Metallica - "Beyond Magnetic" EP Review

To caution the readers, I'm writing this review after my initial listen of the EP. Metallica have released an EP entitled "Beyond Magnetic." This new EP comprises of 4 songs from the Death Magnetic recording sessions that were left over and not put on the album. Metallica released a statement regarding this EP.

"During the Death Magnetic album sessions in 2007 and 2008, we originally recorded 14 songs. When it came time to pick the songs for the final album, we decided on 10 songs that you’ve all come to know over the last three years… Some of you may have heard bits and pieces of those other songs on ‘Mission Metallica’ (remember ‘Mission Metallica’?!) or heard rumors about them during the recording process, and wondered, ‘What ever happened to those other four songs???.’ We kept them in the vault and decided to pull them just for this special celebration, so here are the four leftover tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions. They are ROUGH mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March ’08. These four songs were released as gift to our closest fans, the members of our Fan Club, to enjoy. Now they’re being made available to you."

My initial rating is 3 and a half stars because of the fact that this is not the good classic drunken Metallica music! Rather this is the new not as good sober Metallica music. However, with that being said, I did enjoy some of the stuff on Death Magnetic such as "Broken, Beaten, & Scarred" and "The End of The Line" and I did enjoy the songs on "Beyond Magnetic." But one thing I couldn't shake was Lars new drum sound. Just sounded out of place and stuck out like a sore thumb. It wasn't the classic Lars drum sound as heard on their previous albums "Kill 'Em All" all the way through "Garage Inc." The drums on the new EP still sound the same as on Death Magnetic for obvious reasons and like I said I did enjoy the 4 songs on the EP. There fast, hard hitting, and in your face. But what they lack is that classic Metallica sound. My guessing is Metallica decided to go in a new direction with their music kinda like they did with "Load" and "Reload" but with "Death Magnetic" and "Beyond Magnetic" they got rid of their classic sound and went for a completely new sound while retaining the metal aspect of the music.

This new sound developed during the "St. Anger" sessions and possibly even before that. It's what I call the Bob Rock sound. See Metallica has 4 distinct sounds all culminating with each bass player. First was the Cliff Burton sound. Raw, loud, thrashy, less structured, huge arena sounding, solos up your ass, metal up your ass thrash metal sound. Then came Jason and "And Justice For All." It was a less thrashy, more melodic, more structured, little less arena sounding, more mature sounding, less solo'y, not so much metal up your ass sound. Then came Bob Rock and his no thrash, more hardcore, more punk, terrible high treble drum sound, virtually no metal up your ass, no structure whatsoever, no solos sound. Then in came Rob Trujillo. This new sound sorta combined all 3 era's with a semi thrashy, semi melodic, semi hardcore, return of solos, structured sound. However, Lars did tone down the drum sound some but it does still stick out like a soar thumb and is not his classic sound. Nor do any of the songs have that classic huge arena sound as heard on classics "For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Master of Puppets". "Harvester of Sorrow", "One", "Fade To Black", and others. Also on the "Death Magnetic" and "Beyond Magnetic" stuff, there is only a creeping of metal up your ass and none of the songs have that classic raw sound and feel.

I really couldn't give this EP more than 3 and a half stars for the reasons noted above. However, I will state again that I did enjoy "Beyond Magnetic" as I did with "Death Magnetic." It may not have that classic Metallica sound but it shouldn't be counted out completely either. But even with that being said, It's not gonna be one of the first things I go to listen to when it comes to Metallica as I'm just not as into the new Metallica stuff as many fans are. But I would definitely recommend checking out "Beyond Magnetic" especially if you are a fan of the new Metallica stuff. All of the songs are quite good. It's kind of a shame that Metallica didn't include these songs on "Death Magnetic." I have a feeling that Metallica may be heading more towards either a return to the Cliff Burton days of that all out thrashy, loud, raw, huge arena sounding sound or the more Load and Reload type sound on their next album. They could even just stick with the sound they have now and continue with it. Whatever they do on their next album will surely be good as I don't ever see Metallica returning to the whole St. Anger sound.

Top 10 albums of 2011 and honorable mentions!

I was reading Roadrunner Records top 10 albums of 2011 Roadrunner Records top 10 2011 and it's basically a bunch of people who work for Roadrunner Records and their top 10 albums of 2011. I was noticing how much crap was actually on most of the lists. Most of the list comprised of bands or artists I have never ever heard of in my life. Small time acts that are pretty much really only known overseas. Also some of the lists mention really horrible albums like Korn's new album and Nickelback's new album. Also I noticed that for the first 2 pages some of the best albums of 2011 like Anthrax's new album and Megadeth's new album and Machine head's new album aren't even mentioned. So disgusted was I that I decided to put up a real top 10 list on my NU-MB Blog. I also decided that since there is sooo much good music in 2011 I would do some honorable mentions that easily fit into the top 20. I would love to see people comment on my list and put up your own list! I wanna see what you all think is the top 10 albums of 2011! Even honorable mentions should be mentioned!

10. Evanescence - Evanescence
9.  Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist
8. Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
6. Black Country Communion - 2
5. Mastodon - The Hunter
4. Megadeth - Thirt3en 
3. Anthrax - Worship Music
2.  Lady Gaga - Born This Way

1.    Machine Head - Unto The Locust
                                                      You may ask "Why Machine Head for #1?" Well it's simple, while they                                                       may not be commercially popular like Lady Gaga, Five Finger Death                                                        Punch, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, Jane's Addiction, or                                                                  Evanescence, Their new album "Unto The Locust" is near perfect in                                                          terms of a metal album. This is what every metal fan wants to hear and
                                                      it's what every metal band strives to make when making an album. I
                                                      just don't think you can get more perfect than this at least for a metal
                                                      album. While the albums of the other artists on the top ten list and                                                               honorable mentions below were really good, no other artist this year                                                           hit a near perfect for their genre, even including Lady Gaga. I also                                                               chose this album for the reason that I want to see metal and
                                                      hard rock bands get more attention in the mainstream popular music.
                                                      I want to see them recognized for their good music. 


