Music Releases For September 30th, 2014

Like most record release days, I am torn on where to start and where to finish.  Everything that gets put on AFGM is worthy of mention so even though it seems like it's a little too much, believe me that all these albums are worth a spin or two.  I have been mainly focusing on a few artists listed below such as Prince, White Empress, Gerard Way, Vestascension, and Nonpoint.  All artists have been coming up frequently in news in anticipation for their respective releases.  I highly recommend any of the artists listed above as they are sure to keep you smiling.

And let's not forget about the others on zee list.  Melissa Etheridge, Lucinda Williams, Flying Colors, Finch, and all the others are equally important and will have you jumping from genre to genre.  The DVD/Blu-Rays will also have your eyes peeled to the screen.  I have had the pleasure of seeing Dream Theater, Meshuggah, and Between The Buried and Me live in concert so those plus Katatonia will not disappoint you.

So be a doll, go show some love and pick up a copy of the album(s) that you can't stop listening to.  Hit up a local record store, and online retailer, or a trusted digital source for purchase.  Cheers!

(Prince - Art Official Age)

Art Official Age also finds Prince incorporating his spirituality into his composition with a deftness and openness often missing from his other records. Many songs on the album, from “U Know” to “What It Feels Like” and “Way Back Home,” are explicitly religious — and indeed, the story anchoring the album is really just another version of apotheosis — but they aren’t oppressive or heavy-handed. Instead, they posit spirituality as just another source of pleasure and fulfillment, the way sexuality once dominated that aspect of Prince’s music, and illuminate the similarities between the two. It’s a restrained, mature expression of a major part of his life. -TIME

(3RDEYEGIRL - PLECTRUMELECTRUM)

For those that haven’t been suckling at every bit of information that was offered, you’re going to love everything PLECTRUMELECTRUM has to offer. For the hard core masses, this album is a phenomenal addition to the collection, but we were surprised at the omission of not just a couple songs, but a lot. The addition of which would have really made this album more definitive. -Funktopia

(Gerard Way - Hesitant Alien)

Now in his late-30s, he’s going back to the things that turned him on, from pretentious ’70s glam-rock, fractured ’80s post-punk and all the English sonic conventions of ’90s Britpop and shoegazer noise. Sure, Way might not get fans to sell their old Black Parade hoodies to drop megabucks on eBay for vintage Pulp tees. But Hesitant Alien has enough requisite cool and clamor to insure he stays both relevant and remarkably vibrant—and, you know, cool as fuck. -Alt Press

(Melissa Etheridge - This Is M.E.)

"This Is Me” and her recent live performance suggest that “the old Etheridge” is back, putting words and music from the gut into her songs, and presenting them with such passion that she needs to be witnessed live. Her voice only got stronger as the night went on, culminating in an emotion-charged encore of “Like the Way I Do.” -Go Weho

(Seth MacFarlane - Holiday For Swing)

For the album, MacFarlane and McNeely cherry-picked both timeless holiday songs and lesser-known gems. MacFarlane slides from a warm, introspective introduction with a vocal quintet into a bright, uptempo swing in “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, and brings a new interpretation to the Lee Gordon rarity “Christmas Dreaming”. Continuing a longtime friendship and creative partnership, Norah Jones joins him for Seger Ellis and Al Stillman’s “Little Jack Frost Get Lost”, while Sara Bareilles lends her powerful pipes to Frank Loesser’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, which is perfect for a warm moment under the mistletoe. -Renowned For Sound

(Lucinda Williams - Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone)

Williams's new double album, Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, starts with words from one of her father Miller Williams's poems. "Compassion" urges treating others with concern even when it's not wanted: "You do not know what wars are going on/Down there where the spirit meets the bone," Williams sings, accompanied only by acoustic guitar. It's a grim line on a grim-sounding track, but the sentiment is a tonic in the current media landscape. In an ever more connected world, it's paradoxically easier to extricate oneself from the complicated, everyday realities of others. Compassion, in its most basic form, is more vital than ever. -Slant Magazine

(Tove Lo - Queen of the Clouds)

This sort of color—which might feel whimsical, were the content not so dark—pops up frequently across Nilsson’s assured major-label debut, Queen of the Clouds. Her foibles and off-kilter perspective on heartbreak offer shape and personality to a record that might otherwise be written off as too slick or inert, or indistinguishable from a host of peers making competent, spacious, and downcast pop music. -Pitchfork

(Flying Colors - Second Nature)

Second Nature has a sound that not only covers the many influences of each band member, it also shows that the band can hit genres of so many different musical techniques (i.e. Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Blues and Folk). Although some of the songs may not keep you riveted, missing some of that unique sound you’ve grown to expect from Steve and Neal. Don’t get me wrong; if one keeps comparing this album to hit the levels of the previous album then you may be let down. However, if you focus on the work that has been achieved musically and all of the various styles offered here you will be quite impressed with what this stellar group of musicians can and will achieve. -Prog Metal Zone

(Vestascension - Breaching The Sound)

Finding a weak spot in this album is actually quite difficult, especially when the music is just so positive, uplifting and fun. Listeners could nitpick or throw shade on the fact that there aren’t many new compositions, and there are not many sizable differences or alterations to the older songs – with the exception of track four – or people could be upset because they prefer Mike Semesky over Brian Wade, or any other minor detail. But in the end, Breaching the Sound is a surprising, and ultimately satisfying debut from a delightfully positive group of young musicians. The wait was long, annoying, and maybe not exactly what was promised, but give this one a listen; you won’t regret the decision. -The Monolith

(Rocky Gray - Accursed)

A ravenous horror movie fan, Rocky Gray has successfully meshed inspirations ranging from John Carpenter to 70s zombie flicks with his own devious gothic rock desires to unleash "Accursed".  The record will be available everywhere digitally through iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and others.  Physical copies will also be available through select retailers. -The Horror Nation


(Finch - Back To Oblivion)

Back To Oblivion opens with its title track, which brings bradycardia to forward-thinking hearts. It's a 'getting-back-on-the-horse' song with lyrics to match, all concerned with the tribulations of band living. The music goes over old ground, with none of the inspiration found in Finch's material after-...Burn. Then a post-rock-influenced guitar break arrives and they start to gather momentum. It's like Still Crazy, when Bill Nighy breaks down on stage during the opening song and the only way to rouse him from his fog is for Stephen Rea to play 'The Flame Still Burns.' Nighy returns to the present, temporarily hands lead vocals over to Jimmy Nail and the band build a triumphant closing set. -Drowned In Sound


(Nonpoint - The Return)

AFGM: Nonpoint - The Return

Bringing aboard Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, MEGADETH) for the second album in a row, let that serve notice as to what you're getting on this album. Strong out the gate, the album settles for gross predictability with a noisy metalcore experiment along the way.

As ever with bands like NONPOINT and their peers, they have a stout following but are advertently scorned by those with heavier tastes. Subjectivity applies with this band, of course. Though "The Return" as a whole doesn't live up to the promise of its openers, NONPOINT do drop their game with a professionalism befitting of their tenure. -Blabbermouth


(Electric Wizard - Time To Die)

It’s an ambience that practically bleeds from the speakers during Time To Die, their first album in four years and their debut for Universal’s Spinefarm imprint. The other thing the record exudes is confidence. Somehow able to get right up in your face and grab you by the throat while swimming around in a maelstrom of distortion, Electric Wizard present heavy metal as a barely controlled beast, tamed and kept in check by the bare bones of their song structures. Jammed out and demonstrating real chemistry, Time To Die is perhaps best appreciated as one piece of music and proves both atmospheric and immersive in the extreme. The band have lost none of their twisted genius in the four years since their last full-length.  -Record Collector Magazine


(Evergrey - Hymns For The Broken)

For an album to demand this much introspection says a lot about the power of great songwriting. There was countless times where I was taken away on a weeping daydream of my late parents (“Missing You”), to thoughts of past relationship nightmares and a random kaleidoscope of moments both happy and sad. Evergrey has a certain magic in all the gloom…the ability to relate on so many human levels and translate those exact emotions to “hymns for the broken” to follow. -Metal Underground

(Black Crown Initiate - The Wreckage of Stars)

They try everything on The Wreckage Of Stars to differentiate songs from each other, which means that the whole album is a journey through different exotic instruments on top of some some well-written death metal that, yes, even has some pop sensibilities and isn’t afraid to go for a big, sing-song heavy hook that is bound to bore its way into your skull before the damned song ends. -No Clean Singing

(Sick of It All - Last Act of Defiance)

Of course, after all this time, staying true to the hardcore genre could be seen as a blessing or a curse. After 30 years, fans may be looking for something a little less formulaic from the band, and when singer Lou Koeller sings “Hardcore is our life now,” in “Road Less Traveled,” I had to wonder if he meant it as a source of pride or as a lamentation. Also, the less hardcore of hardcore fans may find themselves becoming bored midway through the album.

Overall, I commend original members and brothers Lou and Pete Koeller for sticking to their guns and releasing an album that represents who they truly are. Also, the collaboration with producer Tue Masden seems like a good move for the band. True Sick of It All fans will not be disappointed in Last Act of Defiance. -Geeks of Doom

(Come The Dawn - Light of the World)

*No reviews as of yet

(White Empress - Rise of the Empress)

If you are expecting Cradle Of Filth mark two then you are in for a shock. Yes there are some elements here which do hark back to them but this is something much more melodic. Opening with the title track which is a largely instrumental piece, it’s a haunting start, it is a perfect set up for what is to come as it picks up speed and heaviness before ‘Congregation’ stomps into action. Nice chunky riffs and strong rhythm section are joined by fitting orchestral music. It is when they are joined by the female vocals Mary Zimmer that it really shifts up a gear. Bringing some much needed melody into the mix and showing what a versatile vocalist she is. -Hit The Floor

EPs:

(Butcher Babies - Uncovered)

The songs have all been given a Butcher Babies sound – some bands doing cover versions do their best to imitate the original version down to the small details, but Butcher Babies have taken the other approach – take a song and make it totally different to the original.  The EP kicks off with the ZZ Top cover – “Beer drinkers & hell raisers”.  With it’s chanted chorus, screaming vocals and heavy guitars it certainly sounds different to the original and I have to say it sounds great – I definitely want to hear this one performed live next time they tour the UK. -Planet Mosh

CD/DVD/Blu-Ray:


(Between The Buried and Me - Future Sequence: Live At The Fidelitorium)

“Future Sequence: Live at Fidelitorium” was directed and edited by Justin Reich, with director of photography Ismail Abdelkhalek, and audio engineers Jamie King and Kris Hilbert. Audio mixing and mastering was completed by Jamie King. Guest musicians include: Walter Fancourt (tenor saxophone, flute), Julian Hinshaw (Tuba), Will Goodyear (marimba, glockenspiel), Taya Ricker (violin), David Parks (violin), Leigh Dixon (viola), and Socrates Razo (cello). -Prog Sphere

(Meshuggah - The Ophidian Trek)

There is a fairly large tech-metal/djent scene in England and beyond, but no one delivers quite like Meshuggah. Tomas Haake’s drumming is a joy to witness, and the abilities of lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal coupled with rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström help drive an unbelievable sound. All of this is glued together by Dick Lövgren on bass.

The Ophidian Trek is a fantastic document of a fantastic band. Although they have been around for twenty five years, their input into the extreme metal scene is unrivalled. Extreme metal needs Meshuggah; they are unique, cathartic, punishing and ultimately awesome. -Louder Than War

(Katatonia - Last Fair Day Gone Night)

Just the double CD concert and DVD version of it would be an excellent collection, but Katatonia take it one step further with a second DVD that’s a documentary. The extensive 136 minute documentary chronicles the band’s history from 1991 to 2011. It’s narrated by Jonas Renske, Anders Nystrom and Daniel Liljekvist. Archival photos and videos are shown as the band members talk about their history.

The only downside of the collection is that it took so long to come out.  Even in the three years since the documentary was made a lot of events have taken place, including the release of two albums. Hopefully a part two will be coming at some point. At any rate, for fans of Katatonia, Last Fair Deal Gone Night is a must own, both for the concert and the documentary. -About.com

(Dream Theater - Breaking The Fourth Wall: Live From The Boston Opera House)

On March 25th, 2014, Dream Theater performed at the Boston Opera House with very special guests from the Berklee College of Music orchestra and choir. Filmed and directed by Pierre and François Lamoureux, and mixed and mastered by Richard Chycki, Breaking The Fourth Wall (Live From The Boston Opera House) is over 2 hours in length, complete with special bonus features. -Has It Leaked

Music News and New Music For September 29th, 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, Google, Wired, 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!

Universal Sues Monster Energy Drink over Misappropriated Beastie Boys Tunes:

"The latest lawsuit, filed by Capitol Records and Universal-Polygram International Publishing, seeks at least $1.2 million for the infringement of five Beastie Boys recordings and compositions."


Universal Music Group in ad deal for music videos with MirriAd:

"The technology allows product placement to take place on a bigger scale than was previously possible. For example, MirriAd can insert different brands into the same video to suit the target audience or region. Someone watching one of Universal’s music videos in China might see different product placements to a viewer watching the same video in the UK."


World's First Electronic Synthesizer Up for Auction:

"HELMHOLTZ, HERMANN VON. 1821-1894. Chemnitz: Max Kohl, c.1905.

A wood and brass sound synthesizer built by Max Kohl after the design by Hemholtz. 39½ x 29 inch mahogany base with turned feet, fitted with 11 small wooden platforms, each marked with a number and the words “aus” [from] and “ein” [to], 10 of the platforms fitted with tuning forks and accompanying brass Helmholtz resonators, the tallest measuring 18½ high, each pair ranging in size according to their graduating frequencies, 11th platform fitted with 1 large horizontal master tuning fork. All 11 platforms connected together with wire filaments, which are in turn attached to a keyboard fitted with 10 African ivory keys, each numbered and marked with the tones ut [Do, or C] to 4 octaves, mi [E] to 3 octaves, and sol [G] to 3 octaves. Each key is paired with 2 brass knobs, one each on the wooden panel above the key, and one each on the panel below. Opposite end from keyboard fitted with 2 anodes and 2 cathodes, each with accompanying brass knob.

The Helmholtz sound synthesizer was the first electric keyboard. Specimens of these are extremely rare, with only one similar but smaller apparatus located in a US institution that we know of. We have not seen another as large or finely made as this one. The synthesizer was used to combine timbres of 10 harmonics to form various vowel sounds. The system is driven by an intermittent current provided by a large horizontal master tuning fork on numbered wood base, and was operated by pressing on the various keys which sent the current to the corresponding electrically driven tuning forks. These forks, fitted with Helmholtz resonators tuned to the same frequency, would then reproduce the desired tone.

Helmholtz invented his resonator to identify the various frequencies of the pure sine wave components of complex sounds containing multiple tones, showing that the different combinations made could reproduce vowel sounds. Max Kohl of Chemnitz is perhaps one of the most famous scientific instrument makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work was distinguished by its exacting craftsmanship, and high quality materials."


Is High-Fidelity Sound the Future of Streaming Music?:

"Tidal and Deezer, the French music-subscription service that recently launched in the U.S., are the first to stream "lossless" files — with a CD-quality bit rate of 1,411 kilobits per second, as opposed to the 256 to 320 rates common on other services. Audiophiles, including Young, have been complaining for years that music files compressed into MP3 and AAC download formats have eroded sound quality to the point of painful listening."


Bruce Springsteen to Release Remastered Album Box Set:

"Bruce Springsteen’s first seven studio albums are being re-released in a box set entitled Bruce Springsteen: The Album Collection Vol. 1 1973-1984 that will hit stores on November 17th. Each album will come in a recreation of its original packaging and the set will contain a 60-page book of vintage press clippings, photos and memorabilia from the era. They’re all newly remastered by Bob Ludwig and Toby Scott and will be available on both CD and vinyl. The set is now available for pre-order."


What’s Up With That: Why Do All My Friends Like the Same Music?:

"In 2011, a group of researchers set out to see exactly whether music actually had the power to draw people with the same values together. The researchers used pairs of college kids who had been randomly assigned as dorm room mates for around 1-2 months. They had each kid describe their musical tastes and fill out a survey to determine their values. Also, each subject was asked how much they liked their room mate, and to rate how similar their own values were with what they perceived were their room mate’s values. After controlling for factors like difference in age and study subject, the researchers found with compatible tastes in rock, hip hop, and other western musical genres tended to share similar values, and be more socially drawn to one another. (The study also included genres like K-pop, Chinese Opera, and movie soundtracks, none of which showed strong correlations with values or likability.)"


The Who Announce 50 Year Anniversary Compilation, Premiere New Song:

Disc 1:

1. Zoot Suit (The High Numbers)
2. I Can't Explain
3. Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
4. My Generation
5. Substitute
6. The Kids Are Alright
7. I'm A Boy
8. Happy Jack
9. Boris The Spider
10. Pictures Of Lily
11. The Last Time
12. I Can See For Miles
13. Call Me Lightning
14. Dogs
15. Magic Bus
16. Pinball Wizard
17. I'm Free
18. The Seeker
19. Summertime Blues (live)
20. See Me, Feel Me
21. Won't Get Fooled Again (single edit)
22. Let's See Action
23. Bargain
24. Behind Blue Eyes



 Disc 2:

1. Baba O' Riley
2. Join Together
3. Relay
4. 5:15
5. Love Reign O'er Me
6. Postcard
7. Squeeze Box
8. Slip Kid
9. Who Are You
10. Trick Of The Light
11. You Better You Bet
12. Don't Let The Coat
13. Athena
14. Eminence Front
15. It's Hard
16. Real Good Looking Boy
17. It's Not Enough
18. Be Lucky


Interactive lab explores music’s scientific potential:

"In essence, LIVElab is a conventional stage and seating area backed by a powerful combination of high-tech gadgetry for recording and cleverly manipulating the way entire groups of people experience music and other forms of performance or presentation. The sound system can be adjusted to simulate a range of acoustic environments from classrooms to cathedrals."


New McMaster high-tech lab at intersection of music, sound and the brain:

"We can start to ask big research questions like: How do musicians interact with each other?  How do they coordinate to play together and how do their brains accomplish that? How do audiences react? And how does the energy from audiences affect performers? Now we can really start to understand how these complex dynamics take place." -Laurel Trainor


Bob Dylan Tribute Concert Enlists Neil Young, Beck, Black Keys and More:

"In celebrating the 25th anniversary of our MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, it is most fitting that we are honoring Bob Dylan, whose body of creative work has contributed to America's culture, as well as that of the entire world, in genuinely deep and lasting ways." -Neil Portnow (President and CEO of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy)


Music unlocks teacher's voice in brain aneurysm recovery:

"A couple of months after surgery Woyiwada's behaviour was much like that of a toddler, fixated on single words and repeating them. She'd sometimes remove the helmet she wore to protect her healing brain and skull and her family recalls her picking up food such as potatoes and gravy with her hands."


Idris Elba Curates Nelson Mandela Tribute, Gets James Blake, Mumford & Sons, Spoek Mathambo:

1. Aero Mathata
2. So Many People
3. You Give Me Love
4. Thank You For Freedom
5. One
6. mi Mandela
7. Tree
8. Home
9. Nothembi Jam
10. Hold On
11. Soldiers Don't Back Down

"South Africa has over 60 different tribes and each one has a musical expression. Each one has very unique, different sounds and style. I tried to understand some of this." -Elba


Mixing music with mentoring, local rapper helps at-risk teens through song:

“It’s amazing how they get some of their feelings out through the music.  They go to individual counseling, and a lot of times in those kinds of environments I don’t think they like just sitting one on one and just looking at each other and talking, but I think through the writing and as they sing, I just think it helps them open up more.” -Ruiz


Urban Outfitters Now The World’s Biggest Seller Of Vinyl Records:

"He explained that instead of having thousands of vinyl albums online, the company has a system in place that lets it seamlessly offer inventory from roughly 100 vendors without actually owning that inventory, a model it might use with Anthropologie’s home goods."


Throat Singer Tanya Tagaq Beats Arcade Fire, Drake to Take Polaris Prize:

"People should wear and eat seal as much as possible. An indigenous culture is thriving and surviving on a renewable resource: wearing and eating seal. It's delicious, and there's lots of them, and fuck PETA." -Tagaq


Apple Denies Beats Music Shutdown, Yet Future Is Unclear:

"When Apple bought Beats Electronics, many in the music business suggested the subscription service, which had a reported 111,000 subscribers at the time but has since expanded to 250,000, was a key part of the deal. While the late Steve Jobs insisted he disliked the streaming business, Tim Cook, the computer giant's chief executive, said recently he "couldn't sleep" after tinkering with Beats Music and is '100 percent sold on music subscription.'"


Thom Yorke Confirms Radiohead at Work in Studio:

"Stanley & me going thru15years of discarded words & pictures..!while overdubs happen in Radiohead studio.2nd day only"


Thom Yorke Just Released a $6 Album on BitTorrent:

“It’s an experiment to see if the mechanics of the system are something that the general public can get its head around.  If it works well it could be an effective way of handing some control of internet commerce back to people who are creating the work.” -Yorke and Godrich


Garth Brooks Confirms Highly-anticipated New Album:

"During a press conference today in Atlanta, Garth Brooks confirmed that his highly-anticipated new album will be available on November 11th, though the album title is still a well-kept secret. The album includes his current hit, 'People Loving People' and will be released via his own Pearl Records in a new partnership with RCA Nashville."


Charlie Daniels Announces Volunteer Jam:

"Set for August 12, 2015, this new installment of the Volunteer Jam will be held in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, a far cry from the more intimate War Memorial. While guests have yet to be announced for the show, the size of the venue indicates it should be artists of the A-list variety. Which should be good news for the Journey Home Project, a not-for-profit charity benefitting U.S. servicemen and women."

How Women Dominated Pop Music in the '00s:

"By the end of the decade, some stars like Spears and Lavigne faded away, while others such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna took their place. In the midst of all this uprooting, however, it’s imperative to keep in mind that the emphasis on an upbeat musical sound that appealed to the general public and a calculated star image that was marketed to a specific group remained the same. While a number of men succeeded in this as well, most notably Justin Timberlake and Eminem, they were anomalies, and women generally shined more often in pop music."

Andre 3000 Talks Outkast Biopic, Studying Jimi Hendrix and Snagglepuss:

"To get that gait, to move in that way, I had to feel that way. I worked out twice a week, and ate just enough calories to keep myself going.  Guitar training was strenuous because I’m a right-handed guitar-player. Left-handed is completely opposite. It’s like walking backwards." -Benjamin


Pink Floyd Roll Out Plans For 'The Endless River,' First LP in 20 Years:

SIDE 1
1. "Things Left Unsaid"
2. "It’s What We Do"
3. "Ebb and Flow"

SIDE 2
1. "Sum"
2. "Skins"
3. "Unsung"
4. "Anisina"  

SIDE 3
1. "The Lost Art of Conversation"
2. "On Noodle Street
3. "Night Light"
4. "Allons-y (1)"                      
5. "Autumn’68"                      
6. "Allons-y (2)"                      
7. "Talkin’ Hawkin'"

SIDE 4
1. "Calling"
2. "Eyes To Pearls"
3. "Surfacing"
4. "Louder Than Words"

"We listened to over 20 hours of the three of us playing together and selected the music we wanted to work on for the new album.  Over the last year we've added new parts, re-recorded others and generally harnessed studio technology to make a 21st century Pink Floyd album. With Rick gone, and with him the chance of ever doing it again, it feels right that these revisited and reworked tracks should be made available as part of our repertoire." -Gilmore


Streaming music swiping sales from music downloads:

"US revenue for streaming-music services rose 28 percent to $859 million in the first half of the year, compared with $673 million in the year-earlier period. The category included subscription services like Spotify and Apple's Beats Music, streaming radio like Pandora and Sirius XM and on-demand services like Vevo or YouTube. Meanwhile, digital downloads -- like the singles and albums sold on Apple's iTunes -- dropped 12 percent to $1.3 billion in the first six months of the year."


R.E.M. Unveil Massive DVD Box Set Documenting History with MTV:

"It occurred to us that there's all this footage of some of the band's absolute career highlights sitting in some MTV vaults in London and New York — and thanks to a lot of effort and digging and arranging, this is our chance to share that music with various generations of R.E.M. fans in a pretty unique release. And Alexander Young's documentary is a fine way to tell the story of R.E.M. through its various twists and turns, as captured in real time by MTV's cameras — it has some great funny bits too!" -Bertis Downs


Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Chelsea Grin, Upon A Burning Body, Etc. North American Tour:

11/28 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater
11/30 San Francisco, CA – Regency
12/01 Eugene, OR – McDonald Theater
12/02 Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO
12/04 Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
12/05 Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
12/06 Saskatoon, SK – O’Briens
12/07 Winnipeg, MB – The Garrick
12/10 Quebec City, QC – Imperial
12/11 Montreal, QC – Metropolis
12/12 Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
12/13 London, ON – London Music Hall
12/14 Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
12/16 Watertown, NY – Exhibition Hall
12/17 Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
12/19 Norfolk, VA – The Norva
12/20 Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s


AC/DC Confirm 'Rock or Bust' LP, Malcolm Young's Departure:

"‘Rock or Bust,’ the highly anticipated new studio album from AC/DC, will be released December 2, 2014. Featuring 11 new tracks and recorded in Spring 2014 at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC, 'Rock or Bust' finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O’Brien and mixer Mike Fraser.

“Rock or Bust” is the first AC/DC album in the band’s 41 year history without founding member Malcolm Young on the recordings. Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of ‘Rock or Bust’ in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on 'Rock or Bust' and will accompany the band on tour.

Starting September 27, Turner Sports will provide fans a sneak peek of the new track ‘Play Ball’ as part of the 2014 Major League Baseball Postseason campaign. Check back here for more."


The Plot In You, Barrier & Cane Hill Set For October Tour:

10/27 Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s
10/28 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
10/29 Montreal, QC – Le Petit Campus
10/30 Worcester, MA – Palladium
10/31 Amityville, NY – Revolution
11/01 Allentown, PA – Croc Rock
11/02 Pittsburgh, PA – Cattivo


AC/DC's MALCOLM YOUNG Reportedly Being Treated For Dementia:

"If you were in the room with [Malcolm Young] and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn't remember who you are. He has a complete loss of short-term memory. His wife, Linda, has put him in full-time care." -A Young family connection


Nickelback With More 'No Fixed Address' Album Details:

1. Million Miles An Hour
2. Revolution
3. What Are You Waiting For?
4. She Keeps Me Up
5. Make Me Believe Again
6. Miss You
7. Get ‘Em Up
8. The Hammer's Comin' Down
9. Satellite
10. Sister Sin
11. She's Got Me Runnin' Round

The album is being produced by Nickelback themselves and will be released on November 18th, 2014 via [newly inked deal with] Republic Records.


Third Man Records Previews Second Paramount Records Box at AmericanaFest:

"When we did it last year, we [used] period-specific furniture and tried to make it look like you were in your grandmother’s parlor, crowded around a Victrola.  This time, we wanted to reflect more the machine age of the years that this set represents, and match a bit of that art deco vibe and the modernist furniture look." -Ben Swank


Betraying The Martyrs, Reflections & Invent, Animate November North American Tour:

11/09 Indianapolis, IN – Emerson Theater
11/11 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
11/12 Quebec City, QC – L’Agitee
11/13 Montreal, QC – La Sala Rossa
11/14 Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar
11/15 London, ON – London Music Hall
11/16 Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
11/17 Newport, KY – Thompson House
11/18 Knoxville, TN – The Concourse
11/20 Nashville, TN – The End


Boysetsfire & Kmpfsprt Ready New Split For Sea Shepherd:

"We are proud to announce a very special new release!!!!!!!!

We teamed up with our friends from Kmpfsprt to support the amazing Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

The 2-Song-Split will be released digitally as well as a limited 7"-Single (limited to 300 with a rad print from Homesick design). 

ALL PROCEEDS will go to Sea Shepherd Deutschland to support their ongoing struggle and worthwhile cause!"


Faith No More’s New Single Cover Art:

The band's new album will be released sometime in April, 2015.


Children Of Bodom Frontman To Work On New Material Following Cancelled Tour:

“Top of the morning ladies and gentlemen..well i gotta tell you straight out that this is not a good day. Im sure some of you already know that our north american tour with machine head has officially been canceled, without any fault of our own i might add. I will not go into details on why or what happened but i need you, my friends to know that this had nothing to do with me or cob.

Two days ago i was on the top of the world with my ride and stoked to get out there, crank out metal and raise hell with you guys but today i look like this(i think i managed to take a”selfie”hahaThats alexi being bummed the fuck out at 9am) yesterday that motherfucker(my car that is) over heated and almost left me on the side of the road and 3hrs later i found out that the tour was canceled.funny how life works huh?But hey u know what?

Shit fuckin happens, life goes on and at least now we have an extra month and a half to write new cob shit so instead of focusing on the negative,im gonna start to write music this very second and it will be some angry shit but yea, i guess this is me apologizing on everyone’s behalf that we let you down.

On a happier note i will have a few live performances on my own(will let u know about that later), happening this year so i will see some of you soon!! Lets keep our horns up and try to laugh at fuckin everything and everyone including ourselves at least once a day! Deal?” -Alexi Laiho


Nightwish & Delain Announce Spring North American Tour:

04/09 New York, NY – Hammerstein Ballroom
04/10 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
04/11 Worcester, MA – Palladium
04/13 Quebec City, QC – Capitole Theatre
04/14 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theater
04/16 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
04/17 Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
04/18 Chicago, IL – Concorde Music Hall
04/19 Clive, IA – 7 Flags Events Center
04/21 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
04/22 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
04/24 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
04/25 Vancouver, BC – Orpheum Theatre
04/26 Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
04/28 San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theatre
04/30 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
05/01 Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
05/02 Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theatre
05/03 El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
05/05 Dallas, TX – Bomb Factory
05/06 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
05/08 Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
05/09 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
05/11 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Work
05/12 Louisville, KY – Expo Five
05/13 Charlotte, NC – Filmore
05/14 Silver Springs, MD – Filmore


New Machine Head Tracks Leak Online:

“NOW WE DIE” HAS OFFICIALLY LEAKED

And why am I telling you this information?

Information that just a few years ago, labels and bands would have been trying their hardest to pull down from torrent sites and flag YouTube channels?  Because in 2014 you just have to own shit like this.  Own it…and move on.



John Lennon once sang “life is what happens, while you’re making other plans…”

That’s right my friends, “Now We Die,” the first track and lead single off of “Bloodstone & Diamonds” has officially leaked, 3 weeks ahead of it’s originally scheduled Oct 10th release date as a digital single.

Mindbogglingly, it was leaked via an iTunes UK Pre-Order page that “someone” fucked up on (and who is about to be fucking fired!) that basically said, “pre-order Machine Head’s new album and get TWO free songs.” -Flynn


COAL CHAMBER In Pre-Production For New Album:

"Pre production has begun! Back in the same studio where we rehearsed for the Dark Days tour in 2002. Follow us on Twitter @coalchamberoffi, Instagram @coalchamberofficial."


Vocalist RONNY MUNROE Quits METAL CHURCH; Band Vows To Continue:

"After 10 years, four albums and many great shows and performances, lead vocalist Ronny Munroe will be leaving METAL CHURCH to pursue other interests. This is regrettable, but understandable.

We wish Ronny success with his new endeavors.

To our fans, we want you to know that METAL CHURCH is still very much alive and we will have some big announcements for you in the very near future."


He Is Legend, Maylene & The Sons Of Disaster & Wounds Announce November Tour:

11/08 New York, NY – Webster Hall
11/09 Albany, NY – Bogies
11/11 Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
11/12 Providence, RI – Simon’s
11/13 Buffalo, NY – Waiting Room
11/14 Quebec, QC – La Source de la Martiniere
11/15 Montreal, QC – Il Motore
11/16 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
11/17 Kingston, ON – Overtime
11/18 Toronto, ON – Hard Luck
11/20 Thunder Bay, ON – Crocks
11/25 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
11/26 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre


METALLICA, LINKIN PARK And DEFTONES Confirmed For Inaugural U.S. Edition Of ROCK IN RIO:

"The permanent open-air concert venue will be located on The Strip near the corner of Sahara Avenue, spread out over 37 acres and have the capacity for 85,000 people per day. It includes six stages, three themed Rock Streets encompassing the culture and music of the U.S., UK and Brazil and a zip line that stretches 64 feet high and 600 feet long in front of Main Stage. The venue also includes a VIP area that can accommodate up to 4000 people; an air-conditioned area with a unique view of the City of Rock and an all-inclusive buffet."


BLACK SABBATH Guitarist TONY IOMMI Begins Job As Teacher:

"Iommi was appointed Visiting Professor Of Music last June at the university, which awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate Of Arts in November of last year for his outstanding contribution to global music. He toured the facilities in May and spent some time during that visit talking with students and staff about his 50 years as a musician."

Music Video Round Up For September 26th, 2014

Going through my playlist at the end of a work week is like the toast to the weekend; especially when you have been gone away on vacation for the past week with no contact with the outside world.  YouTube playlists and subscriptions coming out my ears so sometimes it's rather hard to follow each upload unless doing a round up such as this.  I hope this will make the starting of your weekend energetic, whether you are going into work or escaping from it.

Apologies in advance for those who loathe my video articles but there are just too many great clips out there to ignore.  So if you do not have the bandwidth to watch this video, then too bad!  Hahaha just kidding.

So for the slower connections just load the article, go for a coffee/glass of water, return, play and enjoy!  This will surely be one of my playlists for the end of the work day and hopefully doesn't keep your eyes glued to the screen for too long.  Cheers and happy Friday!

**Please note that this week's round up was quite extensive and therefore did not have all the normal information posted below.  Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.**

The Piano Guys - Batman Evolution:



Their latest release "Wonders" will be released on October 7th, 2014 via Sony Entertainment.


Matty Mullins - 99% Soul:



Matty Mullin's self titled debut album was released on September 23rd, 2014 via Rise Records.


Vanna - Personal Cross:



“In dealing with personal demons and struggling on how to shake them from my shoulder I always feel like each one needs their own saving. That each issue is as great as the next. I’ve learned that there is nothing and no one that will step in and save me, no rescuer to swoop in and save the day. I create in myself a personal cross, a way to lessen the load, a way to cope. I’m a mess of a person but somewhere inside me is that light that can over throw those dark parts in my life. Make your own crosses to bear the weight of your woes and troubles, you are your own savior.” -Davey Muise


Madball - Doc Marten Stomp:



"Hardcore Lives" was released on June 27th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


Cannibal Corpse - Kill Or Become:



"A Skeletal Domain" was released on September 16th, 2014 via Metal Blade Records.


Joe Satriani - Satch Boogie (Live):



"Joe Satriani performed an exclusive 99th birthday commemorative concert for celebrated guitar pioneer Les Paul on June 9. The special show was filmed for the new season of public television's acclaimed music series "Front And Center". Satriani's performance will begin airing on October 21. Check local listings for specific air dates and times in each market." -Blabbermouth


Meshuggah - Dancers To A Discordant System (Live):



“The Ophidian Trek” will be released on Blu-ray/DVD (and a remastered edition of the bands “I” EP) on September 30th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Devil You Know - A Mind Insane (Play Through):



"The Beauty of Destruction" was released on April 25th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


Scar Symmetry - Cryonic Harvest (Lyric Video):



SS's upcoming album "The Singularity: Phase 1 - Neohumanity" will hit North American stores on October 14th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Random Music Quotes: Church

"You want them to express themselves. You want them to get involved in the moment. Just like we do. But at the same time, you want to make sure that they're all leaving with the same experience.  

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

When you have some who are affecting other people's experience, that's when you have to get involved. You want to make sure it's all equal for everybody. They can go as crazy as they want to, as long as they don't start affecting other people's crazy." -Eric Church

Music Releases For September 23rd, 2014

Going to try and see if this can be a run on sentence.

Cheek to Cheek, these Popular Problems of Gravity are Framework Battles for The Violet Flame that can be Plain Spoken as you Strut and say "_hello world".  

That was my attempt to combine all the album titles in this week's releases.  Some to be revered more than others but I am looking forward to some new music from old artists I haven't heard in ages!  Not any fault of theirs, it just happens sometimes where you lose touch of an artist due to other things going on in your life or your musical tastes.  I think Big & Rich, and Lenny Kravitz will fall under this category.

Other artists such as Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp, and Tony Bennett tend to put out consistent quality music, so these are my assured releases.  Other new ones to moi are Work of Art, Information Society, Charm City Devils, and Memphis May Fire's Matty Mullins (dropping his debut solo record).  Either way it should be a fun week to play catch up from last and this week!

So do a favour and head to a local record store, online retailer, or a digital source to purchase your music and to show some love.  Cheers and enjoy!

(Leonard Cohen - Popular Problems)

Popular Problems, his 13th studio album, has everything of which a latter-day Cohen album is popularly known to be composed: the amelodic, magical croak of Cohen’s own finely aged voice; the hyper-melodic shine of his singers, who have become as integral to Cohen’s project as he himself; a loose, blurring approach to genre and tone. The album seems to be of the same make as 2012’s Old Ideas; both are relaxed in their dedication to definite genre, and both humbly display the wisdom one would expect from an icon like Cohen. Even their titles comprise the interlocking halves of some private mantra or joke, some defining force behind Cohen’s recent inspirations: “Old Ideas, Popular Problems.” The Old Ideas, still Popular Problems, seem to be the things Cohen has always written about: sex, god, art, mystery, society. -Tiny Mix Tapes

(John Mellencamp - Plain Spoken)

Plain Spoken is filled with themes of bitterness and despondency. This is clear before you ever listen to the songs. Track titles include “Troubled Man,” “Tears in Vain,” and “The Isolation of Mister.” In that last one, he sings, “Been so indifferent about so many things, about my time and my rage / I thought I was living a life of freedom, but I was living in a cage.” And after the sobering back-and-forth conversation that Mellencamp relays to the listener during “The Brass Ring,” he eventually concludes, “This world I’ve seen here is never fair, so just leave me here with my sorrow.” Even in his more politically driven tunes like “The Company of Cowards” and “Lawless Times,” restlessness reigns supreme. -Indianapolis Monthly

(Big & Rich - Gravity)

As new male duos try and make way to the ears of country listeners, the new album from Big & Rich, ‘Gravity’ serves as the perfect lesson on how it’s done. Students listen up, Big & Rich is about to school you on how to successfully release an album that serves up quality country music without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.

It’s like Big & Rich were on a long road to success and decided to make a left turn at a stop sign, and if that was ever the correct turn, they made it. There is something on this album for everyone, and as a Big & Rich fan I have fell in love with their music all over again, they are truly onto something special with this album. -Ride of Fame

(Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Cheek To Cheek)

Cheek to Cheek reveals the considerable warmth and depth of her voice. She and Bennett play it absolutely straight – there are no radical reboots, just two accomplished vocalists having fun. The ballad Nature Boy is treated with the greatest delicacy – underlit by a haunting flute motif, it provides the album’s primary study in contrasts, with Bennett at his most assured and Gaga at her most vulnerable. They bond best on the uptempo tracks, though, where the 60-year age gap is immaterial. Flirting and ad libbing on Goody Goody, while Bennett keeps it suave, Gaga is a wonder. She should do this kind of thing more often. -The Guardian

(Erasure - The Violet Flame)

Listening to The Violet Flame is like taking a step back to the heady, euphoric dance floors of the late ’80s. The music is familiar enough to wrap its arms around you, with Bell’s crystalline vocals ringing out over Vince Clarke’s bright melodies. The album has a lightness of touch that at times makes you wish for more bass to add weight, like on the taster single “Elevation”. But, many of these songs are infectiously danceable and invariably uptempo. The duo’s last record, 2011’s Snow Globe, was an odd mishmash of Christmas covers and seasonally flavored originals. This new one charts a clearer course, ringing with optimism and zest for life while putting aside regret. “It’s all about hope, forgiveness, being given a new chance, and the world being your oyster,” as Bell puts it. -Consequence of Sound

(Lenny Kravitz - Strut)

Strut definitely goes Lenny Kravitz’ way, but the last handful of tracks just didn’t seem to cut it, which is unfortunate because there were a handful of tracks that really stood out; the highlights were definitely Sex, The Chamber, Dirty White Boots, The Pleasure and the Pain and Frankenstein. There were a few moments where particular sounds began to appear exhausted and recycled (particularly with Strut, Happy Birthday and I Never Want To Let You Down) which really led the album down the less versatile path, not that the overall vibe wasn’t crash hot or anything, but we just needed to hear something a little different. 25 years in the business and Lenny Kravitz still has it, he just needs to release an album that is more killer and less filler; Strut is a good album from the icon, it just doesn’t raise any bars like some of hi past work. -Renowned For Sound

(Information Society - _hello world)

There’s a techno dance party that you might want to go to, and if Arnold Schwarze-negger tells you to “Get your ass to Mars” you should listen. The Prize is all pumping beats, buzzing synths and popping bass, with Kurt Harland singing “I’m coming up from the ground with my eyes on the prize” like he’s trying to overcome some herculean challenge.  If the challenge is to get the listener to dance then they’ve succeeded. -High Wire Daze

(Trapt - The Acoustic Collection)

“This album is so such a refreshing departure from the sound that our fans have come to expect from us. I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised. The organic nature of acoustic instruments lends themselves well to our songs, as most start out on acoustic guitar. A lot of our fans have heard us play acoustic sets at radio stations and special performances and have been calling for an acoustic album. We have now fulfilled those wishes and can’t wait for the feedback on an album we are so proud of!” –Chris Taylor Brown

(Gary Clark Jr - Live)

AFGM: Gary Clark Jr. Doesn't Owe You A Thing

Mixing select blues covers with standout Clark originals from Blak and Blu, Live is a wonderful introduction to a fine young guitar player, songwriter, and singer. Opening with a thunderous version of Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues," this set never falters through Clark originals like the Chuck Berry-ish romp "Travis County," the timeless-sounding "When My Train Pulls In," and the monster Jimmy Reed homage "Bright Lights," and seamlessly blends in covers of Lowell Fulson's "Three O'Clock Blues" and Albert Collins' "If Trouble Was Money" and "If You Love Me Like You Say," the latter of which is paired with Jimi Hendrix's "Third Stone from the Sun" in a striking ten-plus-minute medley. Clark closes things out with a gentle, sparse, and striking version of Leroy Carr's "When the Sun Goes Down." This is an impressive live set, with crisp playing and sharp sound, and, best of all, it lets Clark play the blues and shine with energy, passion, and a good deal of grace while staying free of the bells and whistles the studio affords. -All Music

(Brian Reitzell - Hannibal Season 2 OST: Volume I & II)

Ah, I need to mention that I will review both Volume 1 and 2 in this review as they are more like one big massive monstrous humongous cue from the inner insanity of your mind. I feel almost dirty after listening to this, like I’m betraying those amazing classic grandiose filmscores with massive leitmotifs. I’m not. Really. In fact, I’ll go play Ben-Hur after this to cleanse my palate, or Star Wars.. Then I will go back to this score again.

It’s simple really. If you enjoyed the music from season 1 you will absolutely love the music in season 2. Both volumes are a joy to listen to. Hannibal is mental medicine and if I was your doctor, I’d prescribe a few hours of this. -Soundtrack Geek

(Disciple - Attack)

With over twenty years under their belts, Disciple is officially an industry success story no matter how you look at it. That said, Kevin Young and his new crew have not stopped yet. Attack is the best Disciple’s album of the latter decade of their career. Bringing anthemic battle-driven tracks that inspire while also positively uplifting the listener out of the mire of this world and offering them hope, this is an album that deserves to be internalized into your very soul. In addition to this, Attack has more singularly great tracks than perhaps anything the band has ever produced. -Indie Vision Music

(Charm City Devils - Battles)

Battles has more emotion and seriousness to its tunes more than Charm City Devils’ last two releases. Songs from those two albums―like “House Fire”, “10,000 Miles”, “Pour Me”, “Spite”, “Unstoppable”, and “Start it Up”―are really raw and rocking tunes, and are not of the same caliber as Charm City Devils new material. Listeners can really hear the differences between the first two albums and Battles. It is a wonderful album of eleven powerful tracks that should win many new fans for Charm City Devils.  Battles captures their battle with the naysayers and the doubters. -Cryptic Rock

(Matty Mullins - Matty Mullins)

*No reviews as of yet

(Work of Art - Framework)

If you like your Melodic Rock and if you were expecting the new album from WORK OF ART to be a masterpiece then you will not be disappointed as just like their band name, “Framework” is very much a work of art and an album that deserves a place in the Melodic Rock Hall of Fame and a full score from me as well as the album of the year award, unless something else comes along and takes that crown but until it does, “Framework” will firmly hold onto that crown. -Metal Temple