I know I skipped TT5, but that's just for this week. Instead you get treated to the list of concerts that I saw in the year 2014.
Disclaimer- I only include openers if it was an artist that I knew about and was excited about seeing before going to the show.
The following list is in no particular order.
Jay-Z
The Wailers
Zac Brown Band
Pusha T
2 Chainz
The Band Perry
Corey Smith
The Head and the Heart
Dream Theater
Yelawolf x 2
Rebelution
Zucchero
Schoolboy Q
Ghost
Black Label Society x 2
Anvil
Queens of the Stone Age
Reignwolf
Exodus
Suicidal Tendencies
Slayer x 2
Queen + Adam Lambert
B.O.B.
Gary Clark Jr.
Outkast
1/2 of Umphrey's McGee (Summerfest)
Megadeth
Rob Zombie
Skid Row
Machine Head
Jack White
Here Come the Mummies
Def Leppard
KISS
Red Hot Chili Pipers
Secret Sisters
The Black Keys
Eric Church
Chuck Berry
Big KRIT
Gojira
Mastodon
Slipknot
The Urge
El Monstero
That's 48 total. I'd say it was a good year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
Friday Floyd - 12/26/14
Today is the day! It's El Monstero day. Tonight I see the band for the 8th time and, as is tradition, you can find my dad and I (6'2" and 6'5") standing in the front row as soon as the doors open. I will post my review of the show in a later edition of Friday Floyd, but for now, you get to hear our response to the question "What does El Monstero mean to you?"
Yes I know my head is crooked.
Yes I know my head is crooked.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas from TUTR!
Merry Christmas! Here are some beautiful, peaceful, relaxing Christmas to get you in the holiday spirit.
Yes, that Christopher Lee. As in Lord of the Rings. As in James Bond. And of course as in Count Dooku from Star Wars.
Yes, that Christopher Lee. As in Lord of the Rings. As in James Bond. And of course as in Count Dooku from Star Wars.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
TT5 - Top 5 Pink Floyd Albums
In the spirit of El Monstero week and December unofficially being Pink Floyd Month, the Christmas week edition of the Tuesday Top 5 ranks the top 5 Pink Floyd Albums. Please keep in mind that just because an album may not be the top ranked album it's not a great album. These 5 albums are some of my favorite albums of any genre of all time.
5) Obscured by Clouds
This is a very obscure pick to even make the rankings, but this album came from the period of time after Syd and before Dark Side that they created soundtracks for various different movies. The music from this album is very easy to listen to and prominently features David Gilmour as he is embracing his role as co-leader of the band. Unless you're a "head", you probably have never listened to this album. I challenge you to change that, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Key Songs: When You're In, Wot's...Uh the Deal?
4) The Wall
The Wall is the closest thing Pink Floyd ever did to a hard rock album. Sure there are the usual sonic experiments that are a staple of any Floyd album, but with songs like In the Flesh, Run Like Hell, Comfortably Numb, and Young Lust, this album really begs to be played loud and let loose. This is the album that basically did the band in. After this, Roger Waters wrote the last PF album to bear his stamp (The Final Cut) and he was out of the band for good. The live shows were so over the top that they could never actually tour to perform the album. The Wall is the best double album of all time and deserves to be played loud and in it's entirety.
Key Songs: In the Flesh, One of My Turns
3) Wish You Were Here
Wish You Were Here is less of a cohesive album and more of a collection of some really great songs. The album only has 5 songs and 2 of them make up a 25 minute love story to the great "diamond" that was Syd Barrett. The entire album is about the band moving on after essentially losing their founder and driving force. Wish You Were Here the song has turned into one of the most popular PF songs of all time, deservedly so. Have a Cigar has always been a favorite of mine because of the funky hard rock edge to the song as well as the tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Oh and who among us doesn't love to drive in their Jaguar? To top it off, the album cover is on of my favorites.
Key Songs: Have a Cigar, Shine on You Crazy Diamond
2) Animals
Most casual fans have never actually listened to Animals, probably due to the fact that most of the songs are 10+ minutes long and the thought of committing that much energy scares most away. If you're one of those who is willing to commit to listening to an entire album cover to cover regardless of song length, then you know how amazing this album is. It's book-ended by two very short acoustic songs, but is comprised of three very long songs that tell the story of farm animals taking control of their lives from some very mean dogs. The music of these three songs show the band actually working together (something they didn't excel in) as they flawlessly layer their instruments to create very beautiful pieces of music. All of the songs have the same sound and compliment each other so well that taken out of context they would just feel like they are missing something.
Key Songs: Pigs, Dogs
1) Dark Side of the Moon
What can you say about perfection? This is without a doubt the most perfect album of all time. It takes you on a 43 minute journey that starts and ends with the sounds of wind as if it were all a dream. Time and Money have stood the test of time as singles and are the driving force of the album, but the real gold is in Us and Them. This is the best 8 minutes that the band has. If you want to know what Pink Floyd is all about, don't look much farther than Us and Them as it perfectly summarizes the entire musical landscape of the album. The thing about Dark Side is that it's balance is what makes it so perfect. Just as you get comfortable with the vibe and tempo of the music picking up and getting faster, it slows down and provides just enough music in empty spaces to keep you wanting more. If you are one of the few people who does not own this album or has never listened to it cover to cover, you need to change that ASAP. Make it a New Years resolution.
Key Songs: Time, Us and Them
5) Obscured by Clouds
This is a very obscure pick to even make the rankings, but this album came from the period of time after Syd and before Dark Side that they created soundtracks for various different movies. The music from this album is very easy to listen to and prominently features David Gilmour as he is embracing his role as co-leader of the band. Unless you're a "head", you probably have never listened to this album. I challenge you to change that, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Key Songs: When You're In, Wot's...Uh the Deal?
4) The Wall
The Wall is the closest thing Pink Floyd ever did to a hard rock album. Sure there are the usual sonic experiments that are a staple of any Floyd album, but with songs like In the Flesh, Run Like Hell, Comfortably Numb, and Young Lust, this album really begs to be played loud and let loose. This is the album that basically did the band in. After this, Roger Waters wrote the last PF album to bear his stamp (The Final Cut) and he was out of the band for good. The live shows were so over the top that they could never actually tour to perform the album. The Wall is the best double album of all time and deserves to be played loud and in it's entirety.
Key Songs: In the Flesh, One of My Turns
3) Wish You Were Here
Wish You Were Here is less of a cohesive album and more of a collection of some really great songs. The album only has 5 songs and 2 of them make up a 25 minute love story to the great "diamond" that was Syd Barrett. The entire album is about the band moving on after essentially losing their founder and driving force. Wish You Were Here the song has turned into one of the most popular PF songs of all time, deservedly so. Have a Cigar has always been a favorite of mine because of the funky hard rock edge to the song as well as the tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Oh and who among us doesn't love to drive in their Jaguar? To top it off, the album cover is on of my favorites.
Key Songs: Have a Cigar, Shine on You Crazy Diamond
2) Animals
Most casual fans have never actually listened to Animals, probably due to the fact that most of the songs are 10+ minutes long and the thought of committing that much energy scares most away. If you're one of those who is willing to commit to listening to an entire album cover to cover regardless of song length, then you know how amazing this album is. It's book-ended by two very short acoustic songs, but is comprised of three very long songs that tell the story of farm animals taking control of their lives from some very mean dogs. The music of these three songs show the band actually working together (something they didn't excel in) as they flawlessly layer their instruments to create very beautiful pieces of music. All of the songs have the same sound and compliment each other so well that taken out of context they would just feel like they are missing something.
Key Songs: Pigs, Dogs
1) Dark Side of the Moon
What can you say about perfection? This is without a doubt the most perfect album of all time. It takes you on a 43 minute journey that starts and ends with the sounds of wind as if it were all a dream. Time and Money have stood the test of time as singles and are the driving force of the album, but the real gold is in Us and Them. This is the best 8 minutes that the band has. If you want to know what Pink Floyd is all about, don't look much farther than Us and Them as it perfectly summarizes the entire musical landscape of the album. The thing about Dark Side is that it's balance is what makes it so perfect. Just as you get comfortable with the vibe and tempo of the music picking up and getting faster, it slows down and provides just enough music in empty spaces to keep you wanting more. If you are one of the few people who does not own this album or has never listened to it cover to cover, you need to change that ASAP. Make it a New Years resolution.
Key Songs: Time, Us and Them
Monday, December 22, 2014
Yelawolf at Turner Hall Ballroom 12/5/14
For the second time in the past year, I saw Yelawolf in concert. This time, it was at Tuner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee.
There were two artists on the bill before Yela. The first was Big Henry, a fellow Alabama rapper, whose style was distinctly southern. His 20 minute set was high energy despite being (from the looks of it) unknown to most everyone in attendance. He proved a worthy opener for what lied ahead.
The next artist already had a big following in the crowd based on the t-shirts being worn, and the reaction when the house lights went out. Rittz was pure energy from a man who at first glance doesn't look like he has the energy to give. But looks are deceiving and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand the whole night. Rittz was joined on stage by his DJ as well as some video projections which added another element to the show. Side note, the video was projected onto a black sheet, so the black and white and darker scenes being shown were pretty hard to make out. Rittz brought the fun for the entirety of his set while also showcasing his abilities. His set was great, but that wasn't the last time we would see him.
During a slow intro, two men walked out onto the stage. First went to the DJ booth (DJ Klever) and the other went over to the rack and picked up a guitar and started playing along (Bones Owens). This was a pleasant surprise as the last time I saw Yela, only DJ Klever joined him. As the intro slowed down, Yelawolf came on stage ready to rock the house. It was clear at the beginning that Yela was here to rock with his music being played a deafeningly loud volumes and him giving free reign to Bones who played his ass off. With a song like Growing Up in the Gutter being one of his firsts, he established a level of mayhem that was going to be expected for the night. I personally was hoping to hear something from Black Fall or even his recent classic rock freestyles, but that was the only disappointment of the night. The rest of the show featured all of the hits you'd expect to hear (Daddy's Lambo, many versions of Box Chevy, Throw it Up, Let's Roll). The show closed with a performance of Til it's Gone which is potentially a major sign of good things on Yela's horizon. This song has been featured in the very popular TV show Sons of Anarchy and has less of a hard edged hip hop vibe. It's foreseeable that Yelawolf could become a household name (whether or not that's what he wants for himself).
Yelawolf is one of the best performers in hip hop and it helps that his DJ and guitarist are actually working their asses off. It's always an amazing concert whenever Yelawolf is involved. With Eminem on his side, an amazing live show, and a hoard of dedicated fans (Slumericans), keep an eye out for Yelawolf.
There were two artists on the bill before Yela. The first was Big Henry, a fellow Alabama rapper, whose style was distinctly southern. His 20 minute set was high energy despite being (from the looks of it) unknown to most everyone in attendance. He proved a worthy opener for what lied ahead.
The next artist already had a big following in the crowd based on the t-shirts being worn, and the reaction when the house lights went out. Rittz was pure energy from a man who at first glance doesn't look like he has the energy to give. But looks are deceiving and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand the whole night. Rittz was joined on stage by his DJ as well as some video projections which added another element to the show. Side note, the video was projected onto a black sheet, so the black and white and darker scenes being shown were pretty hard to make out. Rittz brought the fun for the entirety of his set while also showcasing his abilities. His set was great, but that wasn't the last time we would see him.
During a slow intro, two men walked out onto the stage. First went to the DJ booth (DJ Klever) and the other went over to the rack and picked up a guitar and started playing along (Bones Owens). This was a pleasant surprise as the last time I saw Yela, only DJ Klever joined him. As the intro slowed down, Yelawolf came on stage ready to rock the house. It was clear at the beginning that Yela was here to rock with his music being played a deafeningly loud volumes and him giving free reign to Bones who played his ass off. With a song like Growing Up in the Gutter being one of his firsts, he established a level of mayhem that was going to be expected for the night. I personally was hoping to hear something from Black Fall or even his recent classic rock freestyles, but that was the only disappointment of the night. The rest of the show featured all of the hits you'd expect to hear (Daddy's Lambo, many versions of Box Chevy, Throw it Up, Let's Roll). The show closed with a performance of Til it's Gone which is potentially a major sign of good things on Yela's horizon. This song has been featured in the very popular TV show Sons of Anarchy and has less of a hard edged hip hop vibe. It's foreseeable that Yelawolf could become a household name (whether or not that's what he wants for himself).
Yelawolf is one of the best performers in hip hop and it helps that his DJ and guitarist are actually working their asses off. It's always an amazing concert whenever Yelawolf is involved. With Eminem on his side, an amazing live show, and a hoard of dedicated fans (Slumericans), keep an eye out for Yelawolf.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Friday Floyd 12/19/14
It's that time of year again! Sure it's Christmastime, but more importantly, it's EL MONSTERO season! Tonight is night 1 of The Pageant shows 2014. Our tickets are for next week Friday, but that doesn't mean I can't get excited about it! For anyone who doesn't know what El Monstero is all about, check out this video put together by the guys making the upcoming El Monstero The Movie.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
TT5 - Top Milwaukee Concerts
Following this week's trend of Milwaukee music publications posting their top concerts of the year, I'm following it up with my top 5 concerts that I saw in Milwaukee this year. 2014 was a great year for concerts and all of the bands that made it on the Tuesday Top 5 are bands that I saw for the first time this year, so this is a very hard list to put together.
5) Anvil @ The Metal Grill 5/2/14
The thrash metal pioneers ventured through the US for the fist time in years and I caught them at the very small and brand new venue called The Metal Grill (they serve Trooper Beer!). The show started with Lips playing a solo while standing in the middle of the crowd. Then came about 2 hours of every Anvil song you could ever want to hear. Robb is one of the best drummers in metal (by far the best stick twirler) and Lips is young at heart and can still play and sing. Such a great show, just a shame that it wasn't at a bigger venue (meaning they are a bigger band).
4) Outkast @ Marcus Amphitheater (Summerfest) 6/29/14
In the past 2 years I've been to quite a few hip hop shows (thanks Ben) and Outkast was by far the best (Kanye was a close second). They were not promoting any new material, so it was simply a greatest hits show. You always seem to forget just how many hits Outkast had though because they are always under the shadow of "The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya". It was a huge dance party with everyone excited to see (for the last time) Outkast here in Milwaukee. The live band and video screens were added bonuses. It may have been the last time they come to Brew City, but at least they ended with this show.
Note: Ranking my top 3 is like picking a favorite child. This was a hard decision.
3) Jack White @ The Rave 7/21/14
I've been a huge Jack White fan since I first heard Fell in Love with a Girl however many years ago it was. Despite the fact that The Rave was close to triple digits with a sold out crowd and $3.50 12oz cups of water, the night was one of the greatest concert experiences of my life. Jack and his band (RIP Ikey Owens) played classics from all of Jack's projects including some of my favorites Icky Thump, Fell in Love with a Girl, and Steady as She Goes. I know what you're thinking, how is Jack freaking White only #3? If we got more than a few seconds of Ball and Biscuit and Freedom at 21, then it would've been a perfect night. Only getting a short snippet of Ball and Biscuit left a sour taste in my mouth. BUT being there when Jack plays Seven Nation Army live is worth any price of admission.
2) Slayer @ The Rave 5/16/14
Well really this night was about Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Slayer. This was my first time seeing Slayer and boy was it a good one. I know I missed out on seeing Slayer in the classic lineup, but Gary pulled double duty with Exodus and Slayer in the same night which was pretty amazing. Slayer went on a week long run before ending the week in Columbus at the Rock on the Range festival. The show we got was about an hour and half of all of the classics; so much so that all of the songs played were off their first 5 albums. Sure there are some great songs that have come later in their career, but nothing stands up to their first 5 albums. The concert was nothing but sheer power, force, and thrash metal gold. This was just after the 1 year anniversary of Jeff's passing, so it made the closer of Angel of Death seem that much more meaningful. I saw them this summer as well at Rock USA, but nothing will stand up to the Rave performance.
1) Queens of the Stone Age @ The Riverside Theater 5/7/14
Not only had I waited to see Queens of the Stone Age forever it seems like, but this was my first real opportunity to catch them live as well and there was no way that I was missing it. The show sold out within a few hours of going on sale (which proves there were more people than just myself excited to see them). Not only was it all of the QOTSA hits you would expect to hear, but we were also treated to the majority of their newest (and in my opinion best) album ...Like Clockwork. They came right out and played No One Knows as their second song which just meant, this was going to be a night to remember. The lasting image for me of the show was during a moment of reverb heavy tones in between songs, Josh had a cigarette in his mouth and just put his hands up throwing the horns high in the air with the only light on the stage was coming from behind the band; it was just such a badass image. I just hope that I don't have to wait another lifetime to see them again.
Side note, Reignwolf is a very close #6. I'm confident that the next time I see him, it'll be in a much bigger venue that the Rave's side bar.
5) Anvil @ The Metal Grill 5/2/14
The thrash metal pioneers ventured through the US for the fist time in years and I caught them at the very small and brand new venue called The Metal Grill (they serve Trooper Beer!). The show started with Lips playing a solo while standing in the middle of the crowd. Then came about 2 hours of every Anvil song you could ever want to hear. Robb is one of the best drummers in metal (by far the best stick twirler) and Lips is young at heart and can still play and sing. Such a great show, just a shame that it wasn't at a bigger venue (meaning they are a bigger band).
4) Outkast @ Marcus Amphitheater (Summerfest) 6/29/14
In the past 2 years I've been to quite a few hip hop shows (thanks Ben) and Outkast was by far the best (Kanye was a close second). They were not promoting any new material, so it was simply a greatest hits show. You always seem to forget just how many hits Outkast had though because they are always under the shadow of "The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya". It was a huge dance party with everyone excited to see (for the last time) Outkast here in Milwaukee. The live band and video screens were added bonuses. It may have been the last time they come to Brew City, but at least they ended with this show.
Note: Ranking my top 3 is like picking a favorite child. This was a hard decision.
3) Jack White @ The Rave 7/21/14
I've been a huge Jack White fan since I first heard Fell in Love with a Girl however many years ago it was. Despite the fact that The Rave was close to triple digits with a sold out crowd and $3.50 12oz cups of water, the night was one of the greatest concert experiences of my life. Jack and his band (RIP Ikey Owens) played classics from all of Jack's projects including some of my favorites Icky Thump, Fell in Love with a Girl, and Steady as She Goes. I know what you're thinking, how is Jack freaking White only #3? If we got more than a few seconds of Ball and Biscuit and Freedom at 21, then it would've been a perfect night. Only getting a short snippet of Ball and Biscuit left a sour taste in my mouth. BUT being there when Jack plays Seven Nation Army live is worth any price of admission.
2) Slayer @ The Rave 5/16/14
Well really this night was about Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Slayer. This was my first time seeing Slayer and boy was it a good one. I know I missed out on seeing Slayer in the classic lineup, but Gary pulled double duty with Exodus and Slayer in the same night which was pretty amazing. Slayer went on a week long run before ending the week in Columbus at the Rock on the Range festival. The show we got was about an hour and half of all of the classics; so much so that all of the songs played were off their first 5 albums. Sure there are some great songs that have come later in their career, but nothing stands up to their first 5 albums. The concert was nothing but sheer power, force, and thrash metal gold. This was just after the 1 year anniversary of Jeff's passing, so it made the closer of Angel of Death seem that much more meaningful. I saw them this summer as well at Rock USA, but nothing will stand up to the Rave performance.
1) Queens of the Stone Age @ The Riverside Theater 5/7/14
Not only had I waited to see Queens of the Stone Age forever it seems like, but this was my first real opportunity to catch them live as well and there was no way that I was missing it. The show sold out within a few hours of going on sale (which proves there were more people than just myself excited to see them). Not only was it all of the QOTSA hits you would expect to hear, but we were also treated to the majority of their newest (and in my opinion best) album ...Like Clockwork. They came right out and played No One Knows as their second song which just meant, this was going to be a night to remember. The lasting image for me of the show was during a moment of reverb heavy tones in between songs, Josh had a cigarette in his mouth and just put his hands up throwing the horns high in the air with the only light on the stage was coming from behind the band; it was just such a badass image. I just hope that I don't have to wait another lifetime to see them again.
Side note, Reignwolf is a very close #6. I'm confident that the next time I see him, it'll be in a much bigger venue that the Rave's side bar.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
I Like What I Like........So What's Wrong With Me?
I like: Ray Charles, The Black Keys, Scorpions, Metallica, Jack White, Yelawolf, Jay Z, Slayer, Marilyn Manson, The Beatles, Eric Church, Bob Marley, Garth Brooks.
I don't like: U2, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Jason Aldean, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Fall Out Boy, Awolnation, Blake Shelton, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Bon Jovi, Journey.
Am I crazy because I like / don't like this combination of artists? Only if you're crazy because you don't. I like what I like. I don't like what I don't like. You like what you like. We all like what we like. Are we crazy because we have opinions about what we like? The answer is no. Everyone is entitled to their opinion especially in taste of music.
What I like is not necessarily popular or cool or even fits under the same genre umbrella. My musical umbrella is an ever growing one. It is not dictated by what is on the radio. Sure I may discover a band by hearing them on the radio, but then I do my homework on them and give their music (not just that one song that is popular right now) a listen and then decide for myself if they "fit" in my umbrella. But the beauty of music is that it's my umbrella. We all have one. Mine is different than yours and yours is different than the person you're sitting next to. Music is about a feeling. It evokes so many feelings and emotions in such a short period of time. And if a band or artist evokes a feeling that you like, then give them a chance. If not, then just move on to the next one. There will be plenty of other musical options for you down the road.
Are you crazy if you don't like a band like say...Bon Jovi? I mean for crying out loud they are one of the most popular bands of all time and they still make hundreds of millions of dollars when they tour. No. No you're not crazy. Just like the millions of fans that bow to JBJ aren't crazy for liking him. Their music just doesn't do it for you. And that's fine!
I tip my hat to those who like a band simply because they like a band. They discovered them and allowed their music into their music into their lives all on their own. Sure maybe a friend recommended them or they heard their most popular song on the radio, but they sought out the whole picture of who they were as artists.
If you are a person who lets popular radio dictate your tastes, I have a challenge for you. The next time you hear a song that sounds interesting, I want you to look up the rest of the album that that song comes from and listen to it cover to cover. I don't care why the song intrigues you, but listen to the entire album that it belongs on. You can listen to the album in the car, at home, at work, I don't care. With services like YouTube and Spotify (both free) that entire album is just a click away. Once you've listened to that album, don't stop there. If you like it, keep going in that direction (both of those websites have recommendations based on what you're currently listening to). If you didn't like that album, then start this whole process over and find a new song that intrigues you. GO OUT AND DISCOVER MUSIC! Be your own judge on what is popular and cool. Trust me, it's very exciting when you find that new band that you just can't stop listening to. You want to tell all of your friends about it. That's the kind of emotion that turns music listeners into music lovers.
There is nothing wrong with you if you love the music that is played on popular radio. There is nothing wrong with you if you despise all music that makes top 40 radio waves. But only let yourself be the judge of that. Don't let someone tell you what you can and can't listen to.
I don't like: U2, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Jason Aldean, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Fall Out Boy, Awolnation, Blake Shelton, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Bon Jovi, Journey.
Am I crazy because I like / don't like this combination of artists? Only if you're crazy because you don't. I like what I like. I don't like what I don't like. You like what you like. We all like what we like. Are we crazy because we have opinions about what we like? The answer is no. Everyone is entitled to their opinion especially in taste of music.
What I like is not necessarily popular or cool or even fits under the same genre umbrella. My musical umbrella is an ever growing one. It is not dictated by what is on the radio. Sure I may discover a band by hearing them on the radio, but then I do my homework on them and give their music (not just that one song that is popular right now) a listen and then decide for myself if they "fit" in my umbrella. But the beauty of music is that it's my umbrella. We all have one. Mine is different than yours and yours is different than the person you're sitting next to. Music is about a feeling. It evokes so many feelings and emotions in such a short period of time. And if a band or artist evokes a feeling that you like, then give them a chance. If not, then just move on to the next one. There will be plenty of other musical options for you down the road.
Are you crazy if you don't like a band like say...Bon Jovi? I mean for crying out loud they are one of the most popular bands of all time and they still make hundreds of millions of dollars when they tour. No. No you're not crazy. Just like the millions of fans that bow to JBJ aren't crazy for liking him. Their music just doesn't do it for you. And that's fine!
I tip my hat to those who like a band simply because they like a band. They discovered them and allowed their music into their music into their lives all on their own. Sure maybe a friend recommended them or they heard their most popular song on the radio, but they sought out the whole picture of who they were as artists.
If you are a person who lets popular radio dictate your tastes, I have a challenge for you. The next time you hear a song that sounds interesting, I want you to look up the rest of the album that that song comes from and listen to it cover to cover. I don't care why the song intrigues you, but listen to the entire album that it belongs on. You can listen to the album in the car, at home, at work, I don't care. With services like YouTube and Spotify (both free) that entire album is just a click away. Once you've listened to that album, don't stop there. If you like it, keep going in that direction (both of those websites have recommendations based on what you're currently listening to). If you didn't like that album, then start this whole process over and find a new song that intrigues you. GO OUT AND DISCOVER MUSIC! Be your own judge on what is popular and cool. Trust me, it's very exciting when you find that new band that you just can't stop listening to. You want to tell all of your friends about it. That's the kind of emotion that turns music listeners into music lovers.
There is nothing wrong with you if you love the music that is played on popular radio. There is nothing wrong with you if you despise all music that makes top 40 radio waves. But only let yourself be the judge of that. Don't let someone tell you what you can and can't listen to.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Friday Floyd - 12/12/14
Dark Side of the Moon is back on the Billboard Top 20 charts! This week a familiar face climbed all the way up to number 13 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. This chart tracks the highest selling albums for the week in the US. Dark Side of the Moon is the longest charting album in the chart's history. The album has been somewhere on the chart for 874 weeks, including a 741 week stay from the albums debut in 1973 to 1988 when it fell off the chart. Since then, it has bounced on and off the chart to a total of 874 weeks and not it's back on it again. Perhaps it's because of a new interest in the band now that they have released a new album. Perhaps it's because the album was available for a $0.99 download on the Google Play store. Regardless, my favorite album of all time is back on the charts putting a 40+ year old album back into relevancy. Here's Us and Them from Dark Side of the Moon to help celebrate this occasion.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
TT5 - Top Metal Albums 2014
Closing out 2014, today's Tuesday Top 5 ranks my favorite metal albums from the year 2014.
5) Black Label Society - Catacombs of the Black Vatican
Black Label Society have carved out a great niche in today's metal market. Lead by Zakk Wylde, they have been cranking out very groovy, bluesy metal for over 10 years. 2014's effort, Catacombs of the Black Vatican, is no exception. This album has a few more slow spots than other BLS albums, but this just shows Zakk's range as a singer, musician, and songwriter.
Key Listen - My Dying Time
4) Killer be Killed - Killer be Killed
This is a supergroup composed of members of Mastodon, The Mars Volta, Sepultura, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. I mean that's 4 of the most well renowned heavy bands of the last few decades. What did you think was going to happen? Well a great album came out of it. Anyone who likes any of those bands will find something for them in this album. All members of KbK bring something different to the band and they let all creativity flow into a very cohesive debut album. With vocals being handled by three of the four members, each song has it's own unique flavor. While very heavy, there are a lot of layers to this band and this album. Hopefully these guys can find time in the future to tour and put out another album.
Key Listen - Wings of Feather and Wax
3) Slipknot - .5 The Gray Chapter
We had to wait a long time for Slipknot's fifth album (6 years), but man was it worth it. It may not take over the debut album as my favorite Slipknot album, but it's a close second. As is the pattern of a Slipknot album, there are many peaks and valleys when listening cover to cover. The peaks are some of the heaviest material the band has, and the valleys are some of the most emotional the band has. For those that don't know this album is the first since losing founding member and key songwriter in bassist Paul Gray, hence why the low points in the album ooze raw emotion. You can hear the fragility in Corey's voice during these songs. When it comes time to rock, you can hear the anger and power in Corey's voice more so than most anything else in Slipknot's catalog.
Key Listen - Custer
2) Mastodon - Once More Round the Sun
This Atlanta based foursome have been considered to be one of the best heavy metal bands of their generation. This album has been criticized by some of the same people who put them on that pedestal as saying Once More Round the Sun is their Black Album; saying that the 'Don sold out and went commercial. I say, trust in the 'Don and take this album for what it is, a great collection of riffs, technical solos, and complex song arrangements (the same thing we've all expected from them for years). Sure the vocals are a little cleaner and the songs a little shorter, but did you hear these songs played all over rock radio USA? I didn't. So even if they did go commercial, mainstream radio didn't latch on, so it's as if it didn't even happen. Haters gonna hate, but this is a fantastic album by a fantastic band.
Key Listen - High Road
1) Judas Priest - Redeemer of Souls
Judas Priest has proven that you are never too old to rock. This is the best Judas Priest album since Painkiller (1990). With the current lineup sporting an average age of 56, this album is played and sung as if Judas Priest has found the fountain of youth and fits right in with the classic Priest albums of past. Featuring roaring guitars, pounding drums, and the voice of the Metal God Rob Halford, there is very little downtime on Redeemer of Souls. Sure Judas Priest has had a few blemishes in their catalog, but Redeemer of Souls belongs with the highlights that are heavy metal standards. Priest is back and better than they have been in a very long time. Now if only Ritchie Blackmore would play rock n roll again, all would be right in the metal world.........
Key Listen - Redeemer of Souls
5) Black Label Society - Catacombs of the Black Vatican
Black Label Society have carved out a great niche in today's metal market. Lead by Zakk Wylde, they have been cranking out very groovy, bluesy metal for over 10 years. 2014's effort, Catacombs of the Black Vatican, is no exception. This album has a few more slow spots than other BLS albums, but this just shows Zakk's range as a singer, musician, and songwriter.
Key Listen - My Dying Time
4) Killer be Killed - Killer be Killed
This is a supergroup composed of members of Mastodon, The Mars Volta, Sepultura, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. I mean that's 4 of the most well renowned heavy bands of the last few decades. What did you think was going to happen? Well a great album came out of it. Anyone who likes any of those bands will find something for them in this album. All members of KbK bring something different to the band and they let all creativity flow into a very cohesive debut album. With vocals being handled by three of the four members, each song has it's own unique flavor. While very heavy, there are a lot of layers to this band and this album. Hopefully these guys can find time in the future to tour and put out another album.
Key Listen - Wings of Feather and Wax
3) Slipknot - .5 The Gray Chapter
We had to wait a long time for Slipknot's fifth album (6 years), but man was it worth it. It may not take over the debut album as my favorite Slipknot album, but it's a close second. As is the pattern of a Slipknot album, there are many peaks and valleys when listening cover to cover. The peaks are some of the heaviest material the band has, and the valleys are some of the most emotional the band has. For those that don't know this album is the first since losing founding member and key songwriter in bassist Paul Gray, hence why the low points in the album ooze raw emotion. You can hear the fragility in Corey's voice during these songs. When it comes time to rock, you can hear the anger and power in Corey's voice more so than most anything else in Slipknot's catalog.
Key Listen - Custer
2) Mastodon - Once More Round the Sun
This Atlanta based foursome have been considered to be one of the best heavy metal bands of their generation. This album has been criticized by some of the same people who put them on that pedestal as saying Once More Round the Sun is their Black Album; saying that the 'Don sold out and went commercial. I say, trust in the 'Don and take this album for what it is, a great collection of riffs, technical solos, and complex song arrangements (the same thing we've all expected from them for years). Sure the vocals are a little cleaner and the songs a little shorter, but did you hear these songs played all over rock radio USA? I didn't. So even if they did go commercial, mainstream radio didn't latch on, so it's as if it didn't even happen. Haters gonna hate, but this is a fantastic album by a fantastic band.
Key Listen - High Road
1) Judas Priest - Redeemer of Souls
Judas Priest has proven that you are never too old to rock. This is the best Judas Priest album since Painkiller (1990). With the current lineup sporting an average age of 56, this album is played and sung as if Judas Priest has found the fountain of youth and fits right in with the classic Priest albums of past. Featuring roaring guitars, pounding drums, and the voice of the Metal God Rob Halford, there is very little downtime on Redeemer of Souls. Sure Judas Priest has had a few blemishes in their catalog, but Redeemer of Souls belongs with the highlights that are heavy metal standards. Priest is back and better than they have been in a very long time. Now if only Ritchie Blackmore would play rock n roll again, all would be right in the metal world.........
Key Listen - Redeemer of Souls
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Urge at The Pageant 11/28/14
I FINALLY got around to seeing The Urge in concert on Black Friday 2014. For the past few years, The Urge have played a handful of shows throughout the year, but always around Thanksgiving. Due to other circumstances, this was my first real opportunity and I jumped right in (get it??).
