Kanye's Act Starting To Wear Thin...Probably An Overstatement At This Point

Kanye is missing something. He is a smart cat who is very talented and has a lot going for him, and yet he constantly looks to the masses for acceptance over and over again. It's really become a bit painful to watch or listen to. First off let me just say that the 'poor me' shit has got to stop dude, it ain't working for you anymore. Nobody really gives a shit about a multi-millionaire who complains about the press treating him poorly, especially someone who puts himself out there like Kanye does. Note to Kanye: you are a grown man who has made a ton of money from people who like to listen to your music. You have every right to feel good about that and I don't blame you for boasting about it either. However your constant diatribes about things in the past are truly becoming tiresome, you need to learn how to get over things and move on. For instance your continued infatuation with Taylor Swift, I think everyone but you want that situation to be put to rest. Here's what you should have done...you should have simply apologized, even if you didn't mean it, then moved on. But you never did and it continues to haunt you and you know it. To then say that Taylor Swift is still milking the situation is a complete joke and one has to believe that you are really talking about yourself. It was an embarrasing event for all, especially for the both of you but you continue to miss the point. Move on man! So the other night at the Bowery Ballroom here in NYC Kanye had a release party/show for his new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and it wasn't without incident. A happy and excited crowd jammed the place and were treated to an hour and a half of new music including the encore. However after the encore is when things took a turn for the usual with Kanye. He decided that the people of the audience wanted to listen to his rants about George Bush, Katrina, Taylor Swift and the press who demonizes him....surprise, surprise they didn't. They came to see your show man, don't you get that? Of course he doesn't. If he wants to have people forget what a great entertainer he is, then he is doing a great job because after the show no one was talking about the music. I have said it here on this blog before, Kanye is a very interesting person who has a knack for putting out music that people want to listen to. He is talented. He is a showman. There is also nothing wrong with a little controversy every now and then. It's ok to say what's on your mind but when you are wrong admit it and move on. That's called maturing. Besides who gives a shit what George Bush has to say anyway!

Watch Arcade Fire's Scary New Video For 'The Suburbs'

 
I believe the video was directed by Spike Jonze...

Gorillaz New Album Out Before Christmas And Recorded On An iPad?!?!?

Really great/crazy news from Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn that a new record can be expected before Christmas. Is that really possible? Well he says that he has recorded all new material while on tour here in the US, in hotel rooms all across America, as he says, and on his iPad no less. Wow. He says he thinks that it will be the first album ever recorded on the iPad, a gadget that he is in love with btw. Obviously it will probably only be available as a download at first due to the timing, then a hard copy will be created at a later date. Well I'm excited nonetheless. Also being reported is that Mr. Albarn has hooked up with Flea from TRHCP's and they are working on new music together as well and are about three quarters of the way finished...stay thirsty my friends.

Comparing The Logo's...

Apple Announces That The Beatles Will Be Available On iTunes Tomorrow At 10AM!

Update 11/16 1:22PM...I was wrong it was today! I checked iTunes and all their albums are available right now!

Exciting news from Apple today that The Beatles catalog of music will be available on iTunes starting tomorrow at 10AM, which at one point seemed almost impossible to happen. Why? The Beatles record lable, Apple Records, has been battling Apple Computers for years over copyright infringement which has been heightend ever since Apple (Computers) started iTunes. Basically this means that it is has all been settled and the two sides have agreed to an arrangement to allow us to download the Beatles music, finally, on iTunes. Very exciting indeed, and significant. Did you know who the 3rd largest selling music group or artist was in 2009? Yup you guessed it, it was the Beatles. Basically 40 years since their break-up they are still one of the best selling music acts out there, freaking amazing, and this will only further solidify Apple's hold on the current music industry.

Some Music Just Isn't Meant For Head Phones

I've been a little bored with music lately and most everything I have been listening to just isn't doing it for me. I'm having a hard time distinguishing whether the music is either really good or just simply ok. One in particular would be the new Kings Of Leon album, 'Come Around Sundown,' which since purchasing it a few weeks back I have listened to maybe 3 times from start to finish. As of yet I haven't decided whether I think it's one of their better records but it's not because I don't like it. You know when you hear that really great song and just can't stop listening to it? I don't think I have really had that in some time and that's disturbing to me since I derive such tremendous joy from the music I listen to, at least I used to. Thankfully my friends I have just recently discovered the solution...play it f**king loud! No, not on your head phones you dolt. I mean on the home stereo system that you've got at home. Wait, you don't have a home system? All you have is one of those little tiny iPod docks that doesn't offer any real sound at all? Oh man that sucks because let me tell you, in today's age of take-it-with-you-when-you-go, we've lost some of that put-on-a-record-and-blast-it-loud-so-the-neighbors-can-hear-it sort of thing and our music just isn't sounding the same. That means that it isn't leaving a mark. So for the first time in a long while I connected my iPod to my old SONY receiver in my living room, choosing the new Kings record to play while I did some tidying up. My first thought was...am I listening to a different record because this shit sounds amazing! What a difference, it's crazy how good music can sound when it is properly played...I think I had forgotten that a bit. So now when I am having difficulty deciding whether I like a record or not I now know that all I need to do is crank up the speakers and get back to destroying my eardrums just like I used to.

The Album We Have All Been Waiting For

It's about damn time too. All year, and I do mean all year, I have waded through loads of crap released by terrible bands like Arcade Fire, Kings Of Leon and Vampire Weekend without finding one truly inspired record. Until now that is. Susan Boyle's 'The Gift' is an amazing Christmas album and clearly outclasses my former favorite from Mariah Carey. Prior to this release I'd been to quick to dismiss Susan Boyle simply because I believed people were only drawn to her story and her ravishing good looks, when it always should have been about her glorious voice. It's like Heaven on Earth! For those of you non-believers all you will need is to hear the very first single, 'Perfect Day,' to understand what I am talking about. However nothing can compare to her stirring rendition of 'Hallelujah,' it nearly brought tears to my eyes. So I strongly suggest that all of you run out and purchase, or better yet download it right now from iTunes because it will be an experience of a lifetime and you will have me to thank for it!

Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does this entry reflect my personal views and I can't be held responsible if any of you purchase this album. At the time of it's publishing I was being held hostage by a portly British woman who said her name was Susan.

Apparently Kid Cudi Wants To Be A Rock Star

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Channeling his inner Hendrix, Kid Cudi has a deep desire to be a rock musician. With the help of The Roots and St. Vincent for his appearance on Jimmy Fallon, Kid Cudi tries real hard, so I have posted the video above.

Lil' Wayne Released From Prison...Hallelujah! We Are Saved!

'So Wayne, now that you're out of prison what are you gonna do next?' 'I'm going to a strip club in Miami!' At least so says Young Money President, Mack Maine, then he added..."just treat him like a king, like the royalty that he is and make him feel like we really missed him and welcome him back to the family, basically." Greater words were never spoken.

The Social Network Trailer Featuring A Version Of Radiohead's 'Creep'

Ok, ok this one is pretty bad-ass as well.

Avatar HBO Promo Featuring Chemical Brothers 'Another World'

Preview

I have never heard a song that fits a movie better than this one...it actually makes me like the movie more, and I already really liked it. The song is totally bad-ass. In case you were wondering, in guy terminology, that is the highest honor one can bestow because all guys secretly want to be known as a bad-ass no matter what they say. So when a dude says something is bad-ass it probably is, and you should like it because he says so. I hope that makes sense.

Hey MC Hammer, You Can't Touch That!

Oh the Rap game it ain't a changin'. For those of you who don't know there once was this rapper named MC Hammer who wore large gypsy pants and had a hit song that sampled Rick James' 'Super Freak.' Basically that's it because the man fell, fell all the way down the rabbit hole and hasn't returned, at least to my knowledge. VH1's Behind The Music chronicled the life of excess, the giagantic entourage and the descent into bankruptcy. He then found religion, maybe even became a preacher (don't most washed up musicians do that?), and even starred on Celebrity Rehab alongside Mini-Me (not really sure if that's true) and to this day nobody buys his music anymore. Sad. So, surprisingly, here comes none other than Jay-Z to rub salt in the wounds I guess. Guesting on Kanye West's new song 'So Appalled' Jay references Hammer with..."Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused/I lost 30 Mil' so I spent another 30/Cause unlike Hammer 30 Million can't hurt me.' Harsh indeed...seemingly. Well Hammer or I should say King Hammer, as he likes to call himself now, was very upset and decided to write a song about it called 'Better Run Run' in which he refers to Jay as making a deal with the devil for his girl and his career. He also made a video which is now posted on YouTube (because no one else can do that) that shows a look-a-like Jay-Z running away from the devil and at the end good ole' Hammer saves the day and baptizes Jay-Z! Wow. Apparently Jay-Z got wind of Hammer's beef and responded this way..."I didn't know Hammer's financial problems were off the table for discussion." Meaning I guess it's ok to air out your dirty laundry on VH1 and be on a reality series but no one can say anything about it. In the Hammer-is-gonna-want-to-put-his-foot-in-his-mouth department, Jay-Z went on to say..."I say some great things about him in the book coming out, that wasn't a cheap plug," he laughed. "He's gonna be embarrassed, I said some really great things about him and people's perception of him." Hey Hammer I got an idea, didn't you used to be a bat boy for the Oakland Athletics back in the 70's? Maybe you could get your old job back, I think you would be better at that...at least.

Thankfully I Will Always Have The Chemical Brothers

A world without The Chemical Brothers wouldn't be a world at all. Of course that cannot really be proven even if I believe it to be true. However sometimes in life we take for granted what was once so important and are often reminded in the strangest of ways. Today while sitting on my sofa watching HBO a preview for Avatar came on in between two movies that I can't seem to remember. The movie preview was not of much importance (I've seen Avatar 5 times already) but it was the music they chose to use that was so stunning. At first I hesitated and thought...wow I really like this song and then remembered the app on my iPhone called Shazam. Quickly I put the phone up to the TV and within seconds it told me that the song was Another World by The Chemical Brothers, and boy did I feel like a freaking idiot. How could I have managed to let a silly promo from TV remind me that I hadn't picked up their new album when it was released a couple of months ago. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny...what a maroon. And on second thought how much of a cooler movie would Avatar have been had The Chemical Brothers done the soundtrack? Let me just say the moment I put the CD into the car player I was mesmerized...the shit is good.  Not only good but it took me back to their early work for which they are most known for. The new stuff definitely has an old school Chemical Bros. feel and plays like one long DJ mix. At times it is very immense and powerful for long stretches but can turn softer so perfectly on a dime showcasing the talents of the two masters at the helm. Suffice it to say whether the world is better for having The Chemical Brothers is surely up for debate, however for me just knowing they are still here making great music makes it better for at least one person...the author of this blog.

Kings Of Leon: "Like Us Or Not, We Ain't Going Nowhere."

For the Kings Of Leon great success comes with lots and lots of haters. Seems to be the way of the world these days, not that it hasn't always been, but in todays Twitter fueled pessimism it's just a lot more prevalent. Gracing the cover of SPIN yet again, the Followhill boys discuss their detractors in a great article that you can find here...http://www.spinmag.com/articles/kings-leon-aint-goin-nowhere
Now I have done my share of hating, it's the nature of the beast, remember being a Stones or a Beatles fan anyone? Ultimately I have always believed that everyone has a right to their opinion but at some point a line has to be drawn. There is a difference between hating on a band and just plain hate, the latter being actually destructive. Saying you dislike a band is fine, it ain't your cup of tea and you have your reasons. But to truly wish harm on a group is utterly disturbing and to me there is no place for it, that's just stupid. Here's some advice...don't listen to the music. Kings Of Leon seem pretty much unfazed by the whole thing. They plan to continue to make music, playing in front of 20,000 fans in huge arenas and make the music they want to make no matter if people think they are 'selling out.' Now that's a term that drives me crazy. At times I do feel like it is appropriate word usage but it is flung around far too much in the music industry. Now going out and starting a band is respectable. Making cool music that small amounts of people appreciate is really cool. But as a musician, or in any profession, do you owe anything to anyone but yourself?  At some point whatever you do in life has to eventually pay the bills, so why not make as much money as you can? Now would you consider a Doctor who opens up their own practice to be a sellout? He or she most certainly opened it up to make more money but no one would call them that. In the words of Caleb Followhill..."If every morning my kids were crying for my pancakes because they're the best ever and I became a chef, is that selling out?" Certainly what I am speaking of is a Catch 22, it's coolness versus dollars, and in the music industry both are hugely important, you don't go to the Doctor because they are cool. Ultimately what I think real music fans are looking for is good music. Music that has taken time to write and create and often has some meaning behind it. To me the term 'sell out' refers specifically to quality not necessarily to whether a band is making more money or not. To this point Caleb says..."We take bands we love out on tour (with us), and it's amazing seeing their faces when they're onstage with thousands of people watching, that 'oh-shit' moment that makes you wake up and say 'let's write another song today.' You can't plan this stuff and you can't blame someone for it happening to them." I only blame Weezer.

The Foo's Are Going Back To Basics, Now That's What I Like To Hear

A few months back right here on this blog I singled out the Foo Fighters as one of the bands that needed to do something significant with their next record or they might just fizzle into oblivion. Now it's not that I don't like the Foo's, because I really do, but every band at some point or another reaches a point where they are faced with a major impediment....themselves and need to find a way to conquer it. One way is to break up and go separate ways. Another would be to change things up or go back to their roots. And here we have the Foo's doing just that! I'm very excited to say that the band is in the studio or I should say in Dave's garage, recording a back to basics hard rock record. Also exciting is the fact that they have joined with original Foo's producer Butch Vig, with whom they worked with on their first album, to recreate the harder sound that maybe their most recent records have been missing. In one other momentous addition, Krist Noveselic, Nirvana's base player, will be guesting on one of the songs...cool indeed! Of course the Foo Fighters will always be overshadowed by the enormous success of Nirvana when in actuality the Foo's have really been more successful. However perception is a bitch. But this could be their moment of reckoning and hopefully Dave and the group take full advantage. Can't wait to hear the new stuff.

Jay-Z Drops His First Book 'Decoded' On November 16th

Is there any doubt that Jay-Z is the most intelligent man in the music industry? Ok maybe that's debatable but to listen to this man talk is to truly understand this is a person who knows exactly what he is saying at all times especially when it comes to Hip-Hop. Recently Jay announced that he will be releasing his first foray into the publishing industry with the book 'Decoded' which was co-written by Dream Hampton (ridiculous name). It's not an autobiography by any means but it is a look back at his life and Hip-Hop through the evolution of his lyrics. Interesting. In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Jay-Z talks about the book and where his mind is right now. Below I have pulled a few quotes from it for you to check out...

In regards to lyrics:
"I believe that it's necessary. Especially for rap music, where the words are fast and for the most part there's not a consistent melody that people can sing along to. So a lot gets lost in translation. Because rap music is poetry, I thought it was important to describe it as such… Some [lyrics] become really profound when you see them in writing. Not "Big Pimpin." That's the exception. It was like, I can't believe I said that… What kind of animal would say this sort of thing?"
In talking about the Hip-Hop culture:
"For us, this is the music that saved a generation. So there's a big responsibility for those who it saved to make sure that thing is intact for the next generation… When you're under attack so much as a genre [as hip-hop is], you're forced to come together. But probably the last time we really came together on something was working for Obama, lending our voice and the people we had toward that campaign. Whether he does a great job or not is almost secondary to what it did for the dreams and the hopes of an entire race. Just based on that alone, it's a success, the biggest we've had. Period. To date. It's Martin Luther King's dream realized. Tangible. In the flesh. You can shake his hand."
 
What he would like to see come from Hip-Hop:
"We have to find our way back to true emotion. This is going to sound so sappy, but love is the only thing that stands the test of time. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was all about love. Andre 3000, The Love Below. Even NWA, at its core, that was about love for a neighborhood. We're chasing a lot of sounds now, but I'm not hearing anyone's real voice. The emotion of where you are in your life. The mortgage scandal. People losing their jobs. I want to hear about that."


Fairly profound I'd say. If you would like to read the whole article, click the link below.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304023804575566644176961542.html

Kings Of Leon's Come Around Sundown

Being a huge fan of Kings Of Leon that I am, I was waiting with great anticipation for this new record. Of course I was also a bit nervous about it being their first release since the massive success of their last record and wondered if that would affect the music. Some bands, or I should say record labels, want bands like Kings to duplicate the previous output, a tradition in the record business that goes all the way back to the 50's. Repeat. Re-use. Copy. Dull. Those are words that I would use to describe that tradition and just might be one of the reasons the industry has gone through so much turmoil in recent years. Well I am here to say that Kings Of Leon have not fallen into that trap and have released a fine follow-up that in no way tries to replicate their previous effort. Well let me not get ahead of myself, I'll explain. For fans of Kings like me, who have been with them since their first record, this album is a complete departure, but not in a bad way. It is certainly a continuation of their progression, which I believe is what great bands do, leading me to believe that they are here to stay. That said, back to the album. Come Around Sundown is a much more downbeat album for the Kings which was anticipated because of what the band had said in interviews prior to its release. Now I don't know if it's me or what but most of the stuff that I am listening to lately is of the same nature. Melancholy, slow, moody, whatever you want to call it, it's what I have been feeling musically these days. So I guess this album has come at the perfect time. It's always amazing to me how a band can capture the times, as they say, with a piece of work that speaks to a particular moment in time or to me for that matter. It is all about me afterall...just kidding. Seriously though, this album is worth the purchase whether you are a huge fan or not, so go get it!

T.I. Is The Perfect Example Of The Ultimate American Contradiction

Some people never learn. In the new age of Twitter and Facebook we are becoming more and more out of touch with reality, so much so that our TV's are filled with reality programs. This of course was predicted long ago by someone, I'm not sure who exactly, but they looked into the future of technology and said as we become more connected the more we will lose our grasp on the true reality. So this brings me to T.I., how exactly, I will tell you. You see modern society is so enthralled with celebrity, so much so that if you asked a teenager what they preferred to be, the CEO of a billion dollar company or a personal assistant to a celebrity more than 75% will choose the assistants job. We often look to the celebrities as role models and often times it comes back to bite us on the ass. Take our friend T.I. for example, this is not a bad guy in my estimation, just a guy who could use a little guidance. The other day T.I. assisted the police in talking down a man who was going to kill himself by jumping off a building. Afterwards T.I. was quoted as saying... "I believe that I have been put here for a purpose, and I believe that I have an ability to reach people that most people can't reach, that I can turn lives around that other people, they can't have the same affect. I think that God placed me here for that purpose." What a wonderful thing to say, unfortunately in this world of contradictions there is always a part two to the story. Unrelated to the jumper story, a few days later, T.I. was back in an Atlanta courtroom standing in front of a judge, an all too common occurance for him. You see about a month or so ago T.I. and his wife Tiny were pulled over in LA for making an illegal u-turn and when the cops inspected the car they found some drugs. This of course is a violation of his parole and the reason why he was back in the courtroom. Well suffice it to say the judge ordered T.I. back to jail to serve an additional 11 months behind bars in Atlanta. So what do you think he had to say about having to go back to jail? ... "I'm tired, I'm wore out. I don't have the age, the energy, or just the attitude to move forward and continuing in this cycle in this ongoing process of destruction and disparity in my life. I've got too many depending on me and counting on me." Jeez I actually feel sorry for the man. Listen T.I. stop saying it and just do it, what would be better for you and your family than for you to never have to stand in front of a judge ever again? Don't do it for your fans or for the money, do it for yourself dude...before it's too late.  

Gorillaz Damon Albarn Says Glee "Can't Use Our Songs"

Just a few days ago on this blog I wrote about the silly record of Glee songs that have appeared on the Hot 100 singles list and completely debunked their validity, but of course that was only my opinion. Well not so fast! Apparently Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame feels exactly the same way saying..."Those songs won't last as long as the Beatles by any stretch of the imagination, they will be forgotten in a few years time." He also went on to say that he will not allow the show to use any of his music because..."it's a very poor substitue for the real thing." He did clarify that the show has yet to ask him but he just wanted to make sure that they didn't. Sorry Glee I guess not everyone thinks you are a good thing afterall...

The Social Network And How A Films Score Can Define It

I love movies...plain and simple. I especially love the connection of music in film and how powerful the two can be when combined appropriately. Any filmmaker can just pick some popular songs and throw them into a movie or they can have someone else do it altogether. But a in truly great film a filmmaker will be thinking about the music thru the entire process. For instance Geroge Lucas, while writing the original Star Wars scripts(the old ones, not the new ones) listened to classical music and connected certain pieces with particular scenes leading to John Williams creating one of the most amazing musical scores in film history. The director of The Social Network, David Fincher, began his film career making music videos, so it's certainly no coincidence that all his films have tremendous music that accompanies them. So it came as no surprise that he would reunite with his former collaborator on Seven, Trent Reznor, to create the score for his new film. Immediately when I heard that this was happening I fully expected the vibe of the film to be intense, enourmous and even a bit creepy and that's exactly what it turned out to be. Of course being the wacko fan that I am I paid close attention to the score and how it related to each scene, even moreso than normal because of who made it. Sometimes in film it is better not to actually hear the score because often times when you do it's because it is the wrong choice. The two should act as one. It should be seamless but still effective. In The Social Network the score really ads to the enormity of the situations in the film, anything less than that would have significantly hurt the power of the story. Make sure you get out and see the film, it's really great.

"A Plastic Doll Generated By The Music Money Marketing Machine."

What a lovely photo op! Fame and fortune eh? Getting to the point...newcomer Alisa Apps (who is credited with saying the headline above), a so far unknown US born singer, has issued a 1 Million Dollar singing challenge to Lady Gaga so people can get the chance to, in her words..."choose between plastic or real." She proposes that they have a sing off at either Madison Square Garden or London's O2 Area, in which the winner would take away the 1 Million Dollar prize. Hmmm...let me think on this for a minute. A girl who has yet to release any music officially is thinking that a Million Dollars will persuade a multi-millionaire into having a singing contest...it won't. Exactly what would Gaga have to gain in a venture like this? Absolutely nothing. Now I am no fan of the meat-dress-wearing Gaga but she is no dummy and neither is the 'machine' who created her, they would never allow anything like this to happen. Sorry Alisa, your self promotion will only get you so far...oh yeah and one more thing, this report came from her own publicity team.

File This In The Completely Bullshit Record Department...

The BBC is reporting that 'Glee', the television show from FOX, now has more Hot 100 Singles (75) than the Beatles had (71) and I just can't stop thinking what a bunch of crap that is. Apparently that puts the show behind only Elvis (108) and James Brown (91)...just think about those names for a minute and consider that 'Glee' is just a TV show that sings other peoples songs. Now I am not condemning the show, it's not really their fault. In fact I applaud a show that brings attention to music, accept for the Britney episode, that just doesn't count. But it's the morons who put them up against the likes of The Beatles and Elvis that have to get a life. I mean really shouldn't a TV show be put in a different category? Especially one that only sings other peoples music? Seems really silly to me...no it pisses me off actually. Here's one quick stat about this apparent record keeping business...

The 75 songs that 'Glee' has put on the Hot 100 Singles Chart have spent a combined 105 weeks on the chart while the 71 Beatles tunes spent 617 weeks on the chart...some difference eh?

Happy Birthday John Lennon (10/09/40-12/08/80), We Miss You

A musician. A Beatle. Father and husband. An activist. A poet. Just a man, indeed. Today marks what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday and one is left to wonder just what could have been. Unfortunately for us all, 30 years ago on December 8th, 1980, he was assasinated near Central Park by a gentleman who doesn't deserve to be named here or anywhere for that matter. It had been a time of quiet before the storm for John. His long battle with US Immigration had finally ended in 1976 and he took time away from music to stay at home and be with his family. He said he'd retired from music but who could believe that. By 1979 John felt the itch again for life in the studio and recorded the album 'Double Fantasy' rejuvinating a career that only needed a slight push. What was ahead? A Beatles reunion perhaps? On several occasions before his death John eluded to a reconciliation with Paul and regretted some of his missteps when the band parted ways. So who knows...it's a nice thought. I wish I didn't have to wonder.

 

When Artists Aren't Allowed To Be Artists

In 1999 after parting ways with his group A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip released his first solo record called Amplified or as some called it Puff-ified. One major hit single later, Vivrant Thing, a star was born. After supporting the record Tip jumped back into the studio in 2001 to record the follow-up which was to be called Kamaal The Abstract. Circling back to his rap roots, the album infused the usual jazz and hip-hop influences that had been the norm in his days with Tribe and it was certainly a departure from his previous effort. Arista, his record company at the time, thought it was just a bit too much of a depature and shelved the project due to a lack of commercial viability or so they said. So there it sat waiting to be heard. Actually several pre-release demo's had circulated to the press and even a few reviews popped out here and there...it got good reviews btw, so initial reaction was positive. But to no avail. So someone like me was left to sign a web petition demanding it's release and scouring the internet for a possible download (yup I got it). What a great record, I loved it's energy, it's rawness and it's complete departure from Amplified, of course the record company would hate it, it was real art! Not soon after that Arista dropped Q-Tip from it's roster of artists and he was left to fight them for control of his un-released works (actually there was a second album recorded as well but has yet to be released). Eventually by 2008 Tip was a free man releasing the amazing 'comeback' (don't call it a comeback) record The Renaissance further showcasing his abilities to make great music. Then a year later Kamaal The Abstract was finally released to the public on 9/15/09 to modest success. Of course we will never know what would have been if the music had been available when it was originally intended to, I'm just glad I have it.

This is the original album artwork

Bubblegum, The Clinic Album I Have Been Waiting For

For their 6th studio album Clinic have changed it up a bit with this weeks release of their record Bubblegum. Normally fast and frenetic, the band slows it down, a lot, churning out an absolutely amazing record without changing who they are. It's not like suddenly they turned into Travis (love them) or something. What it sounds like they did is just write the music the same way that they would normally and then just slow the pace. When I first heard it I thought wow this is still a Clinic record but it's like they decided not to stick the songs into a light socket. I will say that I had tired of them a bit simply because most of what they had already done was very similar, but thankfully this came along. I was introduced to Clinic by a co-worker back in 2002 and I immediately was addicted to their sound. They used weird old intruments with foreign sounds and were filled with a tremendous energy that was infectious. But there is only so much that one can handle. I would hope that all music fans feel the same way I do, wanting the bands that they love to grow without completely abandoning what made them so great from the start. I am not one to jump off the bandwagon too easily either and this band is the perfect example.

The Making Of Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On The Edge Of Town

I have never been a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, but through the years I have gained an appreciation of his music and his talents as a songwriter. Ever more prevalent today, with the incredible success of an act like Arcade Fire, Springsteen's influence appears everywhere. Last night HBO aired Promise: Darkness On The Edge Of Town, the documentary of the making of his incredible 3rd album, and man I couldn't take my eyes off of it. It was really engrossing. What stood out to me was how he worked and wrote and slaved for just the right sound, just the right words to express how he was feeling at that moment in his life. The film showcases his growth as an artist whereas on his previous effort, Born To Run, Bruce and the band recorded 9 songs, 8 of which made the record. But on Darkness, Bruce exploded writing nearly 70 songs, all scribbled throughout a tattered notebook that held songs that still have never been released. One surprise that came out of the show was one of the main songs Bruce had written for the record, which never even made it, turned out to be Patti Smiths one and only hit, Because The Night. You see Bruce new it was a hit, in fact he new it could have been an incredible love song, but he didn't feel he was capable at that time to write the appropriate lyrics. Sharing a producer with Patti, Bruce suggested that she take the song because he felt she could make it work....which she did becoming a smash hit. The documentary will be airing again on HBO throughout the rest of the month however if you can't catch it a special edition boxed set of the original album plus the dvd of the special will be coming out on November 16th retailing for around $90 bucks.

Ooops, He Did It Again...Lil' Wayne Caught With Music Contraband

Of course it sounds way worse than it really is. For the second time since Weezy joined the other inmates at Rikers Island here in NYC, he was caught with an un-authorized iPod player in his cell. So for the remaining 29 days of his stay there, he will be placed in solitary confinement...awww darn. Inmates at Rikers are only allowed to listen to AM/FM radio and for limited times during the day. Up above you will see his lovely mug  on his prison ID tag...what a keepsake! When Lil' Wayne was interviewed after being caught the first time in May, he said..."I can't live without my music. I need my music. It's all good. Players fuck up." Pure poetry...maybe there is some truth to him being the greatest rapper alive, oh wait a minute I think they meant the greatest rapper alive who is also in prison. 

A Campaign To End Weezer...Apparently I Am Not Alone In The Fight

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/there_is_a_grassroots_campaign.html

Click the link above to a story from New York Magazine that talks about a guy who has started a campaign to end Weezer. That's right. He wants to raise money to help bribe the members of the band to break up. In the link you will read his open letter to the jilted Weezer fanbase begging them for their help...read it...

Kings Of Leon Debut New Video For 'Radioactive'

Up until now I have purposely ignored the little snippets I have heard from KOL's upcomming album, basically because I want to be pleasantly surprised when I listen to the album after picking it up when it's released on October 19th. However this was just too hard to pass up. So here is the video for the song 'Radioactive' and gee whiz I sure do like it, but don't let my excitement persuade you. Watch and listen for yourself.

Is JT Becoming The Next Will Smith?

The question is will Justin leave his music career behind with the apparent success of his new role in 'The Social Network?' Obviously the allure of making movies, albeit financially successful ones, is a great attraction to Mr. Timberlake, so much so that he is very vague when it comes to talking about getting back in the studio. In my opinion he is way better at being a singer than being an actor. So far his roles really haven't created a feel for just what type of actor he can be, maybe he is really fantastic in 'The Social Network' like they say, but other than that there really isn't anything to go on. However when I speak to his musical abilities I am completely ignoring anything he did prior to becoming a solo artist (boyband name purposely omitted) because it's just not worth mentioning. His two solo works have shown real growth as an artist and I was looking forward to seeing where it would go next. Maybe he will still put out another album, who knows? Only time will tell...but it would be a shame if he didn't. 

Concert Billboards From Around NYC

Rolling Stone Calls Lil Wayne Best Rapper Alive...Wait Did Jay-Z Die?

In the new world of completely ridiculous statements, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone Magazine, in her review of Lil Wayne's new album, calls the southern wordsmith the greatest rapper alive. Now I had to think for a moment. Ok...Biggie, Tupac...wait a minute Jay-Z ain't dead...what the fuck did he or she just say? Clearly this person has no fucking (sorry but I'm pissed) idea what they are talking about and I am sure only did it to rile people up. Listen it's ok to not like Jay-Z and his rhymes. It's ok if you have never taken an interest in what he has done or even if you don't like the fact that he is from New York City. But seriously to make a comment like that just shows your stupidity by saying someone is the greatest when you have nothing to back it up. Lil Wayne is no icon, he's simply a guest artist who doesn't even write meaningful lyrics as opposed to Jay. Maybe his shit sounds cool. Maybe he sells a bunch of records and has lots of money. I can't believe I am even debating this, it's ludicrous (not the rapper/actor)! However I still think I need to add a few points to any moron who would ever consider this the truth...

Jay-Z has sold more than 50 Million albums worldwide
Lil Wayne has sold just about 7 Million

Jay-Z has won 10 Grammy's
Lil Wayne 1 Grammy

Now I fully understand that numbers don't tell the story, however they do say one thing...longevity. In order to be considered the greatest you have to have done it over a long period of time and simply stated Lil Wayne hasn't gotten there yet. Wait a minute...I think I am forgetting someone, some guy from Detroit who has sold over 80 Million records worldwide. Mr. Mathers I presume.

Bowie's Station To Station Limited Edition Box Set, Oh It's Not Available On iTunes

A friend of mine sent me a link to an article about the release of David Bowie's Limited Edition Box set of his amazing record Station To Station. Generally I stay away from box sets and limited editions because they are often high priced and filled with stuff I will only look at once. Most of the time I have already purchased the original cd (true in this case) and therefore have no desire to purchase music I already have. However this may be a special circumstance occasion.

I love David Bowie who I believe is one of the most underrated musicians of our time. Above is the original vinyl from 34 years ago plus the new box set.

Above is the picture of just what is inside the lovely box set which goes for $132.99 on Amazon and below is the list of exactly what you get:

* Original album

* Previously unreleased 'Live Nassau Coliseum '76' concert

* Station To Station - RCA CD Master

* 5-track Singles versions CD E.P. incl. previously unreleased version of Station To Station, and for first time on CD, Word On A Wing

* 3 x 12" heavyweight vinyl

* DVD with new 5.1 mix

* 24-page booklet, including: never before seen Steve Schapiro photo, Geoff MacCormack photos, Andrew Kent live Nassau photos & extensive memorabilia from the archives

* Cameron Crowe sleevenotes

* 6 panel folded poster

* Onstage folder

* Replica Backstage pass

* Replica Biog

* Replica Ticket

* Replica band line-up

* 3 press shots

* Replica Fan club folder

* Replica Fan Club Membership card

* Fan club certificate

* 2 small Collectors cards

* 2 photo prints

* Replica 4-page biography

* 2 badges

If that is a bit too pricey for you or you just won't know what to do with it all, there is a less expensive version that packs 3 cd's for only $27.99.  And just to hammer the point home, you won't be able to buy this on iTunes in all it's loveliness...you're going to have to actually reach out and touch something for a change, not just the buttons on your keyboard. Also one suggestion...instead of buying the box set, I would say put that money together and buy all of Bowie's albums. You'll have way more music to listen to and be way happier...you can thank me later.

Queens Of The Stone Age Guitarist Alain Johannes Solo Record Out 10/5

Be on the look out for Alain Johannes' solo debut 'Spark' due in record stores 10/5. After touring with fellow bandmate Josh Homme's band, Them Crooked Vultures, Alain went into the studio with a burst of musical passion, inspired by the death of his wife to cancer back in 2008. After four days of completely immersing himself in the studio he exited with what is now his first solo record. So far from what I have heard of it it's pretty amazing stuff and I will be running out to purchase it when it drops. Please click on the link below to the Spin Magazine article in which you can hear the albums first single, Return To You...very freakin cool.

http://www.spinmag.com/articles/qotsa-exclusive-alain-johannes-solo-debut

Trent Reznor Developing HBO Miniseries Based On His Work

In 2007 Trent Reznor released NIN's sixth studio album called "Year Zero', a concept album based on a daydream he had about the end of the world. Being a NIN fan I really liked the album a lot at the time but never fully got into the message it was apparently sending, I'm more of a music guy than a message guy. Then today on http://www.spinmag.com/ I read that he is developing a mini-series for HBO based on the album which to me sounds pretty cool. He is currently working with 'Pulp Fiction' producer Lawrence Bender and writer Daniel Knauf (Carnivale, a trippy HBO series that lasted only one season) on early treatments but so far things are moving very slow. So I wouldn't expect to see this on TV for another year or so but that just means that they are taking their time with it and that's a good thing.

New Music On The Scene 9/27/20: Soundgarden Returns!

Man I wish this was a new album with all new music, but sadly it isn't. Soundgarden returns from the dead to release this double-album of classics with 'Black Rain', an unreleased song from the 'Badmotorfinger' sessions back in the early 90's. This of course is a re-introduction to the masses to see if it's worthwhile that they continue making music which of course I hope they do. This isn't like the Alice In Chains redux with a new lead singer because Layne Staley killed himself with years of heroine abuse. No, this is the same band with all the same members, but I'm not buying until it's new stuff, I already own most of this.

This is Deerhunter's new record, 'Halcyon Digest', and let me just say it's some of the coolest shit I have heard in a long time. These guys have been on my radar now for awhile but I have yet to pull the trigger, but this will certainly make me spend the money this time.

Ok everyone knows 'The Middle', Jimmy Eat World's big hit from way back in 2001 (wow it's been that long), but these boys from Phoenix haven't released anything of significance since then. I'm not saying that their new record 'Invented' is, haven't even listened to it yet, but I am just hoping that their one big hit from way back when is not all that they are remembered for.

One of the most underrated singers of our time, Seal (or Mr. Klum as he is probably better known as) returns with his 6th studio album. Back in 1990 Seal came on to the scene with his debut album (Seal) and one of the most unique, soulful voices in music, and I was right there from the beginning. Right from the moment MTV played his first hit 'Crazy' I was hooked. He looked cool and sounded cool, but for the most part never got the credit for how good he was. Yes of course everyone remembers 'Kiss From A Rose,' his mega hit song from the 'Batman Forever' soundtrack (a pretty awful movie btw) but other than that what else is there? A lot of freakin' great music actually. Give the man some respect.

MGMT Says They Will Have Less Leeway On Next Record

For MGMT success lead to more musical freedom but not necessarily to more success, and that is what their label is thinking after less than stellar sales of their sophmore effort, 'Congratulations.' Certainly much hyped and mostly well reviewed, the album was greeted with lots of confusion by fans due to its departure from the toe-tapping, knee slapping hits of their first record. Clearly the boys wanted to show that they were more than one trick ponies and wanted to put out a more artsy record that they had full control over. Well that ain't happening next time. The band clearly admits that they felt a lot of anxiety over their second record and this may have lead to the lackluster sales. So they will succumb to the demands of their label to try and replicate the success of their first record, let's just hope it's not a carbon copy. No date has been set as to when it will be released.  

New Music For The Week Of 9/20-9/26/10

Carlos Santana has done it again...I suppose. This time out Carlos chose to cover, what he calls, The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time with his usual band of all-star singers. It's certainly debatatable at best but there are a few standouts in this collection. Track four guest India.Arie ads a sultry, soulful voice to 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.' Track nine offers up a new and improved version of Van Halen's 'Dance The Night Away', while Joe Cocker does justice to Jimi Hendrix's 'Little Wing.' For the most part the rest of the songs sound a bit over produced and weren't very appealing to me. Maybe it's time to cut the cord with Rob Thomas...please?

Certainly one of my guilty pleasures, Serj Tankian's second solo album 'Imperfect Harmonies' has hit the shelves and I am looking forward to a full listen. I honestly was not a fan of System of a Down, his former band, but there's something really intriguing about this guy and they way his voice sounds...even if the music's a little heavy at times.

Do I like Maroon 5? Yes. Will I listen to this album? Yes. Will I buy this album? Probably not. I don't really see the point in buying any of their music since it will be forced down my throat at every turn, but there is still something redeeming about them that makes me listen to it nonetheless. I think the word I am looking for is 'Snappy', their music is snappy. 

In The News 9/24/10, Or At Least What I Care About

If you don't know, now you know...that's Death Cab For Cutie in the flesh and news on the street is that they are in the studio working on their 7th record. Right now they say they are taking their sweet time with the songs and are estimating that it will be out sometime early next year...woo hoo!

Also in the news....Phil Selway of Radiohead has said that the band is heading back into the studio soon and that it's possible that they are going to trash what they already have recorded and start all over. Very interesting indeed. Most likely they will alter what they have but there is no telling when it will hit my ears.

A Perfect Circle have reformed (They never actually broke up) and are planning a five city tour of Phoenix, LA, Vegas, San Fran and Seattle (Why not NY, I don't know) to happen later this year. This is really exciting news since we have not heard from them since 2004, let's just hope this leads to some new music. They will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on October 27th, so don't miss it.

Low and behold another band that hasn't been heard from in a while, Cake will be releasing their first new music in 6 years with the album 'Showroom of Compassion' that will be available 1/11/11. Recently Apple has been using one of their old songs, Short Skirt, Long Jacket, to promote the new version of the Nano iPod so it seems like the perfect time for them to return.

Not A Surprise, The Wheels Are Falling Off STP's Bus Already

Scott Weiland is a total disaster. So it should come as no surprise that the band has put a halt to their current tour to 'take a break' and get their shit (insert lead singers name) together. Recently Mr. Weiland has been noticeably drunk or high, what have you, on stage and has even been rambling on about nothing during the shows which has caused concern especially since he is supposed to be a recovering addict. Early on in the already infamous tour, STP was being accused, or Scott I should say, of lip syncing or running a recorded track of himself...he even fell off the stage in an Ohio show and somehow he didn't miss a word. Whether they deny it or not this band really needs to call it quits, there is no way they can keep it together or at least there is no way Scott Weiland will ever change.