Classic Soundtracks: Reality Bites

Remember the 1994 movie Reality Bites? It starred Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garafalo, Steve Zahn and Ben Stiller (who also directed the fiim). The film was one of those at the time that tried to capture the Generation X movement and highlight the issues of each individual. It’s one of those movies that over time has achieved cult status and has started to be studied in a way as to the correlation between differing eras and how times change so rapidly these days, not to mention the capitalistic/corporate nature of our world and how it’s all but taken the individual aspects of culture and commerce away. But enough of me going off on a tangent about that (I will save that for another day and topic). The soundtrack to this film though is one that stands out. Not only in the songs/bands picked, how they were used in the film. There is a bit of an interesting history to the soundtrack as well. RCA met with the film’s music supervisor Karyn Rachtman, and Stiller, three weeks into filming, to discuss the soundtrack album. They finalized a deal and the label opened its roster to the director, who picked only one band: Me Phi Me. RCA aggressively marketed the album and had five tracks on rotation on radio and MTV. The video for Crowded House’s “Locked Out” was updated to include footage from the film. In addition, the video for “Spin the Bottle” by the Juliana Hatfield Three was directed by Stiller and featured clips from the film as well. The soundtrack sold 1.2 million units and reached #13 on the Billboard 200. The album also earned a No. 1 single with Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)”. In the US the album went 2X Platinum as well. What’s most interesting about this soundtrack is that it tells a story just like an album would. That is something quite rare in soundtracks these days. The 90’s really had a knack for putting together the right soundtracks and it took the film to a whole level, just like in Reality Bites. By the way, if you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend it. It’s a great watch especially when you look at the world today and realize how doomed we all are!


Reality Bites Soundtrack:

New Release: The Cult- Give Me Mercy

I remember when I was a little kid watching MTV and there was a band that I saw their video for and I became very intrigued by them. The first song I heard and video of their’s was “She Sells Sanctuary.” There was something about it that clicked. Then fast forward a little bit and then the release of their album Sonic Temple came out and “Fire Woman” was all over MTV and I couldn’t get enough. From that point, I became a fan of The Cult. Throughout the years, I’ve still followed them and they still bring it each time. Their most recent albums have been really, really good (check out the albums Choice Of Weapon and Hidden City, soooooo good!). Anyways, today The Cult announced their next album and released a killer single to go along with the news. THE CULT will release its new album, “Under The Midnight Sun”, on October 7 via Black Hill Records. The LP was produced by Tom Dalgety (PIXIES, GHOST, ROYAL BLOOD) the first single, “Give Me Mercy”, is classic Cult with a bit more of an etherial twist. Speaking on the song, singer Ian Astbury said “I was absolutely enamored with this piece of music Billy Duffy (note: he’s a very underrated guitarist and songwriter) had written, and it perfectly fit these thoughts I’d been having about our culture’s need to move past assumptions of duality. We need new language because words can’t express where we’re going.” With Billy adding “‘Give Me Mercy’ has all the hallmarks of the new classic CULT to my ears … fresh yet familiar.” That couldn’t be more true. The Cult have a signature sound and that is heard on the song but, there is something new to it that gives it the fresh feel!

The Cult- Give Me Mercy:

Best Of 2022… So Far

We are at the half way point of 2022 and I thought I’d share the best albums and EP’s of 2022… SO FAR. There have been a lot of really great albums released already, some that will compete for album of the year for sure. It’s all here in this list (in no particular order by the way)!

BEST ALBUMS OF 2022… SO FAR:

01) Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell
02) If It Kills You- Invisible Self
03) Cave In- Heavy Pendulum
04) Billy Howerdel- What Normal Was
05) Korn- Requiem
06) Author & Punisher- Kruller
07) Black Map- Melodoria
08) Absent In Body- Plague God
09) Meshuggah- Immutable
10) Coheed and Cambria- Vaxis II: A Window Of The Waking Mind
11) Vein- The World Is Going To Ruin You
12) Drug Church- Hygiene
13) Ghost- Impera
14) H09909- Skin
15) QAALM- Resilience & Despair
16) Trace Amount- Anti Body Language
17) Decapitated- Cancer Culture
18) Helms Alee- Keep This Be The Way
19) Be Well- Hello Sun
20) The Smile- A Light For Attracting Attention
21) Liam Gallagher- C’mon You Know
22) Dalek- Precipice
23) Deaf Club- Productive Disruption

BEST EP’S…SO FAR:

01) Centershift- A Different Shade
02) God Mother- Obeveklig
03) Ibaraki- Rashomon
04) Bleeding Through- Rage
05) Vio-lence- Let The World Burn
06) Deaf Club- Bad Songs Forever

STILL TO COME:

Soilwork- Övergivenheten
Machine Head- Of Kingdom and Crown
Muse- Will Of The People
Megadeth- The Sick, The Dying… The Dead!
Ken Mode- Null
Lamb Of God- Omens
Cycotic Youth- Cyco Up
Centershift- Of

DATES STILL TBD:

Centershift- Full Length
Don’t Panic- TBD
Slipknot
The Cure


SHOW TONIGHT at THE FEDERAL NoHo

Tonight at The Federal (UPSTAIRS) in North Hollywood, The Cobalt Presents in association with Audioeclectica and The Radford Media Group bring you an eclectic night of alternative and rock bands. The doors open at 7pm followed by Bantamweight, Jordi, Darkroads, The Baby Goats and Crime Spree In Candyland. Tickets are $20 at the door and it’s ALL AGES! Full Bar and Kitchen available as well!

Check Out The Bands Below:

Bantamweight:

Jordi:

Darkroads:

The Baby Goats:

@thebabygoatsmusic

Drag you down with me” #thebabygoats #livemusic #losangeles

♬ original sound – The Baby Goats

Crime Spree In Candyland:

Album Review: Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell

There are certain times in life when you hear a record that not only takes the artist to a whole other level it, resonates in a way that you begin to get swept away by the absolute force of its being. The evolution of Greg Puciato as a songwriter and artist has been quite the journey to hear and see. From The Dillinger Escape Plan to The Black Queen, Killer Be Killed and now as a solo artist as well, what a significant aspect and contribution to be proud of. On this new solo outing, Mirrorcell, not only is this the a natural follow up to his debut Child Soldier: Creator Of God but, it seems that there is a level of inspiration that took this one further.

“In This Hell You Find Yourself” kicks off this album and creates a tension that sets up an uneasiness and then it grabs you and never lets go as “Reality Spiral” starts to sink its claws in. As you listen, you start to hear where this album is coming from and the influence and inspiration that guided these songs. “No More Lives To Give” steps up the heaviness a bit and takes you on an introspective journey lyrically while musically you are hit with hard hitting riffs and melody that sticks with you. “Never Wanted That” (my favorite song on the album as of this writing) is the “Evacuation” of the record. The way this song hits you is astonishing. The bass driven opening again creates a tension that when the chorus of the song comes in, the crushing emotional weight hits you like a ton of bricks. The vulnerability on this song is absolutely powerful. “Lowered” is one of the tracks on the album that again, takes things to another level. The combination of Greg and guest vocalist Reba Meyers from Code Orange is a revelation. These two voices together make magic and when you hear them together, the chills you get from it, I’ll just leave it there. “We” is a track that has a bit of a Black Queen tinge to it but explores more of the new wave elements that are prevalent in their songs. “I, Eclipse” is another of my favorite songs on the album. The intensity of this song and where it’s placed really guides the last part of the album. There is something else about this song I can’t put into words quite yet that, when this song is played live, I’ll be able to explain further. “Rainbows Underground” is one hell of a stellar song and another one that shows the growth of Greg as a songwriter. Finishing off the album with “All Waves To Nothing” leave you not only wanting more but you are then compelled to start the album over. This track has moments that hark back to Greg’s time with The Dillinger Escape Plan but, in a way that feels natural and a bit different.