Honorable mentions: Albums that well, I feel should be mentioned and some could be in the top 10 (at least on someone's list) or at least in the top 20 But I just couldn't fit it into my list.


1. Bush - The Sea of Memories
2. Miranda Lambert - Four The Record
3. Gorillaz - The Fall
4. James Blunt - Some Kind of Trouble
5. Primus - Green Naugahyde
6. George Strait - Here For a Good Time
7. Children of Bodom - Relentless Reckless Forever
8. Trivium - In Waves
9. Disturbed - The Lost Children

New band Review - Black Country Communion

 

I decided I would start a new band review to coincide with album reviews and to start it out I am taking a look at a new band Called Black Country Communion. I came across this band through Eddie Trunk's show "That Metal Show." Eddie, Jim, and Don have mentioned this band several times and recommend checking this band out. Black Country Communion is an English-British rock supergroup that consists of Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals - Mk. III & IV line-ups of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Jason Bonham (drums - Son of Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham), Derek Sherinian (keyboardist - Dream Theater), and Joe Bonamassa (guitar, vocals - Solo work). They formed in 2010 through a Guitar Center King of The Blues event in Los Angeles and have two albums out, "Black Country" (2010) and "2" (2011). The sound of Black Country Communion is a mix between American and British classic rock bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, & southern rock music such as Lynyrd Skynyrd. Upon listening to Black Country Communion you can hear influnces of other rock music such as Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, ect. If your into classic rock and like a heavy, dark, bluesy, modern twist to it then you will want to check out Black Country Communion.

"Black Country": Take southern rock and give a shot of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, add some screaming lead that mixes Lindsey Buckingham, Jimmy Page, Toni Iommi, David Gilmore,ect. and you have a pretty hard rockin' album with a few killer slower almost haunting tunes as well. While this album isn't a commercially mainstream ready album and has no tracks that would appeal to mainstream popular/top 40 music, its still very much a solid body of work that fans of this kind of music will love. I would say that I am very rooted in mainstream popular music and rarely listen to the non-mainstream/underground music such as this but I dig this group and album very much. It brings back that classic rock sound into a more modern take on it. Classic rock and hard rock fans will appreciate and like if not love this album.

Favorite tracks: "Song of Yesterday", "The Revolution In Me"

"2": "2" is for me a better album in terms of song writing and the music in general on the album. On this album you can really hear the Led Zeppelin influence. Especially on the tracks "The Outsider", "Man In The Middle" and "Little Secret". Also, influences of Fleetwood Mac/Pink Floyd with the signature Lindsay Buckingham/David Gilmore lead guitar can be heard on the track "Cold." A few more slower songs than on "Black Country" but they are dark and catchy and really put the pieces of the puzzle together on this album. Also here and there you can notice a slight influence of Lynyrd Skynyrd in there. Overall this album really packs a punch of that classic rock sound and delivers a monster sound that is sure to be appreciated by classic rock and hard rock fans. Again there is no real maintream popular, top 40 tracks on this album and the album isn't commercially mainstream ready. However, The songs are definitely radio friendly if played on a classic rock station. I would recommend "2" to start out with and then listen to "Black Country" cause overall I believe the listener will be more pleased with "2" than "Black Country." 


Favorite tracks: "The Outsider", "Man In The Middle", "Little Secret", "Cold"

Nickelback - "Here and Now" Review

Nickelback releases there seventh album "Here and Now". If you're expecting to hear classic Nickelback songs such as "Photograph", "How You Remind Me", "Rockstar", "Figured You Out", "If Everyone Cared", "Gotta Be Somebody", ect. then you might as well just pick up their previous albums or download the classic songs and make your own "Best of" playlist. Nickelback fell short of producing any of the classic catchy tunes and ballads on "Here and Now". I ended up just skimming each song and moving on. There was only two songs that I liked, "Lullaby" and "Trying Not To Love You". But neither song was in that classic Nickelback form. I was disappointed in this album for not having anything that was catchy that makes you rock out to it or a classic ballad like "Photograph." I started looking up their previous albums on wikipedia and looked at the reviews for all of Nickelbacks albums and most of the reviews were negative. Most of the critics seems to think that Nickelback sucks and pose the question of, "how did they become big in the first place?" I however, do not see Nickelback in the same way. I consider myself a fan of Nickelback and love their music. I have also seen many other people who are fans of Nickelback. But I think those fans who listen to "Here and Now" are gonna start to wonder if they can continue to write the classic hits or if there time is done, at least for awhile anyways. Or maybe they just hit a rut in their writting as many bands do and often end up creating one bad album or two. Or perhaps Nickelback is trying to go in a different direction and experiment with their music. Whatever the case, "Here and Now" doesn't live up to it's expectations and if you really want this album, go download it for free around the internet. You'll be glad you didn't waste your money!

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy Live - Made In Stoke 24/7/11 Review

The former Guns N' Roses ax slinger Slash goes out on the road with Myles Kennedy, whom is most notably from the band Alter Bridge, in support of his self titled album "Slash". This live CD was done entirely in Slash's hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom at the Victoria Hall. Not many people know that Slash is not originally from the U.S. He is actually British. But you'd never know it from the way he talks. What makes this live album worth reviewing? Well, quite simply it's Slash. One of the most famous guitar players in rock music! One listen to this album and you can instantly tell why Slash is one of the most famous guitar players in rock music and why this album is worth reviewing.


     Slash's licks and chops are spot on and played with seemingly effortless ease. And lets not forget Myles Kennedy on vocals. If I was listening to this from a distance or had no clue that it was Myles Kennedy singing on the Guns N' Roses tracks "Night Train", "Civil War", "Rocket Queen", "Patience", "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Mr. Brownstone", & "Paradise City", I would never know that it wasn't Axel Rose singing. That is how good Myles Kennedy is. Honestly, if you put Duff Mckagan & Matt Sorum in the band, this could be an incarnation of Guns N' Roses. On the Slash, Slash's Snakepit, and Velvet Revolver tracks, Myles Kennedy comes in full form and is easily recognized. This high energy, high octane rock concert is nothing short of amazing! Myles and Slash deliver to the crowd at Stoke and to the listener at home a truly killer concert. I have seen Slash live with Velvet Revolver twice and he always brings high energy and killer guitar playing to the concert. Add that with Myles Kennedy's high energy vocals and you have yourself one of the best live albums since "The Big 4 Concert".

Breaking News: Black Sabbath 11-11-11 Reunion Announcement!

Black Sabbath have announced on 11-11-11 they are reuniting once again but this time they are recording music for their first studio album in 33 years with producer Rick Rubin on board. They will also be headlining the Download festival June 10, 2012 and a worldwide tour to follow! Sabbath made the announcement via there website through a youtube video seen below. The second video is the band making the announcement at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA.

Disturbed - "The Lost Children" Review

Disturbed's "The Lost Children" is a collection of B-sides that the band previously recorded while recording each of their previous 5 albums but these tracks were ultimately not included on the album. Disturbed released these songs as B-sides to each of the 5 albums singles. However, "3" was originally released as a digital single on disturbed's website to benefit the West Memphis Three, "Midlife Crisis"  is a Faith No More cover from the compilation album "Covered: A Revolution in Sound", "Living After Midnight" is a Judas Priest cover from the compilation album "A Tribute to Judas Priest: British Steel Vol.1", and the song "Mine" was not previously released.


All of these tracks with the exception of "Midlife Crisis" and "Living After Midnight" sound as though they could be carried on a true studio album instead of just a B-sides compilation album. Each of these songs works really well together on this album. I do however have to agree with Disturbed that none of these songs could really make it on any of their previous 5 studio albums. They work so much better together on a separate album.  "The Lost Children" sounds as though it was taken out of the vault similar to what recording companies are doing with Jimi Hendrix's previously recorded but unreleased works. "The Lost Children" is as heavy as any of their previous albums and really takes on a life of it's own. "Hell", the albums first single and first track brings on a catchy riff along with the very well written lyrics. Disturbed always had a knack for writing great lyrics. "Hell" is a very heavy song and the most commercial song on the album. Other songs from the album that could be potential singles include, "This Moment", "Monster", & "Run". I personally find the entire album completely worthy with the exception of the two cover songs, "Midlife Crises" and "Living After Midnight." Disturbed has done cover songs before ("Shout" & "Land of Confusion") and they were done in full Disturbed fashion having that signature Disturbed sound. However, The two cover songs on this album do not come in full Disturbed fashion. For the most part they lack that Disturbed sound. While you can hear Disturbed's sound kind of peeking in from around the corner, the songs as a whole sound much like the original recordings and fail to put on that unique Disturbed stamp as you would expect from Disturbed.

New and casual fans of Disturbed may want to stick with the 5 studio albums for a better representation of Disturbed's work but avid fans of Disturbed will understand and appreciate the music of "The Lost Children." Not disturbed's finest work but is a very nice edition to the body of work that Disturbed has done.  

Anthrax - "Worship Music" Review

Let me first warn you that "Worship Music" is technically the first full Anthrax album that I have ever listened to. Sure, when I was younger I had heard of Anthrax. I knew of Scott Ian and Joey Belladonna. I had first seen them featured on the 90's cult cartoon "Beavis and Butthead" through Beavis wearing a t-shirt that said Anthrax on it and of course Beavis was a huge fan of Anthrax as he always mentioned them. But it wasn't until   the "Last Action Hero" soundrack in which I heard my first Anthrax song, "Poison My Eyes." I hated the song. I couldn't get past the intro to actually listen to the whole song. I really didn't care for Anthrax after that experience. I never bothered to listen to Anthrax since. It wasn't until years later when Ozzfest came out with the dvd "Ozzfest: 10th Anniversary" in which Anthrax performs a song called "Caught in a Mosh" that I actually heard a good Anthrax song and I really liked it. However, I still had no desire to actually listen to anything else by Anthrax or check out an album or anything. In January of 2011 I went to the Jagermeister Tour in which Scott Ian's other band "The Damned Things" performed. Scott was killer that night! Still, no desire to check out Anthrax. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I started checking out Eddie Trunk's "That Metal Show" on VH1 Classic that I started getting a piqued interest in Anthrax. Eddie and his co-hosts would continuously mention Anthrax and how good they were in many episodes, mostly on their TMS Top 5 Lists. They also had Scott Ian and Charlie Benante on an episode of "That Metal Show" in which both Scott and Charlie talk about Joey Belladonna returning to the band for the "Big 4" shows and they had a new album coming out with Joey on vocals. The album was already out when I saw the episode. This really got me wanting to check out the new album and see what the hype about Anthrax is all about! So boys and girls... here is the review for "Worship Music."

"Worship Music" in one word is "EPIC"! Being my first Anthrax album, "Worship Music" has solidly piqued my interest in Anthrax. Currently downloading "Among The Living" to check out as well. Reason I am checking this one out being that I know very little about Anthrax is that this was the album that Eddie Trunk had featured in his "Throwdown" on "That Metal Show" alongside "Spreading the Disease" to ask the question "which Anthrax album was better?" It's no surprise that "Among The Living" was voted best Anthrax album over "Spreading The Disease." Anyways, "Worship Music" really is a killer album. The production is just picture perfect. Honestly, I love Joey's vocals on the album. They just fit very well. I cannot compare it to other Anthrax singers as I haven't heard the other vocalists. "Earth on Hell" Starts off the album on a very high note with a killer riff. WHile all the songs on the album are fan-damn-tastic!, other high points to this album include "I'm Alive" which reminds me very much of the Orleans song "Still The One". It's a very high produced song and is just a massive killer song. Kind of surprised Anthrax wrote the song but it works extremely well. Another high point is "In The End", which sounds like a war song as you march into hell to fight an epic battle! It's another high produced well put together song. Sounds like a massive metal song from the 80's/early 90's.     "The Giant" has a killer opening riff and is a very monstrous song to mosh to! In fact the whole album is one big mosh pit. Any of the songs on "Worship Music" would be killer to hear live. You could probably do a whole set of nothing but this album and fans would just go nuts the entire time! To end the album Anthrax puts on a hidden song called "New Noise" at the end of the last track "Revolution Screams". This could easily be a song by itself on the album but Anthrax makes this song a hidden gem. Anthrax dishes out what I think   is possibly their best work on "Worship Music". I say possibly cause as you know I'm unfamiliar with their previous works. After hearing this album, I can say it ranks right up their as one of the best metal albums of 2011 maybe even in the last few years. Just sad that it hasn't gotten more promotion cause had it not been for Eddie Trunk and his show "That Metal Show", I would of never known that this was out! Definitely think Anthrax should go on tour with Machine Head. Two really killer albums by two killer bands would make for a really killer concert! If you havent seen my review for Machine Head's "Locusts" go check it out! Killer album! You'll see what I mean.

Favorite Tracks: "Earth On Hell", "I'm Alive", "In The End", & "The Giant"

Check out Eddie Trunk - The best source for all things metal and hard rock!

For those of you who are new to metal and hard rock, you may want to start with Eddie Trunk. For those of you who are harden metal heads and hard rockers and just want more metal and hard rock stuff then check out Eddie Trunk. Who is Eddie Trunk you ask? Well, Eddie is a longtime radio DJ and now host of VH1 Classic's That Metal Show. I just recently started checking out That Metal Show on VH1 Classic and I'm already addicted to the show! Eddie works with two other guys on the show, co-hosts Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. On this show he interviews popular hard rock and metal stars In addition to his show on VH1 Classics he hosts a radio show on Sirus/XM radio called Eddie Trunk Live. Eddie Trunk has a website EddieTrunk.com and his show website is thatmetalshow. Check out the show and check out Eddie Trunk!

Lou Reed & Metallica - "Lulu" Review

Before I begin I want to warn you that I know nothing about Lou Reed or his music. I've never heard his music before. The only thing I know about him is what he looks like. With that being said I kind of expected big things from Lou Reed & Metallica. I was kind of expecting something like Keith Richards meets Metallica kind of deal. And even that would of been more exciting than Metallica collaborating with Lou Reed. Even the Album cover and title looked really cool like some sorta of old school Rockabilly deal. I was sadly mistaken. The music isn't at all what I expected and not in a good way either.The music on "Lulu" is kind of like Metallica's St. Anger album with Lou Reed talking above the music. Parts of the songs however are really not music but more of a special effects kind of thing or background noise/music like you would hear in a movie for a dramatic or suspenseful effect or to scare you like in a horror movie.

The album as a whole is hard to swallow.  "Lulu" is a 2 disc album with most of the songs lasting over 6 minutes long. There is two songs lasting just over 11 minutes and one song that is just over 19 minutes long. There isn't any songs on here that you can really get pumped up too or dance to or head bang to or anything to. In fact all you can really do is get bored to it especially when the songs last well past the length they should. There is one song however that was actually structured as a real song without all the effects and background music or garbage that the other songs contain and is only a little over 4 minutes long. That song is called "Iced Honey." "Iced Honey" has some nice music and ok vocals in it. But what troubles me about the song is that it doesn't even come close to sounding like anything Metallica would do. I don't know about Lou Reed but if this album is any indication, I don't think it even comes close to anything Lou Reed would do. The two artists really come up with something completely different or in their case "experimental." I really think Metallica, ever since their sobriety have really been trying to experiment with their music. Which caused a complete failure on "St. Anger" and because of that they had to redeem themselves with "Death Magnetic" or face the reality that they were done for good. Now they decide to collaborate with Lou Reed and created a failure of epic proportions. Some say that this album has no effect on Lou Reed. Probably true. After listening to "Lulu" Lou Reed just seems like a weird character and would create weird music. This album couldn't be too far off from his previous work. But as for Metallica, this may not just simply put a dent in their career as St. Anger had. This may actually take the whole fender off the car and cause a whole lot of damage to their name. However, Metallica have stated that they are working on a new album and as far as I'm concerned, in being a huge fan of Metallica, they better come out with something epic that will make fans of the band forget that "Lulu" ever came out.

"Lulu" is one of those albums better left in the vault for another time period actually into this kind of music. "Lulu" is like masturbation, better left in private to yourself (or with a partner) in the bedroom with the door closed. Cause 99% of the population on earth doesn't want to see you masterbate in public! 

Megadeth - "Th1rt3en" Review

Thirteen is known as an unlucky number, But for Megadeth "Th1rt3en" busts the myth of the unlucky number.
"Th1rt3en" marks a return for bass guitarist and founding member Dave Ellefson, who's been gone since his last Megadeth studio album "World Need's A Hero" in 2001. Everybody knows or should know that Megadeth is known for its various band members that tend to come and go and sometimes come again. The current lineup of Megadeth I truly believe to be the best lineup since Marty Friedman (guitar 1990-2000) and Nick Menza (drums 1989-1998) were in the band. It's really great to finally hear that classic Megadeth sound again which I think Dave Ellefson really brings to the table. During Ellefson's departure, Megadeth just didn't sound like the classic Megadeth. It was Megadeth for a new generation of which I never really payed attention too. The entire band really brings 120% to the table on "Th1rt3en".

Out of all of the metal albums that have come out this year, Th1rt3en" has been the one metal record of which I have listened to the entire album several times without skimming the songs. "Th1rt3en" really reminds me of the classic Megadeth sound on "Rust In Peace", "Countdown To Extinction", and "Youthanasia." "Rust In Peace" being my absolute favorite Megadeth record. Since the first single "Public Enemy No. 1" was released, I've heard it live several times through Youtube and seeing the band perform the song on Jimmy Kimmel and I've been excited to hear the new album. Upon my first listen of the entire album, I was already singing along to "Public Enemy No. 1." It has that "Symphony of Destruction" feel to it which makes it an instant classic Megadeth song. Other notable songs on the record: "Sudden Death", "We The People", "Wrecker", "13", & "Millennium of The Blind". "Sudden Death" has that "Rust in Peace" sound to it and quite honestly it feels as tho Megadeth puts the song at the beginning to kind of go from "Rust..." to "Countdown..." to "Youthanasia." Almost like a unreleased tracks compilation album but yet they rework many of the songs to make them full album worthy! I love how Megadeth takes "We The People" and ends the song on a lighter note with what I'm assuming is Chris Brodrick, showcasing his classical guitar knowledge by playing a really cool, ballady, clean guitar part which sounds as though it should be in the beginning of the song instead of the end but it really works well being at the end of the song. "Wrecker" is very reminiscent of "Dread & The Fugitive Mind" with almost the same opening guitar part minus the vocals. Amongst all the thrash metal in this album is a really nice ballad reminiscent of "Forclosure Of A Dream" from the "Countdown To Extinction" album. However, I see fans liking this ballad more so than "Forclosure Of A Dream." To round out the album, Megadeth ends it on a high note with "13". It's ballady and thrashy all in one song. Definitely one of the high points of the album!

So you may be asking yourself, Why do all the songs sounds almost like "Countdown..." and "Rust..." and "Youthanasia"? Well It's simple, Megadeth have had many of these songs lying around since the days of those albums and those songs just didn't make the cut. Take "Millennium Of The Blind", according to the wikipedia.com page for "Th1rt3en", Dave Ellefson has said that song has been around since 1991. Megadeth didn't necessarily write brand new material for this album but rather reworked many of their older songs that didn't make the cut back then and it worked extremely well for their thirteenth album. Megadeth has created yet another album which in my mind as a fan will go down as one of the best albums in the arsenal that is Megadeth!

Favorite Tracks: "Sudden Death", "Public Enemy No. 1", "We The People", "Wrecker", "Millennium Of The Blind", "13"

Late Review: George Strait "Here For A Good Time"

I thought I would start out this week with a late review of George Straits new album "Here For A Good Time". I decided to do this after all before I dig into the new releases coming out tomorrow Nov. 1.

The king of country is back with a new album and he comes out of the gate swinging! And that's a Texas size swing! Country swing of course! In the past decade George has released 7 studio albums including his new release "Here For A Good Time". I must admit, I have yet to listen to his last release "Twang". But I have listened to the other 6 albums and I have to say, George has never made a bad album. He is a rare artist in that he sticks to his sound and continues to deliver great country music album after album. There isn't a single person that can have anything bad to say about his albums. Unless of course you just hate country music altogether. George Strait's albums may not get huge promotions anymore or really get the attention they deserve and honestly if your not a fan of country music or a fan of George Strait, You're likely to hear about Miranda Lambert, Lady Antabellum, Carrie Underwood and newer more modern country artists albums before you'll hear about George Stait's new albums and thats if you hear about it at all. But make no mistake, his albums are completely worthy of huge promotion and attention!

In his latest album, George Strait writes his trademark upbeat swingin' songs with "Here For A Good Time" and "Love's Gonna Make It Alright" and even some classic slow tunes with "House Across The Bay" and "Dinkin' Man". George Also does a duet with Gary Allen on "A Showman's Life". He even wrote a song for his fans called "I'll Always Remember You" in which midway through the song he talks to his fans saying
"When I first set out on the road,
I figured I had maybe 5 good years to sing my songs for you folks.
Well, it's goin on 30 now
And I still love it just as much as I ever did.
When I hear that announcer say my name,
And I walk through those curtains
And see your smilin' faces,
My feet don't touch the ground again
Til I walk out and get back on that bus that got me here.
I don't know how many more years I've got left to do this,
But I figure a few.
I do want you to know, though,
That when I do walk off this stage for the last time,
And I'm all settled in, away from all this,
You won't be far away.
I'll still hear your screams and cheers in my mind.
And I'll always remember you".


A very moving song for the fans of this longtime country music artist. It's real nice to hear George give back to his fans in a song. George makes his fans feel very appreciated for supporting him throughout his 30 plus year career. If you listen to just one country album this year make it George Strait's "Here for a good time." This 50 plus number one artist has yet to fade into the sunset and when he does his music will live on for generations to come. No one will ever get tired of George Strait. He truly is the king of country music and "Here For A Good Time" proves just that! 


Favorite tracks: "Love's Gonna Make It Alright", "Here For A Good Time", "House Across The Bay", "I'll Always Remember You"

Primus - "Green Naugahyde" Review

Primus makes a grand return with "Green Naugahyde". For those of you who are new to the world that is Primus please keep in mind that you need to have and keep an open mind when listening to Primus. Remember the whole 70's funk music craze? Primus's bass player Les Claypool is well known for his funky bass playing and incorporates the whole funk bass even more so than normal into the music of "Green Naugahyde". Les Claypool and longtime Primus guitarist Larry LaLond reunited with original Primus drummer, Jay Lane for the new album. If you want to get to know the earlier music of Primus and Les Claypool, I recommend checking out their second album "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese". Recommended songs: "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver", "Tommy The Cat" & "Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers". However, Les Claypool as well as others have referred to the new album "Green Naugahyde" as sounding much more like Primus's debut album "Frizzle Fry". Recommended song on "Frizzle Fry": "John The Fisherman".  

Now that you've been brought up to speed in the world of Primus and while still keeping an open mind, you can slowly start digging yourself into "Green Naugahyde". In order to fully understand and appreciate "Green Naugahyde", it's recommended that you understand & appreciate to some degree the wacky funk bass styling's of funkmaster Les Claypool. For newcomers to the world of Primus, you may find "Green Naugahyde" hard to swallow if this is your first Primus album. The album really isn't all that commercially accessible nor does it fit well into mainstream music which is why Primus IS Primus. However, longtime Primus fans may really appreciate this album for it's "getting back to basics" approach and really going back to their roots of which very few artists ever do. Open minded bass players will really enjoy Claypool's amped up funkiness on the new album. "Green Naugahyde" serves up a more than generous helping of Les Claypool's funky bass as well as funky guitars and the very funky drumming of Jay Lane. You can really hear Jay Lane's funky drumming influence on the new album compared with previous works under Tim "Herb" Alexander (1989–1996, 2003–2010) and Bryan "Brain" Mantia (1996-2000). Overall, "Green Naugahyde" is worthy of the Primus name and catalogue. Claypool and company deliver a genuine funky work of art you can really sink your brain into. If your ready to expand your mind and experience a whole new experience then dive into the world that is "Green Naugahyde".

Jane's Addiction - "The Great Escape Artist" Review

For those that don't know who Jane's Addictions is, they are a 90's alternative band currently comprised of Dave Navarro (Guitar), Perry Farrell (Vocals), Stephen Perkins (Drums), Chris Chaney (Bass) and have done such catchy alternative songs as "Jane Says", "Been Caught Stealing", and "Just Because". If your still having trouble knowing who Jane's Addiction is, here's another clue: Dave Navarro co-hosted the tv reality show Rockstar: INXS and Rockstar: Supernova. He also was a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers For one album as well as performed on the popular song from the Beavis and Butthead Do America movie "Love Rollercoaster" and has his side band The Panic Channel.

Now that you remember who Jane's Addiction is, let's move on to their new album. Jane's Addiction reunited once again for the new album "The Great Escape Artist". But this time without original bassist Eric Avery. Ex-Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and Loaded bass player Duff Mckagan briefly joined Jane's Addiction for  6 months and contributes to the songs "Broken People", "Words Right Out of My Mouth," and "Ultimate Reason" afterwhich Chris Chaney takes over bass duties for the rest of the album. You can really here Duff's influence on the song "Words Right Out of My Mouth" as well as the other two songs. The bass playing on "Words Right Out of My Mouth" is really noticeable and you can tell right away it was duff's work! With that being said, the song rocks as do the other two songs.

The album as a whole isn't classic Jane's Addiction BUT it's damn good! The band shows it's maturity from their almost childish punk days. The first single "Irresistible Force" is one of my favorite songs on the album. The song sounds like a science project and would fit really nicely as the theme to The Discovery Channel. It incorporates what sounds like orchestra music with an eerie guitar work to provide a really epic song! "The Great Escape Artist" sounds like Pink Floyd on crack! Much of the album has a bit of underlining Pink Floyd influence but the band revs it up for some heavy guitars, some orchestra perhaps?, grinding bass, and killer drums to provide what I believe is one of Jane's Addiction's best albums to date! It's like hearing a Pink Floyd album or a Led Zeppelin album but done in Jane's Addiction's interpretation. It's that momentous and monumental of an album. Don't be fooled by the 4 and a half stars. Like I said this isn't classic Jane's Addiction. Take the hint? But nonetheless it deserves a whole lotta credit! Definitely one of my favorite albums of 2011 and deserves to be on your playlist! A must have for any Jane's Addiction fan!


Favorite tracks: "Irresistable Force", "Words Right Out Of My Mouth", "Underground", "Curiosity Kills"

Guitar World Interview: Slash - 1992

GuitarWorld.com - Slash talks guitars and G N' R

I thought I'd share this really cool article I found on www.guitarworld.com. It's titled "Slash Talks Guitars and Guns N' Roses in 1992 Guitar World Interivew". I particularly liked this article not only cause it's Slash but because of what he has to say in it. One point I wanted to mention that Slash talks about in the article is about the way he plays guitar. Slash is very open and candid about how he plays. The way he talks about his own playing (such as the fact that he can't play slide guitar to save his life) and what we see not only on albums he makes but in live shows seem to be two different Slash's. I love the fact that he is willing to admit he can't do this or do that or just won't do this or that when playing the guitar and yet he is still one of the most respected guitarists. In my experience, in these modern times, I have found that most musicians won't tell you they can't play this or that and in a band they expect you to be able to do it all (in a sense). If you can't do a (not so) simple thing such as reading music, most bands don't want you. Musicians have just gotten so snobby nowadays and its great to see one musician that hasn't become snobby.

Anyways, here is the article for your enjoyment. Click the picture or the picture caption to take you to the Guitar World article.

Machine Head - "Unto The Locust" Review

Side note before the review: I've never really listened to Machine Head before this album. I did however see them in concert on the Mayhem Festival Tour 2008 and they were awesome! One of the best shows that night! However, I knew none of their songs but it was still awesome! So my review comes from being sort of an outsider hearing their music really for the first time and being very pleased with the new album!

Now onto the review: Machine Head's new album "Unto The Locust"  is perfect in terms of a metal album and honestly this album makes me wonder why I never listened to them before. I don't know about their previous works but this album sounds a lot like Trivium or rather Trivium sounds a lot like Machine Head. Which is a good thing as I love Trivium. Nonetheless, I will be checking out some of their earlier works and play catch-up in the world of Machine Head! I will say this, I don't think Machine Head really gets the promotion it should from Roadrunner Records. They are kinda like Roadrunner's underground band cause Machine Head rarely gets mentioned in mainstream music or played on mainstream radio. However, they do play at mainstream festivals and shows and that's really where they get their promotion but it's to a limited audience of those who attend the shows.

If you're into metal music, then I would highly recommend checking this album out! It is easily one of the best if not THE best metal album of 2011! Machine Head is a powerful force in the world of metal music. So emerse yourself into what is "Unto The Locust". You won't be disappointed!

Favorite tracks: "Be Still And Know", "Locust", "Who We Are".

No tatts for Mustain

Posting from my Facebook page:

Wow I learned something new today. Megadeth's frontman Dave Mustain has no tattoos because as he believes "I don't think you should put a bumper sticker on a Mercedes Benz". That's thinking highly of ones self and being very vain! Just in case you think I'm b.s.ing, check this out. In the video he explains it.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/EXCLUSIVE--The-History-Of-Vic-Rattlehead-23558.aspx?utm_source=Exact%2BTarget&utm_medium=EX%2B%28Vic%2BRattlehead%29&utm_campaign=EX%2B%28Vic%2BRattlehead%29

Goes to show that you can still be baddass without all the ink! 

Thanks to www.roadrunnerrecords.com for the awesome article on the history of Vic Rattlehead.

EXCLUSIVE - The History Of Vic Rattlehead

www.roadrunnerrecords.com

Story by Ryan Downey<br /><br /><strong>Iron Maiden</strong>'s beloved "Eddie," <strong>Motörhead</strong>'s iconic "warpig" symbol, <strong>Danzig</strong>'s instantly recognizable skull - no discussion of heavy metal mascots is complete without mention of <strong>Vic Rattlehead</str…

Limp Bizkit - "Gold Cobra" Review

I posted this via my Facebook page on 10/16/11 (Additional comments in blue):

OK, finally the album review of "Gold Cobra" By Limp Bizkit. Sorry for the delay ya'll. So after listening to the album, it is VERY apparent that the first half of the album from the first track "Introbra" to the seventh track "Douche Bag" sounds VERY much like "Significant Other". Then they head right into the second half of the album from the eighth track "Walking Away" to the thirteenth and final track "Killer In You" which sounds VERY much like "Chocolate Starfish and The Hot Dog Flavored Water". While of course providing hints of "Three Dollar Bill Ya'll" & "Results May Very" amongst all the tracks. Favorite tracks being "Douche Bag", 'Walking Away', "Loser", & "Shark Attack". However, small side note: "Shark Attack" sounds oddly like "Break Stuff". Overall if you like Limp Bizkit, you will definitely be pleased with this album. It's definitely a return to the Wes Borland days of Pure, unadulterated rap/nu metal that is Limp Bizkit. But It's by no means a full return the days of "Three Dollar Bill Ya'll". So for those of you who really only like the "Three Dollar Bill Ya'll" Limp Bizkit sound, you may be disappointed in "Gold Cobra". Limp Bizkit a has been act? Not if "Gold Cobra" has anything to say about it. May not be the greatest album for a comeback but its decent enough for Limp Bizkit.

I then posted this via my Facebook page 10/16/11:

Is it wrong to feel oddly weird and strange for still liking Limp Bizkit or even for having liked them at all? I mean despite what many people say about Fred Durst being a douche bag and Limp Bizkit being a crap metal band, I always thought they were good and have done some really good music. And I know I am one of the very few people who actually liked the album "Results May Vary" and probably one of the very few who like the new album.

Favorite tracks: "Shark Attack", "Walking Away", "Loser".

So it looks like a positive return for Limp Bizkit if they want to take it. If Limp Bizkit wants to return to it's hey-day glory, it needs to first shut up all the haters of this band as they really can kill any momentum Bizkit may have. I am however, definitely psyched about the return of Wes Borland! Without Wes, no one pays attention to Limp Bizkit, no matter how good they still are without him as evident on "Results May Very". Kudos to Wes for making a return!

Vanilla Ice - "WTF" Review

I posted the album review via my Facebook page on 10/16/2011 (additional comments in blue):

REALLY!?!?! Vanilla Ice has a new album?!?! Ok so it peeked my curiosity and I am all prepared for curiosity killing me just like it killed the cat lol. So I downloaded the album and he does a collab with I.C.P. Wierd song. Also collabs on 2 songs with Cowboy Troy. I have to say it is a very mature album but interesting. None of the Ice Ice baby stuff. More hardcore rap kinda like Eminem without the weird rapping. All I can say is you have to check it out for yourself to understand. That is if your curious.

My rating of the album is because maybe in underground hip hop/rap it may gain some mention and play but in mainstream music there will never be any mention of this other than to say it came out in 2011. Other than that I still feel that Vanilla Ice is a one hit has been wonder. Granted I do still like his "To The Extreme" album for nostalgic and memories purpose but I don't see him ever making a full comeback to stardom. Just as I don't ever see hip hop/rap returning to it's hey-day glory. People prefer good old Rock N' Roll to the crap that is rap/hip hop. My advice to you Mr. Rob Van Winkle is put down the mike, grab yourself a guitar or bass and kick the shit out of someone with a full blast of in your face American Rock N' Roll and heavy metal. Then maybe people will stop laughing at you and you won't be a one hit has been wonder. 