The first of two local openers for The Urge was The Adam Hansbrough Band. Their music was mostly instrumental with the keyboardist singing one song and Steve Ewing from The Urge singing their last song. They played a style of jazz/funk/blues jam music. The second act was a local band by the name of Unifyah. Featuring 9 members, they were quite the wall of sound. Their music style could be considered funky reggae. Both bands were very fun and easy to listen to.
Then it was time to PTMFUS and everyone knew it! After a three peat of Super Freak on the house music, the crowd was getting anxious with excitement. As soon as they started playing, I got it. I got why they have such a dedicated following. Their live performances are incredible. They are energetic, enthusiastic and each member brings something unique and is fun to watch in their own way. On top of being highly entertaining, they sounded amazing live. All of the musicians are great and Steve's voice is crystal clear. The stage set up was very unique and really awesome. There were 5 scaffolding beams that came from the back of the stage to out over the crowd that held lights and smoke machines. The Urge always has a great light show, but this added an extra element to the show because sometimes the lighting effects were all around you. The Urge's music is very up beat, high energy and anytime that things kind of slowed down, they picked it right back up the very next song to maximize the moshing time. Anyone who thinks that people only mosh at heavy metal concerts have clearly never heard of The Urge. As soon as the first note of the concert hit, about 15-20 people were moshing on the floor. The mosh pit hit it's peak during perhaps The Urge's heaviest song (and one of my favorites) Straight to Hell. But immediately following this very heavy song (basically a metal song), The Urge followed it up with a "ballad" in Closer. Despite it being a fan favorite, the crowd was anxious for Closer to be over so that they could continue dancing or moshing.
As the show was coming to a close it was obvious that the last four songs were going to be some combination of their most popular songs (It's Getting Hectic, All Washed Up, Jump Right In) and a Bob Marley cover (One Love), but I was hoping for a drum solo by John Pessoni. For those that don't know, John is basically the best kept musical secret in St. Louis. He has more talent in one hand than most musicians around the world. He sings. He drums with furious pace and precision. I've even seen him play guitar. As those four songs were played, my chances of getting to see a solo got smaller and smaller until BAM! it happened during band introductions in the middle of It's Getting Hectic. We were treated to a few minutes of drum solo from the great John Pessoni. I was satisfied. All that was left was a few more hectic (seriously) lines from It's Getting Hectic to get what dance moves, moshing, and sweat was left of the crowd.
They don't play often, but if you're a fan of anything remotely close to rock, funk, metal, or ska, you HAVE to check out The Urge.
PTMFUS!!!!!
Check out Todd Morgan's concert pictures of the show at Back Beat Photography.
Then it was time to PTMFUS and everyone knew it! After a three peat of Super Freak on the house music, the crowd was getting anxious with excitement. As soon as they started playing, I got it. I got why they have such a dedicated following. Their live performances are incredible. They are energetic, enthusiastic and each member brings something unique and is fun to watch in their own way. On top of being highly entertaining, they sounded amazing live. All of the musicians are great and Steve's voice is crystal clear. The stage set up was very unique and really awesome. There were 5 scaffolding beams that came from the back of the stage to out over the crowd that held lights and smoke machines. The Urge always has a great light show, but this added an extra element to the show because sometimes the lighting effects were all around you. The Urge's music is very up beat, high energy and anytime that things kind of slowed down, they picked it right back up the very next song to maximize the moshing time. Anyone who thinks that people only mosh at heavy metal concerts have clearly never heard of The Urge. As soon as the first note of the concert hit, about 15-20 people were moshing on the floor. The mosh pit hit it's peak during perhaps The Urge's heaviest song (and one of my favorites) Straight to Hell. But immediately following this very heavy song (basically a metal song), The Urge followed it up with a "ballad" in Closer. Despite it being a fan favorite, the crowd was anxious for Closer to be over so that they could continue dancing or moshing.
As the show was coming to a close it was obvious that the last four songs were going to be some combination of their most popular songs (It's Getting Hectic, All Washed Up, Jump Right In) and a Bob Marley cover (One Love), but I was hoping for a drum solo by John Pessoni. For those that don't know, John is basically the best kept musical secret in St. Louis. He has more talent in one hand than most musicians around the world. He sings. He drums with furious pace and precision. I've even seen him play guitar. As those four songs were played, my chances of getting to see a solo got smaller and smaller until BAM! it happened during band introductions in the middle of It's Getting Hectic. We were treated to a few minutes of drum solo from the great John Pessoni. I was satisfied. All that was left was a few more hectic (seriously) lines from It's Getting Hectic to get what dance moves, moshing, and sweat was left of the crowd.
They don't play often, but if you're a fan of anything remotely close to rock, funk, metal, or ska, you HAVE to check out The Urge.
PTMFUS!!!!!
Check out Todd Morgan's concert pictures of the show at Back Beat Photography.
Friday Floyd - 12/5/14
I read a very entertaining story recently about the photo shoot for the cover of the Animals album. For those that need a refresher, here is the cover. Below is the story and the song Pigs from the album.
The first day of the photo shoot for the forthcoming Pink Floyd Animals album cover took place at Battersea Power Station in London, England with a giant inflatable pig lashed between two of the structure's tall towers. A trained marksman was hired ready to fire if the inflatable escaped, but was not needed on this, the first day. Unfortunately the following day the marksman hadn't been rebooked, so when the inflatable broke free from its moorings, it was able to float away, eventually landing in Kent where it was recovered by a local farmer, reportedly furious that it had ‘scared his cows.’ Credit This Day in Pink Floyd
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
TT5 - Most Underrated Bands
Day late and a dollar short. Better late than never.........
There are so many bands and singers in today's music that are way overrated. Today, I'm showcasing my top 5 underrated bands of all time.
5) Sleigh Bells
This is a wild card pick for me. I discovered this band in college based on a recommendation by Rolling Stone. I blindly bought their debut album (first time for me) and was very pleasantly surprised. This noise duo is just pure energy and Alexis Krauss is the perfect mix of hype-woman and singer. They're worth checking out if you haven't. They don't tour much and I've missed all their shows close to me as of recent, but I'm dying to see them live as I hear it is quite the performance.
Key Listen: Infinity Guitars
4) Cactus
They call themselves the American Led Zeppelin and anyone who's seen the Anvil documentary knows that Lips and Robb met over a shared fascination with them. Take out the folk and world music that LZ experimented with and I would agree that Cactus is the American Led Zeppelin. They are still putting out music, but their first 4 albums are classic blues based rock. If you're a fan of LZ, Cream, The Guess Who, Grand Funk Railroad, or Jeff Beck, you'll love Cactus.
Key Listen: Long Tall Sally
3) Reignwolf
This one man band (with a few guys thrown in every once in a while) is a budding mega star. Reignwolf (Jordan Cook) plays guitar like a cross between Kurt Cobain and Jimmy Page, has a raspy singing voice that is way past his years, and also plays the drums (sometimes all at once). He only has three singles that have been officially released, but he's been touring all over including opening for Black Sabbath. Keep an eye out, this guy is going places.
Key Listen: Are You Satisfied?
2) Wolfmother
Depending on what your definition of underrated is, you may disagree that Wolfmother even belongs in this category, but I would say that Wolfmother has not received anything close to the attention that they deserve. I say they, but in reality Andrew Stockdale is the driving force behind this band, and what a driving force he is. These Aussies have put out some amazing bare bones, no frills rock for about 10 years. Anyone who has seen any of the Hangover movies has heard their music as it's been featured in all three. Their music is catchy, upbeat, and very dependent on Andrew's riffs.
Key Listen: Love Train
1) Accept / UDO
I know, I know, this is two bands. One thing they share is vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, but I am also including Accept's work after Udo left. Accept are so criminally underrated, it's quite sad actually. Accept found a style and a groove in the late 70s and have stayed true to that even with multiple lead singers. Anyone who is a fan of power metal or NWOBHM will love Accept. UDO is a very similar band to Accept, but they maintained the voice that gave Accept it's start. Udo Dirkschneider is such a unique singer, and the best vocalist to compliment the screaming guitars of power metal. Udo is like Lemmy (without the drinking and female exploits) in the sense that he fully embodies what heavy metal is and has such an iconic voice that it'd be hard to imagine his music sung by anyone else.
Key Listen (Accept): Balls to the Wall
Key Listen (UDO): Animal House
There are so many bands and singers in today's music that are way overrated. Today, I'm showcasing my top 5 underrated bands of all time.
5) Sleigh Bells
This is a wild card pick for me. I discovered this band in college based on a recommendation by Rolling Stone. I blindly bought their debut album (first time for me) and was very pleasantly surprised. This noise duo is just pure energy and Alexis Krauss is the perfect mix of hype-woman and singer. They're worth checking out if you haven't. They don't tour much and I've missed all their shows close to me as of recent, but I'm dying to see them live as I hear it is quite the performance.
Key Listen: Infinity Guitars
4) Cactus
They call themselves the American Led Zeppelin and anyone who's seen the Anvil documentary knows that Lips and Robb met over a shared fascination with them. Take out the folk and world music that LZ experimented with and I would agree that Cactus is the American Led Zeppelin. They are still putting out music, but their first 4 albums are classic blues based rock. If you're a fan of LZ, Cream, The Guess Who, Grand Funk Railroad, or Jeff Beck, you'll love Cactus.
Key Listen: Long Tall Sally
3) Reignwolf
This one man band (with a few guys thrown in every once in a while) is a budding mega star. Reignwolf (Jordan Cook) plays guitar like a cross between Kurt Cobain and Jimmy Page, has a raspy singing voice that is way past his years, and also plays the drums (sometimes all at once). He only has three singles that have been officially released, but he's been touring all over including opening for Black Sabbath. Keep an eye out, this guy is going places.
Key Listen: Are You Satisfied?
2) Wolfmother
Depending on what your definition of underrated is, you may disagree that Wolfmother even belongs in this category, but I would say that Wolfmother has not received anything close to the attention that they deserve. I say they, but in reality Andrew Stockdale is the driving force behind this band, and what a driving force he is. These Aussies have put out some amazing bare bones, no frills rock for about 10 years. Anyone who has seen any of the Hangover movies has heard their music as it's been featured in all three. Their music is catchy, upbeat, and very dependent on Andrew's riffs.
Key Listen: Love Train
1) Accept / UDO
I know, I know, this is two bands. One thing they share is vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, but I am also including Accept's work after Udo left. Accept are so criminally underrated, it's quite sad actually. Accept found a style and a groove in the late 70s and have stayed true to that even with multiple lead singers. Anyone who is a fan of power metal or NWOBHM will love Accept. UDO is a very similar band to Accept, but they maintained the voice that gave Accept it's start. Udo Dirkschneider is such a unique singer, and the best vocalist to compliment the screaming guitars of power metal. Udo is like Lemmy (without the drinking and female exploits) in the sense that he fully embodies what heavy metal is and has such an iconic voice that it'd be hard to imagine his music sung by anyone else.
Key Listen (Accept): Balls to the Wall
Key Listen (UDO): Animal House
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