Throughout this album you are get to hear a whole other side of Greg Puciato. It’s a more cohesive album than his debut and this one seems to hit on a bit of a more personal streak. One of the revelatory aspects of the record is how talented of a guitarist Greg is. His riffs, solos, and playing is a story all on its own. Perhaps too, his time spent with Jerry Cantrell has rubbed off a bit, as there are plenty of ode’s to Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and other 90’s bands that have inspired Greg throughout the years. Another aspect of this album that deserves a ton of credit are the drums and playing by Chris Hornbrook. His ability to create memorable driving hits and rhythms helps propel these songs to that other level I was mentioning. Seriously, when you hear it all put together, you can hear why Chris and Greg as a duo are perfect for one another. Mirrorcell is not only one of those albums that you will be stuck on for a long time, you actually find yourself immersed in the album as a whole, just like it should. This album is a definite candidate for album of the year. Truly, each time I listen to this album I find something else to love about it. Greg put out one hell of an album with Mirrorcell and should be damn proud of it. I can’t wait to hear these songs live along with the ones from Child Soldier. I have a feeling the live show for this is going to be something special all on its own.

Overall Rating: A


Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell:

New Release: Cowboy Destroy-Married Mercy

One of the most exciting new bands that I came across this past year is definitely Cowboy Destroy. They have this really cool garage rock meets indie rock sound with a tinge of punk rock a la the Riot Girl era. I’ve had the pleasure to see them live a couple times and even put them on one of our Cobalt Presents shows (which if you haven’t been to one, you should get your ass out to a show. It’s a total blast). Cowboy Destroy is one of those bands that combines all their influences and inspirations to create something that is passionate and believable. There is not one contrived element in this band. Their new single “Married Mercy” shows the diversity of the band. It’s a step into the evolution of a band growing and truly finding their own niche in the scene. When you see Cowboy Destroy is playing live near you, go see them!!!


Cowboy Destroy- Married Mercy:

New Release: Deaf Club- If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good

One of my favorite releases of 2022 so far has come from the band Deaf Club. They have a ferocious and frantic energy that makes for some really killer heavy songs and a revitalization of sorts of what the “punk” genre should actually sound like. Recently, Deaf Club dropped a new EP called Bad Songs Forever. On this EP there is a track called “If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good” that every time I hear it, I want to start a mosh pit. Deaf Club is the type of band that is carrying the flag at a time when society is on its last legs and a revolution is needed via music. Check out this killer track!

Deaf Club- If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good:


Deaf Club- Bad Songs Forever EP:

New Release: The Mars Volta- Blacklight Shine

It was teased over the weekend and now it’s here… NEW MUSIC FROM THE MARS VOLTA! This is the band’s first new music to emerge online since their 2012 album “Noctourniquet.“ The song “Blacklight Shine” does seem to pick up where Noctourniquet left off. So for those of you wanting that follow up to Deloused, you’ll have to keep waiting. Either way, it’s nice to have The Mars Volta back who also just announced a 13 date Fall Tour this year as well.

The Mars Volta-Blacklight Shine:


The Mars Volta- Blacklight Shine (Official Video-Extended Version):


The Mars Volta 2022 Tour Dates:

09/23 Dallas, TX – The Factory in Deep Ellum
09/25 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
09/27 Philadelphia, PA – The Metropolitan Opera House
09/29 New York, NY – Terminal 5
10/01 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/03 Washington, DC – The Anthem
10/05 Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
10/06 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
10/08 Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
10/11 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
10/14 Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
10/18 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
10/21 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

New Release: Russian Circles- Conduit

I’ll admit, it’s been a minute since I’ve been excited by a new Russian Circles song. After their album Memorial, I kind of fell off on them a bit. Perhaps I was looking for more evolution from them or something else. Either way, my time away has made for this new track they released today be on repeat since I heard it. This is the Russian Circles I remember and liked. Great riffs and rhythms power this pummeling track. The song the released is called “Conduit” and it’s from their upcoming album, Gnosis out August 19 via Sargent House. If this is the direction Russian Circles is going with on their new album, I can tell you right now, it’s about to get very loud and awesome!

Russian Circles- Conduit:

Cover Songs: Covert Stations (The Cult)- She Sells Sanctuary

Covert Stations are back with their second cover off their upcoming series of covers from songs of the 70’s and 80’s. This classic by The Cult is forever one of the best songs to come out of the 80’s. And to this day when it’s played on the radio or when The Cult plays it live, it is still an anthem. This version by Covert Stations keeps it close to the original with a bit of a “chuggier/slightly heavier” guitar crunch and the soaring vocals of Craig Cirinelli takes it to the other level a cover should go.

Covert Stations (The Cult)- She Sells Sanctuary: