dogs, you could get a sense that Quentin knows just what he’s doing in this regard. Over the weekend I saw that his epic 2009 masterpiece Inglourious Basterds was on. It had been a minute since I sat and watched so, naturally, I felt compelled to do so. The use of David Bowie’s “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” in this film was absolutely outstanding. The song fit the mood and the way the scene was put together is a work of art. Enjoy this moment of Quentin’s greatness.

 

 

Cover Song: David Bowie (The Velvet Underground)- White Light/White Heat

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David Bowie was a huge fan of The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed. So much so that Bowie often tried to emulate Lou. The Lou Reed album TRANSFORMER, was also “produced” by David Bowie. The classic Velvet Underground song “White Light/White Heat” had been part of Bowie’s live repertoire since 1971.  The Velvet Underground originally released the song in 1968 on their second album, White Light/White Heat. Bowie’s version wasn’t released officially until 1983, on the Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture soundtrack. Interestingly, Bowie’s version was supposed to be released on Pin Ups. Anyhow, enjoy David Bowie’s take on one of my all time favorite bands songs.

David Bowie- White Light/White Heat:

 

 

The Velvet Underground- White Light/White Heat:

 

 

Alternate Versions: Lou Reed- Heroin

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In 1967, The Velvet Underground released their seminal debut album. This album is said to have influenced everyone that bought it, to go out and start a band. On this album is the song “Heroin.” Written by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, this song tells a very dark and deep tale about the use of the drug. The version that most people are familiar with comes from the 1967 album but, there is another version that takes it further down the hole. The 1974 Lou Reed album Rock n Roll Animal, features a new take on the song. This version is almost double the length of the original and it’s a different take on the original. Lou Reed has often been misunderstood (more on that for another day) but, he’s the epitome of what an artist is. Anyways, this is one hell of an alternate version that should be heard and enjoyed.

Lou Reed- Heroin (from Rock n Roll Animal):

 

 

 

The Velvet Underground- Heroin (from The Velvet Underground & Nico):

 

Band Of The Week: Alphamega

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There is truly something great about heavy bands that can add in the right amount of melody to their sound. Whether it’s rock, metal or whatever, it’s the melody that ties it all together. I’d like to introduce you to Alphamega. These gents have that perfect balance of heavy rock/metal with just the right helping of melody to complete their sound. Alphamega is made up of Adam Ryan (Vocals), Michael Muenzer (Guitar) and Chrissy Warner (Drums). Their first single “Lords Of The Flies” is melodic metal done right. The song has a catchy hook to it that is memorable without being over the top or cheesy. On the band’s site they have a quote that says “Beautiful things come from ugly places.” That couldn’t be more true about this band, as there is a positive and bright element about Alphamega that separates them from the pack. Look for more new music from Alphamega soon.

Alphamega- Lords Of The Flies:

 

Live Review: Birds In Row at Bootleg Theater

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When I first heard Birds In Row’s new album, We Already Lost The World, I knew I had to go see them live. There is this electric energy about this record and a sense of urgency to it that really was compelling. It’s like that book you’re reading and can’t put down. So, the moment I saw they announced a Los Angeles date, I was going to have to be there.

Around 9:15 on a cool May evening, the crowd moved in closer to the stage, the three members of Birds In Row took the stage and then an ferocious explosion occurred. For the next 50 minutes, the intensity that radiated from the stage to the audience was astounding. Blasting through their album We Already Lost The World with songs like, “We Count So We Don’t Have To Listen,” “We vs Us,” “15-38,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Love Is Political,” “Remember Us Better Than We Are,” as well as “O’Dear,” and  “You Me & The Violence,” showed that the punk spirit they inhabit is alive and well. These songs are more than just songs, they are anthems. This wasn’t just a show, it was an exercising of anger and frustration and a coming together of like minded people. Members B (guitar/vocals), Q (bass/vocals), and T (drums) are beyond tight and together as a band. They played off each others energy and absolutely crushed. As I mentioned above, the sense of urgency that they play with comes through in their performance. The songs live have a different vibe and really come to life.

 
Birds In Row are the type of band that take a chance and create something that is full of vigor and vision. The bands sound definitely blurs the lines of punk and hardcore but has a helping of melody to balance the aggression. They are definitely one of those bands that when they come through your town, you should run and go see. This performance last night is in the top 3 of the shows I’ve been to this year. I can’t wait for them to come back.

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

Birds In Row- We Already Lost The World:

Those 90’s Songs: Cracker- Low

 

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Those songs you heard back in the 90’s really have a lasting impression. At times I find myself randomly singing a part of some song from that time. One song that I can’t seem to get out of my head is “Low” by Cracker. The song from the bands 1993 album, Kerosene Hat, has become one of the 90’s most recognizable songs. The song itself is a catchy yet keeps with the alternative nature of the band. David Lowery’s voice is the perfect compliment to this song as well.  The memorable video had singer David Lowery losing a boxing match to comedian/actress Sandra Bernhard. I still remember that video. The song has also been featured in countless films and TV Shows like Hindsight, Rectify, The Wolverine, and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (which on a personal note, is my favorite book and the film is pretty damn good as well). So take  a moment and revisit this classic 90’s jam.

 
Cracker- Low: