Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Music Releases For June 24th, 2014

Deadmau5 keeping the time between release date to a minimum.  Less than 22 months the progressive-house music producer has pumped out a double length feature that will absolutely get fans pumped up for summer festivals!  Other artists such as Mastodon, and Kobra & The Lotus all have some serious solid albums as well.  I'm still debating on which one to try out first for the long weekend...even though I have all weekend to listen to the batch.  Just when you think you got the answer. :-\

Newcomers to AFGM are Allegaeon and Stream of Passion.  Both which are respectable and worth the shout out.  The tunes I have heard thus far are decent and leave much room for discovery (at least from my end).  Check out some of their music videos if you get the chance.  So hopefully you get the chance to discover a few of these groups yourselves.  Head to a local record store, online retailer, or authorized digital retailer.  Cheers and have a great week of music!

(Deadmau5 - while 1<2)

Just as Reznor looked toward movie scores after killing off NIN for the first time, the same move could be a logical next step for Zimmerman. Not only are tracks “Gula”, “Pets”, and “Rlyehs Lament” the most emotive of Zimmerman’s career, they each contain an array of whimsical touches that force one to peer deeper and deeper into the mix. These tracks don’t just want to make you dance, they want to make you actually feel something … anything.

Despite these fresh, artistic detours and his ridicule of the main-stage EDM festival sound, these 25 tracks are not without their saw-jaw moments. deadmau5 of 2008 comes alive during “My Pet Coelacanth”, which at track four finally kick-starts the album into high gear, and “Phantoms Can’t Hang” steals the best from Dutch house and Melbourne bounce to create a new sound all its own. -Consequence of Sound


(Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun)

AFGM: Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun

The staggering ambition of the Atlanta quartet's first four albums, concept works all, made them a favorite of metal connoisseurs, who prized the band for its ambition, epic scope and instrumental dexterity while still swinging the heavy hammer of the gods.

In embracing a more accessible and structured sound, Mastodon can't help but sound more conventional. But it's also never been more consistently melodic. One could do worse as a gateway into metal or into the more ambitious and accomplished albums in Mastodon's past. -Chicago Tribune

(Kobra & The Lotus - High Priestess)

You’ll hear elements of traditional metal in Kobra and Lotus’ sound along with power metal influences, a little New Wave of British Heavy Metal and a dash of modern metal. The production from Johnny K (Megadeth, Disturbed) is top-notch. It’s crystal clear and dynamic without too much glossy sheen.

All the pieces are in place for High Priestess to help take Kobra and the Lotus to that so-called “next level,” but of course the music industry is a mysterious and unpredictable entity where nothing is guaranteed. KATL have done their part with an album that is the best of their career so far. -About.com

(Allegaeon - Elements of The Infinite)

“Elements Of The Infinite” marks Allegaeon’s third consecutive drummer per album, and Brandon Park proves himself a key understated ingredient in the mix: a cross between the seat-of-the-pants fluidity of Jordon Belfast (“Fragments”) and the blastbeating insanity of JP Andrade (“Formshifter”). Michael Stancel replaced guitarist and band founder Ryan Glisan, and seems to have instantly gelled with Burgess without missing a step, and thank Goodness for that. Much gratitude is also due the band’s noted sense of silly humor offstage and off-record, which, while not literally represented in the music, seeps through nonetheless, reminding us that a band satisfied with being merely Good while having some fun is the band history will call truly Great. -Metal Underground

(Stream of Passion - A War of Our Own)

Dutch symphonic metal outfit Stream Of Passion fell on rough times when they decided to break away from Napalm Records. It was never a happy marriage. After some deliberation the band decided to take matters into their own hand and seek funding for their next album via the means of crowd funding. The whole thing was resounding success, so let’s how it affected Stream Of Passion’s latest offering, entitled “A War Of Our Own”…

“A War Of Our Own” isn’t an easy record to get into and it needs time before it really starts to grow on its listener. However, are so-called “growers” often not the most memorable and enjoyable albums in one’s collection? If you like your symphonic metal delivered with a passionate and original twist, then “A War Of Our Own” by Stream Of Passion is the album go for. It simply doesn’t get much better than this! -This Is Not A Scene

Box Sets:

(Pink Floyd - The Division Bell 20th Anniversary Edition)

Pink Floyd is releasing a 20th anniversary box set of The Division Bell , the band s 1994 multi-million selling album that included the Grammy Award winning track Marooned. Set for release on 1 July 2014, The Division Bell was the last studio album to be released by the band: David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. This 20th anniversary box set features six discs, including three replica coloured or clear vinyl discs, 5 collectors prints, a Blu-ray disc and for the first time Andy Jackson s 5.1 audio mix of The Division Bell. 

The Division Bell 20th Anniversary collector s box set will feature a new 2-LP vinyl edition of the album, remastered by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab from the original analogue tapes, including all the full length tracks (originally edited to fit on a single LP) in a gatefold sleeve designed by Hipgnosis/StormStudios. Five other discs are included: a red 7 vinyl replica of single Take It Back, clear 7 vinyl replica of High Hopes, 12 blue vinyl replica of High Hopes with reverse laser etched design, the 2011 Discovery remaster of The Division Bell and a Blu-ray disc including The Division Bell album in HD Audio, plus the previously unreleased 5.1 surround sound audio mix of the album by Andy Jackson. -Amazon

Monday, June 23, 2014

2014 Amnesia Rockfest Recap

I should probably get some of these memories on paper before I forget what happened.  The entire weekend of Montebello's ROCKFEST was [somewhat] of a big blur.  You spend months getting excited and prepared for the countless amount of bands and fans descending upon the small farming town.  That's why this time around I did not want to spend my weekend taking sub-par photos and video in hopes all 13 people watch my clip of one band (it's even funnier knowing I have a YouTube account with some of those clips).  Instead, I decided to take less photos and capture more memories.  Let the professionals take the photos and video...I am here for the beer and the good times!



So a 5:30am start time kicked off the weekend as we booked it out of Toronto before traffic set in on a Friday.  After a brief stop in Trenton's service station, we jumped on the Trans Canada Highway and zoomed through Ottawa.  Unfortunately, good times ceased for a few hours.  Since there were approximately 20,000+ of us trying to get set up at our camping spaces, the traffic getting into the festival proved to be a little bit of a headache.

Logistically, last year was a mess with thousands of fans waiting anxiously to get their passes and jump into the festival.  This time around, the line ups were absolutely flawless but the exit ramp for HWY 50 proved to be more of a parking lot.  It sucks when you got about 1/4 tank of gas and waiting for 2+ hours to get to your camp site.  If anyone from Rockfest is reading this, that is my ONLY complaint.  Have paid duty officers at the HWY 50 off ramp(s) and to help migrate traffic better.  Good thing I got some good friends (Alli, Kat, Scott, and Jenn) to keep me company and not get into road rage mode.  Thanks folks!



So after the wait in traffic we finally reached our destination, met our camping host, parked the car, and got down to business.  Tents went up in a flash and soon enough we were able to crack a brew and walk down to the festival entrance.  Probably one of the best perks of a Quebec festival is the non-conservative mentality.  There is a good chance that having an open beer in Ontario would get you some extra attention.  But in Montebello, everyone was enjoying the sunshine, food and, drinks.  Police focused on being vigilant rather than petty offenses.  Not to mention...it's a rock festival!

After entering the grounds, the time just started to slip by faster and faster.  After stuffing your face with stereotypical poutine and Budweiser, you would have just enough time to venture to the next performance.  OK, sorry to readers but I lied.  That was my other issue.  I understand that Budweiser forked over quite a bit of money to get a stage named after them and exclusive contract for the festival, but please provide something a little more Canadian next time.  Both Ontario and Quebec offer soooooo many amazing craft brews.  I thought about this ahead of time and stocked up on my craft beer for our camp site.  There's only so much Budweiser you can drink before it starts to leave a bad after taste in your mouth (at least that's what I noticed).


(Throwdown on the Jager Stage on Saturday afternoon)

Speaking about it earlier, walking between five stages to catch your favourite bands is a chore in itself.  Not that proximity was an issue but the weaving in and out of other fans looking to catch their favourite acts.  However, we all knew we had places to be so we made sure to catch our favourite bands at least 30-45 mins prior to show time.

Highlight band of Friday: Meshuggah!

These guys without a doubt put on the best performance (in my opinion) of Friday's festivities.  With a 9:15pm start time, the guys pummeled through their set comprised of material from their 25 year career.  If you were fortunate enough (like me) to grab a spot close to the front, you could literally feel the sub woofers pushing you back ever so slightly.  I think the only let down was the lack of push back from the other moshers.  Try harder next time guys. ;-)





Highlight band of Saturday: Alice In Chains!

OK, let's get real here.  These guys were the reason I bought my ticket to Rockfest.  I would easily pay $100 just for them.  But fortunately, I got 149 other bands as well for the same price!  Ripping through song after song, I was in momentary bliss as they have been one of my all time favourite bands.  Duvall and Cantrell sang impeccably well, with Inez and Kinney providing that "umph" that everyone was headbanging along to.  Top notch guys and well done.  You won over some new fans from what I was hearing.  But of course, I wasn't the only person with an opinion.  I asked my friends who they thought did the best performance.

Jenn: "I loved alice in chains! I was blown away by seeing William DuVall on stage! As a frontman he killed it!"

Kat: "The Interruptors and Anti-Flag - for the sheer energy (and surprise appearance by Tim fucking Armstrong of course)."


Scott: "Blink 182! Been listening to them since I was in grade 7, and never got the chance until now to see them. They still crack me up and rock it.

Me First and The Gimme Gimmes / Vandals. Fucking pure entertainment.

Alice In Chains. They blew me away, just hearing all those songs that I never thought I'd get a chance to hear live. (I'm cheap when it comes to tickets and can't justify the prices of huge names like that)

The Interrupters for being amazing and especially because of last minute fill in for the Street Dogs. and then Tim Armstrong shows up drunk and plays a few songs with them. Totally unexpected since none of his acts were part of the festival!

Last but not least, COCK SPARRER. I was pretty drunk, but am almost certain they said it was their first time playing Canada. They killed it, those old guys know how to get a crowd moving."



Alli"ALICE IN CHAINS
Those guys still rock like it's the 90's and DuVall brings a groove like no other - the band is always on par!

BLINK 182
The teenager in me is released whenever they take center stage!

A DAY TO REMEMBER
Hearing '2nd Sucks' live pretty much made my year! They were super awesome and played a very high energy set.

JOAN JETT
I can't believe I heard songs that I crank in my living room live on stage. If only I was alive during The Runaways days..

...Punk bands galore - can't pick a fav but seeing The Misfits and seeing Me First and the Gimme Gimmes was awesome. I listened to A LOT of punk in high school and seeing the aging band members still rocking out not only made my jaw drop but again brought me back to my teenage days and I'm pretty sure I was wearing a perma-smile.  Couldn't be happier with the line-up and thanks to the sun I've been kissed with freckles as a permanent memory of the festival!"

One thing I have to mention about this festival was that I encountered ZERO incidents.  And by that I mean no drunken fights, no arrests, no security interventions, no injuries, no fighting with others for a better spot, no jerks videotaping an entire set, etc.  At that point, I recalled a moment from 2013 when waking up Saturday morning.  A guy passed out on the sidewalk (from a few too many) was woken up by a fellow stranger putting a cold beer in his hands.  What a way to wake up for a festival!  It's amazing how a little common courtesy can go a long way.

In the end, great times with great company.  Can't wait to see what they have next year for their 10th anniversary festival!



Ohhh and a side note.  Our newest friend (and new comrade for Rockfest) was Jenn Marino of the Hiroshima Hearts (London, ON).  Check em out if you get a chance, they rock!

Random Music Quotes: Malmsteen

"For a first night, [the Wilkes-Barre concert] was really good, and I think tonight's [show at Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York] gonna be great. And we'll tweak it as we go along. But I think that the energy is there, and that's all that matters, really. If there are a couple of technical problems here and there, they're less important if the energy and the enthusiasm is there.  



I'm not gonna do the same setlist tonight that I did last night. I'm not gonna do the same setlist tomorrow night that I'm doing tonight. So I never do the same thing. Never." -Yngwie Malmsteen


Thursday, June 19, 2014

Music Video Round Up For June 19th, 2014

Well I hope you brought your bandwidth today folks because my embedded list of music videos is sure to rack up some megabytes on your IP.  A lot of great videos that will be sure to entertain you for the evening and hopefully the rest of the weekend.  As much as all the videos I have selected are worth checking out, be sure to pay special attention to the covers performed by Break of Reality and Steve 'N' Seagulls.  Both groups do amazing covers!

(*Note: you can click on the direct links to the videos by clicking the hyperlink heading above the video.*)

Anberlin - Hearing Voices (Lyric Video):



This marks the end of Anberlin.  "Hearing Voices" will be featured on Anberlin's upcoming (and final) album titled "Lowborn", which will be released on July 22nd, 2014 via Tooth & Nail Records.


Break of Reality - Lateralus (Tool cover):



Break of Reality have this cover featured on their cover album, which you can grab over at iTunes.


KXM - Gunfight (Featuring KORN, KING'S X, Ex-DOKKEN):



"When you're working as a pro musician in L.A., you're frequently running into other players who you know and respect. A lot of times, the 'dream band' conversation comes up. It's fun to talk about. A lot of times, it's the alcohol talking. But the reality for most of us is that we're locked into other commitments and obligations that in the cold light of day don't really afford us the time or flexibility to pull off these projects that look great on paper.

I'm not trying to take credit here, but I gotta honestly say I was determined to follow through and at least push hard enough to see if we could get any momentum going. Ray jumped right in and was obviously really excited about making it happen, despite his insanely busy schedule with KORN. I think for Doug, it was sort of like, 'Well, yeah, sure, I'll invest some time and energy into this,' but I don't think he realized how profound and potentially musically rewarding and even important KXM could become. But as the writing and recording started to happen and evolve, he became like a little kid in a candy store!" -Lynch


Steve 'N' Seagulls - The Trooper (Iron Maiden cover):



Steve 'N' Seagulls is a five piece group from Finland.


ALESTORM - Drink:



"Drink" will be featured on Alestorm's upcoming released "Sunset on the Golden Age", which is due out on August 1st, 2014 via Napalm Records.


Animals As Leaders Perform “Lippincott” and "Tooth and Claw" (In-Studio Performance for Guitar Center):





"Lippincott" and "Tooth and Claw" are taken from AAL's third album "The Joy of Motion" which was released on March 24th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Every Time I Die - Decayin' With The Boys:



"From Parts Unknown" will be released on July 1st, 2014 via Epitaph Records


Wolves At The Gate - Relief:



Their new album "VxV" was released on June 10th, 2014 via Solid State Records.


I THE BREATHER - Soul:Seek:



Their new album "Life Reaper" will be available on July 15th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Of Mice & Men Release “Bones Exposed” (Live Video):



Footage taken from KOKO in London, England.  "Bones Exposed" is taken from OM&M's latest album "Restoring Force" which was released on January 28th, 2014 via Rise Records.


Comeback Kid - Wasted Arrows:



"Wasted Arrows" is taken from Comeback Kid's latest album, "Die Knowing", which was released on March 4th, 2014 via Distort Entertainment.


EMMURE Release 'E' Video:



"Eternal Enemies" was released on April 15th, 2014 via Victory Records.


Mushroomhead - QWERTY:



"The Righteous & the Butterfly" album was released on May 13th, 2014 via Megaforce Records.


Sonic Syndicate - Before You Finally Break:



"I've been a big SOILWORK fan for years. Those guys were a massive hand in crafting that trademark Swedish sound so it made perfect sense to ask Speed when we knew we wanted to do a song with guest vocals. Performance-wise, I think we have similar styles and execution, but at the same time we both have our own thing going on, so the voices complement each other to great effect. My idea was also to have a real battle between our vocals.

I hate it when you have these 'featuring' songs and the guest just pops up for a chorus and then does backing vocals for a while in the verse or something. This is a real fight between us for the mic and I'm sure people are gonna appreciate that." -Nathan James Biggs


ARCH ENEMY - No More Regrets:



"No More Regrets" is taken from Arch Enemy's latest release, "War Eternal", which came out on June 10th, 2014 via Century Media Records.


WHITECHAPEL - Worship the Digital Age:



Whitechapel's latest album "Our Endless War" was released on April 29th, 2014 via Metal Blade Records.


Suicide Silence - Don’t Die (Lyric Video):



“You Can’t Stop Me” comes out on July 15th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.


The Unguided - Defector DCXVI (Lyric Video):



Their debut album "Fragile Immortality" was released on February 3rd, 2014 via Napalm Records.


Vanna - Digging:



The band's new album “VOID“ will be in stores on June 17th, 2014 via Pure Noise.


Eluveitie - King (Lyric Video):



Eluveitie's upcoming album "Origins" will be released (in North America) on August 5th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Random Music Quotes: Page

"Yeah, but it doesn't make any difference what I'm doing at home on the guitar. What makes a difference is — quite clearly, in this whole visual age — that you are seen to be playing.


I've been working on these Led Zeppelin [releases] like 'Celebration Day', for example, over the last couple of years or so, and also all of [the deluxe reissues of the band's albums]. And these releases are timed to be going out, but I'm going to be working on the guitar because I want to be seen to be playing.

Because I had certain priorities that I wanted to do, and I definitely wanted to make sure that this [Zeppelin reissue campaign] would sail, and now it is, and we're talking about it, so that's good. But I wanna be seen to be playing. So that's in, not close future, but in relative near future compared to Led Zeppelin releases in the past. It'll be a bit closer." -Jimmy Page

Music Releases For June 17th, 2014

Well, what do we have in store (all puns intended) for folks today.

This week is a great mix of some awesome artists!  From Willie to Frampton, Verve Pipe to Linkin Park; the whole selection this week is great.  For myself, I am not too concerned with which one to buy, but more concerned with who I am going to listen first!  Some albums such as Say Anything and Vanna surprised the hell out of me.  I wasn't even aware they had new material in the works. 

"Guess you should pay more attention then bud!"

Anywho, you should have no problem finding your way to a local record store this week.  If you are more of a 'sit at home and let music come to me' kind of person, then pick it up from an online retailer.  If you don't have time to sit around for 24hrs for that delivery, then digital might be more your thing...so pick it up from an authorized retailer.  Cheers and have a great week!

(Peter Frampton - Hummingbird In A Box)

Not a rock album, but featuring all the familiar stylistic flavours anyone familiar with Mr Peter Frampton’s work have come to appreciate: an overall hummable quality to the tunes; articulate and inventive lyrical guitar melodies and the unique six string sound that found him pop fame as “The face of 68” with The Herd, part of a major British band when Humble Pie rocked the Fillmore, and a star in his own right when Frampton Comes Alive sold in its millions worldwide. -Ramzine

(David Gray - Mutineers)

The biggest takeaway from this album is that he’s still got it. One of the easiest, smoothest vocal deliveries in the business, creative and inventive arrangement combinations, all anchored by excellent songwriting. That’s David Gray. That’s this album. A fine addition to the David Gray discography. -The Vintage Mom

(Willie Nelson - Band of Brothers)

A minute into Willie Nelson's new set of songs – largely self-penned for a change – it's clear the man who wrote Patsy Cline's "Crazy" 50-some years ago has lost neither verve nor cojones. Co-writing with producer Buddy Cannon, Nelson sticks to his wheelhouse: love, heartache, rambling and music-making itself. The vocals remain indelibly creaky against stony acoustic guitar, bright steel whines and dusty harmonica whinnies. "We're a band of brothers and sisters and whatever/On a mission to break all the rules," he sings on the title track – a pledge of solidarity from an 81-year-old outlaw that, even at this late date, rings 100 percent true. -Rolling Stone

(Nazareth - Rock 'N' Roll Telephone)

Here’s the good: the album is best thing the band’s done in quite some time, throwing down the gauntlet after a few semi-clinkers like their most recent studio offering, 2011’s “Big Dogz.”

The bad: this will be the final studio recording to feature original vocalist and gravel-throated inspiration to a generation of hard rock royalty like Axl Rose and Michael Monroe: Dan McCafferty. -Music Enthusiast Magazine

(The Verve Pipe - Overboard)

If you’re looking for the band to tread water through nostalgic carbons of what you heard while walking those sophomore hallways, you may be disappointed. But it’s refreshing to hear a band return after all these years, arriving with the verve to sound as fresh in the current musical climate as their alt-grunge did when we first heard it in the early ’90s. That the band’s songs feature hooks as brilliantly singable even after a decade and a half in limbo is the icing on the cake. Overboard is the most pleasant surprise of the summer so far, and it’s an album you shouldn’t miss. -Hear Hear Music

(Linkin Park - The Hunting Party)

AFGM: Linkin Park - The Hunting Party

But its heaviness is hardly the only thing atypical about this latest Linkin Park record. Guitarist Brad Delson, who barely touched his axe in the studio in recent years, not only delivers great crushing riffs but also, on nearly every track, lays down a wailing guitar solo, if not two or three. In addition, ‘The Hunting Party’ is the first of the band’s records to feature cameos by outside musicians, including members of System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, and Helmet, and it’s also the first one in their lengthy career that’s completely self-produced—which is especially notable considering that über-producer Rick Rubin oversaw the making of their last three albums. -Revolver

(Say Anything - Hebrews)

Musically, Hebrews has over sixteen guest appearances.  Bemis’ list of contributors looks like a punk/indie all-star roster.  Because of producer Tim O’Heir, Bemis decided to make a guitar-less album. If you are afraid this has taken away from the overall production or sound of the album, it does not. Really, this listener did not even miss the guitars. It further highlights the talents of Say Anything. -New Noise Magazine


(Septicflesh - Titan)

And satisfying my suspicions, I see the album was once again recorded at Devasoundz Studios in Athens and masterminded in Los Angeles by Dirty Icon Production’s Logan Mader (Gojira, Fear Factory and Soulfly).

If you’ve enjoyed  Communion and The Great Mass, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll enjoy Titan, and can consider this a good safe buy. If however you’re craving something more from Septicflesh, like an injection of the variety of Sumerian Daemon, then Titan is going to sound sadly enervated. Whoever heard of titans playing it safe? -Angry Metal Guy

(Deathstars - The Perfect Cult)

My overall impression is that “The Perfect Cult” is more synth-driven and Gothic elements come more to shine in this album than in previous works, although certain elements such as Whiplasher’s vocals have not changed at all. If you were somewhat disappointed by the direction taken in “Night Electric Night”, then chances are that “The Perfect Cult” won’t exactly blow you away, although I would definitely recommend basing your judgements on the second half of the album. It will be interesting to see how DEATHSTARS manage to perform this fuller album in a live context with their current four-man lineup, and I for one can’t wait to see them on their European tour later this year. -Metal Temple

(Vanna - VOID)

Overall, I think it is safe to say that Vanna fans will not be disappointed with their newest release, and they may even reel in a few new fans, but it doesn’t come without its faults. The high points of the album come through the melodic moments because some moments of the thrash riffs are so intangible it is hard to hear through it and get the full feel of the song which, in turn, leads a few moments to sound similar and get a bit repetitive.  But aside from that, the album really has some strong moments, well written tracks, and is a solid album. -Daily Slice Magazine

(Scare Don't Fear - From The Ground Up)

While SDF’s new album isn’t so much a rap metal album as it is a fusion of metal and hip hop, if you don’t like hip hop or metal, this may be the perfect album to get you into another genre of music. Just look at what Public Enemy and Anthrax accomplished with one track. People have the habit of listening to music and forming an opinion of it based on their expectations rather than listening to the music for what it is.

If hip hop sounded like this more often, I would be a much bigger fan! Scare Don’t Fear capture everything I feel is lacking in the hip hop genre and bring a refreshing twist to metal. Sometimes it’s good to be different and Scare Don’t Fear are the perfect example. -The New Fury

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Random Music Quotes: Felton

“Either they’re extremely lazy, or Billboard is simply out of touch with current musical styles. This rock chart should be more respectful of rock and metal artists, and all artists, period. Hardworking metal and rock bands don’t have a chance at the proper recognition they deserve. Billboard should redo this chart and remove non-rock artists like Tori Amos, Lorde and others.


It’s disrespectful to all artists. Tori Amos? I own a few of her early records, and I can assure you when I purchased these, they weren’t filed under “rock.” Lana Del Rey? Didn’t she do a dance mix to get a Top 40 hit? Oh, and she’s performing at Kanye West‘s wedding to Kim Kardashian – how is that “rock? Even Lorde is annoyed.” -Steve “Skinny” Felton

Monday, June 16, 2014

Massey Hall Celebrates It's 120th Birthday!

So my brother brought something to my attention over the weekend that might have gone unnoticed (at least in my books since I tend to blog from Mon-Fri), but Toronto's own Massey Hall celebrated it's 120th birthday over the weekend!  With the original opening date on June 14th, 1894, it still remains one of Toronto's historic city icons, one of the top venues for performers when coming to the city, and is still AFGM's top venue of choice for seeing bands and performances.

(*Taken from Massey Hall Official Website)

Over the weekend, the venue celebrated it's birthday in style by having none other than legendary Elvis Costello looking fashionable in a three piece pinstripe suit.  Both venue and artist have come a long way since it's youthful early days.  Other notable people that have graced the stage of Massey Hall (to name a few) are William Booth, Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Winston Churchill, George Gershwin, Glenn Gould, Vladimir Horowitz, Dalai Lama, Gordon Lightfoot, Luciano Pavarotti, Neil Young, BB King, Oscar Peterson, and Arturo Toscanini, and many more!


(*Taken from Massey Hall Official Website)

Not to bore you with a history lesson or anything like that, but a quick recap of the historic venue.  With an age such as this for a building, it's no wonder that Massey Hall is considered 'Canada's most important venue for concerts and lectures, attracting many of the world's leading celebrities; it has also hosted weddings, movies, boxing matches, beauty contests, religious and political rallies, typing contests and chess tournaments. Massey Hall remains a vital part of Toronto's cultural and entertainment scene.'

"June 14, 1894

A five-concert festival inaugurates the then 3,500-seat "Massey Music Hall." The first concert on June 14 features Handel's Messiah performed by a 500-member chorus with the 70-member Grand Festival Orchestra conducted by Frederick Torrington." -Massey Hall

(*Taken from Massey Hall Official Website)

Even in my short span of 27 years, I have had to opportunity to see many great music and comedy acts.  While the venue may not have the modern touches such as an elevator or widened seats, the acoustics of the venue are yet to be matched from another venue in Toronto (OK, maybe Roy Thompson, but that's a given).  The hall was designed by Sidney Badgley, a notable architect and designer who also worked on Slocum Hall (Delaware, OH), Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church (Detroit, MI), and Calvary Baptist Church (Providence, RI).  Needless to say that Massey Hall has taken the icing on the cake for his legacy, but other designs were beautiful as well.  The total cost (in 1894) for Massey Hall was $152,390.75.


(*Taken from Massey Hall Official Website)

So here are a few of the notable recorded performances that I found on the MH Wiki site.  I know one that's not on here I would like to quickly point out was the filming of the Trailer Park Boys film (2006).  Jonathan Torrens (aka J-Roc) closed out an evening of Ricky, Julian and Bubbles doing stand up comedy and managed to film his performance in front of the sold out crowd.  So every time I see J-Roc performing in the film, I always remember to look for myself and my friends in attendance.  So like I mentioned before, a few artists have even recorded their performances at Massey Hall.

It was the site of the legendary Charlie Parker-Dizzy Gillespie concert, recorded as Jazz at Massey Hall, in May 1953. Accompanying Gillespie and Parker in this acoustically sound hall were Bud Powell, Max Roach and Charles Mingus.

Rush, in June 1976, recorded the live album All the World's a Stage here.

Neil Young performed and recorded his concert, on January 19, 1971, which was later released as a live album, entitled Live at Massey Hall 1971.

Matthew Good performed and recorded his concert, on May 29, 2008, which was released as a live album, entitled Live at Massey Hall.

On January 8, 1995, Ronnie Hawkins celebrated his 60th birthday by throwing a concert here, which was documented on the album, Let It Rock. The concert featured performances by Hawkins, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Band and Larry Gowan. Jeff Healey sat in on guitar for most, if not all, of the performances. Hawkins' band, The Hawks, or permutations of it, backed most, if not all, of the acts. All of the musicians performing that night were collectively dubbed "The Rock ‘N’ Roll Orchestra".

So a well deserved happy 120th birthday to Massey Hall.  Let's cross our fingers for another 120 years of great history and entertainment.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Music News and New Music For June 12th, 2014

So of course, when running your own blog it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend!  Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning.  I guess that's how I use AFGM in general.  These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth, CBC, National Post, AV Club, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.

These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:

1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.

2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.

3. I am rather patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me.  I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can.  Canadian music rocks!

4. Because it's humorous and we can always use a good laugh.  Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it.  They're the ones causing the comments.

So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here.  But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else.  Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article.  Cheers!



Deafheaven, No Joy & Indian Handcrafts Set For September North American Tour:

09/12-13 Hudson, NY – Basilica Sound Scape 14
09/14 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
09/16 Hamden, CT – Ballroom at the Outer Space
09/17 Pawtucket, RI – The Met Cafe
09/18 Buffalo, NY – Traff Music Hall
09/19 Toronto, ON – Opera House
09/20 Montreal, QC – Il Motore
09/21 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
09/23 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
09/24 Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
09/25-27 Cincinnati, OH – Midpoint Music Festival
09/26-28 Urbana, IL – Pygmalion Music Festival


The Who's Dramatic 2013 Performance of 'Quadrophenia':

"The Who celebrated the 40th anniversary of their acclaimed 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia with a world tour, on which they played the album in its entirety with a few updated twists. They filmed their appearance on the final night of the tour at London's Wembley Arena to commemorate the occasion. Now, the group is issuing video of the gig under the title Quadrophenia: Live in London on June 10th, and is premiering the film's dramatic, historically enriched performance of the song 'Quadrophenia'."


F**ked Up to Record Toronto Concert for New Live Album:

"12 years ago we recorded a set we played at the Rivoli and released on a 12-inch, this set we're gonna be recording as well to put out, so come and be a part of it." -FU


Don Cheadle Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for Miles Davis Biopic:



"Music has always been one of my passions.  Since 6th grade, when I started listening to my parents’ Miles Davis records, his artistry has been an inspiration to me; he was someone who only ever followed a path as a runway to create a new one. 

Surprisingly, Miles’ life, his passion, his creativity, his fire have never been brought to life in a film and the fact that his family has chosen me to do this now is an honor."


The Kinks to play together for the first time since 1996:

"I met Dave only last week to talk about getting together again. We've also spoken a few times on the phone and emailed.  He's been composing his own songs but I'd really like to write with him again.  Things are as good as before." -Ray Davies


Chevelle Lining Up Summer Tour With Middle Class Rut & Dayshell:

06/20 Toledo, OH – Hollywood Casino
06/21 Rock Island, IL – Rock the District
06/22 South Bend, IN – St. Joseph County 4-H Fair
06/24 Sioux Falls, SD – The District
06/25 Fargo, ND – The Venue
06/27 Alix, AB – Tail Creek Mud and Music Festival
06/29 Billings, MT – Babcock Theatre
06/30 Missoula, MT – Wilma Theatre
07/02 Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House

With Black Map:

07/03 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House
07/05 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
07/06 Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre
07/08 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
07/09 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
07/11 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
07/12 Las Vegas, NV – The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
07/13 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre

Chevelle:

07/15 Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Pavilion
07/18 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Pavilion
07/19 Austin, TX – Emo’s Austin
07/20 New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
07/22 Tulsa, OK – Brady Theater
07/24 Robinsonvile, MS – Horsehose Casino

With Middle Class Rut & Dayshell:

08/10 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
08/12 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
08/13 Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace
08/15 Des Moines, IA – Iowa State Fair (Chevelle only) (feat. Halestorm)
08/16 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
08/17 Columbus, OH – Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
08/20 Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
08/22 North Myrtle beach, SC – House Of Blues
08/23 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
08/24 Richmond, VA – The National
08/26 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
08/27 New York, NY – Terminal 5
08/29 Upper Darby, PA – Tower Theatre
08/30 Wallingford, CT – The Dome
08/31 Bethlehem, PA – Sands Bethlehem Event Center
09/02 Boston, MA – House Of Blues
09/03 Portland, ME – State Theatre
09/05 Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
09/06 Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
09/07 Sterling Heights, MI – Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
09/09 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
09/10 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
09/13 Sacramento, CA – Discovery Park (‘Monster Energy Aftershock Festival‘)


Lionel Richie Promises Country Sequel:

"You cannot not be inspired.  What I'm missing in the pop world and in the R&B world are great songs. And whether I want to admit it or not, country's writing songs that are sticking around for the next 400 years. They're writing music. And so, this is my heaven. When my record company came back and said, 'Would you consider another one? How do you feel about country?' I said, 'Well it's pop music to me.'  So I'm going to stay around here for a while. I love all of my new friends. My 'brand new old friends,' as I call them." -Richie


CHAD SMITH And WILL FERRELL Issue Drum-Off Challenge To METALLICA's LARS ULRICH:

"We did talk about another drum-off. With a third person that looks eerily similar to Chad and I. A third drummer out there... We talked about Lars [Ulrich], from METALLICA.  Lars gets pissed because he gets mistaken for both me and Chad Smith. He can settle that score now, too." -Ferrell


Sir Mix-a-Lot Takes 'Baby Got Back' Classical With Seattle Symphony:



"Something you really should not do, but since tonight is orchestral movements from the hood night, I'm going to leave some of this open if a couple of ladies would like to get up on the stage." -Sir Mix


KISS Las Vegas Residency Coming This Fall:



Why I Ditched Beats Music For Spotify:

"As it stands now, Beats Music faces two challenges on social: The first is scale, and the second is execution. Beats Music has just 250,000 subscribers, which means most new users will only find a handful of connections on the service. Apple, with its more than 800 million iTunes users, should be able to help grow that number quite a bit. However, Apple doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to social media and music. Its Ping social network didn't end well.

Even if you assume Apple and Beats can improve the experience of using Beats Music, time is an important factor, here. Every playlist you make, every song you favorite and every person you follow on Spotify or any other music-streaming service is one more rope that ties you to them, and makes switching to Beats Music that much harder."


Death Grips Enlist Bjork for Surprise New Album:

"I am proud to announce my vocals landed on the new Death Grips album! I adore Death Grips and I am thrilled to be their 'found object'!  I have been lucky enough to hang and exchange music loves w/ them and witness them grow !! epic : onwards!!" -Bjork


Godsmack Set August Release Date For New Album “1000hp”:

The new album titled “1000hp” will be released on August 5th, 2014 via Republic Records.



“We made a conscious decision to go back to the streets of Boston for this album. The single actually recounts our days in the empty bars working our way up to those big stages we’re so blessed to be on. It doesn’t just capture the spirit of the city. It’s Godsmack.” -Erna


Dark Tranquillity & Insomnium Announce Early 2015 North American Tour:

01/04 New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
01/05 West Springfield, VA – Empire
01/06 Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
01/07 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
01/08 Quebec City, QC – Dagobert
01/09 Montreal, QC – FouFounes
01/10 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
01/11 Toronto, ON – Opera House
01/12 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
01/13 Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
01/14 Kokomo, IN – Centerstage
01/15 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
01/16 Minnesota, MN – Triple Rock Social Club
01/17 Winnipeg, MB – The West End Cultural Center
01/18 Saskatoon, SK – Louis Pub
01/19 Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
01/20 Calgary, AB – Republik
01/22 Vancouver, BC – The Venue
01/23 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
01/24 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
01/25 San Francisco, CA – Slims
01/26 Anaheim, CA – The Grove
01/27 Tempe, AZ – Club Red
01/29 Dallas, TX – Neon Trees


The Word Alive Pay Tribute To Mitch Lucker With “Never Forget”:



“‘Never Forget‘ is the song I took the longest to write for Real. I wanted it to be a song that memorialized our friend Mitch Lucker who passed away, but would also uplift and support the remaining members of Suicide Silence. I felt the song musically drew me in perfectly, which is why I wrote the lyrics for this particular track. It was dark and sad, but somehow upbeat at the same time.

I also wanted it to be a song where anyone who had lost someone that meant the world to them or someone they know could relate to. Unfortunately, loss is a part of life and coping might not be easy, but there are so many of us to support one another. This song hopefully will bring peace to some, and a feeling of unity for others. Above all, I hope Mitch is headbanging to it wherever he is.” -Telle Smith


Alan Cross on the Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll:

“The point is not to make value judgments here but to understand the mechanisms. If you understand the technological mechanisms of how music is created, distributed, consumed and valued, then you begin to understand why you’re hearing the music that you hear. And then you can perhaps make a semi-educated guess at where it might be going.” -Cross


August Burns Red Planning New Album:

“…We are going to be writing and recording this year. People forget you if you don’t put out music often, as far as I can see. It’s very important to support the record you just wrote and recorded by touring and then as soon as you can find the right time window to start a new one, do it. A record only lasts a year, a year and a half, maybe two years until you say, “Okay maybe now we need new content” and then that’s going to take six months. It’s all about trying to stay ahead of that curve, looking ahead and seeing when you want that new release and then pulling back six months and saying, “Here’s where we need to start.” We’ll be heading home this fall and writing and recording over the winter.” -Matt Greiner


Capture The Crown Debut New Song “To Whom It May Concern”:



Their new album “Reign Of Terror“ will be released on August 5th, 2014 via Artery Recordings.


ALICE COOPER Says His Upcoming Covers Album Features A 'Jaw-Dropping' Lineup Of Guest Musicians:

"We have no release date on that. It's done; the album is done. And I can't tell you who's on it or what the songs are, because it's probably not gonna come out until the fall or the beginning of next year.  When we put this tour together, here for Europe, and then the next tour is 72 [North American] shows with MÖTLEY CRÃœE, that takes us all the way to December. There's no way wrapping a show around it until next year.

We'll release, I think, parts of it.  The music business is so different now. You don't release a single and then put the album out; you just kind of release songs out there and then you have an album.  There will be an album; it's fully done and ready to go. And the lineup is jaw-dropping; the people who are on this album." -Cooper


'Wacken 3D' Documentary To Premiere In German Cinemas In July:



"The Wacken Open Air 2013 festival was held from August 1 to August 3. The team shot the footage for the film from July 22 to August 5, 2013 (production period)."


Threat Signal & Wretchedpain Eastern Canadian Tour:

06/25 St. Catharines, ON – Coco Cobana
06/26 Toronto, ON – Coda
06/27 Quebec City, QC – L’Agitee (*no Wretchedpain)
06/28 Kitchener, ON – The Hive
06/29 Windsor, ON – The Dominion Tavern
06/30 Hamilton, ON – Absinthe


It's Official - Singer STEVE 'ZETRO' SOUZA Is Back In EXODUS:

"As a band, we all had to make a very difficult choice to part ways with [our singer of the past nine years] Rob Dukes. We have nothing but love and admiration for him and the deepest gratitude for the hard work he has put in and the great work on some killer records. But at this time, Tom [Hunting, drums], Lee [Altus, guitar], Jack [Gibson, bass] and myself thought a change was necessary and the unanimous choice going forward was to welcome back Steve Souza [pictured] to the fold!" -Exodus


Scars of Tomorrow Debut "Questions":



"Failed Transmissions" comes out on July 8th, 2014.


Arch Enemy’s Fall North American Tour Dates (with Kreator, Huntress & Starkill):

10/23 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
10/24 New York, NY – Best Buy Theatre
10/25 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
10/26 Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
10/27 Montreal, QC – Metropolis
10/28 Quebec City, QC – Imperial Theater
10/29 Toronto, ON – The Opera House
11/01 Winnipeg, MB – The Garrick
11/02 Regina, SK – Riddell Centre
11/03 Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall
11/04 Edmonton, AB – Union Hall
11/06 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
11/07 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
11/08 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
11/10 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom
11/11 West Hollywood, CA – House of Blues
11/12 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
11/14 Tempe, AZ – The Marquee
11/15 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
11/16 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
11/18 Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
11/19 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
11/20 Grand Rapids, MI
11/21 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
11/22 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
11/23 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues


Anti-Flag Gather Up Their Greatest Hits for 'A Document of Dissent':

"We’re thrilled to announce that on July 22nd, we’ll be releasing Anti-Flag’s career-spanning collection, A Document of Dissent: 1993-2013. Comprised of 26 tracks, culled from 9 full-length albums spanning six labels, this is the essential Anti-Flag. The real gem, as a music fan, are their insightful and in-depth liner notes. The band illustrates each song’s history and includes a biographical timeline of the band’s history alongside world events and how some of those events inspired classic Anti-Flag songs. Below, watch a video of the band providing a run-down of just what went into this collection." -Fat Wreck Chords



1: Die for the Government
2: Fuck Police Brutality
3: Tearing Everyone Down
4: A New Kind Of Army
5: That’s Youth
6: Angry, Young And Poor
7: This Machine Kills Fascists
8: Underground Network
9: Spaz’s House Destruction Party
10: 911 for Peace
11: Turncoat
12: Rank N File
13: Power to the Peaceful
14: Death of a Nation
15: You Can Kill the Protester, But you Can’t Kill the Protest
16: The Press Corpse
17: Hymn for the Dead
18: 1 Trillion Dollar$
19: This is the End
20: Cities Burn
21: Good and Ready
22: The Bright Lights of America
23: Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C. (Sheep in Shepherd’s Clothing)
24: The Economy Is Suffering… Let It Die
25: This Is the New Sound
26: Broken Bones


Ex-Slayer Drummer Dave Lombardo Joins Amen:

“I’m very proud to have been asked to be part of this amazing production with Casey and Ross. My career in thrash was created from my love of the punk genre. It’s aggressive, honest and needed. I’m looking forward to performing with Amen before returning to Europe with Philm in September.” -Lombardo


MASTODON Becomes One Of First Mainstream Acts To Accept Bitcoin Payments:

"BitPay is honored to partner with Warner Bros. Records artist MASTODON. Having a major label artist embrace bitcoin is a definite sign of bitcoin's growth and expansion into the world of music." -Tony Gallippi (BitPay's co-founder and executive chairman)

"We're excited to work with fellow Atlanta natives BitPay for our new album. We want to give our fans as many options to buy our new album as possible, and are happy that bitcoin can be one of those choices." -Mastodon


Monuments Debut "The Alchemist":



"The Alchemist" is taken from Monuments' upcoming album "The Amanuensis", which will be out on Jul 8th, 2014 via Century Media Records.


“Project Rogue-Titans” (System Of A Down, Lamb Of God, Etc.) Crowdfunding Campaign Launches:

“All the artists on the roster will be collaborating with each other, finding the songs that they click with and then working on that song. Songs can have full performances from some members with others just having a solo, or a rhythm part or a chorus with that artist’s part on it.

As Raymond Herrera puts it, 'Rounding out these songs will be a matter of getting tempo and guidelines on the aspects of a song/s that may still need a verse or bridge or intro etc…then getting those elements to the proper musician etc…, then to start adding those elements to pick the best ones.

We have a great list of very strong songwriters and players. I think that our biggest challenge may be weeding out the bottom 10% of material, BUT since we are doing this via crowd-funding, we will be able to have our contributors help to pick those very songs and be part of the record at this granular level. Which brings me to the next points…'

The important thing is that the music will be a direct collaboration from all those involved, including Rogue’s emerging artists. Allowing them to work with touring / studio full time musicians they were inspired by, establishing new relationships in the industry.”


Ill Nino Streaming New Single “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow”:



“Till Death, La Familia“ will hit stores on July 22nd, 2014 via Victory Records.

Random Music Quotes: Ulrich

"The one thing we've figured out along the way is that METALLICA have a tendency to get some fairly strong opinions out of people — which is a great thing, because nobody seems to just be neutral and dismissive. Everybody's always got an opinion about what we do, or what we're playing, or what we had for breakfast, or whatever. That's something you find the good in, because it means that people care. And it's better to have people care than not have anybody care. So we'll find the good in all of it, thank you very much for asking!" -Ulrich


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

All Ages VS 19+

"Hey Andrew,

I wanted to share something with you about an upcoming concert at the Phoenix on June 21st.  It's the Guitar Gods 2014 tour with Yngwie Malmsteen, (Scorpions, Electric Sun), Gary Hoey ("Hocus Pocus") and Bumblefoot (Guns N' Roses). When I found out (through the venue website) that it was a 19+ show, I was really bummed out about this, especially for a younger generation of rock fans (and for my niece and nephew).  Needless to say I was a little pissed off. So I thought about what could I do with this.

I made a comment on Yngwie's official Facebook site, and then I had an idea.  I sent an e-mail to Yngwie`s management (who is his wife April) and it was heartfelt.  I received a reply from I am guessing one of her assistants and she said that 'April wasn't aware that the Toronto show was age restricted, that usually it was a legal issue, and that there was nothing they could do'.

After some time, the assistant mentioned that April worked hard and was able to get the show all ages!  April even tweeted about the show now being all ages.  I couldn't believe my e-mail actually worked!  It made me very happy.

I think this is the moral of my story.  It just goes to show you that something as simple as sending an e-mail management might work sometimes." -Craig McCourt


Thank you for the message Craig.  It's nice to see the little things such as this that will make the experience for you (and younger generations) that much better.  Unfortunately though, this message came to me prior to Yngwie & April's announcement of Uli John Roth...

"It is with great regret for us to announce that Uli Jon Roth cannot participation in the upcoming Guitar Gods Tour due to work visa delays/complications beyond our control. Uli and ourselves have been working up until this time to make everything work out and have him perform on tour. Every possible avenue has been considered, including having Uli join the tour at a later date, but unfortunately it is simply not possible. We will miss the presence of a great musician and dear friend on this tour." -Yngwie and April Malmsteen

Regardless of this news, old and young fans will be able to see some legends performing together in a venue of 1,300 people.  Going to be a great how either way.  Reminder that the show will be on June 21st, 2014.  Grab your tickets today before a sell out!