Author: audioeclectica

Worst Cover Songs: Halestorm (Whitesnake)- Still Of The Night

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I’m not sure why this keeps happening. There seems to be a new thing going on in music where bands are releasing cover albums and E.P.’s. Granted things like this have been happening for a very long time, it just seems that over the past few years it’s become more prevalent. Recently, I came across a cover of Whitesnake’s “Still Of The Night” by Halestorm. I couldn’t believe what I heard. First off, when I was a kid, I was a big Whitesnake fan, as was my mom, and “Still Of The Night” was one of my jams. So, when I heard this atrocious cover, I felt compelled to have to share it with you all. This cover just doesn’t have the same “gusto” as David Coverdale singing it.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Halestorm- Still Of The Night

 

Whitesnake- Still Of The Night:

Bands That Should Return: Led Zeppelin

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It’s been too long and the fans want it. The guys aren’t getting any younger, and there are so many people that want it. So how about Led Zeppelin gets back together. I’m not asking for new music, just play some shows. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are one hell of a trifecta. Their legacy and influence is spread over multitudes of generations. And there are people like myself that would love to see the three of them play on stage. I do have one request that if they do decide to play some shows, don’t use Jason Bonham as the drummer. Dave Grohl needs to be behind the kit. Jason was good for the “Celebration Day” reunion they did a few years back but, it really needs to be Dave Grohl.

What do you all think? A Led Zeppelin reunion with Dave Grohl playing drums?!

You Might Have Missed: Error

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Way back in 2003/2004 there was a group that consisted of Atticus Ross (Nine Inch Nails), Leopold Ross and Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion). This group came about when Atticus was messing around in the studio and came up with some very interesting sounds that could become songs.  Not long after the inception of the songs, Atticus recruited his brother Leopold to play drums and Bad Religion guitarist to play guitar and bass. On vocals Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan) was asked to take on the vocals for the EP.

The end result of this collaboration brought 5 songs of pure electronic hardcore with a healthy dose of industrial. You can tell from listening to this EP, why Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross work so well together. The songs are blistering and uncompromising. After the 5 songs finish, the EP leaves you wanting more but, it also leaves you pumped up and ready for anything.

Sadly though it is unlikely that Error will return anytime in the future as discussed in a 2009 interview. However, in a 2011 interview with Greg Puciato, he discussed the possibility of doing a second EP with Error. I personally would love to hear a new EP. Greg will be done with Dillinger soon, so why not!

Error- Error EP:

Underrated and Influential: Placebo

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There are bands that have come out and really influenced other people and bands but, never seem to get their due. A slew of bands from Europe have left their mark on bands from the states. The only thing is, most of America didn’t embrace it or give it a chance. One such band is Placebo. Formed in 1994 in London by singer/guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal, Placebo has left their mark in the alternative rock scene for over 20 years. Brian’s unique and distinct voice along with his beyond honest lyrics, have given great inspiration to many throughout the band’s inception.

One of the great things about Placebo is that they are a band that’s never been afraid to expand upon their sound and evolve. Originally when they came out, they were received as a “glam-rock” band by critics and the press, and over the years they worked to put themselves in a position not only escape that categorization but,  to be one of the best rock bands. Lyrically, Brian Molko paints vivid pictures with his words. He lets you in a little bit at a time, so you can understand where he is at in his life and what he has experienced. Hid lyrics are some of the most truthful and thought provoking of the last 20 plus years.

Since 1994, Placebo has released 7 full length albums, each of which get better and better. You might recall first hearing Placebo back in the movie Cruel Intentions, and their song “Every You and Every Me.” Their debut album (self titled), is full of angst and questions in regards to growing up. Something everyone could relate to. Without You I’m Nothing, the band’s second album, saw them grow by leaps and bound and explore a different side of themselves. This album went deeper and featured a more “mellow” sound, making Brian stand out even more. Over the course of the next couple albums Black Market Music and Sleeping With Ghosts, Placebo really began to cement their place in rock music, especially in Europe and with their influences like David Bowie and Robert Smith of The Cure.

My personal favorite album of theirs, Meds, is a great summation of everything the band is about. There is something special about this album. It’s dark and powerful yet it breathes a sense of calm and connection as the songs play through. Songs like “Meds,” Infra Red,” “Drag,” “Follow The Cops Back Home,” “Because I Want You,” “Song To Say Goodbye,” and the very amazing “Blind,” are absolutely perfect. Meds would also mark the last album drummer Steve Hewitt would play in the band. Placebo has gone on to release 2 more full lengths, Battle For The Sun and Loud Like Love, which take the band on a different approach, incorporating more electronics and synths. Both of these albums though are pretty stellar and translate to a whole other space live, especially the songs off of Loud Like Love.

Placebo is a band that deserves their due. They are one of the few bands to truly understand what it is to evolve and pursue their goals without compromising their artistic integrity. There are so many bands that owe Placebo a huge debt of gratitude, which I hope they get. They are masters at their craft and like a fine wine, only gotten better with age.

 

Placebo- Meds:

 

Placebo Live 2003:

 

Placebo Live 2013:

 

Placebo Unplugged:

Live Review: Superjoint at The Whisky

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Last night was one hell of a night. The last time I saw Superjoint was in 2004 at the Ventura Theater. I don’t really remember much about the show but, I do remember the sheer intensity that came pouring from the stage to the audience. Fast forward 13 years and that intensity is still pouring from the stage, only this time, it was a direct punch to the face. After being on a “hiatus” (I really hate that word) for the past 10 years, Superjoint returned with a sense of urgency and truth. Their performance this evening was beyond what I thought it would be and then some. But first let’s get to the other bands on the bill.

When I arrived at the venue and stepped inside, Child Bite was just taking the stage. I purposely didn’t check them out before seeing them, because I wanted to experience something I have never heard. Wow, was Child Bite superb. They had an energy and attitude about them, the permeated through the Whisky. Those that were there early got to witness a truly enigmatic performance. Singer Shawn Knight, is one hell of a frontman. He’s got the screams, cleans, and charisma that every frontman needs. Sean Clancy (Bass), Brandon Sczomak (Guitar) and Jeff Kraus (Drums) are tremendous and tight. The band is a very interesting group, as their influences range from Mr. Bungle/Faith No More to The Jesus Lizard, with a bit of Black Flag and a dash of Pantera. Child Bite are a band to look out for when they come through your town and steal the show.

The direct support for the evening came from Detroit, Michigan’s Battlecross. I have heard them before and Battlecross sure brought the energy. Ripping through their set, the metal was delivered. Their sound is a mix of thrash metal and a bit of metalcore. These guys know how to play and rock a stage. Battlecross are on the right track of flying the metal flag. I have to give them their due for the showmanship while playing. The guitar solos and bass solo really added a layer of enjoyment to their performance.

Now Superjoint was what the crowd was waiting for all night. Philip was looking in shape and ready to get back to doing what he does best, decimating stages and audiences. Joining Phil in Superjoint are long time guitarists Jimmy Bower and Kevin Bond and two newcomers Joey “Blue” Gonzalez on drums and Stephen Taylor on bass. Both Joey and Stephen are perfect fits for the band. From the moment the set began with the instrumental “Obilvious Maximus” you knew that Superjoint meant business. Ripping through songs from their first two albums and their new one, Caught Up In The Gears Of Applications, Phil and company have never been tighter. Not only that but, they genuinely looked like they were having a good time. Other songs like “Ozena,” “Waiting For The Turning Point,” “Fuck Your Enemy,” “The Alcoholik,” “It Takes No Guts,” and “Everyone Hates Everyone,” really stood out to me. The new songs played, sounded better live than on the album. Interestingly too, the evening’s show was being filmed for a future release. Needless to say, this was a special show. Superjoint was on fire and blazing. The crowd was into every minute of it. This was a truly great show not just for the band, but those of us who were there.

I also feel the need to mention something else. The Whisky, has really stepped up their game in regards to making the bands sound great. The new system they have in there, really makes all the difference. So, thank you to the Whisky for doing what was necessary. Next thing, is getting a credit card machine at the box office!

 

By: Brian Lacy

Cover Song: Mastodon (The Melvins)- The Bit

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I’m pretty sure that Mastodon has released the album of the year. Emperor of Sand is spectacular. Needless to say, I’m totally in a Mastodon frame of mind. I was thinking of posting a cover that Mastodon did but, I realized that I had already posted it a while back. So, I found another one they did. This is their take on The Melvins song “The Bit,” which comes from their album Stag.

Enjoy!

 

Mastodon- The Bit:

 

The Melvins- The Bit:

Guest Vocalist: Axl Rose

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I have long been a fan of Axl Rose. I was even him for Halloween once when I was 4 or 5. Not only does Axl have one the best and most recognizable voices in music but, he has lent his talents to some other bands over the years. Take a listen to Axl guesting on these songs.

 

Steve Jones of Sex Pistols- I Did You No Wrong (from Fire & Gasoline):

 

Gilby Clarke- Dead Flowers (from Pawnshop Guitars):

 

The Outpatience- Anxious Disease:

 

Sebastian Bach- Back In The Saddle (Aerosmith Cover), Stuck Inside, Love Is A Bitchslap (from Angel Down):

Back In The Saddle:

 

Stuck Inside:

 

Love Is A Bitchslap:

 

Axl also sang on Don Henley’s “I Will Not Go Quietly” from the album The End Of Innocence.

Songs In Film: The Doors- The End in Apocalypse Now

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I’m a HUGE fan of The Doors. I get really excited when I hear them be it on the radio, TV, or movies. One of the best things about this topic is that, I get to show you how impactful certain songs are when used in the right way in a film. The Doors song “The End” is perfectly used in Apocalypse Now.

Enjoy!

 

The Doors- The End in Apocalypse Now:

Band Of The Week: New Language

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There seems to be a river of inspiration flowing in Los Angeles. Over the past few years, the bands that have been making an impact in Los Angeles are something to really pay attention to. One such band is New Language. Formed in Los Angeles by Tyler Demorest and Matt Cohen, this band is rounded out by Sebastien Betley and Martin Dovali. New Language has a sound that combines the 90’s quiet to loud with a post hardcore vibe. Think if Failure and Sparta had a child. Their full length album Come Alive was produced by At The Drive In and Sparta drummer Tony Hajjar. The 10 songs on their album are rockin and full of life. Songs like “Wake Up,” “Right Now,” “Frantic Behavior,” and the title track “Come Alive” are perfect examples of why New Language needs to be on your radar.

 

New Language- Come Alive:

 

Wake Up:

 

Frantic Believer:

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

 

 

New Release: With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda

So far 2017 has been a pretty decent year for new albums. Mastodon unleashed their epic new one Emperor Of Sand, which will be competing for album of the year, and now With Our Arms To The Sun’s long awaited new album Orenda has arrived. In a previous post I did a full review of the album, so I won’t go all in depth in this post. Instead I will just ask you to take the time and let With Our Arms To The Sun bring you a masterful piece of art and music. The ten songs that make up the album take you on a journey of self exploration and transcend the norms of rock music. Combining the elements and inspiration of philosophy, prog rock, metal and hope, With Our Arms To The Sun have produced (with the help of Buzz Osborne from The Melvins) an epic album for the times.

I urge you to take some time today or this weekend and take this album in. When a band like With Our Arms To The Sun comes along, it’s best to pay attention, because if you blink, you just might miss something spectacular.

 

With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda: