Indefinite hiatus for the NU-MB Blog

In case you haven't noticed but its been a few months since my last album review. In the last few months since my last posting I have lost interest in blogging album reviews. Sure I still love having people hear my opinions on the new albums that come out from the artists I love to listen to. But It takes time to listen to the music and then write my review. In short bursts I love updating my Facebook status or tweeting about the new music that I listen to. But in writing full album reviews, I lack the motivation and interest to continue writing them. For these reasons NU-MB Blog is going on an indefinite hiatus. I will still keep the blog up so you can all enjoy my past reviews but I will no longer be writing any album reviews. At least for awhile. Who knows, I may pick it back up in the future or someone else may take over my blog and start writing album reviews again.

If you were a fan of my album reviews, thank you for reading my reviews. I truly appreciate people reading my reviews and knowing that all the hard work and time that went to reviewing albums wasn't wasted. If you still want to keep up with me and the occasional status update or tweet about a new album I'm listening to, you can follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tyadams2006 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tyadams2006.

Thank you,
Tyler Adams

Marilyn Manson - "Born Villain" Review

Marilyn Manson returns to the metal world with his self proclaimed 'comeback' album "Born Villain". In the past 5 or so years Manson has been a bit under the radar in terms of shocking the world and doing his goth shock rock metal music that he is well known for doing. His 2007 album "Eat Me, Drink Me" was the first album that diverted off the beaten path. It was just Manson and Tim Skold doing all of the work and much of it went in a goth-rock direction rather than the usual goth hard rock/metal style Manson is known for. It pulled elements of gothic romance, 80's new wave, and 70's rock into the music and made Manson seem like a mainstream household name instead of the shock goth rocker your parents hated. It also made manson seem to have this emotional human side to him. From there Manson went on to create "The High End of Low". This album continued with the more mainstream rock music and the emotional human side but this time the whole band was in on the album and it showed Manson as maturing and slowly returning to form. I certainly enjoyed both "Eat Me, Drink Me" and  "The High End of Low", but as a fan I felt both of those albums received a bit of unnecessary negative reaction and hasty judgement from the fans. I can agree on one point, they weren't Manson in his true form. But as a musician I really enjoyed the work on those albums. I felt while there not true form Manson music, they're Manson in a new direction.

On that note we come to his current album, "Born Villain". Manson himself has stated that he feels this album is his 'comeback' album. His return to the true form of Marilyn Manson music. I have to agree. While It can take a few listens to really get into it and understand the music, Once you do, it doesn't disappoint! Manson's true form music has your hits, your average songs and some crazy stuff of which you don't really know whats going on. The true form Manson music also has very dark, gothic tones of which are very much present on the new album. "Born Villain" feels like he's getting out of the mainstream rock music and getting back to letting your parents hate him. It feels like a cross between "Mechanical Animals", "Holy Wood", and "The High End of Low". However the album does not dive into the early albums of "Portrait of an American Family" or "Antichrist Superstar". Since Mechanical Animals, Manson has yet to create an album like Antichrist or Portrait of which feels like death, suicide, killing, torture, depression and all the grotesque gothic themes.

"Born Villian" is a very mature, evolved, creative album. It shows how much his music has matured and evolved over the years and it shows that Manson hasn't got stagnant or stale. Some people say that Marilyn Manson and his music have lost the shocking appeal that fans were drawn to in the beginning and therefore Manson just isn't good or as good anymore. I say shock appeal wears off as time goes by and people get used to new forms of music and begin to accept them which devalues the shock appeal. You could call Elvis a shock rocker and when people got used to it and became more accepting of him, he was hardly shocking. While this album may not be the shock rocker that "Antichrist Superstar" was, it is certainly not to be overlooked in the Manson catalogue. As a fan, I highly enjoy Born Villain and would put it as one of Manson's best albums. Would I like to see a return to the Portrait and Antichrist music sometime? Or a return to the shock and horror that once was Marilyn Manson? Sure, it would be nice but if Manson never does that, I am completly happy with whatever he decides to make. Unless of course he takes a hard left into a tree and creates a Metallica/Lou Reed "Lulu" style album. Then it would be time to think retirement even before thinking of making that album.

                                         Marilyn Manson - "No Reflection"

Black Country Communion - "Live Over Europe" Review

Glenn Hughes and Black Country Communion is back with a live album entitled "Live Over Europe". For those of you who don't know who Black Country Communion is please see my blog post on their first 2 albums and my band review of them. 

Black Country Communion have come to rock and rock hard! After only 2 albums they release a live dvd to showcase their live shows. In a recent interview with 69 Faces Of Rock, regarding the future of Black Country Communion Glenn Hughes said, “I don’t really know too much of what’s gonna happen in the future. There are rumors that we will make an album this summer. But I’m not too sure. For me, all I wanna do is play live. To all the fans that read this, they need to know that If I had my way we’d be doing mass touring!” And after watching the live dvd you can easily see why Glenn Hughes just wants to play live and tour. You can't really capture the essence and awesomeness that is Black Country Communion on a studio album. It must be seen live in concert! Every song on this live album is a gem and if you have heard the first two albums, you may have thought some of the songs are too slow or don't rock enough. But after listening and watching this live concert, you will definitely be singing a different tune.

For me as a bass player, Black Country Communion has given me a spark of interest in Glenn Hughes and his amazing bass playing. Before BCC, I had no clue who Glenn Hughes was. Glenn Hughes is formerly from the MKIII version of Deep Purple. This live dvd certifies him as one of the best bass players out there today! It also showcases Jason Bonham's amazing drum skills of which he inherited from his dad, the late and greatest drummer of all time, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. It also showcases Joe Bonamassa's incredible guitar playing skills and put's him right up there with some of the greatest guitarists of all time. It also showcases to a lesser extent, Derek Sherinian, formerly of Dream Theater, and his amazing keyboard playing.

If you get a chance to see this band live by all means go see them. You will be blown away as this dvd shows! It's just a shame that Black Country Communion hasn't received more attention and airplay. This band really puts on a good show doing what they do best which is playing live music.

Van Halen - "A Different Kind of Truth" Review

After 27 years since their last album '1984', Van Halen return with a long awaited reunion and album with David Lee Roth, 'A Different Kind of Truth'! This time around however, they do it without Michael Anthony and his Jack Daniels bass and instead bring on Eddie's son Wolfgang to fill in the bass duties. Now many fans have had some serious Oh-My-God-It's-Not-Van-Halen-Without-Michael-Anthony issues with that. Being a huge and longtime fan of Van Halen (I literally play guitar because of Eddie Van Halen), I really like Wolfgang and embrace him into the band and I am extremely excited about this new album. When the world first talked about the reunion and new album I was hoping for an all out, balls-to-the-wall rock album that would breath new life into hard rock and really show the world that Rock N' Roll is very much alive and here to stay. So move on over rap/hip hop, and all this modern pop and country garbage, Van Halen is here and gonna show you how the big boys do it! David Lee Roth proves yet again that he can still sing and still be one of the best frontman in Rock N' Roll!  While he may not be able to get those high notes he once was able to, he really brings that sultry voice to the top of his game and doesn't back down for one second! Alex and Eddie are both on top of their games and once they start, they don't stop. They let go and just have some good Rock N Roll fun! Wolfgang joins the band in bright colored fashion with a fierce and mighty punch and really shows the world that he can hold his own on bass and that it doesn't matter if Michael Anthony is absent from the band. Van Halen still rocks no matter what! 

When the first single 'Tattoo' came out I was very pleased with it but still had my doubts that they could pull a rabbit out of their magic hat. Then came the 90 second previews the band released and the world got to hear all the music from the new album. I was in aww of the awesomeness that had been unleashed but didn't want to go all the way to believe it was really that awesome as in the past when bands release 30 or 90 second previews sometimes it doesn't turn out as awesome as you first thought it would be as in the case of Metallica's collab album with Lou Reed, 'Lou Lou'. This album however, proved to the world that the 90 second previews were absolutely correct and when the album was finally unleashed to the world, it rock harder than your Grandma's cookies! Goodbye Sammy and Michael and good luck with your sad-excuse-for-a-band chickenfoot, us true Van Halen fans won't miss you! 

'Tattoo' being the first single of which, I would of rather seen 'You and Your Blues' or 'China Town' or 'She's  The Woman' as the first single. But even being so, I am still very pleased with the song. 'Tattoo' is like one of those 80's arena anthems and mixes keyboards and straight Rock N' Roll. The more and more I listen to 'Tattoo' I uncover little hidden snippets of Van Halen's 35 plus year career such as the little snippet of 'When It's Love' on the keyboards. Previous listens I had very happily thought they left out 'OU812' on the album but it finally showed up. Throughout the entire album you'll find hidden snippets if you really dig deep into the music as you listen. Probably not done on purpose but it's great to see Van Halen really go back through the entire catalog and give something, even a tiny something from their career. And they deliver big somethings from their career such as reviving old demos, 'She's The Woman', 'Blood and Fire' and 'Bullethead'. All of which are rock in your face songs that make you wanna pull out that air guitar/bass/drums and jam along!

'China Town', my favorite track, gives you that 'Hot For Teacher' style intro leading into an all out assault on Rock N' Roll! Another favorite of mine, 'As Is' goes all the way back to 'Women and Children First' and pulls out an 'Everybody Wants Some' style song out of their magic hat. Can it get any better? Oh yes! Another favorite is that can't-quite-place-where-I-heard-it-before song 'Outta Space'. Eddie leads the way with this fast and furious song and Alex really brings in a kicking back beat. And whats a Van Halen album without a simple acoustic song? 'Stay Frosty', being my second favorite song on the album really pays homage to the acoustic classics 'Ice Cream Man', 'Take Your Whiskey Home', and 'Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)'. 

Of course, I've left out a few surprise gems on the album, 'Honeybabysweetiedoll', 'The Trouble With Never', 'Big River', and 'Beats Workin' as I wrap up my review so that you can get that first impression of the songs. You will just have to check out those tunes yourself as well as the entire album and I guarantee you will not be disappointed in the reunited Van Halen boys with David Lee Roth. So hold on for a Rock N' Roll ride of a lifetime as you listen to 'A Different Kind of Truth'. 'A Different Kind of Truth' is a must have album for all fans of Van Halen and fans of Rock N' Roll! A big thank you to Eddie and Dave for settling your differences and coming back to the rock world and giving us a really kick ass album that make all of us fans proud to say we are fans of Van Halen!      

Lacuna Coil - "Dark Adrenaline" Review

I write this review as I'm listening to the new album "Dark Adrenaline" which officially comes out on January 24, 2012. To caution readers, this is my first Lacuna Coil album so technically speaking I am a Lacuna Coil Virgin. I have heard bits and pieces of a few Lacuna Coil songs here and there but nothing in it's entirety like I am currently doing. Lacuna Coil, for those who don't know who they are, are an Italian Goth Metal Band from Milan that was formed in 1994. The band features 4 guys that provide the music,  Cristiano "Pizza" Migliore - guitar, Marco "Maus" Biazzi - guitar, Marco Coti Zelati , bass guitar, keyboards, primary composer, Cristiano "Criz" Mozzati - drums, percussion, one guy on vocals, Andrea Ferro, and one really hot and sexy lady, Cristina Scabbia, on vocals as well as being the primary lyricist. Lacuna Coil has dabbled into alternative metal as well with their last release "Shallow Life". There soon to be released album "Dark Adrenaline" is more Goth Metal but does imploy some of the Alternative Metal. 


So I just finished up listening to the new album and I have to say, I am very impressed. Especially with the cover of REM's "Losing My Religion". I really dig the fresh take on the song and love the vocals of Cristina Scabbia. The song features a heavier sound from the guitars and employs a more gothic sound while retaining that original alternative sound. It also reworks a little of the piano part. I have also been enjoying the first single off the album, "Trip The Darkness". Which starts out with and features primarily Andrea Ferro on vocals and Cristina Scabbia comes in primarily for the chorus parts. Think "Bring me to life" by Evanescence and thats along the lines of "Trip The Darkness". Another great song off the album and probably my favorite track is "End of Time". It's a slower, more soulful song but which perfectly showcases Cristina's beautiful vocals. However, its more uptempo than say "My Immortal" by Evanescence but still very well done! "Kill The Light" is another great song that starts off semi slow and then really rocks out in the chorus.

There is plenty of more great songs on this album and there is definitely a favorite for everyone. If you wanna check out something new that you haven't listened to yet or a fan of metal or simply a fan of Lacuna Coil, you will definitely want to check out "Dark Adrenaline". Guaranteed to not disappoint and quite possibly one of the best metal albums and albums in general of 2012!


Favorite Tracks: "Trip The Darkness", "End of Time", "Kill The Light", "Give Me Something More", "Losing My Religion (REM cover)"

Late Review: Bush - "The Sea of Memories"

I have returned from a bit of a hiatus over December and the holidays to bring you a Late music review of Bush's return to the music world after a 10 year hiatus with "The Sea of Memories". "The Sea of Memories" was released back in September of 2011. You all remember Singer Gavin Rossdale's 90's alternative rock band Bush, right? In case your completely forgot about them lets refresh your memory just a bit. Their 90's hits included such songs as "Everything Zen", "Swallowed", "Machinehead", "Comedown", "Greedy Fly", "The Chemicals Between us", and the remix of the song "Mouth" which was remixed from the original song off of the album "Razorblade Suitcase" and featured in the movie "An American Werewolf in Paris" as well as featured on Bush's remix album "Deconstructed". Personally, the remix of "Mouth" is one of my favorite Bush songs and continues to be one of my favorite songs of the 90's. If your still a little fuzzy about Bush and who Gavin Rossdale is, I'm sure you all remember Miss Gwen Stefani, of the band No Doubt, and her marriage to yes, Gavin Rossdale. Yes, he is the same guy that founded Bush.

Now that we all remember Bush, let take a look at "The Sea of Memories". Let me start off by saying that if your expecting the same type of Bush 90's alternative music as I guess most of us were, You will be disappointed but, not too disappointed once you hear the music. Like many other bands before them, the period of the mid 2000's to early 2010's (I'm sure future years will yield to this as well), bands have decided to grow and mature and change their sound just a bit. Metallica, Jane's Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers were the most notable bands to do this with their latest albums. Bush has followed that lead and created a more pop-rock album. I would like to think of it as a sort of neoalternative music. Basically speaking, a new 2010's version of the 90's alternative rock. But don't get completely down or think they have sold out by any means. This album is a bit of a breath of fresh air for Bush. Gavin Rossdale's superior vocals really shine on this album and is the best its ever been in Bush's long career which started back in 1992. Hard to believe it's been that long right?

This album has some really catchy heavier riffs as well as some very soulful, more romantic, slower songs (but nothing like the 80's slow, sappy, romance songs). The album also has hints of the bands earlier work intertwined into the music. The lead off single "The Sound of Winter" is most arguably one of the best songs off the album. It has a mid-tempo, very catchy riff and a chorus that begs you to sing along. Another notable song would be "The Afterlife". Another mid-tempo that starts off with a very catchy single guitar riff and vocals that sound almost like a college alternative or punk band song then it dives into the chorus which holds back on the heavy punk/alternative riff for a more lighter standard rock riff. In this next song Gavin Rossdale really shows off his impressive vocals with a slower song called "All Night Doctors". Easily my second favorite song. What can I say, I'm a sucker for slower, romantic rock songs. The song starts off with a lone piano and Gavin's very impressive vocals, then plays into the chorus with very light rhythm guitar in the background and what appears to be another piano or perhaps a violin or guitar solo adding to the background rhythm track behind the lone piano. The next track that starts playing is the soon to be second single from the album, "Baby Come Home". This song has reminiscents of the 90's rock music as it reminds me of being back in the mid to late 90's perhaps even early 2000's. Another song with a mid-tempo catchy riff that sounds like a perfect soundtrack song.  "She's a Stallion", "I Believe In You", and "Stand Up" are some other well written songs that also sound like that college-esque alternative band that could be put on a soundtrack. When I see the words "The Heart Of The Matter" I immediately think of the Don Henley song of the same name. Thinking this was a cover of that song the first time I saw the name in the track listing I was eager to listen to it only to find out that it is a completely different and original yet really well done song. Another of my favorite tracks that has an upbeat mid-tempo catchy tune that could easily get stuck in your head. The last song on the album "Be Still My Love" is the second of only two slow songs on the album. Its a bit more uptempo than "All Night Doctors" but again, very well written and Gavin's vocals shine through and are very impressive. No piano though, but its based around a guitar riff and what appears to be a violin or maybe guitar solo in the background.

Overall, I really like the new direction Bush has taken on this new album! As I said before it's a breath of fresh air for Bush, it's fans and for rock music. I highly recommend at least taking a listen to this album. You will definitely like what you hear. Maybe other 90's alternative bands besides Bush and Jane's Addiction will follow suit and continue in this new found neoalternative music! 


Favorite Tracks: "The Sound of Winter", "The Afterlife", "All Night Doctors", "Baby Come Home", "She's A Stallion", "Stand Up", "The Heart of The Matter", "Be Still My Love".

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"