So one of the newest sections I created was "Full Album Streams". Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).
Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on. It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video. This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages. So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists. Cheers!
PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed. We're always listening!
Forming back in 1992, Stone Sour is a five piece group hailing from Des Moines, Iowa. The group disbanded in 1997, as two members (Taylor & Root) went on to commercial success with metal group Slipknot. The group later formed together once more and debuted their self-titled album in 2002. Since then, Stone Sour has also met high commercial success with four LPs (one is a double disc) and international touring. Their latest release, a cover album, and first EP, "Meanwhile in Burbank..." was released on April 18th, 2015 via Roadrunner Records. This is the first covers EP in a trilogy set ("Straight Out of Burbank" and "No Sleep 'Till Burbank"), which will be released later in 2015. The group currently consists of:
Corey Taylor − vocals | Josh Rand − guitar | Christian Martucci − guitar
Johny Chow - bass | Roy Mayorga − drums
(Album artwork courtesy of Stone Sour and Roadrunner Records)
1. We Die Young (Alice in Chains cover) 2. Heading Out to the Highway (Judas Priest cover) 3. Love Gun (Kiss cover) 4. Creeping Death (Metallica cover) 5. Children of the Grave (Black Sabbath cover)
(*All songs listed above are AFGM recommendations, as I have a love for all five of these covers)
Truth be told, there’s not much else to say. The instrumentation is punchy as ever, even without Root (although I’m still cautious to hear what new material from the band will sound like), and the song choices overall are a great fit for the band. At the end of the day though, it’s a covers EP. Stone Sour don’t change the songs much if at all, you pretty much know what to expect. Do you like Stone Sour? You’ll like this release. Do you like hard rock and heavy metal? You’ll probably enjoy it. Personally I found it to be a great little distraction. We’re not likely to get new material from Stone Sour any time soon, but I suspect Meanwhile in Burbank… will hold me over for a while. -Dumb Music Talk
Yay! We are all caught up for the music releases! So if you thought that Monday's posting wasn't already enough music, here is what is coming out this week in music stores across the continent. As I am planing to venture into the woods this weekend, some of these album such as Zac Brown Band, Mumford & Sons, Everclear, and Stone Sour will serve as good injections into the music aspect of the trip.
Other notable albums such as Jesse Cook, Blur, Josh Groban, Raekwon, ICP, Millencolin, Sirenia, and From First To Last should not be ignored as well. I've had the chance to sample and few of the albums listed above, and I can assure you they are worth picking up at your local record store.
Understandable if some of you feel the need to purchase from and online retailer, or a trusted digital source. I always find it hard to choose between saving the unnecessary packaging of plastics and ink (the hippie in me usually has me thinking about mother nature), but also the effort that went into designing the album artwork and enjoying the physical copy. Whatever your pleasure, as long as you are showing some support to the artists. Cheers and have a great week[end] discovering music!
(PS - Stone Sour's cover of "Creeping Death" is pretty epic!)
(Zac Brown Band - Jekyll + Hyde)
Those modes serve him well. His unimaginative voice can gum up a song, as it does here on “Dress Blues,” and he rarely moves past lyrical platitudes. When he evokes Kenny Rogers, as on “One Day,” it’s effective, but more often it’s a liability. As in the past, he’s best when excavating deep feelings. “Bittersweet” is about learning a loved one is about to die, and facing the impending tragedy with an open heart, and surviving it.
Even when Mr. Brown is taking it easy, though, the band is working hard, eager to show it’s trapped inside a flimsy box. Take the Celtic-ish blues of “Remedy” or “Tomorrow Never Comes,” a lightly gothic electronic-music-inflected bluegrass song, and one of the album’s most exciting. -NY Times
(Jesse Cook - One World)
*no reviews as of yet
(Mumford & Sons - Wilder Mind)
What we have with Wilder Mind, however, is a band on the adrenaline of trying something different; their valiance alone deserves a standing ovation. Gone is the barnyard chic, in come jeans and leathers… Now all that's missing is the songs.
The mood is undeniably mighty - there's a real ardency to the melodies, whether via Ben Lovett's keyboard or Winston Marshall's defiant electric guitar. But although the likes of 'Believe', 'Wilder Mind' and 'Ditmas' are all well and fiery, the formula is fairly routine and uninteresting. Some of the more sweeping riffs, meanwhile, could have fallen off the back of Coldplay's X&Y - indeed, an album made to sound as big as it could be. -Digital Spy
(Josh Groban - Stages)
Groban’s honeyed vocals typically rise in emotion as the strings swell in orchestral arrangements. His voice is big and studied, intensely commanding when he sings “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” and especially suited to the melodic French vocals in the grandiose reading of “Le Temps Des Cathedrales” from “Notre-Dame de Paris.”
He knows his fan base and he’s not one to disappoint, yet “Stages” is not a strict by-the-numbers exercise. Kudos to Groban for opening with the soft sweetness of “Pure Imagination” from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and his “Try to Remember” is a memorable shift away from predictable string-based arrangements and into insinuating, lush jazz. -Knox News
(Blur - The Magic Whip)
If The Magic Whip appears less momentous than it should at first, it’s because Damon Albarn has refused to retreat over the years. The album may be a surprise, but it doesn’t come out of the blue. Albarn’s endless projects, which include operas, have felt considered, even at their worst. But they’ve only sometimes felt special. Plastic Beach felt special, most recently. The Magic Whip feels special too. -Pretty Much Amazing
(Everclear - Black Is The New Black)
If there was any remaining doubt that Art Alexakis could still pen a song that wields the ability to make you smile in one moment, then in the next push you to the edge of tears, those worries can now be forgotten. Black Is The New Black ushers in the return of Everclear’s wit and unabashed honesty regarding the often ugly side of reality. From the sexual exploits and embrace of drug use prevalent in “Sugar Noise,” to the exploration of waking up on the wrong side of the party life on “Anything Is Better Than This,” few moments on the last two Everclear records can hold a candle to the unflinching lyricism on display throughout this release. “Complacent” may be the best of the bunch, blending the sound of Sparkle with an ever-so-slight modern edge to make the whole affair feel intoxicating in an entirely new way. It’s familiar, yet undeniably different. -Under The Gun Review
(Raekwon - Fly International Luxurious Art)
A large percentage of the album, then, finds Raekwon in his sweet spot. The Ghostface team-up “4 in the Morning” is menacing Mafioso rap, mixing opulent horns and chaotic police sirens. Immediately after, A$AP Rocky joins the festivities on “I Got Money”, and despite the 20-year age difference, Raekwon/Rocky is a pairing almost as natural as Raekwon/Ghostface. Later, the brassy strut of the Snoop-assisted recent single “1,2 1,2” is another song to make Young Thug eat his words for saying kids aren’t interested in listening to relatively geriatric rappers; together, Raekwon and Snoop can count nearly 90 years between them, but they swap verses with impressive energy. On the other hand, the solo “Nautilus” is the album’s shortest proper song, and, as such, it offers a glimpse of the level of detail Raekwon can fit within relatively narrow parameters. -AV Club
(Insane Clown Posse - The Marvelous Missing Link: Lost)
“This new album is unquestionably the most direct and in-your-face Joker’s Card we’ve ever released. The Marvelous Missing Link: LOST challenges the listener to consider the importance of faith in their life and how they are truly Lost without it. This record dares you to think about the big issues in your life … while at the same time delivering the ruthless Detroit wicked shit that the world has come to expect – and fear — from the Insane Clown Posse. Mad clown love to our Juggalo family all over the world!” -Violent J
(Millencolin - True Brew)
It's one of their biggest statements to date and comes as no surprise given how much praise or flack they've garnered per album. They're very versed in the punk game and by now, it's this experience that makes how well-honed these 13 tracks are come as no surprise. There are countless massive hooks, melodic riffs and an overall punk-anthem feel to so many tracks. "Sense & Sensibility" is the standout track on the record, indicative of everything I just mentioned, and it's a much-appreciated socio-political rallying cry against racism. Many of the tracks follow this same vein, some lyrically (see "Believe In John") but more so musically -- in terms of being catchy, honest, personal, and overall wiser jams. Of course, a few bangers do have cheesy lyrics but hey, what'd ya expect from Millencolin? They're unafraid as usual and always up for shooting the immature shit. One of their endearing factors, right? -Punk News
(Sirenia - The Seventh Life Path)
Another fine point is Morten Veland's guitar lines. Like the immensity of the Sirenia sound, when he rips off a lead it can be pretty damn awesome. The second half of Earendal and Once My Light have some terrific stuff, by example. But the best example is Elixer, a totally riff driven groove monster, and also immensely catchy. It's the best song here, and likely the only one that doesn't blend in with everything else. Otherwise, Veland's leads are rather sparse throughout, and that's a disappointment. All this said, when it comes to female-fronted symphonic metal, Sirenia remains a constant and consistent one (read: more of the same), and The Seventh Life Path merely another example of their presence and power in the genre. -Danger Dog
(From First To Last - Dead Trees)
Much of ‘Dead Trees’ suffers from both self-repetition and its sheer refinement, the band’s attack neutered by squeaky-clean production and a lack of any real menace or sonic bulk. The hooks are enjoyable but rendered unmemorable by the enormous focus placed upon them, and many of the big riff or breakdown sections don’t punch hard enough to make a real impact. Beautiful moments like the extended coda of “Never in Reverie” are dragged out; in contrast, album opener proper “Straight to the Face” collapses in on itself before it can really dig its hooks in.
A mixed bag of a comeback then from a group whose return has proven somewhat frustrating in multiple respects. Good and co. still have the chops to knock up a handful of anthemic instant-satisfaction songs to fill out a Warped Tour set, but there’s no real sense of occasion considering how long it’s been since we’ve had a From First to Last album, even with a frontman as gifted as Sotelo in tow. Everyone involved in the creation of ‘Dead Trees’ has put their names to better recordings – it’s a country mile of quality away from the self-titled D.R.U.G.S. album, for one – but considering this looks unlikely to be a full-time project, a return that conjures up more positives than negatives as this one does can probably be marked a success. -Caliber TV
(Stevie-T - Album of Epicness)
*no reviews as of yet
EPs:
(Stone Sour - Meanwhile In Burbank...)
Truth be told, there’s not much else to say. The instrumentation is punchy as ever, even without Root (although I’m still cautious to hear what new material from the band will sound like), and the song choices overall are a great fit for the band. At the end of the day though, it’s a covers EP. Stone Sour don’t change the songs much if at all, you pretty much know what to expect. Do you like Stone Sour? You’ll like this release. Do you like hard rock and heavy metal? You’ll probably enjoy it. Personally I found it to be a great little distraction. We’re not likely to get new material from Stone Sour any time soon, but I suspect Meanwhile in Burbank… will hold me over for a while. -Dumb Music Talk
Call me early for the game, late for the match. As the sun was setting on Haste The Day back in 2010 when they made their "final" appearance on a stage in Bloomington, Indiana, I started to cherish the times I saw them live, and moved on with my life in the music world.
But as luck would have it, the band came back full circle. I know most people think that bands make their comebacks so shortly afterward due to financial costs and a secure paycheck, but depending on the circumstances, bands can honestly feel invigorated when they start jamming with old bandmates/friends. I honestly believe that is what happened with Haste The Day.
If you may or may not remember the details about their final show back in 2010, HTD had a multitude of present and past members. They had various members play various songs depending on what time they spent in HTD. After reading their description on their Indigogo campaign, that need to play more Haste The Day started to seep through.
"In May of this year, we celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the release of our first studio album Burning Bridges. Needless to say, the experience brought a lot of memories back for all members of Haste the Day, past and present. After the gig, Stephen (vocals), Mark (long-time friend and manager) and I (Mike) started talking about what it would look like to put out another album. Needless to say, this was a complex decision making process, but something we all wanted to do."
One way or another, I was happy to see one of the bands I have followed for some time now getting back into the studio and making more music. They were one of the my first discovered bands from Solid State Records, one of my first club shows in London, ON (Salt Lounge), and I was fortunate enough to see them on their farewell tour in Toronto (Annex Wreckroom). So all in all, I have some history with these guys. Check out the latest single from the boys in Haste The Day, titled "World".
So even though a lot of the goodies have come and gone for their crowdfunding campaign, there is (obviously) still time to show some love for the guys and pre-order the album. "Coward" will be released on May 19th, 2015. It going to feature old members and new ones, spanning across the discography of HTD (as seen in photo above).
So that's about all the information we have for now regarding the new album. Be sure to check back for more information, track listing, new tracks, etc. If you are luck enough to be in New York, California, Indiana, or Colorado, you can catch them on their album release shows. Check the HTD's official website for more information.
Going through my playlist is the toast to the weekend. 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!
*Please click on the hyperlinks of each video to find out more about the artist and album releases.*
"Echo" (featuring Jonathan Mendelsohn) is taken from Hardwell's latest album "United We Are", which was released on January 23rd, 2015 via Cloud 9 Dance.
"Uma Thurman" is taken from Fall Out Boy's latest album "American Beauty/American Psycho", which was released on January 20th, 2015 via Island Records.
"Win Hands Down" is the self-titled track taken from Armored Saint's upcoming album "Win Hands Down", which will be released on June 2nd, 2015 via Metal Blade Records.
"The Earth Will Turn" is taken from Dayseeker's latest album "Origin", which was released on April 21st, 2015 via Invogue Records. You can stream the entire album here.
"Bent To Fly" is taken from Slash's (featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) latest solo album titled "World On Fire", which was released on September 16th, 2014 via Dik Hayd International.
'The Wake" is the debut single from August Burns Red and their upcoming album "Found In Far Away Places", which will be released on June 30th, 2015 via Fearless Records.
OK, must get one track with these releases! I have so much music to go through that I am continuing my recent lagging behind and hoping to play catch up this week. Last week's releases had all kinds of goodies for you to indulge in. Apocalyptica, 10 Years, Tony MacAlpine, Alabama Shakes, and many other great artists are going to rock your socks off (if they havent done so already).
Brittany Howard’s soulful, bluesy voice sounds like a dispatch straight out of 1970s Muscle Shoals, or maybe a ‘60s jazz club or a Thriller-era Michael Jackson record… Suffice it to say that Howard’s voice, like the band’s entire sound, is nearly impossible to categorize, demanding genre-limning hyphen after hyphen until a music critic might as well throw them all away and try to say something original. If the Shakes’ debut Boys and Girls proved difficult to categorize, then Sound and Color ups that ante even higher, adding doses of psychedelia, punk, and lengthy jamscapes to the band’s already heady musical cocktail. While the chart-topping tracks mentioned above give off a gaudy sheen in their calculated ideation and production styles, each passage on Sound and Color feels organic, like it pushed its way out of southern soil or floated into someone’s mind on a back porch breeze. -Pop Matters
(Ryan Adams - Live At Carnegie Hall)
Instead of the temperamental egomaniacal “talent” that every article seemed to paint him as, from my headphones and speakers poured forth the warmth of a shy man almost embarrassed by the songs he’s written and the affection people have for them. Indeed, for every powerful song that seems to bridge the gap between himself and the audience, there is always a self-effacing joke that immediately follows to break away any illusions that he considers himself worth being up there on such a historic stage. -Blog Critics
(They Might Be Giants - Glean)
Glean is another enjoyable entry in the They Might Be Giants canon. Like its predecessors Join Us and Nanobots, Glean is a rambunctious, surprisingly emotional effort. While their songs have always been laced with sadness, Linnell and Flansburgh have let more and more darkness creep into their childlike world in recent years: The often biting Join Us featured the lyrics “All of the dicks in this dick town / Can’t keep Johnny down” and a hilariously direct song called “When Will You Die.” Despite some typically cheery arrangements, Glean follows suit. Aging, disappointment, a song with the refrain “Where did the end of the rope go?”—they’re all here. -AV Club
The great thing about this release is that almost all tracks have grown on me after four or five spins. At first contact, I wasn’t all that impressed and missed Apocalyptica’s old classical and emotional style. This album is still not as consistent and profound as “Cult” or “Apocalyptica” but the record has convinced me with a balanced mixture of Apocalyptica’s old classical style and more recent commercial efforts, a fusion of a clear guiding line in form of a mostly melancholic and mysterious atmosphere and an elevated number of short experiments, a potpourri of extended instrumental parts and solid vocal performances by the same versatile singer. My first advice to fully enjoy this effort is to buy the limited edition of this release and to always listen to the record as a whole. My second advice is to give the album time to grow on you. Don’t give up after one or even two tries. Let the album work on you in different situations. I’m sure you will get rewarded for your patience at a certain point. It’s great to see that Apocalyptica has shifted away from more accessible music and delivered it most profound studio record in ten years. This album can be seen as a new beginning for the band and I’m curious to see where the band goes from here. -Metal Archives
(10 Years - From Birth To Burial)
While From Birth to Burial generally continues from where Minus the Machine left off sound-wise, the album also attempts to combine the different styles from their previous albums. Songs like the title track and ‘Triggers and Tripwires’ make do with the nu-metal ideas in Feeding the Wolves while others like ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Ashes’ deliver the atmospheric qualities seen in The Autumn Effect. It’s not a bad idea; at best it works beautifully. ‘Survivors?’ manages to capture the beautiful essence of The Autumn Effect incredibly well, making it the best song off the record, while ‘The River’ delivers the best instrumental work as well as quality lyrics. At worst however, it feels generic and uninspired. The execution on the guitar work, drumming, and even the vocal performance lacks on songs like ‘Selling Skeletons’ and ‘Luna’. It’s not so much that they’re bad songs; it’s that they blend within the rest of the album and end up being rather forgettable. -Sputnik
(Tony MacAlpine - Concrete Gardens)
Admittedly there’s no shortage of shredding on Concrete Gardens, but thankfully it’s all for the greater good, and not to show Mom how fast Tony can play. Unfortunately, album closer “Maiden’s Wish” is an old-fashioned, piano-only affair that would be right at home accompanying the silent black & white films of the early 1900s; but has no business being on this electrified album of modern guitar genius. With 11 out of 12 songs pretty much hitting the bull’s-eye, MacAlpine is forgiven for a single misstep. Of note to collectors, a special limited edition version of Concrete Gardens, containing a bonus DVD featuring the album performed live by Tony and his band at EMGtv is available, in addition to the stand-alone CD or digital format. -Bravewords
(Alesana - Confessions)
Like most post-hardcore bands from that era, they realised that their fanbase would be growing up with them and they perhaps needed to mature their sound in accordance to how their fans matured. Gone are the caterwauling screeches, and the ferocious shock and awe tactics that characterised On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax and Where Myth Fades to Legend. These aspects have been replaced by melodic clean vocals punctuated by harsh growls and rapid-fire screamed vocals. Their musical technicality has also improved from a blatant rip-off of the deathcore formula, with post-hardcore influences thrown in for good measure, to a sound that is rooted in melodic metalcore, with dashes of angst-driven post-hardcore and electronic sound effects thrown in just to give it a bit of variety. -Mind Equals Blown
(Deez Nuts - Word Is Bond)
Some get all experimental and take shit to extremes, but don’t worry about anything like that happening with Deez Nuts. These guys have found their niche and have laid out a serious slab of hip-hop laced hardcore, New York style. Their songwriting has seriously improved, and they’ve taken a more serious tone on Word is Bond. I can hear everything from Terror to Biohazard and Hatebreed. Vocalist JJ Peters is on the very top of his game, and his sharp, razor-laced lyrics and his performance are a highlight of the album. -Skulls N Bones
(Gift Giver - Shitlife)
Shitlife has an unnerving aura similar to that of the first few Korn albums and, with that brutal, punishing deathcore element added in to it, you're left wondering how close Gift Giver, more specifically vocalist Johnson, are to the brink of really losing their shit.
Gift Giver sit somewhere between the fun, partycore of Attila and deathcore scene favourites Emmure and, if Shitlife is anything to go by, just imagine them sitting there running a blade up and down their wrists. Speaking of Emmure, Frankie Palmeri puts in an appearance on "Loose Cannon" but, for the most part, this album is an exploration of whatever negative, unhealthy rage is going in Justin Johnson's mind and, on the evidence of Shitlife, it's not a nice place to be. -Pure Grain Audio
(Yelawolf - Love Story)
This doesn’t mean Yelawolf has abandoned his commercial ambitions completely. He croons his way through the Kid Rock-esque “American You” and keeps things surprisingly soft on the Eminem-featuring “Best Friends.” Luckily, most of these more radio-friendly moments still retain a solid feeling of authenticity. “American You” might be a pop record, but unlike the ones from Radioactive, it feels like the kind of pop record Yelawolf wanted, rather than was forced, to make. Eminem, the album’s only feature, is also as dynamic as usual on “Best Friends,” infusing the track with a needed sense of angry energy. Not all of these attempts work (see the messy, uneven single “Whiskey in a Bottle” for example), but even those missteps are not glaringly obvious in the broader context of the album. -Complex
This is probably going to hit every music station, website, and magazine in North America so might as well jump on the info train! There has been workings of a super group fronted by some notable names such as Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Pat Smear (also Foo Fighters), Jello Biafra, and many more!
Well, the group finally did the public unveiling, and we can now welcome Teenage Time Killers! This is a huge collaboration from many different sub genres of rock and metal. I am not really sure what to expect or what to think about the collaborations, so I think it's best I just sit back and enjoy the ride as it comes.
Here is some of the info given to us all from the official press release.
The long-gestating brainchild of Corrosion Of Conformity founder/drummer/vocalist Reed Mullin, guitarist Mick Murphy (My Ruin, The Birds of Satan, Neanderthal) and producer John “Lou” Lousteau, Teenage Time Killers’ Greatest Hits Vol. 1 is 20 concise seismic shocks created by an all-star line up of punk and metal legends spanning decades. Joining Reed on drums and Mick on guitar on the album’s 20 mostly original tracks and few covers of underground classics (including the Rudimentary Peni deep cut that inspired the project’s title) includes: Jello Biafra, Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear of Foo Fighters, Nick Oliveri, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Tommy Victor of Prong and Danzig, Lee Ving of Fear, Mike “IX” Williams of Eyehategod, Mullin’s Corrosion of Conformity band mates Mike Dean and Woody Weatherman, Karl Agell and many, many more. -TTK(Official Press Release)
Doesn't sound too bad if I do say so myself. I think the only thing we are missing now is a single or some form of teaser to give fans an expectation...even though there shouldn't really be one. I think what I gathered from all of this was the fun that members had while doing this. It's not a tribute album, a reunion, or anything like that. It was a simple concept to make some great music, and other musicians thought likewise.
So how's about a sample of the music? I'm sure that could get your attention and see what kind of music they will be pumping out come July 31st, 2015. And a side note, I am happy to see that Rise Records nabbed this release up and signed the band. With some of the names in this lineup, it would be a BIG win for any label to capitalize on. Check out Randy Blythe in "Hung Out To Dry", streaming below.
So what about any touring for this album? Is this just a one off project made for the studio or will we see the guys take it on the road?
"Touring, I don't know. Dave Grohl's folks — his management and marketing people — are going to help us do all that with the thing. We recorded about 98 percent of it at his studio. They were talking about — since there's so many people from so many different bands — maybe do something like '[Jimmy] Kimmel [Live!]' and have three or four different singers come out at one time, like Jello and Lee Ving, maybe Randy from LAMB OF GOD, something like that. All the songs are real short, so we could do, easily, four songs and not go over. But you know, we'd have Brian Baker come out and play guitar, Pat Smear play bass or guitar or whatever. It's pretty star-studded." -Mullin
At least for now, we get a chance to check out the album artwork, and the track listing for the album. Check out the details below and be sure to check back with anymore update on their progress. There is a lot more to go between now and July 31st!
(Album artwork courtesy of Teenage Time Killers, and Rise Records)
1. Exploder
Vocals: Reed Mullin
Featuring Pat Hoed (Bass), London May (Drums)
2. Crowned By The Light Of The Sun
Vocals: Neil Fallon
Featuring Jim Rota (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)
3. Hung Out to Dry
Vocals: Randy Blythe
Featuring Mike Schaefer (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)
4. Power Outage
Vocals: Clifford Dinsmore
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
5. Ode to Sean Hannity
Vocals: Jello Biafra
Featuring Mike Dean (Bass)
6. Barrio
Vocals: Matt Skiba
Featuring Brian Baker (Guitar)
7. The Dead Hand
Vocals: Reed Mullin
Featuring Woody Weatherman (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)
8. Egobomb
Vocals: Corey Taylor
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
9. Plank Walk
Vocals: Pete Stahl
Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)
10. Time To Die
Vocals: Mike IX Williams
Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar)
11. Days Of Degradation
Vocals: Tommy Victor
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
12. Clawhoof
Vocals: Tairrie B. Murphy
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
13. Big Money
Vocals: Lee Ving
Featuring Pat Smear (Guitar & Bass), London May (Drums)
14. Devil In This House
Vocals: Karl Agell
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
15. Say Goodnight To The Acolyte
Vocals: Phil Rind
Featuring Jason Browning (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)
16. Ignorant People
Vocals: Tony Foresta
Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar), Nick Oliveri (Bass)
17. Son Of An Immigrant
Vocals: Johnny Weber
Featuring Brian Baker (Guitar)
18. Your Empty Soul
Vocals: Aaron Beam
19. Bleeding To Death
Vocals: Vic Bondi
Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)
20. Teenage Time Killer
Vocals: Trenton Rogers
Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar), Pat Hoed (Bass)
Welcome to The Nostalgia Machine. A place where you can relive your youth if there was a peak year you discovered music, or if you want to hear what everyone else was cranking the year you were born? Whatever your reasoning is for older tracks, this is the place to check it out.
It's pretty simplistic in operation as well. The site asks for one question, "Pick A Year", and run with it! Let's see what my birth year brought to the world? Some Lionel Richie, a little Survivor, and even a dash of Whitney Houston. All of the original music video that are probably streaming in the same format as 1986 (240p/360p maybe). haha
Now I am not sure if most of those would make my list in this day and age, but it was a good #ThrowbackThursday moment to remember. For those who have a different birth year, what did you get?!
I've had the pleasure of interviewing musicians from all around North America (and a few from outside). One part of my interviews I would love to expand is other aspects of the music industry. Too many times I see up and coming musicians (and friends from past projects) have their eyes on the ultimate prize. While the aspirations of being a rock star are admirable, they are very few and far between. So like most of us that didn't quite make the cut, we still wanted to find ways to be part of that music community that we've loved for all those years. Mine happened to come in the form of blogging, photography, music discussion, and the odd time to collaborate with other artists for fun.
Not knocking those who have the dreams to become part of spotlight on that distant stage, but there are a lot of aspects in music that few artists know about such as marketing, distribution, contracts, riders, touring schedules, management, legalities, and much more. That's where this interview comes into play and gives you the additional edge.
One company that caught my attention recently came from the New York/Tri-State area called Artist Reach. I reached out to CEO Justyn Brodsky in hopes he would shed some information on his company and what he offers to the music industry. We discussed a wide range of topics such as about artist development, music business, industry problems, solutions, and more. Check out the Q&A below!
Tell us about Artist Reach and what inspired you to start this?
