I’m a big pro wrestling fan. It’s an artform that, when done right, is a compelling, emotionally-charged dramatic spectacle. It’s also just plain fun; a live-action comic book. Of course, one of the best parts of pro wrestling is the over-the-top entrances and memorable theme songs. The red-white-and-blue heroism of Hulk Hogan’s “A Real American!” [...]
The new album from Living Sacrifice is out. But you probably already have it if you’re a fan. Holly Williams finally released a sophomore album! It is beautiful indie-alt-country, with some traditional stuff wrapped up in a modern candy-coated shell. Demon Hunter has posted some songs from their upcoming album on myspace. If you’re the [...]
Aught-Nine ended up being a high watermark year for me in terms of music. 2008 was a pretty weak one and both 2007 and 2006 had some good stuff but not really… a lot. 2009? Where do I even begin? There are no less than four records competing in my heart and head for “album [...]
I love buying CDs. I want the artwork. I want the lyrics (except when they’re not printed but hey). I want to take a cd, put it in my car stereo, and listen to the whole thing straight through, discovering great album tracks alongside the singles. I have a large but not ridiculous collection, which [...]
In a recent interview on this very website, Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric delivered the following quote: “There’s just no logical reason for somebody that’s just starting to listen to music to go out and buy cds. To even try to explain it to someone even seems futile because there’s just no reason for it.” [...]
Recently, legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and White Stripes frontman Jack White took the time in a press conference to trash music video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Amazing musicians, but Jack White and Jimmy Page are out-of-touch and clearly have little understanding what music games are. The primary gripe with music [...]
Since it was released for Rock Band last week, my friend James and I were discussing just how damn great the song “My Name is Jonas” by Weezer is. Possibly the best opening track on a debut album EVAH? In that spirit, here is a totally non-definitive list of best opening tracks on albums (that [...]
Relient K – “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been (acoustic)” mewithoutYou – “Timothy Hay” Project 86 – “The Spy Hunter” (never gets old) Stavesacre – “…the Band Played On (Against The Silence Pt. II)” Maylene & the Sons of Disaster “Listen Close” Matthew Good – “Born Losers” mewithoutYou – “The Fox, The Crow & [...]
Looking back on my best of oh-seven and best of oh-six lists… *facepalm* Right, many of my picks hold up but I have to address a few outstanding issues here. They weren’t all dingers… OH-SEVEN RETCON Rusty Metal I really put Demon Hunter’s Storm the Gates of Hell as a favorite disc? I’m sorry to [...]
Favorite 2007 Albums: Demon Hunter Storm The Gates of Hell Dustin Kensrue Please Come Home The Weakerthans Reunion Tour Project 86 Rival Factions Arcade Fire Neon Bible Favorite New To Me Albums Grateful Dead American Beauty Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots The Who Who’s Next Burlap To Cashmere Anybody Out There? Movies HOT [...]
Waaaay back in October of last year (holy crap, that long ago already?), I wrote a scathing, bitter review of Skillet’s recent album Comatose. Being that I am a cd hound, Comatose has sat shoved away at the bottom of the tower, amidst all the “crappy cds I own but haven’t gotten rid of.” Anyways, [...]
Bros. Martin I’m a big fan of Joy Electric (www.joyelectric.com) and Starflyer 59 (www.myspace.com/starflyer59) – Ronnie Martin and Jason Martin, respectively. Their long-awaited joint project (simply and appropriately titled “The Brothers Martin”) was another fine piece of 80′s and 60′s inspired pop-rock. When I say pop, I’m not talking about shitty top 40, but classic [...]
American Apparel shirts are made slave-labor free. They are more expensive, although a regular t-shirt is not necessarily *that* much more expensive (I’ve done the research.) However, is the company “ethical?” http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_26/b3939108_mz017.htm http://www.clamormagazine.org/issues/38/aa/straub.php http://blacktable.com/graham050720.htm http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-03-17/news_feature.php http://www.asfarasicantell.com/2005/03/000451/
“Keep waiting. I’ll be right on time.” – “Keep Waiting” Stavesacre: 1996-2006 Stavesace chased for a number of years. “Hey, have you heard Stavesacre?” At each turn, I was quick to dismiss the band. “Disquiet” was the only song I’d ever heard, and quite frankly, I thought it (and the accompanying video) was terrible. Late [...]
As many of you probably do not know, former dc Talk member Kevin Max has released several enjoyable, alternative records since the dissolution of the mentioned band. After Stereotype Be (forefront), Max went the indie route to release Between The Fence & The Universe and The Imposter. You know. The indie thing. Now he’s back [...]