Dave Grohl

Soundtrack Only Songs: Foo Fighters- The One from Orange County

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Flashback to 2002 and the movie Orange County starring Jack Black and Colin Hanks. The movie was a fun and funny one to watch. Jack Black was perfect in his role as the older brother. The movie still holds to a point but, the soundtrack is even better. There is a song on the soundtrack called “The One” by Foo Fighters that has a tendency to pop in my head from time to time. An interesting side note, “The One” is also a b-side to “All My Life. The song isn’t the best the Foo’s have done but the video is hilarious. Enjoy this soundtrack only song!
Foo Fighters- The One:

 

Bands That Should Come Back: Them Crooked Vultures

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It’s been about 10 years now since we have heard from Them Crooked Vultures. The “supergroup” featuring Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones was one hell of a band. They had this really cool bluesy jam band style along with some really fun songs like “New Fang,” “Dead End Friends,” “Mind Eraser, No Chaser,” “Elephants,” “Reptiles,” “Caligulove,” and “Spinning In Daffodils.” The best thing about this band though was that it gave Dave and Josh a break from their main bands and when they returned to those bands, the material they made sounded rejuvenated and alive again. Though the Queens Of The Stone Age album made after TCV, hasn’t really aged well, while Foo Fighters Wasting Light is still one of the best rock albums of the last 10 years. I had the chance to see Vultures live and they were great live. Yes the band has Dave and Josh in it but the whole time I was watching them on stage, I was in awe of John Paul Jones. I truly believe he has never gotten the proper credit and respect for his contributions in Led Zeppelin. That man is a talent among talents. I’d love to hear a new Them Crooked Vultures release, mainly to hear more of John Paul Jones but, also because I think the Foos and Queens need to take a break. It’s worth noting that they’ve all said in recent years that they wouldn’t rule out working together again, it’s just getting the timing right. Who else wants to see this?

 

Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures:

Musicians In Movies/TV: Dave Grohl

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Dave Grohl is everywhere these days. From being in Foo Fighters, to his documentary projects, organizing the Cal Jam festival, as well as being a husband and father, how does he have the time. In addition to all that was mentioned he also finds time to make appearances in movies and TV. Check out these times Dave has made his presence known.

 

Tenacious D- The Pick Of Destiny (Dave as Satan):

 

Tenacious D- Tribute (Dave as Satan):

 

The X-Files (small cameo):

 

The Muppets (as Animool):

 

Dave also had small parts on Comedy Central’s Drunk History as well as the short lived show Ghost Ghirls, and Denis Leary’s Sex and Drugs and Rock & Roll.

B-Sides: Foo Fighters

 

foo-fighters-logoOver the course of the Foo Fighters career and nine albums, they have accumulated quite a few B-sides. Some of these songs are quite awesome and others you can hear why they were left off the records. None the less, you should check out these tracks. You might find some that you really dig.

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Album Review: Foo Fighters- Concrete and Gold

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Redemption is the first word that comes to mind when talking about the new Foo Fighters album Concrete and Gold. The follow up to the highly disappointing Sonic Highways is everything you’d want in a Foo Fighters album. It has the rock, the great mid tempo songs, and the delicate melodies that we’ve all grown to love and enjoy in a Foo’s album. Concrete and Gold is also seething in inspiration from 70’s rock bands and their albums from that era. Dave Grohl and company deliver the goods and then some. From the riffs, melodies, and all around vibe this album emits, you are in for quite a treat.

As “T-Shirt” begins the album in a way that is reminiscent of “Doll” from The Colour and The Shape, the way the song flows perfectly into the high energy “Run” is undeniable. Not to mention that “Run” is the classic Foo’s song that was very much needed. Plus the video is hilarious. “Make It Right” is a solid mid tempo song that fits in the sequence of the album and also features guest vocals from Justin Timberlake. “The Sky Is A Neighborhood” will be a classic for the band, no doubt about it. Everything about this song is great. “La Dee Da” is one of my favorite songs on the album. The fuzzy bass line (courtesy of the underrated Nate Mendel) that starts the song immediately grabs your attention and the rest of the song rocks your socks off. Allison Mosshart from The Kills guests on this song as well as “The Sky Is A Neighborhood.” Saxophone player Dave Koz lends his sax talents to the song as well. “Dirty Water” is one of those Foo’s songs with delicate melodies and a softer vibe. It’s another one of those songs that in the context of the album it really fits but as a stand alone song, not so much. “Arrows” is one of those songs that really emits the 70’s sound. The guitar work on this song from Chris Shiflett is stellar. The entire band sounds amazing on this song. “Happily Ever After (Zero Hour) seems a little out of place at first listen but, as you keep listening to the album, this song really grows on you especially because of the lyrics. “Sunday Rain” is another of my favorite songs on the record. This song features drummer Taylor Hawkins on lead vocals and he sounds absolutely great. It’s a great change of pace for the band plus this song just rocks. Paul McCartney plays drums on this song too. There is a cool funk vibe on this song that plays into my thought’s of the 70’s influence but, there is also a kind of George Harrison element to it as well from his All Things Must Pass solo album (an album that is truly a masterpiece… George was the most talented Beatle… I dare you to challenge me on that!). Keyboardist Rami Jaffee really shines on this song as well. His contributions to the song really bring out the “vibe.” “The Line” is a classic Foo’s rock song but with a more melodic twist. Having three guitarists in the band really shows on this song. You can really hear each of Dave’s, Chris’s and Pat’s style and tone on this song. Closing out the album is the title track “Concrete and Gold.” This song oozes Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath.  Not only is this song a great closer but, it’s also epic in the way it plays out and makes you feel. Surprisingly the “choir like” vocals are provided by Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and it fits perfectly.

Concrete and Gold is the album the Foo Fighters not only needed to make but also an album the rock world needs. Dave Grohl proves that he is one of this generations best songwriters and the entire band, Taylor, Chris, Nate, Pat and Rami play their asses off on the record. Besides One By One and Wasting Light, I’d dare say this is the most complete Foo Fighters record they have ever released. Thank you Foo Fighters for this album and redeeming yourselves and then some. I can’t wait to hear these songs live. Rock isn’t dead. In fact it’s beyond alive and well!

Overall Rating: A

 

Foo Fighters- Concrete and Gold:

 

 

New Release: Foo Fighters- Run

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It’s been a few years since we last heard new music from the Foo Fighters. Their failed experiment, Sonic Highways, was pretty bad. The Saint Cecilia EP they put out not long after Sonic Highways, was a step back in the right direction. Today, Dave Grohl and company released “Run,” a very awesome new track that rocks on all levels. The video is fantastic and hilarious as well as directed by Dave. If this is the direction the Foos are going on their new album, then we have something to really look forward to.

Check out “Run!”

 

 

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?!

Guest Musician: Dave Grohl

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Dave Grohl is one of the busiest and most collaborative musicians that have come around in a long time. I’ve been wanting to do a Guest Musician post about Dave for some time, and now seems like the great time to do it. Here are a slew of the songs Dave has guested on over the years.

 
Tony Iommi Solo Album- Goodbye Lament (Vocals/Drums):

 

David Bowie- I’ve Been Waiting For You (Guitar):

 

Pete Yorn- For Us (Drums):

 

Garbage- Bad Boyfriend (Drums):

 

Slash Solo Album- Watch This (Drums):

 

The Prodigy- Run With The Wolves (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Getting Smaller (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- The Collector (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Sunspots (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- The Line Begins To Blur (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Every Day Is Exactly The Same (Drums):

 

Albums Played On:

Queens Of The Stone Age- Songs For The Deaf, Like Clockwork
Tenacious D- Self Titled, The Pick Of Destiny, Rize Of The Fenix
Juliette And The Licks- Four On The Floor
Killing Joke- Self Titled

And so many more…

 

 

Album Review: Nine Inch Nails- Not The Actual Events

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Trent Reznor promised new Nine Inch Nails before the end of 2016 and he delivered. Not The Actual Events, the new EP (and first EP since 1992’s Broken) finds Trent and now full time member Atticus Ross, delving deep into the industrial landscape with a bit of shoegaze, and erratic sensibilities. There are moments among the 5 songs that hark back to the Broken days along with bits of The Downward Spiral. I can say this about the EP, if you’ve been wanting Nine Inch Nails to go back to their heavier days, then you are going to really enjoy this.

Starting off with “Branches/Bones” you know that this is Nine Inch Nails. “Dear World” is a song that take a right turn, but doesn’t lose the identity of it being a part of this EP. “She’s Gone Away” is a song that takes you on a journey all on its own. There is a real epic feel to this song. I could really see this one becoming a fan favorite like “Reptile.” “The Idea Of You” is absolute classic Nine Inch Nails from the Broken era. The distorted guitars and thrashy drums (courtesy of Dave Grohl) really make this a true stand out. This song is the type of Nine Inch Nails song, the “old school” fans have been clamoring for. “Burning Bright (Field On Fire)” is dark, heavy and deeply poetic. The screaming guitars are plyed by Dave Navarro (This marks the first time he’s played on a NIN track since the Further Down The Spiral remix album) I could see why Trent decided to put this out first.

There is a real darkness to this collection, all the while providing a sense of life, hope and relief. Trent and Atticus aren’t afraid to reach back into what Nine Inch Nails has done before, but they do it in a way that makes it feel fresh and not rehashed. Not The Acutal Events is short and sweet but, it does leave you wanting more. Either way, there is new Nine Inch Nails out there, and that makes me happy.

Overall Rating: A

Burning Bright (Field On Fire):

 

 

 

 

Ultimate Set List: Nirvana

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I was talking to a friend the other day and during our conversation the subject of Nirvana came up. While in the midst of our talk, I began thinking of making this ultimate set list and the songs that would be on it. Let’s pretend for a moment that Kurt is still alive and he and Nirvana did what Guns N Roses did, one day they announce that they are getting back together for a tour. The following ultimate set list is what I’d love to hear and the appropriate order to pull it off.

What would be your Ultimate Nirvana Set List?

As usual here are the rules:

Rule 1: What line up of the band would it be

Rule 2: Where would you want to see the show

Rule 3: maximum 25 songs

 

Line up: Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Krist Novaselic, Pat Smear

Venue: Forum in Los Angeles

Set List:

01) Aneurysm
02) Scentless Apprentice
03) Milk It
04) In Bloom
05) Heart Shaped Box
06) Rape Me
07) Serve The Servants
08) Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle
09) Lithium
10) Polly
11) Pennyroyal Tea
12) Drain You
13) School
14) Negative Creep
15) Territorial Pissings
16) Stay Away
17) You Know You’re Right
18) Breed

Encore:

19) Something In The Way (Just Kurt)
20) The Man Who Sold The World
21) All Apologies