Artist Reach (formerly The Pact Music Society) is a New York City/Tri-State Area based Company that provides Elite Music Industry Services. Artist Development, which comes in many forms on different levels, is one of the designated specialties that brings a "for musicians, by musicians" formula that makes us a trusted direct source based on our hands on experience both on stage and off. Also, the services we provide not only produce some of the best results; we are also priced right. What inspired me? The love of music and helping others find their love for it the way I did. I believe sharing the dream is just as inspiring as living it.
What have you learned about independent artists since starting your business?
Being an independent artist myself, I'd have to say uniqueness. There's something special about every artist even though some are still on their path to reaching their potential. Their Artist Reach ;)
What do you feel artists lack today?
Knowing the business. A lot of these bands and indie singers either have poor presentation, or little/none at all. Whether it be a decent website, the ability to engage with fans with good impressions, marketing, and so on. It takes more than just picking up your instrument. Plus you need to be aware of your surroundings in the industry. Who can you trust? Who's on your team? Are you in this for the right reasons? These are things that are very crucial to your career.
What do you believe will help take artists to the next level that is talented in their music but lacking in fan base?
Like said above--knowing the business. Having the best presentation. Having a support system.
Is the independent route the best route to take these days instead of signing with a label and going mainstream?
In my opinion, yes. I've always been on the up and up with the DIY approach. Labels are like school loans a lot of the time. And can really play with vulnerable artists that can render them in horrible contractual situations. No Artist in ANY label decision should just sign away. Take the contract to a lawyer. Reach out to your connections. Don't end up on cloud nine and let love blind you in this industry. The consequences can be brutal. And I've seen labels split up many Artists. But not all label situations are necessarily bad. Just make sure you know what you're getting into.
How does your company help artists?
We produce the best results at the best prices, and have yet to leave a soul unhappy. We mentor them, personalize them, review them, promote them on our very large following, and help fix any issues they may have, or help plan their next move. We consult them, qualify them with the best plan of action, and help them achieve it. We also provide free advice and music articles/resources via Social Media, so artists out there can always read something that could very much help them.
Who are some artists that you've seen expand their careers after using your services?
One group that got in touch with us in 2013 that purchased our promo package goes by the name of 5 Seconds of Summer. Are we responsible for their fame? Probably not, but I won't rule it out entirely. John Feldman (Producer and Guitar/Vox of Goldfinger) took them on. He follows Artist Reach on Twitter; it is a long shot, but maybe he found them through us. But I can't confirm that. Other than that, we've helped many indies enhance their fan bases just off our promo packages alone. We've also assisted some tour booking for a few Artists as well. We try to keep Artist Reach as a family, and many Artists stay motivated from that idea of togetherness and refusing failure as an option.
Why do you want to help artists today?
It's a passion. It's my heart. You meet amazing people, do amazing things, and also make some decent money too! But overall, being an artist and helping others is expanding horizons in your own career in and of itself. I was inspired to be an artist, now it's my turn to inspire others.
And what is your main goal that you're striving to accomplish with your company?
Friendships. Success. Growth. Artist Careers reaching new heights. And utilizing my skills to take the Company in the direction where it'll get the best publicity, reputation, and name for itself. Sky is the limit.
(Justyn Brodsky, CEO and Founder of Artist Reach)
A big thanks to Justyn for taking the time to hash out a few of these answers and give some readers a chance to look further into the music industry beyond the scope of the stage. At the same time, providing musicians an avenue to pursue that dream they have been chasing.
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"The Music Industry has been waiting for something like this for a long time -- a source run by real musicians and talent. Me and my friends signed up for the Guitar Lesson a Program last year...and we still take them. Best money we have ever spent, and have learned so much. Justyn is unlike anyone you'll ever meet. Realist dude in the game and won't let you down! His abilities will inspire you endlessly! This isn't just some Music Bogus "Network". This is the real deal!" -Zack Greene
Playing catch up with music releases seems to never end. Obviously you can all tell that my releases (for the most part) have been on time and usually rather consistent. Due to day job duties, personal life, and other endeavours, I have been lacking...and for that I apologize.
However, the selection of music for last week was pretty decent. Even if you're not a fan of the older generations of music, you HAVE to give credit to artists like Randy Bachman or Reba McEntire who are still pumping out quality music that would rival the best of newcomers.
(Reba - Love Somebody)
Love Somebody is strewn with heartbreak, loss, love, picking up the pieces and moving on and relishing in that unconditional adoration all of us find along our life’s journey. The path is scattered with Cupid’s broken arrows and Reba powers through these themes from an incredibly honest place. Her years of wisdom and wear and tear are profoundly felt throughout all 12 tracks, culminating in the rich, bagpipe-hinged “Pray for Peace” closer. It might be a bit repetitive, but the message rings clear as a bell. Reba’s back, and she’s not going down without a fight! -Country Outfitter
(Randy Bachman - Heavy Blues)
Don’t expect a slightly louder Elmore James though, the album title is accurate (particularly the “Heavy” bit). The opener is – probably deliberately – a little reminiscent of The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ and almost as anthemic as a BTO hit.
Most interest will probably be due to the guests on this set – Joe Bonamassa (inevitably!), Peter Frampton, pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, the aforementioned Neil Young and younger guitarists Scott Holiday and Luke Doucet, who all make one appearance each. -Blues In The Northwest
We also see the return of a few notable artists such as Gallows, Dance Gavin Dance, Halestorm, and Local H. It has been some time since a few of these artists have graced us with some new music, so it will be an enjoyable few weeks playing catch up.
(Halestorm - Into The Wild Life)
Into the Wild Life travels the breadth of rock, whether it’s the dirty riffs of “Amen,” the country-metal leanings of “New Modern Love” or the ’80s rock sound of “Bad Girls World.” That latter song is perhaps the biggest departure on the album, with a Foreigner vibe that works far better than you would expect. In-between “New Modern Love” and “Bad Girls World,” the band speeds things up with the edgy, punk-flavored “Mayhem.” This song is aggressive rock that leaves it all out there and is sure to be a favorite of the band’s touring set. -411 Mania
(Dance Gavin Dance - Instant Gratification)
This album reminds us just how much fun music can be. Whether it’s the impromptu dance beat part-way through “Shark Dad,” Mess’ random finale for “On the Run” or Swan’s rap cameo on “Eagle vs. Crows,” this album is full of moments that make you smile. This tongue-in-cheek quirkiness makes Instant Gratification a fun, infectious listen, but when you also consider the stellar musicianship that runs through its core, it becomes one of the best overall packages I’ve heard for some time. This is certainly the most cohesive album Dance Gavin Dance has produced since Happiness and it might just be the most accomplished since break-through record Downtown Battle Mountain put this band on the map almost ten years ago. -FDRMX
(Gallows - Desolation Sounds)
The title Desolation Sounds stems from a large body of water (called Desolation Sound) west of Vancouver in MacNeil’s home country. It’s a far flung corner of North America (although everywhere there’s pretty far flung by European standards), but it’s by no means the ends of the Earth suggested by its name. That’s where we find Gallows here. They’ve grown a lot, their songwriting’s improved, and the loss of both Carters has only sharpened their sound.
Either way, after several years and albums of adding and removing this and that from their sound, Gallows are undoubtedly at their prime on Desolation Sounds. The Southern gothic touches strewn throughout the album help make this their best set of angry anthems to date. -Drowned In Sound
(Local H - Hey Killer)
Local H isn’t one of those bands. Where most of those 90s acts are lamenting over the good old days of cd sales, low budget music videos, and 120 Minutes, Local H spits on the sidewalk, shrug their shoulders and continue playing the angst ridden rock they mastered years before as if no time has passed.
Hey, Killer is the eighth LP from the Zion, Illinois natives and despite being twenty years older since the last time they had a ‘Buzz Clip’ on MTV, the album sounds as fresh and unrelenting as a debut record. In fact, I may go as far as saying that Hey, Killer is lean, hungry, and has a lot to prove much like any new band on the scene trying earn credibility or make a name for themselves. -Bearded Gentlemen Music
(Various Artists - The Everlasting Songs: An All Star Tribute To Pink Floyd)
*No reviews as of yet
(NEEDTOBREATHE - Live From The Woods At Fontanel)
But the first real hint that Live From The Woods is going to be a special concert recording is in the next song, "Wanted Man," from 2011's The Reckoning. Stretched to almost eight minutes and incorporating a new organ line that adds a bit of oomph to the song, "Wanted Man" goes through a few iterations over those eight minutes; from the rocking opening to an acoustic interlude that sees guitarist Bo Rinehart taking a soulful turn on vocals before the band abruptly stops playing, pauses for a dramatic few seconds, then launches back into the chorus with a renewed, manic thunder. -Jesus Freak Hideout
(Now And On Earth - Blacked Out)
Blacked Out, besides “Interlude” and the opening of “All On You,” seemingly never slows down. Intertwined within the songs are breakdowns, dark guitars with haunting melodies, and even an occasional shred worthy solo. The drums hold everything together but at times show off with a tricky pattern, like the chorus of “No Way Out,” which really showcases how tight the band plays together, blasting through groove after groove with ease. -Yell Magazine