Nu music of 2011

I started listening to some new albums that have come out recently and posted some albums reviews via my Facebook page and some of my friends commented on them and those comments got me to wondering about the best albums of 2011, up coming albums that I'm looking forward too and even a couple albums I thought were insterestingly weird enough to see that deserved mention so I posted this to my Facebook page on 10/16/11 and am now reposting via my blog I decided to start:
"Listening to a few new albums that have come out. Loving all this new music right now! Does anybody have a favorite album of 2011? What would be your top 5 albums so far of 2011? Any notable mentions outside the top 5? What album releases are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?"

I also posted a comment with my answers (Any additions or revisions to my comments are posted in blue):
My top 5 albums so far for 2011 are:
1. Born This way - Lady Gaga
2. I'm With You - Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. The Hunter - Mastodon
4. American Capitalist - Five Finger Death Punch
5. Evanescence - Evanescence

Notable albums to mention that fall outside the top 5 (In no particular order):
1. Night Of Hunters - Tori Amos
2. Welcome 2 My Nightmare - Alice Cooper
3. In Waves - Trivium
4. Nothing But The Beat - David Guetta
5. Here For A Good Time - George Strait
6. Green Naugahyde - Primus
7. Paper Airplane - Alison Krauss
8. This Is Gonna Hurt - SIXX A.M.
9. The Fall - Gorillaz
10. Alpocalypse - "Weird Al" Yankovic (Wird Al always deserves mention. he's just that cool)
11. Stronger - Sara Evans
12. Unto The Locust - Machine Head

A couple albums I noticed on the List of albums released in 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_albums_released_in_2011) That deserve mention for being interestingly weird to see:
1. WTF - Vanilla Ice - Really?!?! the Ice is back?!?! Do we really need to see him again. On the plus side he does a song with I.C.P. so that could be a good thing. Yeah right!
2. Gold Cobra - Limp Bizkit - Yes Limp Bizkit is back. I know, they will yet again take the heat for as Zakk Wylde says during the live version of the song "Superterrorizer", "Limp Bizkit still sucks dick". I didn't put this in the notable Albums list because well after all who cares about Bizkit anymore. On the plus side the original guitarist Wes Borland is back in the lineup! So The Bizkit looks to be getting back on track. After Wes left, Limp Bizkit went out of style. I will have to take a listen to the new album and may revise my notable albums list but I'm not holding my breath and I didn't even really hear any promotion for Limp Bizkit coming back so apparently looks like the album isn't all that. I had to actually look up Limp Bizkit on the wiki to see what the hell happened to them and found out about the new album otherwise I would have never known! Great job making a comeback Fred!

Upcoming albums I'm looking forward to:
1. Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
2. The Great Escape Artist - Jane's Addiction
3. Here and Now - Nickelback
4. Four the Record - Miranda Lambert
5. Lulu - Lou Reed and Metallica
6. TH1RT3EN - Megadeth
7. The Lost Children - Disturbed
8 Untitled - Van Halen (slated for release in 2011 and according to wikipedia apparently has been recorded but no official announcement on title or release date.)
9. Untitled - No Doubt (Possible fall 2011 release or 2012 according to wikipedia)
10. Untitled - Rage Against The Machine (According to Wikipedia, de la Rocha said a new album is in the works for a possible 2011 release. Morello later said no new album is being done and their not even writting songs or doing any kind of work on an album. So one can be hopeful that RATM is really working on a surprise album!)
11. Born and Raised - John Mayer (Wikipedia - originally slated for october 2011 release, Mayer developed granulomas in his throat near his vocal cords and the album is being delayed and Mayer expects it out early 2012)

Sorry not looking forward to the new Korn album. In recent years they have continued there trend towards a more electronic sound (Dubstep) or as fans call it "Dub Metal" and I just can't get into it. They have just strayed from there classic nu-metal sound and its rather irritating. Even tho they still can put on the best metal concert on earth!

There ya have it.. my picks for 2011 music! Enjoy!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "I'm With You" Review

From My Facebook page 10/15/11: 
New song "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" & New album "I'm With You" by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Gotta say, I really like this song as well as the album! BUT, yes, BUT, Their new album sounds like they are trying to do what No Doubt did with there Rock Steady album. Go in a funky discoesque style and direction and they leave their roots down at the junkyard. This sounds nothing like old school RHCP as it is slower songs and not the fast funky punk stuff we know from Flea and RHCP. It's kinda disappointing but yet it's catchy and I'm hooked on the album! Yes I know it came out in August and I'm a tad late on listening to it. Oh well you'll get over it!

Favorite tracks: "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie", "Monarchy of Roses", "Ethiopia"

                                           

Evanescence - "Evanescence" review

"Evanescence" dives into what is some of Evanescence's best work and doesn't disappoint. I've heard some fans of Evanescence's first two albums say that the new album just doesn't really live up to those albums. But in my opinion, I would say your all wrong. And I will say this, just like I say this about a lot of bands who people start complaining that they don't sound like their first few albums, You have to give the album a chance and understand that bands grow up and mature, just like we as humans do. We go from being a baby to being a kid to being a teenager to being an adult. And along the way we grow up and mature. I think this album will stand the test of time and people will look back on it in 5, 10 years and longer and see that it really was some of Evanescence best work.

Favorite tracks: "What You Want", "My Heart Is Broken", & "Sick".

From my Facebook post 10/15/2011:
Wicked awesome song! New song "What You Want" By Evanescence off there new album "Evanescence". I love this album and feel like its some of there best work to date. They continue to evolve and do what they do best. I think this album stays right in line with what is Evanescence. They have not strayed from the path!