Greatest Political Songs

Today is election day. Probably one of the most important elections in the history of the United States. I thought that today I should put together a list of the greatest political songs. This is open to all who would like to contribute a suggestion to the list. I will be updating this a lot!

Neil Young- Rockin In The Free World:

 

Creedence Clearwater Revival- Fortunate Son:

 

The Beatles- Revolution:

 

Rolling Stones- Street Fighting Man:

 

Bob Dylan- The Times They Are A Changing:

 

Bob Dylan- Only A Pawn In Their Game:

 

Bob Dylan- Masters Of War:

 

Rage Against The Machine- Sleep Now In The Fire:

Rage Against The Machine- Killin In The Name:

 

Buffalo Springfield- For What It’s Worth:

 

U2- Sunday Bloody Sunday:

 

The Clash- Clampdown:

 

The Clash- Know Your Rights:

 

John Lennon- Imagine:

 

Marvin Gaye- What’s Going On:

 

Bruce Springsteen- Born In The USA:

 

Gil Scott Heron- The Revolution Will Not Be Televised:

 

The Doors- Five To One:

 

Green Day- American Idiot:

 

Rise Against- State Of The Union:

 

Black Flag- Rise Above:

 

Bad Religion- American Jesus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Second Look: Trivium

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There are times that when a band first comes on the scene people tend to be very cynical. Especially when the band is made up of teenagers. About 12 years ago, Trivium was thrust onto the heavy music scene, and was met with mixed thoughts. These kids could play their instruments and shred, but that wasn’t enough for most people. Trivium’s first couple albums Ember To Inferno, Ascendancy, and The Crusade, were barely showing the full potential of what the band could be. I first took notice of Trivium when Ascendancy came out. I bought the album and enjoyed it for what it was, a solid piece of metal, that played off the “metalcore” genre that was big at the time. I saw them twice on that cycle, and they did put on a great live show, and were very gracious and humble guys. When it came to The Crusade, I didn’t bother with it. It didn’t seem to have a sense of real depth, and it lacked a real direction of what the band was. Fast forward a few years, to a night when I was searching for something to listen to, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Trivium had put out a new album. So naturally I was curious to see and hear what they had become, and I was genuinely intrigued with what the band had become. For the first time I really thought that Trivium had come into their own.

I took the time to go back to all the albums I missed, and I have to say, since their album Shogun, Trivium has really found their sound, and honed their songwriting craft by leaps and bound. Shogun, was thrashy and heavy, with moments of melody that didn’t let it get too extreme. The follow up the very epic In Waves, is an album that really took it up a notch. You can really hear the amount of work and passion in this album. The next album Vengeance Falls, is somewhat of an experimental album for the band. They chose to work with David Draiman of Disturbed (who is a big fan of Trivium), and the results of their work turned out to be quite interesting. The vocals on the album featured a more dramatic singing approach, which seemed to have given singer/guitarist Matt Heafy, better control and understanding of what to do. Their latest album and the one that got me to listen to them again, Silence in the Snow, is everything you would hope the band could evolve into. The songwriting, playing style, vocals, lyrics and all around performance, shows a band that has really come into their own.

Trivium has defied the critics and have finally matured into a band that can really deliver. Not that they couldn’t before, but with anything, time and growth can make things that much better. I highly recommend taking a second look at Trivium.

 

Shogun:

 

In Waves:

 

Vengeance Falls:

 

Silence In The Snow:

Band Of The Week: Car Bomb

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Being original isn’t easy these days. There is a sense of “it’s been done before,” but, there are some bands out there that have been inspired to create music that takes it up a notch. One band in particular that the inspiration bug has hit is Car Bomb. They have released a new album called META that is spectacular, and the footage I’ve seen of their live shows, makes them really something to watch. If you were to take a bit of Meshuggah, a bit of Gojira, a little Deftones (more of their atmospheric sound), and a dash of The Dillinger Escape Plan, what you get is Car Bomb. This band packs one hell of a punch. From the technical instrumentation, to the scathing vocals, Car Bomb is quite the band to look out for. They are punishing in their delivery, yet have a keen sense of space and bits of melody.

 

Car Bomb- Meta:

 

Video for “Black Blood:”

 

Cover Song: Metallica (Lynyrd Skynyrd)- Tuesday’s Gone

Metallica does a great job covering the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Tuesday’s Gone.”  At Metallica’s 30th anniversary shows, they invited some friends up on stage to join in the cover of this song. Joining them was Pepper Keenan (Down/Corrosion of Conformity), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Jim Martin (Faith No More), and Gary Rossington (Lynryd Skynryd).  Check it out!!

 

Metallica and Friends- Tuesday’s Gone:

 

Lynryd Skynyrd- Tuesday’s Gone:

Guest Vocalist: Anthony Green of Circa Survive & Saosin

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This past year Saosin returned with a great new album, and their first since 2003 to feature original singer Anthony Green. You might know Anthony from the band Circa Survive, which he started after leaving Saosin. His voice is very unique and interesting. He’s got a very high pitched singing voice and one of the best higher screams I’ve heard. Since the new Saosin album Along The Shadows came out, I’ve been listening to it a lot and it’s quite good. It also got me wondering what other songs Anthony has guested on over the years. So here you go!

A Life Once Lost- All Teeth:

 

Envy On The Coast- The Gift of Paralysis:

 

Fear Before the March of the Flames- My Deer Hunter:

 

Balance and Composure- Keepsake:

 

The Receiving End of Sirens- Flee The Factory:

 

Album Review: Red Fang- Only Ghosts

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After 3 years of non stop touring and writing, Red Fang have returned with their fourth studio album, Only Ghosts. Produced by Ross Robinson, this new album features some of the best performances Red Fang has ever recorded. There is a level of volume about Red Fang that is gripping and explosive, and on Only Ghosts, those elements are even more present. The hooks and riffs have a very strong impact throughout the 10 songs. One thing that I noticed on this new album is that the band have really become solid songwriters. There is a real sense of maturity to this album, and that really brings about something different for them. Tucked in the album are bursts of textures the band have never experimented with, along with ambiance and space to let the songs feel like a different beast. This is an “album” through and through. The mixing of the album is top notch, courtesy of Joe Barresi. Stand out songs include “Flies,” “Cut it Short,” “Shadows,” “The Smell of the Sound,” ” I Am a Ghost,” and “Living in Lye.”

Red Fang have always been a band that makes music they enjoy, and they really showcase that here. Working with Ross, seems to have really brought out something more from them all, with the results being superb. I love hearing a band grow like this and make an album that will stand up with their earlier material.

Overall Rating: B+

Red Fang- Only Ghosts:

 

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Live Review: The Dillinger Escape Plan at The Regent Theater

The Dillinger Escape Plan Live Review | Audioeclectica

Epic, Fucking Epic is the best way to describe the beautiful chaos that occurred last night. In all my years of attending concerts, along with the hundreds upon hundreds of bands I’ve seen, there are very few bands and shows that can truly live up to being called FUCKING EPIC, and The Dillinger Escape Plan is just that and then some. On a Sunday night in Los Angeles, The Dillinger Escape Plan was able to sell out the Regent, and make it a memorable show, for all those in attendance. From all the opening bands, to the headliner, there was no way you would walk out of the venue disappointed after seeing and hearing what you just witnessed.

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The first band of the night was Entheos. This band features the very talented Evan Brewer formerly of The Faceless. Their short set, was a precursor for what was to come in the sense of brutality. Their intricate prog death metal djent based music was a great way to start it off. Screamer Chaney Crabb, was really delivered. She had a great presence on stage that allowed her to wrangle in the audience to pay attention.

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Next up was Cult Leader. I was very excited to see this band. And they absolutely killed it. They reminded me of Converge way back in the day. Everything about Cult Leader was top notch and brutal. Vocalist Anthony Lucero had a real knack for belting out guttural screams, all the while delivering a truly magnetic performance. Drummer Casey Hansen is one of the most talented drummers I’ve seen in a long time. Throughout their set, I kept feeling like I was being hypnotized by the band. Musically there is a bit of psychedelia, and ambiance to their heavy hardcore style. I would even go as far to coin a new sub-genre for them, Hypnotic Hardcore. Cult Leader should be on your radar to see live and to have in your music collection.

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The direct support for the evening came from Atlanta, Georgia’s, O’Brother. Their latest album ENDLESS LIGHT, is in my top ten albums of the year, so getting to see them with The Dillinger Escape Plan on the same night was an added bonus. Their set, although rather short, was truly epic. The use of three guitars and a beyond tight rhythm section, really added a few extra dimensions to their already grandiose and enormous sound. Songs from their new album like “I Am Death,” and “Bloodlines,” were absolute highlights for the night. Like Cult Leader, O’Brother are very hypnotic as well, and will leave you inspired at the end.

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Finally when The Dillinger Escape Plan took the stage, the entire audience broke out and began to exercise their demons. There is something to be said for the way that a band like Dillinger can have such an affect on people. Musically it’s something that you study, and vocally and lyrically it is something that you use as therapy. The combination of these two things really make The Dillinger Escape Plan truly special. Their latest and final album DISSOCIATION is a great summation of everything the band is known for, and these new songs live are absolute beasts. From the first notes of “Limerent Death,” to the closing notes of the classic “43% Burnt,” The Dillinger Escape Plan was on fire. As per usual, singer Greg Puciato and guitarist Ben Weinman were delivering performances that leave you speechless. Jumping off guitar cabs, leaping into the audience, and jumping from the second floor balcony, are just some of the things that were astonishing.   Their set list was a great collection of songs from their catalog. Highlights include “Sugar Coated Sour,” “Symptom of Terminal Illness,” “Panasonic Youth,” “One of Us is the Killer,” “Surrogate,” “Nothing to Forget,” “Prancer,” as well as “Room Full of Eyes,” and the very epic “Mouth of Ghosts.”

I’m going to put this out there in the ether and say, that this show is quite possibly the best show I’ve seen all year. Everything about the evening was perfect. From the bands, the company, and the crowd reactions, all this and then some made this a night to never forget. Dillinger will go down as one of the most legendary and dangerous bands, as they should, but they should also be remembered for creating music that is inspiring and full of passion. Everything that Dillinger has done in their 20 year career has been done on their own terms. They really are a band that deserves every ounce of credit due to them. What a band. And what a way to bring it each and every night. Thank you Dillinger for everything you’ve done!

The Dillinger Escape Plan Set List:

Limerent Death
Panasonic Youth
Symptom of Terminal Illness
Farewell, Mona Lisa
When I Lost My Bet
Sugar Coated Sour
Black Bubblegum
Surrogate
Hero of the Soviet Union
Milk Lizard
One of Us is the Killer
Nothing to Forget
Room Full of Eyes
Prancer

Encore:

Mouth of Ghosts
Sunshine the Werewolf
43% Burnt

 

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Anticipated Albums: AFI- Self Titled (The Blood Album)

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On January 20, 2017, AFI will release their 10th full length studio album. This self titled affair has been dubbed “The Blood Album,” and features 14 songs. The first two songs released “White Offerings” and “Snow Cats” sound like a cross between The Art of Drowning and Sing the Sorrow. So for those of you out there that have been waiting for the “rock” edge of AFI again, it looks like this is the album for you.

White Offerings:

 

Snow Cats:

 

Pre-Orders are available on AFI’s site now.

 

AFI- AFI (The Blood Album) Track Listing:

01 – “Dark Snow”
02 – “Still A Stranger”
03 – “Aurelia”
04 – “Hidden Knives”
05 – “Get Hurt”
06 – “Above The Bridge”
07 – “So Beneath You”
08 – “Snow Cats”
09 – “Dumb Kids”
10 – “Pink Eyes”
11 – “Feed From The Floor”
12 – “White Offerings”
13 – “She Speaks The Language”
14 – “The Wind That Carries Me Away”

Soundtrack Only Songs: The Smashing Pumpkins- Eye

Back in 1997 when David Lynch and Trent Reznor were putting together the soundtrack to Lost Highway, Lynch suggested Billy Corgan as a contributor to the compilation. At first Billy submitted the song “Tear” (which is on the Unsung Masterpiece, Adore) but Lynch turned that down. Not long after, Billy completed “Eye,” and David Lynch gladly accepted it for the film, which was placed during the nightclub scene. “Eye” has been one of my favorite Smashing Pumpkins songs since I heard it. There is something about the song that is really gripping and dark.  I’m kind of glad that it only appeared the Lost Highway soundtrack.

Smashing Pumpkins- Eye:

 

Smashing Pumpkins- Eye (Live with Marilyn Manson):

 

Worst Cover Songs: Fit For An Autopsy (Nine Inch Nails)- The Perfect Drug

I really love this segment. Finding these horrible covers provide some much needed humor, especially in the world today. Recently my friend Kevin showed me this cover knowing full well that I’m a HUGE Nine Inch Nails fan. This is beyond horrible and full of laughs. I’d love to know if these bands do this as a humorous or serious things.  I present you one of THE WORST COVERS I have ever heard.

Fit For An Autopsy- The Perfect Drug:

 

 

Here is the original to get that horrible version out of your ears and memory (and also one of my Top 5 favorite Nine Inch Nails songs!)

Nine Inch Nails- The Perfect Drug (Behind The Scenes/Making Of Video: