A couple years back the folks who make Game of Thrones released a “soundtrack” album of songs written about the show. One of the most stand out songs from that release was Mastodon’s contribution to it. The song “White Walker” is one of the bands most experimental yet wonderfully crafted songs. It’s also worth noting that a few of the members of Mastodon have appeared on the show and yes, they were killed, hahaha. Anyways here’s Mastodon’s awesome song!
Mastodon- White Walker:
A while back I posted about how the band Memento was back and well, they officially are. The have released their first new song in many years and it’s fan-fucking-tastic. This new track entitled “Legacy” is one hell of a rocker. The vocals and lyrics of singer Justin Stewart Cotta are top notch. He hasn’t lost a step at all. The riffs and leads of guitarist Jason “Space” Smith are killer. He’s always had a knack for writing catchy yet riff-tastic jams. If this is just the beginning for what’s to come for Memento, then the future looks pretty bright. Welcome back gents!!!
Memento- Legacy:
Memento- Beginnings (Debut Album):
I’m sure you all know by now that Nine Inch Nails is my favorite band. While thinking of what to share with you all today, I wound up with the song “Only” in my head. There are a few things about the song that are really cool. For starters the song was the number one song on the modern rock charts for seven straight weeks when it was released. “Only” is the 20th most played song in the bands live history. And, the music video for the song, which was directed by David Fincher, is one hell of a great video and truly artistic. The CGI heavy video is one of the most intriguing videos in the latter part of Nine Inch Nails’ history. David Fincher and Trent Reznor are one hell of a team together. Their shared vision and ability to create genuine art is profound. Enjoy this great and now classic video.
Nine Inch Nails- Only:
Here’s a bonus… Check out this awesome remix EL-P (from Run The Jewels) did:
Nine Inch Nails- Only (EL-P Mix):
While I was digging around the other day through Cave In live shows and assorted songs, I came across a cover that I totally forgot about. A few years back there was a tribute album dedicated to Nirvana’s Nevermind entitled, Whatever Nevermind. On it bands like Cave In, Young Widows, Touche Amore, Torche, and many others took on the songs from Nevermind. Cave In did “Breed” and knocked it out of the park. Everything about their version is top notch, especially Caleb’s bass tone. Holy crap is it good!
Cave In- Breed:
Full Tribute Album:
The Smashing Pumpkins are a few weeks away from releasing their new album, Shiny and Oh So Bright Volume I (out November 16). This first collection of songs is the first in over 19 years with William Patrick Corgan (he has stopped going by Billy), Jimmy Chamberlain and James Iha. The first two songs released so far, “Solara” and “Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts)” are fantastic songs that sound modern but still hark back to the bands heyday. There is a planned Volume II that is supposed to be released later on next year along with a full length tour.
The Smashing Pumpkins- Solara:
The Smashing Pumpkins- Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts):
This is not a review, rather this is a recap of this magical show. Back in March of this year, Cave In bassist Caleb Scofield was tragically killed in a car accident. Since his passing, his peers have come together to raise funds for his family as well as celebrate Caleb’s legacy. This past evening at The Wiltern, the second tribute show to celebrate Caleb happened and it was something special.
Since the explosion of electronic music in the last decade, I’ve noticed a resurgence of industrial music, which makes me happy. Industrial inspired bands like Youth Code, Khost, and Fact Pattern have brought the style back and are killing it. Now, there is another band that is really taking industrial music to a different level and they are called Street Sects. Formed in 2013 by vocalist Leo Ashline and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Ringsmuth, Street Sects have taken industrial music and mixed in punk rock, ambience and chaos to create a sound that stands out among the others. Their new album The Kicking Mule (out October 26) has a style that is inspired by bands like Roxy Music and Brian Eno as well as Berlin-era Bowie and Pretty Hate Machine era Nine Inch Nails. The songs are intense and full of life. One listen and you’ll have the sudden urge to get up and move. Singer Leo Ashline’s vocals are reminiscent of the like of Brian Molko of Placebo and Low/Station To Station era Bowie. Street Sects are a band that have found their own niche with The Kicking Mule and have successfully created a sound that will instantly capture those listening.
Street Sects- In For A World Of Hurt:
Street Sects- The Drifter:
Street Sects- Still Between Lovers:
I really love when the music chosen for a scene in movie or tv show really fits. Even if it’s for just a brief moment, that scene and song will stick with you. Last night while looking for something silly to watch, Superbad caught my eye. While watching and the scene with the demolishing of the police car happens, I knew right then what I needed to write about tomorrow. Van Halen’s Panama will now forever be tied to Superbad for me. Anytime I hear that song, I always go back to this scene.
Van Halen- Panama in Superbad:
A couple years back Meg Myers came on the scene with a sense of urgency. Her unbridled delivery and very real lyrics made her an artist to watch. Meg sure made an impact with her debut album Sorry as well as her intense live performances. Now on her second album, Take Me To The Disco, Meg takes risks and explores a side that delves deeper into the last couple years of her life.
The album begins with the title track “Take Me To The Disco.” This song sets a mood and gives you a lyrical taste of what is to come. “Numb” the first single deals with the pressures of being on a major label and all the weight that comes with it. “Jealous Sea” is one of those songs that really hits. The moody music and beats along with Meg’s lyrics and vocal prowess on this song really makes it a standout track. Other stellar songs include, “Tear Me To Pieces,” “Little Black Death,” “Done,” “Tourniquet” and “I’m Not Sorry.” One of my personal favorites “The Death Of Me” is one of the best songs Meg has ever written. You can feel every emotion she sings about from heartbreak, anger, and love. It’s a truly powerful song. Closing out the album is “Constant,” a song that really sums up the album and what it stands for. It’s one of those songs that gives you chills while listening.
Take Me To The Disco is an album that stands out on it’s own. It’s not trying to duplicate what Meg did on Sorry. The production of Christian “Leggy” Langsdon, crosses genres and gives the album a breath of fresh air among a sea of over-produced manufactured garbage. Meg Myers is as real as it gets. I’ve often thought of her as a cross between Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, and on this album her Tori side comes out a bit more. Meg is without a doubt a bright spot in a rather dull and corporate styled market. After listening to Meg bare her soul, you’ll understand why Meg Myers is truly an artist to watch out for.
Meg Myers- Take Me To The Disco:
Meg Myers- Sorry:
Yes, I am on a huge Depeche Mode kick right now. There is something so genuine and pure about a Depeche Mode album. Martin Gore’s songs along with Andy Fletcher’s soundscapes and Dave Gahan’s incredible vocals, make Depeche Mode a band that is timeless and exhilarating to listen to. One of my favorite stories about Depeche Mode is how they found Dave Gahan. The story goes, Vince Clarke (former member/founder of Yazoo and Erasure) was out one evening and saw Dave Gahan on stage doing a rendition of David Bowie’s “Heroes.” After that, Dave was in the band and Depeche Mode was born. So it’s only fitting that I share a cover of “Heroes” for you all to enjoy.
Depeche Mode- Heroes:
